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 compact fluorescent lamp unit comprises a double U-shaped discharge tube having a base shell secured to one end thereof. A housing containing the necessary starting and operating circuitry includes a first portion having a standardized base and a second portion surrounding the base shell of the discharge tube. The internal surface of the second housing portion includes a plurality of flexible fingers for securing the base shell to the second portion of the housing. in a preferred embodiment, each flexible finger includes a latch for engaging the base shell. Preferably, the the internal surface of second housing portion further inlcudes a plurality of support ribs for preventing or limiting lateral movement of the base shell within the housing.

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 plug-in lamp assembly for use as a picture element in an information display screen includes a plurality of low-pressure arc discharge lamps for selectively generating multiple colors, a lamp plug for interconnection and mounting of the discharge lamps, and a lamp socket for plug-in attachment of the lamp plug. Each discharge lamp has electrical leads extending from a first end thereof and a light output region at a second end thereof. The lamp plug comprises a base having spaced-apart electrical connector pins and a cap attached to the base. The first ends of the discharge lamps extend through openings in the top wall of the cap into the lamp plug, and selected electrical leads are coupled to the electrical connector pins. The lamp plug and the lamp socket include openings for directing cooling air over the first ends of the discharge lamps.

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 unit including an adapter which contains a ballast, a fluorescent lamp electrically coupled to the adapter, a compressible gasket member and a jacket. The jacket is adapted to be easily removed from the unit upon failure of the fluorescent lamp. An inwardly protruding ledge which extends radially around the interior of the jacket provides a bearing surface for contacting the gasket member. Preferable, the lower portion of the jacket member is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed grooves for engaging a pair of lugs formed in the housing of the adapter. Preferably, each of the grooves has an offset portion and a stop for locking the lugs in place and thereby preventing rotation of the jacket member with respect to the adapter until the gasket member is compressed.

Abstract: A double-enveloped electric lamp having a self-mounting frame-assembly for supporting a light-source capsule within the outer envelope, such frame-assembly being mounted by means of elastic and frictional forces other than glass-to-glass or glass-to-metal seals. In one embodiment of the invention, the frame-assembly is mounted on the neck of the outer envelope by means of a clamp on each leg of the frame-assembly; each clamp grasps the brim of the neck within a formed groove. Locking means may be obtained by mounting the lamp base over the grooves; barbed prongs on each clamp bite into the shell of the base and lock together the component parts of the lamp. In a second embodiment, a wire frame-assembly having two preformed legs with barbed prongs is mounted on the neck of the outer envelope by fitting each preformed leg into a matching groove formed in the threaded neck of the outer envelope.

Abstract: A projection lamp unit 10 including a reflector (11) having a concave reflecting portion (13) and a rearward extending neck portion (15). Secured to the reflector is an insulative socket (23) in which is contained a pair of electrical contacts (31). Each contact includes a female receiving portion designed to receive the corresponding male pins (35) of an electrical lamp (39) which is inserted through the reflector's forward opening (17). Removal of the lamp (39) is possible simply by grasping the envelope (61) of the lamp (39) and pulling forward. Replacement of a similar lamp is then possible.

Abstract: This invention provides a one-piece frame for electric lamps. The frame has a one-piece body formed by bending operations on a pre-cut or pre-stamped blank sheet of stiff electrically conductive material. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the frame has a one-piece body formed by bending operations on a single strand of stiff electrically conductive wire. Lamps employing the invention will be easier and cheaper to construct, and they will be of comparable or improved quality compared with their counterparts under the prior art.

Abstract: An improved projection unit including a glass reflector having a forward reflecting portion which includes an internal substantially concave reflecting surface and an apex portion with an opening therein. An incandescent lamp is oriented such that its envelope portion is arranged relative to the reflecting surface of the reflector and its sealed end portion having a pair of spaced apart lead-in wires projecting therefrom is arranged within the reflector's opening. An electrically insulative cap member is fixedly secured to an external surface of a glass reflector immediately adjacent the reflector's rear opening. The cap member includes a pair of contacts spacedly located therein, each of these contacts being joined electrically to a respective one of the projecting lead-in wires from the incandescent lamp. In a further embodiment of the invention, a holder is provided for providing electrical connection between the projection system's circuitry and the incandescent lamp.

Abstract: An improved projection unit which enables front removal of the unit's tungsten halogen projection lamp from the unit's glass reflector. A first retention means in the form of a boxlike metallic "can" is secured to the lamp's press-sealed end and held in place by a pair of depressible, cantilever springs, each of which is secured to opposing sides of the metallic can and capable of being depressed to enable insertion and removal of the lamp and can components. At full insertion of the lamp, each spring deflects to an expanded position to engage the reflector's neck and provide the desired retention.