Abstract: A fluorescent lamp having a plurality of columns positioned in a generally uniform manner within the lamp envelope, each column having an electron emissive cathode mounted therein connected to a cathode leadwire. An anode member connected to an anode leadwire extends to the upper portions of each column. A conductive starter member is mounted within each column so as to provide a first gap between one of its ends and the cathode and a second gap between the other of its ends and the associated anode extension. A D.C. voltage is applied to the anode and cathode leadwires, the D.C. voltage being obtainable from an external A.C. source via a suitable voltage rectifier/multiplier circuit which is positioned within the re-entrant stem member of the lamp.

Abstract: A new low voltage fluorescent light bulb is described. The bulb operates in a screw type socket on single-phase alternating current. No ballast is required. The lumen output of the new bulb is more than twice that of a filament type light bulb of equal input electrical energy. It has a life expectancy greater than 25,000 hours of useful operation. Hence, besides a substantial savings of electrical energy, the bulb pays for itself over time. Also, this new fluorescent light bulb saves the electrical energy and materials that would be entailed if the filament type of light bulb remains in use over the same extended time period. The new bulb is an ionic gas and mercury vapor discharge device of the uniformly restricted positive column type. However, a plurality of paired and matched self-polarizing positive column discharge tubes are used.