Switched resistor regulator

Apparatus comprising:

• unregulated power supply means;
• a load electrically connected to the power supply means;
• resistive means and capacitive means electrically connected between the power supply means and the load, the resistive means, including at least a switching resistor;
• switching means connected in series with the switching resistor for opening and closing the electrical connection through the switching resistor in the resistive means from the supply means to the load, the resistive means having a resistor in series between the supply means and the load when the switching means is closed, the capacitive means having a capacitor electrically connected to the load when the switching means is open;
• control means connected to the switching means for opening and closing the switching means at a frequency and duty cycle to selectably vary average current flow through the switching resistor to regulate current flow to the load.

Method for regulating power to a load, comprising:

• supplying an unregulated voltage;
• applying the unregulated voltage to a resistive means including a switching resistor connected to the load;
• switching the switching resistor in and out of electrical connection to the load at a frequency and duty cycle sufficient to maintain a substantially regulated current in the load;
• providing a capacitive means in electrical connection to the load when the switching resistor is switched out of electrical connection to the load;
• providing a resistor in series with the load when the switching resistor is in electrical connection to the load.