Abstract: A handheld or display assembly device which allows a user to obtain UV light in varying wavelengths from a single standard short-wave (SW) ultraviolet lamp. A standard SW ultraviolet lamp that has no phosphor coating is used, and the conversion sheets with different mixtures (or compounds) of phosphor are applied to convert the SW light into a medium-wave or long-wave light. One aspect of the present invention comprises an ultraviolet lamp, a housing for said lamp, a set of conversion sheets, and holding elements for removably mounting the conversion sheets adjacent the lamp. Another embodiment comprises a continuous sheet of the conversion sheets which is configured to roll across the front of the UV lamp, thereby converting the SW light into medium-wave or long-wave light.

Abstract: A unique drive circuit for a fluorescent lamp, as well as a housing for such lamp and drive circuit, designed for mineral museum displays, are disclosed herein. The drive circuit comprises a ballast subcircuit, a separate filament transformer subcircuit for pre-heating the lamp cathodes, and a relay between the subcircuits. The separate filament transformer subcircuit obviates the need for a conventional starter circuit for the fluorescent lamp. This way of pre-heating the cathodes prolongs the useful life of the lamp by making it possible for the lamp to undergo thousands of “on-off” cycles without the heretofore usual deterioration of the cathodes. The relay prevents the high voltage of the ballast from “hitting” the lamp cathodes before the cathodes have been pre-heated by the transformer subcircuit. Also disclosed is a method for using such a lamp, drive circuit, and housing to irradiate fluorescent minerals in a display case.

Abstract: A unique drive circuit for a fluorescent lamp, as well as a housing for such lamp and drive circuit, designed for mineral museum displays, are disclosed herein. The drive circuit comprises a ballast subcircuit, a separate filament transformer subcircuit for pre-heating the lamp cathodes, and a relay between the subcircuits. The separate filament transformer subcircuit obviates the need for a conventional starter circuit for the fluorescent lamp. This way of pre-heating the cathodes prolongs the useful life of the lamp by making it possible for the lamp to undergo thousands of “on-off” cycles without the heretofore usual deterioration of the cathodes. The relay prevents the high voltage of the ballast from “hitting” the lamp cathodes before the cathodes have been pre-heated by the transformer subcircuit. Also disclosed is a method for using such a lamp, drive circuit, and housing to irradiate fluorescent minerals in a display case.

Abstract: A unique drive circuit for a fluorescent lamp, as well as a housing for such lamp and drive circuit, are designed for mineral museum displays. The drive circuit comprises a ballast subcircuit, a separate filament transformer subcircuit for pre-heating the lamp cathodes, and a relay between the subcircuits. The separate filament transformer subcircuit obviates the need for a conventional starter circuit for the fluorescent lamp. This way of pre-heating the cathodes prolongs the useful life of the lamp by making it possible for the lamp to undergo thousands of “on-off” cycles without the heretofore usual deterioration of the cathodes. The relay prevents the high voltage of the ballast from “hitting” the lamp cathodes before the cathodes have been pre-heated by the transformer subcircuit. Also a method is designed for using such a lamp, drive circuit, and housing to irradiate fluorescent minerals in a display case.