Abstract: A two-lamp rapid start fluorescent lamp circuit in which the lamps are ignited in sequence and then operated in series. The circuit being energized from a low voltage a.c. source through the use of a substantially conventional ballast which utilizes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding connected in autotransformer relationship. The circuit includes a disconnect socket and a conventional two contact socket for mounting each lamp. The disconnect sockets in one circuit are arranged in one example to open the connections between the filament windings and a filament of each lamp. In another circuit one disconnect socket is arranged to open a connection to a filament winding and the other disconnect socket is arranged to open one of the connections to the line.

Abstract: Two or more fluorescent lamps having a total length of about 96 inches and each having a diameter of one and a half inches and consuming less than 10 watts power per foot of length are connected in electrical series combination, one cathode of each lamp being connected to that of another lamp. An end of each remaining cathode of the combination is respectively connected to one of a pair of input electrical power terminals for a 50 or 60 hertz a-c line voltage in the range of 200 to 300 volts, one of the latter connections being via a ballast inductor. A starter switch is connected across the other ends of the remaining cathodes, and a secondary winding on the ballast inductor is connected across the interconnected cathodes. The lamp designs are specified such that they will start and operate in the circuit from the a-c line voltage.

Abstract: Novel and special lighting effects are furnished to an ornamental harness comprising a plurality of decorative transparent or translucid devices each having a light bulb internally arranged thereto, by connecting said light bulbs in parallel with lighting effects generating means which comprise a power supply, wave generating means including a square wave generating circuit and a triangular wave generating circuit connected in parallel to said power supply, ramp generating means connected in series between said power supply and said wave generating means, frequency selecting means coupled to said wave generating means for selecting a desired frequency for the waves generated thereby, waveform selecting means coupled to said wave generating means for selecting between said square wave and said triangular wave generating circuits, and power amplifying means connected between said waveform selecting means and said parallel connected light bulbs for supplying amplified current waves to said light bulbs.

Abstract: A ballast for a sequence start series operating circuit that includes two rapid start gaseous discharge lamps. The circuit includes a transformer with a primary winding and a loosely coupled secondary winding, a series first capacitor for providing a leading current when both lamps have been ignited and are operating and a second capacitor shunting the second-to-ignite lamp to by-pass that lamp during ignition of the first-to-ignite lamp and thereafter to develop a voltage across the second capacitor sufficient to ignite the second-to-ignite lamp when current flows in the by-pass branch. The lamps are of a variety which produces an undesirable current peak in the second-to-ignite lamp on each half cycle because the shunting second capacitor dumps its charge accumulated during each half cycle into the lamp.

Abstract: A light circuit control apparatus for controlling the illumination of a predetermined area is described comprising a photocell coupled to a first comparator circuit for generating a "light-on" signal when the ambient light in the predetermined area decreases to a first predetermined intensity and a second comparator for generating a "light-off" signal when the ambient light in the predetermined area increases to a predetermined intensity, and logic circuits including flip-flops for turning on and turning off a plurality of lighting circuits in a predetermined sequence in response to the "light-on" and "light-off" signals generated by the comparator.

Abstract: A runway approach lighting system with fault monitor includes an oscillator which develops clock pulses which are accumulated by a counter. The output of the counter is used to develop trigger signals which control the sequential energization of runway alignment indicator lights. The operation of each light is sensed and is compared with the oscillator pulses, and a fault signal is generated each time a light fails to operate in response to a trigger signal. The number of fault signals generated in an energization cycle is accumulated, and a fault indication is generated once a predetermined number of faults has occurred.

Abstract: An energy-saving instant-start series-sequence fluorescent lamp system includes power-reducing capacitor means connected in series circuit arrangement with one or both lamps in a two-lamp system. A protective device is connected in circuit with a first lamp of the system so that in the event the second lamp fails to operate and causes a high current to flow through the first lamp, the protective device reacts to prevent the system from being damaged. A lamp incorporating the power-reducing capacitor and protective device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electric light controller means particularly adapted for use with an array of lamps to produce a distinctive "fluttering" effect, which is the combined visual sense of movement wrought by a sequential chaser together with the substantially random flickering effect associated with a natural flame. The controller is particularly useful in decorative display arrangements, including advertising displays, theatre marquees, and the like for the purpose of attracting attention and notice.

Abstract: Discharge apparatus comprises a xenon-filled glass envelope with a common cathode that divides the envelope into two separate gas-containing chambers. Respective anodes are provided in each chamber to cooperate with the common cathode. By placement of the cathode a closer distance to one of the anodes, the impedance of the discharge path between the more closely spaced electrodes is made lower than the impedance of the discharge path in the other chamber. To make the impedance even lower, the pressure of the gas between the closely spaced electrodes is made lower than the gas pressure between the other pair of electrodes. The discharge apparatus is particularly useful in quenchable electronic flash apparatus employing both a flash tube and a low-impedance quench tube.

Abstract: A ballast apparatus for series-sequenced gaseous discharge devices having series-connected filaments wherein a transformer is connected to a potential source and to a pair of series-sequenced gaseous discharge devices with a starting capacitor shunting one of the gaseous discharge devices and a circuit means series-connects a filament of each of the gaseous discharge devices to the transformer by way of a rectifier means.

Abstract: A flashlamp unit for individual and sequential firing of flashlamps includes a pair of flashlamps connected in an electrical circuit with a radiation-responsive N/O arc gap switch in series connection with one of said pair of flashlamps and including an arc gap having a radiation-responsive material thereover and therebetween.

Abstract: An electronic flash unit is disclosed which includes one flashlamp arranged to illuminate an object from the front side thereof and another flashlamp which is rotatably mounted and arranged to direct light at an angle such as to illuminate the object after reflection. Circuitry is provided for accurately controlling the relative illumination provided by the lamps and also for obtaining the optimum total exposure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating light designs using a plurality of light emitting diodes on the outer, flat surface of a motor-driven rotor which is rotatably mounted on a base. The diodes are coupled through sliding contacts on the shaft of the rotor to control circuitry carried by the base. The circuitry includes a switching network having a signal input fed by one or more oscillators. The switching network includes comparators for the diodes to compare the voltage of the input signals from the oscillators with a characteristic voltage for each diode, respectively. The diodes are turned on when the input signal voltages have predetermined values with respect to the characteristic voltages, so that diodes can be operated in a sequence and at frequencies to provide distinctive, repeatable designs as the diodes rotate with the rotor. Resistive and capacitive components can be used to change the waveform of the input signals to the switching network.

Abstract: A light source unit for an endoscope is provided with a number of flash tubes which are caused in turn to emit a light. On an optical path passing through a light-incident surface of a light guide of the endoscope there are arranged, in corresponding relationship to the flash tubes, a number of plane reflecting mirrors which reflect the lights from the flash tubes toward the light-incident surface of the light guide, respectively. The reflecting mirrors are each movable, for example, by a rotary solenoid. This solenoid operates at the time when the light emission from one of the flash tubes is completed. Thus, the solenoid, for the purpose of giving the optical path for a succeeding one of the flash tube, removes from that optical path the reflecting mirror corresponding to said one of the flash discharge tubes.

Abstract: The invention consists mainly of two major sub-systems, ie, three colored lamps and a solid state digital computer. The three lamp colors are green, blue and red. The Computer consists of several TTL devices, diodes, capacitors and resistors. The computer electronics generate the trigger pulses for controlling the firing of triacs which are power devices controlling the amount of power delivered to the lamps. Each lamp is driven by one triac. However, each triac has the power capability to drive several lamps. These lamps generally are immersed in water but could also be used out of water.

Abstract: Decorative lighting control is effected by a waveform generator which employs an up-down counter that is alternately stepped in up and down directions. Each time the counter reaches either the maximum or minimum count, it is loaded with a count value representing the width of a pulse to be generated and the direction of the count is changed. A source of the count value is provided by utilizing another up-down counter. The width modulated pulses which result are used to control lighting devices.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for producing ornamental lighting displays utilizing electronic circuitry in the nature of a commutator which responds to binary signals produced from a plurality of orderly and/or random sources of energy and functions to illuminate one or more light sources depending on the binary combinations produced by the energy sources. The light sources may be light emitting diodes or other light sources depending on the power available and may be arranged in a variety of ornamental patterns.

Abstract: A ballast circuit for driving a sodium vapor lamp includes a ballast transformer having a primary winding connected to a constant current power source. A secondary winding of the transformer is connected across the lamp. A high voltage oscillator responsive to the voltage across the lamp superimposes high voltage pulses across the lamp when the voltage across the lamp is above a predetermined level. A time delay circuit, triggered by the initial voltage across the primary winding when the power from the power source is turned on, opens a normally closed switch connected across the primary winding a predetermined time interval after the time delay circuit is triggered.

Abstract: An electronic circuit comprised of several integrated circuits sequentially actuates a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LED's) located in an article such as eyeglass frames, which are carried or worn by a person. In one embodiment, an oscillator driven binary up-down counter drives first and second binary to one-of-four decoders. The LED's are arranged in an electrical circuit which allows them to be addressed in X-Y matrix fashion. The first decoder sequentially addresses each "row" of LED's while the second decoder sequentially addresses each "column" of LED's in the matrix so that each LED in the matrix circuit is sequentially flashed. After the entire array of LED's has been sequentially actuated a predetermined number of times, the up-down counter is electronically switched to the opposite state so as to reverse the order in which the LED's are sequentially actuated. In a second embodiment, an integrated circuit binary ripple counter/oscillator drives first and second demultiplexers.

Abstract: Electronic strobe flash apparatus has first and second flashtubes which are fired alternately and repeatedly to produce a composite, extended light flash. A start pulse triggers the first flashtube to cause a first normally charged capacitor to discharge through a primary winding of a transformer, the first flashtube, and a second normally discharged capacitor, thereby firing the first flashtube and charging the second capacitor. The transformer is adapted to produce a flashtube trigger voltage across its secondary winding when current in its primary winding is interrupted. The second capacitor is smaller than the first capacitor so that the voltage across the second capacitor increases more rapidly than the decrease in voltage across the first capacitor during its discharge.

Abstract: In a circuit for use with a multi-character alphanumeric gas discharge display tube in multiplex operation, each of the character locations is provided with a resistor between its keep-alive cathode and ground and an anode driver transistor connected in series circuit relation with each of the anodes. A switching transistor is connected to each of the resistors to shunt the resistors sequentially in response to receipt of multiplexed logic pulses. The shunting of a given resistor renders the anode driver transistor of an adjacent character conductive in response thereto.

Abstract: A light regulation system is provided wherein the light output of a second, fluorescent lamp fixture is regulated in accordance with the light output of a first or preceeding fluorescent lamp fixture. Each fixture includes a lamp or lamps, a ballast or ballasts and a control or regulating device which controls the ballasting of the lamp(s) of the fixture and hence the light output thereof. The system provides for monitoring the light output of the master fixture and optically coupling a corresponding signal to a photocell in the control device of the following fixture so as to control the output of the lamp(s) of the following fixture. Additional fixtures can be optically coupled in like manner to either the master or a follower fixture to provide additional controlled following fixtures.

Abstract: A control system which is organized such that a power distribution line only is required for connecting the control unit and the flash lamps and such that the sequencing control, the energy level control of the light bursts and the positive monitoring of the lamp operation are centralized in the control unit. The usual high voltage storage capacitors and the related charge and protection circuitries are consequently needless in the triggering circuit associated with each flash lamp. The lamps are triggered by a burst of pulsed voltage waveforms which are applied on the power distribution line in synchronism with positive half cycles of the supply voltage at the control unit, each pulsed waveform being associated to the control of a respective flash lamp.

Abstract: A controller for sequentially energizing a plurality of lights, such as commercial display lighting or Christmas tree light strings, includes a plurality of outlet receptacles into which the lights or light strings may be connected, a Triac for each receptacle to control the energization thereof, a timing circuit and a programmable gating circuit responsive to the timing circuit and generating gating signals for the Triacs according to any of several predetermined sequential combinations.

Abstract: The present discharge lamp system comprises two or more serially connected discharge lamps connected across a pair of power input supply terminals through a ballast circuit and two or more serially connected semiconductor starter circuits. The starters are connected in parallel with their respective discharge lamps and have inherent breakdown voltages, whereby the total value of the breakdown voltages for each starter is higher than the source voltage at the power supply terminals. The system further comprises voltage dividing circuit elements enabling the conduction of one of the starters before the conduction of the other starter or starters in response to the source voltage, whereby the starters operate sequentially. At least one of the starters employs a backswing booster including a series circuit of a nonlinear inductor and a switching semiconductor and a capacitor connected in parallel with the series circuit to provide a sufficient starting voltage for the associated discharge lamp.

Abstract: A multiflash system including an arc discharge flashlamp having an elongated tubular envelope and containing three electrodes. A direct current voltage source comprising a large storage bank with positive and negative terminals is connected across two of the electrodes, and a storage capacitor is connected between the third electrode and the negative terminal of the source. The capacitor-connected electrode defines a first arc path with the electrode connected to the positive terminal of the source and a second arc path with the electrode connected to the negative terminal of the source. Trigger pulses are applied to the lamp so as to alternately energize the first and second arc paths, the storage capacitor being charged when the first arc path is energized to flash and discharged when the second arc path is energized to flash.

Abstract: The sources of ultraviolet light processors containing a plurality of such sources are started sequentially to reduce the current surge at start-up.

Abstract: A flash array provided with a number of high voltage combustion flash lamps which are ignited by means of a piezo element. The flashing of two lamps at the same time is prevented by means of melting strips.According to the invention the igniting pulse for a second lamp of the device is passed on via a capacitive circuit element which is formed by the flashed first lamp or a separate capacitor. By using such a capacitor circuit element instead of an ohmic resistance undesired loss of heat is avoided.

Abstract: A starting device for a sealed, cross-flow gas laser for operating at least wo electric discharges simultaneously in a single laser cavity using primary fins between the cathodes and anodes of the cavity as intermediate electrodes. A series of high voltage relays and resistors are placed in parallel with the discharge path between adjacent fin electrodes and by switching out pairs of relays current is coupled to the discharge path, one fin at a time.

Abstract: A method of making a voltage sensitive switch characterized by an irreversible change in resistance from a high resistance state greater than one megohm to a low resistance state less than approximately one hundred ohms is described as comprising heating substantially pure grade copper in an oxidizing environment for a sufficient time to oxidize the outer surface of the copper powder, mixing the oxidized copper powder with a binder and applying the mixture to a pair of spaced electrodes.

Abstract: An emergency light system which incorporates flashing strobe type of lights located along the aisle(s) of an aircraft, or other passenger carrier, would provide flashing arrows indicating the location of emergency exits. The sequential firing of the flashing lamps will further create the effect of a moving light beam to lead passengers toward the exit area(s). Also, with programmable control means, there can be stroboscopic type flashing lights to direct egress to only those exits which are open.

Abstract: Lead-lag, series-sequence starting and operating apparatus for three to six fluorescent lamps comprises two parallel circuit branches, one of which comprises a ballast capacitor and two lamps in series for a three or four lamp apparatus or three lamps in series for a five or six lamp apparatus. The other circuit branch comprises an inductor ballast and one or two lamps in series for a three or four lamp apparatus and two or three lamps in series for a five or six lamp apparatus. An additional ballast inductor connects in series with the two parallel-connected circuits and the AC power source. Starting capacitors parallel individual lamps and means are provided for preheating the lamp electrode coils upon energization of the apparatus. In operation, the lamp electrode coils are all preheated and the lamps which are ballasted by the capacitor, which constitutes the lead circuit, then sequentially start.

Abstract: A series of flashing lights arranged in a line or circle appear as a group to move or rotate by properly timing the OFF or periods of the lights. The lights are divided into three interpositioned groups for separate control. The groups progressively go dark in one sequence and then in the reverse sequence by the aid of a simple cam clock means that periodically switches the cadence of only one of the groups to cause it alternately closely to lead or follow one of the other groups. No mechanical reversals of clock means occurs.

Abstract: Highly reliable electrical switches useful in multiple flash photolamp units are described as comprising a pair of spaced electrical conductors with radiation and voltage responsive materials overlying a portion of the conductors and the gap therebetween.

Abstract: A plurality of flash units mounted as warning, navigational or signal beacons are driven from a remote energy storage power converter with reduced number and or size of discharge current cables by common use of cables combined with sequential flashing such that the discharge current for only one flash lamp is carried by a cable at a given instant. By very close spacing, the sequential flashes may be made to appear simultaneous to the human eye.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching arrangement for the production of sequential current pulses such as for the control of flashing systems wherein the firing order can be achieved electronically. The invention further provides for a switching arrangement for sequential firing of blasting charges. Specific marginal conditions such as the maintenance of a minimum time interval between two successive explosions, due to the ratios of pressure waves, are given in the preferred embodiment.