Patent ID: 6211619
Filing Date: 2001-04-03
Classification: H02M,H03K,H05B,Y02B,Y10S

Abstract:
An arrangement comprising:a source providing an alternating voltage across a pair of source terminals; the alternating voltage having a fundamental frequency distinctly higher than that of the AC voltage on an ordinary electric utility power line;a series-combination of an inductor and a capacitor; the series-combination being: (i) naturally resonant at a frequency lower than said fundamental frequency, (ii) effectively connected across the source terminals, thereby to draw a source current from the source terminals, and (iii) connected in circuit with a pair of output terminals across which is provided an approximately sinusoidal output voltage; the inductor being coupled with an auxiliary winding, thereby to cause an auxiliary voltage to be provided from this auxiliary winding; the coupling between the inductor and the auxiliary winding being sufficiently loose so that, in case an electrical short circuit were to be placed across the auxiliary winding, the magnitude of the source current would be prevented from increasing to a detrimentally high level; anda gas discharge lamp means having a first thermionic cathode with a pair of cathode terminals connected with the auxiliary winding by way of a connect means; the lamp means also having a second thermionic cathode; the approximately sinusoidal output voltage being applied between the first and the second thermionic cathodes.