Abstract: This application describes a number of novel advanced piezoelectric ceramic power switching devices which are mounted within protective gastight enclosures that are either evacuated to a high degree of vacuum or filled with an inert gas protective atmosphere. The devices thus constructed are capable of operating over a range of load voltages extending from about 100 volts to 5000 volts or more with corresponding currents of from a few amperes to hundreds of amperes and wherein it is possible to provide a number of such structures in a single common protective gastight enclosure. For certain circuit applications the devices thus constructed have unpoled portions on which are mounted either passive circuit components such as resistors, capacitors and the like or active semiconductor devices all interconnected in circuit relationship with each other and the switching devices by using printed circuit or integrated circuit fabrication techniques.

Abstract: An improved mounting structure for spatially disposing from its long axial conductive member, a filament within the outer envelope of an incandescent lamp is disclosed. The mounting structure offsets the filament from the centerline of the lamp and from its conductive members so as to substantially reduce the typically experienced arcing condition between the conductive members of the mounting structure and the filament.

Abstract: This application describes a number of novel advanced piezoelectric ceramic power switching devices which are mounted within protective gastight enclosures that are either evacuated to a high degree of vacuum or filled with an inert gas protective atmosphere. The devices thus constructed are capable of operating over a range of load voltages extending from about 100 volts to 5000 volts or more with corresponding currents of from a few amperes to hundreds of amperes and wherein it is possible to provide a number of such structures in a single common protective gastight enclosure. For certain circuit applications the devices thus constructed have unpoled portions on which are mounted either passive circuit components such as resistors, capacitors and the like or active semiconductor devices all interconnected in circuit relationship with each other and the switching devices by using printed circuit or integrated circuit fabrication techniques.

Abstract: An electrical load controller includes a combination of switches for selecting a desired load output level, an electronic custom gate array for converting the switch signals to a parallel binary number, a parallel to serial data encoder for converting the multi-bit parallel data signal into a multi-bit serial data signal, a frequency shift key connected to a resonant circuit generating a controllable high frequency signal and for shifting the high frequency either up or down from the center frequency coupled to a power line to transmit the binary serial data onto the power line. The system also includes a fail-safe construction so that, should the control system fail, the load will be operable. The system provides continuous communication from the controller to the power line, so that should noise interfere with one data transmission, subsequent data transmission will provide correct data to the load, thereby making load control nearly immune to extraneous noise on the power line.

Abstract: Improved piezoelectric ceramic switching devices are described along with their method of fabrication. In addition to the devices themselves, novel electric circuits are described for the energization as well as the use of such devices as switching elements in electrical systems. Parts of both the energization circuits and/or utilization circuits employing the piezo ceramic switching device are physically mounted on and supported by non-polarized parts of the piezoelectric ceramic plate elements comprising the switching devices so that lightweight compact construction is achieved along with substantial reduction of stray inductance intercoupling.

Abstract: A decorative string set used for Christmas lighting is disclosed. The string set comprises various embodiments of clamping means which provide positive retention of incandescent lamps to their respective electrical sockets.

Abstract: A glass composition specially useful in the glass envelope of TV receiver tubes and which is of the lead silicate type is disclosed comprising in weight percent 30-65% SiO.sub.2, 20-40% PbO, 5-20% alkali metal oxides, 0-2% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 0-10% alkaline earth metal oxides, 0.2-2% Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3, and 0.1-0.5% CeO.sub.2. The improvement resides in employment of a novel refining system when the glass is formed which employs Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3, niter and CeO.sub.2 as the refining agents in particular weight proportions to reduce the seed count in the molten glass while also reducing thermal shock breakage when the solid glass product is thereafter thermally reworked.

Abstract: A fixture for a high intensity discharge lamp includes a support mechanism allowing the adjustable positioning of the lamp relative to the reflector within the fixture in order to control the beam spread of the light output of the lamp and fixture combination so that focusing of the illumination can be controlled.

Abstract: The AC power line to a street luminaire carries a 200 KHz carrier signal for operating a switching relay that connects a dimming reactor in series with the discharge lamp. A pick-off transformer has a primary winding connected in series with the ballasting means for the lamp, and a secondary winding connected to a carrier signal detector operating the switching relay. A capacitor connected across the primary has a value resonating the primary magnetizing reactance of the transformer at the carrier frequency. A resistor substantially higher in value than the characteristic impedance of the line but not several orders of magnitude higher, is preferably connected across the primary winding to serve as a terminating impedance.

Abstract: An improved plastic reflector member for a parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) lamp is disclosed and, in particular, the use of said improved plastic reflector member for an all plastic PAR lamp or a PAR lamp which uses said improved reflector member. Said improved plastic reflector member utilizes a variable thickness wall member to form the parabolic shaped cavity wherein the wall thickness of its planar walls is sufficiently greater in the rim sealing region than in the adjoining wall region of said parabolic cavity to avoid mechanical and heat distortion.

Abstract: Improved piezoelectric ceramic switching devices are described along with their method of fabrication. In addition to the devices themselves, novel electric circuits are described for the energization as well as the use of such devices as switching elements in electrical systems. Parts of both the energization circuits and/or utilization circuits employing the piezo ceramic switching device are physically mounted on and supported by non-polarized parts of the piezoelectric ceramic plate elements comprising the switching devices so that lightweight compact construction is achieved along with substantial reduction of stray inductance intercoupling.

Abstract: Improved piezoelectric ceramic switching devices are described along with their method of fabrication. In addition to the devices themselves, novel electric circuits are described for the energization as well as the use of such devices as switching elements in electrical systems. Parts of both the energization circuits and/or utilization circuits employing the piezo ceramic switching device are physically mounted on and supported by non-polarized parts of the piezoelectric ceramic plate elements comprising the switching devices so that lightweight compact construction is achieved along with substantial reduction of stray inductance intercoupling.

Abstract: An all glass sealed beam headlamp unit is disclosed having polygon shaped lens and reflector members which is capable of being alternately sealed together with an adhesive as well as being fusion sealed by reason of the sealing rim construction being employed. Specifically, the cooperating and opposing sealing rim surfaces of both members include planar sealing surfaces located at the outer periphery which extend longitudinally without interruption around all sides of said members along with rib elements projecting forwardly from the planar sealing surface at all corners of the lens member with said rib elements being located at the inner periphery of said lens member for physical abutment with inner edge of the planar sealing surface located on the reflector member at the corner locations.

Abstract: A vandalism-resistant antenna for the UHF band comprises a ring-shaped radiator printed on a dielectric board or disc mounted within a shallow enclosure of insulating material having high impact strength. The radiator is approximately 1/4 wavelength long at the operating frequency and is located at a constant spacing above a ground plane. A coaxial RF connector fastens the radiator-board assembly to a mounting surface serving as the ground plane, and couples the antenna to a transmitter or receiver.

Abstract: In a brazed joint between a coiled tungsten filament and a molybdenum lead, the lead continues integrally into a braze section which extends longitudinally within the coiled filament. The braze section may be formed by suddenly melting the portion of the lead used in the joint by a pulse discharge in an inert or reducing gas. The liquid molybdenum wets the tungsten and is drawn by capillarity into the turns of the coiling where it is rapidly chilled and solidifies in a time interval too short for appreciable crystal growth and embrittlement to occur in the tungsten.

Abstract: To control the operation of a piezoelectric relay, control circuitry is disclosed for direct ohmic connection to a utility AC source to draw the minimal power required to actuate the relay's bimorph member pursuant to selectively switching power current through either one of two separate loads. The control circuitry, which is largely implimented in a single integrated circuit chip, utilizes isolating resistance and the capacitances of a voltage doubler circuit and the piezoceramic plate elements for transient suppression and circuit protection.

Abstract: A lamp is disclosed comprising a light source, an outer glass envelope having at least one dimple, a metallic base having at least one dimple, and a plastics skirt having means for complementary engaging and fastening to each of the dimples of the glass envelope and of the metallic base. The complementary engagement of the plastics skirt to the glass envelope is accomplished by snap-lock ramp-like extensions that fit into and engage an inner portion of the dimples of the glass envelope.

Abstract: A two-part latch comprising hinged bail and crank for latching a globe and ring assembly to a fixed housing requires no screws, rivets or similar discrete fastening means. The crank member is a rectangular link formed from a length of resilient wire having its ends butted together at a split near the middle of one side. It is inserted into a captivating recess in which a pair of side ramps and a cut-off center ramp engage opposite faces of the link and cause the portions on each side of the split to twist and snap back after passing beyond the cut-off, whereby the crank is permanently captivated in a hinged attachment.

Abstract: A female plug body for an electric cord set with at least two contact openings, one opening smaller than the other, has an insert made of a more rigid insulating material than the plug body, disposed within the plug body. The insert has a pair of cavities providing clearance for one side of each of a pair of contacts embedded within the plug body, so that the resistance to insertion of a male plug is not affected by the ambient temperature. The insert also provides a channel providing rigid support for the opening in the plug for the "hot" contact of the female plug which resists insertion of an oversized plug blade into the "hot" contact.

Abstract: A reflector lamp (R) having an improved dome section that increases the useful light output of the lamp is disclosed. The dome section has at least three portions each with a predetermined radius. The overall dimensions of the dome section are decreased relative to that of prior art lamps without suffering a loss to the structural integrity of the lamp itself.