Abstract: Discharge lamps containing improved starting amalgam are described. A method to increase the mercury vapor pressure during discharge lamp start-up is also described.

Abstract: An improved mercury dosing composition is described. A method for dispensing mercury with this composition and to discharge lamps containing each composition is also described.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp includes a tubular member or envelope having an arc generating and sustaining medium therein. An electrode is provided in each end of the tubular member and a phosphor coating is applied to the interior surface of the tubular member. A mercury dispenser is situated within the tubular member. The mercury dispenser includes a body composed of a material. The body is provided with a bore. A wire plated with a material capable of wetting mercury is provided in the bore. A quantity of mercury is deposited in the bore in contact with the wire.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp includes a discharge tube such as a spiral discharge tube having a wall forming a discharge chamber between cathodes at first and second ends thereof. At least one auxiliary amalgam assembly is disposed in the discharge chamber at an intermediate region disposed between the first and second ends. The auxiliary amalgam assembly is secured at a location spaced from the inner wall of the discharge chamber.

Abstract: A discharge lamp comprising a holed metallic structure that serves as a support for an amalgam Bi—In—X—Hg, a method for controlling pressure of mercury within discharge lamps and a process for manufacturing of the lamps are described.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp includes a discharge tube having an inner wall forming a discharge chamber. One or more coiled electrodes are disposed within the discharge tube. A mercury containing composition is disposed on at least one coiled electrode.

Abstract: A discharge lamp comprising a holed metallic structure that serves as a support for an amalgam Bi—In—X—Hg, a method for controlling pressure of mercury within discharge lamps and a process for manufacturing of the lamps are described.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to fluorescent lamps and methods of manufacture wherein the mercury is dosed into the lamp in a solid material containing mercury, bismuth, indium and another metal. In one embodiment, the metal is selected from the group consisting of zinc, tin, lead, silver, gold, copper, gallium, titanium, nickel, and manganese. Preferably, the atomic ratio of the indium to the bismuth is in the range of about 0.4:0.6 to 0.7:0.3. The atomic ratio of zinc to the combination indium and bismuth may preferably be in the range of about 0.01:0.99 to 0.20:0.80, and the atomic ratio of mercury to the combination of the indium, bismuth and zinc is preferably in the range of about 0.01:0.99 and 0.15:0.85.

Abstract: A quick start energy-saving fluorescent lamp comprising a bulb holder assembly, a light tube, a glass shade, a protruding cold end, a thermal insulation glue, and an amalgam vapor source. The protruding cold end is disposed at the front end of the light tube and contacts with the glass shade. The thermal insulation glue is disposed outside and around the cold end. The amalgam vapor source is disposed inside the cold end. The lamp can work at high temperature with low temperature amalgam vapor source and maintain high luminous efficiency, and the lamp can reach the rated brightness quickly. A method for producing the lamp is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mercury dispensing system (11; 21, 31) for fluorescent lamps, comprising a dispensing member (12; 22, 32) containing a mercury releasing compound. The dispensing member (12; 22, 32) is fixed on a metal support (13; 23; 33) suitable to be heated by electromagnetic induction in order to cause the activation of said mercury releasing compound. The surface area of the metal support (13; 23; 33) is comprised between 9 and 64 mm2. The invention also relates to fluorescent lamps comprising said mercury dispensing system (11; 21; 31).

Abstract: Mercury dispensers (10; 20) having a highly reduced particle loss and containing a mixture of powders of a mercury releasing compound and of a plastic metal or alloy and optionally of a getter material are described. A mercury dispensing device (10:20) has a filiform cross-section, obtained by cutting a manufactured product having the same cross-section but a higher length, and comprises a metal container (11;21) and a mixture (12;22) of powders, comprised of at least one material suitable for releasing mercury by heating and a metal or a metal alloy, said mixture being arranged inside the container. Said metal or metal alloy has a Vickers hardness lower than 130 HV, its weight percentage is lower than the 10% of the total weight of the powders mixture and the size of the powders of said metal or alloy are not bigger than the size of the other powders of the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mercury dispensing system (11; 21, 31) for fluorescent lamps, comprising a dispensing member (12; 22, 32) containing a mercury releasing compound. The dispensing member (12; 22, 32) is fixed on a metal support (13; 23; 33) suitable to be heated by electromagnetic induction in order to cause the activation of said mercury releasing compound. The surface area of the metal support (13; 23; 33) is comprised between 9 and 64 mm2. The invention also relates to fluorescent lamps comprising said mercury dispensing system (11; 21; 31).

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp includes a tubular member or envelope having an arc generating and sustaining medium therein. An electrode is provided in each end of the tubular member and a phosphor coating is applied to the interior surface of the tubular member. A mercury dispenser is situated within the tubular member. The mercury dispenser includes a body composed of a material. The body is provided with a bore. A wire plated with a material capable of wetting mercury is provided in the bore. A quantity of mercury is deposited in the bore in contact with the wire.

Abstract: Mercury dispensers (10; 20) having a highly reduced particle loss and containing a mixture of powders of a mercury releasing compound and of a plastic metal or alloy and optionally of a getter material are described. A mercury dispensing device (10:20) has a filiform cross-section, obtained by cutting a manufactured product having the same cross-section but a higher length, and comprises a metal container (11;21) and a mixture (12;22) of powders, comprised of at least one material suitable for releasing mercury by heating and a metal or a metal alloy, said mixture being arranged inside the container. Said metal or metal alloy has a Vickers hardness lower than 130 HV, its weight percentage is lower than the 10% of the total weight of the powders mixture and the size of the powders of said metal or alloy are not bigger than the size of the other powders of the mixture.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp (10) includes a tubular member or envelope (12) having an arc generating and sustaining medium (15) therein. As known, the tubular envelope (12) is constructed of a suitable glass, for example lime glass. An electrode (14) is provided in each end of the tubular member (12) and a phosphor coating (16) is applied to the interior surface (18) of the tubular member (12). A mercury dispenser (20) is situated within the tubular member (12). The mercury dispenser (20) includes a body (21) composed of a material selected from the group consisting of glass and ceramic materials. The body (21) is provided with a bore (22). A first material (24) capable of wetting mercury coats the bore. In a preferred embodiment the first material (24) is silver having a thickness between 0.1? and 8?. A quantity of mercury (26) is deposited in the bore (22) in contact with the first material (24).

Abstract: An extra-high pressure mercury lamp includes an arc tube made of quartz glass. The lamp includes an arc tube portion and sealing portions connected to the arc tube portion, and encloses 0.15 mg/mm3 or more of mercury. A pair of electrodes are disposed face to face in the arc tube. Each electrode has a rod portion and a base end portion. The base end portion of each electrode is embedded in one of the sealing portions. One of the pair of electrodes serves as a cathode and includes a head portion, which has a larger diameter than the rod portion. A cylinder portion is connected to a rear end portion of the head portion. The cylinder portion extends in the axis direction of the electrode and surrounds the rod portion. The cylinder portion has an inner surface separated from the rod portion.

Abstract: An arrangement of a low-pressure mercury amalgam lamp includes an amalgam deposit and a cladding tube surrounding a lamp, wherein the lamp has a mechanical contact to the cladding tube in a region of the amalgam deposit. A ring-shaped band contacting and surrounding the lamp in the region of the amalgam deposit represents the mechanical contact to the cladding tube.

Abstract: Compositions are disclosed comprising mercury, titanium, copper and one or more of tin, chromium and silicon, useful for the release of mercury in applications requiring the same, in particular in fluorescent lamps. A process for the preparation of these compositions is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mercury source for a low-pressure discharge lamp comprising an amalgam body which is arranged on a front surface of a wire or enclosed in a perforated structure. The amalgam body or the perforated structure is provided with a protective coating with a getter effect. The invention enables a simple production process to be implemented with low costs in terms of materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of manufacturing gas-discharge electron lamps, and neon tubes in particular. According to the invention, it is proposed, prior to carrying out vacuum treatment of the internal space of an electron lamp (1), to mount at least one of said glass capsules (2) in exhaust tube (5), in close proximity to an exposed electrode in such manner that the opening provided in metal container (4) is facing the working area of the lamp (1).

Abstract: A safely disposable, mercury-containing lamp includes a component comprising an effective amount of materials to allow the lamp to safely be disposed of, the materials forming a tri-partite component comprising a divalent manganese compound, a copper containing compound and a compound selected from the group consisting of metallic silver and silver containing compounds.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp is configured so that a glass bulb has a phosphor film formed on its internal face, and a rare gas and an amalgam pellet are enclosed therein. The amalgam pellet contains zinc, tin, and mercury as principal components, one amalgam pellet is enclosed in the glass bulb, and the amalgam pellet has a weight of not more than 20 mg. The fluorescent lamp satisfies the relationship expressed as: 45×(1?A)?x?55×(1?A), 75A?y?85A, 45?30A?z?55?30A, and x+y+z?100, where x represents a content of zinc contained in the amalgam pellet in percent by weight, y represents a content of tin therein in percent by weight, and z represents a content of mercury therein in percent by weight. This configuration allows the fluorescent lamp to be characterized in that an amount of released mercury that is necessary for the first lighting of the fluorescent lamp is secured, and that the phosphor film is less prone to being peeled due to the amalgam.

Abstract: A carrier element, on which an Hg-containing material for application in a discharge lamp (1) is formed, has at least one depression (12, 20 to 23), in which the Hg-containing material (17) is arranged. A method for producing such a carrier element and to a discharge lamp with such a carrier element is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp uses new cold-end technology or an enveloped fluorescent lamp with high surface load. The lamp features a lamp tube, cathode, stem cap and wire, such that one end of the wire connected to the cathode is fixed on the stem cap and the other end of the wire is led out from the lamp tube. At least one cavity tube connecting through the lamp tube is disposed on the side of at least one lamp tube.

Abstract: A lamp electrode adapted to deliver mercury during an assembly process has a supporting electrical lead attached to the proximal end of a metallic shell. The proximal and a distal ends of the metallic shell each lie along a central axis. A container with a vitreous plug in a sealed end contains a substance for delivering mercury upon heating of the container. The sidewall of the container is attached to the electrical lead. The longitudinal axis of the container is skewed relative to the electrical lead to orient the container in a direction to reduce discharge of mercury directly toward the metallic shell. The container is heated to open it and discharge a mercury dose from the sealed end, which is prone to opening upon heating of the container.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting mercury from leaching from a land-filled arc discharge lamp containing a quantity of elemental mercury at least partially convertible to soluble mercury, provides for including within the lamp a quantity of a non-metallic copper-containing compound and an ingredient X, said ingredient X including a noble metal or a noble metal compound selected from the group consisting of silver and compounds of silver, gold and platinum, and a lamp containing same. The inhibiting compound is preferably included with the basing cement.

Abstract: An arc discharge lamp containing a quantity of elemental mercury at least partially convertible to soluble mercury, provides for including within the lamp a quantity of a non-metallic copper-containing compound and an ingredient X, said ingredient X including a noble metal or a noble metal compound selected from the group consisting of silver and compounds of silver, gold and platinum, and a lamp containing same.

Abstract: Method for introducing a limited amount of mercury into a fluorescent lamp during manufacture thereof includes the steps of forming the lamp with an exhaust tubulation therein open at an end thereof, exhausting the interior of the lamp through the exhaust tubulation, placing a body of metal material not reactive with mercury in the exhaust tubulation open end, the body having a coating of metal which amalgams with mercury, over a selected surface area of the body, and having mercury on the coated area of the body, such that a limited amount of the mercury is retained by the metal coating, and sealing the open end of the exhaust tubulation, whereby the amount of mercury retained on the body and introduced into the lamp is limited by the surface area of the metal coating on the body.

Abstract: A device for retaining a mercury source in the discharge space of a low-pressure discharge lamp is disclosed. The mercury source retaining device comprises a holder, which has an inner space communicating with the discharge space and a receiver opening for receiving a mercury source. The retaining device further comprises resilient clamping means for clamping the holder in a tubular space segment of the discharge space and resilient retaining means at least partially blocking the receiver opening. The resilient retaining means are adapted for allowing a passage of the mercury source in a direction towards the inner space of the holder, but block the movement of the mercury source through the receiver opening in a direction out of the holder.

Abstract: Method for introducing a limited amount of mercury into a fluorescent lamp during manufacture thereof includes the steps of forming the lamp with an exhaust tubulation therein open at an end thereof and provided with a ball retention structure, exhausting the interior of the lamp through the tubulation open end, placing a rigid ball of inert material in the tubulation between the ball retention structure and the tubulation open end, the ball having a coating of a selected one of silver, gold, and indium, of a selected mass over a selected surface area of the ball, and mercury on the coated area, and sealing the open end of the tubulation, whereby the amount of mercury retained on the ball and thereby introduced into the lamp is limited by the selected mass of the coating on the ball.

Abstract: A mercury vapor discharge fluorescent lamp is provided that has a mercury barrier. The mercury barrier is effective to inhibit mercury atoms from absorbing into the glass envelope and amalgamating with sodium atoms in the envelope. The mercury barrier is substantially non-mercury absorptive, both when the lamp is on and when it is off.

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 mercury-containing material, a method for producing the same and a fluorescent lamp using the same that can enclose a minimal amount of mercury in a glass bulb precisely, prevent flaws in a fluorescent coating while suppressing a noise during a lamp transportation, and prevent deterioration in appearance are provided. A surface of liquid mercury is coated with a continuous film made of metal oxide or metal complex oxide by dipping the mercury in a metal alkoxide solution and then heating the mercury on which the metal alkoxide solution adheres. Accordingly, the minimal amount of the mercury can be enclosed in the fluorescent lamp precisely, thus achieving friendliness to the environment. It also is possible to prevent flaws in the fluorescent coating while suppressing a noise during the lamp transportation and further to prevent deterioration in appearance.

Abstract: A mixture of indium metal and titanium metal is fused to the inner surface of a quartz envelope of a mercury vapor discharge lamp.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the leaching of mercury from a mercury vapor discharge lamp wherein at least a part of the mercury is present as ionic mercury includes depositing a coating of SnO2 on an interior surface of the lamp envelope. The SnO2 coating is substantially free of a substance which would cause electrical conductivity of the coating. Further included within the lamp is a quantity of oxidizable iron in an amount equal to at least 1 gram per kilogram of lamp weight.

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: 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 gelatin or a degradation product of gelatin 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 is provided with a discharge vessel (10). The discharge vessel comprises tubular end portions (11; 11′), which each have 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 is provided on a carrier (25; 25′) in the proximity of the electrodes (20; 20′). According to the invention, a part of the carrier (25; 25′) is arranged in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis (12; 12′). Preferably, a stem (21; 21′) in the tubular end portion (11; 11′) carries, apart from the electrode (20; 20′), a support in the form of a wire (23; 23′) or an extended exhaust tube, which support carries the carrier (25; 25′). In an alternative embodiment, the carrier is clamped directly onto the stem.

Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed for introducing into the fluorescent lamps small amounts of mercury. The device is formed of a metallic container which is capable of containing powders of one or more compounds having the general formula TixZryHgz, but is not hermetically sealed, in order to allow the discharge of mercury vapors generated by the decomposition of such compounds. Some possible device geometries are disclosed, as well as some possible arrangements of the same inside lamps. Finally a method is disclosed for introducing mercury into a lamp by means of a device of the invention, without the device remaining in the resulting lamp.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the leaching of mercury from a mercury vapor discharge lamp wherein at least a part of the mercury is present as ionic mercury includes depositing a coating of SnO2 on an interior surface of the lamp envelope. The SnO2 coating is substantially free of a substance which would cause electrical conductity of the coating. Further included within the lamp is a quantity of oxidizable iron in an amount equal to at least 1 gram per kilogram of lap weight.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the leaching of mercury from a mercury vapor discharge lamp having a diameter of less than 1.5 inches wherein at least a part of the mercury is present as ionic mercury includes depositing a coating of SnO2 on an interior surface of the lamp envelope. Further included within the lamp is a quantity of oxidizable iron in an amount equal to at least 1 gram per kilogram of lamp weight.

Abstract: A device for retaining a mercury source in the discharge space of a low-pressure discharge lamp is disclosed. The mercury source retaining device comprises a holder, which has an inner space communicating with the discharge space and a receiver opening for receiving a mercury source. The retaining device further comprises resilient clamping means for clamping the holder in a tubular space segment of the discharge space and resilient retaining means at least partially blocking the receiver opening. The resilient retaining means are adapted for allowing a passage of the mercury source in a direction towards the inner space of the holder, but block the movement of the mercury source through the receiver opening in a direction out of the holder.

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: A fluorescent lamp capable of fully securing a portion for containing a mercury amalgam pellet and reliably preventing the mercury amalgam pellet from moving toward the inside a discharge tube, and a method for manufacturing the fluorescent lamp. The fluorescent lamp includes a glass tube having a fluorescent substance layer on the inner surface, a sealed portion formed at an end of the glass tube, a slender glass tube having an inner space that is in communication with the inside of the glass tube and is not in communication with the outside of the glass tube, and a mercury amalgam pellet contained in the slender glass tube. The slender glass tube has a small-diameter part with an inner diameter smaller than the diameter of the mercury amalgam pellet and a large-diameter part with an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the mercury amalgam pellet.

Abstract: A mercury capsule for use in a fluorescent lamp comprises a shell defining a chamber and a bore extending through the shell. A body of mercury is disposed in the chamber. A plug is disposed in the bore to seal the bore. The plug exhibits a melting point reached in manufacture of the fluorescent lamp, to melt from the bore to open an exit passageway for the mercury. A method for making the capsule is provided.

Abstract: A high pressure sodium vapour lamp having a fill consisting of sodium, mercury and xenon in an arc tube with a sodium weight portion within the sodium-mercury-amalgam of approx. 12% to approx. 20%, having a xenon filling pressure in the cold state between approx. 180 Torr and approx. 350 Torr, having a D-line reversal width (distance of the tops of both wings of the sodium-D-line of the radiation spectrum) of approx. 110 Å to approx. 200 Å, and having approx. 14% to approx. 18% radiation portion in the red wave length range 635 nm to 750 nm and having approx. 7% to approx. 10% radiation portion in the blue wave length range 380 nm to 500 nm, in each case of the radiation power in the wave length range 380 nm to 780 nm for promotion of plant growth is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the formation of leachable mercury in mercury arc vapor discharge lamps is provided which comprises providing in the lamp structure an effective amount of an antioxidant composition and an iron shield wherein the iron shield comprises a dose of elemental mercury.

Abstract: A low pressure mercury vapor discharge device having a mercury vapor pressure regulating material contained in the discharge chamber thereof wherein the material is composed of silver, bismuth, and indium. The material may be introduced into the device as an amalgam or as an alloy separate from the mercury. The material in the form of an amalgam is particularly suitable for dosing precise amounts of mercury into fluorescent lamps and regulating the mercury vapor pressure during operation of the lamp.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the formation of leachable mercury in mercury arc vapor discharge lamps is provided which comprises providing in the lamp structure an effective amount of an antioxidant composition and an iron shield wherein the iron shield comprises a dose of elemental mercury.

Abstract: A small fluorescent discharge tube and a bulb-shaped fluorescent lamp using the same with improved rise characteristics with respect to luminous flux in the case of a relatively short non-operation time of one to six hours after a stop of operation are provided. The fluorescent discharge tube includes at least three U-shaped glass tubes joined to form one body, electrodes provided at the ends thereof, and one discharge path formed therein. The fluorescent discharge tube further includes first auxiliary amalgams in vicinities of the electrodes, main amalgams placed at least in two locations in the discharge path between the electrodes, and a second auxiliary amalgam placed at least in one location between the main amalgams.