Abstract: A relatively low drag, completely free-flying, tubular vehicle comprises a body that defines a leading edge and a trailing edge and includes an external surface and an internal surface each extending from the leading to the trailing edge. The internal surface has an axially converging upstream section extending from the leading edge to a discontinuity that constitutes a throat in the vehicle. The internal surface also has an axially diverging downstream section extending from the throat to the trailing edge. The internal surface is configured to enable introduction and mixing of fuel into an airstream flowing therethrough, and to generate a shock wave when in flight. The shock wave is of such magnitude and direction as to create a hot spot that subsequently causes ignition and combustion of the fuel-air mixture. The combustion causes formation of a detonation bubble and migration of the associated wave front upstream to stabilize slightly downstream of the throat.

Abstract: A glow discharge lamp that includes a light transmitting envelope containing a noble gas fill material and a pair of electrodes disposed in the envelope. Lead-in wires coupled to the electrodes and extend to and are hermetically sealed in the envelope The electrodes are disposed in oppositely spaced positions in the envelope preferably upper and lower positions with the electrodes positioned outside of the bulbous region of the envelope to thereby retard the formation of deposits at the main bulbous region of the envelope.

Abstract: A low pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp having a double-tube type discharge vessel consisting of a closed outer glass bulb and an inner glass tube coaxially disposed within the outer bulb. An electrode is disposed in the inner glass tube, while a ring-shaped electrode structure is disposed in the outer envelope outside the inner glass tube. The electrode structure completely surrounds the inner glass tube and includes a pair of lead-in wires and a pair of semicircular electrode sections. Preferably, an inert gas having a pressure within the range of from about 4.0 to 6.0 torr and a quantity of mercury are contained within the lamp. The lamp of the present invention provides a fully diffused discharge without requiring an expensive transistor switching circuit or a permanent magnet to rotate the discharge about the inner tube.

Abstract: A glow discharge lamp that includes a light transmitting envelope containing a noble gas fill material and a pair of electrodes disposed in the envelope. Lead-in wires couple to the electrodes and extend to and are hermetically sealed in the envelope. The anode electrodes is comprised of a refractory metal piece, preferably a molybdenum foil strip, supported from an end of a single lead-in wire that is preferably swagged to the metal strip.

Abstract: A method of treating a tungsten cathode that is comprised of coating the surface of the tungsten cathode with a triple carbonate suspension. The coated tungsten cathode is placed in a heated oxidizing environment (e.g., air, oxygen, or carbon dioxide) and heated for a sufficient amount of time in order to form a diffuse coating of triple carbonates and tungsten oxide. Thereafter, the triple carbonates are reduced to their respective oxides by passing heater current through the tungsten cathode. When used in conjunction with the manufacture of a fluorescent lamp, the formation of this diffuse coating of carbonates enhances the chances of forming barium tungstate during the cathode activation process. As a result, the life of the fluorescent lamp is increased and the amount of phosphor darkening is reduced.

Abstract: A method of making a compact fluorescent lamp by providing a sealed, exhausted and prefilled light emitting capsule which is mounted within a jacket formed from a glass transparent to a given range of radiation. The jacket is then exhausted, filled and sealed with the same pressure and type buffer gas as is contained in the light emitting capsule. A laser then pierces the capsule allowing communication of gases in the outer jacket with those in the light emitting capsule. This permits a much faster exhaust sequence for the light emitting portion of the lamp and outer jacket.

Abstract: Electrical shorting between dense arrangements of electrical lead-ins having a normal operating potential difference therebetween in an arc sustaining atmosphere is substantially avoided by providing the lead-ins with an adherent, flexible, oxide coating. The lead-ins are preferably formed from a nickel-iron alloy.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp employs multiple tubes frictionally fitted into apertures in a base plate to form an assembly. The assembly is fitted and positioned within an hermetically sealed envelope by means of snubbers formed on the base plate which cooperate with detent means formed on the inside surface of the envelope.