Abstract: A fluorescent lamp comprises a glass tubular body defining a discharge space, and first and second electrode assemblies mounted in the discharge space in opposition to each other, each of the electrode assemblies comprising a first electrode and a second electrode. Each of the first electrodes comprises a metal lead wire with an electron-emitting material disposed on a free end thereof, and each of the second electrodes comprises a cup-shaped tube coaxially surrounding one of the first electrodes and the electron-emitting material disposed on the first electrode. The second electrode tube and the electron emitting material therein form an annular gap therebetween.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp comprises a glass tubular body defining a discharge space, and first and second electrode assemblies mounted in the discharge space in opposition to each other, each of the electrode assemblies comprising a first electrode and a second electrode. Each of the first electrodes comprises a metal lead wire with an electron-emitting material disposed on a free end thereof, and each of the second electrodes comprises a cup-shaped tube coaxially surrounding one of the first electrodes and the electron-emitting material disposed on the first electrode. The second electrode tube and the electron emitting material therein form an annular gap therebetween.

Abstract: A reflector lamp 10 has a vitreous outer envelope 12 formed of a concave reflector 14 and a light-transmitting 16 cover peripherally sealed thereto. The concave reflector and cover are symmetrically arrayed about a longitudinal axis 18 and a substantially cylindrical, hollow neck 20 having a given depth is affixed to the concave reflector opposite the cover. The neck 20 also is symmetrically arrayed about the longitudinal axis 18 and has a substantially closed bottom 21. At least two eyelets, 22, 24, respectively, are sealed in the bottom 21 and a light source capsule 26 is positioned in the concave reflector and aligned with the longitudinal axis 18. The light source capsule 26 has a first end 28 situated in the neck 20 and a second end 30 extending into the concave reflector. The light source capsule 26 comprises a quartz arc tube 32 containing an arc generating and sustaining medium and a surrounding aluminosilicate glass shroud 34.

Abstract: A closed-loop, tubular lamp envelope and methods of manufacturing closed-loop, tubular lamp envelopes are disclosed. A dome is formed at one end of a light-transmissive tube. A blister is molded on the dome, and a hole is formed in the molded blister. Next, a dome is formed at the other end of the light-transmissive tube. A blister is formed on the dome, and a second hole is formed in the molded blister. Each of the molded blisters includes a rim which defines the respective hole. A second tube is processed in the same way. The respective rims at the ends of the first and second tubes are fused together to form a sealed, closed-loop lamp envelope. Each tube may be bent to provide a desired shape of the lamp envelope. The molding of the rims insures that the sealing surfaces match.

Abstract: A closed-loop, tubular lamp envelope and methods of manufacturing closed-loop, tubular lamp envelopes are disclosed. A dome is formed at one end of a light-transmissive tube. A blister is molded on the dome, and a hole is formed in the molded blister. Next, a dome is formed at the other end of the light-transmissive tube. A blister is formed on the dome, and a second hole is formed in the molded blister. Each of the molded blisters includes a rim which defines the respective hole. A second tube is processed in the same way. The respective rims at the ends of the first and second tubes are fused together to form a sealed, closed-loop lamp envelope. Each tube may be bent to provide a desired shape of the lamp envelope. The molding of the rims insures that the sealing surfaces match.

Abstract: A lamp has a light transmissive glass envelope which includes a light source chamber. At least one glass extension is affixed to the light source chamber and has a sealing area surrounding a portion of it. A patterned metal foil is affixed to and surrounds the sealing area and a glass shroud surrounds at least the light source chamber and has an end sealed to the metal foil.

Abstract: An ultraviolet radiation starting source for an arc discharge lamp includes a sealed envelope with a press seal, a gaseous fill material within the envelope, a molybdenum ribbon which extends from the press seal into the interior region of the envelope and a wire inlead for carrying electrical energy to the ribbon. A method of manufacture includes flowing a fill material through a tube. Further, a seal is formed at one end of the tube, the interior of the tube is pumped to a desired pressure and another press seal is formed at the second end of the tube to create a sealed envelope.

Abstract: An ultraviolet radiation starting source for an arc discharge lamp includes a sealed envelope with a press seal, a gaseous fill material within the envelope, a molybdenum ribbon which extends from the press seal into the interior region of the envelope and a wire inlead for carrying electrical energy to the ribbon. A method of manufacture is described in which fill material flows through a tube. A press seal is formed at one end of the tube, the interior of the tube is pumped to a desired pressure and another press seal is formed at the second end of the tube to create a sealed envelope.

Abstract: A subminiature aperture of fluorescent lamp is fabricated with press seals to facilitate accurate orientation of the aperture relative to an optical system. Flat surfaces of the press seal are accurately aligned relative to the aperture during manufacturing. The press seals can include detents for axial positioning of the lamp.

Abstract: A plug-in lamp assembly for use as a picture element in large-screen information display systems. The lamp assembly includes red, green and blue discharge lamps for selectively generating different colors. Each discharge lamp has electrical leads extending from a first end and a light output region at a second end. The lamp assembly further includes a base having spaced-apart, plug-in electrical connectors, a cap covering the second ends of the lamps and a sleeve around the discharge lamps and interconnecting the cap and the base. The base provides mechanical support for the discharge lamps and permits easy replacement of the lamp assembly. The sleeve blocks light emitted from the sides of the discharge lamps. The cap includes a diffuser and a filter for altering the output spectrum of one or more of the discharge lamps.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a low-pressure arc discharge lamp formed by interconnecting two or more adjacent glass discharge tubes. A hermetically sealed common passageway between the two adjacent tubes is formed by positioning the tubes in a contiguous relationship to define at least one common location of contact. Heating a preselected area of the internal surface of each of the tubes relative to the common location of contact to soften the glass to the extent a common passageway is defined between the tubes. Thereafter, separating the tubes a predetermined distance while the glass is in a softened state to stretch the softened glass, thereby extending the common passageway between the tubes. The technique may be applied to multiple tube assemblies precoated with a luminescent layer by alternating the end of the tube at which the passageway is formed. Once the tubes are joined, they may be processed by current manufacturing techniques to produce a low-pressure arc discharge lamp.

Abstract: A flash tube has an hermetically sealed glass envelope containing an inert gas and a pair of electrodes between which an arc discharge path is defined during lamp operation, and an external trigger wire which is embedded within a glass tube which, in turn, is fused to the outer surface of the envelope.