Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a ceramic metal halide high intensity discharge (HID) lamp is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base adapted to receive a ceramic arc tube body, a movable gauge arm having a first portion contacting an end surface of the arc tube body, an electrode holder for supporting an electrode in contact with a second portion of the gauge arm, and a crimper for securing a stop to the electrode at a position determined by the extent of movement of the gauge arm. The apparatus permits stops to be secured to electrodes, either simultaneously or sequentially, thereby correcting for a length deviation of the arc tube body. As a result, half of the required correction is made on each electrode. Since both electrodes are set to the same insertion length, an arc gap is inherently centered in the arc tube body during assembly.

Abstract: A base for an electrodeless arc discharge lamp having an elongated tubular stem extending through an outer envelope pinch or press seal includes a pair of electrically non-conductive members secured in mating relation to define an upper cavity and a lower axial bore. The lamp is mounted in the base with its pinch seal secured in the cavity and its stem extending into the bore. With the base mounted in a fixture, RF energy is coupled into the lamp to excite a starting aid in the stem via a conductive bushing in the bore.

Abstract: An electrodeless discharge lamp comprising an arc tube constructed of a light-transmissive material. An exciting structure surrounds the arc tube and is energizable with radio frequency current to develop an arc discharge. A reflective coating of non-conducting insulating material is disposed on the arc tube wall and is located to reflect light from the arc discharge through the arc tube. The reflective coating and the uncoated portion of the arc tube wall are surrounded by the exciting structure so that light from the arc discharge may reach the reflective coating without blockage by the exciting structure and, following reflection by the coating, travel through the uncoated portion of the arc tube wall.

Abstract: An electrodeless HID lamp having a quartz arc tube having a gas fill contained therein, is energized to a discharge state upon the introduction of a high frequency RF current in close proximity thereto, also includes a starting aid stem which extends from the arc tube. An outer jacket surrounds the arc tube and a portion of the starting aid stem. The outer jacket is pinch sealed at the end from which the starting aid stem extends. This pinch sealing results in the formation of a sealed space between the outer jacket and the arc tube and further allows that, by the gripping of the starting aid stem at the pinch seal region, the arc tube is supported in a fixed non-contacting position within the outer jacket. A sealant material can be applied around the starting aid stem at the pinch seal region to prevent leakage of the sealed space formed within the outer jacket.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical lamp base and socket assembly for mechanically holding and supplying power to an electrical lamp, having a vitreous envelope, allowing mainly axial motion for the lamp and avoiding any turning motion over a certain angle during its insertion into and removal from the socket. The lamp base and socket are made of insulating material, and the lamp base has slot on its surface while the socket has mechanical means with spring mechanism and protruding parts engaging the slot of the socket.

Abstract: This electrodeless high intensity discharge lamp including a light-transmissive arc tube having spaced wall portions of dielectric material and a first gaseous fill within the arc tube. An excitation coil about the arc tube is energizable with RF current effective to develop a toroidal arc discharge in the first gaseous fill upon a dielectric breakdown of the fill. A starting container is joined to the arc tube and has an end wall constituted by one of said arc-tube wall portions. A second gaseous fill within the starting container has a dielectric strength lower than that of the first gaseous fill. For initiating the rotoidal arc discharge, we provide an arrangement for producing a dielectric breakdown of the gaseous fill within the starting container that develops into an electric discharge that changes the potential at the end wall in such a manner as to cause a dielectric breakdown of the first gaseous fill.

Abstract: A low-loss L-C circuit arrangement for an electrodeless high intensity discharge (HID) lamp includes an excitation coil having at least one coil turn which is disposed in surrounding relation to the arc tube portion of the HID lamp and is configured in a low profile manner so as to minimize light blockage caused thereby. The L-C circuit arrangement includes a capacitor member having first and second capacitor plates which are electrically and mechanically connected to the excitation coil. The connection between the excitation coil and the capacitor member is made by a pair of connection members integrally formed with the coil turn and capacitor plates from a stock sheet of electrically and thermally conductive material.

Abstract: Sodium metal has been found to be effective in gettering excess halogen present in metal halide lamps containing mercury, an inert starting gas and at least one ionizable metal halide for forming a light-emitting arc.

Abstract: An electrodeless high intensity discharge (HID) lamp having an arc tube, a starting aid, and an outer jacket all integrally formed of fused quartz, includes an excitation circuit for providing RF energy effective for initiating and maintaining a gas discharge within the arc tube. The arc tube is positioned within the outer jacket such that a minimum space exists between the outer jacket and the arc tube thereby allowing the efficient coupling of such RF energy to the arc tube by means of an excitation coil wound in close proximate location to the arc tube. The starting aid is of a substantially smaller dimension than the arc tube thereby allowing for a second spacing to occur above the arc tube. This second spacing is effective for optimum thermal management of heat generated within the outer jacket. The upper end of the outer jacket has an integrally formed annular groove for receiving an annular support member effective for securing the HID lamp to a lighting fixture.

Abstract: This electrodeless high intensity discharge lamp comprises a light-transmissive arc tube having spaced wall portions of dielectric material and a first gaseous fill within the arc tube. An excitation coil about the arc tube is energizable with RF current effective to develop a toroidal arc discharge in the first gaseous fill upon a dielectric breakdown of the fill. A starting container is joined to the arc tube and has an end wall constituted by one of arc-tube wall portions. A second gaseous fill within the starting container has a dielectric strength lower than that of the first gaseous fill. For initiating toroidal arc discharge, we provide an arrangement for producing a dielectric breakdown of the gaseous fill within the starting container that develops into an electric discharge that changes the potential at end wall in such a manner as to cause a dielectric breakdown of first gaseous fill.

Abstract: A gas probe starter for an electrodeless high intensity discharge (HID) lamp includes a fixed starting electrode for coupling a starting voltage to a chamber which is attached to the outer wall of the arc tube and contains a gas. The gas in the starting chamber, which is preferably at a low pressure relative to that of the arc tube fill, is switched between conducting and nonconducting states corresponding to lamp-starting and normal running operation, respectively. To start the lamp, the starting voltage is applied to the starting electrode, causing a discharge current to flow in the gas chamber which, in turn, results in the capacitive coupling of a sufficiently high voltage to the arc tube in order to initiate an arc discharge therein. After the arc discharge is initiated, the starting voltage is substantially reduced so that the discharge current in the starting chamber is extinguished.

Abstract: An electric discharge lamp is disclosed utilizing an improved thermally responsive switch for operation of an auxiliary starting electrode. The improved switch has a more compact structural configuration which further accommodates temperature excursions beyond the design closure temperature without exceeding elastic limits of the metals employed in the switch construction. A metal halide lamp of relatively compact construction which employs the improved switch is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rapid restrike metal halide lamp and method of operating such a lamp are disclosed which are particularly suitable for sports stadium lighting applications. The rapid restrike metal halide lamp has an arc tube containing constituents which require a waveform having a relatively high voltage and at a relatively high current in order to rapidly restrike the arc tube after the lamp has experienced a power interruption so as to initiate a sustaining arc condition of the arc tube. The relatively high waveform in the form of a series of pulse trains is routed to the arc tube by means of a two path arrangement comprising a conductive base at the bottom of the lamp and a insulative cap at the top of the lamp. This two-way path substantially reduces and even eliminates any arcing condition within the confines of the lamp.

Abstract: A rapid restrike metal halide lamp and method of operating such a lamp are disclosed which are particularly suitable for sports stadium lighting applications. The rapid restrike metal halide lamp has an arc tube containing constituents which require a waveform having a relatively high voltage and at a relatively high current in order to rapidly restrike the arc tube after the lamp has experienced a power interruption so as to initiate a sustaining arc condition of the arc tube. The relatively high waveform in the form of a series of pulse trains is routed to the arc tube by means of a two path arrangement comprising a conductive base at the bottom of the lamp and a insulative cap at the top of the lamp. This two-way path substantially reduces and even eliminates any arcing condition within the confines of the lamp.