Abstract: A holder and dispenser of paper towels or the like that includes a base, a first post attached to the base for receiving a roll of paper towels or the like, a second post attached to the base in substantially parallel spaced relationship to the first post, a clamping rod for contacting the outer surface of a roll of paper, a plurality of pivot arms pivotally attached at respective first ends thereof to the second post and at respective second ends thereof to the clamping rod whereby said clamping rod is pivotable with respect to the second post for contacting an outer surface of a roll of paper disposed on the first post. This invention solves the problem Contamination or waste of the paper roll is avoided by providing a self adjusting vertical clamp bar to restrain the roll of paper in order to remove a towel segment from the roll.

Abstract: This invention solves some critical issues of contamination and waste of paper taken from a roll of paper towels for cleaning. Two hands are required to remove a sheet, one to restrain the roll and the other to pull the sheet away The hand restraining the roll will leave contamination, exposing others to bacteria. Users will consume more paper than is required to get a clean sheet. This invention solves the problem using a self adjusting vertical clamp bar to restrain the roll, that is held on a vertical post, and horizontal base, eliminating the need to use a second contaminated hand. The clamp bar will self adjust to roll size as sheets are removed.

Abstract: A mercury capsule for use in a fluorescent lamp comprises a metal ribbon which is provided with a first portion having a depression formed in a surface thereof for receiving and containing mercury, and a second portion having a protrusion formed on a surface thereof. A bendable portion interconnects the first and second portions. The second portion is bendably movable to a position wherein the protrusion overlies the depression and is further movable to place the protrusion in sealing engagement with the depression to sealingly enclose mercury in the depression.

Abstract: A lamp base, and mercury vapor discharge lamp including such lamp base, is provided which is fabricated from a material which substantially prevents the formation of leachable mercury in lamp disposal and testing procedures.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp having an attachment mounted therein for reduction of soluble mercury contained in the lamp, and to act as a fail-safe at the end of lamp life, comprises a collar of iron mesh providing an iron surface area sufficiently large to reduce a portion of the soluble mercury to elemental mercury when the lamp is pulverized to granules and subjected to a suitable aqueous acid solution, such that a remaining portion of soluble mercury leachable is less than 0.2 milligram per liter of the aqueous acid solution, whereby to provide a substantially non-soluble mercury leachable lamp. The attachment is adapted for disposition around an electrode mount in the lamp and is electrically isolated from lead-in contacts in the mount, such that upon exhaustion of a cathode coating in the lamp, an electrical arc stream impinges on the attachment, causing the mount within the attachment to crack, whereby to provide for safe termination of operation of the lamp.

Abstract: A lamp base locking clip including a plate having a lip extending outwardly on one end, and a flat portion on the opposite end, is captured in a keyway formed in the glass neck of a lamp body. One of the lamp lead-in wires is welded to the flat portion of the clip and a rim on a lamp base shell is welded to the outwardly extending lip, thus forming a lamp-base assembly with good torque resistance and no lead-based solder.

Abstract: In a fluorescent lamp, a starter assembly is disposed in a base of the lamp. The starter assembly includes a circuit board having conductive runs thereon and adapted to support therefrom lamp starter circuit components that are connected to these circuit runs. One or more electrodes of the lamp couple to the printed circuit board conductive runs. The circuit board assembly is supported in the base of the fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: A mercury capsule for dispensing mercury into an arc discharge lamp comprises a tubular metal member having a main body portion, a sealed end portion immediately adjacent the main body portion and means for sealing the end portion. The sealing means includes a substantially undulating configuration containing a predetermined number of undulations to enable rupture of the mercury capsule at an elevated temperature in accordance with the number of undulations. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mercury capsule is formed from a metal cup having a larger diameter skirted portion and a smaller diameter portion.