Abstract: The invention relates to a relay starter for a discharge lamp wherein the lamp is stabilized by a series arrangement of at least an inductor and a capacitance. Also included in series with these stabilization elements and the lamp is an energizing winding of a relay having a normally-closed contact disposed in a circuit which shunts the lamp.A diode is also disposed in the circuit which shunts the lamp, so that if the lamp does not ignite, current flows for a short period of time through the diode which thereby charges the capacitor. When this capacitor has received a sufficient charge no further current flows either in the lamp circuit or in the shunting circuit so that the entire circuit is put out of operation.

Abstract: A device for starting and operating a discharge lamp, in particular a low pressure sodium vapor lamp. The device comprises two input terminals connected by means of a coil and the primary winding of an auto-transformer with the lamp connected in series with a capacitor between the ends of the transformer secondary winding. In the operating condition of the lamp the core of the transformer becomes saturated. The lamp is shunted by an electronic starter which assists, in the operating condition of the lamp, in the restart of the lamp during each half cycle of the AC electric supply.

Abstract: A ballast impedance for an electric discharge lamp comprises an inductor and a capacitor connected in series with the lamp across AC input terminals. The lamp operating voltage is less than 20 percent of the AC supply voltage. The values of L and C are chosen so that the ballast has a net capacitive character and to provide a resonance between 3.5 and 4 times the frequency of the AC supply voltage.