Abstract: A device for operating lamps, such as fluorescent lamps includes an input protection circuit, a filter, a DC to DC converter, a power output stage, a lamp connecting circuit and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a pulse width modulator, a multivibrator and a start/stop controller. The pulse width modulator varies the duty cycle of a control signal supplied to the DC to DC converter based on a feedback signal from the DC to DC converter. The multivibrator assists in the control of the DC to DC converter. The start/stop controller initiates the operation of the power output stage when an output of the DC to DC converter reaches a predetermined level and halts the operation of the power output stage if a failure is detected.

Abstract: A neck rod member for stringed instruments, particularly for a bass guitar, includes two rod portions which extend parallel to each other and are mounted one above the other. The first ends of the rod portions are fixedly connected to each other. An adjustment device is mounted on the second ends of the rod portions for effectively shortening the length of one of the rod portions relative to the effective length of the other of the rod portions, so that a corresponding bending force is imparted on the neck rod member. The adjustment device includes a threaded shaft attached to the second end of one of the rod portions and an adjusting nut mounted with threaded engagement on the threaded shaft. A follower member is mounted on the second end of the other of the rod portions. The follower member is in driving engagement with the adjusting nut in axial direction of the neck rod member.

Abstract: A neck rod member for stringed instruments, particularly for bass guitars. The rod member includes two oblong rod portions which extend parallel relative to each other and essentially contact one another. At one end of the rod member, the portions are fixedly connected to each other, for example, by rivets. At the other free ends of the rod portions, a mechanism for effectively shortening the length of one of the rod portions relative to the effective length of the other rod portion is provided. The neck of the instrument defines an oblong blind-end hole which is open at the free end of the neck. The rod member can be inserted into the blind-end hole in such a way that the mechanism for shortening the effective length of the first rod portion is accessible from the open end of the blind-end bore. The neck rod member includes another mechanism for shortening the effective length of the second rod portion relative to the effective length of the first rod portion.

Abstract: A call queue release control circuit for automatic toll switchboards is disclosed. The call queue release control circuit is supervised by a plurality of multi-position switches that are set in accordance with decisions made at a chief operator position as to the number of different types of calls to be released in an allocation chain. Individual numbers of calls to be released are loaded through guarded inputs into separate presettable counter circuits associated with the type of call to be released. A sequencing circuit addresses the plurality of counter circuits in succession to form the allocation chain. As a particular counter circuit is addressed, the sequencing circuit provides an enabling signal to a call queue control circuit for releasing the type of call associated therewith and receives from the call queue control circuit a confirmation signal for every call released.