Abstract: A cold cathode gas discharge lamp unit and control circuit for controlling the light emission of the cold cathode gas discharge lamp. A lamp unit includes a dc power source and a control circuit for converting into a high frequency drive signal across the lamp wherein each cycle of the drive signal includes an ignition period with a signal level sufficient to initiate gas conduction, a sustaining period with a signal level sufficient to sustain gas conduction, and an off period with a signal level below the sustaining level.

Abstract: A reliable and efficient circuit for lighting a discharge lamp is described. An inverter accepts a direct current supply voltage and outputs an alternating current lamp voltage to drive the discharge lamp at a relatively high frequency. In one embodiment, the inverter includes semiconductor switches in a full-bridge configuration, a transformer feedback circuit to control the semiconductor switches, and a series L-C resonant circuit. In one embodiment, the inverter includes semiconductor switches in a half-bridge configuration, a transformer feedback circuit to control the semiconductor switches, and a series L-C resonant circuit. The inverter can drive multiple discharge lamps in a parallel configuration. A bypass circuit can also be coupled across a cathode of the discharge lamp to extend the life of the discharge lamp. The bypass circuit activates when a lamp cathode wears out.

Abstract: A discharge lamp starter includes a DC/DC converter. The DC/DC converter includes a forward section for producing a first output voltage that is determined by a power supply voltage and a turn ratio of a transformer, and a flyback section for producing a second output voltage that is determined by an inductance of a primary winding of the transformer and a current flowing through the primary winding. The DC/DC converter generates its output voltage by adding the first output voltage and the second output voltage. The configuration can reduce the size of the discharge lamp starter.

Abstract: A ballast circuit with an ignitor circuit for starting serially connected HID lamps is provided. The ballast circuit comprises an electromagnetic ballast arrangement for driving the lamps and an ignitor circuit for starting the lamps. In an embodiment of the invention, the ignitor circuit comprises a voltage-breakover device, a first capacitor, a resister, a pulse autotransformer, and a second capacitor. A pulse autotransformer is associated with each subsequent lamp after a first lamp of the serially connected lamps.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for a cold-cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL). The power supply circuit converts a DC voltage to a high AC voltage for driving the CCFL. The power supply circuit includes: a switch; a switch control circuit for controlling the switch; a transformer for stepping up the voltage; an energy-preserving unit coupled to the transformer and the DC voltage output circuit; a first diode coupled to the transformer, the energy-preserving unit, and the switch; and a decoupling capacitor coupled to the transformer for outputting the high AC voltage.

Abstract: A driving apparatus of a discharge tube lamp includes a voltage source; a plurality of AC conversion circuits for boosting a voltage supplied from the voltage source and generating a plurality of boosted AC signals; a plurality of discharge tubes for receiving the boosted AC signals and emitting a plurality of lights; a plurality of detection circuits arranged between each of the plurality of AC conversion circuits and a ground voltage source for detecting a voltage supplied to each of the plurality of discharge tubes; and a controller arranged between the voltage source and each of the plurality of the AC conversion circuits for controlling the voltage supplied to the plurality of AC conversion circuits in accordance with a plurality of detection signals supplied from the plurality of detection circuits.

Abstract: A gas discharge lamp assembly is provided wherein the regulator housing and the ballast housing are placed remote from each other. Further, an ignitor and a capacitor are added to the circuitry of the ballast housing to allow for the regulator's remote placement. Such gas discharge lamps are typically between 1000 Watts and 2000 Watts.

Abstract: A light fixture with a submersible enclosure for an electric lamp (e.g, HID lamp) is disclosed. The fixture includes a ballast for supplying power to a high intensity discharge lamp. A submersible enclosure seals the lamp from water in normal operation. The fixture includes a water-sensitive circuit having a conductance that increases in response to water that leaks into the enclosure for conducting current from the ballast and limiting the ballast voltage. Alternatively, the submersible enclosure may contain a power lead for supplying power to an electrical load such as a lamp ballast, a non-ballasted lamp, or a color wheel. The power lead includes a fuse region that corrosively reacts in the presence of leaked water in the container, so as to sufficiently wither away the fuse region and terminate power to the load. The foregoing alternative versions may advantageously be combined.

Abstract: A starter circuit is provided for starting an HID lamp. The circuit decouples the high voltage starting pulse from the input lines (ballast output lines) so that the starter can function properly regardless of the distance between the ballast and the lamp.

Abstract: A discharge lamp driver circuit is provided which features a field canceller. The driver circuit includes a power supply circuit which turns on and off a switching element to step up a dc voltage and provide it for turning on a discharge lamp. The power supply circuit includes an electrical path through which an interrupted current arising from the on-off operation of the switching element flows. The field canceller includes an electric line through which the interrupted current having passed through the electrical path flows in an opposite direction, thereby producing a field canceling a field caused by flow of the interrupted current through the electrical path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ballast for at least one electric incandescent lamp, having at least two switching elements (T1, T2) that are coupled to one another with the formation of a first tie point (VP1), a drive circuit (10) with at least one output for driving the at least two switching elements (T1, T2) with the aid of a drive signal that is characterized by a pulse duty factor (d) and an operating frequency (fs), and with an input for a dimming signal (Ud), and a power transformer (Ü) whose primary side (L1) is coupled to the first tie point (VP1), it being possible to connect the at least one electric incandescent lamp (LA1; LA2) to the secondary side (L2) thereof, the drive circuit (10) being designed to vary the pulse duty factor (d) and the operating frequency (fs) of the drive signal as a function of the dimming signal (Ud). Furthermore the invention relates to a corresponding method.

Abstract: An electromagnetic ballast for sequentially starting and simultaneously operating first and second gaseous discharge lamps includes a transformer having a magnetic core, a primary winding for connection to an AC voltage source and first and second secondary windings, all wound around the core. The first and second secondary windings are wound in opposite directions to produce voltages in opposition to each other. The ballast includes first and second series circuits, each including one of the lamps. The magnetic core has an elongated slot formed under the second secondary winding. The slot width relative to the core width, and to the slot length, are dimensioned to provide improved operating performance.

Abstract: A multiple-light cold-cathode tube lighting device of the invention includes a main inverter circuit 1 constituted by a positive feedback amplifying circuit including transistors Q1, Q2 and having an oscillating function, and a sub-inverter circuit 2 constituted similarly to the main inverter circuit 1. One of the base windings is connected to the positive feedback circuits of the two inverter circuits. Cold-cathode tubes CCFL1 connected to respective output ends of the two transformers T1, T2 of the main inverter circuit 1 are synchronized with cold-cathode tubes CCFL2 connected to respective output ends of two transformers of the sub-inverter circuit 2, and the cold-cathode tubes CCFL1, CCFL2 can be individually subjected to light control by using switches.

Abstract: A discharge lamp circuit includes a power source for creating a current flow. A ballast is electrically connected to the power source and controls the current flow produced by the power source. A capacitor is electrically connected in the ballast. At least one discharge lamp is connected in series with the capacitor. The current flow passes through the discharge lamp during normal operation of the discharge lamp circuit. The ballast includes a switching circuit, electrically connected to the capacitor and the discharge lamp. The switching circuit provides an alternate path for the current flow during a starting operation of the discharge lamp circuit. The switching circuit provides the alternate path in accordance with a charge associated with the capacitor. The charge associated with the capacitor increases when the current flow passes through the alternate path.

Abstract: A discharge lamp ballast circuit has a snubber circuit to perform a soft switching when the MOS transistor is turned off. The snubber circuit has, for example, a capacitor that resonates with a reactance of the fly-back transformer and enables a zero voltage switching. Before a breakdown of a discharge lamp, a control circuit drives the MOS transistor in a non-zero voltage switching manner by turning on the MOS transistor just after a peak voltage. The non-zero voltage switching increases an output voltage of the fly-back transformer. After the breakdown of the discharge lamp, the control circuit turns on the MOS transistor in the zero voltage switching manner to perform the soft switching. As a result, it is possible to reduce switching loss during a lighting of the discharge lamp and to supply sufficient voltage in the lighting preparation period.

Abstract: Ballast circuitry is provided for powering a gaseous discharge lamp which has a range of possible parasitic loading capacitances associated with it. The circuitry includes a reactive source of ignition pulses which stores sufficient energy to charge the highest value of parasitic loading capacitance in the range to at least the minimum ignition voltage of the lamp. A voltage clamping element limits the peak voltage of the ignition pulses, even at the lowest value of parasitic loading capacitance in the range, to a maximum permissible voltage that may be applied to the lamp. The reactive source and the voltage clamping element cooperate to automatically provide high-energy ignition pulses to the lamp, with peak voltages well within permissible limits, over the entire range of parasitic loading capacitances.

Abstract: A description is given of an operating method for a discharge lamp with dielectrically impeded discharges and also a corresponding ballast and illumination system. The invention is directed at withdrawing the external lamp voltage across the discharge lamp in order to produce a back ignition in the lamp by virtue of an internal counterpolarization. The back ignition improves the efficiency of the lamp operation and makes it possible to construct a very small, lightweight ballast.

Abstract: A halogen lamp electronic transformer a power supply circuit, a voltage divider circuit, a control circuit, inductive coils, a push pull oscillator circuit, and a triggering and overload protection circuit. The push pull oscillator circuit consists of a plurality of push pull oscillator transistors, the bases of which are respectively connected to the positive ends of a plurality of inductive coils, with their emitters connected to the negative ends. As such, the positive electrical potential polarity reversal induced at the positive end of the plurality of inductive coils and the negative electrical potential reversal induced at the negative end of the inductive coils switch out and connect the plurality of push pull oscillator transistors to provide for the alternating continuity and cut off of the push pull transistors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ballast for operating at least one low-pressure discharge lamp, preferably a three- or four-lamp ballast. In order for all parallel- or series-connected low-pressure discharge lamps (L40-L43) to shine equally bright even in the case of strong dimming, the ballast according to the invention has a transformer (Tr40) for balancing the currents in the lamp branch circuits and a transformer (Tr41) for compensating the losses owing to parasitic capacitances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to piezoelectric transformers, and more particularly to a piezoelectric transformer with multiple outputs supplying stable voltages into a plurality of fluorescent lamps by connecting it to a plurality of fluorescent lamps.

Abstract: A unique drive circuit for a fluorescent lamp, as well as a housing for such lamp and drive circuit, designed for mineral museum displays, are disclosed herein. The drive circuit comprises a ballast subcircuit, a separate filament transformer subcircuit for pre-heating the lamp cathodes, and a relay between the subcircuits. The separate filament transformer subcircuit obviates the need for a conventional starter circuit for the fluorescent lamp. This way of pre-heating the cathodes prolongs the useful life of the lamp by making it possible for the lamp to undergo thousands of “on-off” cycles without the heretofore usual deterioration of the cathodes. The relay prevents the high voltage of the ballast from “hitting” the lamp cathodes before the cathodes have been pre-heated by the transformer subcircuit. Also disclosed is a method for using such a lamp, drive circuit, and housing to irradiate fluorescent minerals in a display case.

Abstract: A multi-lamp system for driving a lamp set having a first lamp and a second lamp comprises a driving circuit for converting a DC signal to an AC signal, a transformer having a primary side coupled to the driving circuit and a secondary side for outputting the AC power, and a current balance circuit coupled to the low voltage terminal of the lamp set for balancing the current values flowing through the first lamp and the second lamp. The current balance circuit comprises a magnetic core, a first winding coupled to the first lamp and a second winding coupled to the second lamp. The first winding and the second winding are wound on the magnetic core and have the same coil number.

Abstract: An inverter circuit for a gas discharge lamp having a primary circuit having a DC voltage supply, a transformer, a switching circuit including a first switch and a second switch for controlling a conduction state of the inverter circuit; a tank circuit having a resonant inductor and a resonant capacitor, the lamp load being coupled with the resonant capacitor; and a capacitor coupled to the first and second switches for maintaining a voltage across a primary winding of said transformer. Accordingly, the required turns ratio of the transformer is reduced by half which reduces the power loss in the transformer, thereby improving circuit efficiency. In addition, energy stored in a leakage inductance, which is otherwise dissipated across the switches of the push-pull switch configuration in the prior art, is recovered or captured by the clamping capacitor, thereby preventing the occurrence of voltage spikes across the switches.

Abstract: An integrated filter with both common-mode and differential-mode functions is disclosed. The integrated filter comprises a magnetic core, two windings and a frame for installing the windings. The magnetic core further comprises a rectangular core and an I-shaped core. The frame is fixed to a column of the rectangular core. These two windings are wound on the frame. The I-core is placed across an interior opening of the rectangular core and between these two windings. One integrated filter with a magnetic core composed of a &thgr;-shaped core and an I-shaped core is also disclosed. In addition, the magnetic core may comprise a &thgr;-shaped core and an E-shaped core. The E-core is placed across an interior opening of the &thgr;-shaped core or upright on the &thgr;-shaped core and between these two windings. One integrated filter with a magnetic core composed of a rectangular core and an E-shaped core is also disclosed.

Abstract: A starter circuit having a pulse transformer reduced in size so as to reduce the heating power, to make the starter circuit smaller and to make a lamp operating device smaller. The pulse transformer has a plurality of windings connected in parallel to one another on the primary side of the pulse transformer. In a first embodiment, the respective plurality of windings connected parallel to one another are located next to one another on a core of the pulse transformer, and are wound around the core such that the coupling of the primary windings to the secondary winding is increased. Hence, the number of turns per unit length of the secondary winding is reduced. Accordingly, the length of the pulse transformer in the axial direction is also reduced, and the pulse transformer is made smaller.

Abstract: A lamp ballast system includes a frequency inverter unit having a driver circuit connected to a voltage multiplying unit so as to receive a voltage-multiplied direct current output therefrom, an oscillator circuit connected to and driven by the driver circuit so as to generate a high-frequency oscillating current output, and a converter circuit connected to the oscillator circuit and operable so as to convert the oscillating current output into a stable high voltage, high frequency alternating current output. A phase correction unit interconnects the converter circuit and the lamp load, and includes at least one set of a transformer and a capacitor that are connected in series.

Abstract: A transformer device includes a housing made of a dielectric material, a core received within the housing, a secondary coil wound around an outer peripheral surface of the core, a high-voltage terminal connected to a high-voltage side end of the secondary coil and a primary coil electromagnetically coupled with the secondary coil. The housing has an open axial end and a closed axial end. The high-voltage side end of the secondary coil is positioned within the housing adjacent to the closed end of the housing. A high-voltage generating apparatus includes the transformer device received within a metal case. A discharge lamp lighting system includes the high-voltage generating apparatus and a discharge lamp electrically connected to the high-voltage generating apparatus.

Abstract: In a piezoelectric transformer control circuit, when a load (2) is disconnected from a piezoelectric transformer (1) and changes to an open state, an output detection voltage (Vdet) becomes higher than a reference voltage (Vref2), and the output from a voltage comparator (10a) goes “Low”. When the output of the piezoelectric transformer (1) is short-circuited to GND, the output detection voltage (Vdet) abruptly drops to almost “0” and becomes lower than a reference voltage (Vref3). The output from a voltage comparator (10b) goes “Low”. A voltage-controlled oscillation circuit (6) detects the signal “Low” to stop the generation of the oscillation signal to a driving circuit (7) for driving the piezoelectric transformer (1).

Abstract: Electronic system for generating and controlling light effects on projectors utilizing arc lamps, composed of an electronic power unit provided with a transformer fed via transistors, the secondary circuit of the transformer being connected to the feed terminals of the lamp, within the secondary circuit of the transformer there being connected a component for withdrawing a proportion of the instantaneous current circulating through the secondary circuit to produce an electrical signal which is made available to a control block which also receives an electrical reference signal generated by a pulse generator, the control block being arranged to compare the two electrical signals and to set the transistors to a conducting or inhibiting state depending on the result of the comparison, the amplitude and frequency of the electrical reference signal being adjustable by the operator.

Abstract: The described DC to AC inverter efficiently controls the amount of electrical power used to drive a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL). Additionally, during striking of the CCFL, a higher energy initial energy pulse is used. During normal operation, a lower energy pulse is used.

Abstract: In order to heat filaments of discharge lamps, use is often made of a filament transformer (L11, L12, L13) in the associated operating devices. Particularly in the case of preheating the filaments, there is then a lack of a sufficiently high inductive component in the load current in order to ensure turn-on relief of the half-bridge switches (S1, S2) for operating devices with a half-bridge circuit. By inserting an air gap into the filament transformer (L11, L12, L13) the switch relief can be effected even in the case of preheating or of a low dimming setting.

Abstract: A unique drive circuit for a fluorescent lamp, as well as a housing for such lamp and drive circuit, are designed for mineral museum displays. The drive circuit comprises a ballast subcircuit, a separate filament transformer subcircuit for pre-heating the lamp cathodes, and a relay between the subcircuits. The separate filament transformer subcircuit obviates the need for a conventional starter circuit for the fluorescent lamp. This way of pre-heating the cathodes prolongs the useful life of the lamp by making it possible for the lamp to undergo thousands of “on-off” cycles without the heretofore usual deterioration of the cathodes. The relay prevents the high voltage of the ballast from “hitting” the lamp cathodes before the cathodes have been pre-heated by the transformer subcircuit. Also a method is designed for using such a lamp, drive circuit, and housing to irradiate fluorescent minerals in a display case.

Abstract: An electronic ballast for igniting and maintaining a discharge arc in a discharge tube of a ceramic metal halide lamp wherein a resistance of the discharge tube varies with a temperature of the discharge tube during operation. It is desirable to energize the discharge tube with a substantially constant value to prevent changes in color of the light emitted by the discharge tube that result from changes to the power applied to the discharge tube. The ballast includes ballast circuitry having an inverter circuit driving an LC tank network coupled to the discharge tube. The LC tank network applies a time varying voltage to the discharge tube wherein a peak-to-peak magnitude of the time varying voltage applied by the LC tank network is determined by a frequency of oscillation of the inverter circuit.

Abstract: The invention provides a power supply or drive circuit for a pulsed flashlamp which utilizes a two-core component having common windings as both an inductor for arc mode drive and for breakdown triggering of the lamp. Discharge of a capacitor through the inductor and lamp is controlled by a high speed semiconductor switch which is turned on and off by a suitable control, current flowing from the inductor through a one-way path including the lamp when the switch is off. The control maintains the ratio of the current variation through the lamp to the average current through the lamp substantially constant.

Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting apparatus has a DC power supply, generating a direct current voltage, an inverter circuit, switching the direct current voltage at a high frequency, and including one bipolar transistor, which is turned on by a feedback signal of the high frequency voltage and turned off by an off-switching signal of a control circuit, and a resonance circuit resonated by the switching operations, a discharge lamp, operated by the high frequency voltage, and the control circuit, provided with a timer regulating operation modes of the discharge lamp, and an oscillator generating the off-switching signal according to each operation mode of the discharge lamp.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-power ballast inexpensively applicable to a fluorescent lamp of the 28-Watt class without any increase in the number of constituent elements used or any complexity in the manufacturing process. The high-power ballast includes a rectifier circuit for rectifying a low-frequency AC voltage to convert it into a direct current DC voltage, a power factor compensation circuit for compensating a power factor for the voltage outputted from the rectifier circuit, thereby boosting the level of the output voltage, the power factor compensation circuit including an active type power factor driver, and an inverter circuit for converting the DC voltage, outputted from the power factor compensation circuit, into a desired high-frequency AC voltage. The inverter circuit includes an inverter, a resonator circuit connected to the inverter, and a high-power piezoelectric transformer having an input terminal connected to the resonator circuit and an output terminal connected to the fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: An abnormality detection circuit 22 delivers a detected abnormality relating to a transformer 11. An interrupter circuit 23 turns a switch 16 off to interrupt the supply of the power to the transformer 11. When the supply of the power is interrupted, the switch 16 is connected to a restart circuit 31, whereupon the circuit 31 is activated to allow a charging current to flow to a capacitor, which is connected in series in a drive current path of a drive circuit 32 with a time delay on the order of 0.5 to 1.0 second which is determined by a delay circuit thereof. The charging current drives a restoring circuit 33, which controls the interrupter circuit 23 so that the switch 16 is turned on.

Abstract: The multiple lamp circuit for minimizing lamp current imbalance comprises at least one transformer comprising primary windings and secondary windings. Multiple lamps are coupled in serial to the secondary windings of the transformer. Multiple separated lamp drive circuits are spliced from the transformer's secondary windings. A current balancing resistance is connected at a common node of the multiple lamps and other terminal of the current balancing resistance is connected to ground. The impedance of the current balancing resistance is relatively high compared to the ones of the multiple lamps to generate a balancing current for one of the multiple lamps, thereby resulting a current that flows through the multiple lamps is approximately equal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive device for one or more series-connected cold cathode fluorescent lamps having an electrical terminal at each end. The drive device has a piezoelectric transformer for converting by means of the piezoelectric effect a primary ac input applied to primary electrodes to a secondary ac output, which is removed from secondary electrodes; a drive arrangement for applying the primary ac input to the primary electrodes; and a brightness control circuit for controlling brightness. The drive device is configured so that the end electrical terminals of the cold cathode fluorescent lamp can be connected between the two secondary electrodes. The brightness control circuit detects the phase difference between the secondary ac output and the primary ac input. When the detected phase difference is greater than a specified phase difference, the drive arrangement reduces the power of the primary ac input applied to the primary electrodes.

Abstract: A ballast to control one or more fluorescent lamps by monitoring voltage and regulating current to adjust voltage being supplied to the lamps. The ballast maintains constant power to the lamps and also detects and adjusts for arcing conditions and internally accommodates wiring for one or more lamps.

Abstract: A lighting circuit 1 for an electric discharge lamp. The circuit includes a DC electric power source circuit 3, DC-AC conversion circuit 4 and starting circuit 5. The starting circuit 5 includes a primary circuit of a transformer has a condenser and switch element, and the switch element is closed so that a high voltage signal for starting is impressed upon an electric discharge lamp from a primary winding via a secondary winding when voltage across both terminals of a condenser exceeds a threshold value in accordance with an accumulation of electric charges in the condenser. In the case where an output voltage of the DC electric power source circuit 3 is positive (or negative) with respect to the electric potential of ground, the polarity of supply voltage supplied from the DC electric power source circuit 3 or the DC-AC conversion circuit 4 for charging the condenser in the starting circuit 5 (the primary circuit in the starting circuit 5) is regulated to be negative (or positive).

Abstract: An electronic control circuit for adjusting the control voltage of a device to be controlled, the control circuit comprising a primary coil, a control bus comprising means for adjusting the control voltage, parallel-connected with the first capacitor, the paralleling being further series-connected with the first secondary coil and a first control diode, and a control voltage supply circuit comprising a series-connected second secondary coil, a second control diode and a second capacitor. The primary coil is connected between a first node and a second node of the device to be controlled, and the nodes in the connection are selected such that the current in an electric circuit between them at least momentarily reaches the value zero.

Abstract: An electronic ballast for at least one low-pressure discharge lamp contains an inverter which is connected to a direct-voltage source (UBUS), a load circuit which is connected to the inverter and contains the lamp (LA) and a series resonant circuit, and an evaluating circuit arrangement (M1) which reacts to different operating states of the lamp (LA) and in the case of a defect or removal of the lamp (LA) generates corresponding signals for switching off the inverter. A heating transformer, for heating the coils (W1, W2), the primary winding (Tp) of which is connected in series with a switch (S3) to the output of the inverter and in any case is connected to the direct-voltage source (UBUS) if the inverter is switched off on account of the heating-coil defect or the removal of the lamp (LA), with the switch (S3) being clocked in this off-phase.

Abstract: A discharge lamp driving device capable of detecting a lamp life end reliably in a high or low temperature environment for circuit protection, yet preventing the occurrence of the cataphoresis phenomenon. Impedance elements Z1 and Z1 are inserted respectively between one filament ends of individual discharge lamps La1 and La2 and a node (the ground) having no high frequency amplitude in order to detect a difference between AC components of individual lamp voltages VLa1 and VLa2 in closed loops of the discharge lamps La1 and La2 and the impedance elements Z1 and Z1 in order to judge whether or not the depletion of the emitter occurs. Thus, it is possible to reliably judge the presence of abnormality even when the amplitudes of the lamp voltages VLa1 and VLa2 varies in a range of low to high temperature.

Abstract: An gas-discharge lamp lighting apparatus includes: a power conditioning unit regulating a power supplied from a power source, and outputting voltages with mutually different levels from two output terminals; a switching circuit unit coupled between the output terminals of the power conditioning unit and comprising at least one switching element; and a pulse transformer generating a high-voltage pulse, placed in a circuit connecting the output terminals of the switching circuit unit and an gas-discharge lamp. A first terminal of a primary winding of the pulse transformer is connected to a first output terminal of the power conditioning unit via a first output terminal of the switching circuit unit, and a second terminal of the primary winding is directly connected to a second output terminal of the power conditioning unit.

Abstract: A transformer unit connects to an ac outlet and provides ac controlled by an opto-coupled triac to another ac outlet. The transformer unit includes a transformer and a third connector for connection to a control unit separate from the transformer unit. The third connector provides the control signal from the control unit, a low voltage supply for the control unit derived from the transformer, and the timing of the ac waveform, provided by a zero crossing signal or an ac or rectified ac signal which can constitute the low voltage supply. The control unit, electrically isolated from the ac supply, can produce the control signal under manual control or automatically to gradually change the conduction phase angle of the triac. The brightness of a lamp connected to the ac outlet is thereby controlled manually or automatically to provide a simulated dawn or dusk.

Abstract: A power saver for discharge lamps, in which supply of electricity is not stopped instantaneously even though applied voltage is converted into lower voltage after lighting the discharge lamp, is disclosed. The power saver for discharge lamps includes a first coil, a second coil having a winding direction opposed to a winding direction of the first coil and located in an opposite direction of the first coil, an insulator located at a gap part where the first coil and the second coil are opposed, at least one or more taps arranged along a longitudinal direction of the second coil, at least one or more switches selectively connected to one of the taps, at least one or more first timers connected to the switches respectively, an electric relay mounted in a loop circuit including both end parts of the second coil, and a second timer connected to the electric relay.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ignition and reignition of unstable electrical discharges wherein a secondary electrode positioned is between a set of primary electrodes and a high voltage is applied between the secondary electrode and successive ones of the primary electrodes to produce pilot discharges that ionize a gas there between and thereby reduce the voltage necessary to ignite a primary discharge between the primary electrodes. Power is provided to the secondary electrode by a circuit which is independent of the circuit that supplies power to the primary electrodes and generates voltage pulses which are substantially higher than the voltage between the primary electrodes.

Abstract: A metal halide magnetic/electronic ballast with a compensation function for adjustment in autotransformer output voltage, which applies the compensation in various steps of voltage, to maintain the power constant. The metal halide ballast provides constant monitoring of the autotransformer input voltage, enabling the level to be stepped by triac switching. The triac switching is controlled by a switching control provided by a microcontroller. Less components are required, making the present invention simpler, less expensive to manufacture and more reliable.

Abstract: An electronic ballast that includes a DC power source and a transformer comprising first, second and third windings. The first, second and third windings being inductively coupled, and the third winding is connected in parallel with a load. The ballast also includes first and second circuit pathways connected in parallel. The first circuit pathway comprises a first switch connected in series with the first winding, and the second circuit pathway comprises the second winding connected in series with a second switch. The DC power source is connected in parallel with the first and second circuit paths to provide an input voltage source. A capacitor connects the point between the first switch and first winding of the first circuit pathway with the point between the second switch and the second winding of the second circuit pathway.