Abstract: A system for use in monitoring the operation of motorcycle brake and tail lights is disclosed which, upon determination that a brake or tail light is not operating properly to provide a warning light signal, automatically provides an alternate warning light signal which is highly visible to traffic following the motorcycle. Current sensors are used to determine whether electricity is flowing through the brake light and tail light circuits, or, alternately, whether there is an open circuit condition in one or both circuits which is indicative of a burned-out bulb. If the tail light burns out, control switching elements are used to supply current to the left rear turn signal light, the right rear turn signal light, and the brake light to illuminate them, thereby providing a warning signal at the rear of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A circuit for compensating for failure of a light source includes a first light source having a first function and a first intensity associated therewith and a second light source having a second function and a second intensity associated therewith. A controller is connected to the first and second light sources, for detecting a current to the first light source. Upon detection of a failure of the first light source, the controller modulates the second light source to provide the function of the first light source with a substantially the first intensity.

Abstract: A high reliability portable incandescent illumination system for use in applications which require a reliable, high output light source such as heliport markers, runway lights, warning lights, road hazard and obstruction lights. The required elements of the invention are a battery to provide an energy source, a DC/DC converter to step up the battery voltage to a level required to drive a high output light source. The DC/DC converter is driven by a controller which generates a pulse stream to the DC/DC converter based upon inputs from a soft start circuit, a filament temperature sensor, an optical spectrum sensor, a power sensor and a filament break sensor. The optical spectrum sensor is coupled to the light source by a fiber optical element. An improvement in results in the performance of portable beacons by using high voltage lamps with low voltage batteries via voltage step-up electronics.

Abstract: Driver circuit for discharge lamps. The driver circuit contains an inverter driving a lamp circuit with a discharge lamp and the current in the lamp circuit is measured as a voltage U.sub.ILC over a resistor, with a control circuit comprising a strike detector that determines if the lamp did strike during a start-up phase of the driver, and if not, the inverter is switched off, with the control circuit going into a monitoring state where it operates the inverter for short periods at regular intervals, and during each such period, the voltage U.sub.ILC is monitored to detect a removal or an insertion of a lamp, so that, once the lamp has been replaced, a new start-up phase begins.

Abstract: A ballast for lighting an auxiliary source of illumination whenever a primary source of illumination fails to ignite. The auxiliary source of illumination is effectively turned OFF by placing a short circuit thereacross whenever the primary source of illumination is lit. The short circuit is removed whenever the primary source of illumination fails to reach a predetermined level of illumination thereby permitting current to flow through and light the auxiliary source of light. The ballast also includes a power factor correction device for increasing the ballast power factor when the primary source of light reaches a predetermined level of illumination.

Abstract: A non-arcing electrical switch is disclosed wherein a solid-state switching element is operated in response to current flow within an external circuit. The switch is particularly suitable for use within an auxiliary lighting circuit of a gaseous discharge lamp. Because the switch operates in response to the current drawn by the gaseous discharge lamp rather than a specific sensed voltage, it may be used with virtually any type of clamp or lamp operating circuit.

Abstract: The invention provides a high-pressure discharge lamp incorporating an outer envelope storing a pair of electric terminals a plurality of arc tubes which are respectively stored in this outer envelope and electrically connected in parallel, and a plurality of ignition aids available for assisting operating of these arc tubes, where these ignition aids are provided for each of these arc tubes and contain potentials different from each other. In addition, the invention also provides a lighting system for operating the high-pressure discharge lamp.

Abstract: A lighting system having a primary light source and an emergency lamp. The emergency lamp is turned on and remains on upon failure or removal from the system of the primary light source. The system also includes a control device for sensing when the voltage across the primary light source rises above a predetermined level in determining when to turn on the emergency lamp.

Abstract: A lighting circuit for a vehicle illuminates a back-up lighting element when a primary lighting element fails. Both lighting elements may be installed in a single housing, such as a headlight assembly. A dashboard switch places the primary lighting element in circuit with the vehicle power supply. In preferred form, a low-resistance coil is series connected with the primary lighting element. The coil is magnetically coupled to switching elements in a low-current flow path between power supply terminals. Switching elements in the low-current flow path control a low-power mechanical switch that places the back-up lighting element in circuit with the power supply. If the primary element fails, the absence of current through the coil triggers the switching elements to close the mechanical switch and to illuminate the back-up element. The dashboard carries a graphic representation of the vehicle. A light emitting diode on the representation is illuminated when the primary element fails to .pi.

Abstract: An arrangement for use with gaseous discharge lamp circuits having a power factor capacitor in which the capacitor can be disconnected from the circuit when the lamp is not drawing current and in which an emergency lamp can be connected across a voltage source when the discharge lamp is not drawing current.

Abstract: An incandescent lamp has a first and a second filament, one or the other of which is arranged to connect with the socket voltage in an ordinary lamp socket by way of a bistable thermally actuated switch built into the lamp. Upon initial provision of the socket voltage, the first filament is arranged to connect with the socket voltage and to so remain connected except if the thermal switch were to actuate. Provided the second filament is intact, the thermal switch will indeed actuate after but a few seconds; whereafter this second filament gets connected with the socket voltage, so to remain connected until the socket voltage is removed or until this second filament fails. After the second filament has indeed failed, the thermal switch will not get actuated and the socket voltage will not switch away from the first filament.

Abstract: This safety lighting arrangement is especially suited for use with variously rated HID light sources having current ratings ranging from relatively low to relatively high values. The safety light arrangement includes a current transformer having a magnetizable core, a primary winding inductively coupled to the core for connection in series with the primary circuit in which the HID light source is connected, and a secondary winding inductively coupled to the core. The core is saturable by the primary winding current present when the current through the HID light source is as low as the current rating of one of the relatively low rated HID sources. The safety light arrangement also includes a monitoring relay connected across the secondary winding and maintained in an activated condition when the primary winding is traversed by current producing saturation of the core. This monitoring relay is set to drop out when current through the primary winding and the HID source is interrupted by a power interruption.

Abstract: A circuit for energizing either a first or second lamp and for energizing a motor to position the energized lamp is comprised of first and second switches for supplying current to one of the lamps. Current sensors are provided to monitor the flow of current through each of the lamps. When current is flowing through one lamp and its associated switch, a biasing network assures that the other switch remains open. Upon the failure of the energized lamp, the other lamp is energized, a motor is energized so that the other lamp may be moved to a desired position within the optical system, and a visible indication that the lamp has failed open is provided.

Abstract: An automatic replacement circuit is provided for the replacement of burnt-out filaments as well as a method for implementing the replacement of incandescent filaments. The replacement circuit includes a pulse generator which operates independently of the activated filament to feed continuous feed pulses to a counter circuit while a separate resetting pulse circuit delivers resetting pulses to the counter unit in dependence on the current flowing through the filament. The resetting pulses cancel the feed pulses. In the absence of resetting pulses, the feed pulses accumulate and upon reaching a predetermined amount, trigger a trigger selector circuit for activating the next filament.

Abstract: An arc discharge lamp which can be operated in any orientation without significant variation in performance includes an even number of electrodes at least equal to four, a discharge vessel including a spherical central portion and electrode mounting portions. The electrodes are mounted in the electrode mounting portions and have a substantially uniform three-dimensional distribution with respect to the central portion. The discharge lamp can be used in a lamp assembly including a switch apparatus for coupling electrical energy to a pair of the electrodes that is closest to a horizontal plane. An automatic switch apparatus includes orientation-sensitive switches, one having the same direction as each of the electrodes. The switches are interconnected such that electrical energy is coupled to a pair of electrodes in response to the orientation of the switch apparatus relative to a gravity field. The switch apparatus can be mounted in the base or within the lamp envelope of the lamp assembly.

Abstract: Equipment for lighting a work area has a plurality of light sources, at least one of which is usually lighted; the others are spare light sources and are usually turned off. The equipment has means such as an optical fiber to conduct light from the light source to the work area. Converting means is provided with the equipment to distribute electric power selectively to the light sources. Detecting means is also installed in the equipment to detect cutting off of the light source which is in the lighted condition. The converting means changes the distribution of the output from the power supply to a light source other than the light source which was cut off.

Abstract: An automatic relamping system that provides for operation of a single one of multiple illumination lamps with automatic illumination of a next lamp upon failure of an illuminated lamp. A drive circuit is provided for the multiple lamps including an oscillator and means for connecting the multiple lamps in a parallel circuit with the drive circuit. The connections between lamps include direct conductive conductors so that upon starting of any one of the multiple lamps and ignition thereof, the other lamps are inhibited from ignition due to the reduced "on" voltage, in comparison to the "starting" voltage, of the ignited lamp.

Abstract: An auxiliary light module for vehicles, giving "battery back-up" provisions, particularly useful for "semi" vehicles in which the pulling tractor electrically energizes the light systems of the pulled trailer by a connector strap or harness for interconnecting the tractor's output jack and the trailer's input jack; and the module provides a device conveniently connectable to both the tractor and trailer by jacking to the jacks now used by the jacks of such connector strap or harness. The module includes a battery, a switch, and circuitry for providing the electrical energization of the trailer's running lights and tail lights when the semi is stopped, and whether or not the tractor remains connected to the trailer, providing safety of the warning lights being lit, avoiding drain on the tractor's own battery, etc.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a control system which permits operation of electrically powered apparatus in any one of several active modes from a controller mounted remotely from the apparatus. The system is particularly useful for controlling the operation of at least a pair of light sources. The system permits switching, from the controller, energizing power from an energized light source to a de-energized light source. Electrical communication between the controller of the system and the light head can be provided by only two electrical conductors.

Abstract: An adjustable flasher plug includes two load circuits such as light indicative circuits or decorative bulbs connected in series operatively contacting a left conducting pin of two pins connecting a power source, and a bimetallic strip jacketed in a heating coil operatively connecting two conducting pins of the power source, whereby upon the heating of the coil, the bimetallic strip will be bent to alternatively shift its contact from a load circuit to the other load circuit to form a simple, compact flasher device with adjustable alternative shift (flashing) frequency of the two load circuits.

Abstract: This adapter has a housing containing an automatic electrical switching circuit, a plug for connecting the circuit to an external A.C. power source, and sockets for mounting primary and standby lamps on the housing in circuit with the switching circuit. The circuit includes a conventional rectifier bridge and a transistor which is normally biased off so that the standby lamp is off, when the primary lamp lights. When the primary lamp goes off (burns out), the transistor conducts and the standby lamp is automatically turned on. When the primary lamp again operates the transistor is again biased off and the standby lamp is automatically turned off. A signal lamp in the switch circuit lights when the standby lamp is on. Motors or other power consuming devices may be substituted for the lamps.

Abstract: A second lamp is connected to power terminals upon each alternate switching off of a first lamp so that, upon each alternate switching on of the first lamp, the second lamp is illuminated. A magnetic latching relay switches the second lamp into and out of the circuit. The relay is powered by the discharge of one of two capacitors. One capacitor powers a set circuit of the latching relay, and another capacitor powers a reset circuit. Only one of the capacitors is charged at any one time. While power is applied to the power terminals to illuminate the first light, one capacitor is held discharged while the other capacitor is charged in preparation for powering the latching relay. The discharge of the charged capacitor through the latching relay is controlled electronically by a triac having a control terminal which is brought to control voltage by a fourth capacitor after a third capacitor has been discharged over a predetermined short time.

Abstract: In order to provide a lamp failure warning in both illuminated and unilluminated states of the lamp, there is provided a resistance bridge circuit Rs, L, R2 and R3 which is substantially in balance if the lamp L is sound. An amplifier IC1 acts as a detection means if the bridge goes out of balance as a consequence of failure of the lamp L. In the unilluminated state a reduced current is fed to the bridge via a high value resistance R1, which is by-passed by a lamp switch SW1 if the lamp is to receive enough power to illuminate it.

Abstract: A lamp and lamp circuit apparatus are provided in which the lamp has a plurality of filaments operable one filament at a time and driven by a plurality of filament drivers. A filament failure detector circuit is operatively connected to one or more filament drivers for detecting the failure of the filament being driven. A circuit actuates a second filament in the multiple filament bulb when the filament failure detector detects failure of one filament, so that a lantern, and especially flashing lanterns, can have an extended lamp life.

Abstract: An emergency lighting unit having physical dimensions and electrical and electronic components and circuitry such that it can be directly substituted for a conventional hot cathode type fluorescent lamp in a conventional fluorescent lamp fixture which incorporates a rapid start type ballast. The emergency lighting unit comprises a direct current power supply in the form of rechargeable batteries, a light source in the form of one or more groups of low voltage high intensity miniature lamps, and electronic circuitry and components utilizing power supplied by the rapid start ballast for charging the batteries, monitoring their condition and reacting accordingly, and detecting the state of the normal alternating current power source and reacting accordingly. In a preferred embodiment, the emergency lighting unit utilizes pulses to detect the emergency or "FAIL" state of the system power. The pulses are supplied by a unique pulser unit which is designed to be directly substituted for a standard wall switch.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for converting fluorescent lighting fixtures, having a conventional series-type ballast with at least two lamps, to effect illumination of only one of the two lamps at a time, but automatically effecting illumination of the other lamp upon that one becoming disabled. The device includes an induction coil to increase the starting boost available to one of the two lamps and also has a varistor. The varistor may be connected across a secondary coil of the ballast which is then arranged to idle. With fixtures having two pairs of instant-start lamps, the varistor is instead connected to an electrode of one lamp of each pair. The device preferably has a series circuit comprising the varistor, the inductive coil, a capacitor and a resistor. Preferably four electrical connections, two across the varistor and two across the inductive coil, are provided to connect the device into the circuitry of the ballast and lamps.

Abstract: A multiple lamp system for use with fiber optic light guide for automatically switching from a main lamp to a standby lamp upon failure of the former. A solenoid is employed with the inductor in the circuit of the main lamp to overcome the bias of the switch in the standby lamp circuit to keep the former open. When the main lamp fails causing interruption of current flow, the switch closes thereby permitting energization of the standby lamp. An indicator is provided to show which lamp is functioning.

Abstract: A controller for controlling operation of a multi-filament lamp is provided that permits selection of the filament to be energized from a control box placed at a remote location from the lamp. Only two leads are required to electrically connect the control box to the lamp. The controller automatically switches energizing power from a burned out filament to an alternate filament. The controller can also include a source of alternate power for the controller in the event that primary power is lost. The controller can also include a lock out feature which prevents switching energizing power at the control box from an energized filament to a failed filament.1. Field of the InventionThe present invention relates to controllers for lamps and, in particular, a controller for a lamp having more than one light source that permits control of the lamp from a location remote from the lamp.2.

Abstract: A photoelectric measuring apparatus includes a measuring scale and a scanning unit including at least one photosensitive element for generating a scanning signal in response to light incident on the scanned region of the scale. First and second light sources are included, as well as a mechanism for selecting either of the first and second light sources such that light from the selected light sources is directed at the scanned region of the scale. A slider mechanism, a turntable, a movable mirror, or a movable prism can be used to select either the first or second light sources. In addition, a circuit is disclosed which provides separate first and second balancing circuits for the respective light sources, such that rebalancing the measuring instrument is not required when the selecting mechanism is used to select a different light source.

Abstract: A balancing circuit for a digital, photoelectric length or angle measuring system which includes a measuring scale, first and second light sources for illuminating the scale, and photosensitive scanning elements for measuring light modulated by the scale. The disclosed balancing circuit includes a separate balancing branch for each of the light sources. Each balancing branch is separately adjustable, and each balancing branch serves to provide an equal light signal use to compensate for the average intensity of the respective light source. Preferably, only one of the two light sources is activated at any given time, and the two balancing branches are arranged so that the balancing branch associated with the activated light source is not adversely influenced by the balancing branch associated with the non-activated light source.

Abstract: A combination lamp comprises a miniature arc tube, a standby filament and a thermal switch in a sealed vitreous envelope. The switch is connected in series with the filament, and the arc tube and the filament have separate inleads for external connections. The switch is closed at room temperature, allowing the filament to light up immediately at a cold start and providing an instant-on feature. During normal operation, heat and light radiated by the arc tube cause the switch to open and turn off the filament. The small size of the arc tube favors a heat balance which allows the thermal switch to cool and reclose quickly in the event of a current interruption, thereby assuring lighting after an acceptably brief delay in the event of a hot restart.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an emergency lighting circuit that operates with a high pressure, gaseous-discharge lamp and associated ballast. When the gaseous-discharge lamp goes out, after once being ignited, sufficient current is supplied to an incandescent light or lights to maintain illumination to the area normally illuminated by the lamp. The device for providing this current may vary, but generally incorporates a voltage breakdown means that receives higher voltage from the ballast when there is failure of the gaseous-discharge lamp than when the arc therein is struck. A preferred embodiment also lights the incandescent lights during initial warm-up of the gaseous-discharge lamp. The incandescent lights may also be used in a cold environment to maintain the gaseous-discharge lamp sufficiently above an ambient temperature level to make possible initial striking of the arc in the lamp when ambient temperature conditions might otherwise prevent it.

Abstract: A lamp system for a light projector for continuous light projection upon burn-out of a main lamp. A main lamp with a highly directional light pattern is mounted to the frame for light pattern alignment with the optical axis of the projection lens. A spare lamp is mounted at a location remote from the optical axis. Electronic circuitry detects failure of the main lamp and energizes the spare lamp. A mirror pivots about a point remote from the optical axis for positioning the mirror between the first position which does not effect nor obstruct light transmission between the main lamp and the projection lens and between a second position where the mirror reflects light from the automatically energized spare lamp along the optical axis of the projection lens upon failure of the main lamp.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an emergency lighting circuit that operates with a high pressure, gaseous-discharge lamp and associated ballast. When the gaseous-discharge lamp goes out, after once being ignited, sufficient current is supplied to an incandescent light or lights to maintain illumination to the area normally illuminated by the lamp. The device for providing this current may vary, but generally incorporates a voltage breakdown means that receives higher voltage from the ballast when there is failure of the gaseous-discharge lamp than when the arc therein is struck. A preferred embodiment also lights the incandescent lights during initial warm-up of the gaseous-discharge lamp. The incandescent lights may also be used in a cold environment to maintain the gaseous-discharge lamp sufficiently above an ambient temperature level to make possible initial striking of the arc in the lamp when ambient temperature conditions might otherwise prevent it.

Abstract: A control circuit for a light projection system for energizing a spare lamp when the circuit detects failure of a main lamp. A pair of input lines apply an alternating-current voltage source to the circuit, to the main lamp and to a spare lamp which is substantially in parallel connection with the main lamp. A switch is in series connection with the main and spare lamp for selectively energizing one of the lamps. Current sensing means, generally a resistor, in series connection with the switch and the lamps, senses the current through the main lamp thereby dropping a small portion of the voltage source. A pair of opposite polarity voltage references are established by rectifying the voltage dropped across the current sensing resistor and by rectifying the voltage across the input lines of the voltage source.

Abstract: A photographic camera and multi-flash arrangement therefor in which a multiplicity of linearly arrayed flash lamps mounted in a cartridge, wherein one or more of said lamps may be inoperative, may be automatically and sequentially sampled and the operative ones of said lamps automatically selected for effecting a photograhic exposure.