Abstract

A piezoelectric circuit (10, 70, 100) is provided, which can be employed in a wide variety of applications. The circuit (10) can be used to test the bulbs in a string (14) of Christmas tree lights and, in a modified circuit (200) can use any suitable high voltage source (202) as a substitute for the piezoelectric crystal. In another circuit (100) a capacitor (72) is used to store electrical power to light a light source (19) for a period of time after the piezoelectric crystal is struck. The circuit (100) can be mounted in a shoe (64), fishing lure (46), toy (56), or any other suitable application to light a light source (19). In another circuit (70) by positioning a capacitor (72) in parallel with the rectified output of crystal (16) and light source (62), and positioning a normally open switch (74) between the capacitor and light source, the capacitor can be charged by repeated striking of the crystal. For light sources ( 62) that require a trigger voltage, a normally open switch (75) is mounted between the crystal (16) and the light source trigger contact (120). The circuit (70) can be used in the pedal (30) of a bicycle to generate a flashing light easily visible at night. The circuit (70) can also be mounted in a camera (90) or emergency light (36) or any other suitable application.