Abstract: A lamp assembly includes a lamp base having power input terminals, a fluorescent lamp connected to the terminals through a manually operated switch that is on an exterior of the lamp base so that when power is supplied to the terminals the fluorescent lamp is selectively powered by manual operation of the switch, and a light emitting diode (LED) inseparably connected to the terminals so that when power is supplied to the terminals the LED is always powered. This arrangement allows the LED to be ON regardless of the operating status of the fluorescent lamp and allows the fluorescent lamp to be turned OFF while the LED remains ON.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp is provided that has a plurality of electroded tubes and a plurality of non-electroded tubes. The electroded tubes and the non-electroded tubes each have a proximal end and a distal end. Each proximal end is adjacent a base of the fluorescent lamp. A reflecting mirror is positioned in the proximal end of at least one of the non-electroded tubes or the electroded tubes. The reflecting mirror has a surface reflective of at least some frequencies of visible and ultra-violet light generated by the fluorescent lamp. The electroded tubes can also have a reflecting mirror positioned between the electrode and the end of the tube. In the latter case, an opposite surface of the reflecting mirror can include one or more of an end-of-life composition and/or a runner-up amalgam. A method of placing the reflecting mirror within a tube of a tubular fluorescent lamp is also provided.

Abstract: A lamp assembly includes a lamp base having power input terminals, a fluorescent lamp connected to the terminals through a manually operated switch that is on an exterior of the lamp base so that when power is supplied to the terminals the fluorescent lamp is selectively powered by manual operation of the switch, and a light emitting diode (LED) inseparably connected to the terminals so that when power is supplied to the terminals the LED is always powered. This arrangement allows the LED to be ON regardless of the operating status of the fluorescent lamp and allows the fluorescent lamp to be turned OFF while the LED remains ON.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp comprises four dual tube segments affixed to a base having a planar surface. Each of the segments extends in a direction away from the planar surface and is arranged in a plan wherein one of the tubes of each of the four dual tube segments is positioned at the corner of a square. This configuration reduces the wasted area in the center of the base and provides a smaller base thus allowing application of the lamp in areas previously not accessible.

Abstract: There is presented a cold cathode subminiature fluorescent lamp comprising a glass envelope, a pair of lead wires sealed to the envelope and extending through the envelope at an entry location to the interior thereof, an electrode mounted on the lead wires in the envelope, and a ceramic-glass bead formed on and around the lead wires in the envelope between the electrode and the entry location. The electrode includes a plurality of metal wire tabs. The envelope contains a fill gas comprising neon and argon.

Abstract: An arc discharge lamp having an end-of-life structure and including a light-transmissive envelope having a tubular-shaped main body and a press seal disposed at each end of the main body. An electrode filament having a pair of ends is located in each end of the envelope. Each electrode filament end is in a contiguous relationship with an inside surface of the lamp envelope. When one of the electrode filaments is depleted of electron-emissive material, increased heating of the electrode filament caused by an increase in cathode fall voltage, produces a localized hot spot on the internal surface of the envelope. This localized heating causes a puncture in the lamp envelope and evacuation of the lamp. The introduction of external atmosphere into the lamp extinguishes the arc discharge and renders the lamp inoperable.

Abstract: A subminiature aperture of fluorescent lamp is fabricated with press seals to facilitate accurate orientation of the aperture relative to an optical system. Flat surfaces of the press seal are accurately aligned relative to the aperture during manufacturing. The press seals can include detents for axial positioning of the lamp.

Abstract: An apparatus for making an aperture in a coating on an inside surface of a lamp envelope such as a miniature fluorescent lamp envelope. The apparatus includes a magnetic scraping tool disposed adjacent to the inside surface of the lamp envelope and a magnet disposed adjacent to the outside surface of the lamp envelope so as to influence the scraping tool. The magnet acts on the magnetic scraping tool to maintain a scraping portion of the scraping tool in contact with the inside surface of the lamp envelope. As the magnet is moved along the outside of the lamp envelope, the scraping tool is pulled through the inside of the lamp envelope with sufficient clamping force to scrape a desired width of coating from the inside surface of the lamp envelope. In one embodiment, a guide is provided to guide the scraping tool through the lamp envelope. In a preferred embodiment, the scraping tool and the magnet are coupled to the guide. The guide moves the magnet and the scraping tool along the lamp envelope.

Abstract: A tri-color lamp for use as an element in the optical presentation of information. The lamp includes a sealed envelope having a common envelope member and a plurality (e.g., three) of longitudinally extending leg members. A common electrode is located within the common envelope member and is spacedly located from opposing electrodes located within each of the leg members. A phosphor layer within the sealed envelope subtends at least the major body portion of each of the leg members such that the surface brightness of the phosphor layer as viewed through the end portions of the lamp is greater than the intensity of the external surface brightness of the phosphor layer on the major body portion. In the presentation of color information, each of the leg members is coated with respective phosphors emitting the primary colors red, green and blue.

Abstract: A plug-in lamp assembly for use as a picture element in large-screen information display systems. The lamp assembly includes red, green and blue discharge lamps for selectively generating different colors. Each discharge lamp has electrical leads extending from a first end and a light output region at a second end. The lamp assembly further includes a base having spaced-apart, plug-in electrical connectors, a cap covering the second ends of the lamps and a sleeve around the discharge lamps and interconnecting the cap and the base. The base provides mechanical support for the discharge lamps and permits easy replacement of the lamp assembly. The sleeve blocks light emitted from the sides of the discharge lamps. The cap includes a diffuser and a filter for altering the output spectrum of one or more of the discharge lamps.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp assembly for operation from a source of AC line voltage. The assembly includes a fluorescent lamp having an arc length not greater than about 120 mm and an envelope which includes at least one constricting portion located therein for constricting the plasma discharge to provide an increase in the lamp voltage. Also included is a lead-type ballasting means which comprises a capacitor in one embodiment connected in series with the lamp.

Abstract: A low pressure discharge lamp, particularly a compact fluorescent lamp, having a plurality of constricting portions axially spaced apart and extending about the circular periphery of the envelope. The constricting portions, which include defined end segments projecting within the envelope, constrict the plasma discharge and spatially separate at least one of the discharge processes occurring within the plasma discharge and cause the separated process to take place in a different portion within the envelope so that the conditions for energy input and energy dissipation may be independently optimized.

Abstract: An arc discharge lamp having a sealed envelope including a major body portion and at least one minor transverse end portion. A non-specular light diffusing surface is axially located between the minor transverse end portion and one of the lamp electrodes. A phosphor layer within the sealed envelope subtends the major body portion of the envelope. The surface brightness of the phosphor layer as viewed through the minor transverse end portion of the envelope is greater than the intensity of the external surface brightness of the phosphor layer on the major body portion of the envelope during operation of the lamp. A lamp array for use as an element in a picture display is also disclosed including a plurality of sealed envelopes. In the case of a color presentation of information, one picture element is composed of three sealed envelopes phosphor coated with the primary colors red, green and blue.

Abstract: A low pressure discharge lamp, particularly a compact fluorescent lamp, having a plurality of constricting portions axially spaced apart and extending about the circular periphery of the envelope. The constricting portions, which include defined end segments projecting within the envelope, constrict the plasma discharge and spatially separate at least one of the discharge processes occurring within the plasma discharge and cause the separated process to take place in a different portion within the envelope so that the conditions for energy input and energy dissipation may be independently optimized.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a fluorescent lamp envelope comprises means for holding the envelope, a plurality of heat sources, means for providing relative rotation between the envelope and the plurality of heat sources with the heat therefrom acting on substantially narrow axially spaced regions on the envelope, means for engaging the envelope and for forming a plurality of constricting portions at axially spaced regions on the envelope, means for moving the forming means to engage the envelope and means for applying a positive pressure within the envelope while the forming means is engaged with the envelope.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fluorescent lamp envelope of substantially round configuration in cross-section and having a plurality of constricting portions axially spaced apart and extending substantially about the circular periphery of the envelope and projecting therein. The method comprises the steps of providing an envelope having a predetermined length and axially opposed end portions, providing a plurality of heat sources, providing relative rotation between the envelope and the plurality of heat sources, providing a means for engaging the envelope and for forming the plurality of constricting portions, moving the forming means to engage the envelope and applying a positive pressure within the envelope while the forming means is engaged with the envelope.

Abstract: A technique for opening an evacuated and sealed glass capsule containing a material that is to be dispensed which has a relatively high vapor pressure such as mercury. The capsule is typically disposed in a discharge tube envelope. The technique involves the use of a first light source imaged along the capsule and a second light source imaged across the capsule substantially transversely to the imaging of the first light source. Means are provided for constraining a segment of the capsule along its length with the constraining means being positioned to correspond with the imaging of the second light source. These light sources are preferably incandescent projection lamps. The constraining means is preferably a multiple looped wire support.

Abstract: Gaseous insulators comprise compounds having high attachment cross sections for electrons having energies in the 0-1.3 electron volt range. Multi-component gaseous insulators comprise compounds and mixtures having overall high electron attachment cross sections in the 0-1.3 electron volt range and moderating gases having high cross sections for inelastic interactions with electrons of energies 1-4 electron volts. Suitable electron attachment components include hexafluorobutyne, perfluorobutene-2, perfluorocyclobutane, perfluorodimethylcyclobutane, perfluorocyclohexene, perfluoromethylcyclohexane, hexafluorobutadiene, perfluoroheptene-1 and hexafluoroazomethane. Suitable moderating gases include N.sub.2, CO, CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2. The gaseous insulating mixture can also contain SF.sub.6, perfluoropropane and perfluorobenzene.