Abstract: An X-ray tube and an X-ray imaging device are disclosed. The X-ray tube comprises: a glass envelope; a cathode assembly, accommodated inside the glass envelope; and a core column structure, connected to the glass envelope and the cathode assembly, such that the cathode assembly is sealed inside the glass envelope. The core column structure comprises: a metal flat plate, wherein the cathode assembly is fixed to the metal flat plate; and a sealing bead, wherein the sealing bead is arranged in the metal flat plate, and an electrically conductive support rod connected to the cathode assembly passes through two ends of the sealing bead. The X-ray tube enables generated heat to be rapidly transferred to a cooling medium via thermally conductive metal to improve heat dissipation efficiency.

Abstract: A method of treating a substrate with plasma is described. In particular, the method includes disposing a substrate in a plasma processing system, disposing a hollow cathode plasma source including at least one hollow cathode within the plasma processing system, and disposing a grid between the cathode outlet of the plurality of hollow cathodes and the substrate. The method further includes electrically coupling the grid to electrical ground, coupling a voltage to the at least one hollow cathode relative to electrical ground, and generating plasma in hollow cathode by ion-induced secondary electron emission of energetic electrons that move along a first trajectory, and diffusing lower energy electrons along a second trajectory across a first region of the interior space between the cathode outlet and the grid, through the grid, and into a second region of the interior space in fluid contact with the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a system for improving rapid cycling performance of instant start compact self-ballasted fluorescent lamps. The system provides a ballast driver circuit including a lamp driver, a lamp voltage detector, an additional cathode heating driver, and a wire lamp. The additional cathode heating driver applies an additional amount of current to the cathodes of the wire lamp during the glow phase after the ignition of the lamp.

Abstract: A display controlling system utilized in a display, such as an LCD, includes a plurality of data lines and a plurality of source drivers. The source drivers receive a plurality of transfer pulse signals, each of which corresponds to one of the source drivers, and drive the corresponding data lines upon receiving the corresponding transfer pulse signal, wherein the transfer pulse signals are not all identical. The transfer pulse signal can be produced by the timing controller of the display, or the transfer pulse information required for generating the transfer pulse signals can be embedded in the source data to be delivered to the source drivers that generate the transfer pulse signals after obtaining the transfer pulse information. The transfer pulse signal lines between the timing controller and the source drivers can therefore be removed.

Abstract: An electronic ballast includes a filament voltage control block having first and second switches and configured to receive a filament voltage control signal. An inverter includes an inverter driver having first and second gate drive output terminals for driving first and second inverter switches, and a gate drive transformer having a primary side coupled to the inverter driver. A first secondary side is coupled to the first inverter switch and a second secondary side is arranged to drive the first switch in the control block. The control block is effective in response to a first control signal state to drive the switches in the control block and generate a lamp filament heating voltage, and is further effective in response to a second control signal state to disable the second secondary side of the gate drive transformer and thereby disable the lamp filament heating voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing unwanted radiation from a light fixture have been disclosed.

Abstract: A hot cathode preheating start discharge lamp comprises a lamp tube, a first electrode, a second electrode, a first heating element and a second heating element. The lamp tube has a sealed housing chamber. The first and second electrodes have respectively one end held in the housing chamber and another end connected to a power source. The first and second heating elements are spaced from the first and second electrodes without connecting therewith and have respectively another end connected to a discharge preheating controller or an electronic ballast. Thereby the invention does not need tungsten filaments or electronic powder coated on the tungsten filaments to generate a great amount of electrons like the conventional techniques do. Thus the problems of burnout and fracture of the tungsten filaments or exhaustion of electronic powder can be eliminated, and the lifespan of the lamp tube can be enhanced.

Abstract: A fluorescent-lamp-driving device contains a driving control circuit that receives direct current power voltage and a lamp control signal for performing drive control on fluorescent lamps and converts the direct current power voltage to alternating current power voltage, and a transformer containing a winding at its primary side and windings for driving a heater and for maintaining discharge at its secondary side. The alternating current power voltage is supplied to heaters of the fluorescent lamps at their high electric potential side. The driving control circuit increases the frequency of the alternating current power supply to a frequency thereof in which voltage of the fluorescent lamps is equal to a discharge start voltage of the fluorescent lamps or less based on the lamp control signal at a period of starting-up time of the fluorescent lamps.

Abstract: An arrangement for the regulation of the electron beam power of an electron gun, which comprises a filament cathode, a block cathode and an anode. Between the filament cathode and the block cathode is applied a first voltage, while between the block cathode and the anode a second voltage is applied. With the aid of a first closed-loop regulated system the filament cathode is regulated to a constant current value, which has a filament temperature sufficient for the maximum beam power of the block cathode. A second closed-loop regulated system, such including a block power regulator, which is acted upon by the difference between instantaneous block power value and nominal block power value, regulates the voltage between the filament cathode and the block cathode.

Abstract: A vacuum fluorescence display has a plurality of heating regions and heating inputs corresponding thereto. A driver circuit for the VFD has a driver module with a pulse width-modulatable output connected by way of a distributor to a plurality of heating inputs of the VFD. A switching member is connected between the distributor and one or more of the heating inputs.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electron gun which includes an electrically non-conductive substrate through which a perforation is provided. The electron gun is characterized in that a cathode-structure supporting member is welded to power-feeding members that are bonded to a stem side of the electrically non-conductive substrate, the cathode-structure supporting member supplying power to a heater included in a cathode structure. Structured as such, it becomes possible to reduce the size of the electron gun in the tube-axis direction, since an additional member for supporting the heater becomes unnecessary. In addition, the cathode-structure supporting member makes the electrically non-conductive substrate to work as a wiring board for supplying voltage to the cathode, thereby realizing a slim cathode-ray tube. Further, the above structure improves accuracy in the assembly process of the electron gun, thereby improving the yield factor.

Abstract: A dimming-control lighting apparatus for an incandescent electric lamp with less accompanying color temperature change, using a dimming power source installed in TV studios or theater stages, is disclosed. The voltage of the first filament whose rated voltage is lower than the maximum output voltage of a dimming power source rapidly rises to the sawtooth voltage of the dimming power source, and after the first filament reaches a constant color temperature, the output of the second filament having the same rated voltage as the maximum output voltage of the dimming power source is delayed to thereby light the second filament.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp starter circuit that incorporates the series arrangement of a glow-switch and a semiconductor switch. The semiconductor switch is coupled to a solid state timer. The solid state timer renders the semiconductor switch non-conductive after it has timed a predetermined maximum operation interval. The duration of lamp ignition attempts is thereby limited.

Abstract: A sequential burst mode regulation system to deliver power to a plurality of loads. In the exemplary embodiments, the system of the present invention generates a plurality of phased pulse width modulated signals from a single pulse width modulated signal, where each of the phased signals regulates power to a respective load. Exemplary circuitry includes a PWM signal generator, and a phase delay array that receives a PWM signal and generates a plurality of phased PWM signals which are used to regulate power to respective loads. A frequency selector circuit can be provided that sets the frequency of the PWM signal using a fixed or variable frequency reference signal.

Abstract: A lamp assembly configured to inductively receive power from a primary coil. The lamp assembly includes a lamp circuit including a secondary and a lamp connected in series. In a first aspect, the lamp circuit includes a capacitor connected in series with the lamp and the secondary to tune the circuit to resonance. The capacitor is preferably selected to have a reactance that is substantially equal to or slightly less than the reactance of the secondary and the impedance of the lamp. In a second aspect, the lamp assembly includes a sealed transparent sleeve that entirely encloses the lamp circuit so that the transparent sleeve is fully closed and unpenetrated. The transparent sleeve is preferably the lamp sleeve itself, with the secondary, capacitor and any desired starter mechanism disposed within its interior.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to accurately sensing and regulating lamp current, and thus lamp output, over a range of lamp outputs, down to and below 10% of total lamp output. Exemplary embodiments can be used with a single set of power elements to drive multiple lamps in either an isolated or a non-isolated condition.

Abstract: A gas discharge lamp has an impedance element such as a capacitor connected to at least one electrode heater, to produce a heater impedance which falls within a range which is unique to lamps of that lamp type. An electronic ballast for operating such lamp has a lamp type detection circuit which measures the cold heater impedance and identifies the corresponding lamp type. The ballast may sample the heater circuit current to determine resistive and reactive components to aid in lamp type identification and to control heater warm-up. The ballast may include a separate inverter for heater power, and control heater power separate from arc power after lamp ignition.

Abstract: A ballast for a gas discharge lamp having an inverter. A DC voltage source feeds the ballast. A bridge circuit is arranged in parallel with the DC voltage source. The bridge circuit has first and second controllable switches. The midpoint of the bridge is connected to a load circuit having the gas discharge lamp. The gas discharge lamp has first and second electrodes. A control circuit controls the pulse duty factor of the first and second switches. The pulse duty factor is not equal to 50%. The control circuit controls the pulse duty factor such that the first and second electrodes are subjected to essentially the same thermal load on average.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for receiving a modulating signal, splitting up its various frequency components into separate channels using a plurality of filters, and applying the outputs of the filters to gas discharge lamp modulating circuits to analogously vary the light output of each lamp. The present invention processes the modulation signal through a control circuit, a peak voltage detector, a current source, an ionization voltage supply, a filter circuit, a voltage multiplier and a modulating circuit to the gas discharge lamps. Optocoupling elements are implement in the present invention to control the circuitry. The gas discharge lamps have a rectifying element connected between each gas discharge lamp to prevent the gas discharge lamps from being connected to neutral by the filament of an adjacent gas discharge lamp.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-power control system for scanners. The method of the present invention has a mode of warm up time, which is controlled by a software that is embeded in a computer. Users can choose a mode of warm up time to control the warm up duration when a cathode ray tube needs. After scanning, users can determine whether the scanner is to operate or in standby status. When the user chooses the latter, the luminosity of the cathode ray tube is according to the user's pre-set. This multi-power control system not only can reduce the warm up time but also can be in harmony with the concept of enviromental protection.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a fluorescent lamp having first and second power source circuits, the second power source circuit including a high frequency transformer having two or more outputs for supplying pre-heating electric currents to filaments, the second power source circuit being arranged to be controllable individually from the first power source circuit for supplying a tube electric current to turn on a fluorescent lamp so that the electric power level for pre-heating the filaments is switched between a state where a light adjustment is performed by turning on/off a tube electric current at high frequency and a state where the fluorescent lamp is turned off in a standby mode.

Abstract: A regulated and constrained current source is used to drive the cathodes of a hot cathode gas discharge lamp to provide heating during lamp operation. In one embodiment, the regulated current source is time shared between the lamp cathodes and the lamp arc.

Abstract: In a circuit for operating a fluorescent lamp with controllable luminance, with the fluorescent lamp comprising a discharge path and heater coils, the discharge path is connected through a transformer to a controllable alternating current source. The current through the heater coils is preferably controllable in such fashion that the sum of the current through the discharge path and through the heater coils remains essentially constant.

Abstract: A simple and compact magnetic ballast for powering a wide range of fluorescent lamp load Wattage such as 14 Watt to 60 Watt without need for modification to the ballast unit. Arc current to the lamp load is supplied through a saturable reactor including a power winding on a magnetic core. Arc current delivered to the lamp load is a function of magnetic saturation of the core determined by a control current through a control winding on the core. In one application, multiple fluorescent lighting fixtures of different wattages illuminating the interior of an aircraft cabin are each powered by essentially identical ballast units for easier installation and maintenance of the cabin lighting.

Abstract: A circuit, having a split primary transformer, for controlling the warm-up, ignition and normal operating stages of a fluorescent tube initially applies in phase voltages to opposite sides of the split primary transformer during a warm-up stage; during an ignition stage and during the normal tube operation, out of phase voltage waveforms are applied to opposite sides of the split primary of the transformer.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for any kind of loads or power consuming devices which are connected to an electrical power supply; especially lamps, such as at least one glow or gas discharge lamp, wherein a pulse width modulator controls electronic switches of a push-pull oscillator, and wherein the pulse frequency of the pulse width modulator is tuned to the resonant frequency of a resonant transformer of the push-pull oscillator which has the secondary side thereof connected to the gas discharge lamp. A control circuit monitors a current and/or voltage value and/or time value which is characteristic for the presence of the resonance and which, upon a change in the resonant frequency, will change the pulse frequency of the pulse width modulator to ensure operation at the new resonant frequency.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp system including a ballast with primary and secondary windings and a switch for each of the plurality of electrodes of the lamp system. Each switch is operable in response to the voltage across its associated lamp after its associated lamp turns on to interrupt the connection of an associated electrode to its associated heater winding, and wherein at least two of the plurality of switches conduct current which flows through a semiconductor conducting device before the lamps turn on.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp system including a ballast with primary and secondary windings and a switch for each electrode of the lamp system. Each switch is operable in response to the voltage across its associated lamp after its associated lamp turns on to interrupt the connection of an associated electrode to its associated heater winding and wherein at least one of said heater windings is a portion of the secondary winding.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp system including a switch for each electrode of the lamp system wherein each switch is operable in response to the voltage across its associated lamp after its associated lamp turns on to interrupt the connection of an associated electrode to its associated heater winding.

Abstract: A driving circuit for a low-pressure discharge lamp, particularly a compact fluorescent lamp, features a heating transformer with two separate secondary windings, which are respectively permanently connected to the lamp electrodes, and furnish them with pre-heating current. Parallel to the primary winding of the transformer, there is connected a series circuit of an operating switch, a ballast inductor, and the discharge path formed between the lamp electrodes. The electrodes are connected to each other via a starter connected in parallel to the discharge path.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in dimming florescent lamps by alternating cathodes operated with pulsating unidirectional arc currents for a duration that is long relative to the filament thermal time constant, but short in relation to the mercury migration time constant of the florescent lamp. The invention provides apparatus using full bridge switching and full bridge clamping topology in a trigger driver as well as a power driver to prevent low voltage power supply "ride up". The invention further provides means for sensing cathode heater current to detect a failed cathode and to control the phase switching to a good cathode if a cathode failure occurs. The invention further provides apparatus for a balanced-to-group ground lamp drive voltage for improved ignition of the lamp plasma and better lamp luminance uniformity when the lamp is operated dimly. A logarithmic amplifier is provided in a closed loop operation for analog compression and also to provide a logarithmic dimming response.

Abstract: A system for lighting fluorescent lamps, includes a plurality of fluorescent lamps, a transformer for generating filament voltage and a starting voltage for the fluorescent lamps, a switching circuit for sequentially and periodically opening and closing a plurality of its contacts and a driving circuit for electrically biasing the transformer and the switching circuit. A starting voltage is sequentially applied to the fluorescent lamps which are each independently connected to one of the contacts so that the fluorescent lamps may be sequentially turned on.

Abstract: A brake lamp apparatus causes a neon discharge lamp to light up instantly even when the vehicle key is not inserted into the key hole of the vehicle e.g., when the vehicle is being parked. A neon discharge lamp utilized in the apparatus is pre-heated but cathodes thereof to instantly light up in hot cathode discharge mode upon depression of a brake pedal when a generator drivingly connected with an engine is operating, whereas the hot cathodes of the lamp are not pre-heated but the lamp can still light up instantly in cold cathode discharge mode upon depression of the brake pedal when the generator is operating. Even if the filament coils of the lamp become cut off suddenly while the vehicle is running, the lamp can still light up, being shifted to in cold cathode discharge method, thereby overcoming a drawback that the brake lamp goes off suddenly due to a filament cut-off during running on a road.

Abstract: A diming circuit for a hot cathode fluorescent lamp is operated in a push-pull mode whereby the hot filaments are alternately the cathode and the anode. Both filaments thus experience similar degradation with time at all brightness levels, thereby enhancing and lengthening the life of the lamp.

Abstract: A dual cathode structure for a fluorescent lamp comprises a pair of electron emissive cathodes which are connected with a common junction and mounted to have an included angle therebetween. The first of the pair of cathodes has first and second leads coupled to an external source of electrical current and the second cathode structure has a first terminal coupled to the first cathode at a common junction and an anode flag connected to its second terminal to collect electrons when the filaments are operating in the anode half cycle. The collected electrons pass through the second cathode. The availability of the second cathode prolongs lamp life by permitting shifting of the hot spot.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp electrode heat cutout switch is provided for placement within a fluorescent lamp stem and outside the discharge envelope and is configured such that a resistive heater wire is connected to one electrode lead-in and a bimetallic switch element is connected to the other electrode lead-in and configured upon an insulating support in such fashion that the heat cutout switch receives heat from the resistive heater to activate the switch so that the electrode heat is cut off when the lamp starts and is kept off during normal lamp operation.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for rapidly heating a thermionic vacuum tube cathode, thereby enabling the vacuum tube to be placed in useful operation shortly after the tube is switched on. Rapid heating of the cathode is achieved by passing current through the cathode, thereby directly heating it. Simultaneously, the cathode is also heated by an indirect radiant heater and by electron bombardment by electrons emitted from the heater. When the cathode reaches its operating temperature, the direct heating current and the electron bombardment are stopped and the cathode is maintained at its operating temperature by the indirect heater alone. Cathode warm-up times of less than 1 second may be attained using this invention.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment provides such a fluorescent tube ignitor having a plurality of auxiliary electrodes provided in the periphery of the tube wall of each fluorescent tube, while the potentials of these auxiliary electrodes are set at a specific level equal to or lower than those of the low-voltage-applied filament circuits of each fluorescent tube. Integration and simplification of the preheat circuit at one-end of respective fluorescent tubes securely realizes a still smaller size of the ignitor, cost reduction, suppression of noise interference, and easier and faster start of illumination.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for substantially equalizing the potential drop along a line cathode used in an electron beam source adapted for use in a flat display device. The apparatus and method ensure that electrons from a power source are fed through both ends of the line cathode, substantially simultaneously. Thereby, the potential drop along the axial length of the line cathode is decreased, improving the uniformity of brightness of the display.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electron emitter assembly for an electron gun which includes a first emitter ring, a second emitter ring, a power supply, connectors for connecting the power supply to the two electron emitter rings so that heating current flows from the power supply through the rings, and said rings being mounted so that a magnetic field formed by the second ring counteracts the magnetic field formed by the first ring.

Abstract: The invention provides a power source device for an ion source, including first to third power source units coupled to the anode, the cathode and the beam extraction electrode of the ion source. The second power source unit applies an alternating voltage across the cathode. An alternating heating current then flows through the cathode. Each cycle of the alternating voltage from the second power source unit has positive and negative components with preset levels which are generated with a predetermined time interval between them. The power source device further includes a control circuit for interrupting the operation of the first and third power source units during the predetermined time interval.

Abstract: An electronic ballast system includes a first capacitor (C.sub.2) electrically coupled to the first filament (30) of a gas discharge tube (12) and becomes the power supply of the gas discharge tube (12) subsequent to both its charging and discharging operations. The collector (38) of a transistor (Tr) is connected to the first capacitor (C.sub.2). The primary winding (22) is connected to the first capacitor (C.sub.2) and the collector (38) of the transistor (Tr) in parallel relation. The transformer (t) includes a secondry winding (24) which is connected on opposing ends thereof in feedback relation to the base (44) and emitter (42) of the transistor (Tr). Pulses of opposing current polarity (122 and 124) generated through the secondary winding (24) alternately provide conducting and non-conducting states for transistor (Tr) to discharge and charge the first capacitor (C.sub.2) through gas discharge tube (12) to provide a power source for operation of gas discharge tube (12).

Abstract: A low pressure gas discharge lamp is provided with a pair of high power incandescent electrodes to increase output illumination at the lamp ends. In an alternate construction, the electrodes are of high power, low emissivity and are electrically connected to a second pair of high emissivity electrodes which provide the means for enabling the mercury discharge. With this second construction, the low emissivity electrodes can act as ballast for the circuit.

Abstract: A novel transistorized fluorescent lamp ballast and lamp combination operates from AC line voltage. The ballast provides for "soft-start" lamp operation in one featured aspect and provides for some lamp light output regulation in another featured aspect thereof.

Abstract: Electrical power is converted into rectangular waves, which are loosely coupled to a fluorescent lamp. A parallel tank circuit resonant near the fundamental or a harmonic of the square wave frequency is connected between the electrodes of the lamp. The electrodes of the lamp each have a pair of terminals across which an electrical potential is applied to heat the electrodes while starting the lamp. Power is applied across the first and second electrodes while starting the lamp and after starting the lamp. Power is also applied and/or the pair of terminals of the second electrode while starting the lamp and after starting the lamp. The ratio of voltage across the first and second electrodes to the voltage across the pair of terminals is such as to properly preheat the electrodes and prevent arcing between each pair of terminals, and arcing between the first and second electrodes while starting.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a gaseous discharge lamp comprises a D.C. power source, a transistor inverter which is connected to the D.C. power source through a switch, provided with at least one inverter transistor and generates an output having a prescribed frequency, and a discharge lamp which is energized by an output from the transistor inverter and having a pair of electrodes heated by part of the output. The apparatus further comprises base current control means which holds the base current of the inverter transistor at a level lower than a first level during a prescribed length of time after the close of the switch, and holds the base current at the first level after the prescribed length of time. The discharge lamp has its electrodes preheated, but does not display discharge when the base current has a level lower than the first level, and commences discharge when the base current reaches the first level and thereafter continues discharge.

Abstract: A circuit for the operation of fluorescent lamps which allows the current through the lamps to be raised above the manufacturer recommended limit without adversely effecting the lamps. Two oppositely poled diodes are connected to the two contact pins at each end of the lamps, and an AC voltage is applied thereto. The arrangement results in current through two properly poled diodes during one half cycle of the applied voltage, and through the two oppositely poled diodes during the second half cycle of the voltage. As a result of this alternate loading, the thermal stress in the lamp electrodes is substantially lowered, and the current through the lamp may be raised above the recommended limit. The AC voltage is preferably at a high frequency, for example twenty kilohertz, which results in illumination from the lamps originating along the glass walls due to the skin effect, and increases the illumination efficiency of the lamps.

Abstract: A circuit for the operation of fluorescent lamps which allows the current through the lamps to be raised above the manufacturer recommended limit without adversely effecting the lamps. Two oppositely poled diodes are connected to the two contact pins at each end of the lamps, and an AC voltage is applied thereto. The arrangement results in current through two properly poled diodes during one half cycle of the applied voltage, and through the two oppositely poled diodes during the second half cycle of the voltage. As a result of this alternate loading, the thermal stress on the lamp electrodes is substantially lowered, and the current through the lamp may be raised above the recommended limit. The AC voltage is preferably at a high frequency, for example twenty kilohertz, which results in illumination from the lamps originating along the glass walls due to the skin effect, and increases the illumination efficiency of the lamps.

Abstract: A high energy discharge apparatus uses a generally electron transparent thin foil anode of various configuration which is arranged parallel to and spaced apart between a pair of cathodes, and energized to create a potential difference between the anodes and cathodes causing electrons to be reflected back and forth through the foil anode with the concurrent discharge of ions being accelerated to the cathode.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp lighting device comprises a d.c. power source, a transistor, a transformer and a fluorescent lamp. The d.c. power source is connected in series with the primary winding of the transformer between a first electrode and a second electrode of the transistor. The fluorescent lamp has one filament connected to one end of a first secondary winding of the transformer. A second secondary winding of the transformer is connected between the other end of the first secondary winding of the transformer and the junction of the d.c. power source and the primary winding of the transformer. The fluorescent lamp has the other filament connected between the junction of the first secondary winding of the transformer and the second secondary winding and a third electrode of the transistor.