Abstract: A luminescent discharge lamp to efficiently stimulate balanced undistorted plant growth, the lamp emitting radiation having a spectral energy distribution such that the energy in the 400-500 nanometer (nm), 590-640 nm, 640-690 nm, and 690-800 nm bands are approximately in proportions of 1:2.6:1.3:1.2. The enumerated spectral energy distribution provides for a very high plant growth rate with balanced plant growth. Preferably, the lamp comprises a band-emitting phosphor blend consisting essentially of about 95% by weight stannous tin activated strontium calcium magnesium orthophosphate and about 5% by weight of divalent europium activated strontium chloroapatite and phosphor having a line emission concentrated at 610 nanometer consisting essentially of trivalent europium activated yttrium oxide.

Abstract: Fluorescent lamp has warm-white color and both high efficacy and good color rendition. This performance is achieved by utilizing a broad-band-emitting apatite-structured calcium fluorophosphate activated by predetermined percentages of antimony and manganese and narrow red-orange-emitting yttrium oxide activated by a predetermined percentage of tervalent europium.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury-vapor discharge lamp combination for phototherapeutic treatment of infantile hyperbilirubinemia. The lamp combination includes the standard hollow elongated envelope having a coating of selected phosphors carried as a layer on the inner surface thereof. The coating of selected phosphors substantially comprises a blue-radiating alkaline-earth metal halophosphate activated with divalent europium and a second phosphor with a color output that falls within a predetermined area of an xy-C.I.E. diagram with the weight ratio of the europium-activated alkaline-earth metal halophosphate to the second phosphor being from about 90:10 to 85:15. This lamp combination substantially eliminates any tendency of the blue-radiation of the alkaline-earth metal halophosphate to produce nausea in certain attendant individuals.

Abstract: Luminescent material, the performance of which is impaired when directly exposed to the environment of a fluorescent lamp discharge, is carried in the form of a longitudinally disposed stripe on the exterior surface of an elongated fluorescent lamp envelope. Carried over the stripe is a layer of reflective material which can be either specular or diffusing. The exterior luminescent material stripe is selected to convert shorter wavelength radiations generated by the conventional inorganic phosphor material which is coated onto the envelope interior surface into longer wavelength visible radiations. The reflector directs substantially all radiations impinging thereon back through the envelope and the resulting blended radiations provide light suitable for purposes of illumination, with additional desired longer wavelength visible radiations.

Abstract: Coiled incandescible filament which principally comprises tantalum carbide has coiled end portions thereof overfitting relatively thick tantalum carbide members, with the inner surfaces of the overfitting coils welded to the relatively thick members. Electrical connection and support for the filament is made to the relatively thick, overfitted members, rather than the fine, brittle filament. In order to effect the weld between the overfitting coils and the relatively thick members, the coils and relatively thick members are first overfitted as metals and then carbided, with diffusion welds therebetween formed during the carbiding process.

Abstract: An inexpensive luminescent discharge lamp to efficiently stimulate balanced undistorted plant growth, the lamp emitting radiation having a spectral energy distribution such that the energy in the 400-500 nanometer (nm), 590-640 nm, 640-690 nm, and 690-800 nm bands are approximately in proportions of 0.8:1:1:1. The enumerated spectral energy distribution provide for a very high plant growth rate with balanced plant growth. Preferably the lamp uses a phosphor blend of about 95% by weight stannous tin activated strontium calcium magnesium orthophosphate and about 5% by weight divalent europium activated strontium chloroapatite.