Abstract: An electric incandescent lamp for selective radiant energy distribution is disclosed which employs a reflective film for improved efficiency of the lamp operation. Said lamp further employs a tungsten filament extending the length of its elongated lamp envelope with particular support means for said incandescent filament also being disclosed to precisely position the filament along the principal lamp axis. Various structural configurations for said particular support means are also disclosed so that such filament position is maintained regardless of the lamp spatial orientation.

Abstract: Flush and pump flush processes yielding light sources for incandescent and metal vapor discharge lamps are disclosed. The flush and pump flush processes also yield lamps that are particularly suitable for deposition of a reflective coating on its outer surface. For such reflective coated light sources, the associated lamp leads are encased in glass and therefore are protected against any deleterious reactions that may otherwise result from the deposition of the reflective coating process. The light sources yielded by the flush and pump flush processes of the present invention are advantageous in reducing the mounting arrangement of the lamps in which the light sources are housed.

Abstract: A lighting system particularly suited for aerodynamically styled automobiles and aircraft is disclosed. The lighting system emits light from a strip arranged across a vehicle such as the automobile. The lighting system may comprise various subsystems finding application for the high and low beam frontal illumination and rear illumination all of the automobile. Each of the subsystems comprises a high intensity light source coupled to one end of each of a plurality of light pipes or optical fibers with each having their other end preferably positioned relative to a reflective element and lens. The reflective elements are arranged relative to a lens element to provide a prescribed illumination patterns. In one embodiment the lenses are arranged relative to each other and are located across a strip of the automobile to provide a composite beam to serve the needs of the high and low beam illumination patterns for the automobile.

Abstract: A ballast circuit arrangement for providing a predetermined desired A.C. voltage to enhance the operation of the gas discharge tube serving as the main light source in a lighting unit of the type which also comprises an incandescent filament serving as a resistive element and a supplementary light source is disclosed. The circuit arrangement operates directly from an applied 220 volt, 50 Hz or 120 volt, 60 Hz alternating current (A.C.) voltage source. The circuit arrangement comprises a capacitor connected serially with both the incandescent filament and the gas discharge tube. If desired, the incandescent filament may be replaced with a resistive element. The value of the capacitor is selected so as to reduce the applied 220 volt, 50 Hz or 120 volt, 60 Hz A.C. source to a desired range for operating the circuit in a manner to develop a desired reduced voltage for operation of the gas discharge tube.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transformer signal coupler utilizes a drive circuit including an oscillator constructed to excite the primary of a piezoelectric transformer at its characteristic anti-resonant frequency. Positive feedback signals modulated by the time domain response characteristic of the particular piezoelectric transformer force the oscillator to lock onto its characteristic anti-resonant frequency despite variations thereof due to temperature drift and secondary loading. The resulting drive circuit is implementable as a miniature, low mass integrated circuit mountable on the transformer's piezoceramic wafer to create a signal coupler of a single integrated structure.

Abstract: A lighting unit having a filament serving as a supplementary light source, an improved gas discharge tube serving as a main light source having improved electrodes and an improved ballast circuit operating in cooperation with the improved electrodes is disclosed. Various embodiments of the improved electrodes and various embodiments of the improved ballast circuits are disclosed. The improved ballast circuit operating in cooperation with the improved electrodes provides for thermionic arc conditions in the operation of the gas discharge tube substantially immediately after the application of voltage applied to the unit.

Abstract: Ballast circuits for a gas discharge tube are disclosed. One embodiment of a single-phase non-inductive ballast for operation of a gas discharge tube by direct current (D.C.) using a resistive current-limiting means and a relatively small capacitor is disclosed. The D.C. ballast circuit generates a timed pulse addition (TPA). The D.C. ballast circuit includes an arrangement of switching means which controls the discharge of a capacitive energy storage means so as to supply the reignition and the restrike energy in the form of timed pulse additions (TPA) that may be needed for the gas discharge tube. Other embodiments are disclosed for the ballast circuit which operate directly from the A.C. line and control the discharge of a capacitive storage means to supply reignition and restrike energy in the form of timed pulse additions (TPA) that may be needed for the gas discharge tube.

Abstract: An improved high efficiency general service incandescent lighting unit is disclosed. The lamp has coaxial outer and inner envelopes. The inner envelope has a low voltage filament coaxially disposed therein, a halogen gas atmosphere and a fill-gas at a high pressure. The outer envelope has a coating of a light transmissive reflective infrared film on its inner surface. Further disclosed are various control systems for reducing a typical 120 v. A.C. voltage and applying the reduced A.C. or D.C. voltage across the low voltage filament within the inner envelope.

Abstract: An alternating current latching relay is provided which employs a latching-type, mechanically operated snap-action switch mechanism with a set of electric contacts that are selectively latched either in the open or closed condition in a snap-action manner upon successive actuations of the snap-action mechanism by suitable push rod means for initiating its operation. At least one alternating current excited bender-type piezoelectric drive member has one end secured to a common base member with the latching-type snap-action switch mechanism and the remaining free end engaging the push rod means.

Abstract: A ballast circuit for developing a predetermined desired D.C. voltage to enhance the operation of a gas discharge tube in a lighting unit of the type which also comprises an incandescent filament is disclosed. The ballast circuit operates from an applied 220 volt, 50 Hz alternating current (A.C.) source. The ballast circuit has an input stage comprised of a resistive capacitive network. The resistive capacitive network has values selected so as to reduce the applied 220 volt, 50 Hz excitation to a desired range for further development by the ballast circuit in providing a desired D.C. operational voltage for the gas discharge tube. Further, the ballast circuit provides means to prevent circuit malfunctions due to sudden changes in the applied A.C. source voltage. Still further, the ballast circuit provides a desired power factor operation of the gas discharge tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting unit having low and high light levels and employing an efficient arc lamp as the source of light during the high level setting. The unit employs a filamentary light source for the production of light during low light level operation, the filament acting as a resistive ballast for the arc lamp during high level operation. Practical embodiments operate in a conventional three-way light socket with the sequences being off, low, high and low, and off, low, high, and high.

Abstract: A jacketed metal halide discharge lamp combining a miniature arc tube containing sodium iodide and a standby filament within an outer envelope, is provided with a glass sleeve around the arc tube. The glass sleeve is preferably connected to a point of potential which is positive relative to the arc tube, suitably the anode when the arc is operated on d.c. The glass sleeve prevents sodium loss from the arc by trapping ultraviolet light and by shielding the arc from photoelectrons. The sleeve serves also to reduce color shift when the arc tube is switched over from "high" to "low", and to protect the outer bulb in the event of arc tube rupture.

Abstract: An electrode for a miniature high pressure metal vapor lamp comprises a slender tungsten shank joined to a molybdenum inlead by a weld knot. The shank diameter is chosen above the size where melt-back starts at the intended lamp current and is provided wth a fine wire overwind fitting loosely thereon and retained in place by frictional engagement with the weld knot. The overwind reduces breakdown voltage and assures rapid glow-to-arc transition.

Abstract: Miniature high pressure metal vapor lamps containing mercury in a discharge volume of one cubic centimeter or less when operated at low frequencies have extremely high reignition voltages; the problem is compounded in metal halide lamps, particularly during warm-up. Ballast designs capable of coping with these conditions at 60 Hz have disadvantages. The discovery of the existence of resonance-free regions in the frequency range between 20 and 50 KHz has made stable and efficient lamp performance possible through the use of compact, practical and economical high frequency ballasts.

Abstract: An instant light lamp combining a miniature arc tube and a standby filament in a sealed vitreous envelope is operated by a high frequency power supply combined with a filament control circuit. The power supply comprises transforming means including voltage sensing means having an output proportional to the drop across the arc tube. The control circuit comprises an electronic switch for energizing the filament and a comparator circuit which has an output gating on the switch when the sensing means output is either above a high limit or below a low limit.

Abstract: A wire is positioned alongside a plastic member which carries a conductor, and a portion of the wire is driven sideways into the plastic so that the wire engages against the conductor and is held in place by embedment in the plastic. The wire may be driven into the plastic by a heated tool or by ultrasonic vibration. A particular use of the invention is the connection of wires to circuit runs of printed circuit boards, such as in the FlipFlash photoflash array.

Abstract: An integral self-contained fluorescent lamp unit comprising an elongated lamp and an elongated ballast resistor carried in an outwardly extending housing member positioned alongside the lamp.