Abstract: A plurality of energy emitters, such as flash tubes for visibile light or speakers for audio emissions, are placed in communication with an appropriate trigger circuit, one circuit for each of the energy emitters. Each trigger circuit is placed in communication with a timing circuit which communicates sequentially with each of the trigger circuits and is in communication with means to adjust an input energy level delivered to the timing circuit. When a trigger circuit is in communication with the timing circuit, energy is delivered to the trigger circuit to cause the transmission of input energy through the trigger circuit sufficient to cause the emission of energy by the energy emitter. A plurality of energy collectors appropriate to the nature of the emitted energy, are maintained in spatial arrangement to the energy emitter for the purpose of recovering spurious or nonfocused energy released by the emitter and from other sources of spurious energy within the system.

Abstract: A multi-flash strobe light pattern is superimposed on each individual light pulse produced by an incandescent lamp to provide a warning signal of enhanced visibility in a particulate laden ambient environment. The first pulse of each multi-flash strobe pattern is delayed for a time period, subsequent to energization of the incandescent lamp, which is equal to at least 80% of the time required for the incandescent lamp to achieve its maximum light output intensity.

Abstract: A strobing control adapter (10) includes first electrical connectors (52, 54), for connecting the adapter (10) to a power supply (12), and second electrical connectors (56, 58), for connecting the adapter (10) to a light source (14). A strobing circuit (50) is electrically connected to the first and second electrical connectors (52, 54, 56, 58). The strobing circuit (62) includes a first circuit (62) and a second circuit (64). The first circuit (62) generates a strobe signal delivered to the light source (14) via the second electrical connectors (56, 58). The second circuit (64) generates a modulation signal introduced into the first circuit (62) for causing the light source (14) to strobe aperiodically.

Abstract: A control panel for Christmas lights including a housing having a pole extending downwardly therefrom. A lower end of the pole is sharpened for being inserted within a ground surface. A control panel is disposed within the open front face of the housing. The control panel has a power cord extending outwardly of the housing for coupling with an electrical outlet. A pair of light panels are disposed within the opposed open side faces of the housing. The light panels are in operative communication with the control panel. Each of the light panels have a plurality of electrical outlets therein for receiving plugs from Christmas lights therein.

Abstract: Control circuitry causes a fluorescent lamp to flash by cycling the primary of the lamp ballast reactor at a desired cycle rate. This results in the average lamp wattage output being generally about 40% to 60% Go its normal wattage rating. This results in a correspondence reduction in lumen output. In such flashing, the intensity or light output of each flash is approximately the same as its normal, continuous light output.

Abstract: A fill-in light emitting apparatus having an illuminating mechanism for emitting illumination light whose color temperature can be varied; a color temperature metering mechanism for measuring the color temperature of the external light; and a color temperature controlling mechanism for varying the color temperature of the illumination light in accordance with color temperature data measured by the color temperature metering mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for simply retrofitting pre-existing vehicular incandescent hazard flashing lamps or strobe assemblies having high voltage wiring with low voltage, low-cost, two wire synchronized strobe lamp assemblies without requiring the altering of the vehicle's existing structure or wiring. The apparatus utilizes a high voltage d.c. to d.c. converter circuit which may be completely contained within the lamp housing so that no high voltage wiring will be routed through the vehicle. The strobe trigger circuit operates by sensing the ground potential at its input to trigger the strobe assembly's flash tube. This feature allows the synchronization of all circuit lamps, both incandescent and strobe, on a two wire flasher circuit without the need for a third wire to provide the trigger signal to the flash circuit. One embodiment of the invention works autosynchronously in conjunction with a standard electromechanical flasher relay as may be utilized in a typical vehicular warning light system.

Abstract: An electronic flash device in which a voltage of a power supply battery is boosted to be supplied to a load, includes a first oscillation portion of self-excited type, a second oscillation portion of separately-excited type, and a changeover portion which performs a changeover between causing the first oscillation portion to operate and causing the second oscillation portion to operate, according to a condition of the load.

Abstract: In a power-saving stroboscopic device, a main capacitor is not completely discharged even in full light emission, so that a predetermined amount of charge can be left in a main capacitor, in order to save power in a stroboscopic circuit of the device. A light emission unit of the stroboscopic device can perform full light emission and flat emission based on a period of light emission time set by predetermined conditions. The stroboscopic device comprises a light emission control unit and a control unit for controlling a period of light emission time, so that a residual voltage in a main capacitor in the stroboscopic circuit is higher than a residual voltage after full light emission, in order to improve the charging efficiency after the full light emission.

Abstract: In a flash circuit for a single use camera, a minimum residual charge voltage level is maintained on a flash capacitor to ensure availability of an energy source to operate an auxiliary circuit, such as an optical data recording circuit, even after prolonged periods of non-use of the camera. This minimum charge voltage level is maintained by provision of a DC circuit path from the camera battery via the charger circuit and flash power rectifier diode to the flash capacitor. Automatic restart of the flash charging circuit upon closing of the flash trigger switch is assured by connecting the charging circuit start terminal to the trigger switch by means of a normally reverse biased re-start diode that isolates the start terminal from the flash capacitor voltage on the trigger circuit at all times when the flash trigger switch is open.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic flash device which, even if the charged voltage of a main capacitor is low, can securely effect a trigger operation by making a trigger voltage higher than the charged voltage of the main capacitor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multiple flash/single lamp circuit for fast sequential strobing. More particularly, the present invention comprises a flashlamp, a pair of capacitors, a voltage multiplier and regulator to charge the capacitors, a pair of trigger circuits to discharge the capacitors and a controller to selectively activate each trigger circuit to activate the flashlamp.

Abstract: In a current cut-off type automated stroboscope circuit which controls a flashlight intensity by cutting off the current flowing through a flash lamp, a high-speed semiconductor switching device inserted in series with respect to the stroboscopic tube has been encountered up to now with malfunction and breakdown problems induced by chattering. To solve aforesaid problems, the present invention is to provide a xenon tube 1 with an IGBT 2 connected in series with respect to the xenon tube 1. The gate electrode of the IGBT is connected to two pnp-type transistors Q1 and Q2 substantially inbetween, both transistors of which are connected in series with respect to each other. The IGBT is controlled by turning on and turning off of the transistors Q1 and Q2. Furthermore, a time constant circuit which is formed of a capacitor C1 and a resistor R1 is connected to the transistor Q1. A gate voltage is applied to the IGBT 2 only for a certain period of time (one shot) which is defined by a time constant of CR product.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling illumination of a fluorescent lamp is disclosed which includes two transformers for heating cathodes of the fluorescent lamp. Also included are two ballasts for ballasting the fluorescent lamp having an input adapted to receive a source of A-C power and an output coupled to the fluorescent lamp. The ballasts provide power to the fluorescent lamp in excess of a normal rated power of the fluorescent lamp. The apparatus further includes a flasher relay for repeatedly cycling power at a cycling rate between power on and power off to the fluorescent lamp coupled to the output of the ballasts and to the fluorescent lamp, thereby causing the fluorescent lamp to flash at a flashing rate with a flashing intensity of light output which is greater than the flashing intensity of output of the fluorescent lamp under normal continuous operation. A remote control sensor may be connected to the apparatus to switch the apparatus between the flashing cycle and normal continuous operation.

Abstract: A fill-in light emitting apparatus having an illuminating mechanism for emitting illumination light whose color temperature can be varied; a color temperature metering mechanism for measuring the color temperature of the external light; and a color temperature controlling mechanism for varying the color temperature of the illumination light in accordance with color temperature data measured by the color temperature metering mechanism.

Abstract: A light flashing system for flashing lights on and off and for generating a pattern of illumination for a plurality of lights in response to intermittent switch closures. The system includes a battery, a plurality of light emitting elements, a plurality of transistors which enable the illumination of the light emitting elements, a switch, a capacitor, and a pattern generation circuit. The battery powers the light emitting elements and the pattern generation circuit. The switch intermittently clocks the pattern generation circuit and enables the flow of current in certain of the transistors, allowing illumination of certain of the light emitting elements in response to changes in inertial forces caused by movement of the flashing light system. The capacitor is connected in parallel to the battery such that the capacitor stores electrical charge when the switch is closed and continues to enable the flow of current through certain of the transistors after the switch is opened.

Abstract: On one side, a high-pressure gas discharge lamp (10) is connected, by way of the secondary winding (16) of an ignition transformer (14), to a line (11) and, on its second side, to a second line (12). It is therefore connected to a first voltage U.sub.1. A third line (13) delivers a further voltage U.sub.2. The ignition energy is supplied with the aid of a pulse. For this purpose, a spark gap (17) is provided in series with the primary winding (15), which gap abruptly becomes conductive when the breakdown voltage is attained. A first capacitor (18) that is charged by the voltage U.sub.2 by way of a resistor (20) connected in series is disposed in parallel to the first capacitor. The series connection of a second capacitor (19) and a diode (22) is provided in parallel to the first capacitor. The connecting point of the second capacitor and the diode is connected to the second line (12) by way of a resistor (21). This second capacitor 19 is charged by the voltage U.sub.1.

Abstract: A adjustable timing light including a housing having bottom portion and a top portion. The top portion of the housing is pivotally coupled to the bottom portion of the housing such that the top portion has a first orientation situated perpendicularly with respect to the bottom portion and a second orientation positioned in coaxial relationship therewith. Also included is a light assembly positioned within an interior space of the top portion of the housing. The light assembly is adapted to emit light toward a top face of the top portion of the housing upon the receipt of power. A plurality of wires are in electrical communication with the light assembly and a coil and a spark plug of a vehicle.

Abstract: In a building fire alarm system, the light strobes of a network of strobes are synchronized to flash simultaneously. Each strobe has a charging circuit to charge a capacitor which discharges through a flash tube. Once a capacitor is charged, the charging circuit is disabled. A synchronization pulse is applied through common power lines to trigger discharge of each strobe capacitor through the flash tube followed by recharging of the capacitor.

Abstract: A strobe dimmer of which the luminous intensity and color temperature are respectively controllable comprises: a fourfold-voltage rectifier circuit(1) having two twofold-voltage rectifier circuits(11,12) for rectifying an input voltage to twofold or fourfold DC voltage depending on the magnitude of input voltage and applying the rectified input voltage to respective strobe discharge tubes(ST1,ST2,ST3); a high voltage generating circuit(5) for supplying high voltage to respective trigger terminals(Tr) of the strobe discharge tubes(ST1,ST2,ST3) through corresponding trigger coils(LT); a first luminous intensity control circuit(13) connected between a ground terminal(GND) and an output terminal(X) of the fourfold rectifier circuit(1), and connected to respective anode terminals(Ad) of the strobe discharge tubes(ST1,ST3); a second luminous intensity control circuit(13a) connected between the ground terminal(GND) and the output terminal(X) of the fourfold rectifier circuit(1), and connected to respective anode ter

Abstract: A circuit and method for energizing a discharge device, such as a flashlamp. A discharge device is electrically coupled to a pair of capacitors which are both charged to a desired potential level. One of the capacitors discharges through the discharge device to initially energize the discharge device until its potential level falls below the potential level of the other capacitor whereupon the other capacitor commences to discharge through the discharge device to sustain the energization of the discharge device.

Abstract: A strobe device according to the present invention includes: a main capacitor; and step-up means including at least one step-up capacitor, the at least one step-up capacitor being rapidly charged via a flash discharge tube in an ionization state, a charged voltage of the at least one step-up capacitor being superimposed on a charged voltage of the main capacitor and applied across the flash discharge tube at least via an insulated gate bipolar transistor and a restriction resistor coupled in series with the flash discharge tube.

Abstract: An output from a D.C. power source is supplied to a flashlamp through a high speed switching circuit. A current detection circuit detects a current from the high speed switching circuit and a voltage detection circuit detects a voltage applied to the flashlamp. A multiplication circuit multiplies the detected current and voltage to compute a product value. The high speed switching circuit is controlled so that the product value becomes equal to a predetermined value or an amplitude level of a pulse shape control signal inputted from the outside.

Abstract: A fill-in light emitting apparatus having an illuminating mechanism for emitting illumination light whose color temperature can be varied; a color temperature metering mechanism for measuring the color temperature of the external light; and a color temperature controlling mechanism for varying the color temperature of the illumination light in accordance with color temperature data measured by the color temperature metering mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic flash apparatus having: a condenser; a flash tube which is connected with said condenser and flashes when electricity stored in the condenser is discharged; and a flash operation control device for performing drive control of said flash tube so that the flash tube flashes repeatedly when electricity stored in said condenser is applied to the flash tube.The flash operation control circuit varies the luminous amount of each of the repeated flashes of the flash tube according to the voltage accumulated in the condenser.

Abstract: A stroboscopic instrument is constructed of a gate-controlled switching element forming a discharge loop that is connected in series with a discharge lamp and main capacitor for storing charge that causes the discharge lamp to flash. The stroboscopic instrument further comprises: a stroboscopic flashing control circuit for controlling the operation of stroboscopic flashing; a low-voltage power supply that has an output voltage lower than the driving voltages of the stroboscopic flashing control circuit and the gate-controlled switching element; a first constant voltage regulator for stepping up the voltage of the low-voltage power supply up to the driving voltage of the stroboscopic flashing control circuit; and a second constant voltage regulator for stepping up the voltage of the low-voltage power supply or the output voltage of the first constant voltage regulator up to the driving voltage of the gate-controlled switching element.

Abstract: An audio/visual alarm system which includes multiple microprocessor-controlled alarm units connected in a common loop to a fire alarm control panel and an interface control circuit. The interface control circuit causes brief interruptions in power to the alarm units which synchronize operation of the alarm units and which can also be used as alarm control signals. The interface control circuit allows for control of both audio and visual alarms using only the single common loop connection between alarm units.

Abstract: A visual signaling system is provided incorporating strobe light means which emits flashes of light at a constant rate, as distinguished from a random rate, despite variations in input voltage applied to the system. The system enables predetermined signals to be perceived by persons in high decibel areas or by heating impaired persons, and multiple signaling units may be incorporated in a multistation system whereby the strobe lights in each of the signaling units all flash simultaneously at a synchronized rate, as distinguished from independently or at random rates.

Abstract: A strobe apparatus having a light emitter which emits strobe light and a color temperature converter for varying a color temperature of the strobe light emitted from the light emitter. The apparatus includes a first color temperature detector for detecting a color temperature of the strobe light after being reflected from an object, a second color temperature detector for detecting a color temperature of ambient light reflected from the object, and a color temperature controller. The color temperature controller controls the color temperature of the strobe light detected by the first color temperature detector, so that the color temperature of the strobe light incident upon the object to be photographed is substantially identical to the color temperature of the ambient light detected by the second color temperature detector.

Abstract: A drive circuit for use with an ambient condition detector limits heat dissipation and associated temperature rises in the presence of varying RMS values of an applied AC signal. The drive circuit includes a voltage doubler with a current regulator located between first and second storage elements. In the presence of a sensed ambient condition, which exceeds a predetermined threshold the regulator is enabled permitting one of the storage elements to be charged to a voltage on the order of twice the peak value of the applied AC voltage. A digital timer is used to trigger a flashable visual indicator from the stored DC voltage. The regulator provides a substantially constant DC voltage to the visual indicator in the presence of a varying AC line voltage.

Abstract: An electronic flash apparatus having a main capacitor for storing charges, a discharge light emitting tube for emitting light in accordance with the charges stored in the main capacitor, a CPU for performing camera sequence control, and an IGBT coupled to each of the discharge light emitting tube and the CPU. The CPU includes a light emission control terminal for controlling a light emission timing of the discharge light emitting tube and the CPU is supplied with a CPU operation voltage. The IGBT includes a gate terminal connected to the light emission control terminal of the CPU, a collector terminal, and an emitter terminal, wherein, responsive to the light emission control terminal inputting to the gate terminal a control voltage substantially equivalent to the CPU operation voltage, a channel is formed between the collector terminal and the emitter terminal and the charges of the main capacitor are discharged through the discharge light emitting tube.

Abstract: A device for controlling the firing of one or more electronic flash units by a leaf type camera shutter. Flash synchonization is provided by switch selectible modes at shutter opening, at shutter closing, or with a plurality of electronic flash units, at both shutter opening and shutter closing. The flash fire control system for leaf shutter cameras makes possible a wide variety of photographic lighting effects and can be incorporated in a shutter mechanism, camera body, electronic flash unit or flash remote controller or configured as a self-contained accessory device.

Abstract: This circuit facilitates the triggerability of a remote three wire flashtube and trigger coil assembly at a much lower than normal anode power supply voltage. The discharge of the trigger capacitor produces the usual trigger-event in the trigger coil. Simultaneously, a trigger boost capacitor boosts the flashtube anode voltage to approximate the supply voltage plus the voltage across the trigger coil primary winding. As a result, the flashtube anode voltage is essentially doubled at the outset of each trigger event.

Abstract: A device for controlling the surge of electrical current demanded following the discharge of a lighting system comprised of multiple electronic flash units powered from a common source. Individual electronic flash units are re-charged sequentially by the invention after system discharge, thus limiting the current demand to approximately the level produced by a single strobe light apparatus. The power management device for large electronic flash units can be integrated into the circuits of a strobe light apparatus, a generator, inverter or battery pack itself, or it can be configured as a self-contained accessory device.

Abstract: A portable flasher device is disclosed in which a pair of body members are connected together to form a housing which has bi-directional planar dimensions and an axial dimension, the planar dimensions being substantially larger than the axial dimensions to give the housing a substantially greater planar extent that the axial extent, and the bi-directional dimensions being such as to define a peripheral extent of the housing to make it suitable for holding the flasher device comfortably within the average human hand. The device includes a pair of battery compartments arranged at an angle to each other to define a space therebetween, with a circuit board and other operating components arranged within the space so as to reduce the thickness of the device to a minimum. A reflector and flasher lamp are mounted within a clear housing over the circuit board. The device is provided with a means for strapping it to a user's wrist or arm, or mounting it on a standard photographic tripod.

Abstract: A strobe alarm circuit which utilizes an optocoupler in the DC-to-DC converter portion of the circuit for repetitively connecting and disconnecting an energy-storing inductor across a DC power source. The light-emitting diode portion of the optocoupler is connected in parallel with a resistor network which continuously monitors the current flowing through the inductor; when the inductor current has attained a value at which the sum of the voltages developed across the resistors of the network is sufficient to turn on the LED, the switch portion of the optocoupler is turned on and disconnects the inductor from across the source. A thermistor connected in parallel with one of the resistors of the resistor network compensates for changes in values of the elements of the optocoupler which may occur due to temperature changes.

Abstract: A flash triggering system inductively coupled to a flash tube assembly's flash tube of a through-the-lens (TTL) strobe unit. The flash trigger monitors the electromagnetic field directly surrounding the strobe to which it is affixed using an electromagnetic inductive sensor. The photographic flash trigger is positioned by the mounting mechanism adjacent the flash tube so that the flash monitor detector is responsive to the excitation of a flash tube. The detector provides a detection signal indicative of whether or not the flash tube properly fired. A delay circuit delays any response for a predetermined time to allow for the main TTL flash cycle. Then, the activation circuit enables a separate transmitter to trigger the slave strobes while the camera shutter is still open.

Abstract: A strobe alarm system which includes multiple normally self-timed strobe circuits connected in a common loop to a fire alarm control panel, and a sync control circuit, which may be incorporated in the fire alarm control panel, for causing the strobes to flash in synchronism at a predetermined rate which will insure that a person viewing the multiple strobes would not see flash rates higher than the predetermined synchronized rate, which is preferably less than five flashes per second. The sync control circuit does not interfere with the supervision functions of the alarm system, and when an alarm condition is present it supplies power to the strobe circuits which it then interrupts once every flash cycle to cause a sync trigger circuit in each strobe to fire its flashtube, and to reset the internal timer of each strobe to ready it for arrival of the next sync signal.

Abstract: In this strobo apparatus, in a strobo controlling circuit in which such self-arc extinction-type gate-controlling type switching device as an IGBT is connected in series with a flash discharge tube to control the flash of the discharge tube, a bias voltage controlling the on/off operation of the above-mentioned gate-controlling type switching device is obtained from a biasing condenser charged with an exciting current of the flashing discharge tube or directly from a power source voltage boosting circuit through a resistance or sub-condenser.

Abstract: A strobe lamp switching system includes first, second and third capacitors of different value for simultaneously storing energy from a DC power supply. The strobe lamp is connected across the power supply and periodically fired by energizing an ignition electrode. The number of capacitors are permitted to discharge through the strobe lamp determines the intensity of its light output. An intensity control energizes a pair of relay operated switches that complete discharge paths for the second and third capacitors. A diode parallels each of the relay operated switches so that the second and third capacitors are charged whenever the power supply is on. A discharge resistor is coupled across the power supply for discharging energy in all of the capacitors when the power supply is off.

Abstract: A flashtube circuit includes a switch which in a first position regulates the storage over time of energy in a first energy storage device and in a second position allows the transfer of energy from the first energy storage device to a second energy storage device. A microcontroller receives the input voltage and then samples and digitizes it for input into a lookup table. The microcontroller repeatedly cycles the switch between flashes by controlling the time the switch is in its first position. The lookup table output provides the signal for determining the time the switch remains in its first position. The time interval from the last flash controls the time the switch is in its second position. The cycling of the switch is controlled accordingly such that the second energy storage device acquires the predetermined amount of energy for the flash just as the triggering circuit is initiated by the microcontroller.

Abstract: A toy flashlight formed in a configuration including a strobe module. The flashlight includes a handle housing and a releasably mounted transparent enclosure with the strobe module enclosed therebetween. The strobe module is provided to switch a light source between ON state and an OFF state to create a rapidly blinking light. Further, a strobing circuit is provided to control the switching mechanism of the strobe module. In this manner, the strobe module with strobing circuit can be inserted into a conventional flashlight to enhance its play value.

Abstract: In a process and an apparatus for the avoidance of bird impacts on airplanes by means of at least one light-flashes generating light source on an airplane, for which the frequency of the generated light flashes is varied through at least one cycle, the flash frequency is varied dependent upon the speed and/or the altitude and/or the acceleration of the airplane in order to provide an optimal flash frequency range for all take-off and landing phases and at the same time to be independent of a load and the type of airplane.

Abstract: A discharge circuit for and method of operating a flashlamp are disclosed in which the flashlamp is reliably operated repetitively while reducing current surges from the electrical power source. A switch means is provided for shunting recharge energy through a non-reactive means around an energy storage means for the flashlamp. The rate of recharging the energy storage means is reduced at the beginning of recharging below the rate which would allow the flashlamp to conduct before intentional triggering of a flash.

Abstract: A strobo device in accordance with the present invention is provided with an insulated gate bipolar transistor connected to a flash discharge tube in series and a step-up capacitor to step up a voltage between the main electrodes of the flash discharge tube in the luminous operation. The step-up capacitor is connected so that a terminal on the side connected to a cathode of the flash discharge tube can have a high potential and the step-up capacitor is also connected so as to be charged by a current flowing through the flash discharge tube, which is not flashing. Thus the device realizes a rapid charging of the step-up capacitor. In this way a high voltage, at least more than twice as high as the charged voltage of the main capacitor, can be applied between the main electrodes of the flash discharge tube in the luminous operation, resulting in preventing flash failures during the repeating high-speed luminous emissions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rare gas discharge fluorescent lamp device which is long in life and high in brightness and efficiency. The lamp device basically comprises a rare gas discharge fluroescent lamp wherein rare gas is enclosed in the inside of a glass bulb which has a fluorescent layer formed on an inner face thereof and has a pair of electrodes at the opposite ends thereof. In one embodiment, it further comprises a dc power source and a resonance circuit for generating pulse-like voltage across the pair of electrodes having the time rate of energization time to a period higher than 5% but lower than 70% and the energization time within a period shorter than 150 .mu.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed type electronic flash device comprises an electric circuit device comprising a main capacitor storing light emitting energy therein prior to light emission, a light emission tube for emitting light by the light emitting energy stored in the main capacitor, and a trigger circuit for applying a trigger voltage to the light emission tube prior to the light emission of the light emission tube, a housing having therein a partition wall hermetically separating the interior of the housing to form a battery chamber and an electric circuit chamber there, the battery chamber being capable of being loaded with a battery for driving the electric circuit device, the electric circuit device being provided in the electric circuit chamber, a leak detecting device provided in the battery chamber for detecting the entry of water into the battery chamber and outputting a leak signal, and a control device provided in the electric circuit chamber and capable of receiving as an input the leak signal from the

Abstract: A flashing warning light assembly of a type including a voltage source (s), a transformer gate (W), first and second storage condensers (C1 and C2), flash tube (B), an ignition circuit (T, Z), and an electrical switch (T1) in series with the first storage condenser which is controllable electrically. A monitoring circuit (R1, R2, V1) is further included which senses the charge voltage of the first storage condenser and compares it with a reference voltage, opening the electrical switch when the charge voltage exceeds the reference voltage. The apparatus of this invention provides a flashing warning light assembly which is easily and cost-effectively producible and which, while reliably igniting the flash tube, makes possible the influencing of energy or light intensity of produced light flashes.

Abstract: A strobe light circuit for flashing a flashtube at a desired frequency includes a transformer the primary of which is repetitively connected and disconnected across a D.C. power source by a switch so that energy stored in the primary winding during closed periods of the switch is transferred to the secondary winding of the transformer, with a step-up in voltage, during open periods of the switch, and through a diode to an energy-storing capacitor connected in parallel with the flashtube.

Abstract: A flashtube circuit includes a switch which in a first position regulates the storage over time of energy in a first energy storage device and in a second position allows the transfer of energy from the first energy storage device to a second energy storage device. A microcontroller receives the input voltage and then samples and digitizes it for input into a lookup table. The microcontroller repeatedly cycles the switch between flashes by controlling the time the switch is in its first position. The lookup table output provides the signal for determining the time the switch remains in its first position. The time interval from the last flash controls the time the switch is in its second position. The cycling of the switch is controlled accordingly such that the second energy storage device acquires the predetermined amount of energy for the flash just as the triggering circuit is initiated by the microcontroller.