Abstract: A driving device for driving a plurality of lamps each including a first terminal and a second terminal, includes a power stage circuit (202), a transformer circuit (204) electrically connectable to the power stage circuit, and a current balancing circuit (206) to balance current of the lamps. The current balancing circuit includes a plurality of current balancing components each comprising two inputs and two outputs. The number of the current balancing components is defined as n, where n is an integer from 2 to n. The inputs of the first current balancing component are electrically connected to a terminal of the transformer circuit. The inputs of the nth current balancing component are electrically connected to the outputs of the (n?1)th current balancing component. The outputs of each current balancing component are respectively electrically connected to the first terminals of two of the lamps.

Abstract: A multi-lamp driving system includes a driving apparatus and a current balancer having detection nodes. The protection apparatus includes at least a detection unit and a determining unit. The detection unit includes first impedance devices and a second impedance device. A first end of each first impedance device is coupled with the corresponding detection node. The second impedance device is coupled with a second end of each first impedance device. The cross-voltage between a first end and a second end of the second impedance device is relative to the sum of the voltage level of the detection nodes coupled with the first impedance devices. The determining unit coupled with the second impedance device of the detection unit outputs a protection signal to disable the driving apparatus according to the cross-voltage between the first and second ends of the second impedance device when at least one of the lamps malfunctions.

Abstract: There is provided a discharge lamp lighting apparatus including common lines to which the low voltage side outputs of step-up transformers having a plurality of discharge lamps connected thereto are connected, wherein the low voltage side outputs connected to the common lines include two kinds of outputs in an equal number at which respective lamp currents are phase-shifted by 180 degrees from each other. The discharge lamp lighting apparatus further includes: malfunction detecting circuits which is composed of sense resistors to sense the lamp currents synthesized on the common lines and comparators to compare with a sense voltage with a predetermined reference voltage, and which outputs a malfunction detecting signal when the sense voltage exceeds the reference voltage; and a protection circuit to stop driving of bridge circuits according to the malfunction detecting signal.

Abstract: A lamp module for use in a backlight module of a flat panel display comprises a first transformer, a second transformer, a plurality of first lamps and a plurality of second lamps. The first transformer provides an AC power of a first phase, and the second transformer provides an AC power of a second phase. One end of the first lamp couples to the first transformer and another end couples to a node. One ends of the second lamps couples to the second transformer and another end couples to the node.

Abstract: A method for controlling an inverter under altering voltage aims to change the electric conductive interval of the electric conductive cycle of the inverter corresponding to alteration of an input voltage so that the dimming duty cycle, electric conductive cycle and transformer oscillation duty cycle of the inverter can be maintained at a selected level. Thereby when the input voltage is altered, the existing dimming range can be maintained and actuation electricity output is stabilized. The transformer can be protected and the life span of the load can be extended.

Abstract: A power supply system for powering backlight lamps in a flat panel display with reduced dimensions and increased power efficiency. The power supply system includes a converter circuit for converting an alternating current (AC) signal from an AC power source to a high direct current (DC) signal, and a high voltage (HV) inverter system that includes a power stage circuit, a transformer circuit, and a current balance circuit. The HV inverter system is coupled to the converter circuit and specifically configured to convert the high DC signal into an AC output signal to power the backlight lamps.

Abstract: An electric current balancing device includes an inverting circuit having a driving unit and one or more transformers coupled together for outputting an electric current to a load device, a detecting circuit coupled to the inverting circuit for receiving and detecting an electric current of the load device and for stabilizing and sending a stabilized and calibrated electric current to the inverting circuit, and a balancing transformer device having a primary side coupled to the inverting circuit for receiving the calibrated electric current from the inverting circuit, and a secondary side coupled to the load device for comparing an electric current of the load device with the calibrated electric current from the inverting circuit and for controlling the load device.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for balancing current in multiple negative impedance gas discharge lamp loads. Embodiments advantageously include balancing transformer configurations that are relatively cost-effective, reliable, efficient, and good performing. Embodiments include configurations that are applicable to any number of gas discharge tubes, such as cold cathode fluorescent lamps. The balancing transformer configuration techniques permit a relatively small number of power inverters, such as one power inverter, to power multiple lamps in parallel. One embodiment of a balancing transformer includes a safety winding which can be used to protect the balancing transformer in the event of a lamp failure and can be used to provide an indication of a failed lamp.

Abstract: A stabilizer circuit for a high-voltage discharge lamp is provided. The stabilizer comprises an electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter; a rectifying unit; a power factor correction (PFC) circuit; a buck converter; a commutator; an igniter; a high-voltage discharge lamp; a current detector; a voltage detector; an igniter voltage controller for receiving the voltage output from the igniter and controlling the voltage when abnormality in the high-voltage discharge lamp occurs.

Abstract: An active current regulator circuit. In one embodiment, the active current regulator circuit includes a first input node for receiving a first reference electrical signal, a second input node for receiving a second reference electrical signal, a ground node, and an output node for outputting an output electrical signal with respect to the ground node. The active current regulator circuit further includes a PI controller having a first input node, a second input node, and an output node, and a linear regulator having a first input node electrically coupled to the output of the PI controller for receiving a voltage signal V0 generated the PI controller, a first output node and a second output node. In operation the voltage signal V0 is responsive to at least one input voltage signal applied to the first input of the second input of the amplifier, and drives the linear regulator to have a controlled electrical signal at its first output node accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention uses one or more transformers disposed between an inverter driver to drive a plurality of lamps. Each transformer has a first coil and a second coil magnetically coupled to each other. Each of the first and second coils has an input end and an output end. The input end of the first coil is operatively connected to the input end of the second coil for receiving an input current. Each of the first and second coils has a capacitor connected between the input and output ends. The output ends of the first and second coils are used to provide output current in two separate current paths. As such, the output end of a transformer can be separately connected to the input end of two lamps or two such transformers.

Abstract: An efficient and flexible current-mode driver delivers power to one or more light sources in a backlight system. In one application, the current-mode driver is configured as an inverter with an input current regulator, a non-resonant polarity-switching network, and a closely-coupled output transformer. The input current regulator can output a regulated current source in a variety of programmable wave shapes. The current-mode driver may further include a rectifier circuit and a second polarity-switching network between the closely-coupled output transformer and a lamp load. In another application, the current-mode driver delivers power to a plurality of light sources in substantially one polarity by providing a regulated current to a network of time-sharing semiconductor switches coupled in series with different light sources coupled across each semiconductor switch.

Abstract: A lamp driving apparatus wherein a plurality of two-winding balance circuits are connected to a plurality of parallel-connected lamp groups so that all of the lamps may be illuminated even though ambient conditions cause some of the lamps to have low resistance. Capacitors are connected to first electrodes and certain of the balance coil windings are connected to second electrodes of one of the lamp groups while, in a second lamp group, others of the balance coil windings are connected to the first electrodes and capacitors are connected to the second electrodes thereof, current flowing through balance coil windings to some lamps being affected by current flowing through balance coil windings to other lamps.

Abstract: A backlight system drives multiple lamps using balanced groups of serially-connected lamp transformers. A plurality of lamp transformers is divided into multiple transformer groups. Primary windings of the lamp transformers are coupled in series in each transformer group. Lamps are coupled to secondary windings of the lamp transformers. The transformer groups are arranged in a parallel configuration. One or more balancing transformers couple the transformer groups to a common power source. The balancing transformers divide a common current from the common power source into multiple balanced currents for the respective transformer groups.

Abstract: The invention describes a multiple lamp balance transformer and a drive circuit. The multiple lamp balance transformer has two magnetic cores with a closed magnetic flux path and two coils wound around the closed magnetic flux path. The two coils have the same number of windings. The impedance property of the coil and Lenz's Law are used to balance the operating current of the lamps connected to the coils. The drive circuit has a multiple lamp balance transformer connected to several lamps, and a boost transformer uses a controller to supply the current and voltage to the lamps. A current detect/protect circuit connected to the coils and the controller detects the current passing through the coils and converts the operating current of the lamp into a voltage to be sent to the controller, so that the controller controls and provides sufficient power to the lamps.

Abstract: An electronic ballast for a gas discharge lamp includes an adjustable constant current source circuit adapted to convert a direct current input to provide an initial start current and a variably controlled constant current. A coupling transformer circuit is connected to the adjustable constant current source and adapted to couple the initial start current to the gas discharge lamp to provide a corresponding start voltage approximately equal to a strike voltage of the gas discharge lamp and to convert the variably controlled constant current to a square wave current to power the gas discharge lamp thereafter. A current sense circuit is adapted to sense an operating current at the coupling transformer and to provide corresponding current sense information to the adjustable constant current source, wherein said current sense information is used to vary the variably controlled constant current.

Abstract: A DC/AC converter circuit structure for driving a plurality of cold cathode fluorescent lamps is described. A common-mode choke is used between the cold cathode fluorescent lamps. The common-mode choke balances the currents respectively flowing through the cold cathode fluorescent lamps.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for driving a lamp are provided. In one embodiment, an inverter having four switching elements is split into two inverter arms that are deployed at separate terminals of a floating lamp structure to achieve even light output. A controller drives both inverter arms such that power switching lines do not cross the floating lamp structure. In one embodiment, the controller adjusts the brightness of the lamp structure by adjusting the phase difference between outputs of a first inverter arm relative to a second inverter arm. In one embodiment, the controller adjusts the brightness by symmetrically pulse width modulating the outputs of the first inverter arm and the second inverter arm.

Abstract: An efficient and flexible current-mode driver delivers power to one or more light sources in a backlight system. In one application, the current-mode driver is configured as an inverter with an input current regulator, a non-resonant polarity-switching network, and a closely-coupled output transformer. The input current regulator can output a regulated current source in a variety of programmable wave shapes. The current-mode driver may further include a rectifier circuit and a second polarity-switching network between the closely-coupled output transformer and a lamp load. In another application, the current-mode driver delivers power to a plurality of light sources in substantially one polarity by providing a regulated current to a network of time-sharing semiconductor switches coupled in series with different light sources coupled across each semiconductor switch.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for balancing current in multiple negative impedance gas discharge lamp loads. Embodiments advantageously include balancing transformer configurations that are relatively cost-effective, reliable, and efficient. Embodiments include configurations that are applicable to an unrestrained number of gas discharge tubes, such as cold cathode fluorescent lamps. The balancing transformer configuration techniques permit a relatively small number of power inverters, such as one power inverter, to power multiple paralleled lamps or paralleled groups of lamps with balancing transformers coupling the lamps or groups of lamps in a zigzag topology. One embodiment of a balancing transformer includes a safety winding which can be used to protect the balancing transformer in the event of a lamp failure and can be used to provide an indication of a failed lamp.

Abstract: A ballast for at least one lamp at least two switches arranged in series; a control circuit for alternately opening and closing the two switches; a connection for applying a supply voltage to the two switches; a resonant starting circuit coupled on the input side to the junction point between the two switches and on the output side to a first connection for the lamp, the resonant starting circuit having a resonant inductance arranged in series with the junction point between the two switches (S1, S2) and the first connection for the lamp, and a resonant capacitance arranged for alternating current purposes in parallel with the first and second connections for the lamp, a first braking inductance which, for alternating current purposes, is firstly arranged in series with the first of the two connections for the lamp and secondly in parallel with the resonant capacitance.

Abstract: An electronic ballast (10) for powering a lamp load comprising an even number of gas discharge lamps (30,32, . . . ,34,36) includes an inverter (300), an output circuit (400), and a protection circuit (500). During operation, protection circuit (500) disables the inverter (300) in response to an end-of-lamp-life condition that is characterized by a predetermined imbalance in the operating current provided to each of the even number of lamps. Preferably, the output circuit (400) includes a current-sensing transformer (480) for detecting the predetermined imbalance, and the protection circuit (500) includes a silicon-controlled rectifier (530) for disabling the inverter (300).

Abstract: A power supply circuit comprising a first switching transistor having a control terminal and a control terminal switching threshold and that charges current from a voltage source into a charge storage capacitor, a control circuit controlling the on/off operation of the switching transistor whereby the switching transistor is turned on when the voltage of the voltage source is below a predetermined level and turned off when the voltage of the voltage source is above the predetermined level, a control voltage supply circuit providing a control voltage to the control terminal of the switching transistor substantially in excess of the switching threshold when the voltage of the voltage source is below the predetermined voltage thereby to drive the switching transistor on in a saturated region of operation; and a charge storage capacitor for providing an output voltage of the power supply.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-efficiency controller of a gas-filled light producing tube; the controller can produce signals in a form of outputs of high-frequency sine wave to soft-start a gas-filled light producing tube according to the principle of modulation and oscillation of pulse (P.W.M.) so that the gas-filled tube produces light, and that service light of the gas-filled tube can be lengthened. If abnormal conditions happen, e.g. people's touching the gas-filled tube, and the tube breaking, the controller will make the transformer stop working immediately, preventing sparks from being produced to hurt people, making the gas-filled light producing tube safe to use.

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: An arrangement in connection with a coupling device of a fluorescent lamp, the coupling device comprising a supply transformer, whose secondary is coupled in parallel with a fluorescent tube, the arrangement comprising an indicator circuit configured to indicate the working condition of the fluorescent lamp. The arrangement comprises a signal transformer comprising a first primary coil, to which an alternating voltage signal supply is coupled, a secondary coil, coupled as part of a current path generated by cathodes of the fluorescent lamp and a secondary of the supply transformer and configured to supply alternating current to said current path, the indicator circuit comprising transformer members configured to generate a signal responsive to the alternating current of the current circuit.

Abstract: A system driving a lamp set having a first lamp and a second lamp is provided. The system has a power supply circuit providing an AC signal to the lamp set, and a balance circuit having a current balancing transformer, a first impedance and a second impedance for balancing currents through the first and second iamps. The current balancing transformer includes a first winding and a second winding. The first and second windings are wound on the same magnetic core and have the same winding count. A specific relationship between the first and second impedances balances the current values through the first and second lamps effectively without increasing inductances of the current balancing transformer.

Abstract: A multiple-CCFL parallel driving circuit and the associated current balancing control method for LCD are presented, wherein the circuit comprises a plurality of CCFLs for providing the backlight for a LCD; a boosting transformer with a plurality of outputs for providing the driving voltage and current for driving the plurality CCFLs; a plurality of ballast capacitors, the ballast capacitors connect between the boosting transformer and the CCFLs; and a multiple CCFL current balancing circuit. This invention uses a low cost current mirror circuit to equalize the driving current of a plurality of CCFLs and thus significantly improve the uniformity of the displayed image on a large-size LCD.

Abstract: In the present invention, the safeguarding of the circuit and the step-up transformer can be devised without using the special high-cost components. Voltage supplied by the primary coil (21) of a step-up transformer (2) is switched by a transistor (TR) and the secondary coil (22) of the step-up transformer causes the generation of secondary voltage. In addition to applying said secondary voltage to a cold cathode tube (1), the current flowing through the cold cathode tube (1) is detected, and the transistor (TR) switching function is controlled based on the detection results. To detect the voltage generated by the secondary coil of the aforementioned step-up transformer, a voltage detection coil wrapped around the aforementioned step-up transformer (2) is provided. Abnormalities in the voltage supplied to aforementioned cold cathode tube (1) are detected based on voltage detected by this voltage detection coil (23). Switching by the aforementioned transistor (TR) is stopped when an abnormality is detected.

Abstract: A multi-lamp drive device comprises a transformer, a drive circuit and at least a balanced inductor. The magnetic core of the transformer has a first side column, a second side column and at least a central column. A primary coil and a secondary coil are wound around the first side column and the second side column, respectively. The drive circuit can output an excitation power source to the transformer for driving lamps to be on based on the energy conversion characteristic of the transformer. With the help of the central column, the transformer can guide the counter magnetic flux generated by the load current without interfering the power conversion action of the transformer. Moreover, heat generated by the transformer due to a too larger load current can be reduced, and the protection function for the transformer during short circuit can also be accomplished.

Abstract: A ballast circuit includes an output isolation transformer having a primary winding and first and second secondary terminals coupled to opposing ballast lamp terminals for additively applying potentials on the primary winding and the first and second secondary winding potentials across the lamp and limiting ground fault voltages. The circuit can include a closed loop feedback path from a load to a feedback rectifier for promoting linear operation of an input rectifier.

Abstract: An electrical neon display device that allows for the interchangeability of the material being displayed and includes a power track, a track head and at least one display member that is semi-permanently electrically connected to said track head and includes a neon tube that is preferably shaped in the configuration of a desired letter or design to be displayed by said device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for powering a discharge lamp with a switching power supply. Said method is characterised in that it consists in: applying a voltage firing the lamp, then after the lamp has been energized, applying a lower service voltage to the firing voltage. The firing and service voltages can be generated by using a resonant circuit at the terminals of which a chopped voltage is applied with different frequencies. The invention also concerns a light source comprising a discharge lamp and a switching power supply. Said light source can be equipped with devices for measuring several parameters, such as power, light intensity or the amplitude of vibrations. The invention is useful for producing public lighting.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp driver circuit has regulator (SR); primary circuit of transformer (TF); electronic switches (TR2A and TR2B) and current sensing device (Rsense) connected successively in series across power supply (PSF). Controller (CTRL) is connected to create a feed back loop. The secondary circuit of transformer (TF) is coupled to fluorescent lamps (U10 and U11) via ballast capacitors (C1 and C2). Diode (D1) creates unidirectional current flow, so current sensing device (Rsense) indicates only energy input to lamps (U10 and U11). Capacitors (C1 and C2) are placed physically very close to their respective lamps, enabling good matching of currents through lamps (U10 and U11). Pulse width modulator (PM) with predetermined input is connected to regulator (SR) and, via delay circuit (TD) to controller (CTRL), thus permitting a larger dimming ratio, and further control of input power.

Abstract: An electronic stabilizer includes a high frequency output transformer which is connected in a primary side with a frequency modulation/power amplifying circuit, and in a secondary side with a plurality of high frequency ballasts and capacitors. The ballasts and the capacitors are matched in accordance with voltage and current of a plurality of lamps without affecting the frequency modulation/power amplifying circuit. The high frequency output transformer is capable of adjusting to output a desired voltage.

Abstract: An energy-saving light marking device with low power consumption including a head transformer (10) where the primary winding (12) is powered by an alternating current source and several marking lamps in series (14-1 to 14-3) connected to the terminals of the secondary winding (13) of the head transformer, each of the marking lamps being a fluorescent lamp (16-1 to 16-3) powered by the secondary winding of a second transformer (18-1 to 18-3), the primary windings of all the secondary transformers of the marking lamps being connected in series between the terminals of the head transformer's secondary winding (13). The starting of each of the fluorescent lamps (16-1 to 16-3) is provided by the voltage surge generated at the terminals of the secondary winding of the secondary transformers (18-1 to 18-3) when the primary winding of the secondary transformers is powered while the lamps are not yet started.

Abstract: 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 switching elements (T1, T2) with the aid of a drive signal that has 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 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).

Abstract: A DC/AC converter circuit structure for driving a plurality of cold cathode fluorescent lamps is described. A common-mode choke is used between the cold cathode fluorescent lamps. The common-mode choke balances the currents respectively flowing through the cold cathode fluorescent lamps.

Abstract: A ballast (100) includes an inverter (140,144,146) and a protection circuit that prevents excessive lamp-to-earth-ground fault current. The protection circuit includes a transformer (202,204,206,208,210) and an inverter disable circuit (300). The transformer measures a first current going out of one set of ballast output terminals (106,108) and a second current going into another set of ballast output terminals (206,208). In response to a substantial imbalance between the first current and the second current, inverter disable circuit (300) terminates inverter switching. Preferably, protection circuit further includes a restart timer circuit (400) that, following termination of inverter switching in response to a fault condition, prevents the inverter from restarting for a predetermined delay period.

Abstract: A rod-core transformer for use as a starting transformer in the cap of a high-pressure discharge lamp for a motor vehicle headlight. The rod-core transformer has at least two cores (2, 3) which are in the form of rods and are arranged alongside one another, and on each of which a multilayer secondary winding (4, 5) is wound, with the respective layers (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) being connected in parallel and being arranged one above the other without any offset. Furthermore the secondary windings (4, 5) are electrically conductively connected to one another, with their total resistance being at most 2&OHgr;. The transformer is particularly highly suitable for use as a starting transformer for high-pressure discharge lamps with a low operating voltage, for example halogen metal-vapor high-pressure discharge lamps which do not contain mercury.

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 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: 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: A lamp lighting apparatus including a voltage control section for supplying a pulse voltage whose peak value rises stepwise, and a power conversion section for converting an output of the voltage control section into a high voltage and applying the high voltage to a lamp to light the lamp and for supplying, after the lamp is lit once, a self-sustaining discharge current to the lamp.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to reduce power consumption of a load. In one embodiment a power control system selectively routes power directly to a load or to a power reduction device. A delay may occur prior to introduction of the power reduction device to fully energize the load. The power reduction device may operate in conjunction with signal modification device. The signal modification device modifies the signal provided to the load to achieve desired operation of the load. In one embodiment the power reduction device comprises a step-down transformer and the signal modification device comprises a capacitor. In one embodiment the power reduction device is selected to remove unwanted frequency components from the signal provide to the load. In various other embodiments the power control system may be configured to stagger start the load to minimize the peak draw of the load.

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: 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 flash lamp for underwater photography has at least two straight discharge tubes mounted to a panel perpendicularly to each other in a T-form or an L-form such that a circular target area can be illuminated. A plurality of smaller capacitors and transformers for these discharge tubes can be arranged inside a watertight housing in a space-efficient manner. The mode switching circuit for selecting between automatic and manual modes of operation is designed such that a single mode selecting switch needs to be operated in order to select a mode. A slave flash lamp has a more reliable control circuit having one or two light receiving circuits for detecting light from a master and outputting a corresponding light sensing signal, a start signal output circuit and a stop signal output circuit for analyzing the received light signal and analyzing it to detect start and stop signal elements and to output a start signal and a stop signal for causing flash light to start emission and to stop it.

Abstract: The objectives of the present invention is to provide smaller, lighter and less expensive structure in a starting device for discharge lamp for car use so as to prevent breakage due to vibrations etc. The device having the following arrangement realizes the above-mentioned objective. A starting device for a discharge lamp comprises a socket for mounting the discharge lamp and starting members such as a starting transformer etc. where the starting transformer comprises a bobbin having a core-less structure and a primary coil and a secondary coil wound around the bobbin.

Abstract: A self-oscillating switching power converter has a controllable reactance including an active device connected to a reactive element, wherein the effective reactance of the reactance and the active device is controlled such that the control waveform for the active device is binary digital and is not synchronized with the switching converter output frequency. The active device is turned completely on and off at a frequency that is substantially greater than the maximum frequency imposed on the output terminals of the active device. The effect is to vary the average resistance across the active device output terminals, and thus the effective output reactance, thereby providing converter output control, while maintaining the response speed of the converter.