Abstract: A launcher is disclosed having means for directing and concentrically spreading, as well as dispersing, exhaust gases created by an internal combustion of an object, such as a missile, that is operatively launchable therefrom. The concentric duct provides the directing, spreading and dispersing means and cooperates with a cup having means to arrange a port in operative relationship with an exhaust outlet of the object being launched. The cup which mates with the concentric duct has one of its ends open to the ambient so that the exhaust gases are lead into and out of the concentric duct so as to be concentrically dispersed into the atmosphere.

Abstract: An advanced multi-channel synchro-to-digital converting device for deliveg synchro data to a data bus, includes a digital-to-synchro synthesizer for generating synthesized analog synchro test signals, and switching for selectively substituting the synthesized synchro signals for synchro signals, with the selection of conversion channels and the magnitudes of the synthesized analog synchro signals both under the control of data on the data bus.

Abstract: A program driver means is disclosed that allows for the exchange of inforion between a NTDS device and a device having a bus topology, especially a VMEbus. The program driver utilizes chain commands which are fully programmable at the user level. The processor itself is programmed at the register level to assure the fastest data rate possible (32 bit access) across the VMEbus. The processor driver is invisible to the user.

Abstract: A booster circuit is provided that inhibits the operation of a foldback cent limited power supply during its turn-on phase so that a load may be power to its full output voltage and at the same time retain foldback current limiting during normal operation so that the benefits of short circuit protection are retained.

Abstract: A lamp containing a fill of xenon, mercury and metal halide is disclosed which serves as a light source for lighting applications and is particularly suitable for automotive forward lighting applications. The xenon ingredient operates to provide for instant light necessary for automotive applications, whereas, the mercury and metal halide ingredients operate to provide for a long life, high efficiency lamp relative to either a xenon or tungsten lamp. The dimensions of the xenon-metal halide lamp of the present invention are approximately three-fifths (3/5) of those of a typical tungsten lamp utilized for automotive forward lighting applications. The reduced dimensions of the xenon-metal halide lamp allows for correspondingly reduced dimensions of a related reflector for such a xenon-metal halide lamp which accommodates the needs of aerodynamically styled automobiles.

Abstract: A ballast circuit for operating a metal halide lamp by applying DC excitation during its start, glow and run modes is disclosed. The type and values of the circuit components of the ballast circuit are selected to provide automatic, sequential and desired transfer functions as the impedance value of the metal halide lamp transitions from its value occurring during the start, glow and run modes of operation. The ballast circuit has an input stage that is easily adapted to present a high power factor to the AC power source supplying the metal halide lamp. Further, the ballast circuit generates a signal for more easily starting the lamp and having a relatively high DC level upon which are developed pulse signals.

Abstract: A method and a ballast circuit are disclosed for operating a xenon-metal halide lamp particularly suited for automotive applications with a direct curernt (DC) levels having selectable amount of ripple imposed thereon. The ripple provides for acoustically straightening the arc between the electrodes of the xenon-metal halide lamp. The DC acoustic operation has the capability of utilizing cataphoresis effect so as to provide a less distracting forward beam illumination for a vehicle.

Abstract: Flush and pump flush processes yielding light sources for incandescent and metal vapor discharge lamps are disclosed. The flush and pump flush processes also yield lamps that are particularly suitable for deposition of a reflective coating on its outer surface. For such reflective coated light sources, the associated lamp leads are encased in glass and therefore are protected against any deleterious reactions that may otherwise result from the deposition of the reflective coating process. The light sources yielded by the flush and pump flush processes of the present invention are advantageous in reducing the mounting arrangement of the lamps in which the light sources are housed.

Abstract: This luminaire has a reflector of substantially transparent material that is adapted to surround a light source. The reflector has many double-reflector right-angle prisms on its outer surface, each characterized by having two reflecting surfaces disposed to effect total internal reflection of a large percentage of the light from the source entering the prism. For controlling the amount of light passing from the source through the prismatic outer surfaces of the reflector, an additive in particle form is dispersed within the transparent reflector material and serves to divert some of the light rays entering the prisms into paths that intersect the reflecting surfaces at angles less than the critical angle of incidence, thereby causing said diverted rays to pass through the prismatic outer surface.

Abstract: An arc discharge headlamp system employs a single continuously operating arc discharge source to provide both high and low beam patterns. The continuously operating arc discharge increases lamp life and eliminates the problem in arc light source headlamp systems of momentary dimming when switching to high beam operation due to mercury condensing within source. The headlamp has an arc light source mounted horizontally within a reflector. Light from an arc light source is reflected by the reflector through a lens to form a low beam pattern. A mirror within the reflector is positioned to form a virtual image of the light source and which is directed towards a second lens concentric with the first lens to form a high beam pattern when combined with the low beam pattern. Switching between the high beam and low beam patterns is accomplished in a variety of ways.

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: In this luminaire, there is a dome-shaped reflector having a top, a bottom, and a central axis on which a light source is adapted to be positioned. A metal wall of the reflector has an inner surface extending about the central axis and defining a bottom opening through which the inner surface reflects light received from the source. The angular distribution about the central axis of the light reflected from the inner surface through the bottom opening is controlled by many elongated facets on the inner surface extending in a top-to-bottom direction with respect to the reflector. The facets are arranged about the central axis in side-by-side relationship, with juxtaposed facets being at an angle with respect to each other so as to form alternating ridges and grooves between juxtaposed facets. The individual ridges, when viewed in transverse cross-section, each include two of the facets intersecting at an apex that is located on a reference line for each ridge extending radially outward from said central axis.

Abstract: A lamp driver circuit is presented herein for driving a lamp circuit with an AC squarewave voltage at a relatively high frequency. The driver circuit includes a self-oscillating half-bridge circuit having a pair of input terminals connected across a DC voltage supply, which may be obtained from rectifying an AC voltage signal, and a pair of output terminals connected across a lamp circuit including a lamp, either a resistive lamp or a gaseous discharge lamp, to be energized. The circuit also includes a pair of capacitors connected together in series across the input terminals and having a junction therebetween connected to a first one of the output terminals. The bridge circuit also includes first and second switching transistors connected together in series across the input terminals.

Abstract: A combined glare and heat shield configuration is disclosed for vehicle headlamp applications. Such composite heat shield member is configured and located inside the headlamp assembly with particular respect to the light source so as to avoid shadowing by this lamp component in the projected light beam pattern. Efficacy of the hermetically sealed electric lamp providing a light source in the present vehicle headlamp construction can be further improved with an infrared reflective coating being deposited on the lamp envelope.

Abstract: This luminaire comprises a reflector for receiving a lamp, an opening in the reflector through which light from the lamp is reflected, and a closure removably secured over the opening. Within the luminaire is an energizing circuit for the lamp, and connected within this circuit is a pair of disconnect contacts that are separable to preclude energization of the lamp via the energizing circuit. Actuating means for the disconnect contacts is operable to effect separation of the contacts in response to removal of the closure from its normal position covering the opening. This actuating means includes a plunger of electrical insulating material disposed between the light-transmitting material of the closure and one of said disconnect contacts.

Abstract: A spark gap device is disclosed that is particularly suited for a rapid restrike or starting circuit which is employed in sport stadium lighting applications to start or restrike metal halide lamps that have been subjected to a momentary loss of power. The spark gap device comprises two electrodes that are arranged in a parallel side-by-side relationship and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined amount. The spark gap device operates that when a high voltage potential is applied across the electrodes, the generated and reoccuring spark is distributed along the parallel arranged electrodes. The parallel arrangement of electrodes provides for improved life and cooler electrode temperatures as compared to prior art spark gap devices in which the generated and reoccuring spark jumps between the end regions of separated electrodes.

Abstract: A xenon metal halide lamp having an improved electrode structure that is particularly suited for automotive applications is disclosed. The electrode is comprises of a tip portion that is located at one end of a shank with the shank having a filament coiled therearound. The tip and shank portions are designed to allow for high initial current during starting and low current during operation. The coil filament is situated in opposite neck portions of an envelope forming the light source so as to; (1) cause the electrodes to be axially aligned within the light source; (2) keep the shank of the electrode from intimate contact with the envelope thereby preventing the condensation of the mercury and allowing for substantial vaporization of the metal halide ingredients at the neck portion; and (3) prevent the thermal expansion of the electrode from cracking the envelope.

Abstract: An improved high pressure sodium vapor lamp construction is provided for operation on sonic frequency pulses without excessive acoustic noise. The novel jacketed lamp construction employs non-magnetostrictive metal for the frame employed to suspend a ceramic arc tube within the outer jacket in combination with a particular orientation or placement for ring getter elements located within said outer envelope. Various lamp constructions embodying such improvement are disclosed to enable relatively noise free lamp operation.

Abstract: Containment means for a luminaire that captures hot particles created by the unlikely event of a pressurized lamp rupture is disclosed. In one embodiment, the containment means comprises a mesh interposed between the lamp and a refractor of the luminaire typically formed of an acrylic material. The mesh captures hot particles having a sufficient heat capacity and temperature to create excess heat damage to the refractor.

Abstract: A structure for supporting a light source within an electric lamp having an internal reflective surfaces of reduced dimensions is disclosed. The structure spatially supports the central portion of the light source relative to the reflective surface and comprises a pair of electrically conductive post which are affixed within openings in the bottom portion of the reflector. Barrier means are provided to prevent a cement substance filling the opening from escaping and entering the inner confines of the reflector lamp. In one embodiment the barrier means for preventing such escape is a washer positioned over each of the post and in another embodiment a glass bead is placed around each of the post to provide such barrier means.