Abstract: A surge arrester for the power supply of low voltage systems with a housing, two main electrodes which form a spark gap, an arcing chamber within the housing between the two main electrodes and with an ignition aid. When the ignition aid operates in an ignition region, ionized gas is produced which spreads in the arcing chamber so that the spark gap ignites between the two main electrodes and an arc arises in the arcing chamber. The ignition of the spark gap between the two main electrodes occurs relatively quickly after the operation of the ignition aid so that the components of the ignition aid are stressed as little as possible and are protected against damage, and at least one feed channel is formed between the ignition aid and the arcing chamber by which ionized gas produced in the ignition region flows into the arcing chamber.

Abstract: A discharge lamp and a method for forming the lamp, the lamp including a ceramic discharge vessel defining at least part of a cavity containing a metal halide (MH) chemical filling having a power factor of between about 0.75 and 0.85 located within the cavity; and one or more feedthroughs having first and second ends, the first end located in the cavity. The cavity may have an internal length LINT and an internal diameter DINT that are proportional to each other, such that an aspect ratio defined as LINT/DINT is less than or equal to two. The lamp may be started and operated with a probe-start ballast without an internal igniter circuit or without a starting electrode (or internal igniter).

Abstract: An novelly designed gas discharge tube (GDT) comprising at least two electrodes and at least one hollow insulating ring fastened to at least one of the electrodes, wherein the hollow insulating ring has an inductive property or a variable resistance property, thereby the new gas discharge tube can provide another possibility of a circuit design.

Abstract: A high-pressure discharge lamp having an ignition aid is provided. The discharge lamp may include: a discharge vessel consisting of ceramic or quartz glass which is sealed at two ends and which is accommodated in an outer bulb which is likewise sealed at two ends, the discharge vessel having two ends in which electrodes are fastened, two power supply lines holding the discharge vessel in the outer bulb, a UV enhancer with a single electrode as ignition aid being accommodated in the outer bulb, wherein the UV enhancer is positioned in the vicinity of a second end of the discharge vessel, while a feed line is routed from the first power supply line along the discharge vessel and is connected to the UV enhancer, the feed line being capacitively coupled to the first power supply line, the UV enhancer being installed between the feed line and the second power supply line.

Abstract: An laser driven light source comprises a bulb that encloses a discharge medium, a laser beam unit for emitting a laser beam, wherein the laser beam is focused in the bulb for generating a discharge, and a beam shield element that is provided in the bulb to shield peripheral devices from the laser beam, which passes through the discharge generated in the bulb.

Abstract: A xenon lamp having a lamp tube made of silica glass containing titanium oxide and having a discharge chamber with a light emitting part containing xenon and in which a cathode and an anode are arranged in opposition to each other, the cathode and anode being mounted on an end of a respective lead rod, the lamp tube also having side tube parts extending from each of opposite sides of the light emitting part, each lead rod being sealed by a gradient binding part which is arranged in a respective side tube part, and the side tube parts having a narrowed shrink part in a region facing the light emitting part, wherein a conductive film is provided on an outer surface area of the shrink part and an adjoining area of an outer surface of the light emitting part at the cathode side of the lamp tube; and wherein the conductive film is electrically connected to the cathode.

Abstract: A device for protecting against lightning and overvoltages includes two electrodes closing off, in a gas tight manner, both end faces of a cylinder made of insulating material, and defining a discharge chamber in the interior of the chamber thus formed. At least one step is provided in the chamber in the contact area of at least one of the electrodes and the cylinder such that the chamber extends outwards past the internal wall of the cylinder.

Abstract: An ignition aid (50, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120, 130, 150, 160, or 170) is provided for an HID lamp (20). Particularly the ignition aid includes an electrically conductive coil or coil portions wrapped around selected portions of the arc tube to act as the ignition aid and lower the breakdown voltage. In other embodiments, starting aids, and particularly one or more turns of the conductive coil or coil portions support the arc tube within an opening of a surrounding shroud (90) and thereby control the spacing between the arc tube (20) and the shroud (90). This limits the maximum thermal stress of the arc tube within a desired range.

Abstract: A xenon lamp having a lamp tube made of silica glass containing titanium oxide and having a discharge chamber with a light emitting part containing xenon and in which a cathode and an anode are arranged in opposition to each other, the cathode and anode being mounted on an end of a respective lead rod, the lamp tube also having side tube parts extending from each of opposite sides of the light emitting part, each lead rod being sealed by a gradient binding part which is arranged in a respective side tube part, and the side tube parts having a narrowed shrink part in a region facing the light emitting part, wherein a conductive film is provided on an outer surface area of the shrink part and an adjoining area of an outer surface of the light emitting part at the cathode side of the lamp tube; and wherein the conductive film is electrically connected to the cathode.

Abstract: In a lamp device provided with an arc tube, a principal reflection mirror, and a sub-mirror; a decrease in illumination light, caused by a trigger line disposed to improve the turn-on characteristics of the arc tube, being suppressed. The lamp device include an arc tube having a bulb portion that incorporates electrodes and sealing portions; a principal reflection mirror; a sub-mirror; leads connected to an electrode at an end portion of each of the sealing portions; and a trigger line. The trigger line has a ring-like portion wound around the sealing portion. The trigger line extends from the ring-like portion and has a wiring path that passes a neighborhood of the bulb portion without coming into contact with the bulb portion, further extends along the sealing portion and is connected to the lead. The wiring path is in the same plane that extends through an optical axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low-pressure discharge lamp comprising a glass discharge vessel (1) which is substantially tubular in form and which is closed in a gas-tight manner on the ends thereof, a filling consisting of an inert gas mixture and quicksilver, in addition to an optional luminous coating on the inner wall of the discharge vessel (1). Two current supply inlets are respectively melted into the two ends of the discharge vessel (1), with a helical electrode secured thereto (5). The invention is characterized in that in order to increase the switching resistance of the lamp in a cold start operation, at least one other electrode (7,8) made of a conductive material is arranged in the region between the helical electrode (5) and the connecting end of the discharge vessel (1) and one end of said other electrode (7, 8) is electrically connected to one of the two current supply inlets (3,4).

Abstract: A discharge tube includes a cylinder having first and second end planes, first and second discharge electrodes coupled to the respective first and second end planes, the first and second discharge electrodes having respective upper and lower discharge planes forming therebetween a discharge gap, and one or more discharge trigger wires disposed in a portion of the cylinder that encompasses the discharge gap.

Abstract: An arc discharge light source (10) for automotive headlight applications comprises an arc tube (12) having a hollow body (14) arrayed along a longitudinal axis (16) and provided with first and second ends (18, 20). The first and second ends have, respectively, first and second jointure areas (22, 24) with the hollow body (14). Electrodes (26, 28) are sealed respectively in each of the first and second ends (18, 20). An arc generating and sustaining medium is contained within the hollow body. a low-voltage-pulse starting aid (30) is associated with the arc tube and comprises an electrically conductive member (32) having an intermediate portion (34) and proximal and distal ends (36, 38). The intermediate portion (34) extends the length of the hollow body (14) and the proximal and distal ends (36, 38) each terminating in a loop (40, 42) comprised of a single turn of electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A pulsed discharge arc lamp can utilize an integrated optical adapter assembly to ease the coupling of an optical fiber to the lamp. An optical rod of the assembly allows for a precise positioning of the output, and acts as an integrating rod whereby the output is transformed to a relatively diffuse, uniform, and stabilized circular beam of light. The optical adapter assembly helps to reduce the presence of intensity peaks in the UV spectrum, making the output more uniform over the entire spectrum of the lamp.

Abstract: A discharge tube is disclosed that includes: an airtight tube having first and second end surfaces each including a metallized surface; first and second discharge electrodes joined to the respective metallized surfaces; and multiple trigger lines formed on the inner wall surface of the airtight tube to extend along the axial directions of the airtight tube. The first and second discharge electrodes are joined to the metallized surfaces so that a discharge gap is formed between the first and second discharge electrodes and the airtight tube is hermetically sealed. The trigger lines include one or more first trigger lines connected to the metallized surfaces and multiple second trigger lines isolated from the metallized surfaces. The second trigger lines are formed at equal intervals on the inner wall surface of the airtight tube and each first trigger line is formed between a corresponding pair of the second trigger lines.

Abstract: A short arc discharge lamp has improved starting properties in which there is no danger of damaging the arc tube that surrounds a discharge space and in which the radiant light from the arc tube is not adversely shielded. This is achieved by providing the short arc discharge lamp with a first electrode having an electrical potential and to which a high voltage is applied, and a second electrode opposite the first at a in spaced relationship. Additionally, in the discharge space, there is positioned at least one conductive component with a tip projecting into the discharge space. The conductive component has an electrical potential which is identical to the electrical potential of the first electrode and has a tip spaced a distance from the second electrode which is greater than the distance between the first and the second electrode.

Abstract: A low-pressure discharge lamp is described having a base housing (10), a discharge vessel (2), whose end sections are fixed to an end section of the base housing, and a contact-making system for making electrical contact with the lamp, which is located on the end section of the base housing (10) which is remote from the discharge vessel, a conductive section (5) being provided, which is electrically connected to the contact-making system and is arranged adjacent to the discharge vessel (2) in the base housing (10) in such a way that an electrical short circuit is formed around the discharge vessel (2). This makes it possible to reduce the starting voltage of the lamp. As an alternative, or in addition, to this, the cross section of the web attachments is increased, which also increases the rate of the luminous-flux run-up.

Abstract: To provide a high-efficiency and long-life high intensity discharge lamp that is obtained by a configuration in which a neon gas or a neon-based gaseous mixture is filled as a starting-assistance rare gas for an alumina ceramic arc tube, and a filling pressure is set to 13 kPa or more. The high intensity discharge lamp is provided with the alumina ceramic arc tube having a discharge arc tube, alumina ceramic narrow tubes formed at both end portions of the discharge arc tube, electrodes and power feeders, the electrodes and the power feeders being arranged to form spaces in the narrow tubes. The discharge arc tube is filled with the neon gas or the neon-based gaseous mixture as the starting-assistance rare gas at a filling pressure of 13 kPa or more.

Abstract: The discharge lamp of the invention includes a main discharge vessel which is filled with a discharge medium for the main discharge via a pair of opposed main discharge electrodes, and has a first electrode sealing part and a second electrode sealing part for connecting the pair of main discharge electrodes. The advantage of the invention is in a starting electrode arranged such that it does not come into contact with the main discharge space, and an auxiliary light source which includes an auxiliary discharge vessel located adjacent on the side of one of the electrode sealing parts and which is not made integral with the electrode sealing parts. The auxiliary light source is filled with a discharge medium, and has a first outer electrode on the outside of the auxiliary discharge vessel.

Abstract: A lamp assembly that comprises a hollow arc discharge light source having a center arc chamber containing an arc generating and sustaining medium and first and second ends with an electrode receiving capillary extending from each end and arrayed along a longitudinal axis. The ends are cylindrical in cross-section. An electrode structure is positioned in each of the capillaries and each of these electrode structures comprises a proximal electrode end projecting into the interior of the center arc chamber, a distal end projecting exteriorly of said capillary and an intermediate section therebetween. A first area of the intermediate section is sealed to the capillary in an hermetic manner and a second area of the intermediate section is exposed to the medium. A tubular shroud surrounds the light source and is coaxial with the longitudinal axis. The shroud has two ends. A pair of spring clips, one at each end of said shroud, mount the light source within the shroud.

Abstract: A flash discharge lamp includes a pair of electrodes i.e. an anode and a cathode, oppositely disposed in at both ends of the glass bulb. An electro-conductive member is provided on the outer surface of the glass tube. A triggering electrode is mounted on the cathode and electrically connected to the electro-conductive member. Xenon gas is sealed in the glass tube. The flash discharge lamp further includes at least one High Temperature Resistant electrode mounted on the cathode and at least one Getter electrode mounted on the cathode and/or the anode. Not only can the above design increase the discharge output power and the discharge frequency, but it also extends the life expectancy of the flash discharge lamp.

Abstract: An arc discharge lamp system comprises a third electrode for igniting the arc discharge lamp in addition to first and second electrodes which provide a main discharge current path for sustaining arc discharge after the lamp has been ignited by a high-voltage, high-frequency signal applied to the third electrode. In an embodiment, an igniter circuit is connected to provide the high-voltage, high-frequency signal to the third electrode of the lamp by using a low-voltage DC power supply.

Abstract: An arc discharge lamp comprising an arc tube including a starting aid is provided. The starting aid comprises at least one prealloyed powder bound to the surface of the arc tube.

Abstract: An arc discharge lamp comprising an arc tube including a starting aid is described. The starting aid comprises at least one metal cermet coating applied to the surface of the arc tube, or a metal layer including refractory glass disposed over said cermet coating or said metal layer.

Abstract: A gaseous-discharge lamp, in particular for motor-vehicle headlamps, includes a burner vessel made of glass or the like that contains a gas. Into this burner vessel extend two main electrodes via two gas-tight electrode bushings. Between the end regions of the main electrodes arranged in the burner vessel, an arc gap is formed, along which an electric arc develops during operation. To achieve a smallest possible ignition voltage, an arrangement is provided for producing a creepage spark gap along the inner vessel wall and/or a spark gap that is shorter than the arc gap, serving as an ignition gap that is spatially separated from the arc gap.

Abstract: At the outer boundary of a discharge container 1, a pair of opposed electrodes 3a and 4a and a pair of opposed electrodes 3b and 4b are disposed with a specified spacing being given between them, and to each pair of opposed electrodes, a high-frequency voltage is applied from a high-frequency, high-voltage power supply 8 through a limiting resistor 6a, 7a, and a limiting resistor 6b, 7b. Across each pair of opposed electrodes, a steamer of discharge plasma corresponding to the amperage of the discharge current is generated, however, by adjusting the resistance value of the above-mentioned limiting resistor 6a, 7a, and the resistance value of the limiting resistor 6b, 7b, the discharge current is appropriately set, and thus the streamers of discharge plasma generated across the pairs of opposed electrodes are made uniform.

Abstract: A short-arc discharge lamp (1) is provided with a translucent lamp vessel (10) which is closed in a gas-tight manner and which is provided with an ionizable fill. A first and a second electrode (11a, 11b) are arranged in the lamp vessel (10) which are each connected to its own current conductor (12a, 12b) which extends to outside the lamp vessel. A starting antenna (2) is arranged near to the lamp vessel, which antenna is connected to a further current conductor (24). The starting antenna comprises an antenna container (20) and a further electrode (22) which antenna container (20) is closed in a gas-tight manner and contains an ionizable fill, the further electrode (22) being connected to the further current conductor (24). This makes it possible to realize a shorter reignition time by means of a higher reignition voltage on the starting antenna while spark-over from the starting antenna (2) to the lamp vessel (10) is avoided.

Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp comprises a vessel made of a non-conductive material which forms an inner space filled with an ionizable light-emitting material and a starting gas, the vessel having first and second opening portions at both ends thereof, and a non-conductive member inserted into the first opening portion of the vessel and having an outer diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of the first opening portion so as to form a gap between the vessel and the non-conductive member, the non-conductive member further having a hole. An electrode unit is inserted into the hole of the non-conductive member, the electrode unit has a first end which is exposed to the inner space of the vessel, and a second end which is exposed to outside of the vessel. An starting electrode is arranged in the gap between the vessel and the non-conductive member, and has a first end which is exposed to the inner space, and a second end which is exposed to outside of the vessel.

Abstract: An arc tube for a discharge lamp comprises an hermetically sealed hollow body containing an arc generating and sustaining medium therein and having first and second ends. An electrode receiving capillary extends from each end and an electrode structure is positioned in each of the capillaries. Each of the electrode structures comprises a proximal, electrode end projecting into the interior of the hollow body, a distal end projecting exteriorly of the capillary, and an intermediate section therebetween, a first area of the intermediate section being sealed to the capillary in an hermetic manner and a second area of the intermediate section being exposed to the medium. A starting aid comprises an electrically conducting member surrounding the capillary extending from the first end at the second area of the intermediate section and is electrically connected to the distal end of the electrode structure positioned in the second end.

Abstract: A lampholder in accordance with the invention can suitably be used for a low-pressure discharge lamp (a) which operates at a high frequency and which comprises an elongated, tubular discharge vessel (b), said lamp being provided with a pair of electrodes (c, c') for maintaining an electric discharge in the discharge vessel. The lampholder (0) has contacts (1, 1') for connecting a high-frequency power supply (4), said contacts being electrically connected to a first (2) and a second terminal (2') for connecting the lamp. The second terminal is further removed from the contacts than the first terminal. A compensation conductor (6) extending between the first (2) and the second terminal (2') is connected to said first terminal (2). This leads to a reduction of conducted interference.

Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting device according to the present invention includes: a discharge lamp including an electrode; and a lighting circuit for lighting the discharge lamp, the lighting circuit being connected to the discharge lamp, wherein the discharge lamp includes a conductor at least partially surrounding the electrode, and the lighting circuit provides a potential for the conductor that is higher than an average potential of the electrode.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp comprises an elongated, main arc tube containing a gas fill. First and second in-leads are connected to first and second electrodes within the arc tube, with an arc gap being defined in the arc tube between the electrodes. The fist and second in-leads are adapted to be connected to first and second power leads of a ballast circuit. A starting aid is included for the main arc tube and comprises a path generally parallel to the main arc tube along the arc gap and which is conductive during starting of the main arc tube; an electron barrier disposed between the path and the main arc tube for preventing a substantial amount of photoelectrons from collecting on an outer surface of the main arc tube; and first and second ends of the path being coupled to the first and second in-leads by first and second electrical couplings.

Abstract: A discharge lamp or an electrodeless discharge lamp including a discharge gas filled inside a bulb, an electrode part present inside the bulb for emitting thermoelectrons into the discharge gas, and a cesium compound placed in a position other than the electrode part inside the bulb. According to this configuration, this discharge lamp has a short starting delay time even at a low temperature including room temperature, without using any starting auxiliary light source or a radioactive material. The cesium compound is contained on the surface of a metal mesh which is fixed via a supporting arm in a position avoiding the electrode part inside the bulb. It is preferable that the cesium oxide is in contact with the discharge space. In this way, starting property can be improved without using any starting auxiliary light source or a radioactive material. The electrodeless discharge lamp has the cesium compound at an optional position in the discharge space.

Abstract: An electrodeless discharge lamp includes a discharge gas sealed in a lamp tube. The discharge gas includes a halide of rare earth metal. An auxiliary electrode is disposed on or adjacent to an outer periphery wall of the lamp tube such that the auxiliary electrode is capacitively coupled to an interior space of the lamp tube. A main induction coil is wound around the lamp tube and receives power from a first high frequency power source. The auxiliary electrode receives power from a second high frequency power source. In operation, the electrodeless discharge lamp attains smooth lighting upon starting or restarting.

Abstract: A cold cathode tube in which an auxiliary electrode formed of an electric conductive material is provided on an outer surface of a cylindrical tube element so as to extend over substantially a half of the tube element from one end thereof to a location in the neighborhood of a center of the tube element along a longitudinal direction, and a longer one of a pair of lead wires from a power source section is connected to one of a pair of electrodes on the side where the auxiliary electrode is provided.

Abstract: A discharge tube having a pair of opposite electrode assemblies disposed in a discharge space defined by a peripheral wall and charged with gas, and an a.c. source connected at one end to one of the pair of electrode assemblies and at the other end to the other of the electrode assemblies, each of said opposite electrode assemblies comprising a sintered metallic electrode for emitting electrons and a filament electrode disposed closely adjacent to the sintered metallic electrode, for emitting thermoelectrons, and the sintered metallic electrode and the filament electrode being electrically connected in parallel by means of the associated lead wires.

Abstract: An improved solid state spark gap for use, for example, in firing munitions. The spark gap is formed by depositing a trigger electrode on a dielectric substrate, precisely covering the trigger electrode and an adjoining area with a dielectric layer, and forming an anode and a cathode on the dielectric layer with a spark gap there between. The anode and cathode do not overlap the trigger electrode. The spark gap may be enclosed within a hermetically sealed inert gas filled cover.

Abstract: A thermal switch assembly for use in electric lamps includes a bimetal element and a resilient conductor such as a tungsten wire. The conductor is mounted at an angle in the range of about 30.degree. to 45.degree. with respect to the plane of movement of the bimetal element and at an angle of about 90.degree. with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bimetal element. The edge of the bimetal element contacts the conductor at a closure temperature and moves with a sliding action along the conductor as the temperature increases above the closure temperature. As a result, the switch contacts are self cleaning. Since the switch components are subjected to very little stress at elevated temperatures, the switch assembly has a long operating life. The bimetal element and the conductor can be affixed to a mounting frame which facilitates installation of the thermal switch assembly.

Abstract: A gas-discharge switch with a cold-cathode low-pressure gas discharge between the cathode and the anode has a discharge gap in a central discharge region of a discharge chamber. The maximum inside height of the discharge chamber determines the length of the discharge gap. In the discharge region, the inner surface of the discharge chamber is closed. Outside of the discharge region, the cathode is provided with at least one opening. This results in a gas-discharge switch with a short delay, low jitter and little voltage dependence with constant pressure.

Abstract: In order to ensure that the ignition voltage does not depend on whether a sark gap component is shielded or unshielded, a ring-shaped control electrode that makes electrical contact with the electrode not at ground potential is mounted adjacent to or on to the outer circumference of the insulator at an axial level almost equal to that of the active surface of the electrode not at ground potential. The control electrode comprises of either a metallic coating, a band-shaped strip, or a metal cap.

Abstract: A receiver protector device includes a sealed discharge chamber containing one or more pairs of spaced-apart, conical electrodes and an ionizable gas. A field emission array is mounted in the discharge chamber to provide a source of free electrons which assist in initiating a discharge when an RF input signal exceeds a desired threshold power level. The field emission array includes a substrate, a plurality of generally conical emitters distributed on the substrate, a conductive gate layer for extracting electrons from the emitters and a dielectric layer between the gate layer and the substrate. When a bias voltage is applied to the gate layer, electrons are extracted from the emitters. The field emission array can be mounted adjacent to the electrodes or in a recess in one of the electrodes. The bias voltage can be supplied by a battery mounted on the receiver protector device external to the discharge chamber.

Abstract: A preheat-type fluorescent lamp, such as a negative glow discharge lamp, includes a cathode contained within an evelope and supported by a pair of lead-in wires. A thermal switch is located within the evelope shunting the cathode and electrically coupled to the supporting lead-in wires. Closure of the thermal switch during lamp operation produces a double hot spot on the shunted cathode. As a result, the cathode temperature is lowered sufficiently causing an improvement in the lumen maintenance and life of the lamp.

Abstract: A light emitting device wherein one of a plurality of juxtaposed discharge tubes which is to remain not emitting light is prevented from being caused to emit light by induction by an adjacent one of the discharge tubes which is to emit light, thereby enabling fully independent control of light emission by the discharge tubes. In the light emitting device, trigger electrodes of each adjacent ones of a plurality of juxtaposed discharge tubes are located at opposite positions to each other with respect to the adjacent discharge tubes.

Abstract: A gas discharge device includes means for injecting electrons into a high field region between an anode and a cathode structure located within a gas filled envelope. This causes ionisation within the region and triggers the device into conduction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical driving and recovery system for a high frequency environment. The recovery system can be applied to drive present day direct-current or alternating-current loads for better efficiency. It has a low-voltage source coupled to a vibrator, a transformer and a bridge-type rectifier to provide a high voltage pulsating signal to a first capacitor. Where a high-voltage source is otherwise available, it may be coupled directly to a bridge-type rectifier, causing a pulsating signal to the first capacitor. The first capacitor in turn is coupled to a high voltage anode of an electrical conversion switching element tube. The switching element tube also includes a low voltage anode which is connected to a voltage source by a commutator and a switching element tube. Mounted around the high voltage anode is a charge receiving plate which is coupled to an inductive load to transmit a high voltage discharge from the switching element tube to the load.

Abstract: A sealed structure laser apparatus is disclosed which utilizes corona discharge as a pre-ionizing means wherein the laser discharge space is defined by a dielectric material channel with C cross section and one of the two discharge main electrodes is located along the inner wall of the C channel opposite the C aperture while the other electrode confronts said aperture from the outside of the channel the latter being enveloped by a conducting material grid, two opposite slits being defined between the two edges of said C channel gap and a dielectric material wall located in front of said gap.

Abstract: Spark gap apparatus for use as an electric switch operating at high voltage, high current and high repetition rate. Mounted inside a housing are an anode, cathode and ion plate. An ionizable fluid is pumped through the chamber of the housing. A pulse of current to the ion plate causes ions to be emitted by the ion plate, which ions move into and ionize the fluid. Electric current supplied to the anode discharges through the ionized fluid and flows to the cathode. Current stops flowing when the current source has been drained. The ionized fluid recombines into its initial dielectric ionizable state. The switch is now open and ready for another cycle.

Abstract: A spark gap switch is disclosed. The spark gap comprises opposite and adjacent electrodes and a trigger arrangement for triggering a discharge arc between the opposite and adjacent electrodes. The trigger arrangement includes a solid insulative material to facilitate a discharge between trigger electrodes to trigger the spark gap. The trigger arrangement is located rearwardly of the adjacent electrode to position the solid insulative material in a manner to prevent a main discharge arc affecting the structural integrity of the solid insulative material. Such an arrangement provides protection for the solid insulative material to increase lifetime of the unit and has the capability of reducing jitter.

Abstract: A flash lamp in which a flash tube, transformer, capacitor and base are coupled together to form a unitary integral lamp. A portion of the flash tube, the transformer and capacitor may be encapsulated by a potting compound.

Abstract: A display panel comprises a gas-filled envelope made up of a base plate and a face plate sealed together hermetically. The base plate is provided with a plurality of parallel, longitudinal slots, and an anode wire is disposed in each of the slots in the base plate. An array of identical metal strip electrodes are provided on the base plate at an angle to the anode wires to define operative gas cells therewith. The first strip electrode is operated as a keep-alive anode with respect to two auxiliary electrodes seated in slots in the base plate, the second strip electrode is operated as a reset cathode, and the other strip electrodes are operated as the scan/display cathodes for the panel.