Rectifier operable from dual input voltages for use with ballasted discharge lamps

Claim 1

In combination, a rectifier circuit arrangement operable from either a low-voltage or high-voltage power source for energizing a two-transistor inverter which incorporates an air-core transformer feedback, said inverter supplying high-frequency excitation to a load comprising ballasted discharge lamps, said load having a first input lead, said two-transistor inverter having first and second input leads and one output lead, and said inverter output lead being adapted to be connected to said first load input lead, said rectifier circuit arrangement comprising: a. first, second, third and fourth diodes, each said diode having an anode and a cathode; b. first and second capacitors, each said capacitor having a first and a second lead; c. a first power input terminal electrically connected directly to said anode of said first diode and to said cathode of said third diode and said second power input terminal electrically connected directly to said anode of said second diode and said cathode of said fourth diode; d. a positive output terminal electrically connected directly to said first lead of said first capacitor and electrically connected to said cathodes of said first and second diodes, and adapted to be electrically connected directly to said first input lead of said two-transistor inverter, and a negative output terminal electrically conNected directly to said first lead of said second capacitor and electrically connected to said anodes of said third and fourth diodes, and adapted to be electrically connected directly to said second input lead of said two-transistor inverter; e. a disconnectable electrical conductor which, when connected, electrically connects said first power input terminal and said second power input terminal; and (f) a common terminal electrically connected directly to said second leads of said first and second capacitors and adapted to be electrically connected directly to said second lead of said load, said disconnectable electrical conductor and said common terminal and said input terminals being adapted to be connected in one of two arrangements; i. when said rectifier is operated from said low-voltage power source, said common terminal is electrically connected to one line of said low-voltage power source, and the other line of said low-voltage power source is electrically connected to either said first power input terminal or said second power input terminal, and said disconnectable electrical conductor is connected; or ii. when said rectifier is operated from said high-voltage power source, said first power input terminal is electrically connected to one lines of said high-voltage power source, said second power input terminal is electrically connected to the other line of said high-voltage power source, and said disconnectable electrical conductor is disconnected.