Abstract: In conventional logic buffer circuits, internal signal overshoot during switching transitions causes power supply spikes or bounce, which may in turn degrade the operational reliability of other circuits in the same system. By using a pair of current amplifier circuits within the logic buffer circuit to shunt a portion of the signal overshoot, the output current of the logic buffer circuit is caused to change linearly with time, so that power supply bounce or spikes are substantially reduced.

Abstract: An HID lamp incorporates all-metal electrodes providing rapid transition of the arc to the electrode tip. The electrode comprises a length of thoriated tungsten wire having a close wrapped coil between connection and tip ends, so that rapid heating of the electrode tip promotes rapid transition of the arc from coil crevices to the tip.

Abstract: A power integrated-circuit device is protected against load voltage surges. This is done by providing an alternate current-carrying path that is activated only in response to the occurrence of such surges. This alternate path is independent of and separate from the connection that extends between the device and its power supply source. In addition, circuitry is connected to the device to limit the portion of the surge voltage that can appear across critical elements of the device.

Abstract: In a fluorescent lamp having a multi-layer phosphor, a halophosphate-containing layer having color coordinates within an oval centered on X=0.382 and Y=0.384. A rare earth activated phosphor layer has approximately the same color coordinates. The area density ratio of the rare earth and halophosphate-containing phosphor layers is between 0.088 to 0.222 and preferably between 0.088 to 0.133.

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: An improved piezoelectric transducer permitting linear scanning along two intersecting planes. The transducer is fabricated from a cross shaped piezoelectric plate covered on both faces with metallic electrodes. First and second linear arrays are formed by the partial dicing of the opposite faces of the electrodes and plate. The two segments of the orthogonal arrays are integrated in the crossed area. An aperture may be disposed in the central area so as to permit a surgical implement, such as a biopsy needle, to be inserted into the tissue under ultrasonic visualization. Scanning electronics are alternately connectable to each of the arrays by means of a multiple pole switch under the control of a clock.

Abstract: A method for providing a curved composite ultrasound transducer of a relatively large size. A blank of piezoceramic material has its rear side reticulated with a series of relatively coarse grooves. The front side of the material is reticulated with a series of relatively deep fine grooves to provide a matrix of upstanding piezoceramic rods. The spaces between the rods on the front side of the blank are therefore filled with a curable polymeric resin (epoxy). The resin filling the blank spaces on the front side is partially cured. After partial curing, the blank is placed into a spherical compression mold and molded so that its front side is formed concave and its rear side convex. The resin is cured while holding the molded blank under pressure in the mold until the resin has cured. After curing, the blank is removed from the mold and the back side is ground away to provide a spherically curved transducer having a multiplicity of individual piezoceramic rods disposed in a matrix of cured resin.

Abstract: An HID lamp having parts of its internal metal support covered with a layer of material having a photoelectric work function greater than 5.0 electron volts to reduce internal photoelectron production. The material may be granular zirconium oxide having a photoelectric work function of 5.8 eV.

Abstract: An elongated generally cylindrical speed sensing device for sensing the speed of a toothed wheel to one side of the device, the device axis being transverse to the wheel axis and the device being generally tangential to the wheel. An elongated soft magnetic pole piece is surrounded by a coil coaxial with the pole piece, and a laterally extending circular symmetrical pole piece projection extends past an end of the coil to a diameter at least equal to the outside diameter of the coil. An axially magnetized permanent magnet abuts one end of the elongated pole piece. The device housing has rotationally symmetrical mounting surfaces coaxial with the magnetic axis so that angular alignment in installation is not required.

Abstract: A shipping tray assembly for use in shipping an article having casters whereby a section of the tray assembly can be removed so that the article may be rolled out of the tray on its casters.

Abstract: A low pressure sodium roadway and/or area luminaire is provided. In this structure, the ballast is present in a removable pod which can be removed and replaced solely by hand.