Abstract: This invention relates to a glow discharge starter including a glow bottle having a hermetically sealed discharge envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode and a counter electrode. A pair of conductors extending from the main body of a radio frequency suppressing capacitor electrically coupling respective electrodes of the glow bottle. The main body of the capacitor is in a thermal relationship with the discharge envelope and responsive to heat generated therewithin. When a predetermined temperature limit is reached within the discharge envelope, the generated heat creates a short circuit within the main body of the capacitor and extinguishes the glow discharge. The present invention eliminates the need for an additional fuse member or thermal protector.

Abstract: A starting and operating circuit for gaseous discharge lamps which includes a pair of input terminals for connection to an alternating current supply and a pair of output terminals for connection across the lamp. A ballast inductor is connected at its ends in series between one of the input terminals and one of the output terminals. A pulse generator is connected between one of the input terminals and one of the output terminals and another pulse generator is connected between a tapping point on the ballast inductor and the outer input terminal or the other output terminal or a point on the connection therebetween. The high voltage pulse generator includes a non-linear capacitor (NLC) and a semiconductor bipolar thyristor (commonly known as SIDAC) connected in series, the non-linear capacitor and the bipolar thyristor being connected in parallel with the lamp.

Abstract: A glow discharge starter having an integral thermal protector includes a glow bottle having an hermetically sealed discharge envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode and a counter electrode. A pair of conductors extend from the main body of a radio frequency suppressing capacitor and electrically couple respective electrodes of the glow bottle. The cylindrically-shaped main body of the capacitor is coaxially positioned with respect to the discharge envelope so as to be responsive to heat generated within the envelope. When an abnormal temperature limit (e.g., 450 degrees Celsius) is reached by the discharge envelope, a short circuit is created within the main body of the capacitor and extinguishes the discharge.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp composed of at least four tubes having their ends hermetically sealed in receptacles. Two of the tubes have electrodes sealed therein and passages formed in the receptacle connect the other ends of the tubes to complete the arc path.

Abstract: Apparatus for starting and operating a discharge lamp includes a starter device having a normally-closed (N/C) switch including a pair of contacts each connected to a bimetal with the bimetals having opposite flexure deviations. Circuitry is provided for coupling one bimetal to a ballast and also to a discharge lamp whereby short-circuit current flows through both bimetals to open the switch and initiate conductivity of a discharge lamp and through one bimetal to maintain the switch operational and continue lamp conductivity.

Abstract: Apparatus for starting and operating a discharge lamp includes a starting device having bimetals and a rigid conductive member forming a switch, a ballast coupling the switch to an AC source and a discharge lamp and a spark gap each shunting the starting device with the starting device bimetals and rigid conductive device hermetically sealed in a vacuum.

Abstract: Apparatus for starting and operating a discharge lamp includes a starter device having a normally-closed (N/C) switch including a pair of contacts each connected to a bimetal with the bimetals having opposite flexure deviations. Circuitry is provided for coupling one bimetal to a ballast and also to a discharge lamp whereby short-circuit current flows through both bimetals to open the switch and initiate conductivity of a discharge lamp and through one bimetal to maintain the switch operational and continue lamp conductivity.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp having a hermetically sealed envelope with support wires therethrough has an arc tube therein with support wires whereby a starter device having first and second contacts of a normally-closed switch has a first bimetal coupling the first contact to one support wire and a second bimetal coupling a second contact to another support wire with the bimetals positioned to flex in opposite directions and enhance the operation of the contacts and of the high intensity discharge lamp.

Abstract: A circuit for starting and operating a low wattage high intensity discharge lamp from a source of AC line voltage. The circuit includes a glow starter device having a first terminal connected to a first bimetal, a second terminal connected to a second bimetal, and third terminal connected to a rigid conductive member, the bimetals being electrically connected together at one end which makes a normally closed contact with the rigid member in the quiescent state of the device. A choke coil and a capacitor are series connected in that order between one of the AC input terminals and the second terminal of the starter device, and a second AC input terminal is connected to the third terminal of the starter. The first and third terminals of the starter device are connected across the discharge lamp terminals.

Abstract: A low wattage high intensity discharge lamp having a quartz arc tube and a glow starter disposed within a bulbous glass envelope containing an inert gas, such as argon, at subatmospheric pressure. The starter within the envelope comprises a first bimetal connected to one of the arc tube lead-in wires, a second bimetal connected to one end of a conductive support wire sealed through the bulbous envelope, and a fixed first contact attached to another conductive support wire sealed through the bulbous envelope and also connected to the other lead-in wire of the arc tube. The bimetals are electrically connected together at one end which makes a normally closed contact with the fixed contact in the quiescent state of the starter.

Abstract: A glow bottle starter having three lead-in wires and containing two bimetals connected together at one end and a rigid tungsten rod. The bimetals make normally closed contact with the tungsten rod in the quiescent state of the starter, and upon electrical current flow through one or both of the bimetals to cause elevation to a predetermined temperature, the bimetals are operative to separate from the tungsten rod. In a circuit including the glow-bottle starter for starting a discharge lamp, one of the bimetals and the rigid tungsten rod are connected across the output of a ballast circuit, and the tungsten rod and other bimetal are connected across the lamp.

Abstract: An integral fluorescent lamp-ballast unit comprises a fluorescent lamp fastened to an end cap at one end and a housing at the other end. An elongated support member extends between the end cap and the housing, is fastened to both, and serves as a backing for the lamp. The ballast comprises a choke and a preheat starter which are disposed in the end cap and/or housing.

Abstract: An isolator circuit for use with a switching circuit for energizing a ballasted load in response to a control signal of preselected frequency superimposed on AC power circuits which supply the load. In the switching circuit, a triac is gated to conduct the AC power to the load by a circuit including an impedance element and a series resonant LC network tuned to the frequency of the control signal. The control signal may be one of a plurality of control signals having different frequencies superimposed on the power circuits. The isolator circuit is connected between the traic and the load and comprises a plurality of series connected parallel resonant LC circuits each tuned to block a respective one of the control signals. A series choke blocks spurious signal voltages.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp has an extension base at one end thereof which contains an impedance to reduce current flow through the lamp. The length of the lamp plus extension base equals the length of a standard fluorescent lamp.