Abstract: A fluorescent lighting device includes an arc tube, an exhaust tube extending from the arc tube, and an amalgam. A resistive heater is located adjacent to at least one of the arc tube and the exhaust tube. A power supply circuit is operatively coupled with the resistive heater. When the fluorescent lighting device is switched from an OFF state to an ON state, the power supply circuit temporarily energizes the resistive heater, thereby heating the at least one of the arc tube and the exhaust tube while the resistive heater is energized, and automatically de-energizing the resistive heater after said heating.

Abstract: A lighting device combined with an air purification feature is disclosed. At least one function of the device is to provide high quality directional light for general lighting purposes. An additional function is to decompose VOCs and/or destroy microbes in the ambient air. The heat generated by white LEDs is utilized to generate air flow through the device. The geometry is designed to utilize the chimney effect and maximize volumetric flow. The circulated air is purified by a photocatalytic layer applied to the interior surface of the device. The lighting device can be built into pendant luminaires or lamps, thus ensuring vertical orientation of the light module. The exemplary embodiments may be applied in public places, hospitals, ward rooms, and other locations where a cost effective disinfection method is needed.

Abstract: A lamp driving module for a gas-discharge lamp includes a lamp ballast module, and a lamp power control module coupled to the lamp ballast module. The lamp power control module is configured to drive the lamp in a DC mode during a run-up state and in an AC mode when not in the run-up state. The lamp power control module is configured to heat the amalgam in the lamp more quickly, accelerate migration of the released mercury vapor throughout the lamp discharge tube, and allow the lamp to get brighter faster.

Abstract: The inner surfaces of fluorescent lamp tubing are provided with a phosphor coating. The phosphor coating defines an inward-facing surface. A protective coating is deposited on the inward-facing surface of the phosphor coating. The protective coating defines an innermost surface and makes effective recombination of Hg ions possible on the innermost surface of the second coating before the Hg ions collide with the phosphor particles in the phosphor coating.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp has increased weight of emission mix material on the metal coils forming the electrodes. The coating layer of emission mix material includes in the range of 70 weight % to 85 weight % alkaline earth carbonate content. The coating layer of emission mix material has a particle size distribution by volume with two maxima, and one of the maxima is at a particle size that is no more than half and up to one tenth smaller than of the particle size of the other maximum. The smaller of the two maxima constitutes 10 weight % to 40 weight % of the alkaline earth carbonates in the coating layer of emission mix material. A method for making fluorescent lamp includes the step of installing at least one electrode coated with an emission mix material including more than 70 weight % alkaline earth carbonate content.

Abstract: The inner surfaces of fluorescent lamp tubing are provided with a phosphor coating. The phosphor coating defines an inward-facing surface. A protective coating is deposited on the inward-facing surface of the phosphor coating. The protective coating defines an innermost surface and makes effective recombination of Hg ions possible on the innermost surface of the second coating before the Hg ions collide with the phosphor particles in the phosphor coating.

Abstract: A fluorescent lighting device includes an arc tube, an exhaust tube extending from the arc tube, and an amalgam. A resistive heater is located adjacent to at least one of the arc tube and the exhaust tube. A power supply circuit is operatively coupled with the resistive heater. When the fluorescent lighting device is switched from an OFF state to an ON state, the power supply circuit temporarily energizes the resistive heater, thereby heating the at least one of the arc tube and the exhaust tube while the resistive heater is energized, and automatically de-energizing the resistive heater after said heating.

Abstract: A lighting device combined with an air purification feature is disclosed. At least one function of the device is to provide high quality directional light for general lighting purposes. An additional function is to decompose VOCs and/or destroy microbes in the ambient air. The heat generated by white LEDs is utilized to generate air flow through the device. The geometry is designed to utilize the chimney effect and maximize volumetric flow. The circulated air is purified by a photocatalytic layer applied to the interior surface of the device. The lighting device can be built into pendant luminaires or lamps, thus ensuring vertical orientation of the light module. The exemplary embodiments may be applied in public places, hospitals, ward rooms, and other locations where a cost effective disinfection method is needed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new method for controlling the level and distribution of alkaloids produced by Claviceps purpurea variant strains capable of producing primarily ergocornine, .alpha.-ergocryptine and .beta.-ergocryptine under saprophytic conditions. According to the invention a compound of the biosynthesis path of isoleucine or a compound which promotes the formation of isoleucine by biochemical control is added to the fermentation broth. In other respects fermentation is performed under conditions known per se.By the method of the invention the ratio of .alpha.- and .beta.-ergocryptine formed in the fermentation broth can be adjusted to the optimum value.