Abstract: A glow discharge starter having an hermetically sealed envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode including a first bimetallic element having a curved portion and a free end, and a counter electrode. A first discharge gap having a predetermined spacing is formed between the free end of the first bimetallic element and the counter electrode. The starter includes a second bimetallic element having an end secured to the counter electrode. A portion of the second bimetallic element is positioned adjacent the curved portion of the first bimetallic element such that a second discharge gap having a predetermined spacing is formed therebetween. In the event that the starter encounters a dc current of the wrong polarity, a portion of the second bimetallic element contacts the first bimetallic element so as to extinguish the arc discharge and prevent electrode damage.

Abstract: A glow discharge starter having an hermetically sealed envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode including a bimetallic element, and a counter electrode. The bimetallic element has a free end adapted to form first and second discharge gaps with the counter electrode. The first discharge gap has a spacing which varies during operation of the glow discharge starter. The spacing of the second discharge gap remains relatively constant. Problems associated with high ambient temperatures can be overcome by increasing the initial spacing of the first discharge gap without affecting the electrical breakdown voltage of the glow discharge starter. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the free end of the bimetallic element has a first portion substantially parallel to the counter electrode and a second portion substantially perpendicular to the counter electrode. Preferably, the initial spacing of the first discharge gap measured at 25 degrees Celsius is within the range of from about 0.

Abstract: A thermal device, such as a glow discharge starter, includes an hermetically sealed envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode having a bimetallic element associated therewith, and a counter electrode. A mount sealed in the envelope includes a glass stem having a disk-shaped portion extending substantially across the envelope and a longitudinally-extending planar portion. The transverse portion of the mount assists in centering the electrodes within the envelope and preventing the bimetallic element from oxidizing during the manufacturing process when the mount is sealed to the envelope. Preferably, the transverse portion is disk-shaped having a radius within the range of from about 89 to 93 percent of the internal radius of the envelope. The defined thickness of the planar portion of the glass stem allows rapid transfer of heat during sealing so that the planar portion can effectively be sealed to the envelope without developing seal cracks.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp (e.g., a metal halide) containing an arc tube having first and second electrodes respectively sealed at opposite ends thereof. An outer envelope surrounds the arc tube and has a lamp base disposed at one end thereof. The lamp base has first and second terminals for electrical connection to the arc tube. The lamp further includes means for electrically coupling each of the base terminals to a respective electrode of the arc tube. A starting circuit is disposed within the lamp electrically connected in parallel with the arc tube. The starting circuit comprises a non-linear dielectric element (e.g., a non-linear capacitor) and a glow capsule. The glow capsule is located within the outer envelope proximate the arc tube and adapted to produce ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A thermal device, such as a glow discharge starter, includes an hermetically sealed envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode having a bimetallic element associated therewith, and a counter electrode. A mount sealed in the envelope includes a glass stem having a disk-shaped portion extending substantially across the envelope and a longitudinally-extending planar portion. The transverse portion of the mount assists in centering the electrodes within the envelope and preventing the bimetallic element from oxidizing during the manufacturing process when the mount is sealed to the envelope. Preferably, the transverse portion is disk-shaped having a radius within the range of from about 89 t0 93 percent of the internal radius of the envelope. The defined thickness of the planar portion of the glass stem allows rapid transfer of heat during sealing so that the planar portion can effectively be sealed to the envelope without developing seal cracks.

Abstract: This invention relates to a glow discharge starter including a glow bottle having a hermetically sealed discharge envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode and a counter electrode. A pair of conductors extending from the main body of a radio frequency suppressing capacitor electrically coupling respective electrodes of the glow bottle. The main body of the capacitor is in a thermal relationship with the discharge envelope and responsive to heat generated therewithin. When a predetermined temperature limit is reached within the discharge envelope, the generated heat creates a short circuit within the main body of the capacitor and extinguishes the glow discharge. The present invention eliminates the need for an additional fuse member or thermal protector.

Abstract: This invention relates to a glow discharge starter having an hermetically sealed envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode including a bimetallic element having a curved portion and a free end, and a counter electrode located within the envelope. A getter holder is secured to the counter electrode and positioned adjacent the curved portion of the bimetallic element such that a first discharge gap is formed therebetween. A second discharge gap is formed between the free end of the bimetallic element and the counter electrode. The spacing of the first discharge gap is defined as being less than the spacing of the second discharge gap. A predetermined total amount of getter material is contained within the envelope including a portion thereof contained within the getter holder. Preferably, the portion of getter material contained within the getter holder is within the range of from about 25 percent to about 75 percent of the total amount of getter material.

Abstract: A glow discharge starter having an integral thermal protector includes a glow bottle having an hermetically sealed discharge envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode and a counter electrode. A pair of conductors extend from the main body of a radio frequency suppressing capacitor and electrically couple respective electrodes of the glow bottle. The cylindrically-shaped main body of the capacitor is coaxially positioned with respect to the discharge envelope so as to be responsive to heat generated within the envelope. When an abnormal temperature limit (e.g., 450 degrees Celsius) is reached by the discharge envelope, a short circuit is created within the main body of the capacitor and extinguishes the discharge.

Abstract: This invention relates to a glow discharge starter having an hermetically sealed envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode and a counter electrode located within the envelope. A silver plating completely covers the nickel-containing portions of the electrodes. Preferably, the thickness of the silver plating is from about 0.0002 inch to about 0.0004 inch. The present invention results in a glow discharge starter which has stable electrical characteristics, does not require the use of complex gas mixtures, and has an increased life.

Abstract: This invention relates to a glow discharge starter having an hermetically sealed envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode including a bimetallic element having a curved portion and a free end, and a counter electrode located within the envelope. A getter holder is secured to the counter electrode and positioned adjacent the curved portion of the bimetallic element such that a first discharge gap is formed therebetween. A second discharge gap is formed between the free end of the bimetallic element and the counter electrode. The spacing of the first discharge gap is defined as being less than the spacing of the second discharge gap. A predetermined total amount of getter material is contained within the envelope including a portion thereof contained within the getter holder. Preferably, the portion of getter material contained within the getter holder is within the range of from about 25 percent to about 75 percent of the total amount of getter material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a glow discharge starter having an hermetically sealed envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode and a counter electrode located within the envelope. A silver plating completely covers the nickel-containing portions of the electrodes. Preferably, the thickness of the silver plating is from about 0.0002 inch to about 0.0004 inch. The present invention results in a glow discharge starter which has stable electrical characteristics, does not require the use of complex gas mixtures, and has an increased life.

Abstract: A metal halide arc discharge lamp comprises an arc tube containing a chemical fill including mercury and metal halides and having first and second electrodes respectively sealed at opposite ends thereof. An outer envelope surrounds the arc tube and has first and second terminals for electrical connection thereto. A source of ultraviolet radiation is provided within the outer envelope proximate the arc tube for producing radiation which illuminates the path between the electrodes of the arc tube to decrease the amount of time for generating a gaseous discharge therebetween. The ultraviolet light source includes an envelope of ultraviolet light transmitting material containing a fill material and having a single electrode sealed in one end thereof. The single electrode is electrically coupled to one electrode of the arc tube.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp composed of at least four tubes having their ends hermetically sealed in receptacles. Two of the tubes have electrodes sealed therein and passages formed in the receptacle connect the other ends of the tubes to complete the arc path.

Abstract: Apparatus for starting and operating a discharge lamp includes a starter device having a normally-closed (N/C) switch including a pair of contacts each connected to a bimetal with the bimetals having opposite flexure deviations. Circuitry is provided for coupling one bimetal to a ballast and also to a discharge lamp whereby short-circuit current flows through both bimetals to open the switch and initiate conductivity of a discharge lamp and through one bimetal to maintain the switch operational and continue lamp conductivity.

Abstract: Apparatus for starting and operating a discharge lamp includes a starting device having bimetals and a rigid conductive member forming a switch, a ballast coupling the switch to an AC source and a discharge lamp and a spark gap each shunting the starting device with the starting device bimetals and rigid conductive device hermetically sealed in a vacuum.

Abstract: Apparatus for starting and operating a discharge lamp includes a starter device having a normally-closed (N/C) switch including a pair of contacts each connected to a bimetal with the bimetals having opposite flexure deviations. Circuitry is provided for coupling one bimetal to a ballast and also to a discharge lamp whereby short-circuit current flows through both bimetals to open the switch and initiate conductivity of a discharge lamp and through one bimetal to maintain the switch operational and continue lamp conductivity.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp having a hermetically sealed envelope with support wires therethrough has an arc tube therein with support wires whereby a starter device having first and second contacts of a normally-closed switch has a first bimetal coupling the first contact to one support wire and a second bimetal coupling a second contact to another support wire with the bimetals positioned to flex in opposite directions and enhance the operation of the contacts and of the high intensity discharge lamp.

Abstract: A circuit for starting and operating a low wattage high intensity discharge lamp from a source of AC line voltage. The circuit includes a glow starter device having a first terminal connected to a first bimetal, a second terminal connected to a second bimetal, and third terminal connected to a rigid conductive member, the bimetals being electrically connected together at one end which makes a normally closed contact with the rigid member in the quiescent state of the device. A choke coil and a capacitor are series connected in that order between one of the AC input terminals and the second terminal of the starter device, and a second AC input terminal is connected to the third terminal of the starter. The first and third terminals of the starter device are connected across the discharge lamp terminals.

Abstract: A low wattage high intensity discharge lamp having a quartz arc tube and a glow starter disposed within a bulbous glass envelope containing an inert gas, such as argon, at subatmospheric pressure. The starter within the envelope comprises a first bimetal connected to one of the arc tube lead-in wires, a second bimetal connected to one end of a conductive support wire sealed through the bulbous envelope, and a fixed first contact attached to another conductive support wire sealed through the bulbous envelope and also connected to the other lead-in wire of the arc tube. The bimetals are electrically connected together at one end which makes a normally closed contact with the fixed contact in the quiescent state of the starter.

Abstract: A glow bottle starter having three lead-in wires and containing two bimetals connected together at one end and a rigid tungsten rod. The bimetals make normally closed contact with the tungsten rod in the quiescent state of the starter, and upon electrical current flow through one or both of the bimetals to cause elevation to a predetermined temperature, the bimetals are operative to separate from the tungsten rod. In a circuit including the glow-bottle starter for starting a discharge lamp, one of the bimetals and the rigid tungsten rod are connected across the output of a ballast circuit, and the tungsten rod and other bimetal are connected across the lamp.