Abstract: A mercury-free colored light source is especially well suited for use as a signal and/or navigational aid. The source is also adaptable to many other applications requiring momentary flashes of a particular color of light. The mercury-free, pulsed metal halide light source of the present invention comprises in combination:(a) a light transmissive glass vacuum outer jacket;(b) a light transmisive glass arc tube disposed within said outer jacket;(c) emissive material comprising at least one metal halide salt and an inert gas; and(d) an anode and a cathode, disposed within said arc tube, forming a gap therebetween;said cathode being completely covered by said metal halide salt.

Abstract: An arc discharge lamp having an elongated outer envelope being orthogonal or transverse to the central axis of the lamp base. The invention provides an optically precise, extremely rugged, very efficient, and long-lived light source particularly well suited for use in rotating navigational signals which are for use in rotating navigational signals which are frequently situated in remote locations and exposed to all types of weather conditions. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lamp comprises a base having a vertical central axis, a light-transmissive outer envelope elongated along a horizontal central axis, and an upwardly arched arc tube for horizontal operation mounted within the outer envelope. In comparison with filamented counterparts of equal wattage from the prior art, the arc discharge source provides greater luminous efficacy and lamp life.

Abstract: A metal-halide arc tube and lamp having improved uniformity of azimuthal luminous intensity and being particularly suited for navigational signal applications. The arc tube when operationally positioned about a vertical axis has a body which is substantially egg-shaped with the lower half of the body being more oblate than the upper half. During operation, the surface of the upper half of the arc tube body remains entirely free of metal-halide condensate so that no emitted light is blocked by condensate in any direction and nearly uniform azimuthal intensity is achieved. A heat-reflecting coating about the lower electrode prevents the formation of a condensate puddle about the lower electrode and relocates the condensate during operation to an area of the lower half above the coating and below the center of the arc tube.

Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight module is provided which is compact in design having a plastic reflector with a protruding rear portion forming a chamber from which a lighting capsule extends. A heat shield of thermal insulative material is disposed above the capsule and in spaced relation with the capsule and reflector to inhibit the reflector from reaching its heat deflection temperature.

Abstract: An electric lamp including a reflector, at least one conductive ferrule located within a surface of the reflector and a lead-in conductor electrically connected to the ferrule and extending within the reflector. The lamp includes a base having an insulative (e.g., ceramic) cap located substantially about the ferrule, barrier means (e.g., ceramic fiber) located within the cap to define an open chamber substantially about the ferrule, an electrical conductor (e.g., wire) extending within the cap and electrically connected (e.g., silver soldered) to the ferrule, and sealing means (e.g., high temperature cement) located within the cap to provide a seal therefore. The barrier means serves to separate the sealing means from the open chamber about the ferrule such that the heat generated by the ferrule can be vented through spaced apertures located within the cap's side wall. A method of assembling a base on an electric lamp is also provided.

Abstract: A lamp combination wherein the reflector's reflective surface is of a shape specifically designed to compensate for the refractive effects produced by the thickness of the glass walls of the light source's envelope structure located within (surrounded by) the reflector. Optimum light output is thus assured. A method of making such a lamp is also disclosed.

Abstract: A single-ended metal halide discharge lamp includes an elliptical-shaped envelope having a pair of electrodes sealed therein and a fill gas which includes metal halogen selected in accordance with the ionization potentials thereof to provide "white" light with minimal color separation. In another aspect, the above-described lamp is fabricated by a process wherein an elliptical-shaped envelope is formed, a pair of electrodes sealed therein and a gas fill is selected including argon, mercury and additive halogen gases selected in accordance with the ionization potentials thereof to provide "white" light with minimal color separation.

Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight which includes a reflector, a light source (e.g., tungsten halogen capsule) within the reflector and a lens secured across the reflector's forward opening and including thereon means for substantially preventing glare to an oncoming motorist during headlight operation. This preferred means for preventing glare comprises a quantity of masking material (e.g., an opaque coating containing a black pigment) located on the lower angular surfaces or portions thereof of a preselected number of lensing facets formed within an internal surface of the lens. Light is thus prevented from passing through these masked angular surfaces or portions thereof in a substantially upward direction from the headlight location, which passage could in turn cause said glare. In a specific embodiment, a small size headlight (e.g.

Abstract: A miniature, low-wattage, discharge lamp operable on direct current employs substantially parallel electrodes sealed in a single press seal. The electrodes are configured to provide an arc which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lamp with the cathode being substantially longer than the anode. Heat generated at the anode is dissipated through the seal to the cathode allowing the cathode to operate hot enough to be stable. The chemical fill for the lamp employs a mol ratio of thorium to cesium to permit good light output and good color rendition.

Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight including a parabolic reflector, a cover secured to the reflector and a lighting capsule located within the reflector. The capsule includes an envelope having a coiled filament located therein and including a substantially cylindrical configuration. Optimum light output is attained by providing the reflector with a short focal length (0.2 inch to about 0.5 inch) and by utilization of a coiled filament structure having a length to diameter ratio of less than about 2:1. The result is a headlight having an overall vertical height of only about two inches and a corresponding frontal area of extremely small size (between 3.0 and 7.5 square inches).

Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight module capable of being used as part of a headlighting assembly containing several (e.g., at least four) such modules therein. Each assembly may in turn provide one-half of the total forward lighting system for a motor vehicle. Each module includes a high temperature plastic parabolic reflector, a low wattage (e.g., 18 watts) tungsten halogen capsule, and a planar glass lens for providing a seal for the module. Each module is adapted for being readily aligned within a holder member which forms part of such an assembly and may be retained therein by relatively simple means (e.g., a wireform). The invention further includes a connector means (e.g., female socket) designed for being slidably positioned on the rear neck portion of the invention's reflector to effect contact with the invention's capsule.

Abstract: A single-ended low wattage high intensity discharge lamp and manufacturing process wherein a sleeve of electrical insulating material having the same coefficient of expansion as quartz is telescoped over an electrical lead a fuzed to the "pinch" seal portion of a quartz envelope.

Abstract: A motor vehicle lighting assembly capable of functioning as one-half of the total forward lighting system for a motor vehicle. The assembly includes a common holder member designed for being aligned within the motor vehicle and a plurality (e.g., four or five) of replaceable, sealed lighting modules to provide the necessary illumination. Each module includes a plastic reflector, a low wattage tungsten halogen capsule, and a glass or plastic lens for providing a seal for the module. Each module is readily aligned within a respective compartment of the common holder member and is retained by at least one wireform.

Abstract: A lighting system for a motor vehicle adapted to be mounted in a recess within a front, contoured surface of the motor vehicle and including a light source and reflector means, and a lens assembly. The lens assembly comprises a hollow, enclosed, single piece lens member having a front, clear surface positioned to coincide with the vehicle's front, contoured surface so as to enhance aerodynamic performance of the lighting (and vehicle) system, a rear lensing portion positioned substantially vertically, and side and bottom walls for enclosing the lens member to provide a sealed, dirt-free component.

Abstract: A lamp combination wherein the reflector's reflective surface is of a shape specifically designed to compensate for the refractive effects produced by the thickness of the glass walls of the light source's envelope structure located within (surrounded by) the reflector. Optimum light output is thus assured. A method of making such a lamp is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automobile headlight including a reflector, a plastic lens secured to the reflector, and a light source (e.g., tungsten halogen capsule) located within and surrounded by the reflector. Means for preventing light transmission through a preselected portion of the lens is provided, said means also substantially preventing heat buildup on the lens. In one embodiment, this means comprises a layer of mica located on the internal surface of the lens and having thereon a thin layer of aluminum. The aluminum serves as a substrate for a dark coating (e.g., black paint).

Abstract: A single-ended low wattage high intensity discharge lamp and manufacturing process wherein a sleeve of electrical insulating material having the same coefficient of expansion as quartz is telescoped over an electrical lead a fuzed to the "pinch" seal portion of a quartz envelope.

Abstract: A single-ended metal halide discharge lamp including a fused silica elliptical-shaped envelope which is filled with a metal halide dosed high pressure mercury fill and wherein a pair of electrodes each having a metal rod with a ball on the end thereof are sealed whereby isothermal operation of the elliptical-shaped envelope is effected. A manufacturing process is also provided wherein an elliptical-shaped envelope is formed, a pair of electrodes having metal rods with a ball on the end thereof are sealed into one end of the envelope, and the envelope is filled with a metal halide dosed high pressure mercury fill.

Abstract: An infrared floodlight assembly designed particularly for security purposes and including a heat-conducting housing, a lens secured to the housing to provide a closure therefor, and a floodlight located within (and surrounded by) the housing. The floodlight combines the use of a tungsten halogen light source and dichroic hot and cold mirrors for directing substantially only infrared radiation toward the assembly's forward lens. Visible radiation is absorbed by the housing's interior wall(s) and, optionally, by a filter located between the floodlight and lens. An optional means may be used within the floodlight to reflect all forward radiation back toward the paraboloidal hot mirror or, alternatively, to reflect only visible radiation in this direction. The dichroic hot and cold mirrors preferably each comprise a glass substrate having multiple layers of titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide thereon.