Abstract: A low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp is provided with a discharge vessel (10). The discharge vessel (10) has tubular end portions (11; 11′), each having a longitudinal axis (12; 12′). The discharge vessel (10) encloses a discharge space (18) containing a filling of mercury and an inert gas in a gastight manner. Electrodes (20; 20′) are arranged in the discharge space (18). An auxiliary amalgam (27) is mounted close to the electrodes (20; 20′). According to the invention, the auxiliary amalgam (27) is fixed to a part of the lamp, without a separate carrier, so as to be electrically insulated with respect to the electrode (20; 20′).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the performance of a lamp includes an envelope (10) enclosing an amalgam or dose (24) of mercury housed in a container (20). The container maintains mercury vapor equilibrium during lamp operation and prevents mercury diffusion during lamp off periods. The container has an opening (24) therein selectively adjustable between an open position and a closed position. A bimetal member (30) is associated with the opening of the container and provides the actuating means by which the container opens and closes. A stopping member (32), such as a valve or ball bearing, is attached to the bimetal member and extends into the container. When the lamp is in operation, the bimetal member is heated causing it to deflect. The deflection moves the stopping member from the container opening and enables the amalgam to maintain mercury vapor pressure equilibrium.

Abstract: A compact self-ballasted fluorescent lamp (10) which is equivalent to a typical light bulb is provided. The self-ballasted fluorescent lamp (11) induces a cover (14), a ballast (16), an arc tube (18), a base (12) and a globe (17) and formed into a shape whose outline dimensions are nearly identical to the standard dimensions of a typical light bulb. The arc tube (18) is comprised of a plurality of U-shaped bent bulbs (31) which have an inner tube diameter ranging from 6 to 9 mm and arranged in parallel with one another. Having a bulb height ranging form 50 to 60 mm and a discharge path from 400 to 500 mm, the lamp power is 16 to 23 W. An envelope (19) comprising the cover (14)and the globe (17) has a height ranging from 110 to 125 mm including the height of the base (12).

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp comprises a plastic housing. The plastic housing includes a plastic cap and a plastic shell. A discharge tube extends from the plastic housing through openings formed in the plastic cap. The compact fluorescent lamp further comprises a tubulation which contains amalgam material and communicates with the discharge tube. A heat conducting means is integrally formed with the plastic housing which is suitable for receiving a heat conductive material forming a thermal bridge towards the tubulation.

Abstract: An arc discharge lamp has an arc chamber with an amalgam tip attached to and communicating with the arc chamber through a constricted area. An amalgam retainer is positioned in the arc chamber and is abutted against the constricted area. The amalgam retainer is vibration-insensitive, solid and liquid amalgam impervious and mercury vapor pervious. An amalgam is contained within the amalgam tip.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp is provided with a discharge vessel (10) enclosing a discharge space (11) containing a filling of mercury and a rare gas, an amalgam (63) which communicates with the discharge space (11), and means for maintaining an electric discharge in the discharge vessel (10). The amalgam (63) comprises a Bi:Sn content in the range of 80:20≦Bi:Sn≦20:80, a Pb content in the range of 0.7<Pb≦12 at % and a Hg content in the range of 0.05≦Hg≦2 at %. For compact fluorescent discharge lamps, the amalgam (63) preferably comprises 70:30≦Bi:Sn≦30:70, 1≦Pb≦10 at % and 0.25≦Hg≦1.2 at %. For electrodeless low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamps, the amalgam preferably comprises 70:30≦Bi:Sn≦30:70, 1≦Pb≦10 at % and 0.05≦Hg≦0.5 at %.

Abstract: A mercury capsule for use in a fluorescent lamp comprises a metal ribbon which is provided with a first portion having a depression formed in a surface thereof for receiving and containing mercury, and a second portion having a protrusion formed on a surface thereof. A bendable portion interconnects the first and second portions. The second portion is bendably movable to a position wherein the protrusion overlies the depression and is further movable to place the protrusion in sealing engagement with the depression to sealingly enclose mercury in the depression.

Abstract: An electrodeless fluorescent lamp employs a glass envelope made from a single linear tube filled with inert gas and mercury vapor. Phosphor and protective coatings are disposed on the inner surface of the envelope walls. An induction coil of few turns made from silver coated copper or Litz wire is wrapped around the linear tube in its axial direction. The inductively-coupled axially uniform plasma is generated inside the linear tube. The discharge electric field and current form a closed-loop path inside a tube in its axial direction. The lamp is operated at frequencies from 100 KHz to 100 MHz and RF power from 10 W to 2000 W (dependent on lamp size and number of turns). The lamp power efficiency and efficacy are comparable to those in electrodeless lamps of closed-loop shape operated with and without ferrite core.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp containing zinc amalgam and a method of precisely controlling the amount of mercury introduced into a temperature controlled fluorescent lamp. Precise quantities of mercury may be introduced into a fluorescent lamp in the form of solid zinc amalgam pellets that are in a metastable, non-equilibrium state.

Abstract: A glass extension (24) with a cavity (32) for an amalgam (22) is added to an exhaust tube (12) or a flare (14) of a fluorescent lamp. The mouth (36) of the cavity (32) is provided with a bimetal valve having a cover portion (40) to close the cavity (32) when the lamp is cold and to open the cavity when the lamp is hot. The amalgam (22) is a metallic amalgam of, for example, mercury or other know suitable materials for establishing a metallic vapor equilibrium during operation of a discharge lamp. The amalgam holder helps to maintain optimum mercury vapor equilibrium at start-up, and to reduce the effects of mercury vapor starvation resulting from off-times.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury-vapor discharge lamp is provided with a discharge vessel (10). The discharge vessel (10) encloses a discharge space (11) provided with a filling of mercury and an inert gas in a gastight manner. The discharge vessel (10) is provided with an amalgam which communicates with the discharge space (11). The discharge lamp comprises means for maintaining an electric discharge in the discharge vessel (10). The discharge lamp is characterized in that the amalgam comprises a bismuth-lead amalgam having a lead content in the range from 35≦Pb≦60 at. %, a bismuth content in the range from 40≦Bi≦65 at. %, and a mercury content in the range from 0.05≦Hg≦1 at. %. Preferably, the amalgam additionally comprises gold with a gold content in the range from 0.1≦Au≦20 at. %. Preferably, the gold content is in the range from 8≦Au≦12 at. %.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp starting from a discharge vessel (10) wherein a closed holder (22) is placed which is provided with a quantity of one or more substances to be introduced in the discharge vessel (10). Subsequently, a desired gas atmosphere is brought about in the discharge vessel (10) and the discharge vessel is closed. Finally, the holder (22) is opened. According to the invention, the holder (22) is made from a leadoxide containing glass, which leadoxide is partly reduced and in which the amount of reduction is a measure of the mercury content of the holder (22). Due to the reduction process holders (22) with different mercury contents have a different color.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp has an amalgam container settled inside an exhaust pipe extending from an end portion of a bulb to which electrodes are attached at both end portions. The amalgam container contains amalgam inside and has an opening portion through which the contained amalgam cannot go out and a part for determining the position of the amalgam, wherein the opening portion is located on the side where the exhaust pipe is cut and sealed. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the amalgam from outflowing into an exhaust equipment. In addition, the mercury vapor pressure is maintained optimally, and high luminous efficiency is obtained.

Abstract: An electrodeless lamp includes an envelope (1) containing a fill of discharge gas, a magnetic core (7), an induction coil (6) wound around the magnetic core (7), a driver circuit for supplying an electric current to the induction coil (6) to operate the electrodeless lamp, a socket (10) for receiving electrical power supplied to the electrodeless lamp, and a heat conduction means (8,9,8,9) thermally coupled to the magnetic core (7) for conducting heat generated in the magnetic core (7) to the ambient atmosphere to dissipate heat therein, or coupled to the socket (10) for conducting heat generated in the magnetic core (7) to the socket to dissipate heat therethrough.

Abstract: The formation of leachable mercury upon disposal in a landfill or during TCLP testing of mercury vapor discharge lamps is substantially prevented by incorporation of an amount of dehydroascorbic acid or a degradation product of dehydroascorbic acid which is effective to substantially prevent formation of ferric and cuprous compounds responsible for forming leachable mercury compounds.

Abstract: A low pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp includes a bulb and a mercury-releasing metal substrate, in particular, an alloy of zinc and mercury in which the mercury-releasing metal substrate has an inside part crystallized in a plate form or in a granular form and a surface on which a mercury-rich layer is formed. The mercury-releasing metal substrate, in particular, the alloy of zinc and mercury, can be adhered firmly to the inside face of the bulb. Moreover, the low pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp can be made by putting a mercury-releasing metal substrate into a bulb; forming a mercury-rich layer on the surface of the mercury-releasing metal substrate while crystallizing the inside of the mercury-releasing metal substrate in a plate form or in a granular form by heating the bulb from the outside; and softening the mercury-releasing metal substrate to adhere it to the inside face of the bulb.

Abstract: An electric lamp assembly includes an electrodeless lamp, including an electrodeless lamp envelope, a transformer core disposed in proximity to the lamp envelope and an input winding disposed on the transformer core. The lamp envelope preferably comprises a closed-loop, tubular lamp envelope, and the transformer is preferably disposed around the lamp envelope. The electrodeless lamp envelope encloses a fill material for supporting a low pressure discharge. The electrodeless lamp further includes an amalgam located within the lamp envelope. The input winding receives radio frequency energy which produces a low pressure discharge in the lamp envelope. The electrodeless lamp includes a thermal bridge between the transformer core and the amalgam, so that the amalgam is heated by the transformer core during operation.

Abstract: A low pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp comprising a fluorescent tube having an amalgam container containing amalgam to control mercury vapor pressure at a steady lighting, a holder holding both ends of the fluorescent tube, a lighting circuit to light the fluorescent tube, a case accommodating the lighting circuit, and a base provided to the case, wherein the amalgam container and the base are connected with each other by a heat conductive component, so that the amalgam temperature is controlled at a proper value and the luminous efficiency is improved.

Abstract: An arc discharge tube has electrodes supported by hollow electrode support tubes at each end. A slot is formed in the electrode support tube. One edge of the slot is depressed inwardly to form a concave surface. The slot is located adjacent to the end cap of the arc tube and provides access to the interior of the electrode support tube. After the electrode assembly is sealed into one end of the arc tube, amalgam particles are dispensed into the arc tube. The arc tube is agitated rapidly, causing the amalgam particles to pass through the slot and drop into the interior of the electrode support tube. The amalgam particles are isolated from heat during sealing of the other end of the arc tube.

Abstract: An electrodeless fluorescent lamp and fixture which operates at the frequency range of 50-1000 KHz and power from 20 to 200 W is disclosed. The lamp includes a bulbous envelope (1) filled with rare gas and metal vapor and a reentrant cavity (5). The inner walls of the envelope are coated with phosphor (2) and a protective coating (3). An induction coil (9), made from multiple strands of wire having very low resistance at frequencies below 1000 KHz, together with a ferrite core (10), having high permeability and low power losses, generates an inductively-coupled plasma in the envelope volume. The plasma generates visible and UV radiation that is converted into visible light by the phosphor coated on the envelope walls. A metallic cylinder (13), placed inside the ferrite core (10), removes the heat generated by the plasma from the coil and ferrite core and redirects the heat to the lamp base and thence to the lamp fixture.

Abstract: A capsule (20) having a glass wall (21) and containing mercury is positioned in a radiation-transmitting discharge vessel, after which the discharge vessel is provided with a rare gas and closed, means for maintaining an electric discharge are arranged in or adjacent the discharge vessel. The capsule is opened by fusion after the discharge vessel has been closed by heating the capsule by irradiation (42) with a parallel beam of radiation through the wall of the discharge vessel. The wall of the capsule has for this radiation an absorption coefficient which amounts at least ten times that of the wall portion of the discharge vessel.

Abstract: A light-transmitting discharge vessel (10) encloses a discharge space (11) in a gastight manner. The discharge space comprises mercury as well as one or several inert gases. The lamp is in addition provided with an electric coil (20) for generating a high-frequency magnetic field in the discharge space. The discharge lamp is provided with an auxiliary amalgam (40) which is provided on an elongate carrier (41) which is mechanically coupled to a tube (50) which issues into the discharge space. The auxiliary amalgam (40) covers the carrier (41) at least substantially entirely.

Abstract: An amalgam for a fluorescent lamp. The amalgam includes mercury, tin, lead, and another metal selected from the group consisting of silver, magnesium, copper, gold, platinum, and nickel.

Abstract: In a method according to the invention, a capsule (20) having a glass wall (21) and containing mercury is positioned in a radiation-transmitting discharge vessel, after which the discharge vessel is provided with a rare gas and closed, means for maintaining an electric discharge are arranged in or adjacent the discharge vessel, and the capsule is opened by fusion after the discharge vessel has been closed in that the capsule is heated by irradiation (42) with a parallel beam of radiation through the wall of the discharge vessel. The wall of the capsule has for this radiation an absorption coefficient which amounts at least ten times that of the wall portion of the discharge vessel. The method according to the invention renders possible a comparatively simple lamp construction.

Abstract: A lighting unit comprises an electrodeless low-pressure discharge lamp (10) and an electric supply (60) for the lamp. The lamp is provided with a discharge vessel (20) having a radiation-transmitting enveloping portion (21) and a recessed portion (24). The discharge vessel encloses a discharge space (27) in a gastight manner and contains an ionizable filling. The lamp also is provided with a coil (30) positioned in the recessed portion for generating a high-frequency magnetic field so as to maintain an electric discharge in the discharge space. The enveloping portion (21) of the discharge vessel is provided with a radiation-transmitting, electrically conducting layer (22) at a surface facing the discharge space (27). This layer is electrically connected to a lead-through member (42) which issues to the exterior of the discharge vessel. The lead-through member is a metal tube which forms at least a portion of a tubular projection (46, 42, 47).

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury vapour discharge lamp according to the invention is provided with a radiation-transmitting discharge vessel (10) which encloses a discharge space (11) in a gastight manner and comprises mercury as well as a rare gas. Mercury is also present in a vapour pressure control member (21) which is in communication with the discharge space (11) during nominal operation. The discharge lamp has means (40) for maintaining a discharge in the discharge space (11). The vapour pressure control member (21) forms part of a mercury control member (20) which also comprises mercury transport control means (22) which limit the mercury transport from the discharge space (11) to the vapour pressure control member (21), at least while the lamp is out of operation, to such an extent that this transport is at most 5 ng/h.cm.sup.3, measured at room temperature and in the presence of a saturated mercury vapour in the discharge vessel, per unit volume of the discharge space.

Abstract: A mercury-dispensing device is disclosed that includes a mercury dispenser comprising an intermetallic compound including mercury and a second metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, and mixtures thereof; and a promoter that comprises copper, tin and at least a third metal selected among the rare earth elements. A getter material selected among titanium, zirconium, tantalum, niobium, vanadium and mixtures thereof, and alloys of these metals with nickel, iron or aluminum can be included in the device. The mercury dispenser, promoter and optional getter material are provided preferably in the form of powders compressed as a pellet, or contained in a ring-shaped metallic support or rolled on the surfaces of a metallic strip. Also disclosed is a process for introducing mercury into electron tubes by making use of the above-mentioned mercury-dispensing devices.

Abstract: At least one amalgam, which is disposed within the lamp envelope of an electrodeless fluorescent lamp to control mercury vapor pressure, is mechanically supported by an amalgam support arrangement in a manner non-invasive to the lamp envelope. The amalgam support arrangement supports one or more amalgams in a "flag" configuration and includes a support member, one end of which is configured for friction-fitting within the exhaust tube opening. The flag may be configured as a wire mesh or spiral-shaped wire, for example. Exemplary configurations for this end of the support member include a U-shape, spiral, zig-zag, or tubular configuration.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury discharge lamp is provided with a tubular discharge vessel (10) with end portions (11, 11') having an ionizable filling comprising mercury and rare gas. An electrode (20, 20') is arranged in the discharge vessel at each end portion and is fastened to current supply conductors (30A, 30B; 30A', 30B') which are passed through the end portion to the outside of the discharge vessel. At least one current supply conductor is covered with an amalgam in a zone (35A, 35B) which is at a distance from the end portion (11) via a path along the current supply conductor (30A, 30B). The amalgam can be comparatively easily applied in the lamp.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury discharge lamp is provided with a light-transmitting discharge vessel (10) which contains mercury and a rare gas and which comprises means (20) for maintaining an electric discharge in the discharge vessel. A metal holder (30) supporting an amalgam (31) is arranged in the discharge vessel. The holder (30) is a metal plate (33) bent about an axis (32), portions (34a, 34b) of the plate bent towards one another defining a slot (35), while the holder is pinched together at its ends (36) and the amalgam (31) coats the holder on an internal surface (37) thereof. The manufacture of the holder is simple.

Abstract: An amalgam system for optimizing the mercury vapor pressure of an electrodeless discharge fluorescent lamp is disclosed. A coil network induces an electric discharge in a gas mixture contained in a sealed lamp vessel. An amalgam is supported in the discharge and thermally isolated from the lamp vessel by a thin glass strand. The discharge transfers power directly to the amalgam, thus quickly heating the amalgam. Rapid heating of the amalgam provides a rapid increase in mercury vapor pressure in the lamp so that the light output rises quickly when the lamp is energized. An impedance matching and filter network is constructed such that, in combination with the coil/plasma load, it provides a desired steady-state impedance and a desired start-up impedance.

Abstract: An electrodeless fluorescent reflector lamp has a discharge vessel containing a fill, a solenoid in a reentrant and indium on the inner wall of the vessel acting as a primary amalgam. A secondary amalgam of indium may be provided on the reentrant.The primary amalgam is preferably under an insulative skirt. The vessel has a light reflective coating on the inner wall under the skirt.The exhaust tube is tipped off at the proximal end of the reentrant or is omitted, the vessel being tipped off at the distal end of the reentrant.

Abstract: An electrodeless fluorescent lamp includes a feedthrough structure extending from the exterior to the interior of the lamp which is constructed of a suitable material, e.g., platinum or a combination of platinum and rhodium, for directly connecting an interior EMI shield to ground. The feedthrough is also suitable for supporting an amalgam flag.

Abstract: The formation of leachable mercury upon disposal or during TCLP testing of mercury vapor discharge lamps is substantially prevented by incorporation of an organic or inorganic metal completing agent in the lamp structure or in the test solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrodeless fluorescent RF lamp which includes bulbous lamp envelope (10, 20) with a top, a bottom and a fill of rare gas and vaporizable amalgam (14) therein. A reentrant cavity (11, 21) is disposed adjacent the bottom of the envelope (10 a, 20a) and at least one tubulation (12, 22) extends from the envelope to hold at least a portion of the vaporizable amalgam. An induction coil (2) is disposed on lead wires and coupled with a radio frequency excitation generator for generation of a plasma to produce radiation. At least the major portion of the cold spot where the amalgam resides is maintained at a temperature between about 60.degree. and 140.degree. C. during operation of the lamp, by utilizing a portion of the induction coil to warm up to amalgam.

Abstract: An electrodeless fluorescent lamp comprises a discharge vessel (10) having a re-entrant portion (11) for housing a solenoid (12) for initiating a discharge in the vessel by means of an RF electromagnetic field. A primary amalgam (18) for releasing mercury vapor is placed at the tip of an exhaust tube (17) where the primary amalgam can be maintained at a suitable temperature for controlling the mercury vapor pressure. The primary amalgam does not provide rapid run-up of light output. To provide rapid run-up of light output a pied of indium (20,30) is placed on the re-entrant at a position where it is rapidly heated by the discharge. The indium may be coated with the layers of a coating including phosphor.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury-vapor discharge lamp, which is equipped with Hg or amalgam, has a pumping tube opening (4) with constricted cross-section or lumen. A solid body in the pumping tube (3) prevents the mercury from emerging into the discharge space. At the same time, the particular shape of the constriction and of the solid body, respectively, makes it possible for Hg vapor to diffuse through-passages between the pumping tube and the solid body into discharge vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing radiation includes an envelope and a cathode arrangement disposed within the envelope. The cathode arrangement includes an element for establishing an electrical contact. A dispenser is also disposed within the envelope. The dispenser carries mercury or a mercury alloy. A support element supports the dispenser. The support element extends from the dispenser through the envelope to provide an independent electrical contact for the dispenser.

Abstract: The formation of leachable mercury upon disposal or during TCLP testing of mercury vapor discharge lamps is substantially prevented by incorporation of an antioxidant in the lamp structure or in the test solution.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp having improved warm-up characteristics is provided. The lamp includes a sealed glass envelope formed from U-shaped tubes each having a pair of substantially parallel leg sections closed at one end and a transversely extending bridging section joining the other end of the leg sections. Adjacent leg sections of adjacent tubes are joined by connecting conduits which complete a convoluted and elongate discharge path between a pair of electrodes. A main amalgam located within in a sealed stem at a closed end of an interior leg section for controlling mercury vapor pressure during a discharge period except for a starting period thereof. Auxiliary amalgams are attached to electrode support structures extending from the closed ends of the exterior leg sections for emitting mercury vapor during the starting period.

Abstract: The formation of leachable mercury upon disposal or during TCLP testing of mercury vapor discharge lamps is substantially prevented by incorporation of a pH control agent in the lamp structure or in the test solution to provide a pH of about 5.5 to about 6.5.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp according to the invention is provided with a discharge vessel (10) which encloses a discharge space (11) containing mercury and a rare gas in a gaslight manner. The discharge vessel (10) has a light-transmitting tubular portion (12) and a first and a second end portion (13A, 13B). Current supply conductors (20A, 20A'; 20B, 20B') issue through each end portion (13A, 13B) to respective electrodes (21A, 21B) arranged in the discharge space (11). The lamp is further provided with a main amalgam (30) for stabilizing the mercury vapour pressure in the discharge space (11) during normal operation, and with an auxiliary amalgam (31A, 31B) for quickly releasing mercury into the discharge space (11) after switching-on of the lamp. In an equilibrium state at room temperature (25.degree. C.), the mass (m.sub.Hg in mg) of the quantity of mercury absorbed in auxiliary amalgam (31A, 31B) is at most 20 times the mercury vapour pressure (P.sub.

Abstract: An electric lamp includes a tubular lamp envelope enclosing mercury vapor and a buffer gas, and a flag assembly located within the lamp envelope. The lamp envelope has a pair of dimples on an inside surface thereof. The flag assembly includes a support wire having opposite ends secured to the dimples and a starting flag attached to the support wire. The starting flag includes a mercury-absorbing material. The lamp envelope may be a closed loop electrodeless lamp envelope or a conventional electroded fluorescent lamp envelope.

Abstract: A low pressure mercury discharge lamp includes a sealed envelope defining a discharge space, an electrode disposed at one end of the envelope, mercury vapor sealed in the discharge space, and a starting flag. The starting flag includes a layer of bonded molecular sieve particles adhered to a metal foil.

Abstract: To retain a starting amalgam in a fluorescent lamp, a carrier body (7, 7', 37, 47), for example formed as an iron sheet-metal element of about 2.5.times.7 mm, and having a thickness of, for example, 0.2 mm, is secured to a glass element (6, 6', 36, 46) which retains current supply leads (3, 4, 3', 4') extending into the discharge vessel of the lamp, and holding the filament (5, 5') therein. The carrier body can also be a mesh or a wire; it may be melted into, or glazed-on or melted-on the glass element. This permits locating the starting amalgam close to the hottest portion of the electrode mount for the lamp for rapid supply of mercury upon firing of the lamp.

Abstract: An amalgam is accurately placed and retained in an optimized location in the exhaust tube of an electrodeless SEF lamp for operation at a mercury vapor pressure in the optimum range from approximately four to seven millitorr by forming a dimple in the exhaust tube and using a dose locating member to locate and retain the amalgam on the side of the dimple away from the core of the lamp after filling the lamp. As an alternative, two dimples may be situated on opposite sides of the exhaust tube for performing the same function as, but with less depth than, the single dimple. In another alternative embodiment, first and second dimple configurations are formed in the exhaust tube after tip-off thereof, each dimple configuration including either one or two dimples. The second dimple configuration is spaced apart from the first dimple configuration along the length of the exhaust tube.

Abstract: A fluorescent tube which is used for bulb-type fluorescent lamps is spirally wound, so that the effective length of the tube is increased. While a fluorescent tube is kept vertical, it is rotated and heated evenly at the part to be wound to a glass softening temperature or above by a heating device. The rotation of the fluorescent tube is stopped, and the part which is not facing a rod are heated. Then, the tube is clamped from a horizontal direction by a pair of clamps, and is wound around the rod at least 2.5 times by rotating the clamp arms in opposite directions while the arms gradually shift away from each other.

Abstract: An amalgam system for optimizing the mercury vapor pressure of an electrodeless discharge fluorescent lamp is disclosed. A coil network induces an electric discharge in a gas mixture contained in a sealed lamp vessel. An amalgam is supported in the discharge and thermally isolated from the lamp vessel by a thin glass strand. The discharge transfers power directly to the amalgam, thus quickly heating the amalgam. Rapid heating of the amalgam provides a rapid increase in mercury vapor pressure in the lamp so that the light output rises quickly when the lamp is energized. An impedance matching and filter network is constructed such that, in combination with the coil/plasma load, it provides a desired steady-state impedance and a desired start-up impedance.

Abstract: Electrodeless arc tubes for high pressure sodium discharge lamps comprise a substantially tubular, translucent body formed from a material comprising sintered polycrystalline alumina. The body has an inside diameter and an outside diameter and a given length. A fill comprising sodium and xenon are loaded within the body. At least one end-seal is provided for the body, the end-seal comprising a first alumina disc sealed within the inside diameter by compression, the first disc being spaced inwardly from an end of the body and having a substantially centrally located aperture therein. A second alumina disc seals the aperture, the second disc being bonded to the first disc and to the inner wall of the body by a sealing frit.

Abstract: A first portion of a spiral wire support for an amalgam is securely fitted into an exhaust tube formed in a re-entrant cavity of an electrodeless fluorescent lamp before attachment and sealing of the re-entrant cavity to the bulb of the lamp. A second portion of the spiral wire support extends into the bulb and holds an amalgam in thermal contact with the apex of the bulb. The second portion has a larger diameter than the first portion to ensure against movement of the spiral wire support into the exhaust tube. The end of the second portion of the spiral wire support is wetted with an alloy capable of forming an amalgam with mercury prior to insertion of the wire support into the exhaust tube. Mercury is added to the bulb after final evacuation of the bulb in preparation for dosing the lamp with its fill. As a result, an amalgam is formed and maintained in thermal contact with the apex of the bulb, regardless of lamp orientation.