Abstract: A magnetic-electronic fluorescent lamp ballast is so arranged that the fluorescent lamp is powered simultaneously by two different currents; which two currents are supplied to the lamp by two separate parallel-connected current sources. One current is of 60 Hz frequency and is supplied directly from an ordinary 120 Volt/60 Hz power line by way of an ordinary magnetic reactor. The other current is of 30 kHz frequency and is derived from the power line by way of a frequency converter and is then supplied to the fluorescent lamp by way of a 30 kHz resonant circuit and a high-pass filter. The frequency converter is powered from the power line by way of a capacitive reactor, with the net result being that the power factor of the total power drawn from the power line is very high. The overall ballast is simple and provides for a relatively high efficacy.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus for a high frequency switching gas discharge tube supply which suppresses or eliminates the "bubble effect" in gas discharge tubes containing neon or argon-mercury gas or other gases and which eliminates the migration of mercury or other migratory gases toward one electrode over time. To prevent mercury migration to one electrode over time within an argon-mercury gas discharge tube, a line frequency bias voltage is induced on the high frequency, high excitation voltage resulting in a gas discharge tube display which is uniform in intensity of light over the length of the tube.

Abstract: Connected in circuit between a regular two-cell battery and the light bulb in an otherwise ordinary flashlight is an auxiliary voltage source, such as a third battery cell of relatively small size. The bulb is normally powered directly from the regular two-cell battery. However, if a boost in light output is desired for a brief period of time, the auxiliary voltage source is connected in series with the two-cell battery. Switching is accomplished by way of a slide switch that has an OFF-position, an ON-position, and a spring-loaded BOOST-position. In the BOOST-position, the auxiliary voltage source is coupled in series with the two-cell battery, thereby boosting the RMS magnitude of the voltage applied to the light bulb by a factor of as much as 1.5; which, in turn, boosts the light output by a factor of about 4.0. To prevent substantial shortening of the overall life of the light bulb, since the life of the light bulb would be shortened by a substantial factor if being supplied with 1.

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 high frequency power supply for neon and mercury luminous tubes including means for simultaneously suppressing bubbles formed in neon tubes and for minimizing migration of mercury commonly associated with the use of solid-state luminous tube power supplies.

Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting device includes a DC power supplying means which supplies as superposed on a high frequency power fed to a low-tension, mercury-arc discharge lamp a DC power of a level capable of maintaining a discharge upon low light flux lighting, the lamp being thereby made stably lighted to an extremely low level of the flux of light.

Abstract: A dimming system provides power from a switch-controlled power source in series with a leakage auto-transformer to a compact fluorescent lamp. The system incorporates a high-frequency resonant converter that provides high voltages to strike and maintain an electric discharge in the lamp. The converter is loaded in parallel by the lamp, whose impedance damps the converter to stabilize lamp operation. An inductor, connected between the leakage auto-transformer and the resonant converter, isolates the switch-controlled power source from the high-frequency voltage. The system can be used with a variety of standard leakage reactance auto-transformers to provide full-range dimming of compact fluorescent lamps from 5 to 100 percent light output with minimal flicker.

Abstract: An improved electronic ballast inverter for a gas discharge lamp includes an oscillator having at least two switching transistors for operating the gas discharge lamp at a high frequency during steady-state operation, a triggering circuit for initiating the operation of the oscillator, and an electrical circuit connected to the oscillator for gradually increasing the base current of at least one of the switching transistors immediately after start-up in order to delay the gas breakdown and thereby to produce preheating of the gas discharge lamp during startup.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus for a high frequency switching gas discharge tube supply which suppresses or eliminates the "bubble effect" in gas discharge tubes containing argon-mercury gas or other gases and which eliminates the migration of mercury or other migratory gases toward one electrode over time. To prevent mercury migration to one electrode over time within an argon-mercury gas discharge tube, the DC bias is periodically reversed in direction resulting in a gas discharge tube display which is uniform in intensity of light over the length of the tube.

Abstract: An N-phase power supply (1) for operation of a laser flashlamp (F). A first electrical circuit (3) is connected between an N-phase source of electrical energy and the flashlamp for continuously supplying electrical current thereto. A second electrical circuit (13) is also interconnected between the source of electrical energy and the flashlamp. This second circuit is for supplying current pulses to the flashlamp. The second circuit includes an N-phase bridge (15) having an electronic switch (17A, 17B, 17C) in each branch (19A, 19B, 19C) of the bridge. An electronic controller (25) controls operation of each switch to produce the current pulses supplied to the flashlamp.

Abstract: A dimming circuit provides power from an ac source to a compact fluorescent lamp. The circuit generally includes a resonant circuit driven by a high-frequency switching inverter and a current feedback control system. The circuit is essentially an ac current source of unusually high impedance and provides substantially symmetrical high-frequency current to the lamp. This allows flicker-free dimming of compact fluorescent lamps over a wide range with good light output stability. A small amount of dc or low-frequency ac current may be simultaneously provided to the lamp. The resulting composite current waveform flowing through the lamp substantially eliminates visible striations over a dimming range from about 100% to 1% of full light output.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for supplying high frequency alternating current to a fluorescence lamp. For eliminating a so-called striation phenomenon, a direct current component is induced in the high frequency alternating current passing through a lamp (8). The circuit means inducing said direct current component comprise a capacitor (3), connected in series with the lamp and having a diode (4) or the like connected in parallel therewith.

Abstract: A full-bridge transistor inverter is connected at its DC supply-side with an energy-storing capacitor. The inverter's output terminals are connected in series between a source of AC voltage and a load; which load may be an electric motor, a fluorescent lighting system, etc. By controllably switching the transistors of the inverter ON and OFF in synchronism with the frequency of the AC voltage, effective control of the flow of power between the AC source and the load is achieved. DC voltage on the energy-storing capacitor is obtained from the AC source by way of the timing of the switching action of the inverter.Hence, in contrast with the ordinary situation where an inverter is supplied with net power from its source of DC voltage and where this net power is then supplied to a load connected with the inverter's output, the present invention relates to a situation where no net power is supplied to the inverter from its source of DC voltage and where no net power is supplied from the inverter's output.

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 DC-AC converter for supplying energy to a dishcarge lamp (17). The converter is in the form of an imcomplete half-bridge circuit (11, 12; 15, 16, 19, 18). The lamp (17) is connected in series with a coil (18) and a capacitor (16). Two switching elements (11, 12) in the half-bridge circuit are formed as semiconductor switching elements. The lamp current is a square-shaped alternating current. A diode (13) is connected in parallel with the one switching element (11) and a diode (14) is connected in parallel with the other switching element (12). The control circuit of the switching elements is provided with a switching circuit (21) which alternately switches the one switching element (11) and the other switching element (12) several times. The number of switching elements through which the lamp current flows can therefore remain limited to two.

Abstract: A switching arrangement for ignitio of a high-pressure discharge lamp, The switching arrangement is provided with means for suppressing the production of ignition pulses in case the lamp has ignited or in cast it fails. The switching arrangement comprises a pushpull circuit which is supplied on the one hand by the supply voltage and on the other hand by the voltage across the lamp. An output terminal of the push-pull circuit is connected to the means for suppressing the production of ignition pulses. Thus, it is achieved in a simple manner that the lamp voltage influences the blocking and activation of the production of ignition pulses.

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 plasma processing apparatus wherein a means is provided to apply the proper negative DC voltage through a filter circuit to an electrode for generating the low-temperature plasma through the feed of the high-frequency power. When the high-frequency power has been fed in the higher high-frequency power density to the electrode for generating the low temperature plasma, the sparks (abnormal discharge) easy to be generated are prevented from being caused to generate the stable low-temperature plasma for better plasma processing.

Abstract: A large volume magnetoplasma is created by (a) establishing a plasma in an electrically isolated, tubular cavity formed by a cylinder (10) containing a source of ions and electrons at low pressure, into which rf energy is coupled by an antenna (32) alongside the cavity; and (b) allowing the plasma to extend into an adjoining auxiliary region (20) which is connected to the cavity (10). Preferably the operating conditions in the cavity (10) are such that the production of atomic species in the plasma is enhanced. The enhancement occurs when the operating conditions satisfy the relationships ##EQU1## where W is the power in watts applied to the antenna (32), D is the diameter of the plasma cavity (10) in cm, p is the pressure in the cavity (10) (and in the auxiliary region (20)) expressed in millitorr, f is the frequency of the rf power in MHz, L is the length of the antenna (32) in cm and B is the magnetic field in the cavity (10), established by a coil (13) which surrounds the cavity, expressed in gauss.

Abstract: A high voltage supply is provided for a neutron tube used in well logging. The "biased pulse" supply of the invention combines DC and "full pulse" techniques and produces a target voltage comprising a substantial negative DC bias component on which is superimposed a pulse whose negative peak provides the desired negative voltage level for the neutron tube. The target voltage is preferably generated using voltage doubling techniques and employing a voltage source which generates bipolar pulse pairs having an amplitude corresponding to the DC bias level.

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: In a fluorescent lamp, a "soft" start-up circuit initially applies a lamp, or inter-electrode, voltage which is limited to a peak voltage that will not start the lamp prior to heating of the lamp cathode to the proper temperature. The lamp cathode is then heated to the proper start-up temperature after which the lamp voltage is increased to a value well in excess of the ignition voltage required for all lamp types and operating characteristics in initiating lamp operation. The increased lamp voltage is applied in a pulsed manner until the lamp is ignited, whereupon the lamp may be operated at normal lamp current and cathode voltages or the lamp filaments may even be turned off with a consequent savings in input power.

Abstract: A starting, hot restarting and operating circuit includes a pulse circuit for applying high voltage pulses to an HID lamp for starting or hot restarting. After a set interval of pulses if the lamp has not ignited, the pulse circuit is turned off for a selected inactive interval after which pulses are applied to the lamp again. If ignition does not occur after several active/inactive cycles, the circuit is deactivated until reset by turning the power off and on.

Abstract: A circuit system for igniting and lighting a high-pressure discharge lamp, particularly a sodium vapor lamp, comprising a pulse generator for generating signals of at least 1 kHz frequency being a high-frequency DC/AC converter connected to a direct current source and an ignition circuit coupled with the pulse generator including a high-pressure discharge lamp, a condenser connected in parallel to the high-pressure discharge lamp and an inductive member connected to the condenser and the high-pressure discharge lamp and forming a series member with the condenser the ignition circuit is provided with a transformer having a secondary winding connected in series with the inductive member for ensuring high reliability of igniting and for improving the conditions of lighting.

Abstract: In a rapid restrike starter embodying the invention, a starting circuit applies a series of high voltage pulses, each of approximately the same magnitude through a transformer in series with the ballast and the high intensity discharge lamp to be started, a voltage triggered switch such as a sidac is used to turn the starting circuit on at a predetermined voltage, a second voltage triggered switch connected in series with the first acts in conjunction with a circuit comprised of capacitors and resistors to cause a series of resonant symmetric pulses each approximately the same magnitude as the initial pulse, the use of this oscillating pulse provides restrike performance at approximately two-thirds the pulse voltage otherwise required which improves long term reliability by decreasing the likelihood of socket arcing and insulation breakdown.

Abstract: A pulse generating apparatus includes a base current supply section for generating a constant DC current having a first prescribed current level for turning on a xenon lamp, and a pulse current section for adding a pulse current having a second current level greater than the first current level and a prescribed pulse duration within a prescribed repetition period to the constant DC current. The base current supply section and pulse current section should satisfy the following equations:1.4.ltoreq.Imax/Imini.ltoreq.60.2.ltoreq.t/T.ltoreq.0.7T.ltoreq.1/40Where Imax is the sum of the first and the second prescribed current levels, Imini is the first prescribed current level, T is the prescribed repetition period, and t is the prescribed pulse duration.When the pulse current added to the DC current is supplied to a xenon lamp, the xenon lamp outputs a strong light during the pulse duration of the pulse current, and a feeble light during the absence of the pulse current.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp dimming system which can be used in a retrofit manner with existing fluorescent lamp ballasts achieves a greater degree of energy management than has been previously possible. A dimming control having closed-loop feedback uses integrals of current as a measure of light output from the fluorescent lamps. The electronic control circuit implements complex control methods in a minimal space and at a minimal cost.

Abstract: A gas discharge lamp is started with a high frequency AC signal from an oscillator and then operates on a low frequency AC signal provided by an AC to AC converter synchronously with the AC supply line. The low voltage switching devices of the converter are protected from the high voltages of the high frequency oscillator by locking the converter in a single phase during starting.

Abstract: A lamp dimmer circuit for a high intensity discharge lamp includes an auto transformer, a power factor correction capacitor, a reactor ballast, a solid state phase control current module, a dimming control, a high frequency power supply, a coupling transformer, a high frequency by pass capacitor and a lamp. The high frequency low current source formed by the high frequency by pass capacitor, coupling transformer and high frequency power supply act to maintain the lamp arc even with variations in line voltage.

Abstract: In a retrofit dimming installation for a fluorescent lighting system with a conventional ballast, filament power is maintained, even when the lamps are dimmed, by providing a high frequency component to the ballast voltage. The selected high frequency component allows heating of the filaments without adding to the light output of the lamps, thereby practically eliminating the shortened lamp life usually resulting from operating the lamp in a dimmed condition.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing the arc in a DC arc lamp. An AC signal is superimposed on the DC power source of the lamp to cause small regular fluctuations in the arc. The small fluctuations prevent large fluctuations while the small regular fluctuations may be averaged to obtain a constant average value. The average is taken over 5 to 10 periods of the AC signal to produce a constant average signal with a very small standard deviation.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for starting and operating a high-pressure gas discharge lamp having an outer starting electrode connected to an igniter. A full-wave rectifier (1) is connected to an alternating voltage supply (A, B) and has an output shunted by a series arrangement of a diode (4) and a capacitor (5). The capacitor is discharged in part through the lamp (3) after each half period of the alternating voltage. A resistor (6), which is high-ohmic with respect to a current limiter (2), is connected in the current circuit between the end of the capacitor (5) facing the diode (4) and the lamp (3). Thus, starting of the lamp is facilitated.

Abstract: A discharge lamp is provided with a resistive ballast together with means for sensing lamp voltage conditions. If the lamp voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold then a control circuit operates to apply the output of a relatively high frequency oscillator to the lamp to achieve lamp re-ignition which must be accomplished twice during each alternating current cycle. Lamp re-ignition is necessitated by lamp current zero-crossing which occurs as a result of powering the lamp from an alternating current energy source.

Abstract: A power supply unit for electronic flash includes a plurality of charging units connected to a main capacitor of an electronic flash through diodes which prevent a reverse current flow. Each charging unit includes a d.c. source and a booster converter. An efficient utilization of the source battery is attained by reducing loading upon each source. The use of components of reduced capacity enables a reduction in the size of the overall unit. A single power switch enables a simultaneous initiation of the charging of the main capacitor by all of the charging units. When the main capacitor is charged to a given value, disable means are simultaneously operated in response to an output from charging voltage detecting means, thus simultaneously ceasing the charging operation of the charging units.

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: To insure reliable starting, a superposition igniter circuit utilizes an iliary capacitor (10) which has a resistor (6) connected in parallel thereto. This parallel arrangement is serially connected with a pulse capacitor (7) and a choke (2) to form therewith a series oscillatory circuit which is connected directly with the primary winding (8, 13) of the pulse transformer (4, 11) in order to raise the lamp voltage during ignition. The parallel connection of the auxiliary capacitor (10) and the resistor (6) forms a load impedance for the pulse capacitor (7); the series circuit of the auxiliary capacitor (10) and the pulse capacitor (7) form a high-frequency short-circuit capacitor system. A voltage-sensitive semiconductor switch (9), such as a four-layer diode or a triac, disconnects the auxiliary capacitor (10) after lamp ignition, thus interrupting the series auxiliary circuit, permitting only normal supply voltage to be applied to the lamp (1).

Abstract: A device for lighting a discharge lamp such as a xenon short-arc lamp is provided. The device includes a starter comprising a starter energizing capacitor connected to the boost voltage charging capacitor, a thyristor, a high voltage pulse transformer, a discharge gap, a starting capacitor, a diode and a Tesla coil. The starter is actuated with the energy charged in the boost voltage charging capacitor without any special power source therefor. The ignition voltage of the thyristor is higher than the output voltage of the power circuit of the ballast.

Abstract: An apparatus for a gaseous discharge lamp includes a power controlling device for converting an AC voltage into a phase control output, a high frequency generating device for converting the output of the high frequency generating device into an high frequency output and a discharge lamp which is lighted by the output of the high frequency generating device and whose filament is heated. The high frequency generating device includes a DC power source for supplying a DC voltage to the power controlling device whenever the power controlling device remains to generate the phase control output. The output of the DC power source heats the filament of the discharge lamp for a period during which no phase control output is produced.

Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp apparatus comprises:a discharge tube and a current limiting device such as a choke coil connected in series for connection across an A.C. power source, anda pulse generator connected by its output terminal in parallel to the discharge tube,the apparatus is characterized in that:said pulse generator impresses reignition pulses on said discharge tube at least during a period defined as from a zero-cross point of the source voltage of the power source to a phase defined by a peak of reignition voltage of lamp voltage waveform when no reignition pulse is impressed on the discharge tube, thereby retaining lamp current of the discharge tube without forming zero-current period,thereby the lamp is stably lit with such a high lamp voltage as is almost equal to the power source voltage and the power of reignition pulse can be saved without harming stability of lighting. Thus a stable lighting of the high pressure discharge lamp with a a high power efficiency becomes possible.

Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting circuit system comprises a discharge lamp, an intermittent oscillation circuit, and an arrangement for controlling the energy supplied for lighting the discharge lamp with a high power factor. The intermittent oscillation circuit is energized by a low frequency a.c. power supply, i.e. a commercial alternating current power supply, for intermittently generating a high frequency high voltage in each half cycle of the alternating current of the low frequency a.c. power supply. By supplying the low frequency alternating current voltage and the intermittent high frequency high voltage to the lamp the discharge lamp is reignited in each half cycle of the a.c. of the low frequency alternating current power supply and the lit state of the discharge lamp is sustained by the low frequency alternating current voltage.

Abstract: An ignition system (51-59, 60, Ql, Qn, 30) providing high modulation energy by means of modulator (30) is used to fire an igniter and effect total fuel burning without detonation. An extremely long ignition arc is initiated at an optimum timing angle (.theta..degree.) in advance of top dead center piston position. Such long arc with its high energy content makes possible an ignited fuel nodule of increased size within the combustion chamber of the engine. The increased fuel nodule size makes possible efficient engine operation at the variety of cylinder pressures and the variety of ignition voltages usable to ignite the fuel. These long arcs may be sustained over a large range of duty cycle periods of ignition electrical power by modulation of transient current feeding the igniter.

Abstract: This application discloses circuits for use with arc discharge devices wherein a D.C. or A.C. high frequency, high voltage source is provided in conjunction with either a low frequency or D.C. voltage source. The high frequency, high voltage circuit is a low power circuit providing sufficient voltage to ionize the arc. If desired the low power circuit may also control the major arc power obtained from the low frequency or D.C. source which does not require a ballast. By virtue of this arrangement much smaller, lighter and lower cost circuits than conventional ballast circuits can be used.

Abstract: A solid-state ballast circuit for starting and regulating a gaseous discharge lamp which is operated on direct current is arranged so as to permit the use of low voltage switching relays to effect polarity reversal of the lamp under load. A high voltage pulse source is connected in series with the lamp and a low voltage switching relay is connected in a manner to effect polarity reversal of the DC voltage applied to the combination of the high voltage source and lamp. The voltage appearing across the high voltage source is prevented from reaching the switching relays by virtue of a bridge rectifier circuit connected such that the pulse source and lamp appear as a current source for the rectifiers. The output terminals of the bridge rectifier arrangement are connected between the output terminals of the low voltage DC source thus limiting the voltage applied to the switching relays to a value not exceeding that of the DC source.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing spark ignition of an internal combustion engine is disclosed including a spark generator which supplies spark generating pulses to spark plugs of the engine. The spark produced by each pulse is sustained after the pulse has died away by means of a generator which applies to the spark plugs a voltage capable of sustaining but not initiating sparks across the spark plugs. The generator is per se capable of developing a continuous output so as to maximize the spark energy and to allow the duration of the spark to be selected as desired. The output of the generator may be applied to the spark plugs continuously in which case the effect of increased impedance to the spark produced on combustion is used to terminate the spark. Alternatively, the output of the generator can be switched to terminate the spark.

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: The method and apparatus for producing ornamental lighting displays utilizing electronic circuitry in the nature of a commutator which responds to binary signals produced from a plurality of orderly and/or random sources of energy and functions to illuminate one or more light sources depending on the binary combinations produced by the energy sources. The light sources may be light emitting diodes or other light sources depending on the power available and may be arranged in a variety of ornamental patterns.

Abstract: A light source for Zeeman spectroscopy wherein an anode in an ionizable gas is used for ion bombardment of a cathode having materials therein whose spectra is to be observed. The anode and cathode are mounted in a magnetically permeable housing which fits snugly between pole pieces of a magnet such that the magnetic field between pole pieces is perpendicular to the electric field between the anode and cathode so that the arc discharge therebetween is spacially limited to a narrow dimension, i.e., a line, for improved Zeeman atomic absorption spectroscopy.