Abstract: A built-in igniter type high pressure sodium lamp includes an igniter connected in parallel with an arc tube 1 for a high pressure sodium lamp and composed of a series circuit of a thermally-activated bimetal switch 2 and a nonlinear capacitor 3. The high pressure sodium lamp is so constructed that a heating resistor 11 which can heat the nonlinear capacitor 3 to the Curie point temperature when the igniter operates is connected in parallel with and located close to the nonlinear capacitor 3.

Abstract: A high-pressure metal vapor discharge lamp comprises: an arc tube, which is shunted by a series circuit of a thermal switch and a nonlinear ceramic capacitor, a pyroelectric current bypassing resistor connected in parallel to the nonlinear ceramic capacitor, and a lamp outer bulb incorporating the arc tube, the thermal switch, the nonlinear ceramic capacitor and the resistor. Because of this construction, the nonlinear ceramic capacitor is prevented from early deterioration, thus lengthening the service life of the discharge lamp.

Abstract: A metal vapor discharge lamp of the type comprising a translucent outer bulb that houses an arc tube and a starter which is connected in parallel to the arc tube and which includes a nonlinear capacitor, at least one of the lead wires of the nonlinear capacitor being connected to a support line whose thickness is such that it does not obstruct the oscillation due to any electrostriction of the nonlinear capacitor and such that it fuses whenever a large current flows through the nonlinear capacitor. Due to this construction, the oscillation of the nonlinear capacitor is not obstructed, so that a high-voltage pulse can be generated and the noise level lowered. Furthermore, since the support line is designed to be fused by a large electric current, thus breaking the electric circuit, any burning of the ballast can be prevented.

Abstract: In parallel connecting a starter to a luminous tube, the starter being formed by a coiled nonfusible metal wire which is wound to or laid along the outer wall of the luminous tube and a nonlinear capacitor which is in series connected to the nonfusible metal wire. As a result of this, the discharge lamp can be assuredly and stably lit with a small size ballast. Furthermore, pass of large current through the starter can be prevented even if the luminous tube is leaked. Furthermore, if the vacuum outer bulb is leaked or broken, the circuit of the starter can be opened by melting the nonfusible metal wire.

Abstract: A nonlinear capacitor for generating high-voltage pulses comprises a ferroelectric substrate, electrode layers formed on both sides of said substrate, a mineral glass coating covering the entire surface of the capacitor except for the connector portions for said electrode layers and for the outer peripheral surface of said ferroelectric ceramic substrate, and lead terminals electrically connected to the electrode layers through said connector portions.This construction prevents the mechanical oscillation due to electrostriction from being restrained, thereby permitting the capacitor to generate high-voltage pulses of great amplitude and energy.

Abstract: There is disclosed a high pressure metal vapor discharge lamp which contains in an outer bulb a starting circuit connected in parallel with a light emitting tube having at least one pair of main electrodes. The starting circuit includes a ceramic capacitor surrounded by glass material and exhibiting a non-linear voltage-charge characteristic.