Abstract: A thermal switch assembly for use in electric lamps includes a bimetal element and a resilient conductor such as a tungsten wire. The conductor is mounted at an angle in the range of about 30.degree. to 45.degree. with respect to the plane of movement of the bimetal element and at an angle of about 90.degree. with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bimetal element. The edge of the bimetal element contacts the conductor at a closure temperature and moves with a sliding action along the conductor as the temperature increases above the closure temperature. As a result, the switch contacts are self cleaning. Since the switch components are subjected to very little stress at elevated temperatures, the switch assembly has a long operating life. The bimetal element and the conductor can be affixed to a mounting frame which facilitates installation of the thermal switch assembly.

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.

Abstract: A high-pressure metal vapor discharge lamp comprises: an arc tube, which is shunted by a series circuit of a thermal switch and a nonlinear ceramic capacitor, a pyroelectric current bypassing resistor connected in parallel to the nonlinear ceramic capacitor, and a lamp outer bulb incorporating the arc tube, the thermal switch, the nonlinear ceramic capacitor and the resistor. Because of this construction, the nonlinear ceramic capacitor is prevented from early deterioration, thus lengthening the service life of the discharge lamp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure sodium discharge lamp in which the elongate discharge vessel is provided with an external ignition antenna consisting of a thin spiralized wire. According to the invention, an end of the antenna is fixed directly to a support member without a mandril at a location axially spaced from said discharge vessel in the extended direction of the discharge vessel and mounted elastically and with pretension over substantially its entire length.

Abstract: A tri-model thermal switch for use in a preheat-type discharge lamp. The thermal switch includes a glass bulb, first and second electrical leads sealed into and passing through the glass bulb, and a bimetallic element disposed within the bulb and having first and second end portions. The first end portion of the bimetallic element is affixed to the first electrical lead while the second end portion of the bimetallic element is formed to be in contact with the second electrical lead at a first elevated temperature higher than ambient temperature. The bimetallic element is spaced from the second electrical lead at ambient temperature and at a second elevated temperature higher than the first elevated temperature. During lamp operation, the thermal switch produces a double hot spot on the cathode by electrically shorting the cathode lead-in wires. As a result, the electrode temperature is lowered sufficiently to cause an improvement in the lumen maintenance and life of the lamp.

Abstract: A rapid start fluorescent lamp having an improved hot restarting time. The lamp includes the standard envelope and end cap through which electrical connection is made by conductive feedthroughs which extend through the lamp stem to the interior of the lamp. One of the feedthroughs is connected to the cathode, and the other is connected to the leads of a fuse element which is contained within an envelope to isolate the fusible element from the lamp environment. A thermally activated bimetallic element is disposed across the leads of the fuse. The other lead of the fusible element is connected to the other end of the cathode. When the bimetal element is cold, it will bridge the connection between the other feedthrough to the other end of the cathode to permit rapid starting. When the bimetal heats up, the connection of both ends of the cathode to the heating current is broken. The location of the bimetallic element within the lamp envelope but not in the fuse container permits it to open and close more rapidly.

Abstract: A high pressure sodium discharge lamp having an arc tube mounted within a lamp envelope and having a resistor connected electrically in series with the arc tube. An insulative body is provided between the arc tube feed-through closest to the stem and a rigid conductor for axially supporting the arc tube and electrically insulating the feed-through from the rigid conductor. The series flicker-elimination resistor is mounted adjacent the lamp stem and electrically shunts the insulative body. An integral thick film resistor which includes the series resistor and a starting resistor for a starting circuit has optimized terminal placement for simplifying mount construction.

Abstract: A high pressure lamp assembly having an improved structure for supporting the discharge tube while providing an opening bi-metallic switch for electrically disconnecting the auxiliary electrode. Metallic frames are disposed at the upper and lower ends of the discharge lamp to provide at least partial support to the discharge tube. A non-conductive bridge assembly is connected between the lead through of the auxiliary electrode and a conductive rod extending from the stem. The non-conductive bridge provides at least partial mechanical support to the discharge tube. Connected across the non-conductive bridge is the starting resistor and bi-metallic switch element. When the bi-metallic element is unheated, it provides electrical connection through the starting resistor to the auxiliary electrode. When heated by the heat from the discharge tube, the bi-metallic switch moves out of engagement with the ceramic bridge and thus breaks the electrical connection to the auxiliary electrode.

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: An electric lamp assembly includes a sealed outer envelope, an arc discharge tube mounted within the outer envelope, a safety filament connected in series with the arc discharge tube for extinguishing the arc tube within a predetermined time after the outer envelope is broken, and an electrically-insulating sleeve disposed around the safety filament. The insulating sleeve suppresses emission of electrons from the safety filament and thereby prevents a reduction in frame potential which would increase sodium loss from the arc tube. The insulating sleeve includes openings which permit air to reach the safety filament when the outer envelope is broken. A mounting arrangement includes a pair of mounting tabs which provide electrical connections for the safety filament and which approximately centers the safety filament in the insulating sleeve.

Abstract: A metal vapor discharge lamp comprising a FEC. a semiconductor switch and a thermal response switch and operated at a supply voltage of 100 to 130 V. The thickness if the FEC is 0.45 to 0.8 mm and the breakover voltage of the semiconductor switch is 60 to 100 V so that the discharge is safely caused in a light emitting tube and lighting at a voltage of -10% of the rated voltage is enabled. The open time of the thermal response switch is not less than 30 seconds so that starting is ensured even when the dimension of the light emitting tube is long or the pressure of xenon is high.

Abstract: A tri-model thermal switch for use in a preheat-type discharge lamp. The thermal switch includes a glass bulb, first and second electrical leads sealed into and passing through the glass bulb, and a bimetallic element disposed within the bulb and having first and second end portions. The first end portion of the bimetallic element is affixed to the first electrical lead while the second end portion of the bimetallic element is formed to be in contact with the second electrical lead at a first elevated temperature higher than ambient temperature. The bimetallic element is spaced from the second electrical lead at ambient temperature and at a second elevated temperature higher than the first elevated temperature. During lamp operation, the thermal switch produces a double hot spot on the cathode by electrically shorting the cathode lead-in wires. As a result, the electrode temperature is lowered sufficiently to cause an improvement in the lumen maintenance and life of the lamp.

Abstract: An electric discharge lamp is disclosed utilizing an improved thermally responsive switch for operation of an auxiliary starting electrode. The improved switch has a more compact structural configuration which further accommodates temperature excursions beyond the design closure temperature without exceeding elastic limits of the metals employed in the switch construction. A metal halide lamp of relatively compact construction which employs the improved switch is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure sodium discharge lamp provided with a discharge vessel having a longitudinal axis 1 and a diameter D. The discharge vessel is enclosed by an outer envelope. Within the outer envelope a starting circuit is arranged, which has at least a glow starter. According to the invention, the outer envelope is a clear outer envelope and the glow starter is arranged so as to be laterally displaced over a distance of at least D/2 with respect to the discharge vessel. Moreover, the glow starter is shielded for the major part with respect to the discharge vessel by means of a heat shield.

Abstract: A lamp assembly includes a sealed lamp envelope enclosing a filament, a lamp base affixed to the lamp envelope and including a connector, and an automatic light control circuit located in the lamp base and electrically connected between the connector and the filament. The light control circuit includes a photosensor for controlling the power delivered to the filament in response to a sensed ambient light level. Preferably, the lamp base includes a cup-shaped portion affixed to the connector, and the light control circuit is mounted in the cup-shaped portion on a circuit board. The photosensor is mounted in a hole in a sidewall of the cup-shaped portion. The lamp assembly can be installed and operated in a conventional lamp socket.

Abstract: An arc discharge lamp which can be operated in any orientation without significant variation in performance includes an even number of electrodes at least equal to four, a discharge vessel including a spherical central portion and electrode mounting portions. The electrodes are mounted in the electrode mounting portions and have a substantially uniform three-dimensional distribution with respect to the central portion. The discharge lamp can be used in a lamp assembly including a switch apparatus for coupling electrical energy to a pair of the electrodes that is closest to a horizontal plane. An automatic switch apparatus includes orientation-sensitive switches, one having the same direction as each of the electrodes. The switches are interconnected such that electrical energy is coupled to a pair of electrodes in response to the orientation of the switch apparatus relative to a gravity field. The switch apparatus can be mounted in the base or within the lamp envelope of the lamp assembly.

Abstract: A high-pressure sodium vapor discharge lamp having a discharge vessel in which main electrodes are arranged and an ignition system which comprises an electric conductor surrounding the discharge vessel over at least a part of its circumference, which conductor is electrically connected to a main electrode at least in the inoperative state of the lamp. The electric conductor is a clamping member clamping around the discharge vessel. A fixed, arcuate positioning of the electric conductor is thus obtained.

Abstract: A tri-model circuit breaker for use in a rapid-start fluorescent lamp. The circuit breaker includes a glass bulb, first and second electrical leads sealed into and passing through the glass bulb, and a bimetallic element disposed within the bulb and having first and second end portions. The first end portion of the bimetallic element is affixed to the first electrical lead while the second end portion of the bimetallic element is formed to be spaced from the second electrical lead at a first elevated temperature and in contact with the second electrical lead at ambient temperature and at a second elevated temperature higher than the first elevated temperature. The contact points of the circuit breaker at ambient and at the second elevated temperature are at the same location within the breaker.

Abstract: An HPS sodium vapor discharge lamp having a starting aid consisting essentially of a metallic band disposed circumscribing one end of the lamp discharge vessel, and means for applying a voltage to the metallic bond for inducing ionization throughout the volume of the discharge vessel to facilitate lamp starting. The metallic band may define a heat shield for inhibiting thermal radiation from one end of the discharge vessel.

Abstract: An electric lamp is provided having an outer envelope or jacket with a lamp base attached thereto, the lamp base having an aperture extending therethrough. A sealed inner capsule is supported within the outer envelope and electrically connected to the lamp base and to an electrically conductive elongated member one end of which engages an inner wall of the outer envelope and an opposite end of which extends through the aperture in the lamp base. A spring is provided which urges the one end of the elongated member against the inner wall and which will urge the opposite end of the elongated member out of the aperture if the envelope is broken thereby disconnecting voltage to a lead of the inner capsule.

Abstract: A metal vapor discharge lamp of the type comprising a translucent outer bulb that houses an arc tube and a starter which is connected in parallel to the arc tube and which includes a nonlinear capacitor, at least one of the lead wires of the nonlinear capacitor being connected to a support line whose thickness is such that it does not obstruct the oscillation due to any electrostriction of the nonlinear capacitor and such that it fuses whenever a large current flows through the nonlinear capacitor. Due to this construction, the oscillation of the nonlinear capacitor is not obstructed, so that a high-voltage pulse can be generated and the noise level lowered. Furthermore, since the support line is designed to be fused by a large electric current, thus breaking the electric circuit, any burning of the ballast can be prevented.

Abstract: This invention relates to a glow discharge starter including a glow bottle having a hermetically sealed discharge envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode and a counter electrode. A pair of conductors extending from the main body of a radio frequency suppressing capacitor electrically coupling respective electrodes of the glow bottle. The main body of the capacitor is in a thermal relationship with the discharge envelope and responsive to heat generated therewithin. When a predetermined temperature limit is reached within the discharge envelope, the generated heat creates a short circuit within the main body of the capacitor and extinguishes the glow discharge. The present invention eliminates the need for an additional fuse member or thermal protector.

Abstract: A glow discharge starter having an integral thermal protector includes a glow bottle having an hermetically sealed discharge envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode and a counter electrode. A pair of conductors extend from the main body of a radio frequency suppressing capacitor and electrically couple respective electrodes of the glow bottle. The cylindrically-shaped main body of the capacitor is coaxially positioned with respect to the discharge envelope so as to be responsive to heat generated within the envelope. When an abnormal temperature limit (e.g., 450 degrees Celsius) is reached by the discharge envelope, a short circuit is created within the main body of the capacitor and extinguishes the discharge.

Abstract: In parallel connecting a starter to a luminous tube, the starter being formed by a coiled nonfusible metal wire which is wound to or laid along the outer wall of the luminous tube and a nonlinear capacitor which is in series connected to the nonfusible metal wire. As a result of this, the discharge lamp can be assuredly and stably lit with a small size ballast. Furthermore, pass of large current through the starter can be prevented even if the luminous tube is leaked. Furthermore, if the vacuum outer bulb is leaked or broken, the circuit of the starter can be opened by melting the nonfusible metal wire.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp unit comprising a self-contained assembly intended for use in replacement for a conventional incandescent filament lamp comprises two U-shaped fluorescent tubes (54, 55), each provided with filaments (56, 57) at respective ends of the arc discharge path. Lead-in wires (60, 68, 69, 76) are arranged to connect the separate arc discharge paths of the two fluorescent tubes in series, and remaining lead-in wires (61, 70, 67, 73) of the fluorescent tubes are connected to components of a starter circuit housed within the mounting (20, 22) of the lamp unit. The starter circuit preferably comprises a separate glow bottle switch (62, 71) for each fluorescent tube, and a single capacitor (65).

Abstract: An overtemperature protector for an incandescent lamp socket housing comprises a glass enclosed circuit breaker and an electrical heater in proximate heat transfer relationship therewith. The heater is in series with the circuit breaker so that when the circuit breaker is open, there can be no current flow through the heater.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp includes a circuit breaker having a sealed glass envelope with a pair of electrical conductors sealed therein, and a bimetal switch of U-shape form having one leg portion attached to one of the electrical conductors and a second leg portion forming a knife-edge contact with the other electrical conductors.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp having an inner tube in which a discharge takes place to produce visible light and ultraviolet radiation and an outer envelope which blocks harmful ultraviolet radiation. A mechanical switching element is provided to extinguish the discharge when the outer envelope is broken.

Abstract: An extended life incandescent lamp which employs thermal, voltage, or radiation activated differential switching to substitute a series-connected reserve filament for an inoperative primary filament without increasing the normal in-rush current.

Abstract: A flasher bulb and method of making same by mass production techniques are disclosed. The flasher bulb has first and second nickel wires connected by a tungsten wire to form a loop and a bimetallic strip one end of which is connected to one of the nickel wires, the strip being bent towards the other nickel wire. When the strip is heated by passage of current through the tungsten wire, it makes contact with the other nickel wire to take the tungsten wire out of circuit but retain current flow through the nickel wires. Accordingly in a string of flasher bulbs, extinction of one bulb will not necessary cut off current to the others. The conductive wires and bimetallic strip are assembled in position in a mold and held in place by an insulating disk.

Abstract: A rapid-start fluorescent lamp has a tubular envelope with a phosphor-coated inner wall, a pair of spaced electrodes and a pair of electrical leads sealed into the ends of the envelope with one electrical lead directly connected to the electrode and the other electrical lead connected through a bi-metal circuit breaker to the electrode with the circuit breaker formed to open-circuit at a given range of temperatures. Also, the discharge lamp is fabricated by preparing a phosphor coated envelope, forming a pair of end members having a pair of electrical leads, a bi-metal circuit breaker and electrode, sealing the end members into the envelope, heating and exhausting the envelope, heating the electrodes, dispensing a fill gas and mercury into the envelope, pinching off the exhaust tubes of the envelope and severing the fuse member of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp electrode heat cutout switch is provided for placement within a fluorescent lamp stem and outside the discharge envelope and is configured such that a resistive heater wire is connected to one electrode lead-in and a bimetallic switch element is connected to the other electrode lead-in and configured upon an insulating support in such fashion that the heat cutout switch receives heat from the resistive heater to activate the switch so that the electrode heat is cut off when the lamp starts and is kept off during normal lamp operation.

Abstract: A high-pressure metal vapor discharge lamp comprising an outer tube, a light emitting tube located within the outer tube and made of a light-transmissive ceramics material, and a fuse electrically connected in series with the light emitting tube, in which said fuse has such a blowing characteristic as given by the following equation and at a rated output during the lighting of the lamp the density of a current through the fuse is not more than 23.9 A/mm.sup.2 :log T.sub.1 <AlogI+BA=-1.02.times.10.sup.-2 (D.sup.2 t)-0.885B=2.64.times.10.sup.-2 (D.sup.2 t)+1.01T: required blowing time (seconds) of the fuseI: blowing current (A) of the fuseD: inner diameter (mm) of the light emitting tubet: wall thickness (mm) of the light emitting tube.

Abstract: This invention relates to a glow discharge starter having a sealed envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode and a counter electrode located within the envelope. A getter holder is secured to one of the electrodes adjacent the internal surface of the envelope. An arc discharge lamp employing the improved glow discharge starter as part of a starting circuit is described.

Abstract: A discharge lamp is provided with a starting aid in the form of a loop of conductive wire arranged around the discharge lamp arc tube and a novel spark gap. A conductive element is electrically connected between the loop and an insulating sleeve adapted to form a spark gap by means of the conductive element wrapped around an opening in the insulating sleeve. The opening can be in the form of a drilled hole or slot and the arrangement is particularly useful in the restricted confines of a sealed beam reflector lamp.

Abstract: A metal vapor discharge lamp has a burner for sealing xenon gas, mercury and a light-emitting additive in a translucent ceramic tube, a starting device of a thermal switch type which has a series circuit of a thermal switch and a coil filament and which is connected in parallel with the burner, and an outer envelope for sealing the burner and the starting device therein. In the lamp, the following inequalities must be satisfied:13.3.ltoreq.P.multidot.(B/A).ltoreq.6650.05.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.0.122,200.ltoreq.T.ltoreq.2,800where A is the volume (cm.sup.3) of the outer envelope, B is the volume (cm.sup.3) of the burner, P is a gas pressure (Pa) at room temperature of xenon sealed in the burner, d is a diameter (mm) of the coil filament, and T is a temperature (K) of the coil filament during operation.

Abstract: An electric discharge lamp has an arc tube within an outer gas filled glass envelope, and a thermal switching means is located within the outer envelope. The thermal switching means has a bimetal strip and a spring-like member each affixed to at least one of the electrical conductors, and upon application of heat the bimetal strip and spring-like member are flexed to short-circuit the electrical conductors and remove any DC potential between the main electrode and the starting electrode minimizing electrolysis.

Abstract: A rapid-start fluorescent lamp has a tubular envelope with a phosphor-coated inner wall surface, a pair of spaced electrodes and a pair of electrical leads sealed into each end of the envelope with one electrical lead connected directly to the electrode and the other electrical lead having an integral circuit breaker connected to the electrode and formed to disconnect the electrode from an energy source during lamp operation. Also, the rapid-start fluorescent lamp is fabricated by preparing a phosphor coated envelope, forming a pair of end members having a pair of leads and an integral circuit breaker with one lead connected directly to the electrode and the circuit breaker connecting the other lead to the electrode, sealing the end members into the envelope, heating and exhausting the envelope, heating the electrodes via the circuit breaker, dispensing a fill gas and mercury into the envelope and pinching off the exhaust tubes of the envelope.

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 rapid-start fluorescent lamp includes a circuit breaker therein having a sealed glass bottle, a thermally sensitive bimetal switch within the glass bottle, a pair of electrical conductors sealed into and passing through the sealed bottle with one electrical conductor attached to the bimetal and the other electrical conductor contacting the bimetal with each of the pair of electrical conductors formed of Dumet wire plated with an electrically conductive metal whereby formation of insulative oxides on the electrical conductors is inhibited.

Abstract: A rapid-start fluorescent lamp includes a circuit breaker having a sealed glass bottle, a pair of electrical conductors sealed therein and passing therethrough and a thermally sensitive bimetal switch within the glass bottle with the bimetal switch having a pair of leg portions of unequal length.

Abstract: High-pressure discharge lamps generating UV radiation are provided with an internal safety switch, that interrupts the current circuit through the lamp upon fracture of the outer lamp envelope. In lamps according to the invention the safety switch is a member of a material selected from the group consisting of zirconium-aluminum alloys, sintered zirconium powder and sintered mixtures of zirconium powder and nickel powder.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp with a safety switch which automatically shuts off the lamp upon rupture of the outer envelope. The switch is formed by a carbon rod disposed in the interior space between the arc tube and the outer envelope and connected in series with one of the electrodes so that the current flow through the rod maintains it at an elevated temperature during operation of the lamp. Upon rupture of the outer envelope, the carbon rod oxidizes and falls, thereby interrupting the electrical path to the electrodes.

Abstract: A rapid-start fluorescent lamp includes a circuit breaker having a pair of electrical conductors sealed into a bulb and connecting a lamp lead to the electrode of the lamp. The circuit breaker includes first and second electrical conductors and a bi-metal strip having a first end portion connected to a first conductor and a second end portion connected to a second conductor at ambient bulb temperature, disconnected therefrom at a higher given range of temperatures, and the portion of the bi-metal strip intermediate the end portions connected to the second electrical conductor at temperatures higher than the given range of temperature.

Abstract: A rapid-start fluorescent lamp includes a pair of spaced electrodes within an envelope with one electrical lead connected to an electrode and the other lead coupled to the electrode by a thermally-sensitive bi-metal strip whereby one end of the bi-metal and one end of a conductor are formed to provide a straight member within a U-shaped member such that the straight U-shaped members are in electrical contact at temperatures above and below a given range of temperatures and electrically disconnected at the given range of temperatures.

Abstract: A rapid-start fluorescent lamp has a thermally-sensitive circuit breaker disposed thereon for disconnecting the electrodes of the lamp from an energizing source at a given range of bulb temperatures and for connecting the electrode to the energizing source at bulb temperatures above and below the given range of bulb temperatures whereby the electrodes are energized during lamp manufacture and until conductivity of the lamp is established.

Abstract: A high pressure sodium vapor lamp having a time fuse device effective for predeterminedly establishing the anticipated life of the high pressure lamp is disclosed. Also disclosed are various embodiments of the time fuse device.

Abstract: A rapid-start fluorescent lamp includes a pair of spaced electrodes within an envelope having a fill gas and a phosphor-covered inner wall surface with a circuit breaker having a glass bulb with a wall thickness in the range of about 0.016 to 0.018 inch positioned within the fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: A high pressure metal vapor discharge lamp including an arc tube having at least a main electrode at each end thereof, a fill sealed in the arc tube, including mercury, metal halide and starting gases selected from the group consisting of Ar, Kr and Xe, a radioactive source material, impregnated with a radioactive substance having a half-life less than 1.times.10.sup.4 years, sealed in the arc tube and a circuit including a conventional low voltage mercury lamp ballast and a glow starter for starting the arc tube.