Abstract: A float arm assembly and method of construction therefore has a float arm with a free end and another end arranged for operable communication with a float arm position sensor. A float is molded to the float arm to provide a unitary and rigid float arm assembly.

Abstract: A metal halide discharge lamp includes an outer evacuated sealed glass envelope having a domed end and a socket end spaced from the domed end along a longitudinal axis. The socket end is subject to high temperature sealing fires during the lamp manufacturing process. A getter material is contained in the envelope for removing gaseous materials therefrom, the getter material being positioned in the envelope in an area of the lamp remote from the socket end. A pair of electrical conductors extend into the interior of the glass envelope and an arc tube containing an arc sustaining chemical fill and including a pair of spaced electrodes is electrically connected to the electrical conductors for creating an electric arc during operation of the lamp. The getter material comprises about 70 weight percent zirconium, about 24.6 weight percent vanadium, and about 5.4 weight percent iron. The activation temperature of the getter is in the range of 400.degree.-500.degree. C.

Abstract: A halide discharge lamp has a an evacuated outer envelope including a getter comprising from about 60 to about 85 percent zirconium, from about 10 to about 20 percent vanadium, and from about 2 to about 10 percent manganese having an activation temperature of less than about 350 degrees Centigrade for reducing the tendency of the lamps to discolor during operation.

Abstract: A method for making an ultraviolet radiation starting source is described which includes providing a tube with an opening, inserting a molybdenum ribbon and a wire lead into the opening, and forming a seal near the opening. The ribbon and wire are provided in a continuous stream from a set of spools, and are cut after the seal is formed.

Abstract: A metal halide arc lamp assembly has a configuration which provides improved containment performance in the event that the arc tube bursts. The lamp assembly includes a metal halide arc tube, a cylindrical quartz shroud surrounding the arc tube and a sealed outer envelope enclosing the shroud and the arc tube. The arc tube has press seals with a generally I-shaped cross section. The maximum dimension of the press seals perependicular to the arc tube axis is not substantially greater than the maximum dimension of the bulb portion of the arc tube. The spacing between the outside surface of the bulb portion and the inside surface of the shroud is not greater than about three millimeters.

Abstract: A high pressure sodium vapor discharge lamp having an arc tube coaxially mounted within an outer glass envelope by means including a coiled spring engaging one end of the arc tube and coaxially disposed in the partially compressed state between that end of the arc tube and a dome portion of the outer envelope. In one embodiment the dome of the outer envelope is disk-shaped and a large diameter end of the coiled spring bearing against the dome is constrained in a coaxially centered position by the sidewalls of the outer envelope. In another embodiment, the dome of the outer envelope is provided with an inwardly projecting dimple about which the coiled spring is coaxially fitted to provide self-centering of the arc tube. The partially compressed spring compensates for arc tube length variations and thermal expansion.

Abstract: A high pressure sodium lamp comprises an elongated arc tube within an evacuated outer jacket, the arc tube containing a fill including sodium and mercury. A barium getter film is disposed on the inner jacket wall at one end thereof. The film is longitudinally spaced more than 1 cm away from the end of the arc tube in order to reduce photoelectron emission from the barium which can cause sodium migration from the arc tube.