Abstract: A discharge lamp of the present invention, which has an starting property, an arc stability and a service life which are improved even if the lamp produces a short arc. The discharge lamp includes a light emitting bulb, sealing members disposed on both sides of the light emitting bulb, metal foils sealed in the sealing members, a pair of electrodes which are connected to the metal foils and have large-diameter portions formed on tips, coils disposed at the rear of the large-diameter portions of the electrodes, external conductors, and a discharge medium enclosed in the light emitting bulb.

Abstract: In a gas discharge tube in accordance with the present invention, a side tube is formed from a metal, the outer periphery of the stem is provided with a joint portion made of a metal, and the latter is joined to a metal-made joint portion of the side tube by welding, whereby the assembling is made easier by welding, while the gas discharge tube itself can attain smaller dimensions. Also, since the side tube is small and made of a metal, its handling improves greatly. Further, since side tube is formed from a metal, the gas discharge tube is encouraged to have a wider range of processed forms and attains a prospect for mass production.

Abstract: A flat display panel is provided which can improve the reliability of the contact portion where a flat plate and a back plate are bonded together and can suppress the display dead space. Recessed portions 52 are formed in a glass substrate 60 so that a sealing wall 63 is formed along the outer fringe of a back plate 61. The front plate 54 includes a protrusion 59 protruding outward from the sealing wall 63 on the outer fringe portion thereof. The contact portion between the front plate 54 and the back plate 61 is sealed by depositing fritted glass 62 onto the corner portion defined by the protrusion 59 and the side surface of the back plate 61. In order to improve the sealing effect, the fritted glass 62 is inserted into the gap at the bonding portion. The groove 64 is formed on the top surface of the sealing wall 63 to prevent the fritted glass 62 from intruding in to the discharge space.

Abstract: A discharge lamp is provided which employs a higher-pressure and higher-wattage lamp body 1 and is capable of effectively preventing the scattering of broken pieces of the lamp body 1 at explosion of the lamp body 1. The discharge lamp comprises a lamp body 1, a reflector 2 having the lamp body 1, and a front glass fitted on a front portion of the reflector 2, wherein the reflector 2 has vent holes 4 in which mesh sheets 6 or perforated plates 5 are fitted.

Abstract: A metal halide lamp including a discharge tube of a transparent ceramic in which a discharge metal and a buffer gas are sealed, the discharge tube having electrodes at both ends thereof, including a discharge portion, slender tube portions provided at both ends of the discharge portion, into which feedthroughs including the electrodes and lead-in wires are inserted, and slender tube sealing portions in which gaps between the slender tube portions and the feedthroughs are sealed with a sealing material, an outer tube containing the discharge tube, and a transparent protecting cylinder provided inside the outer tube so as to surround the discharge tube is provided. At least one of the slender tube sealing portions is exposed beyond the protecting cylinder. This provides a metal halide lamp that suppresses leaks in a discharge tube sealing portion while maintaining high efficiency and high color rendition by using a ceramic discharge tube, and that is tolerant of an external shock.

Abstract: A discharge tube (1) made of transparent ceramics includes a main tube (17) and slender tubes provided on both sides thereof. In one of the slender tubes, a main electrode lead-in member that is connected to a main electrode (6b) is inserted and sealed. In the other two-hole slender tube, a main electrode lead-in member that is connected to a main electrode (6a) and an auxiliary electrode lead-in member that is connected to an auxiliary electrode (9) are inserted and sealed so as to be isolated electrically from each other. With such a structure, it is possible to achieve highly efficient and stable lifetime characteristics and suppress changes in characteristics during lifetime caused by leaks during an operation and reaction between a sealing material and an enclosed material inside the discharge tube. In addition, it is possible to obtain a high-pressure metal vapor discharge lamp that has stable lamp starting characteristics and allows a free design of the discharge tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inexpensive low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp having enhanced productivity. The low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp comprises an arc tube, a holder for holding the arc tube, a lighting circuit held on the opposite side of the holder from the arc tube and adapted for lighting the arc tube, a case having a screw portion provided at one end thereof and adapted for accommodating the lighting circuit, and a base threaded and fixed to the screw portion. A recessed groove is provided in a helical screw thread of the screw portion. The two lead wires (top lead wire and side lead wire) which are power source wires are respectively connected at one end thereof to the lighting circuit. The side lead wire is disposed along the groove and is sandwiched and fixed between the base and the screw portion.

Abstract: A shroud (26) for a light producing element (46). The shroud having an elongated reflecting portion (20) with a curved cross-section and an elongated light-transmissive portion (24) with a curved cross-section. A cavity in which the light producing element is disposed is formed between the reflecting portion and the light-transmissive portion. A lamp (40) having a shroud (26) according to the invention is also disclosed as is a method of fabricating a shroud according to the invention.

Abstract: The electric lamp has a tubular envelope (1) in which a lamp vessel (10) is axially accommodated, held by a first (5) and a long second pole wire (6). The second pole wire (6) has a longitudinal portion (61) merging at a first bend (611) into a first Z-shaped support portion (62) having support points (621, 622) against the envelope (1). The first support portion (62) is connected to a transverse portion (63) to which a current conductor (12) of the lamp vessel (10) is secured and which is connected to a second support portion (64) which extends in an axial plane along the lamp vessel (10) and has a support point (641) against the envelope (1). The second pole wire (6) is effective in supporting the lamp vessel (10) and maintaining the position thereof.

Abstract: A metal halide lamp includes an arc tube and a surrounding tubular quartz sleeve between a wire frame. The wire frame is formed from a pair of substantially parallel wire frame members and a top section where the two frame members meet. The two frame members are mounted to a glass stem containing current supply leads. The sleeve is provided with two pairs of diametrically opposed apertures, each pair of apertures receiving an elongate wire U-clip which engages a pinched end of the arc tube inside the sleeve and the frame members outside the sleeve. A disk having a slot is inserted over a top section of the wire frame through the slot.

Abstract: An improved high pressure halogen filament lamp is disclosed. The lamp has a filament tube attached to a base, and an outer envelope encompassing the filament tube. Reductions to the gas fill pressures of the outer envelope and filament tube increase the probability that the coated outer envelope will contain the fragments of the filament tube in cases involving explosive failure of the filament tube.

Abstract: A light transmitting container is used to house a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) to reduce heat loss and to increase the luminous efficiency of the lamp. An electrical connector configuration is connected to an electrode of the lamp and adapted to be electrically and mechanically connected to a conventional electrical socket. A driver circuit in the container converts 50 or 60 Hz power to the high frequency power suitable for operating the CCFL. At least one of the electrodes of the CCFL is outside of the container to facilitate heat dissipation. A two-dimensional array of CCFLs may be held by a module housing to form a display for displaying still or moving images and characters. The above-described CCFL configurations may also be used for displaying traffic information.

Abstract: A multi-filament light bulb which is lightable one filament at a time includes a sealed glass envelope, a base fixed to the envelope and a plurality of filaments supported within the glass envelope. The bulb also includes a ring-shaped insulator having one or more electrical contacts electrically isolated from one another disposed thereon. The ring-shaped insulator is disposed in the base of the bulb with each of the electrical contacts connected to one of the filaments. A plurality of radially depressable metal tab switches are disposed in the base of the bulb adjacent to the contacts on the ring insulator for completing an electrical circuit to thereby illuminate one of the filaments.

Abstract: In the case of a sodium high-pressure lamp having a ceramic, tubular discharge vessel (1), an electrically conducting starting aid is fitted outside on the discharge vessel. Said aid comprises an axially parallel longitudinal strip (4) of prescribed width B to which a partial circle (6) surrounding the discharge vessel is attached approximately at the level of each electrode (2).

Abstract: A discharge lamp comprising an arc tube containing a pair of electrodes in a light-emitting portion and an outer tube that envelops the light-emitting portion and is at least partly fused to the arc tube, wherein the outer tube comprises silicon dioxide in the range from 90 to 99.88 wt. % and boron in the range from 0.12 wt. % or more. The discharge lamp can inhibit the arc tube from deforming when the outer tube and arc tube are fused to each other by adjusting a softening temperature of the outer tube to an appropriate temperature and can realize a high accuracy of luminous intensity distribution.

Abstract: A material including a carbon-based substance and resins are mixed, and the mixture is extruded and dried, and the extrusion is sintered in an inert atmosphere, thereby obtaining a heating element material. The heating element material is reheated in a vacuum so that its resistance-temperature characteristic is adjusted to a necessary value, thereby obtaining a heating element for an infrared lamp. The heating element is a wire-shaped or plate-shaped heating element including the carbon-based substance, and an internal lead wire is wound around each of both ends of the heating element directly or via a graphite block so that a tight fit can be obtained. A coil spring is formed in the middle of the internal lead wire. The heating element is accommodated in a quartz glass tube filled with an inert gas.

Abstract: The invention is an optical device which reflects and absorbs light emitted from a light source with the reflected light being a selected wavelength range and the absorbed light being outside the selected wavelength range and a microwave excited discharge lamp. An optical device in accordance with the invention includes a light trap having a plurality of light absorbing surfaces, each light absorbing surface absorbing at least a part of incident light outside the selected wavelength range, the incident light striking an initial light absorbing area and being reflected from the initial light absorbing area to at least a secondary light absorbing area of one of the light absorbing surfaces, and a layer, fixed between the light trap and the light source, which passes the light outside the selected wavelength range to the light trap for absorption therein and which reflects the light within the selected wavelength range to a target area.

Abstract: High lumen output quartz metal halide lamps are provided which comprise a vacuum outer fill, and a silicon nitride CVD coating on the outside of the quartz arc tubes (discharge tubes). Instead of nitrogen filled outers, vacuum lamp outers are used to reduce energy loss (since heat conduction loss is reduced) and to increase lumen output. Additionally, only the outside of the arc tubes is coated with silicon nitride, without coating the metal components. This reduces or blocks sodium diffusion through the quartz walls. The silicon nitride coating also retards migration of the trace hydrogen from the lamp outer into the arc tube. At least about a 10% increase, and preferably a 15% increase in lumen output is realized by using a vacuum lamp outer instead of the nitrogen fill outer conventionally used for the traditional quartz fill lamps. The heat conduction loss is reduced and the lamp efficiency is increased significantly.

Abstract: A lamp is constructed to include a base adapted for connecting to an electric socket to obtain electricity, a shell fastened to the base and defining with the base an air-tight space, the shell having an inside wall coated with a layer of phosphorescent coating, an electronic ballast installed in the base and adapted to convert AC power supply into DC power supply, and at least one ultraviolet light emitting diode suspended in the air-tight space and connected to the electronic ballast and adapted to produce ultraviolet light to strike the phosphorescent coating in producing visible light upon connection of the base upon connection of the electronic ballast to power supply.

Abstract: A traffic lamp has a helical coil filament arranged in a pattern with no angles or sharp bends and with each convolution of the coil substantially tangent to the focal plane of the lamp. The filament may be generally in the pattern of the lower case Greek letter Omega and is supported on seven support wires, so that the same filament length can be used for both 120-volt and 240-volt applications. In one embodiment, the lamp has two filaments arranged as arcs of a common circle lying substantially in the focal plane, each arc being supported on three support wires, the filaments being respectively connected in series with diodes so that the filaments respectively conduct on alternate half cycles of the AC source voltage.

Abstract: An electric lamp (100) including a sealed light-transmissive lamp envelope (105) having an interior space, a base fixed to the outer envelope (105), a non-insulated main conductor wire (160) within the outer envelope and connected to the base (110) at one end, a light source (140) capable of generating light within the outer envelope (105), a shroud (145) surrounding the light source (140) and mounted adjacent the non-insulated main conductor wire (160), and a first center support. The light source (140) has first and second ends. The first end is electrically coupled to the non-insulated main conductor wire (160), and the second end is coupled to a stem lead (180). The first center support (150) supports the shroud (145) and the light source (140) and mechanically couples the shroud (145) and the light source (140) to the non-insulated main conductor wire (160).

Abstract: The invention relates to a metal halide lamp having an outer bulb containing besides a discharge vessel a UV enhancer (UVE). The UVE has a ceramic wall and, according to the invention, is provided with a pair of internal electrodes. Preferably, at least one of the electrodes has an electrode winding with emitter.

Abstract: A headlight device includes a discharge lamp, a circuit unit and a heat radiating member. The circuit unit is directly connected to the discharge lamp to apply a high voltage to the discharge lamp. The heat radiating member radiates heat generated from the discharge lamp and the circuit unit. The heat radiating member is placed between the discharge lamp and the circuit unit and extends radially in a generally vertically downward direction.

Abstract: A lamp comprises a glass substrate and a shading film. The shading film is formed by applying a greensheet comprising an inorganic pigment and an inorganic matrix compound to a surface of the glass substrate and then, firing the greensheet. The formed shading film has a portion whose thickness is 90% or more of the maximum thickness of the shading film within the range of 0.5 mm from an edge of the shading film.

Abstract: The electric lamp is provided with a cap (3) having a metal shell (8). The shell (8) comprises a cylindrical part (44) which is coupled to a conical part (42) via a rounding (43). By choosing the angle &bgr; between the second part (52) of the conical part (42) and the cylindrical part (44) smaller than the angle &agr;between the first part (51) of the conical part (42) and the cylindrical part (44), the axial strength of the metal shell (8) is increased.

Abstract: In a gas discharge tube in accordance with the present invention, one or both of the inner wall face and outer wall face of a side tube body are provided with a coating made of a glass material or ceramics. As a result, the side tube body can be made of various materials regardless of properties of the gas filling the inside, whereby the gas discharge tube can have a wider range of processed forms and smaller dimensions at the same time, and its mass production can freely be carried out.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure discharge lamp provided with a discharge vessel. The discharge vessel is enveloped with clearance by an outer bulb having a cap. According to the invention, the outer bulb is translucent and substantially tubular in shape.

Abstract: An optical chassis utilizes optical couplers to convert the radial optical distribution of tube-shaped lamps into a more uniform optical distribution on planar illuminated surfaces. An optical chassis designed as an illumination source for emergency exit signs has two lamps and two optical couplers spaced apart on the optical chassis with a voltage converter disposed between the optical couplers. Illumination efficiency and uniformity is improved so that the optical chassis satisfies Underwriter's Laboratory standards for emergency exit sign retrofit kits.

Abstract: A glass for tungsten halogen lamp glass envelopes, glass filter lenses, and glass filters consisting essentially in terms of weight percent on the oxide basis, of about 50-62% SiO2, 10-17% Al2O3, 0-6% B2O3, 3.6-10% CaO, 0-7.5% MgO, 0.1-0.3% SrO, 2.4-18% BaO, 0-1% ZnO, 1-8% Nd2O3. The glass exhibits the following physical properties: strain point between about 665° C. to about 750° C., coefficient of thermal expansion to the set point of between about 49-59×10−7/° C., liquidus temperature below 1320° C., viscosity at liquidus temperature greater than 2,000 poises, and transmission at 585 nm of between 5-60% for a 1.2 mm thickness. The lamp color temperature for a tungsten halogen lamp containing a glass envelope, a glass filter lens, or a glass filter prepared from the glass composition is increased from about 3 to 7% above a similar glass with no Nd2O3, and the total visible lumen loss is limited to less than about 10%.

Abstract: A ceramic metal halide arc tube is surrounded by a protective sleeve supported by a metal frame having current carrying wire frame members brazed into the metal ferrules of a PAR-lamp. Each frame member has an S-shaped bend which engages the lower end of the sleeve, and a spacer separates the upper ends of the frame to create a rigid self-supporting structure.

Abstract: An HID lamp utilizes a wire frame member having an integral coil with spaces between windings to relieve thermal stress and provide shock absorption in a ceramic metal halide discharge lamp mounted concentrically in an elliptical-dimple (ED-type) glass envelope. The wire frame member has a first end welded to a current carrying support member embedded in the stem and a second end welded to an upper axial lead of the arc tube, the coil being situated about the dimple. The lower axial lead fixed relative to a second current carrying support member embedded in the stem, so that the coil compresses when the arc tube expands relative to the wire frame member.

Abstract: Metal halide lamp includes an arc tube and a surrounding tubular quartz sleeve between a pair of parallel wire frame members mounted to a glass stem containing current supply leads. The sleeve is provided with two pairs of diametrically opposed apertures, each pair of apertures receiving an elongate wire U-clip which engages a pinched end of the arc tube inside the sleeve and the frame members outside the sleeve. Distal ends of each U-clip are welded to a frame member to fix the position of the arc tube and the sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coloring coating agent comprising at least a binder, a pigment, and a dispersing agent, the binder being sol obtained by a partial reaction of an organic silicon compound, the pigment being a mixture comprised of a red rouge pigment and a yellow organic pigment in a ratio ranging from 1:10 to 2:1 by weight, the red rouge pigment having a spherical particle shape and a particle size of 0.1 to 0.3 &mgr;m, the yellow organic pigment having a particle size smaller than or equal to 0.3 &mgr;m, and the binder (solid portion) and the pigment being mixed in a ratio ranging from 2:1 to 2:5 by weight. The coating agent is useful in coloring a bulb for lightning equipments of vehicles yellow.

Abstract: A lead and arsenic free borosilicate glass is provided which is suitable for use in electric arc discharge lamps. The glass is tungsten-sealing and provides desirable protection from ultraviolet radiation. In addition, the glass is suitable for use in glass melters not equipped with bubblers.

Abstract: A mounting member for supporting a shroud, and an arc tube located within such shroud, in an arc discharge lamp is provided. The mounting member includes at least two support clips welded to at least one support rod on the same side of the support rod. A bubble-in-the-press arc lamp is provided having at least one press seal that includes opposite walls. A bubble portion is formed in one wall, and the other wall includes a protrusion. The bubble portion extends towards one wall and the protrusion extends towards the other wall to hold a support clip of a supporting member therebetween. An electric lamp assembly is provided that includes the mounting means and/or the bubble-in-the-press arc tube of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to dimmable metal halide lamps using ceramic arc tubes for the application of energy saving, mood control, and constant light output over the life of the lamp. Under dimmed conditions, as low as 50% of rated wattage, the color temperature (CCT) can remain substantially the same and be perceived by the viewer as a constant color light source. Furthermore, the invention improves the color rendering index (CRI) and the efficacy of the lamp under dimmed operation. Such improvements are provided by placing a metal shield on an end of the arc tube, whereby the emissivity of the shield is lower than the emissivity of the ceramic in the arc tube, whereby cold spot temperature in the lamp is increased, even under dimmed conditions.

Abstract: An insulating plug for an electric discharge lamp apparatus, includes: a front portion includes an outer cylindrical portion and an inner cylindrical portion, the inner cylindrical portion having a substantially unique thickness and an opening to receive an arc tube of an electric discharge lamp; a focusing ring extending from the outer cylindrical portion of the front portion; and a rear portion having a rear-end cylindrical portion and a center portion. The front portion, the focusing ring and the rear portion are integrally molded by injecting a synthetic resin into a mold from a gate of the mold, the gate facing the rear-end cylindrical portion of the rear porition of the insulating plug. Furthermore, the electric discharge lamp apparatus in which an arc tube is inserted into the opening of the insulating plug described above.

Abstract: A rare gas illumination system and method are configured to provide a sweeping illumination effect. In one embodiment, the rare gas illumination system includes a tube containing a gas and having a first electrode at a first end and a second electrode at a second end. A first boot having a first transformer is coupled to the first end of the tube. A second boot having a second transformer is coupled to the second end of the tube. The system includes a controller having a microcontroller, a memory, and an output power driver. The memory is configured to store a plurality of control codes corresponding to a plurality of illumination patterns. The microcontroller controls the illumination pattern of the tube by executing the corresponding control code to selectively activate the output driver to provide a voltage signal to at least one of the first boot and the second boot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular lamp, particularly relates to a high-intensity parapet lamp for road or bridge, which can display various colors and is controlled by computer program. The cavity of the lamp is sealed with soldered illuminants and light-reflecting circuit board; the power supply wires pass through the inner tube and the ends of the power supply wires are connected to multi-contact connector assemblies. The lamp is lit up at night and is controlled by computer program to produce a flowing effect which can indicate the direction.

Abstract: A single-ended glass halogen lamp includes an infrared reflecting shroud surrounding a lamp filament which reflects infrared energy back to the lamp filament to heat the filament and improve overall lamp efficiency. The shroud is supported within the lamp enclosure by the electrical leads which connect the lamp filament to a source of electricity. The optical interference filter is preferably a tantala-silica coating formed on an exterior of an ellipsoidal shaped shroud.

Abstract: A metal vapor discharge lamp comprises a discharge tube having a ceramic container into which a pair of electrodes and a discharge metal compound are sealed. The container comprises a first cylindrical portion, tapered portions, second cylindrical portions and third cylindrical portions. The third cylindrical portions are shrinkage-fitted to the second cylindrical portions. The electrodes are attached to the third cylindrical portion with a sealing member. An inner wall of the third cylindrical portions and the electrodes define a gap. The inner surface of the tapered portions and a central axis of the electrodes define an angle of 40°-80°. Thus, a metal vapor discharge lamp is provided whose discharge tube does not include disks among its parts, and which can maintain, over a long period of operation, good operating characteristics that depend only little on the lamp orientation.

Abstract: A starting aid for a metal halide discharge lamp. An arc discharge tube is positioned in a hermetically sealed jacket. The jacket contains a partial pressure (e.g., 400 torr nitrogen) of a gas that will aid in starting the discharge and one of the arc tube lead-ins has an electrical conductor affixed thereto and exposed to the partial pressure of the gas. An outer conductor extends on the outside of the jacket and is electrically connected to the other lead-in. When voltage is applied to the electrodes a capacitive coupling takes place between the inner conductor and the outer conductor which generates a discharge that causes a breakdown in the arc generating and sustaining medium within the arc tube and causes the lamp to start.

Abstract: A mount assembly for supporting the arc tube of a lamp within an outer envelope has first and second axially aligned banding straps. Each of the straps has a closed crimp section and an open crimp section. The straps are positioned so that an open crimp section of one strap overlies a closed crimp section of the other strap, thereby equalizing tensions when the crimps are closed. The mount assembly includes also a mount frame comprised of two elongated rods which are affixed to the banding straps. The straps are mounted upon the glass stem of the lamp.

Abstract: A lamp bulb for a high pressure discharge lamp that includes a pair of opposing electrodes that projects a predetermined distance into a discharge chamber, molybdenum foils, lead wires, and a bulb, the lamp bulb includes a discharge chamber filled with a metal halide and a rare gas, the discharge chamber including at least a concave surface curving inwardly with respect to a Z-axis of the automotive high pressure discharge lamp, a discharge chamber portion surrounding the discharge chamber, including at least a convex surface curving outwardly along the Z-axis of the discharge lamp, tapered portions tapering towards the discharge chamber, sealed ends in which are located the molybdenum foils, the electrodes, and the lead wires, and sealed portions substantially free from substantial curvature change, the sealed portions being located between the discharge chamber and the sealed ends.

Abstract: A quartz protective sleeve surrounding a ceramic metal halide arc tube is supported by a pair of frame members received inside the sleeve. A short frame member extends only partially into the sleeve, while a long frame member extends through the sleeve and includes a loop which engages a dimple at the top of the lamp envelope. The sleeve is fitted over the frame members, which are spring loaded apart. Axial positioning may be provided by terminals or other features fixed to the frame members. In an alternative embodiment, shoulders for positioning the sleeve and terminals for connecting to the arc tube are formed integrally with the frame members.

Abstract: A protective sleeve of quartz surrounding a metal halide arc tube is fixed to upright portions of a frame by means of retaining rings. The frame has lower ends formed with coils fitted over the glass stem in an interference fit, thereby insulating the frame from the electrical leads sealed in the stem. An intermediate portion of the frame fits closely in the opposite end of the lamp to stabilize the burner assembly and shield.

Abstract: A reflector lamp 10 has a vitreous outer envelope 12 formed of a concave reflector 14 and a light-transmitting 16 cover peripherally sealed thereto. The concave reflector and cover are symmetrically arrayed about a longitudinal axis 18 and a substantially cylindrical, hollow neck 20 having a given depth is affixed to the concave reflector opposite the cover. The neck 20 also is symmetrically arrayed about the longitudinal axis 18 and has a substantially closed bottom 21. At least two eyelets, 22, 24, respectively, are sealed in the bottom 21 and a light source capsule 26 is positioned in the concave reflector and aligned with the longitudinal axis 18. The light source capsule 26 has a first end 28 situated in the neck 20 and a second end 30 extending into the concave reflector. The light source capsule 26 comprises a quartz arc tube 32 containing an arc generating and sustaining medium and a surrounding aluminosilicate glass shroud 34.

Abstract: Cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), associated devices and methods of use, and more specifically, exit signs, traffic signals, informational and other signage and lighting devices utilizing CCFL-type devices in conjunction with novel connectors, mounting brackets, housings, associated electronics and other accessories to provide new and unique lighting devices and methods of using them, all of which offer significant savings in cost, operating expense, power consumption and retrofit convenience.

Abstract: Discharge lamp utilizes a current carrying frame member which supports an arc tube and positions it centrally in a glass envelope having a closed end with an inside surface. The frame member has a first end fixed to a lead in the stem and a second end formed with first and second cantilevers connected by a 180 degree bend to resiliently position the frame member in the closed end of the envelope. A metal halide discharge lamp having an elliptical glass envelope and a cylindrical end utilizes a frame wherein the cantilevers are displaced apart to load a hooked end formed on the second cantilever against the inside surface.

Abstract: A halogen bulb is composed essentially of a tubular halogen bulb having two conductive ends, a thick hollow glass envelope and a socket for holding securely the tubular halogen bulb in the thick hollow glass envelope. The thick glass envelope has a thickness ranging between about 2 mm and about 8 mm, which is made integrally or made of two component parts joined together. The thick hollow glass envelope may be provided with protuberances perpendicular to an outer surface opposite to the socket, and/or ventilation holes to reduce the temperature of the double-enveloped halogen bulb at work. The socket may be provided with one or more ventilation holes at the closed end thereof. A bracket is used inside the thick hollow glass envelope for holding the tubular halogen bulb such that the tubular halogen bulb is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of socket.