Abstract: A dimmable LED driver with multiple power sources.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first input transistor to include a base receiving a drive signal for an object to be driven, a first current source connected to an emitter side of the first input transistor and configured to control a modulation amplitude of a signal flowing to a collector of the first input transistor, a second current source connected to a collector side of the first input transistor and configured to control a biased current of a signal flowing to the collector, a first inductor configured to dispose between the collector and the second current source, and an output element connected between the second current source and the first inductor and configured to output, to the object, a current signal of which the modulation amplitude is controlled by the first current source and the biased current is controlled by the second current source.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for systems and methods that employ a control component and/or power source integrated in an LED based light source to control and/or power the LED light source wirelessly. In embodiments, the LED based light source may take the form of a standard light bulb that plugs into a standard lighting socket or fixture.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that is capable of delivering substantially constant power to a luminous load with variation in the input voltage and the environment temperature. The apparatus may be further adapted to vary the power supplied to the luminous load based on changes in the input voltage produced by a phase control dimmer or external device. Additionally, if the input voltage is changed due to a user controlling a dimmer device to control the brightness of the luminous load, the apparatus is able to control the power delivered to the load in response to the dimmer device. Additionally, the apparatus is adapted to allow the luminous output light intensity to be controlled by changes in a remote control voltage source or variable resister and draws near unity power factor power from the AC input throughout the dimming range when not used with phase control dimmer. The remote control or variable resistor can operate simultaneously with a dimmer to achieve multiple controls for the light output.

Abstract: A light-source control device includes a light source including a first light emitter for emitting light and a second light emitter for emitting light due to the light emitted by the first light emitter; a constant current unit configured to maintain a current constant that is input via the light source from a power supply; a switching unit configured to switch the current to be input to the constant current unit at a designated duty ratio and cycle; and a control unit configured to control the current applied to the light source so that a rise transition time and a fall transition time of the current applied to the light source are nearly equal to each other.

Abstract: Organic light emitting diode (OLED) light source includes a plurality of stacked organic light emitting diode units comprised of a removable topmost organic light emitting diode unit and one or more removable underlying organic light emitting diode units. A power source is in electrical communication with the anode and the cathode of the topmost organic light emitting diode unit, wherein the underlying organic light emitting diode units are free from contact with the power source. As such, each OLED is sequentially operated upon removal of the topmost OLED unit, thereby providing redundancy as well as extending the operating lifetime of the OLED light source. Also disclosed are processes for operating the OLED light source.

Abstract: A drive circuit for a fluorescent display that can prevent generation of reactive power in a Zener diode used to generate a cutoff bias voltage. In one embodiment, the drive circuit operates as a single ended primary inductor converter (SEPIC) circuit and includes an input side closed circuit, an output side closed circuit, and a coupling capacitor connecting the two closed circuits. The input side closed circuit includes an input power source, a first inductor and a switching element. The output side closed circuit includes a second inductor, a diode and a second capacitor. A filament of the fluorescent display is connected to the second capacitor. One end of a Zener diode is connected to a negative potential side of the filament and the other end of the Zener diode is connected to an input power source.

Abstract: A drive circuit for driving a plasma display panel (PDP) includes a pulse voltage generator that contains main switching elements disposed on a high voltage side and on a low voltage side, is operable to generate a pulse voltage by operating the main switching elements in accordance with an output voltage from a first power supply and apply the pulse voltage to a PDP scan electrode and sustain electrode, and a reset voltage generator operable to generate a reset voltage in accordance with an output voltage from a second power supply and apply it to the PDP. The pulse voltage generator contains a first diode that prevents the voltage output by the reset voltage generator from being applied backward to the first power supply and a first switching element connected to the first diode in parallel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light emitting diode light tube with two ends respectively having a pair of electrode pins for receiving a first and second AC input voltages. The light tube includes an AC switching power supply including a first input rectifier/filter circuit rectifying/filtering the first AC input voltage to generate a first rectified/filtered voltage, and a power conversion circuit coupled to the first input rectifier/filter circuit, and having a second input rectifier/filter circuit rectifying/filtering the second AC input voltage to generate a second rectified/filtered voltage, wherein the power conversion circuit generates a output voltage in response to the first and second rectified/filtered voltages. The AC switching power supply provides a constant output voltage and current to the LED, which avoids flicker in the LED light tube.

Abstract: Variation occurs in transistor characteristics. The present invention relates to a signal line driver circuit comprising a plurality of current source circuits respectively corresponding to a plurality of wirings, characterized in that: the plurality of current source circuits each comprise capacitor means and supply means; and the plurality of current source circuits each convert a supplied current into a voltage in accordance with a video signal, and supply a current corresponding to the converted voltage.

Abstract: A light emitting element driving circuit, which can achieve accurate/high-speed operation even at low voltage supply voltage, comprises: driving current supply, connected to light emitting element in series between first and second power supplies, to supply driving current to the light emitting element according to the voltage of control terminal; current determiner to determine and output the current according to an output light amount of the light emitting element; current/voltage converter to convert the determined current into voltage and output it to the control terminal of the driving current supply if control signal is in a first state, and to electrically shield its output voltage terminal from the control terminal of the driving current supply if the control signal is in a second state; and resetter to connect the control terminal of the driving current supply to the second power supply if the control signal is in the second state.

Abstract: A circuit for driving the current for inductive loads such as a electron beam deflection coil for an x-ray generator system. The circuit includes two selectable voltage levels which are provided by a high level voltage source and a low level voltage source or, alternatively, by a low level voltage source and a boosting converter. A plurality of switches for selecting the voltage source allow only one voltage source to be connected to the load at any given time, and for selecting the polarity of the current through the coil. The high level voltage source is selected when the load is charging or discharging. The low level voltage source is selected when the load is operating in a constant current mode, where a high frequency switching device uses the low level voltage source to generate a pulse width modulation waveform according to a reference current duty cycle to control the voltage across the load.

Abstract: A light emitting element driving circuit, which can achieve accurate/high-speed operation even at low voltage supply voltage, comprises: driving current supply, connected to light emitting element in series between first and second power supplies, to supply driving current to the light emitting element according to the voltage of control terminal; current determiner to determine and output the current according to an output light amount of the light emitting element; current/voltage converter to convert the determined current into voltage and output it to the control terminal of the driving current supply if control signal is in a first state, and to electrically shield its output voltage terminal from the control terminal of the driving current supply if the control signal is in a second state; and resetter to connect the control terminal of the driving current supply to the second power supply if the control signal is in the second state.

Abstract: A vehicle testing lamp system comprising an onboard controller unit, an off-board controller unit, and a lamp fixture. The onboard controller unit comprises a solid state relay, the solid state relay being switchable between an idle output power setting and a high output power setting; a timing circuit; a transfer circuit; a current sensor; a current regulator; and batteries or other auxiliary power supply. The off-board controller unit comprises a power supply electrically connected to a voltage booster circuit. The lamp fixture comprises an ignitor; a shock mount; and a lamp that is electrically connected to the igniter. The off-board controller supplies power to the lamp at its idle level. The onboard transfer circuit permits the off-board power supply to be disconnected while the onboard controller unit maintains the lamp at idle, and the onboard timing circuit limits the time that the lamp remains at high output. Also disclosed is a method for using a vehicle testing lamp system.

Abstract: A lamp socket includes a socket housing and a plurality of power supply members. The socket housing has a plurality of connecting holes extended in a vertical direction. The power supply members are disposed in the connecting holes, respectively, and each of the power supply members includes a plurality of lamp connecting parts and an inverter connecting part The lamp connecting parts are protruded from an upper surface of the socket housing and include first and second portions facing each other. The inverter connecting part is integrally formed with the lamp connecting parts, and is protruded from a lower surface of the socket housing.

Abstract: A capacitive load driving circuit (1) for charging and discharging a capacitive load (11) is provided with a voltage divider (5) for dividing a power supply voltage (VH) into a plurality of different voltages (V1–V9), a plurality of condensers (2a–i) to which the voltages (V1–V9) are respectively charged as terminal voltages, and a switch (7) for switching connections between the capacitive load (11) and the condensers (2a–i), the switch (7) sequentially connecting the condensers (2a–i) in an ascending order of the terminal voltages so that electrostatic energy is supplied to the capacitive load (11) when the capacitive load (11) is charged, the switch (7) sequentially connecting the condensers (2a–i) in a descending order of the terminal voltages so that electrostatic energy is collected from the capacitive load (11) when the capacitive load (11) is discharged.

Abstract: A power supply for applying a voltage to a scanning electromagnet for deflecting a charged particle beam has a first power supply unit having no filter and a second power supply unit having a filter. When an irradiation position of the charged particle beam in an irradiation object is moved, the first power supply unit, namely a power supply unit having no filter, is used to apply the voltage to the scanning electromagnet, so that an exciting current flowing in the scanning electromagnet can be changed in a short time. Further, when the irradiation position of the charged particle beam is maintained, the second power supply is used to apply a voltage whose pulsating component was removed to the scanning electromagnet, so that the exciting current flowing in the scanning electromagnet can be controlled precisely. Consequently, the charged particle beam can be applied uniformly to the irradiation object and an irradiation time of the charged particle beam to the irradiation object can be curtailed.

Abstract: A load driving apparatus is constituted with a high voltage power source, a low voltage power source, a first switching element, a second switching element, a lamp load, current detecting section, and PWM control section. The first switching element is connected to the high voltage power source which supplies a high voltage and is connected to the lamp load. The second switching element is connected to the low voltage power source which supplies a low voltage and is connected to the lamp load. The current detecting section detects a value of current flowing in the lamp load. The PWM control section is connected the first switching element, the second switching element, and the current detecting section to control a voltage to be supplied to the lamp load. The PWM control section turns the second switching element in ON state at first, and the low voltage is being supplied to the lamp load while the value of the current detected in the current detecting section is more than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and a device for driving an AC type PDP are provided in which addressing that cannot be affected by a change of an operation environment can be realized without increasing withstand voltage of circuit components, so that the display can be stabilized. An address period TA in which the addressing is performed is divided into plural subperiods TA1, TA2, and different rows are selected for subperiods. In each subperiod, a bias switching is performed for the second electrode of the row that is selected in the period between a selection potential Vya1 and a first non-selection potential Vya2 in accordance with the selection and the non-selection. In addition, the second electrodes of the rows that are selected in the succeeding subperiod are maintained at the second non-selection potential Vya3 that is closer to the address potential Vaa than to the first non-selection potential Vya2.

Abstract: Circuit arrangement for igniting and operating gas discharge lamps, in particular high-pressure gas discharge lamps. The circuit arrangement comprises four controllable switches (S1, S4) which are interconnected to form a full bridge, in which a gas discharge lamp (EL) is to be arranged in the bridge branch of the full bridge. After the ignition and operation of the gas discharge lamp (EL), a warm-up operation is carried out in which there is a switch-over between the two bridge diagonals (S1, S4; S2, S3) respectively. The gas discharge lamp (EL) is ignited by way of a series resonant circuit (L1, C1) which is coupled to the bridge branch, with two series-connected switches (S1, S2) of the full bridge being permanently open and the other two switches (S3, S4) being switched on and off alternately at a high frequency.

Abstract: A circuit driving electric luminescent panel in which the high potential contact of electric luminescent panel is connected to two parallel connected transistors of which the emitter of the first transistor is connected to a current--resisting coil and the positive pole of a diode in order to raise the voltage at the contact of the electric luminescent panel. The first transistor provides, within the time when the signal at its base is low, a negative voltage to increase the peak value-to-peak value voltage across the electric luminescent panel and its luminosity as well. Furthermore, another kind of design concept is presented with which the timing impulse of controlling signals while operation can be governed with its duty to control current consumption.

Abstract: Ballast circuitry for a metal halide lamp is disclosed enabling sustained operation with a typical 120 volt AC power source. A novel auxiliary circuit network is operatively associated with inductive type starting circuit means to provide lamp reignition when needed during each half-cycle of the AC power supply. The present auxiliary circuit network employs breakover switching means connected in series with capacitor storage means for further connection across the operating discharge lamp.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp drive circuit is disclosed. The fluorescent lamp drive circuit includes first filament drive circuitry coupled to the filaments of the lamp for driving the fluorescent lamp with a first waveform having sufficient amplitude such that gases in the fluorescent lamp are not allowed to extinguish during a prolonged period of operation. The fluorescent lamp drive circuit also includes second filament drive circuitry coupled to the filaments of the lamp for adjustably driving the fluorescent lamp with a second waveform during the prolonged period of operation. The second waveform has an amplitude which is adjustable over a wide range of voltages to achieve a wide range of fluorescent lamp luminance levels. Synchronization circuitry provides an input to the second filament drive circuitry to automatically facilitate the efficient transfer of power from the second filament drive circuitry to the fluorescent lamp over a wide range of lamp pressures and operating temperatures.

Abstract: Start and operation of high pressure discharge lamps, in which a high-frequency starting voltage U.sub.HF and an operating voltage U.sub.B are furnished to the lamp electrodes includes the steps of: 1) turning on the high-frequency starting voltage U.sub.HF at a starting time t.sub.0 to ionize the lamp filling and preheat the electrodes; 2) turning on the operating voltage U.sub.B after a preheating interval .DELTA.t.sub.H, that is, at time t.sub.1 =t.sub.0 +.DELTA.t.sub.H ; and 3) turning off the starting voltage U.sub.HF at time t.sub.2 .gtoreq.t.sub.1, as a result of which the lamp is then operated solely by means of the operating voltage U.sub.B. As a result, the transfer phase for the development of the arc is shortened. Advantageously, the frequency of the starting voltage is selected such that the product of the frequency f of the starting voltage U.sub.HF and the spacing d between the electrodes meets the condition f.multidot.d.gtoreq.50 kHz.multidot.cm.

Abstract: Field emission device apparatus employing an integrally formed capacitance and a switch serially connected between a conductive element and a current source to provide substantially continuous emitted electron current during selected charging periods and non-charging periods.

Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting apparatus comprises a transformer for stepping up an AC power source voltage from an AC power source to produce a high voltage as an output voltage required for lighting a discharge lamp. Particularly, the lighting apparatus further comprises a diode for rectifying the output voltage of the transformer to be supplied to the discharge lamp. The amount of current supply from the AC power source is determined to obtain an output impedance capable of limiting the current which is to flow through the discharge lamp after the start of discharging to maintain the voltage across the discharge lamp at a level required for continuing the discharge.

Abstract: An uninterruptible fluorescent lamp circuit available for emergency lighting is comprised of an oscillatory boosting circuit which generates a high-frequency, high-voltage power, and a current-limiting circuit which limits current flowing to the fluorescent lamp (the load). Such a fluorescent lamp circuit can provide enough high-voltage power to activate the lamp without the need to use any conventional starter and stabilizer. The currentlimiting circuit uses transistors activated at a fixed voltage and a current-limiting resistance which slows the current. A voltageleading power output is generated which prevents the fluorescent lamp from burning out due to a current-leading power output. Since the power source is a high-frequency, high-voltage current, the flicker of the lamp can be effectively reduced. A battery is connectable to provide an unterruptible power source during an external power failure.

Abstract: A flash lamp power supply system, comprising (a) a simmer power supply circuit, comprising (i) a DC simmer power supply, (ii) means for connecting a flash lamp in series with the DC power supply, and (iii) a capacitor connected in parallel to the power supply and to the flash lamp connecting means, wherein the impedance and capacitance of the simmer power supply are selected so as to provide dV/dT for the simmer power supply circuit equal to or greater than the rate at which the lamp impedance changes during a flash cycle; and (b) a pulse power supply circuit, comprising (i) a DC pulse source voltage supply, (ii) a thyristor, and (iii) means for connecting the lamp in series with the DC pulse source voltage supply and the thyristor, wherein the pulse power supply circuit further comprises a capacitor connected in parallel with the pulse source voltage supply.

Abstract: A self-oscillating half-bridge inverter is powered from a power-line-operated rectifier means providing a DC voltage with a relatively high ripple content. The inverter is loaded by way of a series-tuned high-Q LC cirucit connected across this DC voltage. A pair of fluorescenet lamps is series-connected across the tank-capacitor of the LC circuit. Also connected across the DC voltage is an arrangement of three energy-storing capacitors charged in series and discharged in parallel; which arrangement results in the current drawn from the power line being of relatively high power factor and low harmonic distortion. Charging current for the energy-storing capacitors is derived from the high frequency current flowing through the LC circuit; and charging occurs only during periods near the peak of the power line voltage.

Abstract: A DC discharge lamp lighting device includes a main discharge means providing a main discharge-lamp current to a DC discharge lamp including a filament and at least one anode to form between them a discharge path. The main discharge means comprises means for switching an applied voltage between a main discharge starting voltage in synchronism with a luminance control signal and a main discharge maintaining voltage. Any contribution of a current limiting resistance element to power consumption in circuit operation upon lighting of the discharge lamp can be reduced, thereby reducing heat generation.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for A.C. operation of high-pressure gas discharge lamps comprising a mains alternating voltage source and a high-frequency oscillator (3) supplied with direct current and which produces a high-frequency current through the lamp superimposed on the mains alternating lamp current. The oscillator comprises a high-frequency transformer (7) and a transistor (11) connected in series with the transformer primary (8). The transistor can be periodically switched on an off. A secondary (9) of the transformer is connected in series with the lamp. Losses are reduced if the ratio between the switching-on and switching-off time (duty cycle) of the transistor (11) is chosen so small that the effective value of the high-frequency current coupled into the lamp lies between 0.05 and 5% of the mains alternating lamp current. An auxiliary device (16 to 19, 25) interrupts the periodic switching of the transistor (11) outside the proximity of the zero passages of the mains alternating lamp current.

Abstract: In a power-line-operated electronic ballast for a gas discharge lamp, an inverter converts a DC supply voltage to a high frequency current-limited operating voltage for a fluorescent lamp. The DC voltage is obtained, at least in part, by forward inductive-discharge conversion of full-wave-rectified unfiltered power line voltage; which forward conversion is accomplished by high frequency switching of an energy-storing inductor; the switching being done by the very same inverter that provides the high frequency lamp operating voltage. As an overall result, power is drawn from the power line with a power factor higher than 98% and with a total harmonic distortion under 10%.

Abstract: In a power-line-operated electronic ballast, an inverter converts a DC voltage to a high frequency current-limited operating voltage for a fluorescent lamp. The DC voltage is obtained, at least in part, by forward conversion of full-wave-rectified unfiltered power line voltage; which forward conversion is accomplished by high frequency switching of an energy-storing inductor, the switching being done by the very same inverter that provides the high frequency lamp operating voltage. As an overall result, power is drawn from the power line with a power factor higher than 98% and with a total harmonic distortion well under 20%.

Abstract: In a microwave oven, a magnetron is powered by way of a self-oscillating flyback converter circuit, which operates at a conversion frequency controllable over a range of frequencies up to about 35 kHz. The converter circuit is powered from a DC voltage derived from full-wave-rectification and filtering of ordinary 120 Volt/60 Hz power line voltage. The output of the converter is applied to the magnetron by way of a flyback transformer.In one preferred configuration, the output fromthe flyback transformer is applied dirrectly to the magnetron--without the use of an intermediary rectifier. As a result, current to the magnetron is provided inthe form of triangularly-shaped pulses with a duty-cycle of about 60% and with a crest-factor of less than 3.5.In a second preferred configuration, the output from the flyback transformer is rectified and filtered by a capacitor-inductor combination, with the result of providing a nearly constant-magnitude current to the magnetron.

Abstract: A lamp start, hot-restart and operating circuit for a high wattage, high intensity discharge lamp includes cascaded resonant circuits with capacitors and series-connected inductors connected to an AC source. A pulse circuit including two pulse transformers supplies streamer-forming current, the secondary windings of the pulse transformers being connected in series with the lamp. When the lamp commences normal operation, the operating current energizes a relay to remove the capacitors and pulse circuit from the operating circuit, allowing the inductor to function as the lamp ballast.

Abstract: A ballasting circuit for fluorescent lamps includes a series-connected current limiting ballast element and an electronic assist circuit. The ballast element has a high voltage side connectable to a commercial 110 VAC/60 hertz power source and a low voltage side connected in series with the lamp. The electronic assist circuit has a full wave bridge rectifier input means connected to the low voltage side of the ballast element and a transformer output means connected in series between the ballast element and the lamp. The electronic assist circuit generates a relatively high frequency, high voltage excitation signal prior to lamp conduction to assist in starting the lamp. After lamp conduction begins, the low voltage side of the ballast element drops to the normal operating voltage of the lamp and the excitation signal amplitude correspondingly drops, but is not eliminated, so as to maintain lamp operation with low frequency power supplied from the commercial power source.

Abstract: A system and associated method for operating a gas discharge lamp so as to provide a positive voltage-current characteristic. An AC or DC source is used to provide electron heating, without in itself providing ionization, of the lamp gas. Superimposed on this signal is a pulsed source of power having an average output power substantially less than the AC or DC source power for providing ionization of the lamp gas.

Abstract: An emergency power supply including an input for connection to a power line, an output for connecting the input to electrical equipment so as to supply power thereto from the power line, a supplemental power supply connected to the output and adapted to supply power to the electrical equipment upon a power abnormality in the power line, an electrical energy storage means connected to the supplemental power supply and adapted to supply electrical energy thereto; and a circuit for detecting the abnormalities in the power line.

Abstract: A power supply for a metal halide discharge lamp includes a circuit for applying a high voltage starting pulse to the arc tube of the lamp to initiate the discharge, a glow transition current to provide power transitioning the arc tube from its glow to its run mode, and a run power supply circuit to provide continuous controlled d-c current to the arc tube.

Abstract: A laser power supply system is described in which separate pulses are utilized to avalanche ionize the gas within the laser and then produce a sustained discharge to cause the gas to emit light energy. A pulsed voltage source is used to charge a storage device such as a distributed capacitance. A transmission line or other suitable electrical conductor connects the storage device to the laser. A saturable inductor switch is coupled in the transmission line for containing the energy within the storage device until the voltage level across the storage device reaches a predetermined level, which level is less than that required to avalanche ionize the gas. An avalanche ionization pulse-generating circuit is coupled to the laser for generating a high-voltage pulse of sufficient amplitude to avalanche ionize the laser gas. Once the laser gas is avalanche ionized, the energy within the storage device is discharged through the saturable inductor switch into the laser to provide the sustained discharge.

Abstract: For the glow discharge between a receptacle and a workpiece, the glow discharge path is connected in series with a first switch. A capacitor circuit is charged via the glow discharge path and two diodes. By closing a switch, the previously positive pole of the capacitor circuit is set to the zero potential, whereby the potential of the other pole is shifted negative. By closing a switch, the capacitor circuit is discharged through the glow discharge path while the first switch is closed. Upon the discharging of the capacitor circuit, the supply voltage continues to be present at the glow discharge path for the remaining pulse time. In the initial range, the voltage pulses have a pulse peak for ignition followed by a maintenance range, the height of which corresponds to the supply voltage.

Abstract: An alternator circuit comprises an alternator having an armature winding, a field winding, a voltage regulator, a fault detecting circuit, a lamp drive circuit having its input connected to the output of the fault detecting circuit, and a warning lamp driven by the drive circuit. The drive circuit includes a capacitor connected across its input, an input transistor, an output transistor, a current measuring resistor connected in series with the output transistor, and a transistor sensitive to both the voltage drop across the warning lamp and the voltage drop in the current measuring resistor. In the event of excessive current flow through the output transistor, the voltage sensitive transistor rapidly charges the capacitor thereby turning off the output transistor. The capacitor then discharges slowly and the cycle is repeated.

Abstract: A relatively light-weight auxiliary power track is adapted to be plugged into and supported by a regular power track in an otherwise ordinary 120 Volt/60 Hz track lighting system. A compact frequency converter is operative to provide 120 Volt/30 kHz high-frequency voltage on the auxiliary track, and light-weight low-voltage Halogen lighting units are provided for plug-in use therein. Each of these lighting units comprises a high-frequency light-weight voltage step-down transformer.

Abstract: In a discharge lamp lighting system comprising a DC or low frequency (LF) AC main source and a high frequency (HF) source, a high frequency component from the HF source and low frequency component from the main source are supplied in an overlapping manner to the discharge lamp. The HF source of the lighting device is energized by input current from the main source for producing a high frequency current. In addition, the lighting device for the discharge lamp include in combination an HF blocking circuit, an HF passing circuit and/or a matching circuit for the HF source to supply effectively a high frequency component to the discharge lamp, as well as a low frequency component from the main source.

Abstract: An improvement on conventional internal combustion ignition systems, which improvement comprises a capacitor connected parallel to the secondary winding of the ignition transformer, and a bypass circuit through which energy stored in the primary circuit is conveyed around the high impedance secondary winding of the circuit transformer to the spark plug after the high voltage at the secondary winding has fired an auxiliary gap to complete the by-pass circuit. The energy originally stored in the primary circuit is discharged at the plug to produce a plasma jet ignition plume.

Abstract: An inductive-capacitive cyclic charge-discharge ignition system includes an ignition transformer primary winding in parallel with a capacitor and fed by an alternating current source providing a plural number of repetition cycles during each igniter firing period. Such repetition cycles cause the capacitor and primary winding to charge and discharge during each of the repetition cycles creating a plurality of ringing periods for each igniter firing period. A diode or an additional capacitor, or both, inserted in series with the parallel combination of the first stated capacitor and primary winding, substantially increases the velocity of arc provided by an igniter. Such arc has several components composed of luminous particles extending across the entire base of the igniter.

Abstract: An inductive-capacitive cyclic charge-discharge ignition system includes an ignition transformer primary winding in parallel with a capacitor and fed by an alternating current source providing a plural number of repetition cycles during each igniter firing period. Such repetition cycles cause the capacitor and primary winding to charge and discharge during each of the repetition cycles creating a plurality of ringing periods for each igniter firing period. A diode or an additional capacitor, or both, inserted in series with the parallel combination of the first stated capacitor and primary winding, substantially increases the velocity of arc provided by an igniter. Such arc has several components composed of luminous particles extending across the entire base of the igniter.

Abstract: An ignition system uses a transformer with a primary winding and a secondary winding wherein the secondary winding is intermittently coupled to at least one igniter load. An electronic switch is connected to the primary winding. Such electronic switch has an input circuit and an output circuit for enabling electrical energy to be stored in the primary winding. The electronic switch may have an additional switching stage feeding its input circuit for establishing the charging period of the primary winding consistent with the logic of a conventional ignition system. A timer is electrically coupled to the additional switching stage for intermittently activating such electronic switch. An alternating current modulator is connected to the primary winding so as to provide a modulating signal during the discharge period of the system thereby modulating the discharge current of the primary winding.

Abstract: An inductive-capacitive cyclic charge-discharge ignition system includes an ignition transformer primary winding in parallel with a capacitor and fed by an alternating current source providing a plural number of repetition cycles during each igniter firing period. Such repetition cycles cause the capacitor and primary winding to charge and discharge during each of the repetition cycles creating a plurality of ringing periods for each igniter firing period. A diode or an additional capacitor, or both, inserted in series with the parallel combination of the first stated capacitor and primary winding, substantially increases the velocity of arc provided by an igniter. Such arc has several components composed of luninous particles extending across the entire base of the igniter.

Abstract: Power supply means for a laser flashtube or similar lamp (such as a continuous wave arc lamp) consists of high frequency switch means for providing a pulse train output from a direct current supply with provision for modulating the pulse width of said output and a filter which receives the modulated pulse train output for substantially removing high frequency ripple therefrom prior to passage of the resulting pulse train output to the flashtube or similar lamp. For supplying a simmer current to the flashtube or lamp the modulated pulse train output may be raised to a DC level for this purpose. The high frequency switch means may consist of at least one transistor or thyristor and the filter may consist of an inductor/capacitor arrangement.