Abstract: A bi-directional voltage translator is disclosed. The bi-directional voltage translator includes a step-up voltage translator for converting signals of a first voltage level to signals of a second voltage level, and a step-down voltage translator for converting signals of the second voltage level to signals of the first voltage level. The step-up voltage translator includes a first source sense circuit, a first block feedback circuit and a first output driver circuit. The step-down voltage translator includes a second source sense circuit, a second block feedback circuit and a second output driver circuit.

Abstract: A system for driving a neon tube to form luminous bubbles and controlling the motion thereof in which a modulatable high AC voltage source is connected to control a pair of electronic switches in the primary circuit of a high voltage transformer which is connected to electrodes of said neon tube in such a way as to produce the luminous bubbles, which can be stationary or moved at varying speeds and direction by control of width and/or frequency of control pulses applied to the electronic switches. A memory stores predetermined patterns of the direction and speed of said luminous bubbles and microprocessor means for controlling said modulatable AC voltage in accordance with said predetermined pattern by said memory means to cause said luminous bubbles to move in said predetermined patterns of direction and speed. The memory may include a plurality of predetermined patterns stored, and selector for selecting one of said patterns and driving the neon tube therewith.