US Patent 7285129 High efficiency tanning apparatus

Tanning apparatuses and methods of operating tanning apparatuses for high efficiency use. In an embodiment, a tanning apparatus including a tanning lamp is operated by delivering a first input voltage to the tanning lamp to generate an ultraviolet radiation output. When the output from the tanning lamp has sufficiently decreased over time due to use, the first input voltage is increased to increase the output to an effective level. Preferably, a variable voltage transformer is used to increase input voltage.