Apparatus for operating gaseous discharge lamps on direct current from a source of alternating current

Claim 1

Apparatus for starting and operating a gaseous discharge lamp so as to provide flickerless operation of the lamp, said lamp having a pair of electrodes across which a voltage is applied to start and operate the lamp, said apparatus comprising: a. a conductor member placed in close proximity to the lamp so that a small capacity exists between the conductor member and the lamp electrodes, b. power transformer means adapted to be connected to an AC power source comprising two series-connected secondary winding sections, c. rectifier means having an AC input circuit connected to one of said secondary winding sections and an output circuit connected to the lamp electrodes for operating the lamp on a DC current flowing between the lamp electrodes, and d. circuit means connecting said conductor member to the other of said secondary winding sections at a potential point such that an AC voltage is applied across the conductor member and the lamp electrodes whereby a capacitive current flows therebetween to aid starting of the lamp without causing an AC ripple in the DC current flowing between the lamp electrodes.