Abstract: Devices and methods relating to insulation-free lead wires in compact fluorescent lamps are provided. For example, there is provided a compact fluorescent lamp including at least two lead wires. Each of the lead wires can be connected to a respective cathode of a respective discharge tube. The compact fluorescent lamp further includes a ballast circuit. The lead wires are isolated from one another without any insulation.

Abstract: A collar includes two sections that join together in an adhesive-less manner to form an aperture, an arm with a distally-located pawl extending from a base of each section, a frame on the other section at a position corresponding to the arm, a lower clamp located on the sections, an upper clamp including a distally-located projection extending from the base surface, first and second flexible clamps located at opposing ends of the aperture. A gas discharge tube lighting assembly includes a discharge tube collar, a discharge tube having a stem assembly with a first portion fitting within the discharge tube and a second portion having a seal ring with a diameter greater than the discharge tube outer diameter, the collar and tube connected by adhesive-less mechanical forces exerted on the upper, lower, and first and second flexible clamps with the discharge tube located partially in the aperture.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a light cover has an axis extending vertically from a threaded base portion to an end portion opposite the threaded base portion. The light cover may include a vertically open, pear-shaped first half portion (e.g., formed of plastic). The light cover may further include a vertically open, pear-shaped second half portion coupled to the first half portion to form a cavity to hold an illuminating bulb portion of a compact fluorescent lamp. The first and second half portions together may form an outer surface contoured substantially in the shape of an incandescent light bulb.

Abstract: Fluorescent lamps, along with their methods of manufacture and use, are provided. The fluorescent lamp can include a discharge tube extending from a first end to a second end; a resistive transparent coating (e.g., a tin oxide thin film layer, such as a fluor-doped tin oxide thin film layer) on the outer surface of the discharge tube; and a pair of electric terminals positioned on the discharge tube such that a first terminal is on the first end and a second terminal is on the second end.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) including an insulating barrier between heat sources and heat sensitive components. The heat sensitive barrier is in the form of an insulative layer of cement applied between the heat generating components of the CFL and one or more heat sensitive components of the CFL. The cement can also fix or secure various components within the lamp thereby eliminating the need for some or all of the support structure of a conventional CFL.

Abstract: Fluorescent lamps, along with their methods of manufacture and use, are provided. The fluorescent lamp can include a discharge tube extending from a first end to a second end; a resistive transparent coating (e.g., a tin oxide thin film layer, such as a fluor-doped tin oxide thin film layer) on the outer surface of the discharge tube; and a pair of electric terminals positioned on the discharge tube such that a first terminal is on the first end and a second terminal is on the second end.

Abstract: A lamp assembly provides both instant light through use of an incandescent/halogen light/lamp source and an energy saving type light provided by a compact fluorescent light/lamp source. Both light sources are enclosed within a common envelope or outer bulb. First and second thermal sensors are provided in the lamp envelope at spaced locations to monitor the temperature of the lamp. When the sum of these two temperatures reaches a preselected value, power to the incandescent lamp source is terminated. Alternatively, when the difference these two temperatures reaches a preselected value, power to the incandescent lamp source is terminated.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp includes an arc tube comprised of light transmissive material. The arc tube can be for a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL). A discharge sustaining fill, which may include mercury and an inert gas, is sealed in the interior of the arc tube. Electrodes are disposed in the sealed interior of the arc tube. An outer envelope is disposed around and spaced apart from the arc tube. The outer envelope can take the form of a conventional incandescent light bulb, candle, globe-shape or reflector shape. The outer envelope includes an opening. The arc tube includes a hollow protrusion that extends adjacent or into the opening. This can provide the arc tube with a lower temperature near the protrusion that can approximate the temperature of the outer envelope (a cold spot). This can regulate the vapor pressure of liquid (e.g., liquid mercury) in the arc tube.

Abstract: A lamp assembly provides both instant light through use of an incandescent/halogen light/lamp source and an energy saving type light provided by a compact fluorescent light/lamp source. Both light sources are enclosed within a common envelope or outer bulb. First and second thermal sensors are provided in the lamp envelope at spaced locations to monitor the temperature of the lamp. When the sum of these two temperatures reaches a preselected value, power to the incandescent lamp source is terminated. Alternatively, when the difference these two temperatures reaches a preselected value, power to the incandescent lamp source is terminated.

Abstract: This compact fluorescent lamp includes a discharge tube arrangement with at least one discharge tube formed of glass and enclosing a discharge volume filled with a discharge gas. A ballast circuit is connected to the electrodes disposed at each end of a continuous arc path for controlling the current in the tube. A substantially spherical portion of an outer envelope encloses the tube arrangement and an elongated end portion encloses the ballast circuit. The end portion of the outer envelope is closed and sealed by a seal formed of the same material as the material of the outer envelope. In the associated method of manufacture, the envelope is separated by cutting along a circumferential line into an upper part and a lower part, the ballast circuit introduced into the lower part and respective lead-in wires and the lead-out wires are short and need not be insulated. The ballast circuit and the discharge tube arrangement are held and supported in the outer envelope by the connecting wires and fixing means.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp includes a discharge tube and an auxiliary amalgam assembly held in the discharge tube by a holder. The holder has first and second regions with attaching portions adapted to receive an associated attachment member. The holder has a first dimension prior to disposition in the discharge tube.

Abstract: The compact fluorescent lamp comprises a bulb shaped outer envelope enclosing a discharge tube having a coiled configuration and a ballast unit for controlling the current in the tube. The lamp further comprises at least one joint mechanical support and starting aid means for positioning the discharge tube and the ballast unit and reducing a breakdown voltage path of the discharge tube. The at least one mechanical support and starting aid means is made of an electrically conducting material and connected electrically to at least one of the electrodes. The neck portion has a retaining member, and the mechanical support and starting aid means is supported by the retaining member and clamped on the discharge tube at least at a location in a vicinity of a middle section of the arc path. The mechanical support means further comprises at least one support section to provide support against an apex of the outer envelope, and at least one fixing section for fixing of the discharge tube.

Abstract: A lamp assembly provides both instant light through use of an incandescent/halogen lamp source and an energy saving type light provided by a compact fluorescent lamp source. Both light sources are enclosed within a common envelope or outer bulb. The sensor member monitors light output from a central region of the CFL at a region spaced from the first and second ends in order to obtain an accurate representation of full light output from the CFL before shutting off or terminating power to the incandescent lamp source.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp includes a discharge tube such as a spiral discharge tube having a wall forming a discharge chamber between cathodes at first and second ends thereof. At least one auxiliary amalgam assembly is disposed in the discharge chamber at an intermediate region disposed between the first and second ends. The auxiliary amalgam assembly is secured at a location spaced from the inner wall of the discharge chamber.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) including an insulating barrier between heat sources and heat sensitive components. The heat sensitive barrier is in the form of an insulative layer of cement applied between the heat generating components of the CFL and one or more heat sensitive components of the CFL. The cement can also fix or secure various components within the lamp thereby eliminating the need for some or all of the support structure of a conventional CFL.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp includes an inverted compact fluorescent light source housed within an outer envelope. Locating the first and second ends of the coiled CFL source positions the electrodes within a substantially spherical outer envelope at a location remotely spaced from the ballast compartment. In this manner, only small diameter first and second lead wires that mechanically and electrically engage the electrodes pass through small dimensioned passages in a separation member in the outer envelope cavity. This substantially reduces the thermal stress on the components.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp includes a discharge tube forming a continuous arc path with electrodes disposed at each end of the path. The lamp includes a fill gas disposed within the discharge tube. The lamp further includes a ballast circuit for controlling current in the discharge tube and operatively connected to the electrodes. The discharge tube is spirally wound around the longitudinal axis of the lamp to form a partially closed cavity and in a preferred arrangement the ballast is positioned within cavity formed by the spirally wound discharge tube. A gap between adjacent turns of the spirally wound discharge tube is less than about 0.5 mm, and preferably about 0.0009 mm.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp includes an inverted compact fluorescent light source housed within an outer envelope. Locating the first and second ends of the coiled CFL source positions the electrodes within a substantially spherical outer envelope at a location remotely spaced from the ballast compartment. In this manner, only small diameter first and second lead wires that mechanically and electrically engage the electrodes pass through small dimensioned passages in a separation member in the outer envelope cavity. This substantially reduces the thermal stress on the components.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp includes a discharge tube such as a spiral discharge tube having a wall forming a discharge chamber between cathodes at first and second ends thereof. At least one auxiliary amalgam assembly is disposed in the discharge chamber at an intermediate region disposed between the first and second ends. The auxiliary amalgam assembly is secured at a location spaced from the inner wall of the discharge chamber.

Abstract: A bulb-shaped outer envelope for accommodating at least one lamp including a light-emitting body and a control gear is disclosed. The envelope has a substantially spherical section for receiving the light-emitting body, and an elongated end section for receiving at least a part of the control gear components. The elongated end section is provided with a neck section. A substantially tubular neck-extension portion connects to an inner surface portion of and protruding from the neck section. The neck-extension portion is suitable for accommodating a remaining part of the control gear components. In a method for the manufacture of a glass outer envelope, a flare that is normally used in the manufacture of incandescent lamps is turned around by 180°, put into a skirted bulbous envelope, melted into the envelope while the skirt is detached and the flare is formed into a neck-extension portion. A self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamp with the bulb-shaped outer envelope is also disclosed.