Abstract: A retrofit HID lamp assembly adapted for use in a non-HID lighting receptacle includes in one embodiment: (1) a housing compatible in size and shape with the receptacle; (2) a ballast unit disposed substantially within the housing interior; (3) a base terminal structure receiving electrical inputs and communicatively coupled to the ballast unit; (4) an aperture-defining reflector disposed within the housing; a lens bounding a reflector cavity; and an HID lamp having a light emissive portion that is removably insertable through the reflector aperture into the reflector cavity, and having a base portion that is electrically coupleable with the ballast unit. Fabrication and retrofit method are further provided.

Abstract: A retrofit HID lamp assembly, for use in a non-HID lighting receptacle, to provide HID illumination. The lamp assembly includes (i) a housing of a non-HID lamp assembly, (ii) a base terminal structure coupled with the housing, and compatible with such non-HID lighting receptacle, (iii) a ballast unit in the interior of the housing, (iv) a reflector overlying the ballast unit in the interior of the housing, (v) an HID lamp mounted in the interior of the housing so that light generated by the HID lamp is reflected by the reflector, with the HID lamp being electrically coupled with the ballast unit, and (vi) a lens coupled with the housing. A corresponding fabrication methodology is described. The retrofit HID lamp assembly may be used to retrofit existing lighting installations, such as PAR receptacles in exterior aircraft lighting systems, to cost-efficiently improve the illumination provided by such systems.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge (HID) strobe lamp assembly including an HID lamp and circuitry arranged to maintain a current flow to the arc gap of the lamp throughout the powered operation of the lamp during strobing emissions as well as non-strobing operation. The lamp assembly thereby avoids problems incident to turn-on of the lamp for strobing emissions in prior lamps, in which long delay times between successive strobe emissions are necessary or high turn-on voltages are needed to flash the lamp. The lamp assembly of the invention avoids the requirement of long relaxation periods between successive strobe events and the need for high voltage conditions for strobing of the lamp, so that the lamp is able to operate in an efficient manner without generating EMI in the MegaHertz-GigaHertz range.