Abstract: Driver circuits (1) for driving load circuits (2) comprising first and second light circuits (21-22, 71-72) are in first/second modes for input voltages having first/second voltage amplitudes, the second voltage amplitudes being larger than the first voltage amplitudes. The first light circuits (21, 71) are on in the first and second modes. The second light circuits (22, 72) are off in the first modes and are on in the second modes. A control circuit (21, 71) in dependence of the modes to extend control. These currents may get smaller current amplitudes in higher modes. Light outputs of the first light circuit (21, 71) may get smaller in higher modes. A total light output of all light circuits (21-22, 71-72) may remain substantially constant during all modes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a LED device with voltage-limiting unit and voltage-equalizing resistance in which a light-emitting unit is structured through a LED being connected in parallel with a voltage-limiting unit in the same polarity, and two ends thereof being further connected in parallel with an voltage-equalizing resistance, so that when plural sets of the light-emitting units are connected in series or in series-parallel in the same polarity, the end voltage of each set is stabilized by the voltage-equalizing resistance connected in parallel with the two ends of the LED and the voltage-limiting unit.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a fuse for a light emitting diode fluorescent lamp retrofit lamp, the fuse including a first electrical fuse connecting element for the electrical connection to an electric socket connecting element of a socket of the light emitting diode fluorescent lamp retrofit lamp; and a second electrical fuse connecting element for the electrical connection to a driver of the light emitting diode fluorescent lamp retrofit lamp; wherein the first fuse connecting element is designed as a connecting pin which is provided and equipped for a rigid connection to the socket connecting element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a LED device with voltage-limiting unit and voltage-equalizing resistance in which a light-emitting unit is structured through a LED being connected in parallel with a voltage-limiting unit in the same polarity, and two ends thereof being further connected in parallel with an voltage-equalizing resistance, so that when plural sets of the light-emitting units are connected in series or in series-parallel in the same polarity, the end voltage of each set is stabilized by the voltage-equalizing resistance connected in parallel with the two ends of the LED and the voltage-limiting unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic circuit for driving a fluorescent lamp from a periodic input voltage provided at a power input terminal. The circuit comprises an inverter for powering the fluorescent lamp, and a control unit. The control unit comprises a measuring input connected to the power input terminal for providing a synchronization signal representing a value of the periodic input voltage to the control unit, a control input for receiving an input signal representative of a desired lighting characteristic of the fluorescent lamp, and a control output connected to an enabling input of the inverter. The control unit is arranged to provide, via the control output, a control signal to the inverter to operate the inverter in synchronism with a periodicity of the synchronization signal representing the value of the periodic input voltage, the control signal being based on the input signal.

Abstract: A luminescence driving apparatus, a display apparatus, and a driving method thereof are provided. The luminescence driving apparatus drives a plurality of light-emitting units and includes: a voltage sensor which senses internal voltages of the plurality of light-emitting units; a current sensor which senses internal currents of the plurality of light-emitting units; a sensing signal generator which receives the internal voltages of the plurality of light-emitting units from the voltage sensor to generate an overvoltage sensing signal; a controller which, if it is determined that an overvoltage state has occurred, according to a level of the overvoltage sensing signal, searches for at least one of the plurality of light-emitting units in which the overvoltage state has occurred, according to levels of the internal currents sensed by the current sensor; and a protector which performs an overvoltage protection (OVP) operation with respect to the searched light-emitting unit.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for use with a lamp controller includes a driver component and a voltage interface circuit powered by the driver component. The interface component delivers a low voltage power signal at a defined operating range via output lines to a downstream controller. A protection circuit is coupled with the voltage interface circuit. The protection circuit in one embodiment has an under-voltage switch disposed in one of the output lines and configured to open at a voltage less than the defined voltage range, and a blocking device disposed in the other output line and configured to block reverse power flow at a voltage above the defined voltage range.

Abstract: A controller for a light fixture includes: a current-sampling circuit adapted to be connected electrically to the light fixture, and operable to generate a voltage signal corresponding to a current flowing through a light source of the light fixture; a voltage-processing circuit operable to perform at least one of voltage-amplification and voltage-rectification processes upon the voltage signal so as to generate a recognition signal; a signal-recognition unit configured to generate a control signal according to the recognition signal; a driver unit operable to generate a driver signal corresponding to the control signal; and a driving component adapted to be connected electrically to the light fixture, and driven by the driver signal for controlling operation of the light source of the light fixture.

Abstract: A circuit for protecting an electronic ballast for use with a remote controller for gas discharge lamps against miswiring to a power source. Depletion mode MOSFETS are employed in both sides of the circuit to the controller and the MOSFETS respond to overvoltage, including polarity reversal to create an open circuit condition in the circuit to the controller.

Abstract: A controller for a light fixture includes: a current-sampling circuit adapted to be connected electrically to the light fixture, and operable to generate a voltage signal corresponding to a current flowing through a light source of the light fixture; a voltage-processing circuit operable to perform at least one of voltage-amplification and voltage-rectification processes upon the voltage signal so as to generate a recognition signal; a signal-recognition unit configured to generate a control signal according to the recognition signal; a driver unit operable to generate a driver signal corresponding to the control signal; and a driving component adapted to be connected electrically to the light fixture, and driven by the driver signal for controlling operation of the light source of the light fixture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting lamp failure is described for an array of lamps used in a rapid thermal processing system. The lamp failure detection system enables identification of a failed lamp among a plurality of lamps, and also provides identification of the failure type. The apparatus applies a lamp failure detection method to the voltage drop values measured across each lamp to determine if a lamp is in a failure state. In one embodiment, a field programmable gate array is used to apply a failure detection method to the lamp voltage values.

Abstract: An LED lamp includes an optical part, a heat dissipation part and an electric part. The optical part includes main and auxiliary LED light sources thermally attached to the heat dissipation part. The electric part includes a rechargeable battery and a circuitry for converting an external AC power source into first and second DC power sources. The auxiliary LED light source is connected to the first DC power source for providing an auxiliary illumination when the external AC power source is normally supplied or to the rechargeable battery for providing an emergency illumination when the external AC power source is interrupted. The main LED light source is connected to the second DC power source for providing normal illumination when the external AC power source is supplied normally. Photoelectric switches are also provided for controlling the action of the auxiliary LED light source.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting lamp failure is described for an array of lamps used in a rapid thermal processing system. The lamp failure detection system enables identification of a failed lamp among a plurality of lamps, and also provides identification of the failure type. The apparatus applies a lamp failure detection method to the voltage drop values measured across each lamp to determine if a lamp is in a failure state. In one embodiment, a field programmable gate array is used to apply a failure detection method to the lamp voltage values.

Abstract: A method of electronic ballast protection including providing an electronic ballast having an AC/DC converter 104 with an electronic ballast input and a mains voltage connection 103 connectable to a mains voltage 102, an inverter 120 operably connected to the AC/DC converter 104 and having an electronic ballast output 125 connectable to a lamp 124, a control circuit 116 controlling the inverter 120, and a low voltage power supply 114 providing low voltage power to the control circuit 116; supplying power to the low voltage power supply 114 from the electronic ballast input when the mains voltage connection 103 is wired to mains voltage 102; and disconnecting the power to the low voltage power supply 114 when the electronic ballast output 125 is wired to the mains voltage 102.

Abstract: A distributed emergency building lighting system senses the presence or absence of AC power at the input of a switch controlling lighting in a designated area or an input stimulus such as an alarm to provide low-level marking for visual delineation of the path of egress or lighting of a predetermined designated area by illuminating an EL panel in accordance with code requirements. Self-diagnostic testing verifies operational conditions of the battery and illumination circuit to ensure code compliance.

Abstract: A gas lamp system and method for lighting the system which utilizes a sparkless flame starter in close proximity to the torch to create a flame. The system further includes a safety control circuit which activates the sparkless flame starter and subsequently actives a gas valve to deliver the gas to the torch after the sparkless flame starter has been energized. The sparkless flame starter is a low-voltage device such as a glow coil which is also arcless.

Abstract: A gas lamp system and method for lighting the system which utilizes a sparkless flame starter in close proximity to the torch to create a flame. The system further includes a safety control circuit which activates the sparkless flame starter and subsequently activates a gas valve to deliver the gas to the torch after the sparkless flame starter has been energized. The sparkless flame starter is a low-voltage device such as a glow coil which is also arcless.

Abstract: In a projection CRT, an image of high brightness is displayed on a screen as an electron beam emitted from an electron gun is scanned according to an image driving signal. The image is magnified and projected through a lens unit. Here, voltage of a direct current component of the image driving signal is lower than threshold voltage of the screen for scan time and also lower than threshold voltage of the electron gun for retrace time.

Abstract: A ceremonial illuminary including a voltage supply mechanism, a switching mechanism that is electrically connected to the voltage supply mechanism, a first lamp electrically connected to the switching mechanism, a second lamp electrically connected to the switching mechanism wherein the switching mechanism provides voltage to the first lamp to illuminate the first lamp and then switches to provide voltage to the second lamp instead of the first lamp when the first lamp burns-out and no longer illuminates. The first lamp and the second lamp are secured with an enclosure.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge device (ESD device) of the surface mount type and a method of fabricating such devices are disclosed. The ESD device includes an upper cover plate made of an insulating material, a middle insulating plate made of an insulating material and laminated on the lower surface of the upper cover plate, and having a discharge opening, with first and second discharge terminals formed in the middle insulating plate at opposite edges of the discharge opening, and a lower cover plate made of an insulating material and laminated on the lower surface of the middle insulating plate, and hermetically sealing the discharge opening of the middle insulating plate in cooperation with the upper cover plate, and having a second signal electrode brought into electric contact with the first discharge terminal, and a second ground electrode brought into electric contact with the second discharge terminal.

Abstract: A method for setting an applied voltage in a plasma display panel is provided, in which a driving voltage margin is increased. A charge adjustment is performed by generating a discharge for changing a wall charge quantity without changing a polarity of the charging before addressing. In a coordinates space describing the relationship between the effective voltage between the first electrodes and the effective voltage between the second electrodes, a voltage range (Vt closed curve) that can generate a microdischarge for the charge adjustment is determined, and a waveform of an increasing voltage that is applied to the discharge cell is determined in accordance with a Vt closed curve.

Abstract: A novel vehicle lighting control circuit for reducing the light intensity of a vehicle lighting element via pulse width modulation. A pulse width modulation adjuster is provided for producing a pulse width modulation control signal in order to operate the vehicle lighting element at a reduced light intensity. Such examples for use of the present invention include, but are not limited to, operation of: high beams at a low beam light intensity; daytime running lamps (DRLs); power balancing functions; and emergency lights.

Abstract: A lighting system composed of: an AC ballast for delivering AC power from an AC power source to a lamp; an emergency power supply for delivering AC power to the lamp when the AC power source fails; and a switch for disconnecting the AC ballast from the AC power source when the AC power source fails.

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: A lamp protective, electronic ballast includes a lamp voltage detector having a capacitor and resistor series connected across a discharge lamp. The junction of the resistor and capacitor is coupled to a voltage sensitive switch for detecting DC offset on the lamp and excessive AC voltage on the lamp. The switch is more sensitive to DC offset than to excessive AC voltage and is disabled while the lamp is started.

Abstract: A ballast for lighting a high intensity discharge lamp having a power factor correction scheme. The power factor correction scheme includes a triac. To prevent the triac from damage when the lamp is not lit and power line transients are present, the triac is turned ON. The triac is also turned ON whenever the lamp is lit.

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: The invention provides a light controller for lamps which can reduce the number of parts, cost and size. A rectangular wave voltage output from an astable multivibrator (1) is inverted by an inverter (3) and then supplied to a gate of a P-channel MOS FET (5) for on/off driving the MOS FET (5). A current is thereby caused to flow through a lamp (7) for lighting it up. By changing a resistance value of a variable resistor (2), a cycle of the rectangular wave voltage is changed and, therefore, an amount of the current flowing through the lamp (7) is changed so as to vary the illumination intensity of the 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: 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: The electric incandescent lamp has a filament connected to current supply conductors and kept taut by a frame of longitudinal arc discharge conductors and transverse insulators. The arc discharge conductors are each connected to a point on the current supply conductors, at least one of them being connected through a arc discharge interruption fuse. When switching on and operating the lamp, the arc discharge interruption fuses and the arc discharge conductors are not included in the current circuit. The arc discharge conductors are positioned with respect to the filament so that upon formation of a discharge arc between fragments of the filament the arc flashes over to the arc discharge conductors. Only upon flash over of the arc to the arc discharge conductors does current flow through the arc discharge interruption fuse. The fuse interrupts the current and extinguishes the arc.

Abstract: A compensation circuit includes a circuit for monitoring the current delivered to a load and for producing a switching signal whenever a current spike is detected. A control signal representative of the desired voltage across the load is produced. A power supply supplies voltage to the load in response to the control signal. The circuit for generating the control signal is responsive to the switching signal for adjusting the control signal such that when a current spike is detected the voltage delivered to the load is substantially instantaneously reduced.

Abstract: A luminaire using a tungsten-halogen lamp, includes a circuit for supplying the lamp with a boosted D.C. operating voltage. The circuit includes a full-wave rectifying circuit for receiving a standard A.C. mains supply voltage, and a low pass filter connected to the output of the rectifier. The value of the time constant of the filter is chosen to produce at the rectifier output, an average D.C. voltage of about between 135 and 146 volts, preferably about 140 volts.

Abstract: A lighting system having a high pressure gas discharge light source and an incandescent light source within a common sealed and evacuated bulb. A ballast unit fitted externally to the neck of the bulb includes in series with the incandescent light source an interrupter element and control circuitry therefor, and a choke coil in series with the gas discharge light source.The control circuitry represents an equivalence logic with two variables, wherein the output terminal of an equivalence circuit is connected to the control input of the interrupter element while its input terminal is connected to a voltage divider system connected across the gas discharge light source. The output terminal is energized only if either both or neither of the input terminals of the equivalence circuit are energized. The interrupter element is closed when the output terminal of the equivalence circuit is energized.

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: The apparatus includes three electrodes housed in a single enclosure which is filled with a gas. A first one of the electrodes is connected to the junction of a load and a fuse. A second one of the electrodes is connected to an intermediate point of the load, which intermediate point separates the load into two normally equal impedance segments. A third one of the electrodes is connected to the other end of the load. When either of the impedances of the two segments of the load changes sufficiently to cause a breakdown voltage between either the first and second electrodes or between the second and third electrodes to be exceeded, current flows between the first and third electrode thereby short-circuiting the load and causing the fuse to break.

Abstract: An improved spark gap device and configuration for coupling the device in circuit with equipment such as television receivers are disclosed. The spark gap device includes three conductive pads, the first and second of which are separated by a first gap. The third pad is separated from the other pads by a second gap which intersects the first gap. By coupling the first and second pads across A.C. power lines in the equipment, and by coupling the third pad to earth ground, the energy associated with a high voltage transient on the power lines causes the air in one of the gaps to ionize. Hence, a spark jumps the gap to shunt the transient energy to ground. The intersection of the gaps causes ionization to spread to the second gap and thereby provide an additional path to ground for the energy associated with the transient, thereby protecting components within the equipment.

Abstract: A light source includes a high pressure discharge lamp and incandescent filaments which provide illumination during the warm-up and hot restart periods associated with the discharge lamp. A current regulator, which provides dc power to the discharge lamp, draws sufficient current through one filament to energize the filament only during discharge lamp warm-up. A second filament provides illumination during the period after the occurrence of a momentary power failure or power transient which is required by the discharge lamp to cool down to its maximum starting temperature. A bimetal switch permits current flow through the second filament when the discharge lamp is above the maximum starting temperature. An electronic switch permits current flow through the second filament when a current sensing resistor senses a lack of current through the discharge lamp.

Abstract: A lighting network is described which includes a main gas discharge lamp, a standby lamp and a control circuit. The control circuit senses when the gas discharge lamp is operating normally and turns off the standby lamp. When the discharge lamp is not up to full light output after ignition or has gone out due to a momentary power interruption, the control circuit turns on the standby lamp. The control circuit includes a transistor amplitude discriminator and an electronic switch. The discriminator, which senses the voltage at the discharge lamp terminals, has a transfer characteristic which produces a "low" output over a "normal" range of terminal voltages and a "high" output for terminal voltages below and above the normal range. The electronic switch responds to "high" and "low" discriminator outputs to turn on or turn off the standby lamp, respectively.

Abstract: A voltage detecting means, such as a voltage winding, a zener diode or the like, is connected across a power source and is operative when the voltage applied thereto exceeds a predetermined value owing to a disconnection of a main lamp also connected across said power source. A disconnection indicating means, such as a lamp, is connected to the voltage detecting means and is energized when the volage detecting means operates.

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.