Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp which includes a compact fluorescent light source and a ballast operatively connected to and controlling operation of the light source. An outer light transmissive envelope surrounds the light source and an elastic protective shield surrounds the ballast.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp which includes a compact fluorescent light source and a ballast operatively connected to and controlling operation of the light source. An outer light transmissive envelope surrounds the light source and an elastic protective shield surrounds the ballast.

Abstract: A device for retaining a mercury source in the discharge space of a low-pressure discharge lamp is disclosed. The mercury source retaining device comprises a holder, which has an inner space communicating with the discharge space and a receiver opening for receiving a mercury source. The retaining device further comprises resilient clamping means for clamping the holder in a tubular space segment of the discharge space and resilient retaining means at least partially blocking the receiver opening. The resilient retaining means are adapted for allowing a passage of the mercury source in a direction towards the inner space of the holder, but block the movement of the mercury source through the receiver opening in a direction out of the holder.

Abstract: A low pressure arc discharge lamp with an end-of-life structure is disclosed. The lamp has a discharge tube with sealed ends, and the sealed ends contain a filament for forming a discharge arc. The filament is supported by lead-in wires. The discharge lamp further comprises a connecting element made of an insulating material which transversally connects the lead-in wires within the discharge tube. The transversal dimension of the connecting element is chosen so as not to allow the discharge arc beyond the connecting element upon end-of-life of the discharge lamp.