Abstract: A system for controlling a commercial vehicle in a restricted area, including: an information acquisition module to acquire information from a database about the restricted area, wherein the commercial vehicle includes a sensor unit to detect objects in surroundings of the commercial vehicle, and wherein the acquired information includes cartographic data for objects in the restricted area; a detection module to detect at least one object in the surroundings of the vehicle using the sensor unit of the commercial vehicle; an identification module to identify the at least one detected object in the cartographic data; and a movement module to allow autonomous movement of the commercial vehicle in the restricted area based on the identified objects. Also described are a related commercial vehicle, a method and a computer readable medium.

Abstract: An improved light collecting efficiency in a projector type automotive headlamp is achieved by including a curved mirror to re-direct light otherwise absorbed by a rear surface of the blocking cut-off shield in “low beam” operating mode of the headlamp. When the shield is moved to a second non-blocking position, a mirror segment conforms to the curved surface of the substantially ellipsoidal reflector to maximize lumen output in “high beam” operating mode of the headlamp. In addition, auxiliary mirror segments may be used to provide a more complete substantially ellipsoidal reflector configuration that maximizes the light collection efficiency. Preferably, the cap holder is purposefully offset in order to position the centerline of the bowed arc of the arc discharge light source in alignment with the optical axis of the optical system in order to maximize light collection efficiency.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp comprises a discharge vessel and two electrode rods having substantially flat ends facing to each other in opposite positions within the discharge vessel. A spiral coil of wire is wound at least on a part of the surface of at least one of the electrode rods. The spiral coil protrudes over said end of the corresponding electrode rod and thus forms a hollow cavity for extending dimmable wattage range of the lamp.

Abstract: A method of forming a discharge lamp and the resultant discharge lamp include providing an arc tube having first and second ends offset from a central arcuate or curvilinear portion of the discharge chamber formed between the arc tube ends. Electrodes extend from the first and second ends and at least partially into the discharge chamber which is locally substantially rotationally symmetric, i.e., substantially circular cross-section over a length thereof. Preferably, the arc tube and discharge chamber have a curvilinear conformation where the first and second ends are located below the central portion of the arc tube and associated discharge chamber in horizontal orientation during operation. Terminal ends of the electrodes preferably follow a local axis of the curvilinear conformation. The wall thickness of the discharge chamber may be alternatively constant or non-constant along a longitudinal extent thereof.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge light source includes an arc tube having a longitudinal axis and discharge chamber formed therein. The light source includes first and second electrodes having inner terminal ends spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis. Each electrode extends at least partially into the discharge chamber. The discharge chamber is deformed so that its internal geometry is substantially rotationally asymmetric about its longitudinal axis, and is substantially mirror-symmetric relative to a plane spanned by the longitudinal axis and by another transverse axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is vertical in a horizontal arc tube orientation, as well as substantially mirror-symmetric relative to a central plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An improved light collecting efficiency in a projector type automotive headlamp is achieved by including a curved mirror to re-direct light otherwise absorbed by a rear surface of the blocking cut-off shield in “low beam” operating mode of the headlamp. When the shield is moved to a second non-blocking position, a mirror segment conforms to the curved surface of the substantially ellipsoidal reflector to maximize lumen output in “high beam” operating mode of the headlamp. In addition, auxiliary mirror segments may be used to provide a more complete substantially ellipsoidal reflector configuration that maximizes the light collection efficiency. Preferably, the cap holder is purposefully offset in order to position the centerline of the bowed arc of the arc discharge light source in alignment with the optical axis of the optical system in order to maximize light collection efficiency.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge light source includes an arc tube having a longitudinal axis and a main central discharge chamber formed therein. The arc tube includes first and second electrodes having inner terminal ends spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis. Each electrode extends at least partially into the main central discharge chamber or reaches the end portions of the main central discharge chamber. The arc tube includes first and second sub-chambers located at opposite ends of a main central discharge chamber. The sub-chambers are located entirely axially outward from the inner terminal ends of the electrodes to form cold spot locations for the dose pool outside the main central discharge chamber.

Abstract: A discharge lamp such as a shrouded metal halide lamp is designed to reduce the potential for arcing under hot restart or restrike voltages. A stepped conformation of the pinch seal region limits arcing within the shroud while different dimensions of stems in the base increase the distance between outer lead wires in the base to prevent arcing externally of the shroud.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp comprising a discharge vessel having a wall enclosing a discharge space, an ionizable material contained in said space, and at least two electrodes each having an embedded portion and an electrode shaft extending from the wall of the discharge vessel and ending with a tip of the electrode, the electrodes being arranged in said space for establishment of an electric arc between said tips. Each of the electrode shafts of the electrodes comprises a thickened portion arranged between the embedded portion and the tip of the electrode, a first shaft section extending between the embedded portion and the thickened portion, the first shaft section having a first length and a first shaft diameter, and a second shaft section extending between the thickened portion and the tip of the electrode, the second shaft section having a second length and a second shaft diameter.

Abstract: A first exemplary embodiment of an automotive discharge lamp assembly includes an integrated high intensity discharge lamp and driver assembly having a high voltage starter/igniter and a ballast unit contained in a common housing with a high intensity discharge lamp burner extending therefrom. A separate automotive headlamp optical assembly is mechanically and electrically joined to the integrated high intensity discharge lamp and driver assembly. The joining assembly includes snap-fit clamps received on one of (i) the headlamp assembly and (ii) the integrated lamp and driver assembly, and received in a recess/groove on the other of (i) the headlamp optical assembly and (ii) the integrated lamp and driver assembly. Another exemplary embodiment includes at least one bayonet pin extending outwardly from one of (i) the integrated lamp and driver assembly and (ii) the headlamp optical assembly for operative receipt in a recess or groove formed in the other component.

Abstract: A compact mercury-free high intensity discharge (HID) lamp particularly suitable for automotive headlamp application has a pair of spaced and opposing electrodes sealed in a transparent enclosure defining an arc chamber. An outer transparent envelope has a first and second textured light scattering stripe on its interior surface on substantially opposite sides thereof extending continuously from one electrode to the other. The stripes widen the cross-sectional luminance distribution of the arc discharge image and make the image of the arc straighter while keeping light scattering losses at minimum so that the reduced arc peak luminance is still at the desired level. In other versions, a plurality of textured light scattering stripes of smaller widths are employed to replace a single wider light scattering stripe.

Abstract: A compact mercury-free high intensity discharge (HID) lamp particularly suitable for automotive headlamp application has a pair of spaced and opposing electrodes sealed in a transparent enclosure defining an arc chamber. An outer transparent envelope has a first and second textured light scattering stripe on its interior surface on substantially opposite sides thereof extending continuously from one electrode to the other. The stripes widen the cross-sectional luminance distribution of the arc discharge image and make the image of the arc straighter while keeping light scattering losses at minimum so that the reduced arc peak luminance is still at the desired level. In other versions, a plurality of textured light scattering stripes of smaller widths are employed to replace a single wider light scattering stripe.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electron emission material for use in fluorescent lamps that releases a significantly reduced amount of decomposition material, predominantly CO2, during in-lamp heat-treatment. Consequently, there is a significant reduction in the amount of electrode decomposition-related contaminants in the lamp. In addition, the emission material of the invention requires a much lower temperature in-lamp heat-treatment during manufacturing than that of conventional lamps of the same type. The invention, while described herein for use primarily with fluorescent lamps, has broader application to any device where the primary means of electron emission is of the thermionic type.

Abstract: A discharge lamp such as a shrouded metal halide lamp is designed to reduce the potential for arcing under hot restart or restrike voltages. A stepped conformation of the pinch seal region limits arcing within the shroud while different dimensions of stems in the base increase the distance between outer lead wires in the base to prevent arcing externally of the shroud.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge light source includes an arc tube having a longitudinal axis and discharge chamber formed therein. The light source includes first and second electrodes having inner terminal ends spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis. Each electrode extends at least partially into the discharge chamber. The discharge chamber is deformed so that its internal geometry is substantially rotationally asymmetric about its longitudinal axis, and is substantially mirror-symmetric relative to a plane spanned by the longitudinal axis and by another transverse axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is vertical in a horizontal arc tube orientation, as well as substantially mirror-symmetric relative to a central plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge light source includes an arc tube having a longitudinal axis and a main central discharge chamber formed therein. The arc tube includes first and second electrodes having inner terminal ends spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis. Each electrode extends at least partially into the main central discharge chamber or reaches the end portions of the main central discharge chamber. The arc tube includes first and second sub-chambers located at opposite ends of a main central discharge chamber. The sub-chambers are located entirely axially outward from the inner terminal ends of the electrodes to form cold spot locations for the dose pool outside the main central discharge chamber.

Abstract: The discharge light source includes an arc tube with a discharge chamber having a predetermined location for a metal halide dose or salt pool that minimizes the impact on the light emitted from the light source. The discharge chamber is preferably asymmetric about a second axis that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the discharge chamber preferably includes first and second generally spheroidal portions of different diameters spaced along the longitudinal axis. The arc tube has different wall thicknesses in yet another arrangement. In a further exemplary embodiment, a portion of a wall that forms the discharge chamber includes a generally concave surface. These features may be used individually or in combination.

Abstract: A method of forming a discharge lamp and the resultant discharge lamp include providing an arc tube having first and second ends offset from a central arcuate or curvilinear portion of the discharge chamber formed between the arc tube ends. Electrodes extend from the first and second ends and at least partially into the discharge chamber which is locally substantially rotationally symmetric, i.e., substantially circular cross-section over a length thereof. Preferably, the arc tube and discharge chamber have a curvilinear conformation where the first and second ends are located below the central portion of the arc tube and associated discharge chamber in horizontal orientation during operation. Terminal ends of the electrodes preferably follow a local axis of the curvilinear conformation. The wall thickness of the discharge chamber may be alternatively constant or non-constant along a longitudinal extent thereof.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp automotive headlamp system is provided for three different lighting functions. The headlamp system is a single unit that provides for low beam, high beam, and daylight running light (DRL) functions. Two optical components are used to easily and effectively switch between the different modes of operation. The first optical component is a shutter that selectively blocks a portion of the light beam output. Secondly, either a single lens or lens portions can be moved either within the light beam path or into the light beam path to alter the divergence.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp comprises an arc tube, which encloses an arc chamber. The arc chamber contains a gas fill and the arc tube is terminated by at least one sealed portion. The sealed portions enclose an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly comprises an electrode, a lead-in wire and an electrically conducting foil. The electrode extends into the arc chamber. The lead-in wire extends outward from the sealed portion for providing electric contact with a power supply. The electrically conducting foil connects the lead-in wire and the electrode and provides a sealed electric connection through a sealed portion of the arc tube. At least one of the electrodes is provided with surface irregularities in a region between the foil and the arc chamber in order to control shape and size of cracks in a seal wall surrounding the electrodes. In the method, an electrode of predetermined geometry and structure is provided with at least one artificial surface irregularity.