Abstract: A locking clip 10 for fixing a base to an end of a glass bulb. The locking clip 10 has a body 12 with a first portion 14, a middle portion 16 and an end portion 18. The middle portion 16 is scyphate, i.e., cup-shaped, and defines a plane, 20 (FIG. 2). The first portion 14 extends away from plane 20 in a given direction by an angle &agr;, which, in a preferred embodiment, is about 5 degrees. The end portion 18 is connected to the middle portion 16 by a reentrant section 22 and extends away from the plane 20 by an angle &bgr; in a direction opposite to the given direction. In a preferred embodiment angle &bgr; is preferably about 20 degrees. In a still more preferred embodiment the included angle between first portion 14 and end portion 18 is between 25 and 35 degrees. A centrally located aperture 24 is provided in the reentrant section 22 to aid in the subsequent bending of the end portion 18 at the final welding.

Abstract: A long-life, environmentally disposable high pressure sodium lamp comprising: an arc tube capable of withstanding internal wall temperatures of 1250 to 1300° C. and having electrodes sealed therein and being designed for operation at a given wattage; a discharge space within the arc tube and an arc generating and sustaining medium within the discharge space, the medium being mercury-free and containing sodium in an amount of about 0.02 mg to 0.06 mg/watt of designed operation, and xenon at a pressure of 100 to 200 Torr; mounting means supporting the arc tube within a glass outer envelope, the glass outer envelope being lead-free and arsenic-free; and an electrically conductive base closing the outer envelope and containing lead-in wires affixed to the electrodes, the lead-in wires being attached to the base by welding.

Abstract: Variable backspace in electrode assemblies for high pressure sodium lamps is achieved by employing a hollow electrode base which has one end formed to frictionally engage an electrode, which electrode includes a solid core having a coil about one end thereof. The solid core is inserted into the electrode base a given distance and is maintained in this position by friction until welding is accomplished. The electrode base is provided with a positioning ring which is formed at the time the base is first formed. The electrode assemblies can be utilized with lamps having different arc lengths while using arc tubes having the same size.

Abstract: Variable backspace in electrode assemblies for high pressure sodium lamps is achieved by employing a hollow electrode base which has one end formed to frictionally engage an electrode, which electrode includes a solid core having a coil about one end thereof. The solid core is inserted into the electrode base a given distance and is maintained in this position by friction until welding is accomplished. The electrode base is provided with a positioning ring which is formed at the time the base is first formed. The electrode assemblies can be utilized with lamps having different arc lengths while using arc tubes having the same size.

Abstract: A lamp base locking clip including a plate having a lip extending outwardly on one end, and a flat portion on the opposite end, is captured in a keyway formed in the glass neck of a lamp body. One of the lamp lead-in wires is welded to the flat portion of the clip and a rim on a lamp base shell is welded to the outwardly extending lip, thus forming a lamp-base assembly with good torque resistance and no lead-based solder.

Abstract: A high-pressure sodium arc discharge lamp having a novel arc tube support member which provides a secure mechanical and electrical connection and does not require welding between the support member and the arc tube lead wire or feedthrough. The support member may be adapted for mounting a single arc tube or two arc tubes within the outer envelope. The feedthrough of each arc tube is inserted into an aperture in the support member such that a secure interference fit is achieved. The interference fit is similar to the fastening of a threadless nut. In a preferred embodiment, the support member has a first planar surface having one or more apertures therein and two second planar surfaces substantially perpendicular to the first planar surface; each second planar surface has a protruding leg by which the support member may be mounted on the internal lamp frame.