Abstract: A lamp base including a neutral contact and a line contact, a semiconductor transient protection device having three terminals. The semiconductor transient protection device being an integral portion of the lamp base. A first terminal of the semiconductor transient protection device in mechanical and electrical contact with the neutral contact, a second terminal in mechanical and electrical contact with the line contact, and a third terminal in electrical contact with a lead-in wire. The semiconductor transient protection device configured to isolate the line contact from the neutral contact during a first line voltage input, and to provide a low-resistance shunt path between the line contact and the neutral contact during a second line voltage input.

Abstract: A lamp base including a neutral contact and a line contact, a semiconductor transient protection device having three terminals. The semiconductor transient protection device being an integral portion of the lamp base. A first terminal of the semiconductor transient protection device in mechanical and electrical contact with the neutral contact, a second terminal in mechanical and electrical contact with the line contact, and a third terminal in electrical contact with a lead-in wire. The semiconductor transient protection device configured to isolate the line contact from the neutral contact during a first line voltage input, and to provide a low-resistance shunt path between the line contact and the neutral contact during a second line voltage input.

Abstract: Features of the invention are related to drive circuits that provide both power factor correction and voltage conversion in a single circuit and in some implementations drive an LED array. This single stage converter uses a buck-boost topology and can operate LED arrays that have DC voltages above or below the AC line voltage. An output side filter and bulk energy storage device is placed at the output of the circuit. Bulk energy storage can be provided by an inductor, a capacitor, or a combination of an inductor and a capacitor. The output side filtering can be provided by a capacitor or a capacitor and an inductor. The circuit also includes a switch and a switch control device for controlling the switch to provide power factor correction.

Abstract: Features of the invention are related to drive circuits that provide both power factor correction and voltage conversion in a single circuit and in some instances drive an LED array. This single stage converter uses a SEPIC or Cuk topology and can operate LED arrays that have DC voltages above or below the AC line voltage. An output side filter and bulk energy storage device is placed at the output of the circuit. Bulk energy storage can be provided by an inductor, a capacitor, or a combination of an inductor and a capacitor. The output side filtering can be provided by a capacitor or a capacitor and an inductor. The circuit also includes a switch and a switch control device for controlling the switch to provide power factor correction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing lamp restrike time are provided. In a lighting apparatus having a housing, a reflector, and a lamp positioned so that at least a portion of the outer jacket of the lamp is within the reflector, a circulating device is operated when the lamp is off and a temperature inside the housing is above a predefined temperature. The circulating device circulates air around the outer jacket of the lamp to cool the lamp so the restrike time is reduced without the need for a starting device with a starting voltage high enough to restart the lamp when the lamp is hot.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing lamp restrike time are provided. In a lighting apparatus having a housing, a reflector, and a lamp positioned so that at least a portion of the outer jacket of the lamp is within the reflector, a circulating device is operated when the lamp is off and a temperature inside the housing is above a predefined temperature. The circulating device circulates air around the outer jacket of the lamp to cool the lamp so the restrike time is reduced without the need for a starting device with a starting voltage high enough to restart the lamp when the lamp is hot.

Abstract: Features of the invention are related to drive circuits that provide both power factor correction and voltage conversion in a single circuit and in some implementations drive an LED array. This single stage converter uses a buck-boost topology and can operate LED arrays that have DC voltages above or below the AC line voltage. An output side filter and bulk energy storage device is placed at the output of the circuit. Bulk energy storage can be provided by an inductor, a capacitor, or a combination of an inductor and a capacitor. The output side filtering can be provided by a capacitor or a capacitor and an inductor. The circuit also includes a switch and a switch control device for controlling the switch to provide power factor correction.

Abstract: Features of the invention are related to drive circuits that provide both power factor correction and voltage conversion in a single circuit and in some instances drive an LED array. This single stage converter uses a SEPIC or Cuk topology and can operate LED arrays that have DC voltages above or below the AC line voltage. An output side filter and bulk energy storage device is placed at the output of the circuit. Bulk energy storage can be provided by an inductor, a capacitor, or a combination of an inductor and a capacitor. The output side filtering can be provided by a capacitor or a capacitor and an inductor. The circuit also includes a switch and a switch control device for controlling the switch to provide power factor correction.

Abstract: An electrodeless gas discharge lamp includes a vitreous envelope containing a discharge medium. An excitation coil is positioned in relation to the vitreous envelope so as to excite the discharge medium therein. The excitation coil is adapted to be driven by an RF oscillator. The excitation coil has first and second ends and is effective for exciting the discharge medium to emit light with electromagnetic fields that are generated by the excitation coil. The excitation coil includes a first wire wound generally helically from the first end to the second end in a first helical direction to form first winding turns, and further includes a second wire wound generally helically from the first end to the second end in second helical direction opposite to that of the first helical direction to form second winding turns. Preferably, a generally cylindrical former is provided for holding the first and second wires between the first and second ends of the coil.

Abstract: An electrodeless, low pressure gas discharge lamp includes a vitreous envelope containing a discharge medium and being shaped with an external chamber for receiving an electrical excitation circuit. The excitation circuit is effective for exciting the discharge medium to emit light with electromagnetic fields that are generated by the excitation circuit. A circuit is included for supplying electrical power from power mains to the excitation circuit. A transparent, electrically conductive coating is provided atop the vitreous envelope and is electrically connected substantially directly to one of the power mains at any given time. A transparent, electrically insulative coating is disposed atop the electrically conductive coating, and comprises a contiguous, inorganic glass layer. The insulative coating preferably has a minimum coating thickness of at least about 3.1 microns.

Abstract: Circuit arrangements generate start, glow, and/or run signals to be applied to and for operating a DC arc discharge lamp. A first circuit arrangement provides start, glow, and run signals. The first circuit arrangement includes a tapped transformer flyback converter circuit for combining the start and glow functions; a buck/boost converter for providing the run function; and blocking diodes for providing a blocking function for the glow circuit during the start and run modes, and further for providing a blocking function for the run circuit during the start and glow modes. A second circuit arrangement provides start and glow functions, and includes a tapped transformer flyback converter circuit for combining the start and glow functions; and a blocking diode for providing a blocking function for the glow circuit during the start mode. A third circuit arrangement includes a buck/boost converter for providing glow and run functions, and further includes an inductive storage element, such as an inductor.

Abstract: An electrodeless lamp (e.g., an electrodeless fluorescent lamp) includes a dielectric housing shaped to conform to a portion of a lamp envelope, which housed portion is opposite to a portion through which light is emitted. The dielectric housing includes a continuous conductor, i.e., a shorted turn, situated between the dielectric housing and the lamp envelope which conforms to at least a portion of the dielectric housing. The configuration of the shorted turn, in terms of the location and amount of surface area occupied thereby, is optimized to minimize interaction between the excitation coil and any metallic fixture and to avoid interfering with lamp starting and light output.