Abstract: High-intensity-discharge sodium lamp incorporates as a starting gas xenon at a pressure between 50 and 300 torrs, in order to improve the lamp efficiency and the spectral power distribution of the discharge. To facilitate lamp starting on a conventional pulse-type starting circuit, a trigger electrode is wrapped about the exterior of the arc tube proximate one of the lamp electrodes, with the potential applied to the trigger electrode during lamp starting being the same as that which is applied to the other or more remote lamp electrode. The starting pulse applied between the trigger electrode and the proximate lamp electrode initiates the lamp discharge. The trigger electrode also extends along the outer surface of the arc tube contiguous therewith toward the other electrode and the discharge, once initiated, progresses toward the other electrode.

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. An element is provided to extinguish the discharge when the outer envelope is broken.

Abstract: A rapid start fluorescent lamp contains a circuit opening device on the cathode mount which opens a short time after lamp starting and stops heater current flow to the cathode. The circuit opening device is a thermostatic element in a sealed glass tube. Additional support is provided for the cathode end that is connected to the circuit opening device in order to prevent damage from vibration.

Abstract: The invention relates to high pressure sodium vapor discharge lamp comprising a discharge tube and an outer bulb enveloping this tube, a glow starter being disposed in the space between that discharge tube and the outer bulb.In accordance with the invention the glow starter is resiliently clamped between the two rigid electric conductors which supply the discharge tube with current.

Abstract: Safety devices for high intensity discharge lamps, having an outer envelope and an inner arc tube in which the arc discharge is produced, for extinguishing the arc in a relatively short period of time. A switching element is placed in series with the current supply to the arc tube and the element opens when the outer envelope is broken. In one embodiment, the switching element is a normally closed thermostatic switch in series with a second filament which is connected in parallel with a first filament. During starting the switching element is closed and both of the filaments are in series with the arc tube and both receive a part of the high starting lamp current. The thermostatic switch opens when the lamp reaches operating temperature so that all of the current passes through the first filament if the envelope breaks causing the first filament to burn out. The switch then closes so that all of the current passes through the second filament causing it to burn out.

Abstract: A bimetal switch circuit, which consists of the series combination of a bimetal switch and a fixed resistance, is connected in parallel with a discharge lamp which is connected across an AC power source through an inductive ballast. The bimetal switch has a heating filament which is closed at the normal temperature and opened when heated to high temperatures by the heating filament. The total resistance value R.sub.o (in ohm) of the bimetal switch circuit at the normal temperature is set so as to establish the relation V.sub.s /R.sub.o .ltoreq. 1 with the effective voltage V.sub.s (in volts) of the AC power source. Under such a condition, when the bimetal switch having been once opened at the starting of the discharge lamp is closed again, high-frequency high-voltage pulses are generated across both terminals of the bimetal switch circuit, and the discharge lamp is easily and stably lit up by the high-frequency pulse voltages.

Abstract: Protection against potentially destructive arcs which may occur within a gas-filled incandescent lamp when the energized filament fails is achieved by partly embedding separate inner and outer lead-in conductors in an hermetic seal that is formed on one end of the lamp envelope and electrically connecting the conductors by a short uncoiled fuse element that is located within the confines of the envelope and has both of its ends embedded in the seal. In the case of halogen-cycle type lamps that have long useful design lives (in the order of 2000 hours) and press-sealed envelopes, the fuse element comprises a tungsten wire that has a diameter which is more than 10% (and up to about 20%) larger than the diameter of the filament wire and has its ends welded to a pair of molybdenum foil conductors that are embedded in the press seal and connect the fuse wire to the inner and outer lead-in conductors.

Abstract: Gas discharge lamps, especially of the fluorescent tube type, powered from the A.C. line through a rectifier, with a double electrode arrangement and a discharge-type cross connection of the electrode chambers, characterized by the fact that preferably straight glass tube sections of equal length are connected to form an elongated rectangular unit by means of two geometrically equal U-shaped end pieces by the fact that a gas-discharge-tight diaphragm, which is permeable to mercury vapor is provided on one U-shaped end, as well as electrode holders being provided on both sides thereof and at least one pump nipple tube being provided in the other U-shaped end piece.

Abstract: A high-pressure sodium vapor discharge lamp which is provided with a discharge tube and an outer envelope which envelopes this tube.In accordance with the improvement there are disposed in the space between the discharge tube and the outer envelope both a capacitor and a glow discharge starter which are both in parallel with the discharge tube. Consequently an external lamp starter is superfluous. In addition the lamp base may be relatively small.

Abstract: A spark plug for an internal combustion engine, the spark plug comprising a casing, a center electrode, a connector pin for the center electrode, and a plunger adapted to be axially displaced within the spark plug by the compression pressure as pressure builds in the cylinder, the plunger first closes a set of contacts in the spark plug causing current to flow in the primary side of an ignition coil, then closes a second set of contacts in the spark plug connecting the center electrode to the secondary side of the ignition coil, and finally opens the first set of contacts causing a large voltage to be induced in the secondary side which voltage is applied to the center electrode.

Abstract: A rapid start fluorescent lamp contains a circuit opening device on the cathode mount which opens a short time after lamp starting and stops heater current flow to the cathode.

Abstract: A lamp is described having an internal switch for keeping at least one filament incandescent for a predetermined time after an external switch indicates the user wishes to turn the lamp off.

Abstract: A switching element is mounted on a substrate covered by an envelope, and a fluorescent film is formed on the switching element. A cathode electrode is provided to face the fluorescent film, and a grid electrode is disposed therebetween.

Abstract: Protection against potentially destructive arcs which may occur within a gas-filled incandescent lamp when the energized filament fails is achieved by partly embedding separate inner and outer lead-in conductors in an hermetic seal that is formed on one end of the lamp envelope and electrically connecting the conductors by a short uncoiled fuse element that is located entirely within the confines of the envelope. In the case of a halogen-cycle type lamp having a press-sealed envelope, the fuse element comprises a tungsten wire which is preferably from about 1% to 10% larger in diameter than the filament wire and is fastened to the inner lead-in conductor at a point located inside the envelope, and to the outer lead-in conductor at a point which is located within the press seal. Reliable arc-suppression is thus achieved in a practical inexpensive manner with rugged components that are readily made integral parts of the finished lamp.

Abstract: The inner arc tube of some jacketed discharge lamps transmits ultraviolet radiation which is normally intercepted by the glass outer envelope. To prevent harmful release of such radiation in the event the outer envelope should be shattered, a mechanical disconnect is provided in the interenvelope space comprising separable conductors which are part of the arc tube supporting frame and which are maintained in engagement by the outer envelope. Upon fracture of the outer envelope, spring pressure forces the conductors apart whereupon the circuit is opened and the arc tube is disabled.

Abstract: The alumina arc tube of a high pressure sodium arc discharge lamp has a multiple turn wire starting aid wound therearound in order to reduce lamp starting voltage. The starting aid must extend longitudinally along the arc tube for a distance that is at least 10% of the arc length of the arc tube.

Abstract: HID lamp has a spring-loaded safety switch positioned between the outer protective envelope and the arc tube and electrically connected in series with one of the lamp electrodes. When the lamp is operating normally, the safety switch is maintained in the closed position, but if the outer envelope is accidentally broken, the switch automatically opens to break the lamp energizing circuit and render the lamp inoperative.

Abstract: HID lamp has resilient safety switch positioned proximate the inner surface of the dome portion of the protective outer envelope in contact with an extremity of a resilient leaf-spring support portion of the arc tube frame, to maintain the switch in a closed position. When the envelope is shattered, the normally closed switch will open to break the electrical path to the arc tube, thereby rendering the lamp inoperative.

Abstract: The inner arc tube of some jacketed discharge lamps transmits ultraviolet radiation which is normally absorbed without harm by the glass outer envelope but may be released should the outer envelope be broken off. This is prevented by a fuse heater and shunting thermal switch connected in series with the arc tube and located within the outer envelope. Should the outer envelope be broken, air cools the switch so that it opens. Current flow through the heater now raises its temperature and causes it to oxidize, thereby opening the circuit and disabling the lamp.

Abstract: A ballast for a rapid start fluorescent lamp with heated filaments has a secondary winding supplying lamp current, tertiary windings for supplying heater current to the filaments, and solid state switching circuits in secondary circuits through the filaments. Each switching circuit, which may be integrated with the ballast circuit or connected to a filament within the lamp envelope, comprises two voltage divider resistors having a common junction coupled to the gate of a triac whose primary electrodes are connected in parallel with the voltage divider. The triac is in series with the filament and supplies heating current to the filaments prior to lamp starting. When the lamp starts and conducts rated operating current the voltage divider reduces the voltage at its junction and at the triac gate below triac breakdown level thereby substantially eliminating heater current.

Abstract: A high pressure sodium vapor lamp utilizing an alumina ceramic arc tube within an outer glass envelope is provided with a bi-metal switch which short circuits the arc tube at starting. Current flow through the switch causes it to heat up and open the short circuit, producing a voltage pulse which starts the lamp. The bi-metal is fastened to a pin conductor extending from the metal exhaust tube of the arc tube to the frame. The pin conductor, which receives heat by conduction from the exhaust tube and is also heated by lamp current flow, transmits sufficient heat to the bi-metal to maintain it deflected during normal operation.

Abstract: A lamp for installation in the flashers or winkers of motor vehicles, with a flasher device integrated into the lamp itself, is provided. The flashing is produced, in the case of the invention, by the utilization of substances which exhibit a sudden change in resistivity at a certain temperature. This is the case with powdered V O.sub.2 when formed into an aglomerate by the use of an organic binder. A block assembled in the bulb of the lamp and in electrical parallel with the filament, does not effect the incandescent state of the latter as long as a temperature of 68.degree. C is not exceeded, but effectively short-circuits the filament beyond this temperature. In this fashion, successive extinctions and relightings take place by a process of relaxation. In the case of a C.sub.36 H.sub.74 wax filled with conductive powder, the phenomena are reversed and the block must be connected in series with the filament.

Abstract: An improved thermal switch permitting large temperature excursions beyond the design closure temperature without stressing the switch material beyond its elastic limits. It combines a bimetal portion with a spring portion through which movement is transmitted, the former providing sufficient deformation for closure at design temperature, and the latter accommodating excess deformation beyond closure caused by high temperature. It is particularly useful in metal halide lamps having gas filled outer envelopes and requiring shorting of an auxiliary starting electrode to the adjacent main electrode during operation.

Abstract: 1.