Abstract: A starter circuit for a fluorescent tube lamp is connected between the cathode heaters of the tube to provide an initial heating current and then changes to a high impedance to ignite the tube. The circuit is fed by raw rectified a.c. and has a main thyristor requiring a high holding current to maintain the initial conduction. The current through the main thyristor sets up a voltage across a series diode which triggers a second thyristor to reduce the gate voltage of the main thyristor. The main thyristor ceases conduction when the current falls below the holding value and the inductive ballast impedance then produces a high energy striking pulse for the tube. The pulse voltage is limited to increase its duration. One embodiment generates a single pulse only each time the circuit is switched on and another embodiment produces pulses for a period of time before becoming quiescent. The main thyristor and the voltage limiting means are embodied in a monolithic semiconductor structure.

Abstract: This light emitting element comprises three differently colored luminous sources the excitation of which varies as a function of a signal developed by a physical phenomenon sensor, in particular a microphone. The analog signal emitted by the sensor is initially converted into a sequence of electrical pulses in a suitable converter. The leading edges of said pulses are next applied to a counter the output of which provides a coded signal which changes with the arrival of each such edge and thus determines a different state of excitation of the luminous sources. The arrangement as described enables changing the color of the element from a musical signal.

Abstract: A remotely controlled assembly (10) for controlling the electrical power to an electrical load having an electrical circuit (14) for controlling the electrical power supply to the electrical load in response to a predetermined female threadable radio signal which is supported by a housing (16) which has a receptacle contact (38) for receiving the electrical load and a male threadable contact (42) for securing the housing (16) in an electrical receptacle for receiving power.

Abstract: A three (3)-way lamp having a tungsten halogen-cycle inner envelope and an operating circuit for the inner envelope is disclosed. The operating circuit comprises a ballast element and two diodes lodged within the confines of the base of the lamp. The operating circuit allows the inner envelope to provide three different levels of illumination for the lamp while still maintaining the desired operation of the halogen additive within the inner envelope.

Abstract: An energizing circuit for an incandescent light bulb includes two rectifiers with their outputs connected in parallel across the bulb. One rectifier has a low voltage output to keep the bulb filament warm while the other rectifier, which is energized by closing a switch, has a higher voltage which causes the bulb to emit high intensity light.

Abstract: An installation for electron beam metalworking comprises an electron gun (1), a transformer and rectifier system producing a rectified high voltage supplied to the gun, a vacuum tube (23) disposed in the circuit and associated with means (21) sensitive to the current flowing through the circuit and adapted to interrupt the current when it exceeds a predetermined value. The circuit is characterized in that the positive terminal of the rectifier is connected to the gun anode (4) by way of earth (the reference potential) and the vacuum tube (23) associated with its current flow sensiive means (21) is disposed in the connection between the negative terminal of the rectifier (19) and the gun cathode (3).

Abstract: A long-life incandescent lamp and a socket insert for use with conventional lamps to provide long life. The lamp includes a sealed glass envelope, a base fixedly attached to the glass envelope, a center contact fixedly attached to the base and electrically insulated therefrom, a pair of lead wires extending within the envelope, an illuminable filament disposed within the envelope and electrically connected between the lead wires, a diode electrically connected between the center contact and the one lead wire for half-wave rectifying current to the filament, and a resistor for providing a resistive bridge between the base and center contact. The resistor has a resistance substantially in excess of the resistance of the filament, preferably no greater than 27K ohms. In one embodiment, the resistor is electrically connected between the center contact and the base in parallel with the in-series combination of the filament and the diode.

Abstract: Various embodiments of direct current (D.C.) ballasting circuits for low wattage high pressure sodium (HPS) vapor lamps are disclosed. In one ballast embodiment a negative going high voltage pulse is applied directly to the H.P.S. lamp cathode during the starting operation and the ballast circuit preferentially diverts a major portion of the HPS lamp current around a high-voltage transformer during normal operation so as to reduce the resistive heating of the transformer. In a second ballast embodiment, capacitors are arranged into voltage multiplying circuit for generating the high D.C. starting voltage along with diodes that reduce the power dissipation of the ballast circuit.

Abstract: A high-pressure sodium lamp is connected to a d.c. power supply through a ballast, to operate it with a current containing a d.c. component. The relation between the ratio l/d of the inter-electrode distance l (mm) to the inner diameter d (mm) of the arc tube of the high-pressure sodium lamp and the sodium vapor pressure P.sub.Na (kPa) in the arc tube is maintained at P.sub.Na .gtoreq.6.0 (l/d-5.8), thus making it possible to operate the high-pressure sodium lamp with a current containing a d.c. component without causing a significant color separation which otherwise might be the result of cataphoresis.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ignition control circuit of the type which facilitates the storage of energy in an external inductive load during a dwell period and the release of the stored energy from the inductive load through a spark gap at the end of the dwell period. The circuit includes switch means for conducting current through the inductive load during the dwell period, and an integrated circuit for turning the switch means on during the dwell period and off at the end of the dwell period. The integrated circuit includes an output transistor for controlling the switch means, a current source for driving the output transistor, and control means for enabling the current source during the dwell period and disabling the current source at the end of the dwell period.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for regulating an ac current circuit using a magnetic relay which is suitable for use in an incandescent lamp circuit or electric motor circuit to eliminate or reduce inrush-current. The present device comprises connecting power switch, diodes, series resistance and relay such that, after closing the power switch, an ac current first flows to a load through the series resistance for a brief time, then to the load through the contacts of the relay after a lapse of the brief time by bypassing the series resistance.

Abstract: A lighting control device is incorporated in an electric bulb socket (FIG. 2) and uses a rotary switch 2 to connect a mains terminal 10 to the bulb via a direct link, a diode 6 or a triac-diac circuit 4,5 R,C.sub.2 to provide different levels of illumination.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive variable-resistance insert device for use with a light bulb and socket, including: a heat-sensitive variable-resistance wafer for interconnecting the central contact of the socket with the central contact of the light bulb. An annular insulation member surrounds the edge of the wafer and electrically insulates it from the wall of the socket. A resilient contact is mounted on at least one side of the wafer for resiliently engaging the associated central contact and accommodating for variations in the distance between the central contacts.

Abstract: In one form of the present preferred embodiment of the present invention it relates to a two-position feed-thru electric line cord piercing switching combination, of the rotary and even the rocker type, which saves electric energy by use of a half-wave diode rectifying means. The electric energy saving, two-position, combination switching means having only two electrical passing switching positions and thereby having no electrical "off" position. The switch will alternatingly provide either an electrical half-wave "dim" or an electrical full-wave "on" illumination to a single filament lamp, string of Christmas tree lamps and the like, and will even provide eight separate combinations, of one OFF and three separate illuminations, when electrically connected ahead of a, for example, conventional LEVITON rotary 4-position lamp socket switching means which uses a conventional 3-way incandescent lamp member which is removable inserted into the lamp socket portion thereof.

Abstract: A rectifier housing for use with light bulbs to extend the life thereof. The housing includes a rigid, non-conductive base with a substantially centrally positioned rectifier element. A resilient, annular connector member is secured to one side of the housing to surround the rectifier, and includes an adhesive-coated upper face adapted to permit releasable attachment of the housing to the base of a light bulb.

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 portable light for emergency illumination which is activated in response to the sound emitted by a smoke alarm device. The circuit is highly simplified, making it producible in quantity, and has a performance which is highly predictable. The circuit has a very low battery drain so that it will operate from a small battery for a period of years. The circuit is highly insensitive to extraneous noise signals and utilizes the normal drop in battery voltage when the light comes on to prevent the circuit from going into an oscillation mode.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive variable-resistance insert device for use with a light bulb and socket including: a thin, heat-sensitive variable-resistance wafer and a perimetrical insulation member surrounding the edge of the wafer and electrically insulating it from the wall of the socket. The wafer has a contact area on one side for engaging the central contact of the socket and on the other side thereof for engaging the central contact of the light bulb, and an adhesive paste on that other side within the perimetrical member for adhering the device to the base of a light bulb.

Abstract: In a cathodoluminescent lamp of the type having an electrically conductive coating forms the anode on the interior surface of the bulb wall, a phosphor coating overlies the anode coating and an electron emissive cathode below a grid, the lead to the anode passes through a glass tube, additional to the exhaust tube, incorporated in the pinched foot tube, and is sealed through the pinch, and the contact between the anode lead and the anode coating on the bulb is provided by a bent metal strip attached to envelope the neck and partially covered by the anode coating, which extends partly down the neck, the end of the anode lead being engaged with an upstanding portion of the contact strip.

Abstract: An incandescent lamp is disclosed having an extended operating life with a high operating efficiency in terms of lumens per watt. The lamp incorporates a rectifying diode in series with the filament and the filament has an operating temperature less than 2550.degree. C. A reflector is mounted in the neck portion of the lamp for reflecting visible light outwardly through the bulb portion of the envelope and for minimizing convection currents in the base of the lamp. The diode is disposed between the reflector and the lamp base.

Abstract: A lamp dimming module includes a lamp receptacle in series with a triac across the AC line, and a power supply for a processing unit, the processing unit supplying firing signals for the triac to control the dimming. The module plugs into the AC line. The power supply is connected in series with the lamp receptacle and in parallel with the triac, and includes cascaded transistors coupled to the AC line for providing charging current to a capacitor. Drive current is provided at the base of one of the transistors through a current-limiting resistor to drive the transistors into saturation for passing maximum current to the capacitor when the triac is open-circuited. A Zener diode is connected to the transistor base and breaks down when the capacitor is fully charged to provide a gating current to an SCR which drains the base drive from the transistor, shutting it off.

Abstract: A flashing lamp circuit, having a first transistor in circuit with a lamp and power supply, provides intermittent flashing by intermittently turning the transistor on and off in response to an on-off input signal. The transistor is protected against surge currents when the lamp short-circuits by monitoring the lamp voltage and turning the first transistor off when the lamp voltage drops below a predetermined amount for a given period during which the on-off signal is on.

Abstract: A device for illuminating the area surrounding a door lock or other relatively small area includes in a preferred embodiment a housing that is mounted on the door or other surface adjacent the area to be illuminated, the housing having a translucent portion through which an electrically energized lamp emits light. The lamp is energized by a battery connected thereto by an electronic circuit having a time-delay sub-circuit for de-energizing the lamp at the expiration of a prescribed time period. The time-delay sub-circuit further includes a means for varying the period of time that the lamp is energized.

Abstract: A switching transistor (5) has its collector connected to a common junction (J) with a load (6), typically an ignition coil (8). A first driver transistor (11) connected through the base-emitter path of a second driver transistor (12) to control the conduction state of the switching transistor. A signal source (20, 21) alternatingly, causing the driver transistor to be blocked or conductive.

Abstract: An energy-efficient incandescent lamp has a transparent heat mirror placed on the envelope. A diode is connected in series with the filament. This reduces the voltage across the filament and increases the current passing through it, so that shorter and greater diameter filament wire is used. This makes a stronger filament than is used in a conventional incandescent lamp with no diode, and makes the filament more resistant to displacement by mechanical forces.

Abstract: A device for prolonging the life of an incandescent lamp includes a rectifier unit adapted for attachment to a lamp base and subsequent insertion into an appropriate lamp socket along with the lamp. The rectifier unit employs a leadless diode chip which is positioned off center within the socket so that the forces applied to the rectifier unit as the lamp is being screwed into the socket will not be applied directly to the diode chip. The rectifier unit also employs a pair of recessed electrical contacts attached to the diode chip and designed to minimize the distance that the unit raises the lamp in the socket and to conduct away the heat generated by the diode chip.

Abstract: Circuit arrangement of a staircase lighting time switch offers a possibility of an automatic reduction of the light power of lamps lighting the staircase whereby the user is warned that the time of the switch is running out. The time period of full power as well as the time period of reduced power can be set separately. Each activation of the push-button switch prolongs the operation of the circuit for the operation time to which it is adjusted.

Abstract: An interface control circuit for use with a standard three-way, four-switch-position lamp socket to allow a fluorescent lamp-electronic ballast combination to be controlled to provide a selected one of four light output levels, utilizes a three-input, full-wave bridge rectifier to provide ballast/lamp operating potential and gating elements and associated level-setting circuitry to provide at least one D.C. voltage output having an amplitude dependent upon the set position of the socket switch and utilized to control the ballast to set the light output of the associated lamp to a selected one of three different levels when the ballast/lamp combination is energized.

Abstract: A screw-in fluorescent light unit having two light levels, for use in a 3-way socket. A reactor ballasts the lamp for high light output, and a resistor is added to ballast the lamp for low light output. A bilateral switch device is connected across the resistor to facilitate lamp starting at the low light output.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light saver device to be used in combination with a bayonet-type lamp and socket, wherein the light saver device comprises a pair of circular plate contacts having a diode mounted therebetween, three plastic insulating sheets being bonded together with the elongated plate contacts positioned between the sheets, an adhesive tape base mounted to the outer side of one of the sheets, and one of the sheets having a pair of tabs for securing the light saver device to a pair of pins extending from the lamp.

Abstract: A light indicating monitoring system includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's) having a common ground connected to a phase controlled silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) circuit. The SCR circuit limits conduction of rectified AC energy through the LED's and through corresponding resistors connected in series with the LED's for limiting the current through the LED's. The SCR circuit thereby provides for operating low DC voltage LED's from a high AC voltage source with a minimum of power and heat generation in the current limiting resistors.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a high intensity discharge light to an electrical outlet has a plurality of end plates adapted to be electrically connected to an electrical outlet and to provide an electrical connection to the light. A heat sink means, and a cover means together with the end plates provide a protective enclosure for a circuit board having a ballast circuit thereon. The ballast circuit maintains a constant current flow through the light as the light becomes operational and comprises a plurality of transistor means biased both simultaneously and alternatively into conduction as the light becomes operational.

Abstract: A thin disc-like device for attachment to the base end of an incandescent light bulb to provide an auxiliary voltage reducing circuit interfaced between the central base contacts of the light bulb and its cooperating lampholder for purposes of extending the rated life of the light bulb. The device is made up of a generally annular insulator base, which protectively houses, locates and mounts a laminated contact assembly made up of a pair of registeringly disposed brass or copper foil electrical conductor contact plates separated by an intervening sheet insulator; the conductor plates having interfacial soldered connections with an interposed flat leaderless silicon rectifier chip. A compressible annular mounting gasket is adhesively secured to the upper side of the contact assembly, its base housing and the base of the light bulb.

Abstract: An electric discharge lamp circuit arrangement wherein rapid starting of the lamp is obtained by charging a ballast impedance capacitance via a unidirectional current conducting path in a sense such as to breakdown a voltage breakdown device in the control electrode lead of a controllable switching device connected with the lamp to provide a current path between the supply terminals comprising, in series, the capacitance, heating means for the lamp main electrodes and the switching device. On breakdown, the switching device temporarily conducts to complete the series path and cause a pulse of current to flow through the heating means, whereafter the capacitor recharges and a further current pulse is produced. The unidirectional current path may extend through the breakdown device or by-pass the breakdown device via a rectifier.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for use in optical fiber data communication systems which is compatible with TTL digital input signals and which drives a light emitting diode (LED) coupled to an optical fiber transmission link. A pulse shaping network is provided to couple current from a constant current source to energize the LED or to a bank of open collector NAND gates controlled by the input digital signal such that the current may be selectively shunted around the LED.

Abstract: In one form of the present preferred embodiment of the present invention it relates to a three-position feed-thru electric line or wire cord piercing switching combination of the rotary type which at least saves electric energy by use of a half-wave diode rectifying means. The electric energy saving, three-position, combination switch having one "off" and two electrical passing switching positions.

Abstract: An ignition circuit is provided for extinguishing tubes in electronic flash equipment for photography. The second winding of an ignition transformer is arranged in series to the extinguishing tube. A diode is connected in parallel to the secondary winding of the ignition transformer through which the extinguishing tube current flows after ignition. The extinguishing tube does not require an ignition electrode. The ignition circuit is advantageously employed in electronic flash equipment for photography having an automatic circuitry for control of flash luminance time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a relay starter for a discharge lamp wherein the lamp is stabilized by a series arrangement of at least an inductor and a capacitance. Also included in series with these stabilization elements and the lamp is an energizing winding of a relay having a normally-closed contact disposed in a circuit which shunts the lamp.A diode is also disposed in the circuit which shunts the lamp, so that if the lamp does not ignite, current flows for a short period of time through the diode which thereby charges the capacitor. When this capacitor has received a sufficient charge no further current flows either in the lamp circuit or in the shunting circuit so that the entire circuit is put out of operation.

Abstract: A circuit for efficiently operating two arc discharge flashlamps. The lamps are series connected and directly coupled through series circuitry across an alternating current (AC) source. A storage capacitor is connected between the junction of the lamps and one terminal of the source. Trigger pulses are alternately applied to the lamps so that the storage capacitor is charged when one lamp flashes and discharged when the other lamp flashes. RC timing circuits energized by the AC source control the time of pulsed ignition of respective lamps with respect to the phase of the AC waveform of the source.

Abstract: An improved electric energy saving incandescent lamp socket combination having in one embodiment a two-position electric "off-on" switching means, and in another embodiment having a four-position electric "off", low, medium and high switching means for a 1-way and a 3-way incandescent lamp respectively. The lamp socket houses therein a subcombination means that comprises a conventional two-position switching means having at least one single throw "off-on" electrical switching position and a half-wave, electric rectifying, diode which is electrically short-circuitingly connected to any two of generally three electrical terminals which project from at least one surface portion of the conventional two-position switching means.

Abstract: Alternating current energized appliances, particularly lamps, are extinguished in delayed fashion with the power delivered to the appliance being sharply reduced during at least the last portion of the extinction cycle. Delayed interruption of power is accomplished by means of a first circuit, including a series connected diode and heater, connected in parallel with the appliance and a second circuit, including a series connected diode and temperature responsive switch, connected in parallel with a main power switch. The heater and temperature responsive switch are mounted in proximity to one another and the diodes are arranged in opposition.

Abstract: Circuit operating from a direct current source applies DC pulses to a high pressure sodium vapor lamp to improve the color rendition of the lamp. The circuit includes a first inductor, a diode and a capacitor connected across a DC source, and a second inductor, controlled thyristor switch and sodium vapor lamp connected in series across the capacitor, and a timing circuit for periodically turning on the switch at predetermined intervals. The circuit provides for charging the capacitor, commutating the controlled switch, and discharge of the capacitor to enable subsequent re-charging thereof, so as to povide the desired pulsed operation of the lamp. This mode of operating also provides for application of voltage to the lamp which is substantially higher than the supply voltage.

Abstract: Circuit operating from a direct current source applies DC pulses to a high pressure sodium vapor lamp to improve the color properties of the lamp. In one embodiment, the circuit includes a charging circuit comprising a first inductor, a diode and a capacitor connected across the DC source, and a discharging circuit comprising a second inductor of lower inductance than the first inductor, a controlled thyristor switch and sodium vapor lamp connected across the capacitor, and a timing circuit for periodically turning on the switch at predetermined intervals. A third inductor and a serially connected diode are connected across the discharging circuit to prevent excessive voltage across the controlled switch and to provide for control of lamp wattage with respect to changes in lamp voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for operating a low-pressure sodium vapor discharge lamp without a stabilizing ballast.The lamp is provided with a discharge tube having first and second main electrodes opposing a third main electrode. An automatically operating change-over switch occasionally switches the lamp current to either the first or second electrodes. A reservoir of liquid sodium near the first electrode affects sodium vapor pressure in the discharge tube by the switching action.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for flashing an electric lamp is disclosed which may be fabricated from a small number of components and powered by a low-voltage power source which nevertheless assures that the lamp flashes brightly enough to be prominently visible. The on and off times of the lamp are relatively insensitive to temperature variations.

Abstract: Fire simulating apparatus includes a random number generator, a digital-to-analog converter for converting the output of the random number generator to an analog signal, a lamp coupled to a power source, a switching device coupled in series with the lamp and power source, and a control circuit for controlling the conductivity of the switching device in accordance with the magnitude of the analog signal.

Abstract: A discharge lamp for connection to an associated alternating current power supply. The lamp is provided with two main electrodes and a starting electrode. Two diodes are connected in series, in cathode to anode relationship, between one associated AC power conductor and the starting electrode. In parallel with the diodes is a first capacitor. Connected to the junction between the diodes is a second capacitor which is connected on the other side thereof to a conductor from the other AC power conductor to the main lamp electrode remote from the starting electrode. In operation the second capacitor substantially changes its capacitance responsive to the temperature present with the lamp to effectively make the voltage doubler inoperative.

Abstract: In a discharge lamp where the arc tube has main electrodes and a starter electrode, there is provided a voltage doubling circuit comprising a diode and a capacitor connected in series across the input terminals. The circuit is poled to generate a positive potential at the junction of diode and capacitor which is coupled through a resistor to the starter electrode. Voltage doubling may be provided across the gap from starter to adjacent main electrode or from starter to remote main electrode to improve starting. Where the arc tube contains sodium, the positive potential may also be applied to the arc tube frame to reduce sodium loss by electrolysis.

Abstract: An electric incandescent lamp dimming combination fixture device having a subcombination which has at least one thyristor type of semiconductor component, with or without a voltage transient protecting "G.E. MOV." type VP varistor, as desired, and with or without a separate selective electric switch or switching means. The combination fixture device having, in at least one of its other embodiments, a subcombination of at least one-half-wave diode rectifier or rectifying means which is an semiconductor member, of the silicon type, with or without a varistor of the zink oxide doped with gallium oxide diode type, or even a diode of the germanium type, as desired, and at least one electrical selectively switching means.

Abstract: A system providing flickerless operation of a gaseous discharge lamp utilizes a DC voltage applied across the lamp electrodes. Low starting voltage and power consumption are obtained by applying an AC voltage across a grounded conductor member and adjacent lamp electrodes. This is a division of application Ser. No. 443,825, filed Feb. 19, 1974, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,890,540.