Abstract: A method and apparatus to equalize the voltage across each light bulb in a low-voltage lighting system, commonly found in the yards of private homes and businesses. The present invention consists of a power compensation element that is inserted in-line with each light bulb connected to the bus lines that distribute current from a power source, such as an electrical transformer, to the light bulbs. The function of the power compensation element is to compensate for the voltage drop along the bus lines due primarily to the electrical resistance of the bus lines. Therefore, a compensation rating of the power compensation element may depend upon its location along the bus lines and the electrical resistivity of the bus lines, as well as the internal electrical resistance of the light bulbs. The preferred embodiment is an electrical resistive power compensation element where the rating of the element is its resistance value.

Abstract: A laser system support structure is provided having an independent, kinematically mounted chamber and optics platform. Swivel-type mounts are used to couple the platform at three points to the laser support frame, thereby allowing the platform to remain static while the support frame, via the swivel mounts, deflects around the platform in response to external forces. The independent platform design provides secondary benefits of creating a compartmentalization of laser system components, leading to a modular type design. Each laser system module is mounted to the support structure on an extension rail, to allow removal of the module from the support frame for easy access during servicing.

Abstract: A laser control system with multiple CPU's having shared memory on a common bus to provide high performance, relatively lost-cost, laser control. In the system disclosed, a first CPU which handles most, if not all, communication to and from the laser control system and which may communicate with one or more additional CPU's through the shared memory, so as to be capable of providing the software and operating commands to one or more additional processors on the common bus. A second processor is provided to control the intensity and repetition rate of a gas laser responsive to the program and commands made available thereto through the shared memory by the first processor. In addition, the second processor may directly respond to specific controls provided thereto to allow operation of the laser directly in response to control signals provided thereto from the outside, rather than based on parameters provided thereto by the first processor.