Abstract: A non-light emitting protecting device is adapted to be used with a string of lamp sockets that connect electrically a plurality of lamps in series. The protecting device includes a shell, and a conductor circuit encapsulated by the shell. The shell has a size and shape corresponding to the lamps so as to be adapted to be mounted in any one of the lamp sockets. The conductor circuit has two terminals, and a rated circuit connected between the terminals. Each of the terminals has a free end that extends outwardly of the shell and that is adapted to be connected in series with the lamps when the shell is mounted in one of the lamp sockets. The rated circuit is capable of breaking electrical connection between the terminals when current flowing therethrough exceeds a predetermined rated current.

Abstract: A light socket is disclosed that has a built-in integrated circuit for rectifying the alternating current received from an electrical outlet and limiting the direct current produced. The light socket is specifically suited for low-current, low-voltage applications such as supplying DC to a string of ornamental lights. The integrated circuit has a diode with a modified cathode that acts as a fuse as it is rectifying the alternating current. The cathode is formed of a plurality of electrically parallel conductors. Excessive current blows out at least some of these conductors in the same way a conventional fuse blows. Various embodiments add other current-limiting elements, elements for producing full wave or near will wave rectification, and for opening the circuit when they detect extraneous currents.

Abstract: A three-wire Christmas flashing control lamp includes a filament, a bimetal plate, and three conductive poles installed in the lamp. Three conductive wires are extended from the bottom end of the lamp. The lamp is mounted on a lamp base and then received by a lamp holder. The three-wire Christmas flashing control lamp is used to control the switching operation of a Christmas light string to further control the flickering effect of the light string.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling a decorative light string by using a number of three-wire flashing control lamps is disclosed. In the circuit, a common contact of latter switching type three-wire flashing control lamp is connected to a normal open contact of former three-wire flashing control lamp. A normal closed contact of each three-wire flashing control lamps is connected with a light string including a plurality of regular lamps electrically connected in series. A two-wire flashing control lamp is further connected between the normal open contact of one of the switching type three-wire flashing control lamp and the light string connected thereto.

Abstract: A string set of series-connected incandescent bulbs adapted to being connected to a source of alternating-current operating potential and in which all of the bulb filaments in the set are individually provided with a non-avalanche shunt circuit which substantially maintains the rated voltage of the bulb across each of the bulb sockets whether or not an operative bulb occupies its respective socket and whereby the illumination of each remaining operative bulb continues to be substantially unchanged and substantially the same rated current continues to flow through said string set despite the absence of a plurality of bulbs from their respective sockets.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for emitting light signals in a road traffic systems. A plurality of LEDs for emitting colored light are supplied with an a.c. voltage. The LEDs are arranged in two groups of LEDs which are connected antiparallel to one another. Two respective LEDs of the two groups are disposed together in a housing and the groups are cross-connected to form a multiply redundant matrix. An intrinsically safe signal transmitter configuration is provided that is simple and can easily be monitored.

Abstract: A wax candle simulation device with random flicker electric circuitry, comprising at least two miniature light bulbs mechanically vertically closely arranged with the filaments therein arranged at an angle. The bulbs are contained within a flame shaped translucent housing and are connected to an electrical circuitry comprising two transistors, with one driving the other (inverter) with an external control and a switch between them set by resistor values. Additional resistors slow down light bulb shut down and the filaments are constantly pre-heated with a slow cool down, whereby the transition between the lighting of the light bulbs is very gradual. A single counter IC, creates the external driver circuitry with a portion of the IC providing a low stability oscillator and another portion operating as a counter with outputs connected to resistors. The other ends of the resistors are parallel and connected to the inverter.

Abstract: An assembly structure for a Christmas light string controller includes a top cover, a bottom cover and a controlling switch. The bottom cover defines therein an interior space for receiving a first and second circuit boards. The top face of the first circuit board is substantially flush with the top edge of the bottom cover. The second circuit board is perpendicularly received in the interior space of the bottom cover and the top end of the second circuit board is connected with the first circuit board. The controlling switch is positioned above a contact area of the first circuit board. By means of operating the controlling switch, an actuating signal is sent to the conductive wires for controlling the flickering of the Christmas light string.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for simulating moving lights using nonmoving lights. A row or column of lights, such as LCDs or LEDs, are each controlled by a processor so as to switch each light at a relatively rapid rate, sufficiently rapid so that the light appears on but at only partial brightness. The apparent intensity for each light is controlled by the processor by controlling the duty cycle of each light. This allows the processor to present an illusion of fade-in at a leading edge of a picture element, and to present an illusion of fade-out at a trailing edge of the picture element.

Abstract: A light socket is disclosed that has a built-in integrated circuit for rectifying the alternating current received from an electrical outlet and limiting the direct current produced. The light socket is specifically suited for low-current, low-voltage applications such as supplying DC to a string of ornamental lights. The integrated circuit has a diode with a modified cathode that acts as a fuse as it is rectifying the alternating current. The cathode is formed of a plurality of electrically parallel conductors. Excessive current blows out at least some of these conductors in the same way a conventional fuse blows. Various embodiments add other current-limiting elements, elements for producing full wave or near full wave rectification, and for opening the circuit when they detect extraneous currents.

Abstract: A structure is provided which is used for a rectangularly arrayed miniature light bulb series. The structure includes a first controller (3) which regulates and controls the current in a first light bulb string (1). A second controller (4) regulates and controls the current in a second light bulb string (2). The first and second light bulb strings (1) and (2) are joined in series by a first connecting conductive wire (5) and the second controller is in electrical communication with the first light bulb string (1) through a second connecting conductive wire (6). In this manner, light bulbs in light strings (1) and (2) may be coordinated with each other.

Abstract: A power distribution system in which the loads are connected in series to a current source. At each load, a current source to voltage source convertor provides alternative current paths. A serial power distribution current path includes a modulated switch (e.g. a pulse width modulated switch) to control the amount of power delivered to the load via a load current path. The load current path includes a diode which couples a capacitor across the switch, providing a semi-regulated voltage input to a d.c. to d.c. convertor connected across the capacitor. The d.c. to d.c. convertor provides a regulated output voltage, which is connected to the load. The control circuit for modulating the opening and closing of the switch is connected in parallel across the capacitor.

Abstract: A high pressure sodium discharge lamp includes first and second discharge devices electrically connected in series within an outer envelope. The discharge devices each include a discharge vessel enclosing a discharge space with an ionizable fill and first and second discharge electrode assemblies. The first discharge electrode assemblies of the discharge devices are connected so as to receive a starting pulse and lamp operating voltage. Each discharge vessel includes a first wall portion spaced from the first discharge electrode assembly and defining an ionizable gap therebetween. A conductive element bridges the discharge devices at the first wall portions and capacitively couples the first discharge electrode assemblies to induce ionization in one of the discharge devices in the ionizable gap between the first wall portion and first discharge electrode assembly.

Abstract: A flicker light string suitable for unlimited series-connection, each light string including a driver and a plurality of series-connected lamps. The driver has an input end connected to an independent external power supply and a trigger circuit. The trigger circuit has an output end connected to the series-connected lamps and a trigger end reserved for connection to an external cord for acquiring an oscillatory signal to control the continuity and interruption of the trigger circuit, so that the light string can flicker with the oscillatory signal. Multiple units of the flicker light string can be serially connected to form an unlimited extending flicker light string, and all the connected light strings can flicker synchronously without the risk of being overloaded or overheated.

Abstract: A Christmas tree ornamental lighting system is provided having a light strand combining primary lights and secondary lights, which illuminate in unison. A first illuminating component, represents a prearranged decorative pattern object and is coupled to a primary light and is illuminated, when the primary light is in a not illuminated state, and does not illuminate, when the primary light illuminates. A temperature switching function of the primary light is used to switch between the illuminate and non-illuminate states. A second illumination component, which also represents a prearranged pattern, is coupled to a secondary light and illuminates in synchronism with a respective secondary light. The lighting system achieves an enriched visual effect by taking advantage of the illuminate and non-illuminate states of the primary and secondary lights and first and second illuminating components, and various transitions between them.

Abstract: A retrofit lamp having light emissive diodes, and more particularly, to a retrofittable lamp configured as a standard incandescent lamp which can be used effectively in illuminated signs, such as an exit sign, for operation on each cycle of A/C voltage applied. The newly designed solid-state lamp features a base that can be rotated, approximately 160 degrees, to allow for the optimal positioning of the LED array to maximize the light intensity directed toward the illuminated area.

Abstract: A current consumption control system for controlling the current draw of an electric power-consuming device, e.g., a modular strip lighting unit for a lighting system including at least one said unit, in which the strip lighting unit includes at least one light source element operatively coupled to a lighting circuit. The lighting circuit may illustratively comprise at least one pair of primary conduction lines connectable to a voltage source, and coupled in electrical circuit relationship with a current regulating circuit. The current regulating circuit includes an operational amplifier which is coupled with the primary conduction lines to generate a reference voltage, and which is coupled with positve and negative current input lines, with at least one power-consuming device coupled to the current output of the operational amplifier, and to the negative current input line.

Abstract: A flashing lantern (11) capable of emitting light through a 360-degree arc using LEDs as a light source is disclosed. The lantern comprises an array of LEDs (15) positioned in a substantially horizontal plane. An inverted conical reflector (19) is positioned above the array of LEDs (15) such that the apex of the reflector is pointed toward the array of LEDs (15). A fresnel-type lens (17) is positioned around the array of LEDs (15) and the conical reflector (19).

Abstract: A plurality of LEDs are divided into multiple groups with the LEDs in each group being connected in series and being driven by a single current source. A region to be illuminated is divided into many areas with no spacing between adjacent ones of the areas. The LEDs in each group are positioned in different areas such that each area includes many LEDs from different groups. If one of the current sources and/or one of the LEDs of one group breaks down, the broken current source and/or LED does not affect the current sources and/or LEDs of the other groups.

Abstract: A light emitting diode array mounted on a printed circuit board is provided with capacitive means to reduce voltage, mounted in a glass tube and provided with a standard candelabra or other base for insertion into a light socket in a slim line exit or other sign. In a preferred embodiment the circuit board is rotatable relative to the metal base so as to facilitate maximum light emission from the sign.

Abstract: An improved LED lamp construction is disclosed having a plurality of LEDs electrically interconnected and mounted upon opposed rounded surfaces formed at one end of the lamp body. The opposed rounded surfaces comprise a substantially semi-spherical lamp head concavely open at the upper end of the lamp and a cover similar in curvature to the head and fixed across the open end thereof in a convex position relative thereto. The LEDs are arranged in multiple series groups connected in parallel and disposed circumferentially along the rounded surfaces so as to project radially therefrom in substantially all directions. The LEDs are electrically and mechanically connected to a conventional screw-type base at the opposite end of the lamp body through an intermediate stem. Depending upon the nature and level of the power source being provided to the screw-type base, the stem may-house a conventional regulator circuit intended to convert an applied level of A.C. voltage to a relatively low D.C.

Abstract: A power supply is plugged into an ordinary household electrical outlet and conditionally provides a high frequency current at a power receptacle operative to receive the power plug of an ordinary table lamp; which table lamp has a special fluorescent lamp screwed into its lamp socket. Provided the special fluorescent lamp is indeed screwed into the lamp socket, and provided the lamp's switch is in its ON position, the power supply does in fact supply high frequency current from its power receptacle; which high frequency current powers the special fluorescent lamp at a nominal power level, thereby to provide for high-efficacy luminous output. A storage battery contained within the power supply is kept fully charged by current derived from the power line voltage normally present at the electrical outlet and functions such as to cause high frequency current to be supplied from the output receptacle even if the power line voltage were to be disrupted.

Abstract: Circuitry is disclosed for operating with no stroboscopic effects at least three fluorescent lamps connected to a single source of single phase alternating voltage. In order to suppress the stroboscopic effects, the first lamp circuit (1) is connected in the usual way to both conductors (S;Mp) of the source of single phase alternating voltage; a series oscillating circuit (4) composed of an inductive resistor (L) and a capacitor(C) is arranged in parallel to the first lamp circuit; the second lamp circuit (2) is connected between a conductor (S) of the source of single phase alternating voltage the point of connection (Vp) between the inductive resistor (L) and the capacitor of the series oscillating circuit (4); and the third lamp circuit (3) is connected between said point of connection (Vp) and the other conductor (Mp) of the source of single phase voltage.

Abstract: A flashing lamp set includes a plurality of gas-filled filament bulbs (101) having respective rise-time constants which are different from each other, thereby providing different thermo-optical effects. When power is supplied, the lamps are illuminated in sequence for security purposes or for a decorative effect.

Abstract: An enhanced method and apparatus for driving an immersed flashing light system used for enhancing algae growth is disclosed. The flashing light system includes a plurality of light source elements that are arranged to illuminate the algae. The light source elements are electrically connected to form ".eta." banks of light source elements. Power is supplied to each bank of light sources in a predetermined sequence at regular intervals to substantially evenly supply each bank of light source elements with a series of power pulses while maintaining a substantially continuous load on the power supply. The power pulses are substantially half cycles of a square wave.

Abstract: An emergency lighting system for providing low voltage DC battery powered illumination to one or more areas of a home, apartment, office or other building structure in an emergency mode upon the failure or termination in such areas of a normal AC power mode. The system includes a voltage step-down transformer with the leads of its primary winding interconnected to a normal AC power source and forming therewith an AC circuit. A power rectifier has its input leads interconnected to the terminals of the low AC voltage secondary winding of the transformer and its DC voltage output leads interconnected to the terminals of an emergency battery power source. One or more low voltage incandescent lamps are interconnected to the terminals of the battery and form therewith an emergency DC circuit.

Abstract: A programmable lighting control system for decorative, artistic, and Christmas lighting applications, includes a plurality of outlet receptacles for connection thereto of series or parallel connected Christmas tree lighting strings or the like, a plurality of associated output select switches to individually select a lighting condition signal for each respective outlet receptacle, timing and control circuitry to generate a plurality of lighting condition signals that are applied to solid-state switching devices to drive the outlet receptacles, an output timing phase synchronization feature initiated at user discretion to synchronize the timing phase of each of the plurality of lighting condition signals, and a memory function to retain the last programmed lighting display conditions of user-selected, entirely unique lighting patterns when using a plurality of lighting strings.

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: A field lighting network providing for individual control of the light fittings while reducing overall cable costs. A converter unit converts a supply voltage obtained from an A.C. main to a substantially constant current in a Boucherot circuit with a series resonance circuit, tuned to the main frequency. The converter unit includes a Boucherot circuit having a series resonance circuit, substantially tuned on the main frequency, and an additional inductance in series with a load connected to the converter unit. A regulator unit supplied with current couples to each fitting or group of fittings for individual regulation of the current passing through the respective lamp or lamps. Each regulator unit is disposed to receive control information on the power cable.

Abstract: An improved display bias arrangement is provided using a DC filament voltage in conjunction with stepped grid voltages to maintain even illumination. In a VF display there is a directly heated cathode (filament), an anode and a grid. If a DC filament voltage is used, one end of the cathode will be at different potential than the other, thus resulting in a variation in anode-to-cathode potential across the display. This varying potential causes electrons to hit the anode with varying speed, causing a variation in display intensity. In this invention, the cathode (filament) is supplied with a DC voltage and the grid of each segment is supplied with a different voltage, thereby equalizing the anode-to-cathode potential for each display digit. In a first embodiment, resistor networks are used to equalize the anode-to-cathode voltages. In a second embodiment, diode networks are used to equalize the anode-to-cathode voltages.

Abstract: An LED light source with readily adjustable luminous energy including LED chips is disclosed. A resistor device is provided in order to control the current flowing in LED chips for reducing variance of luminous energy. The resistor device includes a plurality of resistors arranged in parallel, and a plurality of fuses connected in series with the respective resistors. In order to obtain the desired resistance value of the resistor device, the fuses connected to unnecessary resistors in series are burnt out by applying an excess current to the fuses thereby omitting a bonding process of the resistors or the like.

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: A control device for varying the current flow through a load includes a power supply, a function generator connected to the power source and producing at least one output signal of triangular waveform, and power switching units for modulating the current flow through the load in dependence on the triangular output signal of the function generator so as to attain a smooth fading-in and fading-out effect.

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: An elongated, bendable lamp is disclosed having at one of the ends a conventional lamp control switch. By means of the control exerted by the lamp control switch, a series of lamp operations, such as the unified switching on or off, twinkling, or a slow or quick interval switching on or off of the lamp in a forward or reverse direction can be conducted. The body of the lamp can be lengthened or shortened as desired by attaching other lamps or by cutting the lamp body.

Abstract: A light emitting diode lamp that operates directly from an AC input. The lamp has an even number of light emitting diodes that are disposed on a cylindrical cluster plate. The diodes are separated into two halves that are conductable in opposite electrical directions. The two halves of diodes are connected at two terminals. The diodes are arranged in a circular configuration near the edge of the circular cluster plate. Leads are connected to the terminals. The leads extend toward the center of the circular configuration and extend through the cluster plate. A modifying resistor is connected between one lead and an end terminal of a lamp housing. The other lead is connected to a base terminal of the lamp housing.

Abstract: A power circuit for N series connected loads according to the present invention includes N transformers having primary windings connected in series across a constant current AC source and secondary windings connected in series with the N loads. N-1 conductors are coupled from a junction between the loads to a corresponding junction between the secondary windings. Failure of one of the loads resulting in an open circuit will not interrupt power to the remaining loads.

Abstract: An attachment is provided for connection in fluorescent lamp circuits for reducing power consumption. The attachment is particularly designed for use with fluorescent lamp circuits having an encapsulated ballast including a transformer and capacitance. The attachment includes an isolation transformer with a capacitor and a resistor connected across the transformer, and an inductance connected in line with the primary of the ballast transformer with a resettable thermal switch connected to shut down the ballast transformer in response to high current overload conditions, and a surge voltage protection circuit connected through the thermal switch to shut down the ballast in response to a ballast power factor capacitor failure. The ballast and power reducer cooperate to produce a substantially square wave output resulting in increased system efficacy, reduced lamp lumen depreciation, and increased lamp life.

Abstract: The electric lamp for series arrangement comprises at least one current-supply wire of nickel wire, copper wire or copper cladded wire. A shortcircuit switch is provided, which consists of a vitreous mass, in which copper powder is dispersed and which is fused with the current-supply wires, and of an oxide skin, which is present on the said current-supply wire at the sealing-in area in the mass. The vitreous mass is electrically conducting. An electrical connection between the current-supply wires is not obtained, however, until the filament burns through and the oxide skin breaks down due to the overvoltage then occurring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure discharge lamp comprising an outer bulb accommodating a first and a second discharge vessel, these discharge vessels being connected electrically in series. According to the invention, the second discharge vessel is electrically shunted by a bimetal switch which is closed at a temperature of at least 300 K. The lamp thus starts in two steps, which facilitates the starting process and renders it more reliable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light-emitting diode lamp having a printed circuit board which is arranged inside a glass bulb having a base at an end thereof, via a stem and stays. A plurality of light-emitting diodes are mounted on the printed circuit board, a current being supplied to the light-emitting diodes through a series resistor. The series resistor has an annular shape and is fitted around the stem, so that a conventional lower-voltage LED lamp can be upgraded to a 100-V LED lamp.

Abstract: A low pressure gas discharge lamp ballast circuit is provided for three series-connected low energy gas discharge lamps, in which a first starting capacitor provides a starting voltage to one of the lamps, and a second starting capacitor provides a starting voltage to a second one of the lamps in sequence, so that the ballast losses can be minimized by reducing the ratio of the voltage applied across the three lamp system to the total lamp voltage, while still maintaining the light output and not having to use expensive lamp bases and lampholders.

Abstract: In order to prolong the life of incandescent electric light bulbs, an arrangement is provided which consists of two bulbs, one of which constitutes a resistance for the second one.The lamp holder which accommodates the two bulbs comprises two sockets into each of which the base of one bulb is inserted, the two sockets being interconnected in series.

Abstract: Two or more fluorescent lamps having a total length of about 96 inches and each having a diameter of one and a half inches and consuming less than 10 watts power per foot of length are connected in electrical series combination, one cathode of each lamp being connected to that of another lamp. An end of each remaining cathode of the combination is respectively connected to one of a pair of input electrical power terminals for a 50 or 60 hertz a-c line voltage in the range of 200 to 300 volts, one of the latter connections being via a ballast inductor. A starter switch is connected across the other ends of the remaining cathodes, and a secondary winding on the ballast inductor is connected across the interconnected cathodes. The lamp designs are specified such that they will start and operate in the circuit from the a-c line voltage.

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 frequency stabilized automatic gain controlled ballast system (10) which is coupled to a power source (12) in order to operate at least one of a pair of gas discharge tubes (40 and 40'). Each of the gas discharge tubes (40, 40') include respective filaments (42, 44 and 42', 44'). A frequency control circuit (11) is coupled to the power source (12) and includes a frequency control transformer (43) and a frequency control capacitor (50) for establishing a constant oscillation signal at a predetermined frequency. A switching network (13) is connected to the frequency control circuit (11) for establishing a pulsating current responsive to the constant oscillation signal of predetermined frequency. Induction circuitry (15) is coupled to the switching network (13) and the frequency control circuit (11) and includes an inverter transformer (78) as well as coupling capacitors (86 and 88) for generating a voltage across the gas discharge tubes (40 and 40').

Abstract: An electronic ballast for energizing fluorescent lamps comprising a converter including a rectifier and a filter for converting an alternating source voltage into a direct current voltage, a network including first and second switching transistors, a tank circuit having a primary winding of a transformer, a secondary winding of the transformer for providing feedback of a portion of the voltage developed across the tank circuits and a bias circuit coupled between the opposite ends of the secondary winding and the emitters of the transistor for alternatively applying bias to the transistors, the network serving to convert a direct current voltage into an amplified sinusoidal voltage having a high frequency, and fluorescent lamps connected in a series configuration coupled across the primary winding.

Abstract: An electric device comprising at least one low-pressure mercury vapor discharge tube intended to be connected to an AC voltage source at a frequency of 50 to 60 Hz. The discharge tube is of a type which produces a comparatively large current distortion and has a proportionally low required reignition voltage. The electric device produces relatively small electric losses. The discharge tube remains operative even for small deviations of the nominal AC supply voltage.

Abstract: A light source including two high intensity discharge devices, such as metal vapor discharge tubes, electrically coupled in parallel to provide fast restart and immediate illumination after a momentary power interruption. Upon application of power, one of the discharge devices starts and operates while the other discharge device remains below its maximum starting temperature and in readiness for immediate restart. The discharge devices can be enclosed by a common outer envelope. The discharge devices can alternatively be high pressure electrodeless lamps coupled in parallel to provide fast restart.

Abstract: An electronic ballast circuit for a multiple gaseous lamp load includes a feedback rectifier circuit coupled to a high frequency inverter circuit and to a DC source. The high frequency inverter circuit is also coupled to the multiple gaseous load and a variation in an alterable impedance of the feedback rectifier circuit causes a variation in power applied to the multiple gaseous load and power provided by the DC source.