Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure discharge lamp provided with a discharge vessel which is enclosed with intervening space by an outer bulb fitted with a lamp cap. The lamp is provided with an ignition circuit in which a fuse is included, which is placed in an oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp having a thick film resistor comprising a plurality of resistive elements. A first resistive element is included in a starting circuit for the lamp and a second resistive element is in series with the arc tube during lamp operation for flicker elimination. The integral thick film resistor facilitates mounting and connection of the resistor elements within the lamp envelope. Favorably, the resistor substrate has a surface emissivity of greater than about 0.5, and preferably greater than about 0.9, to provide sufficient radiation cooling within an evacuated outer lamp envelope to prevent resistor failure while keeping the size of the resistor small enough for use as a component in an HID lamp. Additionally, a suitable coating of low vapor pressure thickness covers the solder connecting the metallic resistor terminals to the substrate to prevent evaporation of the solder and its deposition on the inner surface of the outer lamp envelope.

Abstract: A glow discharge lamp includes a sealed lamp envelope containing a noble gas and mercury, a cathode and an anode disposed in the lamp envelope and an incandescent filament for emitting visible light for illumination immediately upon application of power and for emitting little or no visible light after a glow discharge is formed between the cathode and the anode. The filament, the cathode and the anode are electrically connected in series. The lamp envelope typically includes a phosphor coating for emission of visible light upon absorption of ultraviolet radiation from the glow discharge. An optional switch can be used for disconnecting the filament during steady state operation of the glow discharge lamp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure discharge lamp provided with a discharge vessel enclosed with intervening space by an outer bulb. An ignition circuit includes a voltage-dependent capacitor. According to the invention, the capacitor is mounted in a gas-filled glass capsule in the outer bulb.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp having a multi-U-bent tubular envelope of convoluted configuration is combined with circuit means, a translucent protective cover and a base module to provide an efficient lamp unit of high brightness and long life that is compact enough to be used as a replacement for incandescent lamps in fixtures designed for residential and commerical lighting installations. Various spatial arrangements for including the ballast and starter components of the energizing circuit as integral parts of the compact lamp unit, despite the stringent space limitations, and also venting the cover and base module to provide convection cooling of the convoluted fluorescent lamp and the other electrical components are also disclosed. Tubulations provided on U-bent portions of the lamp envelope serve as phosphor-drainage means during lamp manufacture and are subsequently tipped off to form mercury-condensation chambers within the finished lamp that regulate the mercury-vapor pressure during lamp operation.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp having a plurality of discharge device, and a starting aid for preferentially starting one of the discharge devices. Upon initial application of power to the lamp the preferentially started discharge device will start first, and the other discharge devices will not start. A power interruption during lamp operation will cause an interruption in the operation of the discharge device started first, upon reapplication of lamp power one of the other discharge devices that had not been operating will start without a hot restart delay.

Abstract: To provide for pre-heating of low-power small metal halide high-pressure charge lamps (1), at least one of the electrodes (16) is formed as a heater wire by introducing a thin tungsten wire, in V shape, into one end of the elongated bulb (2), and carrying out each one of the legs of the V, separately, and electrically insulated within an end press seal (4) by parallel foils (10, 11) externally of the bulb. Continuous heater current is caused to flow through the V-shaped wire electrode, thus heating the discharge vessel, to complete vaporization of the fill. To start the lamp, the two legs of the V, of the heater electrode, are connected in parallel and across the lamp operating voltage and then a high-voltage pulse is applied between the V-shaped heater electrodes, for example between one or both of the external conductors and the other electrode (9). Light output, upon starting, is substantially accelerated from a lamp of this type with respect to non-preheated lamps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure discharge lamp comprising an outer bulb accommodating a first and a second discharge vessel, these discharge vessels being connected electrically in series. According to the invention, the second discharge vessel is electrically shunted by a bimetal switch which is closed at a temperature of at least 300 K. The lamp thus starts in two steps, which facilitates the starting process and renders it more reliable.

Abstract: A high vacuum sodium vapor lamp whose discharge tube is surrounded by a heating coil connected in series with a switch opening to interrupt the heating after the lapse of a heating period sufficient to allow breakdown of the tube, is also provided with overvoltage protection and especially an element located in the lamp base, for limiting the autoinductive voltage poles to a level sufficient for breakdown of the tube but insufficient to allow breakdown between the terminals of the lamp.

Abstract: A starter circuit for metal halide discharge lamps in which a pair of spiral line generators are coupled between the source of lamp operating power and the electrodes of the high intensity discharge lamp. The spiral line generators are connected across the electrodes, in accordance with the invention, in a manner such that the high voltage short duration pulses from the spiral line generators are substantially additive across the discharge lamp electrodes, thus, in effect, substantially doubling the breakdown voltage available across the discharge lamp electrodes.

Abstract: In a high pressure discharge lamp device provided with an inductive stabilizer and a starting circuit consisting of a serial circuit of a resistor and a bimetal switch, a pulse waveform conversion circuit is arranged therein to reduce the pulse peak of the starting voltage and also broaden the pulse width of the starting voltage. The pulse waveform conversion circuit comprises a serial circuit of a resistor and a switching element, such as micro-gap element, which operates at a voltage lower than the starting voltage of the discharge lamp but higher than the secondary load-free voltage of the stabilizer.

Abstract: A lighting system having a high pressure gas discharge light source and an incandescent light source within a common sealed and evacuated bulb. A ballast unit fitted externally to the neck of the bulb includes in series with the incandescent light source an interrupter element and control circuitry therefor, and a choke coil in series with the gas discharge light source.The control circuitry represents an equivalence logic with two variables, wherein the output terminal of an equivalence circuit is connected to the control input of the interrupter element while its input terminal is connected to a voltage divider system connected across the gas discharge light source. The output terminal is energized only if either both or neither of the input terminals of the equivalence circuit are energized. The interrupter element is closed when the output terminal of the equivalence circuit is energized.

Abstract: A dimmer for a fluorescent lamp comprising a ballast inductor and an impedance adjuster for connecting impedances of various values between a power source and one of the lamp filaments, the other lamp filament being connected through a starting switch to the one lamp filament and to the power source. The value of each impedance connected is such that it will allow a current sufficient to start the lamp to pass therethrough. A circuit is provided for increasing the impedance between the inductor and the lamp, upon starting of the lamp, to reduce the current from a level sufficient to start the lamp to a level below the minimum required to start the lamp but above the minimum required to maintain the lamp emission once started, whereby a reduced light intensity level is produced. In another embodiment the ballast inductor has an impedance such as would draw, during starting, a current greater than the maximum rated current capacity of the lamp filaments.

Abstract: In a metal vapor discharge lamp for operating it by high voltage generated in the actuation of a heat sensitive switch means in an outer bulb, a relatively low pressure of a sealed gas or mercury is sealed in the outer bulb to operate the heat sensitive switch means in the gas atmosphere to control the surge voltage to a desired degree whereby the discharge lamp is operated without failure and the insulation breakdown of a ballast and an operation circuit is prevented.

Abstract: An improved high pressure sodium vapor lamp is described having resistance heater means contained within a tubular light-transmitting ceramic envelope that further contains a reservoir of sodium-mercury amalgam in excess of the quantity vaporized during lamp operation and which are supplied by electric current other than the lamp current responsive to a rise in the lamp operating voltage to reduce the quantity of amalgam being vaporized during lamp operation to help maintain said lamp operation at a relatively constant voltage. In a preferred embodiment, said resistance heater means comprises a refractory metal coil wound around the tungsten shank at one thermionic electrode and electrically insulated therefrom, with said thermionic electrode including a tubular metal inlead serving as the amalgam reservoir, and with the electric current being supplied at a lower value to said refractory metal coil than being supplied to said thermionic electrode.

Abstract: An improved high pressure sodium vapor lamp is described having resistance heater means contained within a tubular light-transmitting ceramic envelope that further contains a reservoir of sodium-mercury amalgam in excess of the quantity vaporized during lamp operation in order to heat the ceramic envelope before lamp starting and thereby reduce the starting voltage requirements. In the preferred embodiment, said resistance heater means comprises a refractory metal coil wound around the tungsten shank of one thermionic electrode and electrically insulated therefrom and which is supplied with lower current than is subsequently applied to said electrodes for the lamp operation.

Abstract: To prolong the life of a deuterium gas discharge lamp and reduce photometric noise, a DC potential is applied between the cathode and the anode of the lamp to support the arc current through the tube and a separate AC potential is connected across the cathode through an AC amplitude control circuit that controls the amplitude of the AC current. While the cathode is at room temperature, a potential proportional to the AC current through the cathode is balanced against a potential proportional to the AC potential drop across the cathode in an operational amplifier circuit and the output used to operate an indicating device. During operation of the lamp, the output of the operational amplifier circuit is used to control power applied to the cathode through the AC amplitude control circuit.

Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp in which the restriking voltage and time are significantly decreased. A pair of electrodes are sealably disposed in a tube containing an appropriate amount of mercury. Means is provided for heating at least one of the electrodes for starting the lamp if it has been recently turned off and the mercury vapor pressure inside the tube is high. The heating means is preferably a filament made of a thermally stable material. One terminal of the filament may be connected to one of the electrodes.

Abstract: A lighting unit is described utilizing an energy efficient metal vapor arc lamp as the main source of light supplemented by a standby filamentary light source producing light when the arc lamp is being started. The lighting unit is designed as a more efficient replacement for the incandescent lamp. The lighting unit includes means for conversion of 60 hertz ac to dc, and a dc energized operating network, including a ferrite transformer and an intermittently operated switching transistor serially connected with a load consisting of the filament or the arc lamp, or both, to which regulated output power is provided. The operating network produces an output with minimum dissipation adapted to each operating state of the arc lamp, including the provision of a high ignition potential, adequate power for the lamp during the glow to arc transition, warm-up and ballasting. In addition, while the arc lamp is being started, the operating network provides power for lighting the standby filament.

Abstract: A discharge lamp comprises an arc tube for high pressure discharge and a discharge gap for discharging until restarting the arc tube. The discharge gap being electrically connected in parallel to the arc tube in an outer bulb. A normally opened temperature responsive switch means is connected in series to the discharge gap and a series of the discharge gap and the temperature responsive switch means is connected in parallel to the arc tube.

Abstract: A circuit for starting and operating a low wattage high intensity discharge lamp from a source of AC line voltage. The circuit includes a glow starter device having a first terminal connected to a first bimetal, a second terminal connected to a second bimetal, and third terminal connected to a rigid conductive member, the bimetals being electrically connected together at one end which makes a normally closed contact with the rigid member in the quiescent state of the device. A choke coil and a capacitor are series connected in that order between one of the AC input terminals and the second terminal of the starter device, and a second AC input terminal is connected to the third terminal of the starter. The first and third terminals of the starter device are connected across the discharge lamp terminals.

Abstract: A lighting unit is described utilizing an energy efficient metal vapor arc lamp as the main source of light supplemented by a standby filamentary light source producing light when the arc lamp is being started, the filament thereof serving as a resistive ballast for the arc lamp under normal operation. The lighting unit is designed as a more efficient replacement for the incandescent lamp. The lighting unit includes a rectifier for conversion of 60 hertz ac to dc, and a dc energized operating network, including a ferrite transformer and a transistor switch. The operating network produces an output adapted to each operating state of the arc lamp, including the provision of a high ignition potential, a power boost for the lamp during the glow to arc transition, warm-up and ballasting provisions, and means for sustaining the arc during transients which reduce the line voltage.

Abstract: A metal vapor discharge lamp comprises main electrodes and an auxiliary electrode in an arc tube to initiate the discharge between the main electrode and the auxiliary electrode at the initiation of the operation and then to result the discharge between the main electrodes by disconnection of the auxiliary electrode by a bimetallic switch means. A second bimetallic switch means which delays the operation from that of the first bimetal, is connected in series to the first bimetallic switch means so as to discharge in a circuit formed in an outer bulb to break a part of the circuit and to prevent a ballast from overheating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge lamp which has a discharge vessel provided with an external auxiliary electrode. The lamp also has a bimetal which in the inoperative condition of the lamp causes the external auxiliary electrode to bear against the discharge vessel. According to the invention the auxiliary electrode is connected to an end of only one bimetallic strip and in the operating condition of the lamp the auxiliary electrode is remote for the greater part from the discharge vessel due to the action of the bimetal. Combined with an operating condition of the lamp in which no hindrance is experienced from the auxiliary electrode.

Abstract: A discharge lamp comprises a high pressure arc tube for high pressure and a low pressure arc tube for low pressure which is electrically connected in parallel to said high pressure arc tube in an outer tube.A lighting equipment comprises a high pressure arc tube for high pressure discharge and a low pressure arc tube for low pressure which is electrically connected in parallel to said high pressure arc tube; and a high frequency lighting starter having 1 KHz to 100 KHz for starting the discharge of said high pressure arc tube.

Abstract: A light source including two high intensity discharge devices, such as metal vapor discharge tubes, electrically coupled in parallel to provide fast restart and immediate illumination after a momentary power interruption. Upon application of power, one of the discharge devices starts and operates while the other discharge device remains below its maximum starting temperature and in readiness for immediate restart. The discharge devices can be enclosed by a common outer envelope. The discharge devices can alternatively be high pressure electrodeless lamps coupled in parallel to provide fast restart.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting unit utilizing an energy efficient arc lamp as the main source of light supplemented by a standby filamentary lamp, the filament serving as a resistive ballast for the arc lamp during normal operation. The lighting unit is designed for functional similarity to an incandescent lamp, the filament providing immediate illumination when the lighting unit is first energized and continuing illumination until the arc lamp itself produces light. In accordance with the invention, if the arc lamp does not start within a predetermined period, the application of starting potentials produced through operation of a solid state switch and a high frequency step-up transformer is discontinued and the lighting unit rendered inactive. Exemplary means includes a positive temperature coefficient thermistor responsive to the temperature rise of the solid state switch.

Abstract: A jacketed metal halide discharge lamp combining a miniature arc tube containing sodium iodide and a standby filament within an outer envelope, is provided with a glass sleeve around the arc tube. The glass sleeve is preferably connected to a point of potential which is positive relative to the arc tube, suitably the anode when the arc is operated on d.c. The glass sleeve prevents sodium loss from the arc by trapping ultraviolet light and by shielding the arc from photoelectrons. The sleeve serves also to reduce color shift when the arc tube is switched over from "high" to "low", and to protect the outer bulb in the event of arc tube rupture.

Abstract: A metal vapor discharge lamp includes a discharge tube with main electrodes at each end. A starting electrode extends around at least an axial portion of the tube intermediate the main electrodes, one main electrode is connected to the starting electrode by a first resistance and the other main electrode is connected to the other electrode by a second resistance. At least one of the resistances has a temperature dependent characteristic which is substantially more positive than the other resistance.

Abstract: An electrically stable, radio frequency interference suppressing glass-type resistor seal composition forming a gas-tight seal within the center bore of a ceramic insulator wherein the glass is formed from a mixture, in % by weight, of about 25-50% borosilicate glass and about 50-75% barium borate glass and wherein the metal powder used in the composition consists essentially of a mixture, in parts by weight, of about 1-4 parts antimony and about 2-8 parts silicon. The end portion of the terminal screw positioned within the glass seal may be unroughened for a length of from about 0.065 to about 0.10 inch from the end to preclude breaking of conductivity at the interface of the glass seal with the end portion of the terminal screw.

Abstract: A method of polarity-independent reduction of feedback from a complex consumer or consumers periodically connected to an A.C. line is of the type involving disconnection of the consumer or consumers from the line during each half wave of the A.C. line voltage. The consumer or consumers are damped and discharged during each half wave of the A.C. line voltage by a power switching device, the power switching device being rendered operative whenever the connection between the consumer or consumers and the line is interrupted. A power switching device includes the collector-emitter leads of a pair of transistors and a set of rectifiers, preferably in the form of a bridge circuit, supplies voltage at the proper polarity for the consumer or consumers to the transistors. The secondary windings of respective transformers are connected to the base-emitter circuit of the respective transistors.

Abstract: In a sodium vapor lamp, a means for rapid warm-up and/or maintaining the temperature of the discharge tube in order to quickly achieve and maintain the sodium vapor pressure at a desired level is disclosed. The discharge tube is surrounded with a resistive conductor so as to ohmically heat the tube to a desired temperature, e.g. 270.degree.C. The heating element is a resistive tube coating.