Abstract: A batteryless, portable, frequency divider including a first LC circuit that is resonant at a first frequency for receiving electromagnetic radiation at the first frequency; a second LC circuit that is resonant at a second frequency that is one-half the first frequency; and a transistor coupling the first and second LC circuits for causing the second LC circuit to transmit electromagnetic radiation at the second frequency in response to the first LC circuit detecting electromagnetic radiation at the first frequency. The first and second LC circuits respectively include inductance coils that are positioned orthogonally to one another so as not to be mutually coupled. The frequency divider is operable solely from unrectified energy at the first frequency provided in the first circuit upon receipt of the electromagnetic radiation at the first frequency detected by the first LC circuit.

Abstract: An improved ballast circuit for a low pressure gas discharge lamp having two filament type electrodes at opposite ends of the lamp is disclosed. The ballast circuit includes a first device for providing a high AC voltage for application across opposite electrodes of the lamp; a solid state controlled current source for providing a controlled current to the first device for enabling the first device to apply the AC voltage across the lamp electrodes to illuminate the lamp, wherein the voltage placed across said electrodes is non-sinusoidal; and a second device coupled to the first device for inhibiting the non-sinusoidal voltage from causing mercury migration in the lamp. The second device includes circuit connections for enabling current flow through only one filament of the lamp; and for biasing the voltage applied across the lamp about a DC level for balancing the effect upon mercury migration within the lamp caused by enabling current to flow through only the one filament.