Abstract: A solid state switching regulator is disclosed whereby rectified line voltage, and current is converted by the switching action of On and Off switching elements to produce a regulated voltage output with short circuit protection. The switching element or elements are switched in a manner such that they are turned off and on when no current is passing through them, thus eliminating the switching losses and the energy consuming snubbing networks normally associated with switching regulator devices.

Abstract: A solid state bridge inverter is disclosed wherein the power for driving the transistors is generated by the current flowing to the load. Windings are so connected on the drive transformers that one transistor cannot possibly turn on until the other one is fully off including storage and turn off time. This is accomplished in such a manner that the load may be highly inductive without any detrimental effect upon the power transistors. Also disclosed is a unique method for deriving the power for the logic circuitry as well as a concept where a single magnetic element can provide both a balun type filter action on the input as well as power factor correction and smoothing action to supply filtered DC voltage and current to the inverter while maintaining a 0.9+ power factor to the AC line. Further disclosed is a combination of the above described components along with further unique circuit configurations to provide a highly efficient solid state fluorescent ballast.

Abstract: A non-saturating, self-driven switching inverter for a gas discharge device is disclosed herein having an inverter transformer including primary and secondary windings coupled respectively to alternately applied power and a pair of switching transistors. A resistive network coupled between the secondary winding and the bases of the switching transistors for conducting power for alternately polarizing the transistors in the ON state or condition. A diode network is connected in parallel with the resistive network to selectively reduce impedance of the secondary winding.

Abstract: This power supply for a high intensity gas discharge or fluorescent lamp exhibits near unity power factor with no third harmonic distortion, and facilitates highly efficient lamp operation with dimming capability. This is achieved by using an inverter to drive a resonant network that includes the lamp load. A feedback circuit adjusts the switching rate of the inverter to equal the resonant frequency of the network. Sinusoidal output voltage is achieved, together with voltage multiplication to a level sufficient to ignite the lamp and keep it lit during dimming. The inverter is driven by a switching regulator that is supplied with unfiltered, rectified ac power. A filter capacitor, connected across the regulator output, is sufficiently large so as to filter at the frequency of the rectified ac input. The regulator switching duty cycle is controlled in response to the average dc level across this filter capacitor.

Abstract: A traffic control system which controls the timing of a plurality of traffic lights at a plurality of intersections with a variety of timing patterns, this invention contemplates utilizing modules which will operate automatically to control the flow of traffic and which also is readily controlled by a master controller for changing traffic flow cycles. The controller which is placed at the intersection is preset or programmed to establish a basic timing cycle. This timing cycle can be changed by the transmission of signals from a master controller and the storage of the signals at the intersection. A single master controller can thereby control a plurality of intersection controllers to vary the traffic flow over a wide area. By using multiplexing techniques, a single pair of signal wires can connect the master and a large number of independent intersection controllers. The individual controllers are designed to accept a plurality of standard plug-in components which are interconnected by a single component.

Abstract: A traffic control system which controls the timing of a plurality of traffic lights at a plurality of intersections with a variety of timing patterns, this invention contemplates utilizing modules which will operate automatically to control the flow of traffic and which also is readily controlled by a master controller for changing traffic flow cycles. The controller which is placed at the intersection is preset or programmed to establish a basic timing cycle. This timing cycle can be changed by the transmission of signals from a master controller and the storage of the signals at the intersection. A single master controller can thereby control a plurality of intersection controllers to vary the traffic flow over a wide area. By using multiplexing techniques, a single pair of signal wires can connect the master and a large number of independent intersection controllers. The individual controllers are designed to accept a plurality of standard plug-in components which are interconnected by a single component.

Abstract: A system for charging an energy storage capacitor for use with an electronic flash lamp or laser employs stepped sequential application of increasing charging voltages to the capacitor. In an inverter-type power supply, a transformer has a tapped primary and a single secondary, output of which is rectified and applied to the capacitor. A plurality of pairs of drive transistors are used to apply an alternating voltage to progressively decreasing portions of the transformer primary, in response to a feedback signal indicative of the voltage to which the capacitor has been charged. This feedback signal is utilized by a level detector and associated drive control logic to enable a different pair of drive transistors each time a preestablish charge voltage level has been reached. A driver inhibit circuit insures that, as each pair of drive transistors is alternating on and off, that one transistor is fully off before the other is turned on.

Abstract: An electronic ignition system for an engine is connected in place of the conventional ignition system by a transfer relay that is energized when the ignition switch is closed. An energy storage capacitor is charged by the rectified output of an inverter that is driven by an oscillator and a phase splitter. Upon opening of the ignition system points, an SCR is triggered on to discharge the capacitor across the ignition coil primary. In this manner, the sparking voltage is produced without having high current switched by the points.

Abstract: An analyzer is disclosed herein for testing an automobile battery by comparing the battery voltage to a precise reference established by a resistive divider and operational amplifiers. In this unit, digital integrated circuits are employed including eight operational amplifiers and a stable reference voltage source which combine with light emitting diodes to allow the exact condition of any battery to be readily determined.