Abstract: A frequency-modulated converter with a series-parallel resonance, particularly for driving any ohmic or inductive load, including gas discharge tubes, wherein a commutating voltage switch in the form of a transistor is provided and is connected in series between a negative electrode of a direct current voltage source and a first terminal of an inductor, and a pulse generator circuit is provided between the voltage source and the transistor's control electrode and the inductor's second terminal is connected to the primary winding of a transformer.A first capacitor and rectifier diode are also provided in a first and second parallel branch respectively between the transistor's charge receiving and charge emitting electrodes, and a second capacitor is provided across the voltage source's electrodes, and a smoothing capacitance is provided for the voltage source, the second capacitor being connected in series with the inductor via the diode.

Abstract: An electronic ballast has a high voltage portion and a low voltage portion. The high voltage portion includes a converter, having a variable frequency boost circuit, and a half-bridge, driven inverter having a series resonant, direct coupled output. The low voltage portion of the ballast includes a control circuit and fault detectors for shutting off the boost circuit and the inverter circuit. The fault detectors consume very little power when the ballast and lamp are functioning normally. Separate magnetics are used for boost, inverter, and output. Each magnetic is essentially cubic in shape and carries as little current as possible.

Abstract: An electronic ballast circuit for multiple fluorescent lamps. Control is achieved by varying the voltage and the frequency of operation of an inverter utilized to drive the fluorescent lamps. A separate voltage boost converter provides regulated voltage to the converter. Dimming is accomplished by varying the voltage either manually or in response to sensor circuitry.

Abstract: In a track lighting system for a 277 volt power line, proper voltage for powering 120 volt incandescent lamps is obtained by way of an integral electronic transformer-less voltage conditioner. Thus, ordinary 120 volt incandescent lamps can be used directly in the power tracks of this track lighting system, the voltage conditioner includes a full-bridge rectifier providing an unfiltered DC supply voltage consisting of sinusoidally-shaped unidirectional voltage pulses having an RMS magnitude of 277 volt. This DC supply voltage is provided to a half-bridge inverter; which, as long as it is in operation, provides a high-frequency output voltage of RMS magnitude equal to half of the RMS magnitude of the DC supply voltage.

Abstract: A light source having two potential terminals, a transformer coil having a primary incorporating two windings and a secondary transistor, the first potential terminal being connected to the first winding of the primary, which is connected to the base of the transistor, the collector of which is connected to the second winding of the second terminal, a load capacitor connecting the second winding to the second terminal, a potentiometer connecting the first terminal to the capacitor at the common point between the capacitor and the second winding, a sealed chamber incorporating two electrodes containing a gas, these two electrodes being connected to the winding of the secondary. The invention is advantageously applied in illumination of any type, in industry, advertising, domestic equipment, etc.

Abstract: AC power loads such as from transformers, motors, high in-rush heaters, air conditioners, etc., are controlled by the use of bipolar transistors, FET transistors, gate turn-off SCRs and IGBT to turn on the load at zero-cross over and to turn off the load at any point in the sine wave which produces the desired amount of power. This reduces RFI and virtually eliminates di/dt at turn on since both voltage and current start at the same zero cross-over, and hence will improve the power factor. Both analogue and digital logic systems can also be utilized to produce this type of phase control, and a wide variety of possibilities are available such as serial and parallel input, the use of full wave bridge control, etc.

Abstract: To provide enhanced starting voltages for fluorescent lamps operating, for xample, from 110 V power networks through a rectifier, and in which a high-frequency oscillatory circuit is used which includes a ring core transformer (TR1, TR2, TR3) operated under saturation conditions, and controlling switching transistors (T1, T2), which have emitter-resistors (R4, R5) connected thereto to stabilize the operation of the circuit and of the transistors, at least one diode (FIG. 4: D4, D5) is connected in parallel to at least one of the emitter resistors; for some circuits (FIGS. 2-4) a diode, or two diodes (D6, D7, D8, D9) can form the emitter-resistors or resistors.

Abstract: This invention is a circuit for controlling the power received by a load. The operation of this circuit is based on variations of voltage amplitude rather than phase as is the case with other circuits utilizing the phase control principle. A pair of terminals couple an AC service voltage source to a load and to a distributor switch by which an operator can arrange for the load to receive power directly from the AC service voltage source, or through a transformer and a gated switch, or through a diode. The operation, by way of the transformer and the gated switch or by way of the diode, provides not only "soft-start" and protection from power line transients (voltage spikes) to the load but also prevents it from emitting acoustical noise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved line regulated ballast circuit for use in controlling varied lighting applications such as, for example, neon signs and fluorescent tubes. The inventive circuit, when used in neon lighting applications, may include a function generator which controls the lighting of the neon tube in a manner allowing the tube to slowly write from one end to the other in alternating current. The function generator also allows such functions as flashing, modulation, steady state operation and steady state operation with dimming function. In a further aspect, the inventive circuit with transformers connected in parallel with one another, may be utilized to simultaneously control a plurality of neon tubes, fluorescent tubes, or both concurerntly. In this application, each of the transformers may be provided with a shunting mechanism designed to render the output current thereof infinitely adjustable.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for energizing electrical devices such as fluorescent lamps and other gas discharge luminescent devices. The circuit provides energizing signals for gaseous discharge tubes at a voltage sufficient to initiate ionization of the gases therein. The signals are characterized by frequencies in the range of from about 60 hertz to 30 megahertz. After ignition the circuit automatically reduces the voltages and currents of the devices to a level sufficient to maintain gas ionization, and save energy. The circuit also reduces shock hazard. A preferred wave shaping in the energizing circuit is disclosed which creates purer square and sine waves for reducing radio frequency interference and electromagnetic interference, and a "soft-on" circuit is disclosed which greatly reduces the voltages applied to the devices thereby increasing the life of the devices. An automatic and a manual dimming section are also disclosed which dim the light output for the devices.

Abstract: A ballasting circuit for fluorescent lamps includes a series-connected current limiting ballast element and an electronic assist circuit. The ballast element has a high voltage side connectable to a commercial 110 VAC/60 hertz power source and a low voltage side connected in series with the lamp. The electronic assist circuit has a full wave bridge rectifier input means connected to the low voltage side of the ballast element and a transformer output means connected in series between the ballast element and the lamp. The electronic assist circuit generates a relatively high frequency, high voltage excitation signal prior to lamp conduction to assist in starting the lamp. After lamp conduction begins, the low voltage side of the ballast element drops to the normal operating voltage of the lamp and the excitation signal amplitude correspondingly drops, but is not eliminated, so as to maintain lamp operation with low frequency power supplied from the commercial power source.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device and process for starting up a fluorescent discharge lamp in which a high-frequency pulse is generated having narrow voltage peaks above the voltage required to start electric discharge and broad valleys, applied to the elements of the lamp to effect start up of fluorescence and, after start-up, the voltage automatically goes back to maintenance voltage having broad peaks at the maintenance voltage and relatively narrow valleys. The automatic cutback is effected by the load introduced by the electric discharge and the feedback from the emitter of the transistor used to generate the pulse. A capacitor is serially-connected in the lamp circuit to inhibit the flow of DC current therein.

Abstract: A power supply for a metal halide discharge lamp includes a circuit for applying a high voltage starting pulse to the arc tube of the lamp to initiate the discharge, a glow transition current to provide power transitioning the arc tube from its glow to its run mode, and a run power supply circuit to provide continuous controlled d-c current to the arc tube.

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

Abstract: A solid-state ballast for discharge lamps includes a device for sensing the instantaneous current flowing within the load to produce illumination. A signal representing this load current is differentially processed with an external control signal representing the desired illumination, to produce an removed signal which controls an oscillator that provides the operating signal for the load. In addition, the voltage across the load is sensed and the signal representing this voltage is fed back to a circuit which controls the oscillator so as to limit the maximum load voltage during initial start-up and when a lamp is removed.

Abstract: A high frequency ballast circuit powered by a dc input voltage source for starting and operating a gas discharge lamp load, comprising: a means for providing drive signals, each the drive signal having a first and second state, a series switch having a conduction channel having a first and second terminal, the series switch having a control terminal responsive to the drive signals, the conduction channel is on (conductive) in responsive to the interval characterized by the first state of the drive signal and off (non-conductive) in response to a drive signal having a second state, and an inductor. A clamp diode is included. The inductor is coupled to the clamp diode cathode and to the series switch. A ballast reactance is included with a a power oscillator circuit, the power oscillator circuit has a transformer having, a primary winding having a first, a second and a center-tap terminal, a drive winding having a first and a second and a center-tap terminal, and an output winding.

Abstract: A flourescent lamp lighting circuit comprising a rectifying circuit and an oscillatory circuit. The rectifying circuit comprises a rectifier bridge, capacitors and coils to rectify the local alternating power supply to direct power supply and provide rectified electrical power to the oscillatory circuit. The oscillatory circuit comprises two transistors and an L-C circuit which, taken together, form an astable circuit which generates and maintains oscillations. The frequency of the oscillations is determined by the nature of L-C circuits. The ON's and OFF's of the transistors are controlled by induction coils within which currents are induced by the variation of magnetic flux in the inductor coil of the L-C circuit. The high frequency oscillations in the oscillatory circuit induce high frequency electrical signals on a secondary coil which then lights the fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: An electronic fluorescent lamp ballast having at least an energy storing component, a controlling component which has two states, and two socket elements which enables the filaments of the fluorescent lamp to be connected in series with the energy storing component. A constant current flows through a portion of the energy storing component when the controlling component is in one state producing an "energy latching" effect which will enable the ballast to achieve a very high efficiency of energy transfer. The ballast also has a self adjustable frequency of operation as a function of lamp impedance variation due to age and enables constant ionization within the fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: An electronic energization circuit is provided to illuminate a gas discharge lamp that includes a transformer with a substantially rectangular hysteresis loop. A secondary winding on the transformer is connected to energize the lamp and at least one primary winding is provided on the transformer. Input voltage terminals may be DC terminals to supply an input voltage to the circuit. At least one semiconductor, such as a transistor, is connected to the input terminals and to the at least one primary winding, and a control means is provided for the semiconductor for unequal on and off conduction periods of the semiconductor. These unequal periods provide the conditions which eliminate the striations (bubbles) or dark spots in the gas plasma of the lamp, usually associated with high frequency energization.

Abstract: A single power transistor oscillator circuit includes a single transistor oscillator coupled by an inductive means including an inductive coil and transformer to a DC potential development means with a wave-shaping means coupled to a secondary winding of the transformer to provide a substantially symmetrical AC potential centered about a zero level DC voltage and applied to a load circuit.

Abstract: A pulse network is connected to the inductive ballast of a fluorescent lamp dimmer and includes a discharge resistor in parallel with the pulse network capacitor. The resistor size is such that it will completely discharge the capacitor prior to the initiation of any phase delayed half wave voltage which is applied to the ballast.

Abstract: A remotely controlled dimming solid state ballast system for gas discharge lamps adapted to respond to external control signals is disclosed which includes the ballast itself along with integral controls for interfacing with an external addressing control system, which may be a powerline carrier system. The external control system includes a signal receiver for receiving, and recognizing remotely transmitted control signals addressed to said ballast. An output device is provided for generating an output control signal modulated in response to the control signals to provide the desired control setpoint of the lamps controlled by the ballast or to turn the lamps on or off.

Abstract: A two-wire electronic dimming ballast arrangement for one or more gas discharge lamps is disclosed which includes an inverter driven by a variable pulse width electric power and a control system for modulating the pulse width of the variable pulse width square wave electric power driving the inverter. A unique distortion suppression system is provided for suppressing current abberations and achieving substantially a unity power factor.

Abstract: The invention is both a system for supplying high frequency alternating current to gas discharge lamps, such as fluorescent lamps, and the like and a unit that can be placed in or adjacent to a lighting fixture to convert a direct current supply into high frequency AC and also provide the ballast needed for operation of the gas discharge lamps. This unit contains a symmetrical, class B, push-pull current-limited, tuned-collector, sinusoidal oscillator which is self starting, highly efficient and stable over a wide range of input voltage, with or without load. The number of parts is a minimum and the parts are relatively low cost, the power losses are very low and the system operates at high power factor with low acoustic and radio noise and low flicker.

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: A lighting system (11) utilizes a high intensity quartz halogen bulb (12) surrounded by a spaced dome (18) to permit substantially spherical radiation of luminous energy for general area illumination. A control mechanism (41) responds to a remotely located manually operable switch (37) and includes a transformer (47) coupled to a power source (61) through a gatable triac (52) having a gate terminal (56) connected to the power source (61) through a series circuit (57) including a resistor (58), a diac (59) and a capacitor (60). The closure of the remotely located manual switch (37) activates the control mechanism (41) to gate the triac (52) into conduction to thereby energize the transformer (47) and the inter-connected high intensity quartz halogen bulb (12). An alternative embodiment provides three high intensity quartz halogen bulbs (71-73) connected in series circuit with a diode (77) to provide extremely high intensity light.

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.

Abstract: A power system comprising a high voltage, low power transformer that utilizes self-resonance parameters and pulse control techniques for efficiently firing a gas discharge lamp of the type commonly used to form a luminous advertising display. The transformer is fabricated from a material, such that the transformer will have a characteristic self-resonating frequency. The transformer is driven by Direct Current pulses from a source of supply thereof. The widths of the current pulses are controlled so as not to exceed one fourth the wavelength of the self-resonating frequency of the transformer. Performance is optimized when the repetition rate of the current pulses is directly controlled according to the self-resonating frequency of the transformer.

Abstract: An electronic ballast circuit for operating high intensity gas discharge tubes such as high pressure sodium, high pressure mercury and metal halide tubes, as well as ordinary fluorescent tubes. In the preferred embodiment, an inductance and a capacitance are connected in series with the load across the dc supply, with a solid state switch between the junction of the inductance and capacitance and the other side of the load, and a control circuit for the switch to operate the switch at a high frequency such as 20,000 hertz. Alternative embodiments omitting the capacitance and utilizing a transformer for the inductance are especially suited for less expensive units and for emergency lighting use. Power supply circuits with switching operated in conjunction with the previously mentioned switch provide for regulation of lamp output during start-up and for compensating changes in supply voltage coordinated with lamp aging.

Abstract: An electric fence energizer which comprises a capacitor connected across a power supply to an output transformer. An SCR is provided between the capacitor and the primary stage of the transformer and the SCR is arranged to discharge the capacitor. A controllable switch is provided with a control circuit which controls the charge in the capacitor via the controllable switch and also triggers the SCR.

Abstract: A power supply for electrostatic apparatus provides a high voltage output. The high voltage output is provided by the half wave rectification and filtering of a pulse signal from a secondary winding of a high voltage pulse transformer. The primary winding side of the high voltage pulse transformer is connected in a series loop circuit with a capacitor and a switching device. The capacitor is charged through an input choke connected to a DC supply source. The switching device is triggered after the capacitor is charged such that the capacitor is discharged through the primary winding of the high voltage transformer. The inductive collapse of the high voltage output transformer provides for the turnoff of the switching device and also serves to partially recharge the capacitor. The half wave rectified high voltage output of the power supply is obtained from the recovery pulse of the high voltage pulse transformer.

Abstract: A power supply for a high intensity discharge lamp is provided wherein the secondary windings of a pair of lamp strike pulse transformers are connected in series with the HID lamp directly across the AC supply, the impedance of these secondary windings acting as the only ballast elements of the power supply. The HID lamp is chosen to have relatively high operating and maximum starting currents so that warm-up time of the lamp is dramatically reduced while employing the lamp strike pulse transformers to perform the dual function of starting the lamp when either hot or cold and acting as the current limiting ballast for the lamp both during warm-up and under normal operating conditions.

Abstract: A ballast circuit for limiting the kilovolt-ampere rating of a ballast required to operate a high pressure sodium lamp during starting, hot restart and lamp out conditions. The ballast circuit includes a voltage limiting or clamping circuit across the secondary of a ballast transformer which responds to the voltage level and the rate of change of voltage across the secondary to activate a switch during each half cycle that the secondary of the ballast transformer goes into saturation.

Abstract: A power source for operating gas discharge lamps and other loads at high frequency, typically utilizing a dc source or a rectified ac source to produce a high frequency output. An inverter with oscillator circuit and first transformer has the secondary or load winding connected to a second transformer which provides a feedback signal to the transistor of the oscillator circuit through another transistor which functions as a variable resistance in the base drive of the oscillator transistor for maintaining power to the load substantially constant. A third winding on the inverter transformer is used to provide a control signal to the base circuit of the variable resistance for protecting the circuit components during an open secondary or no load condition.

Abstract: A circuit for starting and ballasting a compact high-intensity arc discharge lamp. A filament connected in series with the arc lamp provides illumination during arc start-up and functions as a ballast during normal arc operation. An oscillatory starting circuit includes a transformer and a frequency-controlling ringing circuit, and applies starting voltage to the arc lamp until an operating arc is established. The circuit includes capacitor means for isolating the starting transformer from the operating path of the arc lamp, and further includes a voltage-doubling starting circuit and also a "keep-alive" feature which prevents the arc from extinguishing during power fluctuations.

Abstract: A solid state ballast circuit for a discharge lamp includes a transistor oscillator with a current amplifier connected to a transformer one secondary winding of which is connected to the lamp and another secondary winding of which is coupled to the amplifier input. An inductive choke coil is connected in the power circuit of the amplifier so that when the lamp burns out or is removed the operating frequency increase resulting from the decrease in load circuit capacitance results in an increase in impedance of the choke, drastically reducing current flow through the amplifier power circuit to prevent transistor damage or RF interference radiation. The current amplifier disclosed is a two-stage emitter follower circuit.

Abstract: An electronic solid state system is provided for starting and operating one or more fluorescent lamps, and which supplies power to the lamps at a relatively high frequency, and at a relatively high power factor. The system includes a circuit which forces the line current to be proportional to the applied input voltage so as to maintain high power factor concomitantly with the removal of flicker by high frequency operation. High power efficiency is achieved through the use of a switching resonant inverter output circuit which is ideally suited to fluorescent lamp applications because of its low harmonic energy content, and because it can accommodate a wide range of resistive loads at high efficiency. The system may also incorporate a dimming circuit for the fluorescent lamps.

Abstract: A lighting inverter for operating an electrical discharge lamp from a direct current power source. The inverter includes a resonant feedback inverter which converts the output of the d.c. power source to an alternating current output and regulates the a.c. inverter output voltage level by varying the frequency thereof. A ballast filter is coupled to the regulated output of the resonant feedback inverter and is formed by a series circuit of a ballast inductor and a ballast capacitor. Connected across the capacitor is the discharge lamp. Appropriate circuit parameters such as ballast inductance, ballast capacitance, inverter operating frequency, and the inverter resonant frequency are selected to maintain almost unity power factor at the input to the ballast filter.

Abstract: Discharge lamps are connected to a commerical alternating current power supply through an impedance for blocking high frequency signals and an impedance compensating for the negative resistance of the discharge lamps. The discharge lamps are also connected to the commercial alternating current power supply through a rectifier and oscillator circuit, a voltage signal is generated including the commercial alternating current voltage superposed on a high-frequency, high-voltage signal from the oscillator. This voltage signal is applied to the discharge lamps to energize the same and maintain the lamps in a lighted condition.

Abstract: A lamp ballast connectable with a d.c. source comprises a regulating device having a voltage coil and a load coil. The voltage coil is connected in a circuit in parallel with the series-connected load coil and lamp. Alternate charge and discharge of a capacitor connected with the voltage coil impresses an alternating voltage thereacross. The capacitor is charged by current through the voltage coil and is discharged through a resonant commutating circuit comprising a thyristor triggered from an oscillator pulse circuit at a frequency of several KHz. The commutating circuit, which has a resonant frequency about twice that of the oscillator, further comprises a commutating reactor having substantially lower impedance than the load and voltage coils, a back current diode, and a resistance-capacitance dV/dt clamp that reduces back voltage spikes across the thyristor to safe rates of rise.

Abstract: An impulse generator for use with phosphor energizable lamps, e.g. gaseous discharge lamps and electroluminescent lamps, and which eliminates the need of a conventional ballast and starting mechanism. The impulse generator includes a pair of terminals which are adapted to be connected to a conventional source of alternating electrical current with a diode rectifying bridge for rectifying the electrical current. A solid-state circuit switching element is connected to the rectifier and operates in conjunction with a timing means including a resistive capacitive network. Moreover, the solid-state switching element is connected to a primary coil which is electromagnetically coupled to a secondary coil. The secondary coil includes terminals for connection to the lamp. The circuit is operable to generate pulses in a sequence and at time intervals sufficient to maintain energization of the lamp.

Abstract: A power source for operating gas discharge lamps and other loads at high frequency, typically utilizing a 120 volt ac source rectified to provide a 150 volt dc input and providing a 20,000 hertz output. An inverter with current feedback in place of the conventional voltage feedback providing voltage turn off and voltage turn on in less time and providing increased base current during the conduction time for reducing the voltage-current product and heat generated in the inverter. Voltage limiting and current limiting features are provided for the basic circuit. Inverter circuits with two transistors for increased loads are also provided.

Abstract: The HID lamp starting and operating apparatus of the invention includes inductive ballast means containing a winding and a core of magnetic material which may form a reactor or a transformer, and such winding is adapted for connection in circuit with an HID lamp; source means for supplying a cyclically varying AC voltage to said ballast means so as to provide AC voltage across said winding; first semiconductor switch means and a first capacitor means are coupled in circuit to said winding, responsive to said voltage across said lamp attaining a first predetermined instantaneous AC level, possible only during the time period before the lamp starts, for discharging the capacitor means through at least a portion of said winding at least once in each cycle of AC voltage to thereby generate high voltage pulses across said lamp and further responsive to said lamp being in the operating condition for terminating such capacitor discharging function; and second semiconductor switching means, including timing means ass

Abstract: An electric arc lighting device for igniting inflammable products. The device comprises a direct current supply source and an oscillating unit constituted of a first inductance and an amplifying circuit connected in parallel with the supply source. The unit is adapted to generate an oscillation at a given frequency. A second inductance is connected in series with electrodes spaced one from another and between which the electric arc is produced at the given frequency and under a voltage induced in the second inductance by the first inductance, the first and second inductances being wounded around a same core.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed which may be utilized as an energizing circuit for the ignition of fluorescent lamps and other gas discharge luminescent devices. The circuit directs energizing signals to gaseous discharge tubes at a voltage sufficient to intitiate ionization of the gases therein. The signals are characterized by having a predetermined frequency in the range from about 20 kilohertz to 10 megahertz. Thereafter, the circuit lowers the voltage and current of the signal delivered to the tubes to a level sufficient to maintain gas ionization. Significant power savings are realized over conventional ballast circuits with the apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: Welding arc stabilizing and igniting is effected with at least one pulse-forming condenser switched by spark gap or semiconductor switch to deliver a sharp discharge pulse through the winding of a pulse transformer, the magnetic energy thus built up in the transformer being then dissipated by a unidirectional diode bypass of the winding through the switch. The pulses are delivered by the transformer to the welding electrodes, and can be combined with pulses of lower voltage and longer duration by an appropriate series condenser-resistor combination in the transformer output. The pulse-forming condenser can be charged by simple resistor connection to the input of a step-down welding current transformer, or by transformer coupling to any source of AC welding current.

Abstract: A circuit for operating an electric discharge lamp comprises an inductor in series with the lamp, a capacitor in parallel with the lamp, and a transistorized inverter circuit connected in series with the inductor and the lamp. The operating frequency of the inverter increases with increasing load. A harmonic of the inverter output frequency is initially established at the resonant frequency of the inductor and capacitor to produce a high open circuit lamp starting voltage. Upon establishment of an electrical discharge in the lamp, the inverter frequency increases to provide efficient, stable lamp operation.

Abstract: Color properties of high pressure sodium vapor discharge lamps are improved by disclosed operating circuit for applying pulsed direct current to the lamp. The circuit comprises a direct current supply circuit, a transistor switch in series with the lamp and the primary of a transformer connected across the supply circuit, a diode in series with the secondary of the transformer connected across the supply circuit, and SCR switch connected across the secondary of the transformer, and a control circuit connected to the switches for applying DC pulses to the lamp at a predetermined repetition rate and duty cycle. The circuit produces pulse waveforms which provide substantial color improvement in the lamp and makes efficient use of the energy supplied from the power source.

Abstract: Color properties of high pressure sodium vapor discharge lamps are improved by disclosed operating circuit for applying pulsed direct current to the lamp. The circuit comprises a direct current supply circuit, a transistor switch in series with the lamp and the primary of a transformer connected across the supply circuit, a diode in series with the secondary of the transformer connected across the supply circuit, and a control circuit connected to the transistor switch for applying DC pulses to the lamp at a predetermined repetition rate and duty cycle. The circuit produces pulse waveforms which provide substantial color improvement in the lamp and makes efficient use of the energy supplied from the power source.

Abstract: The invention is both a system for supplying high frequency alternating current to gas discharge lamps, such as fluuorescent lamps, and the like and a unit that can be placed in or adjacent to a lighting fixture to convert a direct current supply into high frequency AC and also provide the ballast needed for operation of the gas discharge lamps. This unit contains a symmetrical, class B, push-pull current-limited, tuned-collector, sinusoidal oscillator which is self starting, highly efficient and stable over a wide range of input voltage, with or without load. The number of parts is a minimum and the parts are relatively low cost, the power losses are very low and the system operates at high power factor with low acoustic and radio noise and low flicker.