Abstract: A ballast circuit for coupling a lamp to an AC power source and having in series between the source and lamp a non-dissipative current limiting capacitor feeding a rectifier, the output of the rectifier being connected to a smoothing filter. The ballast lends itself particularly to use in connection with a dimmer control, and permits the use of a secondary path or bypass around the dimmer control through another capacitor feeding a rectifier formed as a diode bridge, thereby providing a minimum current level path to the lamp.

Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting device minimized in dimensions and capable of lighting a discharge lamp with a source voltage close to discharge lamp voltage is provided. The device comprises an alternating current source, a discharge lamp connected in series with the alternating current source through a current limiting means and of a lamp voltage substantially equal to the source voltage, and a switching element connected substantially in parallel with the lamp. The switching element is actuated once in each of half cycles of the source voltage so that, when the element is in ON-state, an energy will be accumulated in the current limiting means and, when the element is in OFF-state, such accumulated energy will be exhausted to the discharge lamp, whereby the lamp is continuously lighted.

Abstract: A jacketed high intensity discharge lamp utilizes a starter electrode voltage doubling circuit comprising a diode and a mica-dielectric capacitor which is electrically interposed between an inlead into the jacket and the frame side rod and forms an integral structural part of the frame which supports the arc tube. The starter electrode is resistively connected to the side rod to facilitate starting and the arrangement maintains a positive D.C. bias on the frame which reduces electrolysis of sodium through the arc tube walls.

Abstract: Methods of driving a light-emitting diode (LED) or an injection diode at very high digital data rates using high speed emitter coupled logic (ECL) gates.

Abstract: An article positionable in a conventional light bulb socket for decreasing the power input and limiting the power turn-on and turn-off transients to a bulb inserted into such socket to thereby increase the life expectancy of the light bulb. The article includes a wafer of insulating material having a notch in the perimeter thereof, an axial lead diode or other power decreasing and/or transient limiting device positioned in the notch, the leads of the device extending radially inwardly and being positioned and/or coiled into spiral patterns or other patterns to form electrical terminals at the center of the wafer, on opposite sides thereof, and a pair of flexible pads of insulating material having widths approximately equal to the inside diameter of the base of the light bulb socket, the pads being secured to opposite sides of the wafer, the diode, and each other, each pad having a central opening therein to expose the electrical terminals.