Abstract: A breast uplift support assembly (10) that is used in combination with a brassiere (70) having a right support cup (72) and a left support cup (78). The breast uplift support assembly (10) consists of a right uplift support (12) and a left uplift support (13). Each of the uplift supports (12,13) have inner and outer adjustable straps (24,42,25,43), inner and outer length adjustment means (26,44,27,45), inner and outer support attachment means (28,46,29,47), and inner and outer brassiere attachment means (30,48,31,48). Each uplift support (12,13) is designed to fit onto and be adjustably attached to the lower section of one of the brassiere's respective support cups (72,78), thereby providing an increase in the lifting and support capabilities of the brassiere (70).

Abstract: A high-frequency fluorescent lamp (10) that is energized by an electronic high-frequency ballast (50). The two ends of the lamp are hermetically sealed by a set of base assemblies (14). Each assembly consists of an end cap (16) and a non-thermionic, high-frequency radiating element (18) that includes an integral input power pin (20). The radiating elements function as cathode/antennas that operate within a pressurized noble gas environment without the need for mercury. Since there is no mercury to vaporize nor any thermionic emission, the lamps, upon the application of power, start immediately to emit a high-frequency signal. This signal directly bombards and excites the lamps phosphor coating which causes the phosphor to fluoresce and emit visible light.

Abstract: An improved ballast (10) that operates an ionic conduction lamp (40) such as a conventional phosphor coated fluorescent lamp. The ballast (10) comprises an ac/dc converter that converts an a-c power signal to a d-c power signal that drives a transistor tuned-collector oscillator (30). The oscillator is comprised of a high-frequency wave-shape generator (32) that in combination with a resonant tank circuit (36) produces a high-frequency signal that is equivalent to the resonant ionic frequency of the phosphor. When the lamp (40) is subjected to the high frequency, the phosphor is excited which causes a molecular movement that allows the lamp (40) to fluoresce and emit a fluorescent light. By using this lighting technique, the hot cathode of the lamp, which normally produces a thermionic emission, is used only as a frequency radiator. Therefore, if the cathode were to open, it would have no effect on the operation of the lamp. Thus, the useful life of the lamp is greatly increased.