Abstract: A system for locating a malfunctioning bulb in a decorative light string uses an antenna that produces an output signal corresponding to the strength of the electric field produced by a portion of the light string near the antenna. An amplifier is coupled to the antenna to receive the antenna output signal and produce an amplified output signal representing the strength of the electric field. The amplifier includes a negative feedback circuit to improve the stability of the amplifier. A detector receives the amplifier output signal and activates an alarm device when the amplifier output signal is above or below a predetermined threshold representing a known operational condition of the light string.

Abstract: One or more strings of decorative lights are supplied with power by converting a standard residential electrical voltage to a low-voltage, and supplying the low-voltage to at least one pair of parallel conductors having multiple decorative lights connected to the conductors along the lengths thereof, each of the lights, or groups of the lights, being connected in parallel across the conductors. A string of decorative lights comprises a power supply having an input adapted for connection to a standard residential electrical power outlet, the power supply including circuitry for converting the standard residential voltage to a low-voltage output; a pair of conductors connected to the output of the power supply for supplying the low-voltage output to multiple decorative lights; and multiple lights connected to the conductors along the lengths thereof, each of the lights, or groups of the lights, being connected in parallel across the conductors.

Abstract: A repair device for fixing a malfunctioning shunt across a failed filament in a light bulb in a group of series-connected miniature decorative bulbs includes a high-voltage pulse generator producing one or more pulses of a magnitude greater than the standard AC power line voltage. A connector receives the pulses from the pulse generator and supplies them to the group of series-connected miniature decorative bulbs. The pulse generator may be a piezoelectric pulse generator, a battery-powered electronic pulse generator, and/or an AC-powered electrical pulse generator.

Abstract: A repair device for fixing a malfunctioning shunt across a failed filament in a light bulb in a group of series-connected miniature decorative bulbs includes a high-voltage pulse generator producing one or more pulses of a magnitude greater than the standard AC power line voltage. A connector receives the pulses from the pulse generator and supplies them to the group of series-connected miniature decorative bulbs. The pulse generator may be a piezoelectric pulse generator, a battery-powered electronic pulse generator, and/or an AC-powered electrical pulse generator.

Abstract: A string of decorative lights comprises a plurality of elongated electrical conductors having multiple electrical lamps connected thereto at intervals along the lengths of the conductors, a small storage compartment for storing spare components for use in the light string, a movable closure for opening and closing the storage compartment to permit access to the spare components stored therein, and to closing the compartment during storage. The storage compartment is attached to the string of decorative lights so that the spare components stored therein are conveniently accessible when needed to replace a component in the light string.

Abstract: A repair device for fixing a malfunctioning shunt across a failed filament in a light bulb in a group of series-connected miniature decorative bulbs includes a piezoelectric pulse generator producing one or more pulses of a magnitude greater than the standard AC power line voltage. A connector receives the pulses from the pulse generator and supplies them to the group of series-connected miniature decorative bulbs.

Abstract: A method of assembling an electromagnetic interference filter comprises the step of disposing electrical components on a base. The components are connected to form an electromagnetic interference filter. The filter is enclosed in a metal case, which is formed by folding a metal sheet around said filter and joining the ends of the sheet together. The metal sheet has an insulating coating disposed on one side to prevent contact between the filter components and the case. The outer surface of the case is sealed with seal tape.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an electrical capacitor from a wound laminate of conductive and non-conductive materials comprises the steps of enclosing the wound laminate in a sealed chamber; drawing a vacuum on the chamber to evacuate any voids in the wound laminate, and then filling the chamber with a pressurized impregnating gas to fill the evacuated voids in the wound laminate; heating the laminate to a curing temperature; applying schoopage metal to opposite ends of the cured laminate; attaching a pair of electrical leads to the schoopage metal on opposite ends of the cured laminate, and encapsulating the cured laminate in a molded polymer.