Abstract: A DC circuit for efficiently operating two arc discharge flashlamps. The lamps are parallel connected across a single supply storage capacitor, and a single trigger capacitor is employed in connection and the two alternately activated trigger sources for the two lamps.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for triggering an arc discharge flash lamp that is directly coupled through series circuitry across an alternating current (AC) source. The lamp is ignited by a high voltage pulse generated from a pulse transformer in response to discharge of a voltage doubler charging capacitor by a controlled switch trigger from an RC timing circuit at a predetermined phase of the alternating current power source. Circuit operation is initiated by a switching arrangement which is coupled to the timing circuit through a zero crossing detector and shunt switch for assuring that the timing circuit starts at a predetermined point on the alternating current waveform. In this manner, the lamp reliably flashes with the same intensity each time a flash is requested.

Abstract: A circuit for switching storage capacitors in a high voltage xenon flash tube circuit includes at least one storage capacitor with parallel low and high resistance paths in series with the capacitor, switching means selecting one of the two paths and a time delay device triggering discharge of the tube at a predetermined interval, the discharge time constant of said one capacitor being a substantial portion of the triggering interval. The time delay device enables operation of the switching means a substantial time after triggering discharge.