Abstract: A method and apparatus for being hollow work pieces has a pressurizing arrangement that allows the pressure to be adjusted in an internal cavity defined within the work pieces between subsequent bending operations on any one work piece. The internal cavity is defined by sealing caps that are secured to the ends of the work piece.

Abstract: A pipe bending apparatus for performing a pipe bending method, wherein the method includes filling a workpiece with a liquid, pressurizing the liquid to a target pressure level, and bending the workpiece to create a bent pipe. Preferably, the pressure level is inversely proportional to the radius of the bend in the pipe. Furthermore, preferably the pressure is directly proportional to the bending angle of the pipe. Preferably, the pressure is maintained substantially at the target pressure during the bending process. Optionally, the pressure level can be increased during the bending process.

Abstract: The multiple pipe component is a pipe made up of at least an inner pipe and an outer pipe in which a fibrous filler is positioned between the outer pipe and the at least one inner pipe in a region that will be bent. The filler is formed with slits spaced at given pitches. Holes are provided in the inner pipe on at least one of the downstream side and the upstream side of the inner pipe in the bending region while holes are not disposed in the bending region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for being hollow work pieces has a pressurizing arrangement that allows the pressure to be adjusted in an internal cavity defined within the work pieces between subsequent bending operations on any one work piece. The internal cavity is defined by sealing caps that are secured to the ends of the work piece.

Abstract: A pipe bending apparatus for performing a pipe bending method, wherein the method includes filling a workpiece with a liquid, pressurizing the liquid to a target pressure level, and bending the workpiece to create a bent pipe. Preferably, the pressure level is inversely proportional to the radius of the bend in the pipe. Furthermore, preferably the pressure is directly proportional to the bending angle of the pipe. Preferably, the pressure is maintained substantially at the target pressure during the bending process. Optionally, the pressure level can be increased during the bending process.

Abstract: A dimmable self-ballasted fluorescent lamp includes a fluorescent lamp, a ballast and a lamp base that are formed as one unit. The ballast includes a preheating current supply circuit for supplying a preheating current to the fluorescent lamp; an inverter circuit portion for supplying a high frequency AC voltage to the fluorescent lamp; and a control circuit portion for controlling a driving frequency of the inverter circuit portion. The ballast is provided with an output current limiting element for limiting an output current from the preheating current supply circuit.

Abstract: A dimmable self-ballasted fluorescent lamp includes a fluorescent lamp, a ballast and a lamp base that are formed as one unit. The ballast includes a preheating current supply circuit for supplying a preheating current to the fluorescent lamp; an inverter circuit portion for supplying a high frequency AC voltage to the fluorescent lamp; and a control circuit portion for controlling a driving frequency of the inverter circuit portion. The ballast is provided with an output current limiting element for limiting an output current from the preheating current supply circuit.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp includes an end cap 4 and a fluorescent tube 1 that has electrode seals 22 and 23 at its ends. The end cap 4 is made of synthetic resin and is attached to the fluorescent tube 1 by silicon resin 31. The end cap 4 includes round cavities 26 and 27 for holding the electrode seals 22 and 23 and thermal protection element holders 20 and 21 for holding thermal protection elements 16 and 17 adjacent to the electrode seals 22 and 23. Pillars 28 are provided between the thermal protection element holders 20 and 21 and the round cavities 26 and 27 to support the thermal protection elements 16 and 17. Through holes 29 are provided between the round cavities 26 and 27 and pillars 28.