Abstract: A circuit arrangement of an ignition output stage in particular for an ignition circuit of a motor vehicle, having a switching arrangement which triggers a primary winding of an ignition coil, and a trigger circuit for the switching arrangement. The trigger circuit allows a two-stage closing of the ignition coil.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for reducing peaks of operating power drawn from a power source by a multi-channel system. Each channel of the system drives a load and demands operating power from the power source in an intermittent manner. Power is supplied to the multi-channel system from the power source. Operating power from the power source is drawn in an intermittent manner into each of two or more channels of the multi-channel system. The drawing of the operating power is by the two or more channels so that occurrences of peak operating power launched in a first channel do not fully overlap the occurrences of peak operating power in a second channel.

Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine capable of suppressing not only a decrease in the discharge energy of the spark plug but also the LC resonance itself. When an igniter 13 is turned on by an ignition timing control unit 14 and a current flows into a primary coil 111 of the igniter 11, a FET 31 is turned off by the ignition timing control unit 14, whereby the primary coil is cut off from an LC resonance-absorbing resistor 32 to prevent a decrease in the current flowing into the primary coil. The ignition timing control unit 14 turns the igniter 13 off and turns the FET 31 on a predetermined period after the start of discharge of the secondary coil 112, whereby the primary coil and the LC resonance-absorbing resistor are connected together to absorb LC resonance after the discharge of the secondary coil, in order to suppress the occurrence of noise caused by LC resonance.

Abstract: A circuit is provided in which a voltage due to a minute current is applied to a gate terminal from a collector terminal when a collector voltage is higher than a gate voltage in an operation of current limitation. Thus, an increase in the collector voltage immediately after the operation of current limitation starts serves to boost the gate voltage. The boosted voltage suppress an abrupt increase in the collector voltage. When the collector voltage is reduced by oscillation, the action of boosting the gate voltage is lowered to suppress the reduction of the collector voltage.

Abstract: A dual primary, single secondary ignition coil and control provides for establishment of a continuous extended arc across a pair of electrodes or dual arcs across the pair of electrodes. Continuous extended arcs are advantageous in extended burn applications and dual arcs are advantageous in gas plasma ion sense misfire detection applications.

Abstract: An a.c. ignition system for an engine, with an ignition transistor that switches the primary winding of an ignition coil, with a control circuit for controlling the ignition transistor and a parallel circuit including a capacitor and a diode between the emitter and collector of the ignition transistor. The control circuit can receive a measuring signal that is proportional to the collector potential of the ignition transistor, and the control circuit controls the ignition transistor depending on the measuring signal so that the ignition transistor is activated at a low voltage between the collector and emitter of the transistor.

Abstract: An improved turbine engine ignition exciter circuit. Energy stored in an exciter tank capacitor is subsequently switched to the load (igniter plug) through a novel thyristor switching device specifically designed for pulse power applications. The switching device is designed and constructed to include, for example, a highly interdigitated cathode/gate structure. The semiconductor switching device is periodically activated by a trigger circuit which may be comprised of either electromagnetic or optoelectronic triggering circuitry to initiate discharge of energy stored in exciter tank capacitor to mating ignition lead and igniter plug. Likewise, the present invention allows new flexibility in the output PFN (Pulse Forming Network) stage, eliminating need for specialized protective output devices such as saturable output inductors. Due to considerably higher di/dt performance of the device, true high voltage output pulse networks may be utilized without damage to the semiconductor switching device.

Abstract: An ignition coil control circuit for controlling a current flowing to a primary coil of an ignition coil, comprises a switching circuit for switching the primary coil of the ignition coil, a driving circuit for driving the switching circuit, a control signal output circuit for generating and outputting a driving control signal to the driving circuit in accordance with a signal from an ECU, and a current limiting circuit for detecting a value of the current fed to the primary coil by the switching circuit and controlling the switching circuit to make the current value not larger than a predetermined value and wherein the control signal output circuit uses the signal from the ECU as its power source, and the current limiting circuit uses a switching driving signal output from the driving circuit for driving the switching circuit as its power source.

Abstract: A circuit for use in providing high voltage power to a neon bulb positioned on the vehicle utilizing the vehicle DC battery as the power source. The circuit includes an invertor, a transformer, and a rectifier. The invertor receives low voltage DC from the vehicle battery, converts the low voltage DC to a low voltage AC drive voltage, and delivers the AC drive voltage to the transformer primary for conversion to a high voltage AC at the transformer secondary. The rectifier receives the high voltage AC from the transformer secondary, converts the high voltage AC to high voltage DC, and delivers the high voltage DC to the neon bulb. Since the power delivered to the neon tube is DC there is less need to shield the tube with respect to electro magnetic emissions and parasitic losses in the wire runs between the battery and the neon tube are significantly reduced.

Abstract: An electronic starter for a fluorescent lamp comprises a power switch, controlled at its gate by a gate-control circuit and an auxiliary supply circuit that gives the necessary logic supply voltage to the gate-control circuit on a terminal of a capacitor. The gate-control circuit comprises a comparator with two voltage references to measure a duration of preheating of the lamp, the input of this comparator receiving the logic voltage given by the capacitor, the output of the comparator being used to command the closing or the opening of the switch. In one improvement, there is provided a preheating current measurement circuit to detect the optimum current for lighting up the lamp once the necessary preheating time has elapsed.

Abstract: An improved turbine engine ignition exciter circuit. Energy stored in an exciter tank capacitor is subsequently switched to the load (igniter plug) through a novel thyristor switching device specifically designed for pulse power applications. The switching device is designed and constructed to include, for example, a highly interdigitated cathode/gate structure. The semiconductor switching device is periodically activated by a trigger circuit which may be comprised of either electromagnetic or optoelectronic triggering circuitry to initiate discharge of energy stored in exciter tank capacitor to mating ignition lead and igniter plug. Likewise, the present invention allows new flexibility in the output PFN (Pulse Forming Network) stage, eliminating need for specialized protective output devices such as saturable output inductors. Due to considerably higher di/dt performance of the device, true high voltage output pulse networks may be utilized without damage to the semiconductor switching device.

Abstract: A continuous plasma ignition system includes an exciter 12, an ignitor plug 16 and a cable 18 which connects the excitor 12 to the ignitor plug 16. The ignition system operates at the resonant frequency value f.sub.r of the circuit formed by the exciter, ignitor plug and the cable, such that, a continuously plasma 23 of ionized air is provided across the ignitor gap 22.

Abstract: An ignition circuit for a spark plug includes an IGBT switch with a foldback clamp circuit. The foldback clamp has a first high clamp voltage for a first short interval to fire the spark plug, followed by a lower clamp voltage. The power dissipation of the IGBT switch is therefore substantially reduced.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp ignition circuit of the type including a DC voltage stabilizer to process input voltage into a constant voltage by dropping or boosting, an inductance filter to receive output power supply from the DC voltage stabilizer and to remove surge from it, an oscillator having a transformer, which receives output power supply from the inductance filter and then provides a sin-wave output for igniting a fluorescent lamp, and a feedback circuit connected between the oscillator and the fluorescent lamp to provide a feedback signal to the DC voltage stabilizer, wherein the feedback circuit includes two shunt resistors, which connect the mid-point of the secondary side of the transformer of the oscillator to earth, and two diodes respectively connected between the shunt resistors and the DC voltage stabilizer to form a double-feedback loop.

Abstract: In an alternating current ignition system whose ignition output stage has an ignition coil, a resonant-circuit capacitor for generating a bipolar alternating current, a semiconductor switch for controlling the primary coil current and an energy recovery diode connected in parallel to the semiconductor switch, the current flowing through the diode serves as control signal for the semiconductor switch and triggers the switching-on of the semiconductor switch.

Abstract: A power transistor device is provided which has a function of clamping the collector voltage to a stable level for a wide range of temperature variations. In the power transistor device, a plurality of pn junctions are formed to fabricate Zener diodes in the polycrystalline silicon film in the form of rings. The ring configuration of the Zener diodes eliminates an end at the pn junction and prevents the junction surface from being exposed, making it possible to use as a stable Zener voltage the dielectric strength characteristic of the pn junction having a very small temperature coefficient.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a discharge lamp (15) has a power adjustment unit (11,13) for adjusting electrical power to be supplied to the discharge lamp, an ignition pulse circuit (17) for producing at least one ignition pulse to be applied to the discharge lamp, and a computer control circuit (19) electrically connected with the power adjustment unit and the ignition pulse circuit. The computer control circuit (19) controls the power adjustment unit and the ignition pulse circuit so that at first the power adjustment unit (11,13) supplies an idling voltage to the discharge lamp, then the ignition pulse circuit (17) lights up the discharge lamp by applying at least one ignition pulse to the discharge lamp, and thereafter the power adjustment unit (11,13) controls lamp power of the discharge lamp to a target lamp power.

Abstract: An ignition system for internal combustion engines serves as a bracket circuit arrangement (10, 11, 12, 16) to limit the primary voltage, in order to protect parts energized with high voltage from being destroyed. The ignition system comprises a voltage bracketing of the ignition transistor (3), the bracketing voltage being variable in dependence upon a secondary-side load. The primary voltage (U.sub.P) is acquired by an evaluation unit (9) and, given a high secondary load, a high bracketing voltage is used and, given a low secondary load, a low bracketing voltage is used.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic ballast circuit for a high pressure gas discharge lamp with a reduced parts-count starting circuit. The circuit comprises an arrangement for supplying d.c. voltage from a d.c. source, and a main inductor for receiving energy from the d.c. source and supplying the energy to the lamp. The main inductor has a plurality of windings. A first winding of the inductor is coupled to receive energy from the d.c. source. Further included is a current-switching arrangement conductive during periodic first part cycles for transferring energy from the d.c. source to the main inductor, and non-conductive during periodic second part cycles. A first part cycle is followed by a second part cycle in successive periods of switching operation of the current-switching arrangement. The first winding of the main inductor has impressed across it substantially the d.c. source voltage during the first part cycles, and reflects substantially the lamp voltage during the second part cycles.

Abstract: A unipolar ignition of the invention provides a current waveform at the ignitor plug which initially rises relatively slowly, followed by a transition to a fast rising current which quickly peaks and thereafter slowly dissipates. Such a current waveform provides an initially hotter and longer lasting spark which does not harm the ignitor plug of the system or shorten its life expectancy. Neither does the spark create stress on the solid state circuitry which delivers the energy to the ignitor plug. To provide the foregoing spark and current characteristics, an inductor having a saturable core is in series with the ignitor plug, and it provides an initially high inductance which limits the rate of current rise at the plug as energy is transferred from an energy storage device to the plug. As the current through the inductor increases, its core begins to saturate and the effective inductance begins to decrease, allowing the current to rise more quickly.

Abstract: In a transistor where collector is connected to an inductive load and switching current flows, a Zener diode comprising structure of plural pn-junctions constituted in series form to a polysilicon is provided between collector and base. Further MOSFET is switch-controlled by control voltage formed based on Zener current flowing through the Zener diode, and current path in parallel form to the Zener diode is constituted. Since temperature characteristic coefficient of a Zener diode formed in a polysilicon film is very small, the reverse voltage generated in the inductive load can be set to stable voltage in spite of the temperature variation. Further the MOSFET is provided in parallel form, thereby relatively large ON-resistance value of the Zener diode can be decreased.

Abstract: An inductive load driver is constructed with a driving means (205), responsive to a control input (211). The driving means (205) provides energy to an inductive load (203) and then prevents the providing of energy to the inductive load (203). The inductive load (203) reflects the previously provided energy to the driving means (205) when the driving means (205) is preventing the providing of energy. A control means adjusts the energy to the inductive load (203) responsive to the reflected energy provided by the inductive load (203).

Abstract: In a sparkplug voltage detecting probe device for use in internal combustion engine comprising, a sensor is provided to form a static capacity between the sensor and an ignition coil which is connected to a spark plug. A sparkplug voltage divider circuit has a capacitor connected between the sensor and the ground. A release circuit has a resistor connected in parallel with the capacitor so as to provide a time constant of a RC path. A short circuit is provided to instantaneously release an electrical charge from the capacitor either immediately before establishing a spark voltage for the spark plug or immediately after initiating the spark action of the spark plug. A sparkplug voltage waveform detecting circuit detects a sparkplug voltage waveform divided by the sparkplug voltage divider circuit.

Abstract: A unipolar ignition of the invention provides a current waveform at the ignitor plug which initially rises relatively slowly, followed by a transition to a fast rising current which quickly peaks and thereafter slowly dissipates. Such a current waveform provides an initially hotter and longer lasting spark which does not harm the ignitor plug of the system or shorten its life expectancy. Neither does the spark create stress on the solid state circuitry which delivers the energy to the ignitor plug. To provide the foregoing spark and current characteristics, an inductor having a saturable core is in series with the ignitor plug, and it provides an initially high inductance which limits the rate of current rise at the plug as energy is transferred from an energy storage device to the plug. As the current through the inductor increases, its core begins to saturate and the effective inductance begins to decrease, allowing the current to rise more quickly. As energy is transferred to the ignitor plug.

Abstract: At the lumen output levels of most ordinary household incandescent lamps, incandescent filaments designed for and operated at about 24 Volt RMS provide substantially higher luminous efficacy than filaments designed for and operated at 120 Volt RMS. A table lamp comprises means for converting 120 Volt/60 Hz to 120 Volt/30 kHz. The 120 Volt/60 Hz is obtained from an ordinary electrical receptacle; the 120 Volt/30 kHz is provided to the lamp socket. With 120 Volt/30 kHz on the lamp socket, any ordinary 120 Volt incandescent lamp can be used therein; as can also any special incandescent lamp having a 24 Volt filament in combination with a built-in 30 kHz voltage transformer operative to convert the 120 Volt/30 kHz socket voltage into 24 Volt/30 kHz voltage for the filament.

Abstract: A current limiter in an ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine including a differential amplifier 20 is able to limit a primary winding current of an ignition coil to a prescribed limit value which is independent of a voltage as sensed by a current sensing resistor 11, thus providing a highly stable operating characteristic. The factor of current amplification of the differential amplifier can be increased without accompanying oscillations of the current limiter. The current sensing resistor senses a voltage corresponding to a current flowing from the primary winding of the ignition coil to a power transistor 4 which turns on and off the power supply to the ignition coil. A reference voltage source 12 generates a reference voltage for comparison with the voltage sensed by the current sensing resistor.

Abstract: A unipolar ignition of the invention provides a current waveform at the ignitor plug which initially rises relatively slowly, followed by a transition to a fast rising current which quickly peaks and thereafter slowly dissipates. Such a current waveform provides an initially hotter and longer lasting spark which does not harm the ignitor plug of the system or shorten its life expectancy. Neither does the spark create stress on the solid state circuitry which delivers the energy to the ignitor plug. To provide the foregoing spark and current characteristics, an inductor having a saturable core is in series with the ignitor plug, and it provides an initially high inductance which limits the rate of current rise at the plug as energy is transferred from an energy storage device to the plug. As the current through the inductor increases, its core begins to saturate and the effective inductance begins to decrease, allowing the current to rise more quickly.

Abstract: The ignition system consists of a free-running ignition final stage, a miniature induction coil, a static and/or dynamic determination of the ignition angle, and a power supply. The ignition final stage ensures that the ignition current is an alternating current and that the ignition energy is fed to the spark plugs in a current-controlled manner. The ignition point is determined by reading the ignition angle. The electrical supply to the entire ignition final stage and additional consumers in a motor vehicle is through a power supply that converts the current and voltage.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multiple spark transistor ignition circuit which is able to provide negligible retardation of ignition time, and/or prevent ignition with reverse rotation and/or provide an additional advanced spark and/or govern maximum engine speed and/or progressively advance the moment of ignition with increasing engine speed. The basic circuit comprises an ignition circuit of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,163,437 (Notaras) with a diode interposed between the primary winding and the remainder of the circuit. Circuits having a single primary winding and dual remainders or dual primary windings and single remainders are also disclosed. A governor circuit having a control transistor, a further potential divider and a control capacitor, is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ignition system is disclosed in which secondary windings of a first and a second ignition coil are connected in parallel to a spark electrode of an internal combustion engine. A d.c. high voltage is alternately fed to the primary windings of the first and the second ignition coil. When an integrated value of a current flow through the first (the second) ignition coil reaches a first reference value, this primary coil is disconnected from a feed bus, and instead the primary winding of the second (the first) ignition coil is connected to the bus. When a short-circuit occurs in one of the ignition coils, only the other ignition coil conducts repeatedly, and accordingly the switching of the energization takes place whenever the current flow through the first (the second) ignition coil reaches a second reference value.

Abstract: A unipolar ignition of the invention provides a current waveform at the ignitor plug which initially rises relatively slowly, followed by a transition to a fast rising current which quickly peaks and thereafter slowly dissipates. Such a current waveform provides an initially hotter and longer lasting spark which does not harm the ignitor plug of the system or shorten its life expectancy. Neither does the spark create stress on the solid state circuitry which delivers the energy to the ignitor plug. To provide the foregoing spark and current characteristics, an inductor having a saturable core is in series with the ignitor plug, and it provides an initially high inductance which limits the rate of current rise at the plug as energy is transferred from an energy storage device to the plug. As the current through the inductor increases, its core begins to saturate and the effective inductance begins to decrease, allowing the current to rise more quickly.

Abstract: To suppress negative half-waves derived from a magneto armature and not used for ignition without use of external damping networks, the semiconductor switch controlling current flow, and abrupt turn-off to initiate an ignition event, is formed as a monolithic semiconductor element, and the inherent inverse diode of the monolithic element is utilized to pass the reverse voltage half-waves. To prevent damage to the inherent diodes due to over-voltage or current overloading, a damping resistance element is connected in series with the main current carrying path of the monolithic circuit elements, preferably a Darlington transistor, which, preferably, is a semiconductor resistor having a preferred current passage characteristic in the same direction as the current flow through the Darlington transistor, for example a Zener diode, a resistor, or a series of diodes polarized like the inverse diode, bridged by a diode conducting in the same direction as the Darlington transistor, or the like.

Abstract: A constant energy, constant spark rate ignitor system suitable for use in high energy ignition systems. The ignitor system includes a vacuum interrupter switch through which an energy storage capacitor discharges to fire a surface gap spark plug. Discharge of the energy storage capacitor through the vacuum interrupter can only occur upon actuation of the switch. The quantity of energy stored in the energy storage capacitor and the timing of capacitor discharge is therefore not a function of ambient operating conditions or the dielectric properties of the switch and can therefore be independently controlled. A voltage comparator and spark rate clock are used to trigger closure of the vacuum interrupter switch and fire the plug when the capacitor contains the desired quantity of energy and a clock signal is present. A current proving circuit is also provided to verify that current passes through the spark plug.

Abstract: A control circuit and method for regulating the current flow through a series connected inductor and transistor. The circuit comprises an operational amplifier for receiving a first voltage proportional to the current flow, for receiving a variable second voltage, and for providing a control current to the transistor which keeps the transistor out of its saturation region.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a constant rate of sparking in the spark gap of an internal combustion engine by supplying constant power to the capacitor which discharges through the spark gap. The capacitor receives current from the secondary coil of a transformer. The system uses a multivibrator to control current flow through the primary circuit of a transformer. The multivibrator is controlled by a comparator which compares an integrated transformer feedback signal to a temperature compensated reference voltage. In any two equal time periods, substantially the same amount of current flows to the capacitor from the secondary of the transformers. Substantially the same number of sparks are discharged through a spark gap during equal time periods.

Abstract: An ignition circuit for explosives with a monostable multi-vibrator controlling a transistor in circuit with a battery and the primary winding of a switching transformer, with the secondary winding directly connected to spaced electrodes at the explosive.

Abstract: An improved 120 Volt/40 Watt incandescent light bulb is adapted to be used in an ordinary Edison-type lamp socket and provides nearly twice the effective Lumen-output as that of an ordinary 120 Volt light bulb of same power rating and same life expectancy.The improved light bulb comprises an electronic inverter-type voltage conditioner that provides a voltage of about 15 Volt RMS magnitude to the filament of a small Tungsten-Halogen lamp. This voltage conditioner is comprised within the bottom part of the light bulb and the Tungsten-Halogen lamp is mounted right above the power conditioner--all within an outer envelope.The improved light bulb has shape and size substantially the same as that of an ordinary household 120 Volt/40 Watt light bulb.Means are provided by which the Lumen output can be manually adjusted over a wide range.In one version, the outer envelope is removable and the small Tungsten-Halogen lamp is replaceable.

Abstract: This high-energy ignition generator, especially for gas-turbines, of the type including an energy source (1) connected to a first circuit containing an energy storage capacitor (10), an inductor (11) and an ignition plug (12), in series, a free-wheel diode (15) being connected in parallel with the terminals of the inductor (11) and the ignition plug (12) and means of short-circuiting (16) the first circuit so as to generate sparks between the electrodes of the plug (12), is characterized in that the means of short-circuiting (16) include at least one semi-conductor switching device (17,18) controlled by means of comparison (32) of the voltage at the terminals of the storage capacitor (10) with a first reference voltage, and in that means of control (2,3,4,7; 39,40,41) of the charge of the capacitor (10) at a first rate during an initial period of time and at a second rate during a second period of time, the second rate being higher than the first, are interposed between the energy source (1) and the first cir

Abstract: An engine igniter for a multi-cylinder engine has a plurality of power transistors for controlling the currents of corresponding ignition coils. The emitters of the power transistors are connected in common to a current sensing resistor. A differential amplifier amplifies the difference between the voltage across the current sensing resistor and a reference voltage. A current mirror circuit having a plurality of output terminals is driven by the output of the differential amplifier. Base current control transistors which control the base currents of the power transistors are controlled by the outputs of the current mirror circuit.

Abstract: An ignition system of AC continuous discharge type is disclosed which comprises a switching circuit for supplying the primary current of an ignition coil alternately in two directions and which is applicable to the internal combustion engine, for example. The rise of the primary current is slowed by an inductance device and the energy stored in the inductance device is absorbed into a capacitor.

Abstract: The circuit according to the invention comprises a hysteresis comparator 9 connected to a transistor 2 controlling the current flowing in an inductive load 1. The voltage taken across the terminals of a measurement resistor 3 is compared with a reference voltage established by a source 6. According to the invention, a feedback loop 10 establishes a proportional action of the transistor 2 on the current in the load 1 when the voltage at S exceeds a predetermined threshold. In this way an oscillation is obtained between two values on either side of a nominal value, these two values being associated with the thresholds of the hysteresis comparator. Application to the production of an integrated circuit for the control of the ignition coil of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An excitation circuit for a gas discharge lamp. The excitation circuit includes a rectifier for converting conventional line A.C. to D.C. The primary winding of a step up transformer and a switching element of an inverter circuit are connected in series across the output of the rectifier. The switching element is switched at a desired frequency, generating an A.C. signal across the primary winding of the transformer. The inverter circuit further includes a capacitor connected in parallel with the primary winding to provide a pseudo-resonant mode of operation in the primary winding when the switching element is off. Switching of the switching element is controlled by control circuitry, which responds to the voltage level at the interconnection of the primary winding and switching element for adjusting the relative on and off time of the switching element, controlling total current through the primary winding.

Abstract: A bipolar power switch (4) in series with the primary of an ignition coil (2) and a detection resistor (R1) associated with a voltage divider (R2, R3) supplying a voltage V.sub.D ; a controlled amplifier-comparator (9), the first input of which receives the measured voltage and the second input receives a reference voltage (8), and the output of which is connected with the base of the switch (4), this amplifier-comparator acting for limiting the base current when the measured voltage is approaching the reference voltage; a series resistor (R10) between the output of the amplifier-comparator (9) and the base of the switch (4); and a differential amplifier (11), the inputs of which are connected with the terminals of the series resistor and the output of which is connected with the first input of the amplifier-comparator.

Abstract: In a power supply for an arc lamp in which a power source feeds an inverter consisting of a bridge network of field effect transistors, the current to the inverter is controlled by a switching transistor in accordance with the voltage applied bridge network in such a way as to maintain a constant power level over a specified operating range. A master oscillator and associated divider circuits provide a clock for controlling the switching transistor and pulses for driving the field effect transistors of the inverter at a frequency which is a submultiple of the clock frequency.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blocking oscillating converter for transferring energy from a source of power, such as a vehicle battery, to a storage means, such as an energy storage capacitor in a capacitor discharge ignition system. A novel control and feedback circuit incorporated in the blocking oscillator allows the drive level to the switching transistor to be controlled in response to the peak current in said transistor as well as the output voltage of the blocking oscillator. Furthermore the control circuit allows the blocking oscillator to be turned off during the short period of time after each spark discharge that is needed for turnoff of a switching device used to control that discharge.

Abstract: A dimmer control circuit having time constant regulating means provided in a multivibrator for regulating the load time ratio of the output pulse signal of the multivibrator to control ON, OFF the voltage of a battery applied to a lamp by the output pulse signal to thereby regulate the luminous intensity of the lamp comprising stopping means provided in the multivibrator for operating near the end of the regulation in a direction for increasing the luminous intensity of the lamp by the time constant regulating means and stopping the operation of the multivibrator. Thus, the dimmer control circuit can stop the operation of the multivibrator near the end of regulation in a direction for increasing the luminous intensity of a lamp to control the connection of a battery directly to the lamp with a fine current.

Abstract: A switching arrangement for ignitio of a high-pressure discharge lamp, The switching arrangement is provided with means for suppressing the production of ignition pulses in case the lamp has ignited or in cast it fails. The switching arrangement comprises a pushpull circuit which is supplied on the one hand by the supply voltage and on the other hand by the voltage across the lamp. An output terminal of the push-pull circuit is connected to the means for suppressing the production of ignition pulses. Thus, it is achieved in a simple manner that the lamp voltage influences the blocking and activation of the production of ignition pulses.

Abstract: A constant spark rate ignition exciter is disclosed which functions to store a predetermined constant amount of energy in an energy storage element of an ignition system independent of power supply variations. A first embodiment of the invention is a capacitive discharge ignition system. A second embodiment of the invention is an inductive discharge ignition system. Each embodiment produces the constant frequency ignition pulses by the counting of a predetermined count in a counter. The interval during which energy is stored in energy storage elements of the embodiments of the invention is determined by sensing the power supply potential and controlling the time interval for coupling the power supply to the energy storage element in a manner which is inversely proportional to the sensed voltage.

Abstract: An electronic ignition circuit for an internal combustion engine produces a plasma arc across the spark gap of an ignition device. An a.c. circuit is formed of a push-pull inverter, and a center tap primary step up transformer with feedback coil. A capacitor network passes pure a.c. to the primary of an ignition coil so that the wave fed to the ignition device is free of any d.c. component. An impedance connects to the breaker points or equivalent timing device to time the arcing so that an arcing a.c. voltage appears when the points are open, and a zero or low voltage wave appears when the points are closed. The circuit can also be used to feed a continuous wave to arcing devices in the cylinders of a diesel engine for preheating and ozonation of the air prior to fuel injection.

Abstract: A process for burning a carbonaceous fuel is disclosed. This process involves the steps of providing a combustion chamber equipped with a spark gap, introducing the fuel into the chamber, providing a high-energy a.c. wave, and connecting the wave to one of the electrodes of the spark gap.The alternating current wave used in the combustion process of this invention has a peak voltage of from 25,000 to 200,000 volts, a frequency of from 8,000 to 80,000 herz, and an energy of at least 600,000,000 volt-herz. The use of this wave creates an arc across the electrodes of the spark gap, thereby facilitating the combustion of the fuel.