Abstract: A discharge lamp comprising an elongated bulb shaped so that the ends thereof are substantially closer together than if the bulb were straight and containing electrodes respectively near said ends thereof, a starting aid comprising electrically interconnected conductive members respectively adjacent to said bulb behind the plane of each of said electrodes, and a conductive material extending continuously along a portion of said bulb and having ends terminating in front of the plane of each electrode.

Abstract: A high frequency fluorescent lamp circuit for operating two or more fluorescent lamps connected in electrical series. A capacitor is connected between one end of the series-connected lamps and electrical ground and/or an electrically conductive fixture for holding the lamps. This causes the lamps to start more reliably and at a lower starting voltage.

Abstract: A discharge lamp comprising an elongated bulb shaped so that the ends thereof are substantially closer together than if the bulb were straight and containing electrodes respectively near said ends thereof, electrically interconnected bracing straps around the end regions of the bulb, and a starting aid comprising T-shaped conductive members having bands respectively at least partly around said bulb in the vicinity of each of said electrodes and having stems respectively extending under and clamped by said bracing straps.

Abstract: A multiple fluorescent lamp ballast circuit of the rapid start type in which heating current is supplied to the lamp cathodes. A time delay switch is connected in series with a starting capacitor across one or more of the lamps, to delay lamp starting until the cathodes are sufficiently heated.

Abstract: A discharge lamp comprising an elongated bulb shaped so that its ends are substantially closer together than if the bulb were straight and containing electrodes respectively near the ends thereof, and a starting aid comprising conductive means respectively adjacent to said bulb in the vicinity of said electrodes, and means electrically interconnecting said conductive means.

Abstract: A circuit for starting and operating fluorescent lamps from an a-c power source, comprising reactive ballast means connected to ballast the lamps and having a non-linear characteristic for producing harmonics of the power source frequency, and a capacitor and a cathode heating transformer connected in series and connected to receive power from said ballast means and resonant in a frequency range including two or more of said harmonics. A switch may be connected in series with the capacitor and cathode heating transformer for opening the cathode heating circuit when the lamps are operating, to conserve electrical energy.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp ballast circuit comprising conductors for connection to an electrical power source, and an impedance such as a capacitor connected between one of the conductors and the power source. A positive temperature coefficient resistor may be provided in parallel with the aforesaid impedance.

Abstract: A U-shaped discharge lamp, such as a fluorescent lamp, is provided with a starting strip in the form of a pair of conductors respectively extending partially along the legs of the lamp, and an electrical connection is made between the conductors at one end thereof. This electrical connection can consist of or be combined with a support strap. An additional starting strip component can be provided on the U-bend portion of the lamp.

Abstract: An integrally connected fluorescent lamp and ballast unit having an elongated ballast of wire wound around and along an elongated magnetizable core and extending alongside an elongated lamp bulb. The elongated lamp and ballast can be straight, or can be curved. The ballast provides a combined resistive and inductive ballasting impedance for the lamp.

Abstract: Electrical lamp ballast system for starting and operating fluorescent lamps with improved efficiency. System includes high leakage reactance autotransformer having primary and secondary windings, and a ballast capacitor connected in series with the secondary winding and two serially connected fluorescent lamps of low starting and operating voltage, the secondary circuit being connected to a tap on the primary winding for reducing the ratio of the ballast power input to the lamp light output. The system provides for reduced lamp current crest factor, thereby improving life and operating characteristics of the lamps.

Abstract: An improved reflector layer is provided utilizing a titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2) admixture containing up to approximately 15 percent by weight alumina (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3) or zirconia (ZrO.sub.2). Said reflector layer underlies the phosphor layer, and an aluminum oxide (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3) layer can be deposited upon the phosphor layer.

Abstract: An improved reflector layer is provided utilizing a titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2) admixture containing up to approximately 15 percent by weight magnesia (MgO). Said reflector layer underlies the phosphor layer, and an aluminum oxide (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3) layer can be deposited upon the phosphor layer.