Abstract: A light source, with electrodes of alternating polarity attached to a substrate in an excimer ultraviolet (UV) lamp, for generating a plasma discharge between each of the electrodes. The shape of the substrate can shape and control the plasma discharge to reduce exposure of materials susceptible to attack by the halogens. The electrodes can be located such that the plasma discharge occurs in a region where it produces less contact of the halogens with the vulnerable areas of the lamp enclosure. The materials, such as the electrodes, substrate, and envelope, can be selected to withstand corrosive materials. In another embodiment, a plurality of sealed tubes, at least some of which contain an excimer gas are positioned between two electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to display manufacturing technology, especially for a dielectric-free triode field emission display device based on double-gate/single-cathode type electron emission units and the device drive methods. This device comprises parallelly positioned anode and cathode/gate plates, during production, gate/cathode/gate electron emission units are set on the cathode/gate plate side by side. The spacing between cathode and gate electrodes is vacuum circumstance. For each cathode, an anode is positioned on the anode plate, facing the cathode. And the voltages applied on the cathode and gate electrodes are to scan and the anode voltage is to adjust the signal. When the electrodes on the cathode/gate plate take on fixed roles, fixed voltages are used to drive the device. When these electrodes on the cathode/gate plate can be used interchangeably as cathode or gate electrodes, respectively, pulse scanning method is used to drive the device.

Abstract: Solid-State lighting devices and fixtures are presented in which capacitor plates are formed in the fixture and in the lighting device to form AC coupling capacitors with one or more intervening dielectrics when the lighting device is placed in the fixture to power a driver circuit of the lighting device while providing a fixture with no exposed live wiring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to display manufacturing technology, especially for a dielectric-free triode field emission display device based on double-gate/single-cathode type electron emission units and the device drive methods. This device comprises parallelly positioned anode and cathode/gate plates, during production, gate/cathode/gate electron emission units are set on the cathode/gate plate side by side. The spacing between cathode and gate electrodes is vacuum circumstance. For each cathode, an anode is positioned on the anode plate, facing the cathode. And the voltages applied on the cathode and gate electrodes are to scan and the anode voltage is to adjust the signal. When the electrodes on the cathode/gate plate take on fixed roles, fixed voltages are used to drive the device. When these electrodes on the cathode/gate plate can be used interchangeably as cathode or gate electrodes, respectively, pulse scanning method is used to drive the device.

Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED)-based solid-state device comprises a color mixing mechanism to dynamically change the correlated color temperature (CCT) of a white light. With different lumen proportions for white phosphor-coated LEDs and integrated red and green LEDs, the light mixtures can be located in any one of eight CCT quadrangles. In practice, CCTs of a white-light can be tuned in a continuous manner. Because all the possible light mixtures on the chromaticity diagram correspond to a line segment that overlays the Planckian locus within the eight CCT tolerance quadrangles, the effect of LED intensity fluctuations that may put the mixture out of white light region is reduced. Also, because the two additional LEDs that mix with the white phosphor-coated LEDs contribute to the overall spectral power distribution (SPD) that substantially matches the SPD of standard illuminants, a CRI of 80 can be reached.

Abstract: An electron source includes a plurality of electron emission cathodes and at least one control electrode. A gate current regulator is provided for regulation of current flowing through the at least one control electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flat discharge lamp and the production method thereof. The flat discharge lamp comprises an upper substrate, a lower substrate and a discharge chamber disposed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate, wherein the discharge chamber is filled with an inert gas, and a plurality of first electrodes and second electrodes are arranged with one another disposed on the discharge chamber. Besides, each of the first electrodes and second electrodes is connected with one end and another end of an alternating power supply, respectively. The invention is characterized in that the discharge chamber is provided with fluorescent film coated on its interior surface and a plurality of third electrodes each disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. Besides, all the third electrodes are connected to a common plane, or each of which is connected to the common plane, respectively.

Abstract: A two-wire load control device, such as a dimmer, is operable to control the amount of power delivered to an electrical load, such as a magnetic low-voltage (MLV) load, and comprises a bidirectional semiconductor switch, a timing circuit, a trigger circuit having a variable voltage threshold, and a clamp circuit. When a timing voltage signal of the timing circuit exceeds an initial magnitude of the variable voltage threshold, the trigger circuit is operable to render the semiconductor switch conductive, reduce the timing voltage signal to a predetermined magnitude less than the initial magnitude, and to increase the variable voltage threshold to a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude. The clamp circuit limits the magnitude of the timing voltage signal to a clamp magnitude between the initial magnitude and the second magnitude, thereby preventing the timing voltage signal from exceeding the second magnitude.

Abstract: A lamp lighting apparatus comprises a glass tube, electrodes provided in an axis direction of the glass tube, and an inverter circuit which apply a high voltage of an alternating current to the electrodes. The inverter circuit includes an inverter control circuit which outputs a switching element operating signal, a switching element circuit which converts a direct current voltage into an alternating voltage by ON/OFF controlling the switching element according to the switching element operating signal, and a boosting transformer which boosts the alternating voltage from the switching circuit. In the lighting apparatus, a frequency of the switching element operating signal is higher than that in a steady state operating period, during at least part of period from a beginning of lighting according to the burst light control until the lamp emits light entirely, approximately in the axis direction of the lamp.

Abstract: A cold cathode fluorescent lamp apparatus has a cold cathode fluorescent lamp which can be lit readily and in which leak current is minimized. A pair of internal electrodes are disposed on an inner surface of the cold cathode fluorescent lamp, and a pair of external electrodes are provided on an outer surface of the cold cathode fluorescent lamp. The internal electrodes are driven by a dc driving circuit, and the current flow between the internal electrodes is controlled by a constant current circuit. The external electrodes are driven by an ac driving circuit.

Abstract: The high-pressure discharge lamp includes: a pre-seal glass inserted in the internal space of each of seal portions and integrally comprising a metal foil sheathing portion which sheathes a metal foil, an electrode sheathing portion which sheathes a portion of an electrode that extends from a first end of the metal foil toward a base portion and an external lead pin sheathing portion which sheathes a portion of an external lead pin that extends outwardly from the other end of the metal foil; and a conductor for generating discharge between the conductor and the metal foil. The electrode sheathing portion is fused to the base portion. The external lead pin sheathing portion has an outer surface hermetically fused to an inner surface of one of the seal portions. A clearance hermetically sealed between the pre-seal glass and the seal portion encapsulates inert gas therein.

Abstract: The discharge spacings in discharge lamps for dielectrically impeded discharges are shortened below 3 mm, as a result of which dead times of pulsed active-power injecting can be increased so strongly, for example beyond 50 ms, that the dimming properties of the discharge lamp are greatly improved.

Abstract: A discharge lamp for dielectrically impeded discharges, having a discharge vessel filled with a discharge medium and having discharge electrodes which are at least partly separated from the discharge medium by a dielectric layer, wherein the discharge vessel is elongated at least in a longitudinal direction, characterized by a thermal device for controlling the heat transport into and out of the lamp nonhomogeneously in the longitudinal direction, which is designed such that in operation, the temperature in the lamp is made homogeneous in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Dielectric-barrier discharge lamp light source equipment having a plurality of dielectric-barrier discharge lamps (B), each of which has a discharge plasma space (G) filled with a discharge gas in which a dielectric-barrier discharge will produce excimer molecules and a dielectric (D) located between the discharge gas and at least one of two electrodes (E) to induce the discharge phenomenon in the discharge gas, and also a power supply to impress a high voltage on the electrodes (E) of the dielectric-barrier discharge lamps, in which the power supply means is divided into a single power supply front stage (M) and multiple power supply back stages (S), one for each of the dielectric-barrier discharge lamps (B), with the power supply front stage (M) providing a common direct current power supply voltage (1) to each of the power supply back stages (S) and each of the power supply back stages (S) transforming the direct current power supply voltage (1) to an alternating current high voltage (H) of roughly periodi

Abstract: An elongated gas-discharge lamp having a controllable illuminated length may be formed with a dielectric barrier discharge, in which the position of a discharge voltage is dependent, for example, on a discharge gap 6′ which varies over the length of the lamp 1′. The varying discharge gap allows, for example, bar displays or quantitative brake warning lights to be provided.

Abstract: A discharge lamp (1) including a tubular discharge vessel (2), filled with inert gas and, optionally, a fluorescent layer, having at least three elongated electrodes (3, 4, 5) arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular discharge vessel (2). The electrodes are arranged in such a manner that the relationship s a ≥ 0.1 is satisfied, wherein s is the maximum spacing between an imaginary connecting line of an electrode pair and the most closely neighboring point on the wall of the tubular discharge vessel, and a is the mutual spacing between the electrodes of such electrode pair. A higher luminous density is achieved in this way. The lamp is particularly advantageous for a pulsed, dielectrically impeded discharge.

Abstract: Lighting apparatus includes a dielectric barrier discharge lamp having a discharge vessel enclosing a discharge space having a filling, first and second main electrodes, a dielectric sheet between the first main electrode and the discharge space, and a first circuit part for generating an operating voltage between the main electrodes. A plurality of electrode bodies mounted in or on the dielectric sheet form an auxiliary electrode, and a second circuit part generates auxiliary voltages between the electrode bodies for generating an auxiliary discharge in the discharge space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a discharge lamp, which has at least one dielectrically impeded electrode (2, 3), on a flyback converter, which applies periodically recurring voltage pulses to the discharge lamp (La1). If the discharge lamp (La1) has a starting aid (10), the voltage amplitude (US) of the voltage pulses is successively raised until a dielectrically impeded discharge is formed in the discharge lamp, and until the voltage amplitude (US) has reached the nominal operating voltage. If the discharge lamp (La1) has no starting aid, a first discharge which causes a partial ionization of the discharge medium is firstly ignited in the discharge lamp (La1). Immediately after the first discharge has been brought back to extinction, a dielectrically impeded discharge is ignited anew, and the voltage amplitude (US) of the voltage pulses is increased until the nominal operating voltage of the discharge lamp (La1) is reached.

Abstract: A method for producing pulsed-voltage sequences for the operation of discharge lamps (8) by means of a pulsed discharge which is impeded dielectrically provides for some of the required pulse peak values to be replaced by an offset DC voltage component (UDC(t)). This has, inter alia, the advantage that correspondingly less EMI is generated when the pulsed-voltage sequences (Up(t)) are produced. It is also provided for a portion of the electrical real power injected into the discharge predominantly throughout the duration of the voltage pulses to be injected on the basis of the offset DC voltage (UDC(t)). For this purpose, a circuit arrangement provides a series circuit comprising a pulse circuit (1) and a DC voltage circuit (2), in which case the pulse circuit (1) can be designed for a power level.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for operating a lighting system with an ncoherently-emitting radiation source, in particular a discharge lamp (14) that emits UV, IR or visible-range radiation, by means of dielectrically inhibited discharge, and to a lighting system suitable therefor. The electrodes (16-20), which are arranged side by side and separated from each other and the interior of the discharge vessel (15) by dielectric material (21), are alternatingly connected to the two poles (23, 24) of a voltage source (27). In operation, the voltage source (27) supplies a series of voltage pulses separated by quiescent periods. According to the invention, this produces inside the discharge vessel (15) a spatial discharge (26) which in the regions between electrodes of different polarity (16, 17; 17, 18; 18, 19; 19, 20) is at a distance from the surface of the inside wall of the discharge vessel (15).

Abstract: A discharge lamp may be formed with both galvanic and dielectric electrod The relative discharges due to the currents between the differing electrodes may be adjusted to effect the optical spectrum of the radiation emitted by the lamp.

Abstract: An electrical circuit arrangement for the production of voltage pulse sequences, in particular for the operation of dielectrically impeded discharges, has a charging circuit, with a charging capacitor (C2), fed with an input voltage (U.sub.E), a discharge and pulse circuit with a fast controllable switch, in particular with an IGBT (T1), which is connected to a clocked drive circuit (A), and a pulse transformer (TR1) with a load (L) connected thereto, and a feedback circuit with a feedback rectifier, for example semiconductor diodes (D3-D4) and a feedback energy accumulation circuit, for example a buffer capacitor (C1) connected in parallel with the input of the charging circuit. During each phase in which the IGBT is on, the electrical energy stored in the charging capacitor (C2) is transferred via the pulse transformer (TR1) to the load (L).

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improvement of a field emission display architecture in which low-voltage row and column address signals control a much higher pixel activation voltage. Instead of using a pair of series-coupled transistors the emitter node grounding path as in the original architecture (one of which is gated by a column signal d the other of which is gated by a row signal), only a single transistor is utilized in the emitter node grounding path thus eliminating an intermediate node between the two transistors that was responsible for unwanted emissions under certain operating conditions. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a current regulating resistor is placed in the grounding path in series with the primary grounding transistor, with the resistor being directly coupled to ground. Additionally, for the preferred embodiment of the invention, the gate of the grounding transistor is coupled via a second field-effect transistor to either a row signal or a column signal.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improvement of a field emission display architecture in which low-voltage row and column address signals control a much higher pixel activation voltage. Instead of using a pair of series-coupled transistors in the emitter node grounding path as in the original architecture (one of which is gated by a column signal and the other of which is gated by a row signal), only a single transistor is utilized in the emitter node grounding path, thus eliminating an intermediate node between the two transistors that was responsible for unwanted emissions under certain operating conditions. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a current regulating resistor is placed in the grounding path in series with the primary grounding transistor, with the resistor being directly coupled to ground. Additionally, for the preferred embodiment of the invention, the gate of the grounding transistor is coupled via a second field-effect transistor to either a row signal or a column signal.

Abstract: A method to operate an incoherently emitting radiation source, in particular a discharge lamp, which transmits UV, IR or VIS radiation. The discharge is generated by means of a train of voltage pulses, interrupted by idle times, inside a discharge vessel; electrodes dielectrically impaired on one or both ends can be used. By a suitable choice of the filling, the electrode configuration, the sparking distance, the type and thickness of the dielectrics, the time-dependent voltage amplitudes, and the pulse and idle times, efficiencies in UV generation of 65% and more are attained.

Abstract: This is an emergency lighting system that provides an emergency driving voltage to drive at least one lamp when the AC power input to the lamp is detected as absent. A rechargeable battery pack and recharging circuit are contained in a first modular housing, and driving circuitry is contained in a second modular housing. An easily accessible, manually-operable service switch disables the provision of battery power to the driving circuitry (when the switch is in the open state), thereby allowing substantial reduction in installation time and cost. A test switch is included to emulate power failures. A transmitter and receiver mechanism allow a user to remotely disable the provision of battery power to the driving circuitry, thereby offering battery power conservation, if the emeregency lamplight is not needed. Likewise, a photo-sensing mechanism disables the provision of battery power to the driving circuitry, if there is sufficient ambient light.

Abstract: An AC operated glow lamp having a cathode electrode and a pair of anode electrodes driven from a capacitively ballasted autotransformer that provides phase inversion so as to enable a full wave rectification of the discharge current thus operating in a DC regime from an AC line. The double anode lamp and ballast circuitry provides for rapid lamp starting as well as continuous cathode heating during lamp operation.

Abstract: A negative glow discharge lamp, which includes a light transmitting envelope containing a noble gas film material and a pair of electrodes disposed in the envelope. Ballast capacitors are placed within the base of the lamp and preferably within a cavity formed within the wall of the base surrounding a necked-down portion of the envelope.

Abstract: A power supply for vacuum fluorescent displays has a source of a relatively high frequency signal which is provided to a power driver amplifier which is also supplied with a desired supply voltage. The output of the driver amplifier is a square-wave signal varying between approximately zero and the supply voltage; this signal is provided to the filament of the vacuum fluorescent display such that the filament is heated and is self-biased at a DC level which is substantially one-half the supply voltage level. Self-biasing a capacitor between the filament and ground, which also allows the RMS level of the voltage across the filament to be controlled by controlling the frequency of the output signal from the driver amplifier. The voltage may be regulated by comparing the RMS voltage across the filament with a reference and using the difference to control the frequency of oscillation of the source.

Abstract: A brilliance control circuit capable of automatically controlling the brilliance of fluorescent display tubes, comprising a lighting voltage regulating circuit incorporating a circuit element which decreases the lighting voltage when the current flowing through the fluorescent display tube increases, and increases the lighting voltage when the current decreases.

Abstract: An improvement in dual beam mode fluorescent lamps in which a capacitive ballast is provided integral with the lamp structure in the form of a cylindrical laminate of metal and insulator coaxial to the lamp's major axis.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp has an envelope tube forming a gas-tight enclosure about a pair of externally-energizable filaments which generate a plasma discharge for conversion to visible light; a keep-alive electrode is located adjacent to at least one filament. A dimming control circuit individually externally energizes each keep-alive electrode to generate an auxiliary discharge, between that keep-alive electrode and the adjacent filament, at a magnitude sufficient to maintain the adjacent filament in the spot mode of operation even if the main plasma discharge current is varied over a range sufficient to change the visible light output of the lamp over at least a 10:1 range.

Abstract: A drive circuit for a fluorescent display tube used for displaying numerals, characters, and so on, which circuit includes a plurality of drivers for switching the potential of segments and/or grids of the fluorescent display tube. Part or all of the drivers each has a plurality of transistor elements whose drive timings differ from each other, thereby decreasing the transition speed of the output signals of the drivers and preventing the drivers from being destroyed by excessive voltage caused by the switching operation thereof.

Abstract: An electric discharge apparatus, for example a gas laser or discharge lamp, includes first and second electrodes defining a first discharge path and third and fourth electrodes defining a second discharge path alongside the first. A respective impedance is associated with any electrical connection between electrodes. The electrodes are electrically arranged such that either the current flow of a discharge along the first path is so different from the current flow of a discharge along the second path that, overall, the discharges repel one another, or stable electric discharges which coalesce are generated between respective electrodes of the first and second sets.A multi-electrode plasma torch is also provided comprising an electrode holder from which a plurality of electrodes project and a pilot electrode common to more than one of the electrodes.

Abstract: A fluorescent light source and power supply adapted therefore in which a set of three D.C. mercury discharge paths are provided adjacent each other in a single tubular envelope. A cathode is provided at the base end of each path and a single anode at the other end. The three discharge paths are isolated longitudially extended semi-circular glass insulator partitions. The power supply provides D.C. voltage across the anode and cathodes and a switching circuit which transfers energy from a transformer during portions of the switching cycle to efficiently power the tube.

Abstract: The lamp shown herein is a beam mode fluorescent lamp for general lighting applications. The lamp comprises a light transmitting envelope, having a phosphor coating on its inner surface, enclosing a thermionic cathode for emitting electrons, a pair of anodes for accelerating the electrons and forming electron beams, and a fill material, such as mercury, which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation. The two anode configuration provides an extended region of electron beam excitation. In addition, a separate cathode heater filament is not required due to the anode configuration. As a result this lamp is operated with a single power source and only two conductors connecting the power source to the electrodes. This invention further provides a high degree of self-stabilization of discharge current by means of the twin parallel anode configuration.

Abstract: The lamp shown herein is a beam mode fluorescent lamp for general lighting applications. The lamp comprises a light transmitting envelope, having a phosphor coating in its inner surface, the envelope encloses a thermionic cathode having a number of segments for emitting electrons, a plurality of anodes for accelerating the electrons and forming a corresponding number of electron beams simultaneously in two directions, and a fill material, such as mercury, which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation. The multi-electrode array configuration provides an extended region of electron beam excitation and thereby more visible light. A single power source and pair of connecting conductors provide both cathode heating current and electrode potential difference functions. In addition, this configuration provides for a greater and more complete discharge of the volume within the envelope than single electrode elements.

Abstract: The lamp shown herein is a beam mode fluorescent lamp for general lighting applications. The lamp comprises a light transmitting envelope, having a phosphor coating on its inner surface, enclosing a single electrode including a thermionic cathode for emitting electrons and an integral anode for accelerating the electrons and forming an electron beam, and a fill material, such as mercury, which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation. The electrode configuration provides for use of a single power source and minimal number of power leads. In addition, a separate cathode heater filament is not required.

Abstract: A low pressure metal vapor discharge lamp has a double-tube type discharge vessel consisting of a fully closed outer glass bulb and an inner glass tube substantially coaxially disposed in the outer glass bulb, the inner glass tube being closed at its fixed end and opened at its free end. The space within the discharge vessel is filled with a small amount of a metal and a rare gas of a low pressure. A single cathode is disposed within the space inside the inner glass tube, while a plurality of anodes are disposed in the annular space between the inner glass tube and the outer glass bulb. According to the invention, a number of discharge channels corresponding to that of the anodes are formed between the single cathode and respective anodes, via the opening end brim of the inner glass tube. In operation, anode oscillations take place alternately in respective anodes to cause a self-excitation switching operation, so that a plurality of plasmas are formed.

Abstract: A low pressure metal vapor discharge lamp has a double-tube type discharge vessel consisting of a fully closed outer glass bulb and an inner glass tube substantially coaxially disposed in the outer glass bulb, the inner glass tube being closed at its fixed end and opened at its free end. The space within the discharge vessel is filled with a small amount of a metal and a rare gas of a low pressure. A single cathode is disposed within the space inside the inner glass tube, while a plurality of anodes are disposed in the annular space between the inner glass tube and the outer glass bulb. According to the invention, a number of discharge channels corresponding to that of the anodes are formed between the single cathode and respective anodes, via the opening end brim of the inner glass tube. In operation, anode oscillations take place alternately in respective anodes to cause a self-excitation switching operation, so that a plurality of plasmas are formed.

Abstract: The light producing efficiency of gas filled electrical discharge tubes is improved by applying a high voltage narrow pulsed ionizing potential across the electrodes of the tube and eliminating, through removal and/or neutralization, gas ions between the electrodes.

Abstract: A device for operating a low-pressure sodium vapor discharge lamp without a ballast. The electrode voltage drop near a main electrode of the sodium lamp is influenced by a change in the pre-heating current of that electrode and/or a change in the effective area of the electrode. The changed electrode voltage drop thus obtained provides a mechanism whereby any changes in the lamp current are opposed so as to produce ballast-free lamp operation.

Abstract: A method for improving the light producing efficiency of gas filled electrical discharge tubes wherein a high voltage narrow pulsed ionizing potential is applied across the electrodes of the tube along with a relatively low bias potential.

Abstract: An ion source includes apparatus that defines a region in which a supply of ions are produced. An apertured grid is disposed at one end of the region. A potential difference is impressed between the grid and the region so as to accelerate ions out of the region through the grid as a plurality of beamlets, the grid serving to focus those beamlets. To cyclically vary the degree of focus of the beamlets, the system as embodied further includes an arrangement for alternating a potential on the grid relative to a potential elsewhere in the ion source and to which the ions are subjected.