Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement which is used to operate a low pressure discharge lamp (EL), wherein the discharge lamp receives power. Said circuit arrangement is embodied in such a manner that power-determination components (C2a, L2a) of the circuit arrangement are embodied in a temperature-dependent manner such that the power consumption of the lamp is limited when the temperature rises. Capacitors (C2a) and throttles (L2a) can be embodied in a temperature-dependent manner in a control circuit (AS) of the circuit arrangement.

Abstract: An illuminated control for a gas range or the like provides arcuate reflective chambers capped by diffusers to create a substantially continuous glowing circular sector indicating the status of a possibly low visibility gas flames. Line power may be used for direct drive of light emitting diodes illuminating the reflective chambers through the use of discrete series-connected voltage dropping resistors distributed to prevent heat concentration.

Abstract: A method of detecting a leak in an outer jacket of a metal halide lamp having an arc tube inside the outer jacket and operated by a ballast, where the ballast monitors an electrical characteristic of the lamp during start and detects a leak in the outer jacket when the electrical characteristic deviates from that of a corresponding metal halide lamp whose outer jacket does not have a leak. The electrical characteristic is one of six markers, namely (1) V?(E) at a predetermined E, where V?(E) is a derivative of lamp voltage V as a function of cumulative energy E delivered to the ballast since ignition, (2) a value of E at which V?(E) reaches a maximum, (3) V at a predetermined E, (4) a local maximum of V?(E) up to a predetermined E, (5) a global maximum of V?(E), and (6) E required to achieve a predetermined V.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing leakage of a material inside a bulb for a plasma lighting system comprises a bulb containing a discharge material therein for emitting light as the discharge material becomes a plasma state by an electric field, and a magnetic field forming portion for preventing the discharge material of a plasma state from being leaked by an external electric field of the bulb by forming a magnetic field at a peripheral portion of the bulb. The discharge material is prevented from being leaked out of the bulb even if the bulb is used for a long time, and thus a lifespan of the bulb is prolonged.

Abstract: A discharge lamp ballast apparatus has a reflecting mirror 2 and a power source circuit 5. The reflecting mirror 2 is disposed around a discharge light bulb 1 in such a manner as to cast light from the discharge light bulb 1 in one direction. The power source circuit 5 applies a start pulse of a negative potential with respect to the potential of the reflecting mirror 2 to an electrode 6 located at a side with the higher electric field concentration produced between electrodes 6 and 7 to which a high voltage of the start pulse is applied. This makes it possible to produce a dielectric breakdown near the electrode 6, and makes it easier to start the discharge light bulb 1.

Abstract: An illumination assembly comprises a base and at least one illumination cell. The base comprises a supply circuit for supplying an external power after connecting to a power source. The illumination cell is optionally connected to the base or removed from thereof, and includes a power storage unit stored with a storage power, a discharging circuit, and a charging circuit, wherein the power storage unit is electrically connected to the discharging circuit and the charging circuit. When the illumination cell is removed from the base, the storage power released from the power storage unit drives the illumination cell projecting an illumination light beam via the discharging circuit. When the illumination cell is assembled to the base, the supply circuit is electrically connected to the discharging circuit and the charging circuit respectively, so that the external power can drive the illumination cell projecting the illumination light beam and charge the power storage unit simultaneously.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for delivering power to a dynamic load. The system includes a power supply providing DC power having a substantially constant power open loop response, a power amplifier for converting the DC power to RF power, a sensor for measuring voltage, current and phase angle between voltage and current vectors associated with the RF power, an electrically controllable impedance matching system to modify the impedance of the power amplifier to at least a substantially matched impedance of a dynamic load, and a controller for controlling the electrically controllable impedance matching system. The system further includes a sensor calibration measuring module for determining power delivered by the power amplifier, an electronic matching system calibration module for determining power delivered to a dynamic load, and a power dissipation module for calculating power dissipated in the electrically controllable impedance matching system.

Abstract: A lamp, a method of driving the lamp, a backlight assembly having the lamp, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) device having the backlight assembly are disclosed. The lamp includes a tube that contains gas and first through fourth electrodes. The first and second electrodes are disposed in the tube adjacent to first and second ends of the tube. The third and fourth electrodes are disposed at the first and second ends of the tube. Voltages applied to the electrodes are sufficient for light to be emitted throughout the lamp. The first and second voltages, third and fourth voltages, first and third voltages, and second and fourth voltages have different polarities while the first and fourth voltages and the second and third voltages have the same polarity.

Abstract: A power line warning light apparatus is installed on power lines (electric power transmission lines), and uses the electro-magnetic coupled power from the power line to generate a periodical flashing light as a warning signal to the nearby flying vehicles to prevent collisions.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a visual lightning effect includes a first chamber and a second chamber, where a passageway connects the first chamber and the second chamber. An inert gas is provided within the first chamber, the second chamber, and the passageway. A first contact is located external to the first chamber; and a second contact is located external to the second chamber, wherein an electrode provides a charge to the second contact, wherein the charge causes an electrical discharge between the second contact and the first contact via channels provided by fill material located within the second chamber that traverses the passageway to the first chamber, thereby resulting in the brilliant visual lightning effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fast-working residual display suppression circuit for LCD and a method thereto. The method includes the following steps: receiving a control signal; if the control signal is an automatic control signal, comparing a first reference voltage with a fixed difference to a supply voltage to a second reference voltage according to an externally input start signal; as the first reference voltage≦the second reference voltage, outputting an activating signal to an LCD power controller and a fast discharge circuit; if the control signal is a manual control signal, directly outputting the activating signal in order to drive the LCD power controller and the fast discharge circuit and cutting off the power supply to the fast discharge circuit by the LCD power controller according to the activating signal and combining two discharge paths of the fast discharge circuit to produce an optimal discharge path to speed up the discharge rate.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge (HID) lamp includes a starting gas, a vaporizable fill, and only one electrode sealed within a light transmissive envelope. The one electrode produces a high intensity discharge during operation of the lamp and is connected to an inlead that extends outside the sealed envelope. A ground for electric field lines emanating from the electrode during operation of the lamp is outside the envelope. The ground may be a reflector for the lamp that has an electrically conductive surface. The high intensity discharge is initiated by applying high frequency power to the inlead.

Abstract: A display device has row (5) and column (6) electrodes and a movable element (3) and means (17) for supplying voltages to the electrodes. The means supply, in operation, such voltages to the electrodes that use is made of the memory effect of the movable element. More in particular, the electrodes are, in operation, supplied with “on”, “off” and “hold” voltages. Simultaneous application of “on” voltages turns a pixel on, simultaneous application of “off” voltages turns a pixel off. Application of a “hold” voltage on either of the electrodes preserves the state of the pixel.

Abstract: A unit and method for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an apparatus and specifically for remotely monitoring and/or controlling street lamps. The lamp monitoring and control unit comprises a processing and sensing unit for sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp, and for processing the lamp parameter to monitor and control the associated lamp by outputting monitoring data and control information, and a transmit unit for transmitting the monitoring data, representing the at least one lamp parameter, from the processing and sensing unit. The method for monitoring and controlling a lamp comprises the steps of: sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp; processing the at least one lamp parameter to produce monitoring data and control information; transmitting the monitoring data; and applying the control information.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the discharge lamp an additional transparent body (21) is disposed along the optical axis (10) in a second end (16) of the bulb (2). In the area of the second end (16) outside of the lamp bulb (2) an additional radiation source (configured as a thermal radiator (22) is provided, whose radiation passes through the transparent body (21) into the bulb (2), both the radiation produced by the plasma and the radiation of the thermal radiator being carried out through the first transparent body (20) configured as a condenser lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure discharge lamp, in particular a metal halide high-pressure discharge lamp, and a method for operating this lamp with the aid of a square-wave alternating current. According to the invention, the electrodes (2) of the lamp are dimensioned such that during operation of the lamp with its prescribed nominal power and with a substantially square-wave alternating current the product of the current density in the electrodes (2) and the cube root of the root mean square value of the alternating current has a constant value of between 5 A4/3mm−2 and 10 A4/3mm−2 during the stable operating state of the high-pressure discharge lamp after termination of the ignition phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas discharge lamp for dielectrically impeded discharges, which gas discharge lamp is provided with a discharge vessel filled with a gas filling, which discharge vessel comprises at least a wall of a dielectric material and at least a wall having a surface which is at least partly transparent to visible radiation and coated with a phosphor layer, which phosphor layer comprises a phosphor having a host lattice, Eu2+ as the activator and a doping D selected from the group formed by Ce3+, Pr3+ and Tb3+, and provided with an electrode structure for a dielectrically impeded discharge and means for igniting and maintaining the discharge. The invention also relates to a phosphor comprising a host lattice, Eu2+ as the activator and a doping D selected from the group formed by Ce3+, Pr3+ and Tb3+.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp having electrical conduits on the outer surface of the gas discharge vessel. Electrical power is supplied to one end of the fluorescent tube, via a ballast assembly which is connected to a first electrode in the tube. The electrical conduits on the outer surface of the tube carry power to the electrode at the other end of the tube, thus eliminating the need for wiring within the tube mounting assembly.

Abstract: A metal halide lamp intended to be operated on an electronic ballast includes a discharge vessel having a ceramic wall enclosing a discharge space which contains an ionizable filling comprising, in addition to Hg, a quantity of Na halide. Two electrodes have tips arranged at a mutual distance EA, the discharge vessel having an internal diameter Di at least through the distance EA, wherein EA/Di≧2.5, while the lamp has a nominal lamp voltage Vla of ≧110 V.

Abstract: A neon gas discharge lamp is provided which produces an acceptable amber color emission for automotive applications. The red emission from the neon discharge when the lamp is operated in a pulsed mode is combined with a green emission from a substituted Y.sub.3 Al.sub.15 O.sub.12 :Ce phosphor coated on the interior surface of the lamp. The resulting amber emission meets both SAE and ECE amber color requirements. In particular, phosphor has the general formula:Y.sub.3-(a+b+c) Ce.sub.a M.sub.b V.sub.c Al.sub.5 O.sub.12where M is Gd or La;V are lattice vacanies;0.01.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.0.08;0.60.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.2.4; and0.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.0.1.

Abstract: Upon generating arc discharge by inputting electric power which changes at a predetermined frequency to the discharge lamp horizontally disposed so as to operate the discharge lamp, the predetermined frequency is a frequency such that the arc discharge is excited substantially in a linear shape by acoustic resonance; and a value of the electric power to be input to the discharge lamp is set so that an input power value per unit inner volume of an arc tube of the discharge lamp falls within a predetermined range which is determined depending on a shape of the arc tube, thereby suppressing a strip-shaped adhesion of a sealed material of the arc tube to a tube wall in the vicinity of a center portion of the arc tube.

Abstract: A discharge-lamp lighting device has a housing with a power supply socket formed therein and accommodating a printed circuit board with a coil case having a primary coil formed by plural parallel plate-conductors insert-molded around the body thereof and a discharge lamp socket integrally fitted thereon and including a secondary coil therein. A lamp lighting circuit is formed by mounting the coil case on the printed circuit board. The discharge lamp lighting device is formed as a single solid device by potting all the components in the housing with insulating resin poured in a melted state and solidified therein, thus eliminating the need of providing a high-voltage cable between the circuitry and the lamp socket.

Abstract: A geometry for a spark switch includes an inner electrode surrounded by an outer electrode. The placement of the inner electrode within the outer electrode substantially increases the exposed overlapping surface area of the electrodes. The increase in surface area of the electrodes results in a proportional increase in the operational life of the switch. The design of the spark switch also causes the outer electrode to shield a surrounding insulation layer against debris that would otherwise contaminate an insulation layer.

Abstract: A switch for switching large currents and large charges includes an anode separated from a cathode with a cylindrical trigger electrode located around the anode and the gap. The cathode is of a metal such as zinc, cadmium, tin or magnesium. During operation, a suitable potential applied to the trigger electrode causes a main discharge to occur between the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: An AC plasma panel display includes front and back panels that respectively support a first parallel electrode pattern and a second orthogonally oriented, parallel electrode pattern. The electrode patterns define a display area and both patterns are covered by dielectric layers. A dischargeable gas is positioned between the dielectric layers in the known manner. Driver circuitry is coupled to both electrode patterns for creating a spatially continuous gas discharge along at least one continuous electrode of one electrode pattern and across the entire display area. The driver circuitry scans the spatially continuous gas discharge across remaining parallel electrodes of the one electrode pattern so as to scan the entire display area. A further electrode is in DC conductive communication with the gas and is positioned outside of the display area but in contact with the spatially continuous gas discharge during its scanning action.

Abstract: Coating phosphor (typically particles) with a thin layer of Si, Ti, Al, Zr, In or Sn-containing material can result in significantly improved lifetime of the phosphor. A preferred coating technique involves exposing the phosphor to an alkoxide (e.g., TEOS) solution having ph>7, preferably >9 or 10.

Abstract: A lighting unit includes a discharge vessel having a wall provided with a first luminescent layer, a gas fill consisting essentially of neon at a pressure less than 30 mbar, and a means for providing a constant DC current for exciting the fill in the discharge vessel to emit UV light for exciting the luminescent layer. DC operation offers substantially higher luminous flux over AC operation. The lighting unit may further include a housing having a reflective surface, a second luminescent layer, and a filter incorporated within the discharge vessel.

Abstract: Low voltage discharge lamp assembly which has a plug-in base and, in some embodiments, includes a power supply as an integral part of the assembly. The electrode leads pass through a base cap to form contact pins for engagement with a socket. By controlling the orientation of the pins relative to the electrodes and discharge path within the lamp, the lamp is easily removed and replaced without disturbing the direction and focusing of the light it produces.

Abstract: A low-pressure discharge lamp, in particular a deuterium lamp, including a cylindrically symmetric partition unit which forms two hollow spaces at each of the sides of the discharge lamp. Both hollow spaces are connected through an opening in the partition unit, which confines the plasma generated by a high-frequency electromagnetic field to pass through the opening to increase the intensity of the emitted radiation. Both sides of the cylindrically symmetric partition unit are provided with a hermetic seal, at least one of which sides is a radiation emission window. The generation of the electromagnetic field takes place capacitatively through electrodes located on the sides of the discharge lamp. At least one of the electrodes is disposed on the radiation emission exit window and has an opening for the radiation to exit.

Abstract: A low-pressure discharge lamp, in particular a deuterium lamp, includes a lamp envelope in which a plasma for generating UV radiation is formed by the capacitative generation of a high-frequency electromagnetic field. At least two partitions having openings are provided, wherein the openings are disposed on a common optical axis. The openings serve to constrict the plasma contained within the discharge vessel, which provides a high radial intensity of the plasma with high radiation stability for directing radiation along the optical axis. The radiation exits through a radiation emission window which is pervious to UV rays or through two exit windows placed opposite each other along the optical axis. The discharge lamp is particularly suitable for analytic measuring tasks, for example, as a light source in spectrophotometers.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for improving systems that expose samples to reactive plasmas, and more particularly for igniting plasma within a process module. The systems are of the type which have an electrode pair and a radiofrequency generator connected to one electrode. Gas is injected between the electrodes where it is ionized and transformed into a plasma. The invention includes (i) ignition means for ionizing gas, e.g., silane, between electrodes which are separated by a small gap of less than approximately one centimeter; and (ii) a radiofrequency energy generator that preferably operates at high frequencies, e.g., 60 MHz, to transform molecules into plasma. Several embodiments of ignition means are taught by the invention, including: an electron source, an ultraviolet source, a second radiofrequency energy generator, and radioactive sources, among others.

Abstract: A hybrid emitter exploits the electric field created by a rapidly depoled ferroelectric material. Combining the emission properties of a planar thin film diamond emitter with a ferroelectric alleviates the present technological problems associated with both types of emitters and provides a robust, extremely long life, high current density cathode of the type required by emerging microwave power generation, accelerator technology and display applications. This new hybrid emitter is easy to fabricate and not susceptible to the same failures which plague microstructure field emitter technology. Local electrode geometries and electric field are determined independently from those for optimum transport and brightness preservation. Due to the large amount of surface charge created on the ferroelectric, the emitted electrons have significant energy, thus eliminating the requirement for specialized phosphors in emissive flat-panel displays.

Abstract: A nearly pure neon is described along with a method of operating the lamp. A phosphor is coated on the lamp wall. By properly stimulating the neon, ultraviolet light may be emitted, that can stimulate the phosphor to a first light emission. The lamp may then be operated to produce a visible light emission that is the result of neon emission or of intermediate combinations of the neon and phosphor emissions. A single neon lamp may then produce in one instance, an amber color, or in other instance, a red color without the cold environment problems typical of a mercury based lamp. The output efficiency is enhanced when the lamp is formed as an aperture lamp. The narrow source is also useful as a source in reflector and lens systems. High pressure neon lamps offer a small source size, direct color with no filtering, good tolerance of impact and jarring, moderate cost, and increased vehicle styling potential.

Abstract: A gas discharge image display is formed by disposing a plurality of fluorescent lamps 1 each comprising a glass bulb 2 within which a rare gas is sealed, one or more pairs of external electrodes 5a and 5b located on the outer wall of the glass bulb 2, and a fluorescent layer 3 formed on the inner wall of the container facing the external electrodes 5a and 5b. An alternating voltage pulse is applied between the paired external electrodes 5a and 5b by an X drive circuit 9 and a Y drive circuit 10 for discharge light emission, thereby displaying an image. The pressure and alternating voltage in the fluorescent lamp 1 are changed in response to the type of fluorescent material, thereby making near light emission and discharge characteristics of the discharge lamps which differ in electric characteristics.

Abstract: A luminous display device which includes a fused assembly of three flat members, behind the first of which a chamber partly defined by an opening in the second of said members is formed, a quantity of beads and an ionizable gas being disposed in said chamber, a source of high frequency voltage being connected to an electrode through an opening in the third of said members to form myriad discharge paths throughout said chamber.

Abstract: A discharge tube including a tubular vessel which is filled with gases, and including a first gas and second gas, the first and second gases being different in excitation level and luminous color from each other. A first electrode unit axially applies an electric field to the vessel to generate a positive column in the vessel. A second electrode unit applies an electric field to the vessel to generate a negative glow in an area, the area extending substantially along a wall surface of the vessel and confronting the positive column generated by the electric field applied by the first electrode.

Abstract: An improved power factor DC power supply in accordance with the present invention (100 or 200) employs a power factor correcting network ( 120), a full-wave rectifier means (122), a pair of filter capacitors (124 and 126 ) , and three current steering diodes (128, 130 and 132). The power factor correcting network ( 120) includes both an inductor means (136 and 240) and a capacitor (138), the combination configured to improve the power factor DC power supply (100 or 200) presents to the AC power-line (102) by reducing the level of harmonic currents the DC power supply generates on the AC power-line. The filter capacitors (124 and 126) are configured with the current steering diodes (128, 130 and 132) such that the filter capacitors are charged in series and discharged in parallel.

Abstract: An electrodeless low pressure discharge lamp, preferably filled with deuterium gas, is provided with a cylindrical envelope made from quartz glass and surrounded by a cylindrical excitation coil driven at between 10 and 800 MHz. Within the lamp envelope, there is provided a cylindrical aperture member made from boron nitride which in a radial direction extends to the inner surface of the envelope and which is provided with an uninterrupted coaxial channel for confining to a small diameter the plasma discharge arc generated during operation of the lamp, the aperture member having an optical axis extending through coaxially with its channel, the radiation emitting in a directed pattern along the optical axis.

Abstract: A high energy level electronic device is segregated into source diode and utilization diode portions, portions which may also be identified as cathode and main diode portions, respectively. The cathode diode portion is operated at a low voltage such that closure velocity effects therein although present, are minimized. A current of electrons, generated by in cathode diode plasma is fed to the second diode through an anode screen portion of the cathode diode. In this arrangement, since there are electrons, but no plasma cathode present in the main diode, no closing problem occurs therein. In this arrangement, therefore the cathode diode is effectively a source of current for the main diode and is operated at minimal voltage to enable the provision of current for a maximum length of time prior to closure effect terminations.

Abstract: A glass cylindrical or spherical double walled enclosure defines a containing envelope for containing an ionized gas discharge among dielectric pellets or beads. The double walls of the enclosure form a torus or hollow cylinder, sphere or other suitable shape and define an enclosed glass discharge area. The gas discharge area is formed by the double walls being filled with an ionizable gas. Electrodes are attached to ends of the enclosure and a constant current transformer is connected for supplying a high voltage sufficient to produce visible discharges in the gas discharge area. The center of the torus, or other suitable shape, is accessible to the outside and allows the application of an electrostatic grounding conductor of metal, or a conventional neon tube which acts as a double duty attracter and illuminator for the background of the display device. Traps are provided between the dielectric pellets and the electrodes to prevent the dielectric pellets from contacting the electrodes.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp system includes an AC supply for a chamber within which a plasma conductor is created to generate light. In order to confine charged particles within the chamber and to inhibit migration and loss thereof, a DC circuit taps power from the AC supply and produces a DC potential which is applied to relatively large-surface components in the vicinity of the plasma chamber. Properly polarized, the large-surface components, such as a reflector and a conductive housing, refractor or door, produces electric fields which inhibit migration of the charged particles. The result is improved color and light output as well as increased lamp life.

Abstract: A cold-cathode fluorescent discharge tube has a pair of electrodes for performing discharge between the electrodes in response to the application of a voltage therebetween. The fluorescent discharge tube of the invention includes an auxiliary electrode provided in the vicinity of one of the pair of electrodes, and a unit for applying the voltage between the pair of electrodes and between the auxiliary electrode and the one of the electrodes. With the auxiliary electrode, a discharge is firstly started between the auxiliary electrode and the one of the electrodes in response to the application of the voltage between the pair of electrodes. Thereafter, a discharge is started between the pair of electrodes. Thus, the start discharge is generated in the discharge tube in a relatively short period of time even if the discharge tube is set in the off state for a long time, particularly in the dark at a low temperature.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp system includes an AC supply for a chamber within which a plasma conductor is created to generate light. In order to control the concentrations of charged particles within the chamber and to influence migration thereof, a DC circuit taps power from the AC supply and produces a DC potential which is applied to relatively large-surface components in the vicinity of the plasma chamber. Properly polarized, the large-surface components, such as a reflector and a conductive housing, refractor or door, produces electric fields which either inhibit or encourage migration of the charged particles.

Abstract: A compact screw-in fluorescent lamp is mounted on an ordinary Edison-type screw-base. An inverter-type ballast is integrally included with the base, thereby making the fluorescent lamp capable of being screwed into an ordinary lamp socket and to be powered therefrom by ordinary power line voltage. The fluorescent lamp is folded and has a narrowed section of glass. The inverter-type ballast, which includes a half-bridge self-oscillating inverter, is powered via a voltage doubler and powers the fluorescent lamp via an tuned L-C circuit. Light output can be adjusted by way of an adjustment means functional to adjust the inverter frequency, thereby correspondingly to adjust the magnitude of the lamp current.

Abstract: An electronic device that provides a multiplicity of electronic circuit functions within a single device package by utilizing a plurality of field emission devices wherein at least some of the field emission devices are employed to perform more than a single circuit function.

Abstract: A filament-free lamp tube having no filament while still achieving illuminating effect, comprising an electronic circuit, wherein AC power is rectified, filtered, oscillated and amplified to generate a high frequency which is directly input to two ends or positive/negative ends of the lamp tube so that electrons of the mercury vapor inside the lamp tube are energized to collide with the fluorescent wall of the lamp tube so as to emit light.

Abstract: A gas-discharge switch contains at least two main electrodes for a low-pressure gas discharge. A distance d between the main electrodes and the pressure p of a working gas are selected so as to allow the igniting voltage to diminish with a rising product p.times.d. According to the present invention, a hollow electrode, which is connected to a trigger voltage source, is allocated to the discharge gap. The main electrode facing the hollow electrode is provided with a central opening. Between this opening and the hollow electrode, a baffle plate for the ion current flow of the low-pressure gas discharge is configured with a pre-set clearance from the surface of the main electrode.

Abstract: A gas-discharge switch for a low-pressure gas discharge contains at least two main electrodes. A distance d between the main electrodes and the pressure p of a working gas are selected so as to allow the igniting voltage to diminish with a rising product p.times.d. A hollow electrode, which is connected to a trigger voltage source, is allocated to the discharge gap. This hollow electrode is connected via an an anode resistor to the anode. Preferably, the hollow electrode can be additionally connected via a resistor to the cathode. With this refinement of the firing device, one achieves a pre-ionization inside the hollow electrode and a corresponding simplification of the firing device.

Abstract: A high tension cable device according to the present invention for use with an ignition system having a discharge tube for forming a series gap therein in an automobile engine or the like can eliminate a so-called creeping discharge which is likely to occur along the external peripheral surface of the discharge tube, and the above cable device comprises; a cylindrical casing having a connecting terminal therein in a firmly engaged formed at one end thereof, which connecting terminal being engageable with a terminal of an ignition plug of an engine side; an auxiliary functional section composed of one or a plurality of auxiliary functional parts such as the discharge tube which are fixedly inserted into said cylindrical casing, wherein the front end of the auxiliary section is connected to the rear end of the connecting terminal, and the rear end thereof is connected to a terminal of a high tension cable side, characterized in that the cylindrical casing is formed by an electrically insulating rigid material a

Abstract: The electric lamp has a light source and an integral assembly of a lamp cap shell and a printed circuit board rigidly connected to said shell. A housing is formed of synthetic material in which said circuit board and an end portion of said light source are embedded. The synthetic material extends through an aperture in said shell, forming an insulative base portion. The electric lamp is of simple construction that allows for easy manufacture.