Abstract: A conductive link maintains the electrode of a fluorescent lamp and a conductive electrode guard at the same electrical potential to reduce lamp power dissipation. The conductive link is a bimetal strip arranged for electrically connecting an electrode lead-in with the electrode guard or electrode guard support upon heating by the discharge arc during lamp operation.

Abstract: A conductive link maintains the electrode of a fluorescent lamp and a conductive electrode guard at the same electrical potential to reduce lamp power dissipation. The conductive link may be a fuse wire to protect the lamp ballast from excessive current upon electrode failure and shorting to the electrode guard.

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 assembly having an electronic ballast circuit. A ballast circuit transformer is mounted on a metallic plate having a recess complementary to the transformer, and the metallic plate suppresses conducted RFI. A lamp cover is attached to the metallic plate and heat from the ballast circuit transformer is dissipated by the metallic plate and lamp cover.

Abstract: A compact energy-saving discharge lamp adapter with a take-apart feature for easy installation into incandescent lamp fixtures. The two-part adapter unit consists of a discharge lamp socket assembly and a ballast assembly. The discharge lamp socket assembly comprises three different electrical type connectors arranged in a special housing for lamp and ballast assembly attachment. The ballast assembly comprises a ballast, associated connectors, and special housing containing thermal conductive compound and mountable directly on the socket assembly.

Abstract: A compact flourescent lamp assembly includes a triple bend lamp and a first housing including a ballast and a screw-in base for use with an incandescent fixture. A second housing, attached to the lamp, includes a glow switch and starting capacitor. The triple bend lamp is fabricated from a previously completed elongate lamp.

Abstract: A glass mercury dispenser for inclusion within an arc discharge lamp is surrounded by a particle shield to catch shards when the capsule is subsequently ruptured.

Abstract: A mount for an arc discharge lamp has a cathode thereon which is encircled by a disintegration shield. The shield has a narrow gap between its ends with a mercury-containing metal capsule in the gap. The capsule is comprised of a metal cup having a larger diameter portion and a smaller diameter portion, the larger diameter portion having been flattened and sealed after the mercury has been dispensed into the capsule. The flattened larger diameter portion of the capsule is welded across the gap of the shield.

Abstract: A mount for an arc discharge lamp has a cathode thereon which is encircled by a disintegration shield. There is a gap in the shield and a mercury-containing glass capsule disposed proximate the gap. The capsule is supported on the shield by means of an axial wire in the capsule extending beyond both ends of the capsule and welded to the shield. A crack in the glass permits the mercury in the capsule to develop a vapor pressure in the lamp.

Abstract: A circuit breaker has a thermally sensitive bimetal connected across two lead-in wires in a glass envelope. An electrically conductive bypass element is in parallel with the bimetal and shorts it out. The bypass element can be removed from the circuit by melting it by means of a short duration pulse of high electric current. The bimetal contains means to prevent its ends from welding together should an arc occur when the bypass element is melted.

Abstract: A rapid start fluorescent lamp contains a circuit opening device on the cathode mount which opens a short time after lamp starting and stops heater current flow to the cathode. The circuit opening device is a thermostatic element in a sealed glass tube. Additional support is provided for the cathode end that is connected to the circuit opening device in order to prevent damage from vibration.

Abstract: In a rapid start fluorescent lamp having a switch on the cathode mount to discontinue heater current flow after lamp ignition, a fuse is provided to short out the switch during lamp processing. After the electrode activation step in the process, the fuse is melted to render the switch operative.

Abstract: A rapid start fluorescent lamp contains a circuit opening device on the cathode mount which opens a short time after lamp starting and stops heater current flow to the cathode.

Abstract: A mount for an arc discharge lamp has a cathode thereon which is encircled by a disintegration shield. The shield has a narrow gap between its ends with a mercury containing metal capsule in the gap. The lower portion of the capsule is connected to the ends of the shield so that when an Rf current is induced in the shield, it preferentially flows through the lower portion of the capsule.

Abstract: A ballast for a rapid start fluorescent lamp with heated filaments has a secondary winding supplying lamp current, tertiary windings for supplying heater current to the filaments, and solid state switching circuits in secondary circuits through the filaments. Each switching circuit, which may be integrated with the ballast circuit or connected to a filament within the lamp envelope, comprises two voltage divider resistors having a common junction coupled to the gate of a triac whose primary electrodes are connected in parallel with the voltage divider. The triac is in series with the filament and supplies heating current to the filaments prior to lamp starting. When the lamp starts and conducts rated operating current the voltage divider reduces the voltage at its junction and at the triac gate below triac breakdown level thereby substantially eliminating heater current.

Abstract: A rapid start fluorescent lamp ballast with a secondary winding supplying lamp current and tertiary windings for supplying heater current, has a magnetic switch which senses current through the secondary winding and opens the heater current circuit after the lamp starts and draws operating current from the secondary winding. The current sensing magnetic switches shown are a slow acting relay with its coil in the secondary circuit and a magnetic reed switch physically disposed in the magnetic field of the secondary ballast winding.