Abstract: This invention provides a hanging lamp system that uses low-voltage light sources interconnected by flattened webbing straps having internal conductive leads embedded therein. The straps are removably interconnected by interengaging snaps that provide both electrical and mechanical connections between straps arrangements of arbitrary length. Straps can be interconnected with one or more arrays of light sources along their length. One or more base straps can be removably/fixedly connected to the transformer. The straps are removably interconnected by snaps that provide both electrical and mechanical connections between strap arrangements of arbitrary length. Straps can be interconnected with one or more arrays of light sources. One or more base straps can be removably or fixedly connected to the transformer. The straps define at least two layers with spaced-apart strips of conductive foil sandwiched therebetween. The snaps pass through the foil and the material of the straps so as to conduct electricity.

Abstract: A series connected L-C resonant circuit is connected between a lamp electrode of a xenon arc lamp and chassis ground. The L-C circuit has the ability to store energy as well as act as an oscillator. Energized by an initial high voltage pulse to a xenon arc lamp, the L-C circuit extends the ‘tail’ of the initial high voltage pulse provided to ignite the xenon arc lamp with a train or series of high frequency oscillations, which gradually decay. This resonant ‘tail’ causes the plasma streamer in the lamp to remain in the ionized state for an extended time period, until current ramp to the lamp up occurs, resulting in highly reliable ignition of the xenon arc lamp.