Abstract: A resistor bypass circuit for a series lighting circuit includes a plurality of serially connected light sources and a bypass resistor being connected in parallel with at least one of the respective light sources, each respective light source being low wattage and being capable operating on a one hundred percent duty cycle as desired.

Abstract: A resistor bypass circuit for a series lighting circuit includes a plurality of serially connected light sources and a bypass resistor being connected in parallel with at least one of the respective light sources, each respective light source being low wattage and being capable operating on a one hundred percent duty cycle as desired.

Abstract: A driving circuit for a light emitting diode connected to a TRIAC dimmer configured to modulate an input AC voltage depending on a selected dimming level including a rectifier configured to full-wave rectify the modulated AC voltage output from the TRIAC dimmer to generate and output a driving voltage, a driving module configured to receive the driving voltage of the rectifier to detect the selected dimming level and drive a plurality of light emitting diode groups depending on the detected dimming level, and a bleeder circuit configured to provide a bleeder current to the TRIAC dimmer, in which the bleeder circuit is configured to provide the bleeder current only for a preset on-duty time.

Abstract: An improved power converter is disclosed.

Abstract: A traffic lamp and a method of controlling the traffic lamp based on a power signal are provided. The traffic lamp can include a controller and a light emitting element When a plurality of light emitting elements is included in the traffic lamp, each light emitting element is coupled with a separate controller. Each controller can be configured to include a predetermined light emitting timing sequence for the corresponding light emitting element. When the power signal is supplied to the traffic lamp, each controller determines a power signal characteristic such as a frequency or a period of the power signal and controls a light output of the light emitting element: based on the power signal characteristic and the light emitting timing sequence. A plurality of light emitting elements can be synchronized using the power signal applied to the traffic lamp.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for optical communication is disclosed. An optical sub-assembly and optical platform may form the apparatus. Lasers contained in the hermetically sealed optical sub-assembly can be coupled to a modulator on the optical platform. The optical modulator can access an optical network using beams of light sent from the laser.

Abstract: A gas filled detector shell for the detection of high energy transmissions, including microwaves, lasers, electromagnetic signals, RF waves, radiation, and/or other transmissions emitted by a source including a weapon system. The shell may also be used as a safety device to warn and alert personnel working around high energy devices of electromagnetic leaks. In one embodiment, the shell is made of a substance that detects or senses energy transmission.

Abstract: A lighting device is provided. The lighting device includes a switch-mode power supply module, an electronic ballast power supply module, a first single-pole double-throw switch, a second single-pole double-throw switch, a third single-pole double-throw switch, a fourth single-pole double-throw switch, and a direct-current driven lighting module. The lighting device is connected with the ballast, one input of the ballast is connected to an AC power supply. The switch-mode power supply module and the electronic ballast power supply module are used to convert AC into DC. The common end of four single-pole double-throw switch is connected with the ballast. When the ballast is an inductive ballast, the common end of four single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the input of the switch-mode power supply module. When the ballast is the electronic ballast, the common end of four single-pole double-throw switch is connected to the output of the electronic ballast power modules.

Abstract: In a method for extinguishing an arc in a gas discharge chamber in which power is supplied to a gas discharge chamber and in which both with a current flow in a first direction and with a current flow in a second inverse direction there is produced a gas discharge, when an arc is identified, the power supply to the gas discharge chamber is interrupted, and residual energy which is in a supply line to the gas discharge chamber and/or in the gas discharge chamber is supplied to an energy store.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an active bleeder circuit capable of triggering a tri-electrode AC switch (TRIAC) circuit in all phase. The active bleeder circuit receives a rectified signal having an OFF phase and an ON phase. The active bleeder includes: a detection circuit for generating a detection signal according to the rectified signal and accumulating the detection signal in the OFF phase of the rectified signal; and a current sinker circuit coupled to the detection circuit, for generates a latching current to trigger the TRIAC circuit by operating a switch when the detection signal exceeds a predetermined level. The present invention also discloses a light emitting device power supply circuit and a TRIAC control method using the active bleeder circuit.

Abstract: A method for using an electronic ballast circuit configured to operate a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp. Multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) are attached to the current output of the electronic ballast circuit, and current is driven from the current output to light said LEDs. Optionally, prior to driving current through the LEDs, the impedance of the current output is sensed; and the current is driven through the LEDs to light the LEDs upon detection of an impedance significantly lower than an impedance characteristic of the HID lamp. Ignition appropriate to ignite the high intensity discharge is not performed when LEDS are attached to the current output. Alternatively, a signal is provided to disconnect the LEDs during a high voltage output for ignition of the high intensity discharge (HID) lamp.

Abstract: In one embodiment an electrical circuit for use as a string of lights includes a load comprising a plurality of lamps connected in series, the lamps comprising a first group of lamps including an LED and a first Zener diode in parallel therewith, and a second group of lamps including an incandescent light bulb and a second Zener diode in parallel therewith; and a rectifier for converting a source of AC into DC which is supplied to the load. The first group of lamps are alternate with the second group of lamps.

Abstract: An apparatus for radiating an object with UV-radiation, the apparatus comprises a series arrangement of an incandescent lamp (LA1) and a gas discharge UV lamp (L2) which generates at least UV light. The series arrangement is arranged for receiving current (IP) from an AC power source (PS). A filament of the incandescent lamp (LA1) forms a ballast for the gas discharge UV lamp (LA2). A HF generator (OSC) generates a generator current (IOSC) through the gas discharge UV lamp (LA2), at least when an AC-voltage (VM) generated by the AC power source (PS) is lower than an ignition voltage of the gas discharge UV lamp (LA2), to keep the gas discharge UV lamp (LA2) ionized.

Abstract: An LED arrangement which produces a color temperature adjustable white light. The LED arrangement includes one or more white LEDs and a first drive circuit operable to supply a first drive current to the one or more white LEDs such that a white light is output at a desired intensity. The LED arrangement further includes one or more colored LEDs arranged such that a light output from the one or more colored LEDs combines with the white light to produce a resultant light having a desired color temperature. The colored LEDs are driven by a second drive circuit which supplies a second drive current to the one or more colored LEDs such that a colored light is output at a desired intensity, the intensity of the colored light output from the one or more colored LEDs being adjustable so as to adjust the color temperature of the resultant light.

Abstract: A string of electrically powered ornaments such as lights connected in a series and sequentially identifiable indicia is applied sequentially in association with each ornament in the string to enable a person to trace the string for testing each ornament.

Abstract: An electric series circuit with plural loads such as light bulbs connected in series and plural solid state switching devices, with each switching device connected in parallel with one of the loads. Each switching device conducts current when the load that it is connected in parallel with does not conduct current because the load is burned out. The solid state switching means may be any device with a breakthrough voltage which is high enough that it does not conduct when all of the loads conduct current normally. When one of the loads is burned out, that load does not conduct current and the entire line voltage appears across the switching means in parallel with the burned out load. The switching means breaks down. Accordingly, the switching means conducts current and current flows to the remaining loads. Accordingly, the remaining light bulbs in a string of light bulbs continue to light. The burned out load may be immediately detected and replaced. The switching means may be a sidac.

Abstract: A lighting system using a 120 volt AC power source and including within a single enclosure a low wattage fluorescent lamp and a low wattage incandescent lamp. The fluorescent lamp provides an efficient light source operating at a low voltage and low wattage, but providing a relatively bright light. The incandescent lamp may be used to provide a more traditional night light having a lower light output than that which is produced by the flourescent lamp. Either the fluorescent lamp or the incandescent lamp is selected by a switch. To obtain the low voltage required by the incandescent lamp, a resistor is placed in parallel with a capacitor to provide a small voltage drop, e.g., from 120 volts to 115 volts. In this configuration, due to the charging and discharging of the capacitor as the current alternates and discharges through the resistance of the incandescent lamp, a relatively low voltage and current pass through the incandescent lamp.

Abstract: A mobile decorative part of a Christmas tree ornament is orbited around a stationary decorative part by an electrical motor locked onto the stationary decorative part.

Abstract: Red LEDs having sufficient brightness and efficiency are employed for a bicycle tail lamp. A xenon strobe provides extended visibility over the steady red LED beam, identifiable as a vehicle tail lamp; dispersed high intensity flashes of the strobe may be seen directly or observed as reflections from the surroundings. The flash is powered from the difference between the supply potential and that required by the LEDs so the current through the LEDs is controlled without wasting power or adding unproductive circuitry. These elements are located in a retro-reflector similar to that in common use on bicycles to form a warning device that is small, easy to mount, with an uncomplicated electrical hookup; a simplified parallel connection scheme needs only a single wire in addition to the metal bicycle frame. The system has the rechargeable battery and the generator substantially in parallel; generator power is used when the bicycle is in motion and battery power when stopped.

Abstract: There is provided a luminaire primarily for use with exit signs and other emergency-type lighting comprising a series string of low-voltage, extremely long-life bulbs positioned within an enclosure for protection and electrically connected to a standard base whereby luminaires having lives of 10 to 30 years may replace standard bulbs without the requirement of retrofitting.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the an electric motor of very small size which is adapted to plug into a lamp socket of a string-set of series connected decorative incandescent lamps so as to utilize the output of the motor to rotate ornaments and like devices. A particular electrical motor of unique design and geared output is shown.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for an electric discharge lamp includes a lighting ballast capacitor connected in series to an electric dicharge lamp for stabilizing a lighting current to the lamp; a preheating ballast capacitor connected in parallel to the lamp for supplying a preheating electric power to the lamp; electric power supply including an output transformer for supplying an electric power to the lighting ballast capacitor; a control electric power supply circuit for obtaining a control electric power through the lighting ballast capacitor and discharge lamp or the preheating ballast capacitor without adding a stepdown transformer or a resistive element for voltage drop; and an oscillator which receives the control electric power from the control power supply circuit and controls the electric power supply. With this lighting apparatus, the electric power loss is made small and the miniaturization of the apparatus can be realized.

Abstract: A decorative device is disclosed which includes a motor, music module or other electrical loads and electrical circuitry and a connector for connection to a selected socket of a string of conventional sockets for connection to an A.C. line. The connector includes an elongated flexible cable and is constructed to permit ready installation and positioning. Lamps may be provided in the device. The electrical circuit includes a bridge rectifier and Zener diodes connected to insure continuous energization of lamps of the string while protecting against excessive voltages and minimizing safety hazards.

Abstract: A ballast circuit arrangement for providing a predetermined desired A.C. voltage to enhance the operation of the gas discharge tube serving as the main light source in a lighting unit of the type which also comprises an incandescent filament serving as a resistive element and a supplementary light source is disclosed. The circuit arrangement operates directly from an applied 220 volt, 50 Hz or 120 volt, 60 Hz alternating current (A.C.) voltage source. The circuit arrangement comprises a capacitor connected serially with both the incandescent filament and the gas discharge tube. If desired, the incandescent filament may be replaced with a resistive element. The value of the capacitor is selected so as to reduce the applied 220 volt, 50 Hz or 120 volt, 60 Hz A.C. source to a desired range for operating the circuit in a manner to develop a desired reduced voltage for operation of the gas discharge tube.

Abstract: Ballast circuits for a gas discharge tube are disclosed. One embodiment of a single-phase non-inductive ballast for operation of a gas discharge tube by direct current (D.C.) using a resistive current-limiting means and a relatively small capacitor is disclosed. The D.C. ballast circuit generates a timed pulse addition (TPA). The D.C. ballast circuit includes an arrangement of switching means which controls the discharge of a capacitive energy storage means so as to supply the reignition and the restrike energy in the form of timed pulse additions (TPA) that may be needed for the gas discharge tube. Other embodiments are disclosed for the ballast circuit which operate directly from the A.C. line and control the discharge of a capacitive storage means to supply reignition and restrike energy in the form of timed pulse additions (TPA) that may be needed for the gas discharge tube.

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: Apparatus for use with a fluorescent lamp having a longitudinal axis and a filament winding at each end includes a pair of terminals formed for connection to a potential source with means for connecting one of the terminals to a filament winding, an incandescent lamp coupling the other terminal to the filament winding at the other end of the fluorescent lamp, a starting aid extending along the longitudinal axis of the fluorescent lamp and an impedance coupling the starting aid to the junction of the incandescent lamp and a filament winding of the fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: An energy efficient lighting unit is described designed for functional similarity to the incandescent light used in the home. The lighting unit utilizes a metal vapor arc lamp as the main source of light supplemented by a standby filamentary light source. The lighting unit includes means for converting 60 hertz ac to dc, and a dc energized operating network containing a three transistor switch. The transistor switch is used to provide dc and low frequency (120 Hz) energization to the filament, and high frequency energization for both filament and arc lamp. The high frequency energization, which starts and transitions the arc lamp, is discontinued after the arc lamp is started. In the final run state, the arc lamp, which is serially connected with the filament across the dc supply, is ballasted by the filament. The transistor switch is controlled in its operation by an integrated circuit.

Abstract: Unitary light source comprises compact HID lamp and starting and operating circuit therefor operable from household AC energizing potential. The HID lamp is ballasted by incandescent filament means which also provides the major portion of developed light during HID warm up and after power interruption. The ballast filament and input terminals of a full-wave rectifier connect in series across the light source input terminals and the HID lamp connects across the rectifier output. A low-impedance path means and high-voltage pulse generator, which includes a high-voltage electrode operatively associated with the HID lamp, connect across the rectifier input. Initially, the voltage developed across the rectifier input is relatively high and the pulse generator and low-impedance path means are responsive thereto to devleop high voltage pulses and also provide a low impedance path in series with the ballast filament to cause it to incandesce brightly.

Abstract: In a blended lamp, an incandescent filament and a high-pressure discharge tube are arranged electrically in series. The filament forms part of a halogen incandescent lamp and the discharge tube contains a sodium amalgam which is very high in mercury. A relatively high lumen per Watt-value is thereby combined with an acceptable color of the light.

Abstract: A solid-state electronic ballast circuit for supplying direct-current power to an electric discharge vapor lamp is disclosed. The source-drain channel of a Vertical Metal Oxide Semiconductor (VMOS) Field Effect Transistor (FET) is connected in parallel with a fixed ballast resistor, the parallel combination being connected in series with the lamp across a DC source. A resistance network controls the conductivity of a bipolar transistor, which in turn controls the conductivity of the VMOS channel, in response to variations in both lamp voltage and current. The ballast circuit may be manufactured as a part of the lamp bulb assembly, the ballast resistor taking the form of an incandescent lamp filament mounted in the same outer bulb with the vapor lamp arc tube. A variable resistance may be employed to manually adjust the level of illumination delivered by the lamp, or a light-sensitive phototransistor may be employed to deliver constant illumination.

Abstract: A fluorescent lighting device which includes a preheating type fluorescent discharge tube and as the ballast thereof an incandescent bulb. The fluorescent lighting device is ignited by the use of a pulse transformer and a neon tube. A semiconductor element may be used in place of the neon tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixed light lamp arrangement intended to be connected to an a.c. power supply. The lamp arrangement comprises a rectifier bridge having output terminals interconnected by the mixed light combination consisting of a series arrangement of an incandescent filament and a discharge tube. The series arrangement is shunted by a branch comprising a capacitor and an anti-parallel arrangement of a diode and a thyristor with the thyristor being rendered conductive just prior to the end of each half cycle of the a.c. power supply. This results in a mixed light lamp wherein the capacitance of the capacitor can have a relatively low value and the luminous efficacy can be relatively high.

Abstract: Ballasting for a fluorescent lamp is provided by one or more incandescent lamps connected in series between the line voltage source and the fluorescent lamp. Lamp operation is initiated by a triggering pulse applied to a conductive member placed adjacent the fluorescent lamp. In one embodiment, a plurality of incandescent lamps are connected in parallel and are selectively gated into the circuit depending upon exposure requirements for the lamp.

Abstract: A lamp assembly (10) comprises a base plate (12) having both an incandescent bulb (18) and a fluorescent bulb (16) affixed thereto. The incandescent bulb (18) acts as ballast and light source. A glow switch (26) and capacitor (27) act as starter and are contained within the base plate (12) or socket means (14). A starting aid (24) is impedance coupled into the series filament network.

Abstract: An engine rpm sensor utilizes a gas filled lamp for connection to a circu including an engine ignition system and a spark plug. A light pipe is exposed to the lamp and couples an optical signal each time a spark plug is fired to a remote location for utilization in a display or indicating device.

Abstract: A safe "phantom" lamp structure for replacing a fluorescent lamp in a two-lamp series circuit connected fluorescent fixture which permits the remaining lamp of the two-lamp fixture to operate. The structure includes, in different embodiments, one or more magnetically or thermally actuated switches which must be closed for completion of the phantom lamp circuit and the switches are closed only after connection of both ends of the phantom lamp to the appropriate fixture sockets.

Abstract: A combination incandescent/fluorescent lighting system is shown that gives an efficient, high quality light. An incandescent lamp in series with the fluorescent lamp is used as a ballast. An auxiliary starting circuit is used to create a high voltage for starting circuit flow through the fluorescent lamp. After current flow through the fluorescent lamp has started, the auxiliary circuit has essentially no effect on the remaining operation of the lighting system. A reversing switch for the fluorescent lamp is operable with an ON/OFF switch for reversing current flow through the fluorescent lamp each time the lighting system is cycled through ON/OFF. This prevents the light inside of the fluorescent lamp from migrating to one end thereof. The circuit is designed for efficient operation from an auxiliary source of power, such as the wind or sun, either singularly or in combination with a standard AC power source.

Abstract: A device for replacing a fluorescent lamp in a two lamp serially connected fluorescent fixture either of the type which includes a rapid-start type transformer for every two rapid-start fluorescent lamps or an instant start fixture for every two instant start lamps. By placing the device in the fixture in place of one of the two lamps the remaining lamp is energizable to provide illumination, whereas without the device the remaining lamp is inactive.

Abstract: A main capacitor is connected across a series combination of a flash discharge lamp and a thyristor to flash the flash discharge lamp through the thyristor in its ON state. A commutation circuit connected to the thyristor includes a commutation capacitor and another thyristor turned on upon a flashing light from the flash discharge lamp reaching a predetermined magnitude. When turned on, the latter thyristor permits the commutation capacitor to supply a reverse voltage to the first thyristor to turn it off. A semiconductor diode is connected between the commutation capacitor and the first thyristor to prevent that capacitor from applying a forward voltage to the first thyristor.

Abstract: A decorative device is disclosed which includes 9 .Iadd.an electromechanical device, .Iaddend.music module or .[.other electrical loads.]. .Iadd.combinations of such devices .Iaddend. and electrical circuitry and a connector for connection to a selected socket of a string of conventional sockets for connection to an A.C. line. The connector includes an elongated flexible cable and is constructed to permit ready installation and positioning. Lamps may be provided in the device. The electrical circuit .Iadd.optionally .Iaddend.includes a bridge rectifier and Zener diodes connected to insure continuous energization of lamps of the string while protecting against excessive voltages and minimizing safety hazards.