Abstract: A low frequency square wave electronic ballast used for a gas discharge device includes a high power factor pre-regulator connected to a sinusoidal AC power supply and a power controlled DC current source connected to the pre-regulator. A low frequency square wave DC-to-AC inverter is connected to the DC current source and an ignitor circuit is connected to the inverter. A monitor circuit as well as a low power stabilized logic supply voltage source are also employed. The entire circuit is connected to a gas discharge device such that the instantaneous power of this device is constant and controlled providing an acoustic resonance free operation and an ideal ballast curve.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a switchmode DC to AC converter, and particularly to a master-slave half-bridge converter. The slave half-bridge power converter is controlled by a lower power self-oscillating half-bridge master converter. More particularly, the invention pertains to a high frequency ballast for gas discharge devices, especially, for high pressure sodium lamps, completed by a high voltage ignition apparatus. A pair of self-saturated electronically switched transformers controlled by a low power current source provide a power controlled and frequency modulated high frequency ballast for the gas discharge devices.

Abstract: A power factor correction circuit used to improve the ratio of real power to apparent power in an electric power distribution line containing a source of AC sinusoidal voltage and a load. The circuit includes a frequency and amplitude modulated boost converter forcing the input current to have the same wave shape as that of the input voltage.

Abstract: A switchmode DC to AC converter, and particularly a master-slave half-bridge converter. The slave half-bridge power converter is controlled by a lower power self-oscillating half-bridge master converter. More particularly, the invention pertains to a high frequency ballast for gas discharge devices, especially, for high pressure sodium lamps, completed by a high voltage ignition apparatus.

Abstract: An emergency lighting system provided with a U-shaped fluorescent tube having power supplied by a square wave oscillator connected to a relatively small sized battery. A battery charger is employed to charge the battery when the standard AC source is connected to the network. An electronic switching circuit is included which will switch the oscillator on when a network failure is sensed and will switch if off when the network appears to be operating properly. The switching circuit also ensure that the battery does not discharge below a particular voltage level.