Abstract: The invention relates to multiple beam lasertrons. The n (n: integer greater than 1) electron beams of the lasertron are obtained from the same laser beam from which n secondary laser beams are extracted, by occultation, which are deflected respectively towards the n photocathodes of the lasertron.

Abstract: A lamp failure detecting device for automobile consists of a lamp circuit including a plurality of lamps connected in parallel, a current-detecting resistance connected to a power-supply source through the lamp circuit in series, a first voltage divider circuit including resistances to which a voltage divided by the current detecting resistance and the lamp circuit is applied a second voltage divider circuit including resistances to which a voltage supplied from the power-supply source is applied and a comparator circuit comparing the difference between the divided voltages in the voltage divider circuits to produce a a failure detection signal. Diodes are provided in the first and second voltage divider circuits respectively in the forward direction. Non-linearity of the current flowing through the lamps for the change of the power-supply voltage is corrected by the diodes.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a portion of an applied commercial AC supply (60 Hz) is rectified, filtered and a controllable oscillator in a pulse width modulator chip serves as a signal generator which has both duty cycle and frequency control adjustments. An output signal is coupled via an impedance matching circuit to the input primary winding of a signal transformer having a pair of secondary windings which drive a pair of tandem connected electronic switches which, in turn, are connected across a second DC supply which has a high direct current voltage derived from the input AC line voltage (110-120 V AC 60 Hz).

Abstract: In a rapid restrike starter embodying the invention, a starting circuit applies a series of high voltage pulses, each of approximately the same magnitude through a transformer in series with the ballast and the high intensity discharge lamp to be started, a voltage triggered switch such as a sidac is used to turn the starting circuit on at a predetermined voltage, a second voltage triggered switch connected in series with the first acts in conjunction with a circuit comprised of capacitors and resistors to cause a series of resonant symmetric pulses each approximately the same magnitude as the initial pulse, the use of this oscillating pulse provides restrike performance at approximately two-thirds the pulse voltage otherwise required which improves long term reliability by decreasing the likelihood of socket arcing and insulation breakdown.

Abstract: A circuit for a Xenon lamp is disclosed comprising an inductor having first, second and third connectors between one terminal of the lamp and a power line, said first connector being connected to said power line, means connecting the third connector to a second terminal of the Xenon lamp, means including control conducting means connected between said second connector to either of said first and third connectors, and means for controlling the control conducting means to control shunting of said inductor between first and second power lines to control power input to the Xenon lamp.

Abstract: An adjustable flasher plug includes two load circuits such as light indicative circuits or decorative bulbs connected in series operatively contacting a left conducting pin of two pins connecting a power source, and a bimetallic strip jacketed in a heating coil operatively connecting two conducting pins of the power source, whereby upon the heating of the coil, the bimetallic strip will be bent to alternatively shift its contact from a load circuit to the other load circuit to form a simple, compact flasher device with adjustable alternative shift (flashing) frequency of the two load circuits.

Abstract: A degaussing circuit for a video display apparatus eliminates residual degaussing current flow during operation of the video display apparatus. A capacitor is connected between coil of the degaussing relay and the source of energizing voltage. Application of the energizing voltage to the relay coil energizes the relay and initiates degaussing of the cathode ray tube of the video display apparatus, and also causes the capacitor to begin charging. As the capacitor becomes charged, the degaussing relay becomes deenergized, thereby terminating degaussing current flow. The capacitor charging time constant is selected to allow sufficient time for degaussing to occur before deenergization of the degaussing relay.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus for driving a neon display tube or the like. The tube, containing an ionizable gas, has only a single cathode element at one end in contact with the gas. A power source connected to ionize the gas and cause illumination thereof wherein the power source is connected to the single cathode element and produces alternating voltage referenced to ground potential and of sufficient frequency to cause the gas to ionize through the natural surrounding capacitance between the ionized gas and ground potential. In the preferred embodiment, the power source produces an increasing voltage ramp output whereby the ionization of the gas in the tube moves as a localized ionization along the tube in a direction away from the single cathode element.

Abstract: A high pressure metal vapor discharge lamp comprises a light-emitting tube in which a pair of electrodes is enclosed, a starting element including a normally closed-type thermal switch and a resistive member, the starting element generating a pulse by closing and opening switch operations, a connecting element for electrically connecting the starting element to the electrodes, the pulse being applied to the electrodes through the connecting element, and a member including an insulating body provided in vicinity of the thermal switch for causing a conductive portion to be formed on the body, the conductive portion being sufficient to bypass a current supplied to the starting element by repetitions of the switch operations, thereby lowering the pulse voltage.

Abstract: A pulse generating apparatus includes a base current supply section for generating a constant DC current having a first prescribed current level for turning on a xenon lamp, and a pulse current section for adding a pulse current having a second current level greater than the first current level and a prescribed pulse duration within a prescribed repetition period to the constant DC current. The base current supply section and pulse current section should satisfy the following equations:1.4.ltoreq.Imax/Imini.ltoreq.60.2.ltoreq.t/T.ltoreq.0.7T.ltoreq.1/40Where Imax is the sum of the first and the second prescribed current levels, Imini is the first prescribed current level, T is the prescribed repetition period, and t is the prescribed pulse duration.When the pulse current added to the DC current is supplied to a xenon lamp, the xenon lamp outputs a strong light during the pulse duration of the pulse current, and a feeble light during the absence of the pulse current.

Abstract: This invention provides a headlight unit comprising: a light source; reflector means for reflecting the light from the light source into a beam; and circuit means for adjusting the position of the beam and for controlling the degree of rotation of the reflecting means.

Abstract: The arrangement of this invention includes circuitry for sequentially lighting a series of lamps, followed by extinguishing them in unison; said circuitry including, in association with each lamp, at least one bi-metallic element for controlling the opening or closing of a switch.

Abstract: In a matrix display device, a signal drive circuit comprises selection means for sequentially selecting at least one of display information signals corresponding to a plurality of signal electrodes when at least one of a plurality of scan electrodes is selected, hold means for holding the display information signal selected by the selection means until selection of at least corresponding scan electrode is completed, and voltage conversion means for selecting one of a plurality of voltage levels in accordance with the display information signal held by the hold means and supplying the selected voltage level to the signal electrodes. Since the display information signal is held by the hold means until the selection of at least corresponding scan electrode is completed, one of the plurality of voltage levels is always applied to the signal electrodes and the switching elements do not assume the high impedance state.

Abstract: Surge currents which may arise in dc-illuminated incandescent lamp can be effectively limited by an apparatus comprising a low resistance (first resistance); another resistance (second resistance); a diode rectifier, the input terminal being connected in series to an ac source through the first resistance, and the output terminal being connected in series to an incandescent lamp through the second resistance; a voltage regulator diode connected in parallel with said diode rectifier; a capacitance (first capacitance) connected in parallel to the input terminal of said diode rectifier; another capacitance (second capacitance) connected in parallel to the output terminal of said diode rectifier; a switching device connected to the second resistance; and a timing circuit connected to said switching device in a manner that the switching device shorts the second resistance after a lapse of a prescribed time upon switching-on of the ac source.

Abstract: First and second capacitors are charged prior to a degaussing interval. A first switch couples the first capacitor to a degaussing coil to initiate the degaussing interval. The first capacitor and the degaussing coil form a resonant circuit that resonates to generate a decaying degaussing current. During a predetermined portion of each cycle of the degaussing current, a second switch couples a precharged second capacitor in parallel with the first capacitor to form a charge transfer arrangement that transfers charge from the second to the first capacitor for replenishing energy losses in the first capacitor. The charge transfer arrangement increases the duration of the time it takes to the amplitude of the degaussing current to decay and, hence, the length of the degaussing interval.

Abstract: A fluorescent display apparatus includes display cells of a first type consisting of several sets of fluorescent display segments of various colors arranged in a certain order and display cells of a second type consisting of display segments equal in number and color, but opposite in the order of arrangement of colors, to the first display cells. The first and second display cells are arrayed in a matrix fashion with their lead lines aligning alternately with the intention of reducing areas used for the bend of lead lines and thereby arranging the cells closely so as to enhance the resolution of display.

Abstract: The dimensions of the resonant cavities of the multiple-beam klystron are determined in such a way as to enable functioning in the TM.sub.0n mode (n=a whole number greater than 1) and drift tubes relative to the beams go through the klystron cavities at places where the electrical field, in the cavities, is at its maximum value. This embodiment results in high-powered klystrons capable at working at high frequencies.

Abstract: A programmable lighting circuit controller for controlling a plurality of household lighting circuits includes a microprocessor and an electronically erasable programmable read only memory for programming the household lighting circuits for a variety of loads. The lighting circuits may be configured as a combination of incandescent and fluorescent loads by designating one output of the controller as a heater circuit for any of the fluorescent loads. The microprocessor is controlled by a set of nonlatching pushbuttons on a front panel which raise and lower lighting levels, set lighting levels in memory and recall preset levels from memory. Combination of two pushbuttons simultaneously pushed may initiate special programming features such as heater designation of one channel for fluorescent lighting.

Abstract: For the operation of warm start gas discharge lamps upon employment of an electronic ballast wherein the gas discharge lamp lies parallel to the effective capacitance of a series-resonant circuit and has its heater coils incorporated into this series-resonant circuit. An isolating switch is provided in series with the effective capacitance. This isolating switch interrupts the shunt to the lamp and, thus, the heater coil current as well, as soon as the lamp has ignited. It is assured in this way that the current flowing in the shunt to the lamp which otherwise represents a dissipated power is suppressed. Particular significance is accorded to this method when the effective capacitance of the series-resonant circuit is executed variably during the starting interval phase with the assistance of temperature-dependent resistors or is executed with time delayed electronic switches for the control of the lamp voltage.

Abstract: A power control system for gas discharge lamps and other loads. According to a preferred embodiment, the system includes a main divertor in series or parallel with the load, and a variable divertor, which includes a controllably conductive device controlled by a control circuit, the variable divertor being selectively inserted in series with the load during each half cycle of the output voltage signal. The system obtains an improved load voltage waveform giving superior performance under reduced power output conditions. This system can be applied to a fluorescent lighting circuit having a plurality of conventional ballasts, achieving a dimming ratio of greater than 4 to 1, and can also be applied to other gas discharge lamp circuits, including high intensity discharge lamp circuits, to incandescent lamps, and to motors such as fan motors. It can further be applied to control the power supplied to solid-state switching units, including those having capacitive inputs.