Abstract: An alkali metal introduction apparatus (1) includes: a dedicated fracture chamber (10) and a vacuum chamber (20); vacuum pumps (60a) and (60b) for evacuating the insides of the dedicated fracture chamber (10) and the vacuum chamber (20); an ampul fracturing section for causing, in the dedicated fracture chamber (10), an alkali metal encapsulated in an ampul (16) to be exposed out of the ampul (16) by deforming the ampul (16); a collision cell (40) configured to allow the ampul (16) to be introduced therein, the collision room (40) being provided inside the vacuum chamber (20); and an ampul introducing section (12) for moving the ampul (16) between an exposure position where the alkali metal encapsulated in the ampul (16) is to be exposed out of the ampul (16) thus deformed and an introduction position where the ampul (16) is to be introduced into the collision cell (40).

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp includes a discharge tube such as a spiral discharge tube having a wall forming a discharge chamber between cathodes at first and second ends thereof. At least one auxiliary amalgam assembly is disposed in the discharge chamber at an intermediate region disposed between the first and second ends. The auxiliary amalgam assembly is secured at a location spaced from the inner wall of the discharge chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mercury dispensing system (11; 21, 31) for fluorescent lamps, comprising a dispensing member (12; 22, 32) containing a mercury releasing compound. The dispensing member (12; 22, 32) is fixed on a metal support (13; 23; 33) suitable to be heated by electromagnetic induction in order to cause the activation of said mercury releasing compound. The surface area of the metal support (13; 23; 33) is comprised between 9 and 64 mm2. The invention also relates to fluorescent lamps comprising said mercury dispensing system (11; 21; 31).

Abstract: Methods for protecting circuit device materials, optoelectronic devices, and caps using a reflowable getter are described. The methods, devices and caps provide advantages because they enable modification of the shape and activity of the getter after sealing of the device. Some embodiments of the invention provide a solid composition comprising a reactive material and a phase changing material. The combination of the reactive material and phase changing material is placed in the cavity of an electronic device. After sealing the device by conventional means (epoxy seal for example), the device is subjected to thermal or electromagnetic energy so that the phase changing material becomes liquid, and consequently: exposes the reactive material to the atmosphere of the cavity, distributes the getter more equally within the cavity, and provides enhanced protection of sensitive parts of the device by flowing onto and covering these parts, with a thin layer of material.

Abstract: An amalgam capsule (16) for a low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp (1) has a closed end and an opposing end with an opening (21) to allow passage of mercury vapor between the amalgam plug (18) and the discharge space (3) of the lamp (1). A glass rod (19) placed in the capsule (16) restrains movement of the amalgam plug (18), and projections (20) in the inner wall of the capsule (16) restrain movement of the glass rod (19). The presence of the amalgam capsule (16) in the discharge space (3) enables highly-loaded, substantially temperature-independent operation of linear fluorescent lamps such as T8 lamps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mercury source for a low-pressure discharge lamp comprising an amalgam body which is arranged on a front surface of a wire or enclosed in a perforated structure. The amalgam body or the perforated structure is provided with a protective coating with a getter effect. The invention enables a simple production process to be implemented with low costs in terms of materials.

Abstract: A vacuum container comprising: a first and second substrate of relatively the same dimensions and areas, a peripheral seal positioned about the outer periphery of each substrate for bonding the first substrate to the second substrate to form a composite stacked member; and a getter box having a vacuum aperture in one side with an evacuation tube of a given diameter opening to enclose the vacuum aperture, the tube joined to the box about the opening and having a sealed end remote from the box, the getter box having a getter source in the box hollow to absorb any residual gasses in the display hollow after the display hollow has been evacuated to a desired vacuum before sealing the end of the evacuation tube, wherein the area of the aperture is equal to or greater than ?(D/2)2 where D is the diameter of the evacuation tube opening.

Abstract: A lamp module is constructed of a light source part made of a semiconductor light emitting element, and an optical member for distributing light emitted from the light source part. The light source part includes a surface-emitting laser element in which plural light emission parts are parallel arranged on a surface, a mask which is disposed on a surface of the surface-emitting laser element and includes plural mask openings for exposing the light emission parts, and fluorescent substances with which the mask openings are filled. By forming the light source part in a monolithic configuration, an array pitch of the plural light emission parts can be decreased, a light source can be miniaturized and also a lamp can be further miniaturized.

Abstract: An embodiment of an encapsulated organic optoelectronic device is described. The encapsulated device includes a hybrid getter film which is composed of a getter and a handling agent.

Abstract: Provided is an image display apparatus including: a vacuum container having an electron source enclosed therein for displaying an image; an ion pump communicating with the vacuum container for discharging air therefrom and decreasing pressure therein; and a resistor connected in series with the ion pump with respect to a power supply for driving the ion pump. Even if internal resistance of the ion pump undergoes order-of-magnitude changes according to its operating state, current consumption can be suppressed and the ion pump can be driven efficiently.

Abstract: An amalgam assembly for a fluorescent lamp includes an exhaust tubulation closed at a free end thereof, a glass ball disposed in the tubulation, and a mercury amalgam body disposed in the tubulation between the glass ball and the tubulation closed end. The tubulation is provided with a pinched portion comprising a plurality of inwardly extending dimples separated from each other and adapted to engage the glass ball to retain the glass ball on a central axis of the tubulation. The glass ball rests on the dimples concentrically and gaps between the dimples allow gas to pass therethrough between the glass ball and an inside surface of the tubulation.

Abstract: A lamp can be built with a collection that includes an electrode adapted to sustain bombardment from a stream of charged particles during an assembly process. The collection includes a metallic electrode shell attached to a supporting electrical lead. A tubular glass body encircling the shell has a rear tube extending away from the shell. The electrical lead is mounted in the glass body. A glass capsule is adapted to fit in the rear tube. The capsule has therein a conductive member that can be confined to the rear tube. The conductive member can be heated in order to open the glass capsule. The capsule contains a substance for delivering mercury upon opening of the capsule. The capsule is locatable in the rear tube at an offset distance from the metallic shell in order to avoid premature mercury delivery during bombardment of the metallic shell during the assembly process. One end of the rear tube can be sealed with the capsule loaded therein.

Abstract: A small fluorescent discharge tube and a bulb-shaped fluorescent lamp using the same with improved rise characteristics with respect to luminous flux in the case of a relatively short non-operation time of one to six hours after a stop of operation are provided. The fluorescent discharge tube includes at least three U-shaped glass tubes joined to form one body, electrodes provided at the ends thereof, and one discharge path formed therein. The fluorescent discharge tube further includes first auxiliary amalgams in vicinities of the electrodes, main amalgams placed at least in two locations in the discharge path between the electrodes, and a second auxiliary amalgam placed at least in one location between the main amalgams.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp starting from a discharge vessel (10) wherein a closed holder (22) is placed which is provided with a quantity of one or more substances to be introduced in the discharge vessel (10). Subsequently, a desired gas atmosphere is brought about in the discharge vessel (10) and the discharge vessel is closed. Finally, the holder (22) is opened. According to the invention, the holder (22) is made from a leadoxide containing glass, which leadoxide is partly reduced and in which the amount of reduction is a measure of the mercury content of the holder (22). Due to the reduction process holders (22) with different mercury contents have a different color.

Abstract: A lamp includes a sealed transparent elongated envelope containing a gas fill, a coil at each of two ends of the elongated envelope, the coils extending widthwise of the envelope, and lead-in wires connected to each of the coils and connectable to an external source of electric current. The lamp further includes a capsule containing mercury and mounted within the envelope at one of the ends of the envelope, the capsule being connected to one of the lead-in wires of one of the coils, the capsule having a base end disposed in a widthwise plane of the envelope in which is disposed the one coil and disposed adjacent to a center portion of the one coil, the capsule having a body portion extending axially in the envelope toward the other of the coils. The other coil is adapted, upon energization by the current, to emit electrons toward the capsule to heat and burst the capsule, to release the mercury into the envelope.

Abstract: An improvement in a mercury vapor discharge lamp having an envelope of light-transmitting vitreous material containing an inert starting gas and a quantity of elemental mercury at least in part convertible to soluble mercury, and first and second electrodes located within the envelope for an arc discharge therebetween. The improvement comprises an effective amount of a soluble copper-containing compound in combination with an effective amount of a selected one of a group of materials consisting of a soluble chloride, a soluble bromide, a soluble nonmetallic iron-containing compound, and a soluble nonmetallic manganese-containing compound. The copper-containing compound and the material in combination, when the lamp is pulverized into granules and subjected to a suitable aqueous acid solution, produce a concentration of extracted mercury of less than 0.2 mg/l of the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A frittable evaporable getter device includes a metallic container having a disk-shaped bottom wall and a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall. A powder compact having an upper surface in which at least two radial recesses are formed is disposed in the container. The powder compact is formed of a mixture of BaAl.sub.4 powder and nickel powder. A discontinuous metallic member is embedded in the powder compact such that the member does not protrude from the upper surface of the powder compact and the member is spaced apart from the bottom wall of the container. An evaporable getter device having reduced activation time includes a powder compact formed of a mixture of BaAl.sub.4 powder, nickel powder, and between about 0.3% and about 5% by weight based on the total weight of the mixture of a third component selected from aluminum, iron, titanium, and alloys thereof.

Abstract: A capsule (20) having a glass wall (21) and containing mercury is positioned in a radiation-transmitting discharge vessel, after which the discharge vessel is provided with a rare gas and closed, means for maintaining an electric discharge are arranged in or adjacent the discharge vessel. The capsule is opened by fusion after the discharge vessel has been closed by heating the capsule by irradiation (42) with a parallel beam of radiation through the wall of the discharge vessel. The wall of the capsule has for this radiation an absorption coefficient which amounts at least ten times that of the wall portion of the discharge vessel.

Abstract: The high pressure discharge lamp has a discharge vessel (1) mounted in an outer envelope (4) in which an oxygen dispenser (30) is disposed. The oxygen dispenser (30) contains silver oxide and may be disposed at a location where it obtains a temperature of at least 340.degree. C. during operation of the lamp, at which temperature the oxide is decomposed and oxygen is released. The deposit of black coatings originating from hydrocarbon contaminations is thereby prevented.

Abstract: A metal halide lamp in which the radiant efficiency is not adversely affected, in which outstanding color reproducibility is obtained, and which is suitable for a light source of an OHP or a direct projector is achieved, according to the invention, by the fact that, within an arc tube provided with a pair of electrodes, together with mercury and a starting rare gas, halides of dysprosium (Dy), yttrium (Y) and cesium (Cs) are encapsulated with the molar ratio of the encapsulated metals Dy to Y is being fixed in the range of 0.3.ltoreq.Dy/Y.ltoreq.1.0. In this way the green portion to which there is a sensitive visual reaction is reduced, the blue portion increased, and thus the color reproducibility is increased.

Abstract: In a method according to the invention, a capsule (20) having a glass wall (21) and containing mercury is positioned in a radiation-transmitting discharge vessel, after which the discharge vessel is provided with a rare gas and closed, means for maintaining an electric discharge are arranged in or adjacent the discharge vessel, and the capsule is opened by fusion after the discharge vessel has been closed in that the capsule is heated by irradiation (42) with a parallel beam of radiation through the wall of the discharge vessel. The wall of the capsule has for this radiation an absorption coefficient which amounts at least ten times that of the wall portion of the discharge vessel. The method according to the invention renders possible a comparatively simple lamp construction.

Abstract: An integral and internal matrix getter structure for capturing residual gas in a vacuum sealed container is disclosed. The vacuum sealed container may be a flat panel display having a small vacuum gap between two closely spaced panels. The getter structure may be provided on the inside of the walls of the display. In particular, the getter structure may be provided between phosphor groups and/or between field emitter groups on the display panels. The getter structure may be sealed to avoid exposure of the getter material until after a vacuum condition is reached within the display. Activation of the getter structure may be provided by selectively heating the getter structure with a laser or with resistive heating elements underlying the getter structure. Methods of making the getter structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing radiation includes an envelope and a cathode arrangement disposed within the envelope. The cathode arrangement includes an element for establishing an electrical contact. A dispenser is also disposed within the envelope. The dispenser carries mercury or a mercury alloy. A support element supports the dispenser. The support element extends from the dispenser through the envelope to provide an independent electrical contact for the dispenser.

Abstract: A capsule containing a precise amount of a substance such as mercury is mounted in an electrode mount assembly on a temperature sensitive member. At elevated temperatures the capsule is moved away from lamp components by the temperature sensitive member to preclude inadvertent release of the mercury into the sealed lamp. After the lamp has cooled, the temperature sensitive member urges the capsule into biased engagement with a cutting wire so that upon supply of current thereto the capsule is melted and opened to release the mercury.

Abstract: A low pressure discharge lamp having a tubular discharge vessel (1). At each of its end portions (2, 3) the vessel (1) is fused to a respective metal tube (5) having an uncovered outer surface outside the vessel. A sealed glass tube (6) is fused to the metal tubes (5). Ignition aids (18, 28, 40) may also be present. The simple construction of the lamp permits manufacture and high lamp quality, even at long lengths and/or small diameters of the discharge vessel. The lamp may have an ionizable filling of rare gas or may also contain mercury. A fluorescent powder may also be present in the discharge vessel. The lamp (72) and a luminaire (70, 71) mounting the lamp may be used for display or signalling purposes.

Abstract: An electric arc discharge lamp includes an elongated hollow tubular transparent envelope having a pair of opposite ends, a pair of electrode mounts respectively disposed in the ends of the tubular envelope, and a dosing capsule defining a hermetically sealed annular cavity containing a predetermined quantity of a dosing liquid therein. The dosing capsule has an inner edge defining an opening through the capsule for receiving a portion of one the electrode mounts therethrough such that the capsule is supported by the one electrode mount with the sealed annular cavity substantially surrounding the one electrode mount. The electrode mount includes a glass stem having inner and outer axially-displaced opposite ends, a pair of lead-in conductors extending through the glass stem and from the opposite ends of the glass stem, and an electrode supported between a pair of inner ends of the lead-in conductors adjacent to and spaced from the inner end of the glass stem.

Abstract: A method of dispensing mercury into an arc discharge lamp containing a mercury capsule adjacent one of the coil electrodes is disclosed. The method includes the step of preparing a solution of a low ionization energy material and coating at least a portion of the mercury capsule. Thereafter, the mercury dispensing capsule is bombarded with a directed stream of electrons produced by the other coil electrode of sufficient energy to rupture the capsule causing the mercury to be released. The coating focuses the directed stream of electrons directly on the capsule, thereby reducing the amount of time necessary to rupture the capsule.

Abstract: An evaporable getter device, for mounting in an electron tube, comprises a holder whose bottom wall is provided with means for preventing detachment of getter metal vapor releasing material which has been pressed into the holder and which has a multiplicity of means which retard the transmission of heat in a circumferential direction through the getter metal vapor releasing material. When the getter device is heated by currents induced from a radio-frequency field generated by a coil positioned outside the electron tube large amounts of getter metal are released in a short time without detachment of material from the holder. The heat retarding means are preferably four equally spaced radial grooved formed in the upper surface of the getter metal vapor releasing material.

Abstract: A lamp including an evacuated outer jacket, a light source capsule mounted within an evacuated outer jacket, and getter assembly disposed within the outer jacket is disclosed. the getter assembly includes a getter and protection device for protecting lamp parts, e.g., the inner surface of the outer jacket, during flashing of the getter. In a most preferred embodiment, the protection device is formed by a small glass envelope, preferably similar to a photoflash bulb envelope, having a small opening. A getter, such as a getter ring, typically used in the lighting art, is mouted within the bulb envelope. When the getter is activated, the metal vapor of the activated getter is caught inside this bulb envelope and condenses on the inside glass surface of the latter. the impurities within the outer jacket of the lamp diffuse through the opening in the bulb envelope of the protection device of the preferred embodiment and are absorbed by the getter.

Abstract: To improve mass production of fluorescent lamps, and introduction of merc within the interior thereof, the lamp mount includes an electrically conductive strip, band or wire secured within the vessel, to which a heater wire (11, 31, 40) is connected, the heater wire being melt-connected to extend into the glass capsule, forming therein a narrow V, or U-shaped structure. Upon application of a high frequency field, the heater wire will heat and open the glass capsule in the region of the melt-through connection thereof, thus liberating mercury previously introduced into the glass capsule, for example in the form of a drop, a pellet of porous substance with mercury dispersed therein, or the like.

Abstract: There is provided a metallic tape supporting a mercury vapor releasing material, preferably Ti.sub.3 Hg, admixed with a non-evaporable getter metal, preferably an alloy of 84% Zr--15% Al, contained within a continuous series of depressions within the tape. The depressions form a successive series of pairs of depressions preferably each having an oval shape. Each pair of oval shaped depressions is separated by a distance greater than the distance separating the individual oval shapes. The tape can then be cut between each pair of depressions to form a small strip containing two depressions. Such a small strip can then be folded through an angle of approximately 180.degree. about an axis, in the plane of the tape midway between the depressions, perpendicular to the tape length. This folded strip can then be welded to a support and used as a cold cathode electrode in a miniature fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: A lamp including a fill gas with a mercury component may be safely dosed with mercury by including at least one mercury capsule in the envelope for subsequent opening by radiant means to dose the closed envelope with mercury. A spring coil or similar means may be used for supporting the capsule in a tubular envelope at a position independent of and separated from the press-seal area. The support means generally comprises a compression positioning member, preferably in the form of a coil spring, having the capsule or capsules secured thereto and further having an uncompressed state prior to insertion in the envelope and a compressed state upon insertion in the envelope for retention of the compression positioning member and as a result, the mercury capsule, in a substantially fixed position in the envelope. Once the capsule is in position, the lamp may be safely closed, and the capsule opened by inductive, or other radiant heating.

Abstract: A method of releasing mercury into an arc discharge lamp is disclosed. The method includes the step of disposing an insulating coating (e.g., zirconium dioxide) at the end of the lamp containing a mercury releasing target. The insulating coating is disposed over the lead-in wires, portions of one of the coil electrodes, and a portion of the mercury dispensing target. The main body portion of the target containing the mercury is devoid of the insulating coating. Thereafter, the mercury dispensing target is bombarded with a directed stream of electrons produced by the other coil electrode of sufficient energy to rupture the target causing the mercury to be released. The insulating coating focuses the directed stream of electrons directly on the target, thereby reducing the amount of time necessary to rupture the target.

Abstract: A mercury capsule for dispensing mercury into an arc discharge lamp comprises an annealed metal member having a predetermined wall thickness and including a generally tubular main body portion containing a predetermined amount of mercury and a sealed end portion adjacent the main body portion. Means for sealing the end portion includes a flattened, generally planar configuration having at least one sealing constriction formed in the end portion. The sealing constriction has a defined cross-sectional thickness relative to the wall thickness and enables containment of the mercury within the capsule below a predetermined elevated temperature. Preferably, the predetermined cross-sectional thickness of the constriction is less than or equal to about two-thirds of the wall thickness of the metal member.

Abstract: Electrodeless low-pressure discharge lamp having a lamp vessel sealed in a gas-tight manner and filled with a metal vapor and a rare gas. The lamp vessel comprises a glass envelope which is connected in a gas-tight manner to the edge of a conically widening collar at the end of a tubular part of a sealing member also made of glass. The tubular part accommodates a rod-shaped core of a magnetic material by means of which a discharge is generated in the lamp vessel during operation of the lamp. An exhaust tube extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular part terminating at the wall of the conical collar. The end of the exhaust tube engages round an orifice in a planar surface in a cam-shaped recess provided in the wall of the conical collar. The planar surface extends substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the tubular part of the sealing member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure sodium discharge lamp intended to be operated in conjunction with an external starter or with an internal starter without a glow discharge. The lamp has an outer bulb which is provided with a lamp cap and encloses an evacuated space in which a discharge vessel is arranged. According to the invention, the space enclosed by the outer bulb further accommodates a closed holder, whose wall mainly comprises glass-forming constituents and which contains at least helium. Thus, it is achieved that the lamp has a strongly reduced increase in lamp voltage during the life.

Abstract: A mercury capsule for dispensing mercury into an arc discharge lamp comprises a tubular metal member having a main body portion, a sealed end portion immediately adjacent the main body portion and means for sealing the end portion. The sealing means includes a substantially undulating configuration containing a predetermined number of undulations to enable rupture of the mercury capsule at an elevated temperature in accordance with the number of undulations. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mercury capsule is formed from a metal cup having a larger diameter skirted portion and a smaller diameter portion.

Abstract: In order to improve the stability of a cold cathode (5) of the reverse biased junction type, a vacuum space (2) is coupled with a reservoir (10), within which a source (21) of material reducing the work function, for example caesium, is present. By influencing the vapor pressure and the temperature in component parts (13, 16) of the reservoir (10) and in the source (21), loss of caesium due to adsorption or other phenomena occurring at the emitting surface (8) of the cathode (5) can be compensated for by an incident flow of caesium (25).

Abstract: Mercury release into a sealed arc discharge lamp is accomplished by positioning a mercury containing target within the lamp and heating the same by electron bombardment derived from a D.C. power supply connected between an electrode of the lamp and the mercury target.

Abstract: A mercury dispenser for electric discharge lamps consists of welding a small metallic member (16) in the form of a "patch", to a portion of the surface of the cathode disintegration shield (10) and trapping a predetermined volume of mercury under the "patch". A dimple (17) may be formed in the shield (10) or in the member (16). The shield (10) may be formed from a continuous strip which is dimpled at a predetermined pitch, the dimples filled with mercury and the "patches" (16) welded over the dimples. The strip can then be cut into discrete "patched" sections to be bent into shields and assembled with the cathode structure. The mercury is liberated from under the "patch" by heating and vaporization, the vapor pressure forcing the "patch" open.

Abstract: A method of producing a low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp which includes positioning a container in the lamp vessel of the lamp between the electrodes. The container holds a quantity of mercury required for operation of the lamp and is attached to a supporting element (wire). The supporting element is connected to a lead-in wire of a first electrode by a metal connecting wire. A direct current discharge is generated between the container and the second electrode, the mercury escapes from the container, thereafter the connection between the supporting element and the lead-in wire is interrupted.

Abstract: A dispenser for supplying metal vapor to an ion source. The metal is provided in a capsule which may be broken to release the metal by turning a knob which causes a capsule housing to move to the right, thus causing the capsule to break against a piston member. The piston member communicates with a conduit which in turn communicates with the associated ion source, partly shown in the drawing. A heating mantle is provided to vaporize the metal in the housing so that it can pass from the dispenser through a conduit, to the ion source.

Abstract: An arc-extinguishing ampul and a low-pressure arc discharge lamp, such as a fluorescent lamp, having such ampul on each electrode structure, the ampul comprising a thin-walled glass body enclosing an arc-extinguishing gas, at least one electrically conductive support wire, and a heat-conductive coating covering the outer surface of the ampul and portions of the support wire. Upon depletion of the electron-emissive coating on one electrode filament at the end of the useful life of the lamp, the arc discharge is attracted to the ampul by the support wire. The heat of the arc softens and melts the ampul to the point where the arc-extinguishing gas within the ampul escapes and renders the lamp inoperable without loss of the lamp's hermetic seal.

Abstract: A mercury holder for electric discharge lamps, such as tubular fluorescent lamps, is mounted within the lamp envelope so as to serve as a target for bombardment by electrons and ions. The source of the bombardment may be the electrons emitted by one of the cathodes which impinge on the holder and which generate ions by collision with the gas fill in the lamp envelope. Alternatively, the source of the bombardment may be an arc discharge induced by a radio-frequency source across a gap between the holder and a lead-in conductor.