Discharge lamp lighting device for copying machines

Discharge lamp lighting apparatus for copying machines comprising alternating current source means;

• discharge lamp means;
• stabilizer means forming a phase advancing circuit for producing a secondary voltage which is substantially twice the lamp voltage of said lamp means when said lamp means is lighted and for producing a lamp current from said alternating current source means having a rectangular waveform with a form factor of less than 1.11, said stabilizer means comprising the secondary winding of a discharge transformer connected to said alternating current source means, a phase advancing capacitor connected in series with said discharge transformer secondary winding and said lamp means, and starter means connected in parallel with said lamp means;
• said starter means comprising voltage responsive switch means and a part of said secondary winding connected in series with each other and in parallel with a further capacitor of a series circuit comprising a resistance connected to said lamp means and said further capacitor;
• said discharge lamp lighting apparatus further comprising switch means for connecting said lamp current to said lamp means to light said lamp means on and off.