Generator for use with loads having changing impedance characteristics

• US 4,286,194 A
• Filed: 06/07/1979
• Issued: 08/25/1981
• Est. Priority Date: 12/05/1977
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Eli H. Sherman
• Original Assignee: Eli H. Sherman
• Inventors: Sherman, Eli H.
• Primary Examiner(s): LAROCHE, EUGENE
• Application Number:
  US06/045,111
• Time in Patent Office: 810 Days
• Field of Search: 315/209 R, 315/219, 315/224, 315/DIG. 7, 315/186, 315/187, 315/191, 315/228, 315/232, 315/211, 331/112
• US Class Current: 315/209.00R
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 3/33507 with automatic control of the output voltage or current, e.g. flyback converters H02M3/33561, H02M3/33569 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 7/537 using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 7/5383 in a self-oscillating arrangement H02M7/538 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 41/046 using controlled semiconductor devices
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 41/2821 by means of a single-switch converter or a parallel push-pull converter in the final stage H05B41/285 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 315/07 Starting and control circuits for gas discharge lamp using transistors

Abstract

A generator for the starting and thereafter maintaining energization and operation of a load which has a relatively high impedance during starting and a substantially lower impedance after starting and during operation thereof. The load may be an ionic conduction lamp including a phosphor excitable lamp in the nature of a fluorescent lamp, or electroluminescent lamp, or vapor lamp. The generator includes a mechanism for generating electrical power with a relatively high voltage and impedance so as to match the relatively high impedance of the load before starting and generization of electrical power of a substantially lower voltage and impedance so as to match the lower impedance of the load during the energizing and operation of the load. The mechanism for generating the electrical power may be an inductive member, such as a coil, and a solid state element, such as a transistor, to develop a voltage over the coil. The coil may be coupled to the lamp through some agent developing a capacitance, e.g., a conductor with a capacitor or stray capacitance between the lamp and the coil. Further a tap intermediate the ends of the coil may be coupled to the load. The capacitance which couples the generator to the lamp before starting is effectively electrically inoperable and out of the circuit after starting of the load. The agent developing the capacitance is located such that the full voltage developed across the coil is delivered to the load during starting, but after starting and during operation only a portion of the voltage developed between one terminal and the tap of the coil is used to drive the load. The generator thereby eliminates the need of a conventional ballast and starting mechanism. In this way, energization of the lamp can be maintained with substantial energy savings compared to prior art ballasts used with ionic conduction lamps. Further energy savings are achieved by generating current and voltage pulses for operating the lamp where the voltage pulses have a greater decay rate to a zero level than the current pulses which have a more gradual decay. Thus, the lamps may be driven by an electric signal where the current pulses are driven by a substantially reduced voltage level for a substantial period of time.

Claims

1. A generator for starting and maintaining operation of a load which has a relatively high impedance during starting and a substantially lower impedance after starting and during operation, said generator comprising:

(a) power generating means for generating electrical power of a relatively high first voltage and relatively high impedance in a first mode and which is generally comparable to the impedance of said load during starting, and where the impedance of said load becomes substantially lower after starting, and said power generating means also capable of generating power of a second voltage and lower impedance in a second mode, and which second voltage is delivered from a portion of the power generating means which is different from that which delivers the first voltage, and

(b) capacitance operable means operatively connected to said means for generating electrical power and being operatively connectable to said load to enable generation and delivery of electrical power having a high impedance during starting of said load, said capacitance operable means being responsive to changes in the impedance of said load and causing a switching to the second mode, said power generating means capable of providing electrical power of a lower impedance generally comparable to the lower impedance of said load during the operation of said load to be delivered to said load after starting and during operation of the load, said capacitance operable means being effectively electrically switched out of a circuit relationship with said power generating means which said power generating means is switched to the second mode.

2. The generator of claim 1 further characterized in that said load is an ionic conduction lamp which has a relatively high impedance during starting and a substantially lower impedance after starting and during operation.

3. The generator of claim 1 further characterized in that said capacitance operable means has a reactance which becomes substantially large relative to the impedance of said load after starting so that it is effectively electrically inoperative after starting.

4. The generator of claim 3 further characterized in that said capacitance operable means is operatively connected to the means to generate electrical power in such manner that it permits electrical power generated in the first mode to be of a relatively high voltage and is effectively electrically disconnected from the circuit after the load has started so that electrical power of the second voltage is delivered to the load from another portion of the means to generate electrical power.

5. The generator of claim 4 further characterized in that the load is a phosphor energizable lamp which has a relatively high impedance before starting and a substantially lower impedance after starting and during operation, and where said capacitance operable means is coupled to deliver high frequency energy to the lamp during starting in order to achieve ignition of said lamp.

6. A generator for starting and maintaining operation of an ionic conduction lamp which has a relatively high impedance during starting and a substantially lower impedance after starting and during operation, said generator comprising:

(a) power generating means for generating high frequency electrical power in a first mode of a relatively high first voltage sufficient to ignite an ionic conduction lamp and impedance generally comparable to the impedance of said lamp during starting, and where the impedance of said lamp becomes substantially lower after starting, and said power generating means also capable of providing electrical power in a second mode of a second voltage and impedance sufficient to maintain energization of an ionic conduction lamp after ignition, and which second voltage is delivered from a portion of the power generating means which is different from that which delivers the first voltage, and

(b) capacitance operable means operatively connected to said means for generating electrical power and being operatively connected to said lamp to enable generation and delivery of electrical power having a voltage sufficient to ignite the ionic conduction lamp, said capacitance operable means being responsive to the drop in impedance of the lamp after ignition and causing a switching to the second mode so that the power generating means is capable of providing to the lamp after ignition high frequency electrical power of a second voltage and a lower impedance generally comparable to the impedance of said lamp during the operation of said lamp, said capacitance operable means being effectively electrically switched out of a circuit relationship with said power generating means when said power generating means is switched to said second mode.

7. The generator of claim 6 further characterized in that said capacitance operable means has a reactance which becomes substantially large relative to the impedance of said lamp after starting so that it is effectively electrically inoperable after starting.

8. A generator for igniting an ionic conduction lamp and maintaining operation of the same, said generator comprising:

(a) conductive means for receiving electrical power from a source thereof,

(b) a solid state electronic element operatively connected to said conductive means,

(c) an inductive member having a pair of end terminals, said inductive member also being connected to said solid state electronic element, such that a voltage is generated across said inductive member, said inductive member being operatively connectable to an ionic conduction lamp for igniting and operating same, said lamp being ignitable with a first voltage and a high impedance developed across a substantial portion of said inductive member and said lamp being operable with a lesser portion of the voltage across said inductive member after ignition and during operation of said lamp, and

(d) means responsive to changes in the impedance of said lamp operatively connectable to said inductive member to enable the first voltage and high impedance generated over a substantial portion of the inductive member to be delivered to said lamp during ignition and which means is operable in response to the change of impedance in the lamp to switch the voltage applied to the lamp and thereby cause the second voltage and impedance developed across a portion of said inductive member which is smaller than the size between the end terminals to be delivered to said lamp after ignition of said lamp and during operation thereof.

9. The generator of claim 8 further characterized in that tap means is operatively connected to said inductive member intermediate end terminals of said inductive member and being operatively connectable to said lamp, said lamp being operable by the voltage across the inductive member from one end terminal thereof to said tap means after ignition of said lamp.

10. The generator of claim 9 further characterized in that said ionic conduction lamp has a relatively high impedance during ignition and a substantially lower impedance after ignition and during operation, the means responsive to the impedance of the lamp is a capacitance operable means which operatively couples said inductive member and said lamp and enables ignition of said lamp through said capacitance operable means and operation of said lamp after ignition with power delivered to said lamp not through said capacitance operable means.

11. The generator of claim 10 further characterized in that said capacitance operable means has a reactance which is substantially large relative to the impedance of said lamp after ignition so that it is effectively electrically inoperative after starting.

12. The generator of claim 8 further characterized in that said solid state electronic element is a transistor for developing the voltage across said inductive member.

13. The generator of claim 12 further characterized in that a resistive-capacitive feedback circuit is operatively connected across said transistor and said inductive member.

14. A generator for starting an ionic conduction lamp and maintaining operation of the same, said generator comprising:

(a) means for receiving electrical power from a source thereof,

(b) an inductive member operatively connected to said means for receiving electrical power and having a voltage generated thereacross, said inductive member having a first terminal and a second terminal for operative connection to an ionic conduction lamp,

(c) a tap operatively connected to said inductive member intermediate said terminals and being operatively connectable to said lamp, said lamp being energized during starting from the voltage developed across said inductive member and delivered from said first and second terminals and said lamp being energized during operation and after starting from a portion of the voltage developed across the inductive member from one terminal to the tap, and

(c) means responsive to a change in an impedance of the lamp operatively connected to said inductive member to enable voltage generated between the first and second terminals of the inductive member to be delivered from said inductive member during starting and which means is operable in response to the lowering in impedance in the lamp to cause a substantially lesser portion of the voltage developed across the portion of said inductive member between one of said terminals and said tap to be delivered from said inductive member after starting of said lamp and during operation thereof, said means responsive to the impedance of the lamp being effectively disconnected from the circuit in response to the lamp changing to the lower impedance so that the voltage developed between said one terminal and said tap can be delivered to the lamp.

15. The generator of claim 14 further characterized in that said lamp has a relatively high impedance during starting and a substantially lower impedance after starting and during operation, and the generator applies a high frequency voltage having an impedance generally comparable to the impedance of the lamp during starting and a high frequency voltage with a lower impedance generally comparable to the impedance of the lamp after starting and during operation.

16. The generator of claim 14 further characterized in that said ionic conduction lamp has a relatively high impedance during starting and a substantially lower impedance after starting and during operation, the means responsive to the impedance of the lamp is a capacitance operable means which operatively couples said inductive member and said lamp and enables starting of said lamp through said capacitance operable means and operation of said lamp after starting with power delivered to the lamp through said tap and with said capacitance operable means effectively inoperable.

17. The generator of claim 16 further characterized in that said capacitance operable means has a reactance which is substantially large relative to the impedance of said lamp after starting so that it is effectively electrically inoperative after starting.

18. The generator of claim 14 further characterized in that said first and second terminals are end terminals and said inductive member is a coil.

19. The generator of claim 14 further characterized in that said tap is located at a distance from one of the terminals to provide to the lamp from about 15% to about 40% of the total developed voltage across said inductive member.

20. A method for starting an ionic conduction lamp having a relatively high starting impedance and a substantially lower operating impedance and thereafter maintaining operation of said lamp, said method comprising:

(a) generating a first high frequency voltage with an impedance generally comparable to the relatively high impedance of said lamp during starting and before operation of said lamp and which first voltage has been developed across a greater portion of an inductive member, and delivering said first voltage to said lamp through a capacitance operable means during starting, and which lamp immediately changes from said relatively high impedance to a substantially lower impedance after starting and during operation,

(b) sensing the reduction in the impedance of the lamp by the capacitance operable means and automatically, as a result of the sensing of the reduction, stopping the application of the first voltage to the lamp through the capacitance operable means by an effective discontinuation of the operation of said capacitance operable means, and

(c) simultaneously with the ceasing of the application of the first voltage to the lamp through the capacitance operable means and as a result of said sensing of the reduction, generating and applying to said lamp through a circuit path other than through said capacitance operable means, a second high frequency voltage with an impedance generally comparable to the lower impedance of the lamp during operation and after starting of said lamp and which second voltage has been developed across a lesser portion of said inductive members.

21. A generator for providing an electrical signal to and maintaining energization of an ionic conduction lamp, said generator comprising:

(a) means for receiving electrical power,

(b) means operatively connected to the means for receiving electrical power for generating an electrical signal comprised of a plurality of current pulses and a plurality of voltage pulses, said current pulses having a fast rise time and a relatively slow and gradual fall time and where the fall time of said current pulses constitutes a substantial portion of the pulse width of each of said current pulses, said current pulses being generated at a sequence and rate sufficient to maintain operation of said lamp, each of said voltage pulses having a fast rise time and a gradual fall time which is different than that of the current pulses for a substantial portion of the pulse width of the current and voltage pulses, and where the gradual fall time of each of the voltage pulses constitutes a substantial portion of the time for the width of each of the voltage pulses, the amplitude of the voltage pulses dropping off rapidly after the initial first rise and then more gradually, such that the fall time rate of the current pulses is more gradual than the fall time rate of the voltage pulses so that a lamp can be provided by current pulses driven by a substantially reduced voltage level for a substantial period of time, and

(c) means for coupling the means for generating to an ionic conduction lamp so that the lamp can be powered by current pulses of low amplitude for a substantial portion of the time of operation.

22. A lighting system comprising:

(a) a plurality of ionic conduction lamps,

(b) means for generating electrical power for energizing the lamps, the means for generating having a first output terminal, a second output terminal, and a third output terminal, the output impedance of the means for generating between the first and second output terminals being substantially greater than that between the second and third output terminals, and

(c) capacitance operable means connecting the lamps in parallel between the first and second output terminals before and during ignition of the lamps to impress across each lamp at least a greater portion of the voltage generated by said means for generating, said capacitance operable means being operable in response to the change of impedance in the lamps to effectively connect the lamps in series between the second and third output terminals after ignition of the lamps to reduce the source impedance driving the lamps and apply to the lamps a lesser portion of the voltage generated by the means for generating.

23. The lighting system of claim 22 further characterized in that the means for generating comprises an inductive winding, the first and third output terminals are the end terminals on the winding and the second output terminal is an intermediate tap on the winding.

24. The lighting system of claim 23 further characterized in that each lamp has a first and second electrode and the system comprises connecting means for connecting the first electrode of one lamp to the first output terminal, a large capacitor connecting the second output terminal to the first electrode of the other lamp, means for connecting the second electrodes of the lamps to each other, and a small capacitor connecting the third output terminal to the second electrodes of the lamps, the impedance of the small capacitor being much larger than the impedance of the other capacitor.

25. A generator for use with an ionic conduction lamp, said generator comprising:

(a) input terminal means to receive electrical current,

(b) a transistor operatively connected to input terminal means to receive the electrical current,

(c) a transformer coil connected to at least one terminal of said transistor,

(d) a feedback loop containing a feedback coil connected across a second and third terminals of said transistor,

(e) a resistive-capacitive circuit portion in said feedback loop such that a current is generated in said transformed coil,

(f) a first and second terminals associated with said transformer coil for coupling to an ionic conduction lamp,

(g) tap means intermediate the first and second terminals of each coil and being operatively connected to said coil for also coupling to an ionic conduction lamp, and

(h) a capacitance operable means coupled between said generator and the lamp such that power is applied to the lamp from said first and second terminals of said coil during ignition of said lamp and from one of said first or second terminals, and said tap means during operation and after ignition of said lamp, said capacitance operable means being effectively electrically uncoupled during operation of said lamp after ignition.

26. The generator of claim 25 further characterized in that rectifying circuit means is operatively connected to said input terminal means to receive said electrical current and rectifying said electrical current.

27. The generator of claim 25 further characterized in that said transformer coil is primary coil which is connected to the collector of said transistor, said resistive-capacitive circuit portion is connected to the base of said transistor and said feedback coil is connected to the emitter of said transistor.

28. The generator of claim 25 further characterized in that the first and second terminals on said transformer coil are end terminals capable of being connected to conductive electrodes on said lamp.

29. The generator of claim 25 further characterized in that said transformer and feedback coils form part of a core transformer.

30. The generator of claim 26 further characterized in that a resistor is connected between said rectifying circuit means and said third terminal of said transistor to at least affect voltage drop across said transistor.

31. The generator of claim 29 further characterized in that said core transformer comprises a central sleeve with said transformer coil and feedback coil wound on said central sleeve, a pair of magnetically conductive housing sections disposed over said sleeve and coils, said housing sections being spaced apart from each other by a gap.

32. The generator of claim 31 further characterized in that said housing sections substantially enclose said coils and sleeve.

33. The generator of claim 29 further characterized in that said core transformer comprises an electrically nonconductive sleeve with said coils wound upon said sleeve, and an magnetically conductive metallic core disposed within said sleeve.

34. An ionic conduction lamp system comprising:

(a) an ionic conduction lamp having a relatively high impedance during starting and a substantially lower impedance after starting and during operation, and being comprised of;

(1) an enclosed bulb,

(2) an electrically energizable element associated with said bulb, and

(3) at least a pair of electrodes associated with said bulb, at least one of said electrodes being connected to said electrically energizable element,

(b) a generator operatively connected to said lamp and being comprised of;

(1) power generating means for generating a first high frequency electrical power in a first mode of a first voltage sufficient to ignite said ionic conduction lamp and impedance generally comparable to the impedance of said lamp during starting, and where the impedance of said lamp becomes substantially lower after starting, said power generating means also being capable of providing power in a second mode of a second voltage and impedance sufficient to maintain energization of an ionic conduction lamp after ignition, and

(2) capacitance oerable means operatively connected to said means for generating electrical power and said lamp to enable generation and delivery of electrical power having a voltage sufficient to ignite said ionic conduction lamp, said capacitance operable means being responsive to the drop in impedance of the lamp after ignition and causing a switching to the second mode so that the generating means is capable of providing to the lamp after ignition high frequency electrical power of a second voltage and a lower impedance generally comparable to the impedance of said lamp during the operation of said lamp, said capacitance operable means being effectively electrically switched out of a circuit relationship with said power generating means when said power generating means is switched to said second mode.

35. The generator of claim 34 further characterized in that said capacitance operable means is operatively connected to the means to generate electrical power in such manner that it permits electrical power of a relatively high voltage to be generated by the power generating means during starting and is effectively electrically disconnected from the circuit after the lamp has started so that electrical power of a lower voltage is delivered to the lamp from another portion of the power generating means.

36. The generator of claim 35 further characterized in that said capacitance operable means is coupled to deliver high frequency energy of about 20 kilohertz to about 40 kilohertz during starting and during operation.

37. An ionic conduction lamp system comprising:

(a) an ionic conduction lamp having a relatively high impedance during starting and being comprised of;

(1) an enclosed bulb,

(2) an electrically energizable element associated with said bulb, and

(3) at least a pair of electrodes associated with said bulb, at least one of said electrodes being connected to said electrically energizable element.

(b) a generator operatively connected to said lamp and being comprised of;

(1) conductive means for receiving electrical power from a source thereof,

(2) a solid-state electronic element operatively connected to said conductive means,

(3) an inductive member operatively connected to said solid state electronic element, such that a voltage is generated across said inductive member, said inductive member being operatively connected to said ionic conduction lamp for igniting and operating same, said lamp being ignitable with a first voltage and high impedance developed across a substantial portion of said inductive member and said lamp being operable with a second voltage and a lower impedance developed across a lesser portion of said inductive member after ignition and during operation of said lamp, and

(4) means responsive to the changes in impedance of said lamp operatively connected to said inductive member to enable the first voltage and high impedance generated over a substantial portion of the inductive member to be delivered to said lamp during ignition and which means is operable in response to the reduction in impedance in the lamp to switch the voltage applied to the lamp and thereby cause the second voltage and relatively low impedance developed across a lesser portion of said inductive member to be delivered to said lamp after ignition of said lamp and during operation thereof.

38. The system of claim 37 further characterized in that tap means is operatively connected to said inductive member intermediate end terminals of said inductive member and being operatively connected to said lamp, said lamp being operable by the voltage across the inductive member from one end terminal thereof to said tap means after ignition of said lamp.

39. The system of claim 38 further characterized in that said ionic conduction lamp has a high impedance during ignition and a substantially lower impedance after ignition and during operation, the means responsive to the impedance of the lamp is a capacitance operable means which operatively couples said inductive member and said lamp and enables ignition of said lamp through said capacitance operable means and operation of said lamp after starting with power delivered to said lamp not through said capacitance operable means.

40. The generator of claim 39 further characterized in that said capacitance operable means has a reactance which is substantially large relative to the impedance of said lamp after ignition so that it is effectively electrically inoperative after starting.

41. The system of claim 37 further characterized in that said solid state electronic element is a transistor for developing the voltage across said inductive member.

42. The generator of claim 41 further characterized in that a resistive-capacitive feedback circuit is operatively connected across said transistor and said inductive member.

43. An ionic conduction lamp system comprising:

(a) an ionic conduction lamp comprising;

(1) an enclosed bulb,

(2) an electrically energizable element associated with said bulb, and

(3) at least a pair of electrodes associated with said bulb, at least one of said electrodes being connected to said electrically energizable element,

(b) a generator operatively connected to said bulb and being comprised of;

(1) means for receiving electrical power from a source thereof,

(2) an inductive member operatively connected to said means for receiving electrical power and having a voltage generated thereacross, said inductive member having a first terminal and a second terminal operatively connected to said ionic conduction lamp,

(3) a tap operatively connected to said inductive member intermediate said terminals and being operatively connectable to said lamp, said lamp being energized during starting from the voltage developed across said inductive member and delivered from said first and second terminals, and said lamp being energized during operation and after starting from a portion of the voltage developed across the inductive member from one terminal to the tap, and

(4) means responsive to changes in the impedance of the lamp operatively connected to said inductive member to enable voltage generated between the first and second terminals of the inductive member to be delivered from said inductive member during starting, and which means is operable in response to the reduction in impedance in the lamp to cause a substantially lesser portion of the voltage developed across the portion of said inductive member between one of said terminals and said tap to be delivered from said inductive member after starting of said lamp and during operation thereof, said means responsive to the impedance of the lamp being effectively disconnected from the circuit in response to the lamp changing to the lower impedance so that the voltage developed between said one terminal and said tap can be delivered to the lamp.

44. The generator of claim 43 further characterized in that said lamp has a relatively high impedance during starting and a substantially lower impedance after starting and during operation, and the generator applies a high frequency voltage having an impedance generally comparable to the impedance of the lamp during starting and a high frequency voltage with a lower impedance generally comparable to the impedance of the lamp after starting and during operation.

45. The generator of claim 43 further characterized in that said ionic conduction lamp has a relatively high impedance during starting and a substantially lower impedance after starting and during operation, the means responsive to the impedance of the lamp is a capacitance operable means which operatively couples said inductive member and said lamp and enables starting of said lamp through said capacitance operable means and operation of said lamp after starting with power delivered to the lamp through said tap and with said capacitance operable means effectively inoperable.

46. The generator of claim 45 further characterized in that said capacitance operable means has a reactance which is substantially large relative to the impedance of said lamp after starting so that it is effectively electrically inoperative after starting.

47. The generator of claim 43 further characterized in that said first and second terminals are end terminals and said inductive member is a coil.

48. The generator of claim 43 further characterized in that said tap is located at a distance from one of the terminals to provide to said lamp from about 15% to about 40% of the total developed voltage of said inductive member.

49. A generator for operating an ionic conduction lamp, said generator comprising:

(a) means for receiving electrical power,

(b) means operating connected to the means receiving electrical power for generating an electrical signal with voltage pulses having peaks and a certain decay rate to a zero level and current pulses having peaks and a certain decay rate to a zero level, and where the decay rate of the current pulses is more gradual than the decay rate of the voltage pulses, and

(c) means for coupling the means for generating to an ionic conduction lamp such that the lamp can be powered by current pulses driven by substantially reduced voltage level for a substantial period of time.

50. The generator of claim 49 further characterized in that said voltage pulses and current pulses have fast rise times and gradual decay rates.

51. The generator of claim 50 further characterized in that the voltage pulses and current pulses negative polarity portions.

52. The generator of claim 49 further characterized in that the means for generating comprises an inductor and a transistor connected to said inductor for generating a voltage across said inductor.

53. The generator of claim 52 further characterized in that pulse control timing means is operatively connected to said means for generating to enable current pulses to be generated in a sequence and at a frequency sufficient to maintain energization of an ionic conduction lamp.

54. The generator of claim 53 further characterized in that said pulse control timing means is a resistive-capacitive network.

55. The generator of claim 52 further characterized in that said inductor is a primary coil means and is connected to the collector of said transistor, a resistive-capacitive network is connected to the base of said transistor and an additional coil means is connected to the emitter of said transistor.

56. A generator for starting and maintaining operation of an ionic conduction lamp which has a relatively high impedance during starting and a substantially lower impedance after starting and during operation, said generator comprising:

(a) means for generating high frequency electrical power of a voltage sufficient to ignite an ionic conduction lamp and impedance generally comparable to the impedance of said lamp during starting, and where the impedance of said lamp becomes substantially lower after starting,

(b) capacitance operable means operatively connected to said means for generating electrical power and being operatively connected to said lamp to enable generation and delivery of electrical power having a voltage sufficient to ignite the ionic conduction lamp, said capacitance operable means being responsive to the drop in impedance of the lamp after ignition and causing the means for generating electrical power to deliver to the lamp after ignition high frequency electrical power of a lower voltage and a lower impedance generally comparable to the impedance of said lamp during the operation of said lamp, the electrical power of lower voltage and lower impedance being in the form of an electric signal with voltage pulses having peaks and a certain decay rate to a zero level and current pulses having peaks and a certain decay rate to a zero level, and where the decay rate of the current pulses is more gradual than the decay rate of the voltage pulses, and

(c) means for coupling the means for generating to an ionic conduction lamp such that the lamp can be ignited and thereafter powered by current pulses driven by substantially reduced voltage level for a substantial period of time.

57. The generator of claim 56 further characterized in that said capacitance operable means has a reactance which becomes substantially large relative to the impedance of said lamp after starting so that it is effectively electrically inoperable after starting.

58. The generator of claim 56 further characterized in that said voltage pulses and current pulses each have very fast rise times and very gradual decay rates.

59. The generator of claim 56 further characterized in that the voltage pulses and current pulses negative polarity portions.

60. The generator of claims 57 further characterized in that pulse control timing means is operatively connected to said means for generating to enable current pulses to be generated in a sequence and at a frequency sufficient to maintain energization of an ionic conduction lamp.

61. A generator for igniting an ionic conduction lamp and maintaining operation of the same, said generator comprising:

(a) conductive means for receiving electrical power from a source thereof,

(b) a solid state electronic element operatively connected to said conductive means,

(c) an inductive member operatively connected to said solid state electronic element, such that a voltage is generated across said inductive member, such inductive member being operatively connectable to an ionic conduction lamp said lamp being ignitable through a current driven by a substantial portion of the voltage across said inductive member and operable through a lesser portion of the voltage across said inductive member after ignition and during operation of said lamp, and

(d) means responsive to changes in the impedance of said lamp operatively connected to said inductive member to enable current driven by a voltage generated over a substantial portion of the inductive member to be delivered to said lamp during ignition and which means is operable in response to the change of impedance in the lamp to cause a current driven by a lesser portion of the voltage across said inductive member to be delivered to said lamp after ignition of said lamp and during operation thereof, the current and voltage delivered to the lamp during operation of said lamp being present in the form of an electric signal with voltage pulses having peaks and a certain decay rate to a zero level and current pulses having peaks and a certain decay rate to a zero level, and where the decay rate of the current pulses is more gradual than the decay rate of the voltage pulses, and

(e) means for coupling the last named means to an ionic conduction lamp such that the lamp can be powered by current pulses driven by substantially reduced voltage level for a substantial period of time.

62. The generator of claim 61 further characterized in that tap means is operatively connected to said inductive member intermediate end terminals of said inductive member and being operatively connectable to said lamp, said lamp being operable by the electrical signal with the voltage generated across the inductive member from one end terminal thereof to said tap means after ignition of said lamp.

63. The generator of claim 62 further characterized in that said ionic conduction lamp has a relatively high impedance during ignition and a substantially lower impedance after ignition and during operation, the means responsive to the impedance of the lamp is a capacitance operable means which operatively couples said inductive member and said lamp and enables ignition of said lamp through said capacitance operable means and operation of said lamp after ignition with the electric signal delivered to said lamp not through said capacitance operable means.

64. The generator of claim 61 further characterized in that said voltage pulses and current pulses have substantially coincident peaks.

65. The generator of claim 64 further characterized in that the voltage pulses have the same pulse width as the current pulses.

66. The generator of claim 65 further characterized in that pulse control timing means is operatively connected to said means for generation to enable current pulses to be generated in a sequence and at a frequency sufficient to maintain energization of an ionic conduction lamp.

67. A generator for starting and maintaining operation of a load which has a relatively high impedance during starting and a substantially lower impedance after starting and during operation, said generator comprising:

(a) power generating means for generating electrical power of a relatively high first voltage and relatively high impedance in a first mode and which is generally comparable to the impedance of said load during starting, and where the impedance of said load becomes substantially lower after starting, and said power generating means also capable of generating power of a second voltage, and which second voltage is delivered from a portion of the power generating means which is different from that which delivers the first voltage, and

(b) capacitance operable means operatively connected to said means for generating electrical power and being operatively connectable to said load to enable generation and delivery of electrical power having a high impedance during starting of said load, said capacitance operable means being responsive to changes in the impedance of said load and causing a switching to the second mode, said power generating means capable of providing electrical power of a lower impedance generally comparable to the lower impedance of said load during the operation of said load to be delivered to said load after starting and during operation of the load, said capacitance operable means having a reactance which becomes substantially large relative to the impedance of the load after starting so that it is effectively electrically switched out of a circuit relationship with said power generating means when said power generating means is switched to the second mode.

68. The generator of claim 67 further characterized in that load is a phosphor eneragizable lamp which has a relatively high impedance before starting and a substantially lower impedance after starting and during operation, and where said capacitance operable means is coupled to deliver high frequency energy to the lamp during starting in order to achieve ignition of said lamp.