Abstract: A fluorescent lamp control circuit which provides power at high frequency, or example in the order of 35 kHz, includes a push-pull oscillator circuit having two transistors (T1, T2), an inductance element (L1, L1'), and a capacitor (C1, C1') to supply the lamps (3, 3'). To prevent dangerous high voltages upon removal of the lamp load, connected to the oscillatory circuit and to the series resonance circuit, upon removal of failure of a lamp, a protective circuit is provided formed by a thyristor (TH) connected to short-circuit at least one of the transistors (T1) of the oscillatory circuit.

Abstract: An output transformer for an inverter driven by a pulsating voltage obtained through the full wave rectification of a low frequency alternating current voltage is provided with an auxiliary winding, and a high frequency voltage obtained from the auxiliary winding is rectified to obtain a voltage for charging a capacitor. The voltage across the capacitor is used as an auxiliary voltage together with the pulsating voltage for driving the inverter. The circuit for charging the capacitor includes a current limiting inductor having first and second coil sections, through which the charging current flows alternately in opposite directions depending upon the polarity of the high frequency voltage.

Abstract: A circuit for a flasher unit comprises a flasher relay controlled by an astable multivibrator, the multivibrator having an RC-element with an inverter connected in front thereof, the inverter being controlled in response to the switching condition of the flasher relay.

Abstract: Fluorescent lamps are flashed by modulating the lamp operating current during a given half-cycle. The other half-cycle operation is unmodulated, thereby resulting in flashing from full lamp brilliance to substantially one-half lamp brilliance. In one embodiment, the modulating circuitry is placed in the line cord providing power to the lamp. The circuitry includes a gated diode and a resistor placed in parallel with each other. A full wave line cord embodiment employs a diode bridge. In another embodiment, the modulating circuitry is placed across the terminals of a conventional fluorescent lamp starter so that current is bypassed around the starter. With this embodiment of the invention, the discharge on half of the cycle is extinguished, but current flows through the lamp electrodes, thereby keeping them hot enough to emit electrons and prevent life-damaging high cathode fall.

Abstract: An ornamental lamp which includes a light transmitting envelope containing a fluid such as an inert gas or air and at least one electrode disposed within or without said envelope and applying high voltage at a high frequency to said electrode to ionize the fluid to produce ornamental displays and varying the characteristics of the displays by changing the magnitude of the voltage, the frequency and wave form through modulation and a power supply for operating said lamp utilizing a transformer having a high voltage secondary and two low voltage primaries with said primaries being connected to said amplifier to produce a positive feedback signal to cause oscillation thereof and filter means for effecting modulation of the feedback signal.

Abstract: An electronic ballast-inverter for multiple fluorescent lamps employs a push-pull inverter and a series resonant circuit for driving the lamps. The inverter operates at the resonant frequency of the series resonant circuit. The current in the resonant circuit is limited, for low load conditions, in response to a sensing voltage which is used to raise the frequency of operation of the inverter to make the load more reactive.

Abstract: The specification discloses a starting transformer having a floating secondary. Coupling between the line and high voltage electrodes is effectuated through the distributed capacitance between the primary and secondary windings.

Abstract: A method of operating a high intensity discharge lamp having a pair of electrodes hermetically sealed within an arc tube, the method comprising frequency modulation of a carrier waveform in the kilohertz range to provide a variable frequency AC output, and applying the AC output across the electrodes of the lamp to thereby operate the lamp in a manner which minimizes or avoids acoustic resonance effects within the arc tube. The circuit includes an inverter having a first input provided by a DC power source and a drive input coupled to a square wave carrier generator which is frequency modulated by a ramp generator. The resulting variable frequency AC output of the inverter is then coupled across the lamp electrodes.

Abstract: A low cost, high frequency, solid-state dimmable fluorescent ballast is disclosed which utilizes a resonant bridge inverter to provide high frequency sinusoidal power to the lamps. One embodiment of the invention includes auxiliary windings connected to the filaments of the lamps to be powered which utilize the inductance of the resonant bridge inductor coil to maintain the voltage across the filaments during dimming. A clamping circuit or auxiliary tuned circuit may be provided to prevent damage due to an over-voltage and over-current condition upon removal of a lamp during operation of the system. In an alternative embodiment, the auxiliary windings, are replaced by capacitors across each of the lamps to be powered. This also eliminates the need for the clamping circuit. If desired, a current splitting capacitance system may be used. Pulse width modulation of the inverter drive or variable AC or DC power supply input may be used to accomplish dimming.

Abstract: A current control device for connection in series with an AC load where it is not convenient to make connections in parallel with the load. The device comprises a pair of terminals for connection in series with an AC load, a triac for controlling the flow of current through the load, and a control circuit for controlling the triac. A circuit for supplying current to power supply rails when current is flowing through the load comprises a transformer having a primary winding connected in series with the terminals, and a secondary winding connected across the input of a rectifier, the output of which is connected across the supply rails. A circuit for supplying power to the rails when the flow of current through the load is prevented comprises a resistor bridged by a capacitor connected in series with a zener diode between the terminals, a rectifying diode and a smoothing capacitor.

Abstract: An ignition system (51-59, 60, Ql, Qn, 30) providing high modulation energy by means of modulator (30) is used to fire an igniter and effect total fuel burning without detonation. An extremely long ignition arc is initiated at an optimum timing angle (.theta..degree.) in advance of top dead center piston position. Such long arc with its high energy content makes possible an ignited fuel nodule of increased size within the combustion chamber of the engine. The increased fuel nodule size makes possible efficient engine operation at the variety of cylinder pressures and the variety of ignition voltages usable to ignite the fuel. These long arcs may be sustained over a large range of duty cycle periods of ignition electrical power by modulation of transient current feeding the igniter.

Abstract: The installation includes a main load supplied with power by an a.c. source such as a magnetic flywheel of a moped and a current detector connected in series in the supply circuit of the main load. This detector provides, as a function of the current detected for, the automatic supply of power to a system for monitoring the operation of the main load or of a secondary load also supplied with power by the source.

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 energizing a gaseous discharge lamp at high frequency utilizing a thyristor, preferably an SCR. The energizing circuit for the lamp includes a resonant or tank circuit operating at an appropriate high frequency, preferably above the acoustic resonant frequencies of the lamp, and which also commutates an SCR. The cathode/anode of the SCR is connected to a voltage adjusting network to provide an initiating pulse through the SCR to start oscillations in the resonant or tank circuit when the SCR is gated on and which reduces the applied supply potential to the SCR during its conduction period to ensure non-conductive latching of the SCR when the gate thereto is removed by lengthening the natural commutation interval of the SCR. This permits the SCR to be used as a switch at the high frequencies involved, normally about 60 kHz.

Abstract: A spark circuit for heating equipment used on automobiles in which a switch interrupts current flow in the primary of an ignition coil. A comparator compares the actual value of current flowing in the primary against a predetermined nominal value, and current to the switch is interrupted when the values reach parity, so as to render the switch non-conductive during the interruption with resulting auto-induction in the secondary of the ignition coil.

Abstract: A device is provided comprised of an elongated flexible transparent thermoplastic tube which confines an electrically excitable gas, and an electrical supply which generates a pulsed direct current of high peak voltage and feeds said current to an electrode entered into one end of said tube, whereby said tube is caused to emit visible light and is capable of undergoing movement while emitting light.

Abstract: An inductive-capacitive cyclic charge-discharge ignition system includes an ignition transformer primary winding in parallel with a capacitor and fed by an alternating current source providing a plural number of repetition cycles during each igniter firing period. Such repetition cycles cause the capacitor and primary winding to charge and discharge during each of the repetition cycles creating a plurality of ringing periods for each igniter firing period. A diode or an additional capacitor, or both, inserted in series with the parallel combination of the first stated capacitor and primary winding, substantially increases the velocity of arc provided by an igniter. Such arc has several components composed of luminous particles extending across the entire base of the igniter.

Abstract: An inductive-capacitive cyclic charge-discharge ignition system includes an ignition transformer primary winding in parallel with a capacitor and fed by an alternating current source providing a plural number of repetition cycles during each igniter firing period. Such repetition cycles cause the capacitor and primary winding to charge and discharge during each of the repetition cycles creating a plurality of ringing periods for each igniter firing period. A diode or an additional capacitor, or both, inserted in series with the parallel combination of the first stated capacitor and primary winding, substantially increases the velocity of arc provided by an igniter. Such arc has several components composed of luminous particles extending across the entire base of the igniter.

Abstract: An ignition system uses a transformer with a primary winding and a secondary winding wherein the secondary winding is intermittently coupled to at least one igniter load. An electronic switch is connected to the primary winding. Such electronic switch has an input circuit and an output circuit for enabling electrical energy to be stored in the primary winding. The electronic switch may have an additional switching stage feeding its input circuit for establishing the charging period of the primary winding consistent with the logic of a conventional ignition system. A timer is electrically coupled to the additional switching stage for intermittently activating such electronic switch. An alternating current modulator is connected to the primary winding so as to provide a modulating signal during the discharge period of the system thereby modulating the discharge current of the primary winding.

Abstract: An inductive-capacitive cyclic charge-discharge ignition system includes an ignition transformer primary winding in parallel with a capacitor and fed by an alternating current source providing a plural number of repetition cycles during each igniter firing period. Such repetition cycles cause the capacitor and primary winding to charge and discharge during each of the repetition cycles creating a plurality of ringing periods for each igniter firing period. A diode or an additional capacitor, or both, inserted in series with the parallel combination of the first stated capacitor and primary winding, substantially increases the velocity of arc provided by an igniter. Such arc has several components composed of luninous particles extending across the entire base of the igniter.

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 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 generator for the starting and thereafter maintaining energization and operation of a load which has a relatively high impedance during starting and a substantially lower impedance after starting and during operation thereof. The load may be an ionic conduction lamp including a phosphor excitable lamp in the nature of a fluorescent lamp, or electroluminescent lamp, or vapor lamp. The generator includes a mechanism for generating electrical power with a relatively high voltage and impedance so as to match the relatively high impedance of the load before starting and generization of electrical power of a substantially lower voltage and impedance so as to match the lower impedance of the load during the energizing and operation of the load. The mechanism for generating the electrical power may be an inductive member, such as a coil, and a solid state element, such as a transistor, to develop a voltage over the coil. The coil may be coupled to the lamp through some agent developing a capacitance, e.g.

Abstract: Power supply means for a laser flashtube or similar lamp (such as a continuous wave arc lamp) consists of high frequency switch means for providing a pulse train output from a direct current supply with provision for modulating the pulse width of said output and a filter which receives the modulated pulse train output for substantially removing high frequency ripple therefrom prior to passage of the resulting pulse train output to the flashtube or similar lamp. For supplying a simmer current to the flashtube or lamp the modulated pulse train output may be raised to a DC level for this purpose. The high frequency switch means may consist of at least one transistor or thyristor and the filter may consist of an inductor/capacitor arrangement.

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: The emitted light intensity of an electronic flash tube is maintained constant over a given time period by connecting the electronic flash tube in series with an inductor and a switching element across the main capacitor for energizing the flash tube, with a diode being connected across the serially connected flash tube and inductor and a polarity opposite to the current flow from the main capacitor to the flash tube. The switching element is intermittently turned off and on in accordance with the intensity of the light emitted from the flash tube. While the switching element is being turned off, the flash tube is energized by the energy stored in the inductor in the form of a magnetic field. An auxiliary capacitor may be provided across the flash tube. The flash light intensity may be monitored by the measurement of the emitted light, or by the detection of the voltage across the flash tube, or by the detection of the current flowing into the flash tube.

Abstract: High frequency circuit for operating gaseous discharge lamps includes oppositely poled controlled semiconductor switches connected to a resonant circuit comprising a capacitor and inductor connected to the lamp load and serving both as a high-frequency ballast for the lamp and to effect alternating turn-off of the semiconductor switches. Diodes are connected to the switches in a manner to provide energy pulses on the lamp load without return to the supply source. A control circuit is provided for alternately triggering the semiconductor switches into operation.

Abstract: An inductive-capacitive charge-discharge ignition system includes an ignition transformer primary winding and a capacitor to be charged by a unipolar alternating current source. An electronic switch connects the primary winding and capacitor in parallel during the discharge mode of the system so that the discharge current from the capacitor aids the discharge current in the primary winding. Rectifiers may be used between the outputs of the source and the primary winding and capacitor. Another version of this system employs DC power to charge the primary winding, and the unipolar source to charge the capacitor, with a rectifier between the source and capacitor. Another capacitor may be used in the secondary winding of the ignition transformer. The system may be controlled by a variety of timers. A high velocity igniter arc having luminous particles surrounding a more concentrated filament of such luminous particles is developed by the system extending across the entire base of an igniter.

Abstract: An electric light controller which serves to connect and disconnect an electric lamp element load from a power source in such rapid-fire pseudorandom seuentiality that the electric lamp appears to the eye as an illusion simulating the fluctuant brightness variations inherent in a flickering flame produced light. The result is an improved specious effect for decorative items such as electric lanterns used for outdoor lighting, simulated burning fireplace log arrangements, decorative chandeliers, holiday lighting equipment such as Christmas tree lights, and other such devices. Further enhancement of realism of the produced effect is provided for "open fire" decorative apparatus, such as electric fireplace log arrangements, through the optional inclusion of a popping acoustical sound translator, excited by a pseudorandom audio signal, which serves to simulate the crackling sound made by a burning material.

Abstract: A battery-powered electronic strobe flash apparatus has a flashtube, which produces radiation in proportion to the energy delivered to it. A transformer has a primary winding, connectable to the battery, for storing energy in the transformer and a secondary winding, connected to the flashtube, for delivering the stored energy to the flashtube when the primary winding is disconnected from the battery. An actuatable switch has a first condition for connecting the battery to the primary winding to saturate the transformer, and a second condition for disconnecting the battery from the primary winding, thereby causing a substantially constant amount of energy to be delivered to the flashtube, whereby a substantially constant amount of flashtube radiation is produced each time the switch is actuated.

Abstract: A dc to ac inverter for operating a gaseous discharge lamp through pre-ignition, arc stabilization, warm-up and final run states is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a transformer and a pair of transistors connected for alternate conduction in a self-oscillating configuration in which turn off occurs at a predetermined flux level in each conduction period. The flux limit is used to preclude excess current drain during warm-up when the lamp resistance is at a minimum. A capacitor is provided, resonant at a harmonic of the inverter output waveform for producing the enhanced output voltage required for pre-ignition. The capacitor also helps to maintain a higher harmonic content during warm-up, enhancing the effective ballasting reactance during that period in relation to that during final run operation. A shift of the oscillating frequency of the inverter from pre-ignition to final run operation further enhances inverter operation.

Abstract: A battery powered variable intensity hat mounted head lamp with a lamp shell mounting a lens and reflector assembly including an oscillator switching a power transistor mounted on the lamp shell for heat dissipation to control the lamp bulb, a printed circuit board in the lamp shell mounting the lamp bulb and the oscillator components, and a potentiometer mounted on the lamp shell for simultaneously varying both the on time and the off time in the duty cycle of the oscillator.

Abstract: A circuit for starting and operating an arc lamp includes a full wave rectifier having an input connected to a source of alternating current line voltage and a pair of output terminals having a filter capacitor connected thereacross for providing a source of direct current voltage. Connected to one of the direct current terminals is a resonant charging circuit comprising a controlled rectifier switch, an inductor and a capacitor serially connected in a circuit loop. Another inductor, which may comprise the secondary winding of a starting pulse transformer, is connected between the output of the resonant circuit and one of the supply terminals for the arc lamp to provide the dual function of both averaging filter and lamp ballast. The reference terminal of the direct current source is connected to the other arc lamp supply terminal and through a back swing diode to the output of the resonant circuit.

Abstract: A high tension generating and distributing device includes a plurality of secondary windings 11, 12, connected to associated ones of the spark plugs of an internal combustion engine, these secondary windings being mounted on a single magnetic frame 1, 2 offering a plurality of flux paths through a low tension primary winding 7 or 8, each of these flux paths being associated with one of the secondary windings 11, 12 and with means, for example in the form of flux gaps 3, 4, 5, 6 or auxiliary windings 213, 214 having associated therewith shunt switches 215, 216, for limiting or cancelling the magnetic flux in some of the flux paths so as to leave one flux path with a higher rate of change of flux than the attenuated rate of change of flux in the other flux paths, thereby selecting the secondary winding associated with the non-attenuated flux path as the one in which the high tension current is to flow.

Abstract: A gas discharge lamp is connected in parallel with an inductor and in series with a solid state switching device and a resistor, and this combination is connected across a rectified AC voltage source. This switching device is controlled by a monostable multivibrator, the input of which is connected to the output of a comparator amplifier sensing the difference between the voltage drop across the above-mentioned resistor and a voltage which bears a predetermined relationship to the rectified AC signal of said source. This results in a high frequency operation of the lamp wherein the lamp current level is controlled or modulated in accordance with the rectified AC supply voltage, providing a high power factor lamp circuit without the normal heavy lamp ballast. In addition, a circuit is disclosed which prohibits the lamp from exhibiting a high resistance when the AC voltage is at a zero crossing point, protecting the solid state switching device and stabilizing the high frequency.

Abstract: A bistable magnetic wire has an electrically conductive wire coiled thereabout as to form, generally, a magnetic wire assembly which is situated in spaced proximity to a magnet; the opposite ends of the conductive wire are electrically connected to related output or receiving apparatus; a shield or shutter arrangement operated generally between the magnetic wire assembly and the magnet serves to cause the magnetic wire to be at times placed under the influence of the magnetic field of the magnet thereby resulting in the magnetic wire changing from one stable state to another state and in so doing inducing a voltage into the conductive wire to produce a pulse across the said opposite ends thereof.

Abstract: A combination floodlight, spotlight and flasher circuit is disclosed herein. The circuit is provided with a manual switch means, which will turn a spotlight to on, off, and flash, and turn the floodlight on, off, and to a battery saver position. The floodlight is operated through a unique inverter circuit and flasher circuit combination. Multiple combinations of switching modes make it possible to selectively accomplish various combinations of lights simultaneously.

Abstract: An AC powered ignition system employs a rectangular wave power source and a logic circuit for controlling igniter firing. Such logic circuit intermittently interrupts the flow of DC bias current in active stages of the AC power source and activates an electronic switch to charge the output winding of the AC power source and the primary winding of an ignition transformer by means of a DC source, and then discharge such windings into a capacitor at the same time as the AC power source provides its alternating current output by deactivating such electronic switch. Large transient intermodulated currents and voltages result thereby to provide high energy firing levels to igniters in a fuel burning engine. Provisions are made to include a second capacitor in series with the output and primary windings and/or a second electronic switch that prevent residual charge in the AC power source from appearing as a voltage or current during periods between igniter firing.

Abstract: A distributorless ignition system has an alternating current power source for providing power to fire the igniters. The alternating current power source is coupled through a capacitor to a plurality of ignition transformers, one transformer for each igniter. Each transformer has an electronic switch in its primary winding circuit initiated by independent logic means for each switch. A timer, driven by the engine, triggers one logic circuit at a time so that only one electronic switch and consequently one igniter is fired at such one time, maintaining the other logic circuits and electronic switches quiescent during such firing. The system has short lengths of high tension wires connecting each ignition transformer secondary winding to its respective igniter.

Abstract: An alternating current power source which is generally used to feed an ignition transformer primary winding may be electronically controlled so as to rapidly activate and deactivate the power source for each ignition cycle. An electronic switch intermittently interrupts current flowing in the primary winding and in the output circuit of the power source. Such electronic switch is made operable by virtue of the peak excursions of the alternating current, thus supplying the necessary collector potential to such switch during each firing cycle of the system. Such control system can have these type of controls in the collector circuit of the power source, the emitter circuit of such power source, the DC power input circuit for such power source, or in the output circuit of the power source's output transformer. A capacitor in series with the output circuit of the power source and with the primary winding enables current to be transferred out of the power source to such primary winding.

Abstract: A voltage divider across the interruptor switch contacts provides a measure of the high voltage produced before a spark occurs at the sparkplug. A Zener diode connected to the upper tap of the voltage divider breaks down when this voltage has risen a certain amount as the result of wear of the sparkplug electrodes that widen the gap. The Zener voltage breakdown causes a relay to lock in and to short-circuit a current-limiting resistor in the spark coil primary circuit that allows a higher voltage spark to be produced to assure proper firing of the sparkplugs with the wider gap. Another Zener diode is connected to the lower tap of the voltage divider to sound an alarm and to disable the ignition circuit when the high voltage at which sparks strike in the sparkplug rises to a value for which the insulation of the spark coil and its connection is not designed to withstand.

Abstract: A Kettering type ignition system is improved by modulating the transient output from such system with an AC component signal to substantially increase the energy delivered to the igniters. The system provides for impedance matching of the AC source to the impedance of the ignition transformer. Ignition transformers with single and multiple primary windings are utilized.

Abstract: Proposed in this application is a device for adjusting ignition timing in an engine for a motor-cycle having an engine, an ignition circuit for the engine, a fluid coupling connected to the engine, a power transmission mechanism which receives driving force from the fluid coupling, and shift indicating switch which changes over in association with the power transmission mechanism to indicate a low speed drive, a high speed drive, or the neutral position, wherein the ignition timing adjusting device comprises: a plurality of ignition signal emitters, each having differing signal emission timing and producing an ignition signal output to actuate said ignition circuit when the engine is in a driven state and the vehicle is in a stopped state; and a switching element which, in accordance with change-over operation of the shift indicating switch device, controls in such a manner that any one of the output signals from the plurality of ignition signal emitters may be fed as an input into the ignition circuit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a circuit for lighting like a candlelight. The circuit has a lighting means having at least one incandescent lamp, and a control means which has a plurality of oscillators which can be oscillated with substantial equal frequencies. The control means controls an electric current flowing through the lighting means by a composite output of the oscillators. The each oscillator may be a relaxation oscillator which has a neon tube, and the control means may have a photo dependent resistor adapted to receive a composite light of lights emitted by the neon tubes, whereby the resistance of the photo dependent resistor being varied so as to control the electric current flowing through the lighting means.

Abstract: An energizing circuit for gas discharge lamps for room or street lighting or for lights used in document copying machines and the like comprises means for continuously energizing the same at a low non-useful light producing level when such lamps are not needed by a voltage which strikes an arc and maintains a low level of ionization with an infinitesimally small current and very little energy drain. This voltage may be an AC voltage or a DC voltage supplied by a unique circuit including a number of DC voltage sources, rectifiers, voltage adjusting and current-limiting impedances and electronic switches. The lamps are energized by AC or pulsating DC supplied by the aforesaid or other electronic switches operated at a high frequency of at least about 20-30 kilo-Hertz.

Abstract: Electronic ballast apparatus includes a transformer having an "E"-shaped core member with a primary winding wrapped on a center leg member and coupled to a potential source and first and second secondary windings each wrapped on a first and second outer leg member of the core member and coupled to gaseous discharge lamps such that flux developed in the primary winding is differentially divided between the first and second secondary windings in inverse relation to energization of the gaseous discharge lamps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating the output flux generated by a lamp with the degeneration of the voltage from a power source such as a battery. The regulating circuit maintains a constant luminous flux output from a lamp over a substantial range of voltages by switching the voltage to the lamp on and off at a preselected and controlled duty cycle. The duty cycle varies with the variations in the lamp electrical operating parameter provided to the regulating circuit. The regulating circuit permits the useful life of a power source to be substantially increased before requiring replacement.

Abstract: A control circuit for a battery-operated fluorescent lamp has a transistorized inverter which acts as a blocking oscillator. Lamp intensity is controlled by applying an adjustable bias, either automatic or manual, to the base of the blocking oscillator transistor.

Abstract: A control circuit including digital circuitry and a voltage step up transformer is arranged to operate as an inverter to provide for energizing a cold cathode lamp under power provided by a d.c. source such as a battery. According to a significantly preferred feature, any one of a plurality of operating modes can be manually selected so that different illuminating effects can be provided as desired.

Abstract: Energy provided by two circuits each of which has inductive and capacitive components which provide initial conditions for the ignition firing cycle, makes possible high modulated power components of the system for delivery to a high voltage distributor. Such conventional distributor sequences the igniter firing.

Abstract: An alternator energized ignition system is provided for producing a transient ringing waveform forced by high voltage output of the alternator. A configuration of this system also provides for feeding DC power to result in the conventional transient that modulates the transient ringing waveform to produce very high ignition energy economically.