Abstract: A cathode holding assembly to be mounted on an arc chamber support of an ion implanter includes a cathode holding plate, an insulator block, and a shield cap. The cathode holding plate has a protruding outer rib towards the shield cap and an opening with a protruding inner rib. A protrusion of the insulator block passes through the opening of the cathode holding plate. The insulator block abuts the protruding inner rib of the opening of the cathode holding plate at an edge of the insulator block to precisely fit the insulator block into the opening of the cathode holding plate. The shield cap is arranged to a side of the insulator block opposing the protrusion. A gap extends between the cathode holding plate and the shield cap, then between the cathode holding plate and the insulator block where it ends.

Abstract: An ion source head structure of a semiconductor ion implanter including a filament, a filament clamp, a cathode, a cathode clamp, an insulation assembly is provided. The filament clamp clamps the filament. The cathode presents a shell shape and has a receiving space. The filament is located in the receiving space. The cathode clamp clamps the cathode. The insulation assembly is disposed between the filament clamp and the cathode clamp such that the filament clamp is insulated from the cathode clamp. The insulation assembly has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an outer surface between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the first surface of the insulation assembly is in contact with the filament clamp, and the second surface of the insulation assembly is in contact with the cathode clamp. A step difference exists on the outer surface of the insulation assembly.

Abstract: A multiple waveguide edge lit structure includes a frame structure including a first heat sink and a second heat sink. The multiple waveguide edge lit structure also includes a circuit board including a first plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a second plurality of LEDs, where a portion of the circuit board is sandwiched between the first heat sink and the second heat sink. The multiple waveguide edge lit structure further includes a first waveguide and a second waveguide. A light receiving edge of the first waveguide is positioned proximal to the first plurality of LEDs, and a light receiving edge of the second waveguide is positioned proximal to the second plurality of LEDs. The multiple waveguide edge lit structure also includes a pair of attachment structures configured to keep the first waveguide and the second waveguide attached to the frame structure.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a light-guiding plate and a lighting unit. The light-guiding plate includes a light-incident surface and a light-emitting surface. The lighting unit includes a first light source, a second light source and a circuit board. The first and second light sources are disposed on the circuit board, and the light emitted by the first and second light sources enters into the light-guiding plate through the light-incident surface and exits the light-guiding plate through the light-emitting surface. A first distance from the first light source to a reference line of the light-incident surface is not equal to a second distance from the second light source to the reference line.

Abstract: A forming method of a protective film made of oxide containing any one of calcium oxide (CaO), strontium oxide (SrO) and barium oxide (BaO) and having a higher band gap than that of magnesium oxide (MgO) (higher than 7.9 eV) is provided. By adjusting a time constant of a protective film to a predetermined value or larger, the voltage drop time is adjusted so as to be usable for a plasma display panel. At this time, the time constant ?(=C×R) defined by the discharge capacitance C and the protective film resistance R is referenced.

Abstract: A cathode sub-assembly is comprised of a retainer, a cathode and a collar, each of which has smooth unthreaded surfaces that slidably engage each other. A shield serves to hold the sub-assembly in a support plate. The cathode projects from the sub-assembly into an arc chamber with a tortuous path created therebetween for passage of a plasma flow.

Abstract: An arrangement for reducing the electric field strength on the face of an electrode, wherein the face of the electrode is surrounded by at least one electric barrier, and a shielding electrode having a defined voltage potential is disposed in the vicinity of the face of the electrode. By using a retaining element that can be connected directly to the face of the electrode, the shielding wires can be quickly and easily positioned and fixed relative to the face of the electrode and the shielding electrode relative to the face.

Abstract: A cathode sub-assembly is comprised of a retainer, a cathode and a collar, each of which has smooth unthreaded surfaces that slidably engage each other. A shield serves to hold the sub-assembly in a support plate. The cathode projects from the sub-assembly into an arc chamber with a tortuous path created therebetween for passage of a plasma flow.

Abstract: A forming method of a protective film made of oxide containing any one of calcium oxide (CaO), strontium oxide (SrO) and barium oxide (BaO) and having a higher band gap than that of magnesium oxide (MgO) (higher than 7.9 eV) is provided. By adjusting a time constant of a protective film to a predetermined value or larger, the voltage drop time is adjusted so as to be usable for a plasma display panel. At this time, the time constant ?(=C×R) defined by the discharge capacitance C and the protective film resistance R is referenced.

Abstract: A shine-through, low pressure discharge, hydrogen lamp has a metallic housing structure shielding the discharge space in a lamp bulb filled with hydrogen. In this lamp a diaphragm (4) made of electrically insulating material is fixed in the metallic housing part (2) which is to face a visible light source.

Abstract: An arc tube includes: a tube spherical portion containing a pair of electrodes each of which has a shaft portion and a coil winding portion formed by winding coil around the shaft portion; and a pair of seal portions extending from both sides of the tube spherical portion. The coil winding portion of at least one of the electrodes has a coil portion formed by winding the coil at least once around the shaft portion in the longitudinal direction of the shaft portion, a tip disposed on the tip side of the coil portion, and a base disposed on the base side of the coil portion. The coil of the base positioned on the surface side of the electrode is melt-treated. The coil forming the base is not melted to be combined with the shaft portion.

Abstract: A technique for achieving both discharge voltage reduction and discharge stabilization in a PDP and the like is provided. This PDP manufacturing method includes, for a structure of a front plate structure (11) to be exposed to a discharge space (30) to be filled with a discharge gas, a step of forming a first layer (4) having an effect of discharge protective layer on a dielectric layer (3), a step of forming a second layer (5) for protecting the first layer on the first layer, and a step of forming a third layer (6) of a powder for discharge stabilization to be exposed to the discharge space (30), the steps being performed in vacuum manufacturing process. And, the structure is made such that a surface of the first layer is exposed to the discharge space (30) by a step of removing the second layer by an aging discharge in the discharge space (30).

Abstract: Disclosed is a bushing system for a lamp, comprising at least one electrode and/or lead-in wire that is/are embedded in a final section of a lamp vessel by means of a glass seal. At least some sections of said electrode and/or lead-in wire are provided with an antioxidant layer in the zone of the glass seal. Also disclosed are a lamp comprising such a bushing system as well as a method for the production thereof.

Abstract: A gas discharge tube 100 including a sealed container 1 in which a gas is sealed, an anode disposed within the sealed container, a cathode 7 which is spaced from the anode 4 in the sealed container 1 and generates discharge between the cathode 7 and the anode 4, a conductive part 6 restricting a discharge path, the conductive part 6 being disposed between the anode 4 and the cathode 7 and narrowing the discharge path, wherein by providing a cathode cover 8 which is made of ceramics, encloses the cathode 7, and has an opening 8d at least on an electron emission side, the cathode cover 8 increases the heat retaining effect of the cathode 7, makes it easy to keep the temperature of the cathode 7, and reduces power consumption.

Abstract: An external-electrode fluorescent lamp has two external electrodes disposed on its ends, wherein each external electrode has an extended portion flattened to form two substantially flat circumferential areas. With such flattened circumferential areas, the electric contact made to the conductive strip can be improved. For mounting a row of external-electrode fluorescent lamps, a mounting base with two electrically conductive strips are used. Each electrically conductive strip has a plurality of curved sections to fit the extended portion of the external electrode. The curved section has two substantially sidewalls to make contact with the flat circumferential areas of the extended portion of the external electrode. The extended portion can also be slightly tapered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas discharge tube or the like having a structure for enabling the maintenance of discharge startability and the prevention of the shortening of the life of an anode section and for increasing the amount of visible light from a visible light source passing through a discharge path restricting section. The gas discharge tube comprises a sealed vessel in which gas is encapsulated. A cathode section and anode section for generating discharge are arranged in the sealed vessel. Furthermore, a discharge path restricting section for narrowing a discharge path is arranged between the cathode section and the anode section. In particular, an opening portion is formed in the anode section, and the cross section of the opening portion has a non-circular shape where the maximum opening width in a first direction is different from that in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

Abstract: An improved flat fluorescent lamp and a display device having the same are disclosed, by which a luminance can be improved and a driving voltage can be reduced. The flat fluorescent lamp may include: a lower substrate; an upper substrate combined with the lower substrate to provide a discharge area; a plurality of walls partitioning the discharge area to provide a plurality of discharge units; first and second voltage-applying electrodes disposed at opposite ends of each discharge unit, the first and second voltage-applying electrodes being exposed; first and second discharge electrodes formed on the first and second voltage-applying electrodes, respectively; a dielectric layer coated on the first and second voltage-applying electrodes; and a fluorescent layer formed on the discharge area.

Abstract: Cathode unit for installation in a fluorescent tube body (3) belonging to a fluorescent tube (1), which cathode unit (5) comprises a cathode screen (15a, 15, 15?-15??) which partially surrounds an electrode (9) which is electrically insulated from the said cathode screen (15), a power supply device (11) arranged to make an electrical connection between the said electrode (9) and a contact (13), the said cathode screen (15a, 15 , 15?-15??) comprising a first end (19) facing towards the discharge, which first end (19) comprises a central opening (21), and a second end (39) facing towards the said contact (13). The first end (19) of the cathode screen (15a, 15, 15?-15??) is designed with a rounded-off part (25) in order to facilitate the insertion of the cathode unit (5) in the said fluorescent tube body (3).

Abstract: A metal halide lamp (101) is described, the lamp being designed such that, when the lamp is operative in a vertical orientation, the location of the salt pool is close to the top of the discharge chamber (5). In an embodiment, the coldest spot is close to the top of the discharge chamber. Means are provided enabling more heat to be supplied to the bottom part than to the upper part. In a lamp assembly (10), comprising a lamp (101) arranged inside a bulb (11), additional heat generating means (90) may comprise a radiation coil (91).

Abstract: To provide a display device having the long lifetime and the high reliability by preventing the generation of a spark or a dark current between terminals of cathode lines and an anode, a shielding member is arranged between the terminals of the cathode lines and the anode so as to ensure shielding between the terminals and the anode.

Abstract: Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp comprising a discharge vessel (10) having a first and a second end portion (12a, 12b), the discharge vessel (10) containing mercury and a rare gas, wherein the end portions (12a, 12b) each support an electrode (20a,20b) arranged in the discharge vessel (10) for initiating and maintaining a discharge in the discharge vessel (10), wherein an electrode shield (22a,22b) substantially encompasses at least one of the electrodes (20a,20b), and wherein said electrode shield (22a,22b) comprises an inner wall (23a) and an outer wall (24a), said walls (23a,24a) being spaced apart.

Abstract: A cold-cathode fluorescent lamp, comprising a sealed lighting enclosure provided with a phosphor coating on at least part of an inner surface thereof the lighting enclosure. An electrode is provided juxtaposed a region of the inner surface of the lighting tube, the electrode energisable from an external source of energy via an electric lead supporting the electrode, and positioned adjacent the main ionisation region within the lighting enclosure. The phosphor is to be excited by radiation to be generated inside the lighting tube by electric discharge from the electrode to provide visible radiation. At least part of the surface(s) of that portion of the electrode proximal most to the ionisation region are overlaid by a cap made from a high heat resistive and non conductive material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plasma display panel that is adaptive for improving color temperature. A plasma display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention includes barrier ribs partitioning off each of the discharge cells; and a light-shielding layer formed along the barrier ribs, the width of the light-shielding layer is different for different discharge cells.

Abstract: A gas discharge lamp having a translucent envelope enclosing a light emitting assembly that includes a baffle and an anode separated by one or more spacers made of an electrically insulating material such as ceramic, which are oriented towards a heated cathode to receive electrons emitted therefrom. Each spacer has a front surface, a rear surface, a top surface and a bottom surface including a transverse cavity formed between the front and rear surfaces to permit electrons to flow through. The cavity extends from a first through-hole in the front surface to a second through-hole in the rear surface of the spacer. Further, the cavity includes a gap for allowing conductive materials that may sputter or evaporate from the anode or the baffle to escape from the cavity to prevent short circuiting between the anode and the baffle.

Abstract: An electric discharge tube withstands a large electric input, and has a small size. This discharge tube provides a small photographic strobe device and a small photographic camera. The discharge tube includes a glass bulb having a wall thickness ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 mm and filled with rare gas, a pair of main electrodes provided at both ends of the glass bulb, respectively, a trigger electrode formed on the outer surface of the glass bulb, and a film of silicon dioxide having a thickness ranging from 0.05 to 0.11 &mgr;m formed inside of the glass bulb. An electric power not larger than 0.90 Ws/mm3 with respect to the inner volume of the glass bulb is applied between the main electrodes.

Abstract: A flange portion is integrally formed with a stem which forms a sealing envelope for a gas discharge tube. Accordingly, operation for building and fixing the flange portion is not necessary, so that lamp assembly operation is simplified, and mass production is facilitated. In addition, when a gas discharge tube is to be fixed to an external stem setting portion, lamp setting is enabled at higher precision by utilizing positioning holes formed in the flange portion in advance.

Abstract: An improved deuterium lamp (20) includes a gas-filled envelope (21), a cathode (22), an anode (23), electrical leads (24) sealingly penetrating the glass envelope and connected to the anode and cathode, respectively, a window-shielding electrode (25), a cathode-shielding electrode (26), a focusing electrode (28), and a ceramic support (29). The improvement comprises the anode being mounted on a rear surface of the ceramic support and being so configured and arranged as to have nothing that substantially interferes with the radiation of heat in rearward direction from the anode.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury-vapor discharge lamp has a discharge vessel with a filling of mercury and an inert gas. Electrodes in the discharge space have electrode shields, which operate at temperatures above 450° C. An inner surface of the electrode shield may have a heat-absorbing coating, for example a carbon film. The electrode shield may be supported by a support wire, at least a part of which is made from stainless steel. A lamp according to the invention has comparatively low mercury consumption.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury-vapor discharge lamp is provided with a discharge vessel and a first and a second end portion (12a). The discharge vessel encloses a discharge space provided with a filling of mercury and an inert gas in a gastight manner. Each end portion (12a) supports an electrode (20a) arranged in the discharge space. An electrode shield (22a) encompasses the electrodes (20a) and, according to the invention, carries an electric current during operation, and is at a temperature ≧250° C., preferably ≧450° C., during nominal operation of the discharge lamp. Preferably, a first current supply conductor (30a) electrically contacts a first current divider (23a), which is electrically connected to a second current divider (23a′) via a shell-shaped body (24a).

Abstract: A mount for a fluorescent lamp has a glass base, a longitudinal electrode coil mounted upon lead-in wires extending from the base, and a shield mounted upon the base. The shield comprises a pair of spaced apart shield plates, one on either side of the electrode coil and spaced therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a flash lamp device and a flash emitting device with a long working life and in which sufficient trigger energy is produced without emission errors, and the flash lamp device comprises a flash lamp with an arc tube in which a pair of electrodes are disposed in opposition, and a high voltage supply proximal conductor which extends between the electrodes on the exterior of the arc tube of this flash lamp, wherein a dielectric member with a greater permittivity than that of air is installed between the arc tube of the flash lamp and the proximal conductor, and the flash emitting device comprises a plurality of these flash lamp devices, wherein the arc tubes, high voltage supply proximal conductors, and dielectric materials of each of this plurality of flash lamp devices are supported separately on a common base.

Abstract: In a gas discharge tube in which a sealed envelope at least a part of which transmits light is filled with a gas, and electric discharge is generated between anode and cathode sections disposed within the sealed envelope, so as to emit predetermined light outside from the light-transmitting part of the sealed envelope, the anode section is mounted on an insulating anode support member, an insulating electrode support member having an opening for exposing the anode section is mounted on a surface surrounding the anode section, a focusing electrode having a focusing opening projecting toward the anode section is further mounted at the front face of the opening, and the cathode section is disposed on the anode support member or focusing electrode support member so as to be spaced from the focusing opening.

Abstract: While high heat is generated in the anode section in the gas discharge tube in accordance with the present invention during its use, the heat is transmitted to the stem by way of the anode support plate due to a configuration in which the anode support plate abuts against the stem, and is released outside from the stem, whereby the cooling efficiency of the anode section is improved. Since the anode section employs not a floating structure including stem pins interposed therein but a configuration in which it is seated on the stem by way of the anode support plate, the anode section is stabilized on the stem, whereby the resistance to vibration improves. Also, for assembling the anode section into a sealed envelope, it will be sufficient if the anode support plate is mounted on the stem, which contributes to improving the easiness in assembling the gas discharge tube.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury-vapor discharge lamp is provided with a discharge vessel and a first and a second end portion (12a). The discharge vessel encloses a discharge space provided with a filling of mercury and an inert gas in a gastight manner. Each end portion (12a) supports an electrode (20a) arranged in the discharge space. An electrode shield (22a) encompasses at least one of the electrodes (20a) and is made from a ceramic material. Preferably, the electrode shield (22a) is tubular in shape with a lateral slit directed towards the discharge space. The lamp according to the invention has a comparatively low mercury consumption.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury-vapor discharge lamp comprises a discharge vessel (10) and a first and a second end portion (12a). The discharge vessel (10) encloses a discharge space provided with a filling of mercury and a rare gas in a gastight manner. Each end portion (12a) supports an electrode (20a) arranged in the discharge space. Current supply conductors (30a, 30a′) extend from the electrodes (20a) through the end portions (12a) so as to project from the discharge vessel (10). An electrode shield (22a) encompasses at least one of the electrodes (20a). According to the invention, the electrode shield (22a) is mounted on the current supply conductors (30a, 30a′). Preferably, the electrode shield is clamped to the current supply conductors. The electrode shield is preferably provided with recesses to accommodate the current supply conductors. Preferably, the current supply conductors are flattened at the location where the electrode shield is mounted on the current supply conductors.

Abstract: The discharge vessel encloses a discharge space provided with a filling of mercury and a rare gas in a gastight manner. Each end portion (12a) of the lamp supports an electrode (20a) arranged in the discharge space. An electrode shield (22a) encompasses at least one of the electrodes (20a) and has a substantially spiral-shaped cross-section. Preferably, the electrode shield (22a) is made from a ceramic material and is covered with a material which reacts with or forms an alloy with alkaline earth metals released by the electrode (20a).

Abstract: A discharge lamp adapted to operate on DC current and being equivalent to an AC-operated ceramic metal halide lamp in different operating positions. The lamp comprises a ceramic arc tube with a fill of mercury, rare gas and metal halides. The arc tube is sealed with an anode and a cathode and has at least one metal heat shield on the cathode side of the ceramic DC metal halide arc tube to achieve operation of the lamp with universal orientation. Each of the two electrodes sealed into the arc tube are different, the anode being formed of tungsten with a ball shaped tip and the cathode being formed of a thoriated tungsten rod and a wound coil of the rod.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury-vapor discharge lamp is provided with a discharge vessel and a first and a second end portion (12a). The discharge vessel encloses a discharge space provided with a filling of mercury and an inert gas in a gastight manner. Each end portion (12a) supports an electrode (20a) arranged in the discharge space. An electrode shield (22a) encompasses at least one of the electrodes (20a) and is made from a ceramic material. Preferably, the electrode shield (22a) is tubular in shape with a lateral slit directed towards the discharge space.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp is provided with a discharge vessel and a first and a second end portion (12a). The discharge vessel encloses a discharge space provided with a filling of mercury and a rare gas in a gastight manner. Each end portion (12a) supports an electrode (20a) arranged in the discharge space. An electrode shield (22a) encompasses the electrodes (20a) and is covered with a material which reacts with or forms an alloy with alkaline earth metals, which material is released by the electrode (20a).

Abstract: Low-pressure mercury vapour discharge lamp is provided with a discharge vessel (10) and a first and a second end portion (12a; 12b). The discharge vessel (10) encloses a discharge space (13) provided with a filling of mercury and a rare gas in a gastight manner. Each end portion (12a; 12b) supports an electrode (20a; 20b) which is arranged in the discharge space (13). Current supply conductors (30a, 30a′; 30b, 30b′) extend from the electrodes (20a; 20b) through the end portions (12a; 12b) to outside the discharge vessel (10). A UV-reflecting shield (15a; 15b) is positioned in the space between the electrodes (20a; 20b) and the end portions (12a; 12b), thereby protecting the end portions (12a; 12b) from the creation of reactive sites in the end portions (12a; 12b) at which reactive sites mercury is bound. Preferably, the shield (15a; 15b) is attached to the current supply conductors (30a, 30a′; 30b, 30b′). The lamp according to the invention has a comparatively low mercury consumption.

Abstract: A composite glow discharge lamp having an elongated glass tube, in which an electrode assembly is located in said elongated glass tube at each of opposite ends thereof, the electrode assembly comprising a center electrode for emitting electrons and a glow electrode surrounding the center electrode, and the glow electrode being formed of an enclosure having an opening and a closed bottom and laid so that the opening faces the opposite end of the glass tube which is near thereto, and the closed bottom faces the longitudinally middle part of the glass tube, thereby it is possible to prevent blackening of the glass tube, and to prolong the use life of the composite discharge lamp.

Abstract: A flat planar fluorescent lamp having barrier structures overlaying the electrodes is described. The barrier structures include barrier walls and platforms between the electrodes and the lamp cover with passageways between the platforms and the lamp cover. The barrier structures cause the electric discharge between the lamp electrodes to pass between the platforms and the lamp cover. The interior of the lamp and the top of the platform are coated with a fluorescent material such that the lamp produces light throughout its interior, including the region directly above the electrode, thereby providing a source of light in an area which would otherwise be a dark region surrounding the electrode. In one embodiment, a cold electrode, a hot electrode, an ion barrier, and a tubulation are formed in a glass seal as a single unit, placing the terminals of the electrodes and the tipped-off tubulation in a small region of the lamp to permit easier access and alignment.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp has a light transmissive envelope and an arc tube located within the envelope. The arc tube contains an arc generating and sustaining medium as well as electrodes. A flare is sealed to the lamp envelope and the flare includes two electrically conductive lead-ins sealed therein, each of the lead-ins having a given diameter. A mica heat shield comprising a planar mica disc frictionally engages the lead-ins, the mica disc having a pair of lead-in receiving apertures therein, the receiving apertures having a diameter greater than the given diameter and each having an oppositely extending, radial slot extending therefrom, each of the slots having a width less than the given diameter. The mica heat shield is positioned on the lead-ins closely and adjacent to the upper surface of the flare by having the slots in frictional engagement with the lead-ins.

Abstract: A gas discharge tube includes a first spacer, a second spacer, an anode support member, and an anode. The first spacer is arranged to contact the rear surface of the focusing electrode support member and the front surface of the anode, and the second spacer is arranged to contact the front surface of the anode support member and the rear surface of the anode. This arrangement clamps the anode between the first and second spacers to hold the anode securely between the rear surface of the focusing support member and the front surface of the anode support member, keeping the distance between the focusing electrode and the anode constant. This structure improves the service life and the operational stability of the gas discharge tube during continuous light emission over an extended period of time.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp (10) includes a tubularly-shaped envelope (12) sealed at each end with a stem assembly (14). A fluorescent coating (26) is disposed on the interior surface of the envelope (12) and an electric discharge sustaining fill gas is provided within a hollow interior (24) of the envelope (12). Each stem assembly (14) includes a glass base portion (30) which seals the end of the envelope (12), an electrode (16), and a tubularly-shaped, light-transmissive, glass shield (22). The electrode (16) is disposed within the envelope (12) such that an electric discharge occurs between the electrodes (16) upon operation of the lamp (10). The glass shield (22) extends past the electrode (16) to partially surround the electrode (16) and shield the interior surface of the envelope (12) from material ejected from the electrode (16). The glass shield (22) allows the electric discharge to unaffectedly pass through an open end (42).

Abstract: A gas discharge tube includes a first spacer, a second spacer, an anode support member, and an anode. The first spacer is arranged to contact the rear surface of the focusing electrode support member and the front surface of the anode, and the second spacer is arranged to contact the front surface of the anode support member and the rear surface of the anode. This arrangement clamps the anode between the first and second spacers to hold the anode securely between the rear surface of the focusing support member and the front surface of the anode support member, keeping the distance between the focusing electrode and the anode constant. This structure improves the service life and the operational stability of the gas discharge tube during continuous light emission over an extended period of time.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a gas discharge tube which is properly lighted to improve the reproducibility of a satisfactory light emission state. The gas discharge tube includes an envelop for accommodating a hot cathode for emitting thermoelectrons, an anode for receiving the thermoelectrons, a focusing electrode having a focusing opening for converging paths of the thermoelectrons, and a discharge shielding member supporting the focusing electrode and the anode, the discharge shielding member further supporting a cathode box for surrounding the hot cathode while being electrically insulated from the focusing electrode. Since a lighting device for the gas discharge tube sets the focusing electrode to a zero or negative potential while an electric field is generated between the hot cathode and the anode, the lighting device will be certainly turned on.

Abstract: A gas discharge tube includes a light-emitting section in an envelope sealing a gas therein, positioned at distal ends of lead pins while spaced from an inner side wall of the envelope. The light-emitting section includes a hot cathode, an anode, a focusing electrode, and a discharge shielding member having a front surface which faces the hot cathode. The front surface of the discharge shielding member is defined by a first surface being in direct contact with the focusing electrode, for defining a position of the focusing electrode, a second surface continued from the first surface, for defining a distance between the focusing electrode and the anode, and a third surface continued from the second surface and being in direct contact with the anode, for defining a position of the anode.

Abstract: A gas discharge tube includes an envelope for sealing a gas, lead pins and a light-emitting assembly. The light-emitting assembly includes: a focusing electrode support member of a conductive material; a hot cathode for emitting thermoelectrons; an anode for receiving thermoelectrons; a focusing electrode for converging paths of thermoelectrons; a spacer of an insulator being arranged between the focusing electrode support member and the anode; and an anode support member of an insulator for pushing the anode onto the focusing electrode support member through the spacer. A gas discharge tube having a long service life and capable of improving the operational stability during long-time continuous light emission can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a gas discharge tube having a long service life and capable of an operational stability during long-time continuous light emission. The gas discharge tube includes an envelop for accommodating a hot cathode for emitting thermoelectrons, an anode plate for receiving the thermoelectrons, a focusing electrode having a focusing opening for converging a path of the thermoelectrons, and a discharge shielding member of an insulator having a through hole coaxially arranged with an inner diameter larger than the focusing opening, and a support member having projections efficiently gripping the anode plate with the discharge shielding member so as to increase the heat radiation efficiency of the anode plate.