Abstract: A low cost multipurpose electronic ballast for ultraviolet transilluminators and crosslinkers for starting and operating four or more ultraviolet lamps simultaneously. The electronic ballast is designed to be capable of operating with input voltages ranging from 85 volts AC to 250 volts AC and input frequencies ranging from 40 Hertz to 400 Hertz. The output to the lamps comes from a group of capacitors which control the current to the lamps. Because the output comes from capacitive ballasts in parallel, alternate sets of capacitors can be switched to alternate sets of lamps allowing the central ballast control to be used with different sets of lamps. By placing another set of capacitors in parallel with the existing output capacitors and making a momentary connection, a momentary power boost can be achieved. This feature also allows a variable intensity control comprised of a number of different size capacitors in series with the parallel group to vary the total current to all the lamps.

Abstract: A compact automatic apparatus for rapidly curing photosensitive coatings on eyeglass lenses. A precision adjustable automatic programmer controls process cycling, ultraviolet intensity and radiation time. A control panel is used to switch the apparatus on or off and to manually select cycle parameters. The apparatus electronically monitors radiation intensity and uses a flashing light to warn the operator of low ultraviolet intensity. Apparatus components are cooled by a filtered force air convection system that prevents flow of unfiltered air into the apparatus. An automatically programmed linear motion lens transport carriage passes through an automatic outer door which allows inward and outward passage of the lens while protecting the operator from ultraviolet radiation. The outer door shields the machine interior from dirt and dust.