Abstract: Apparatus comprises: a first radio modem having an associated first radio frequency power amplifier; a second radio modem having an associated second radio frequency power amplifier; a terminal for connection to a battery; a capacitor having first and second terminals; a current limiting switch having input and output terminals; and a direct current-direct current converter having an input and an output. The terminal is coupled to the first radio frequency power amplifier, the terminal is coupled to the input of the current limiting switch, the output of the current limiting switch is coupled to both the first terminal of the capacitor and the input of the direct current-direct current convener, and the output of the direct current-direct current converter is coupled to the second radio frequency power amplifier.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp that can be easily manufactured to provide high brightness and high efficiency, a method of manufacturing the same, and a backlight unit having the same are provided. First and second non-emissive glass tube are joined to an emissive glass tube coated with a phosphor, and first and second electrodes are formed on outer surfaces of the first and second non-emissive glass tubes. The first and second non-emissive tubes may have the same diameter as the emissive glass tube. The first and second non-emissive glass tubes are simply joined to the emissive glass tube, thereby reducing the manufacturing process and cost. The first and second non-emissive glass tubes are formed to be thinner than the emissive glass tube, thereby enhancing the brightness and efficiency of the fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: A method for ionizing and desorbing a sample for analysis includes energizing a first and second electrode to produce a glow discharge at atmospheric pressure. The method further includes supplying a carrier gas to at least a portion of the glow discharge to create effluents thereof. The method further includes conducting the effluents of the glow discharge to the sample to ionize and desorb the sample for analysis. An associated apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to glow-switch starters 1, lighting devices therewith and use thereof. The glow-switch starter 1 is suitable for use with three phase supply voltages substantially higher than the common 230V supply voltage 26. This allows more efficient gas discharges in e.g. fluorescent lamps 20, and/or more lamp power, and/or less energy losses in ballasts 22 and lamp electrodes. To make the glow-switch starter suited for such use, according to the invention, the gas filling 5 of the starter 1 is adapted. An important criterion is that the glow current in the steady state operation of the fluorescent lamp that is started by the starter is small enough to prevent closing of the (bimetallic) switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing glow plasma discharges by suppressing the transition from glow-to-arc includes a perforated dielectric plate having an upper surface and a lower surface and a plurality of holes extending therethrough. The perforated dielectric plate is positioned over the cathode. Each of the holes acts as a separate active current limiting micro-channel that prevents the overall current density from increasing above the threshold for the glow-to-arc transition. This allows for a stable glow discharge to be maintained for a wide range of operating pressures (up to atmospheric pressures) and in a wide range of electric fields include DC and RF fields of varying strength.

Abstract: A glow plasma discharge device having an electrode (20, 40) covered with perforated dielectric (30) is disclose.

Abstract: A glow starter comprises a discharge vessel, filled with a filling including a rare gas, substantially transmitting ultraviolet rays of about 300 nm or less. A pair of electrodes, which are arranged in the discharge vessel, is adapted and arranged to touch each other by being heated by a glow discharge. The glow starter may be used for a high pressure discharge lamp, a high pressure discharge lamp apparatus, or a lighting fixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing glow plasma discharges by suppressing the transition from glow-to-arc includes a perforated dielectric plate having an upper surface and a lower surface and a plurality of holes extending therethrough. The perforated dielectric plate is positioned over the cathode. Each of the holes acts as a separate active current limiting micro-channel that prevents the overall current density from increasing above the threshold for the glow-to-arc transition. This allows for a stable glow discharge to be maintained for a wide range of operating pressures (up to atmospheric pressures) and in a wide range of electric fields include DC and RF fields of varying strength.

Abstract: In a glow discharge starter, a layer of lanthanum is present on one of the conductors and the gas filling is a Penning mixture. The glow discharge starter does not contain radioactive material. The delay time between the application of a voltage between the conductors and establishing a glow discharge remains short during the whole life of the glow discharge starter, even when the starter was kept in a room with a low light level for a prolonged time.

Abstract: A powerful glow discharge lamp comprising two coaxial tubes, the outer tube being optically transparent, with a cathode and anode placed at opposite ends of the tubes, the space between the tubes being filled with working gas. The electrodes are made as cylindrical tumblers placed in line to one other in such a way that one end of the cathode is inserted into the inner tube, one end of the anode coaxially covers the end of the outer tube, the inner tube penetrating and extending through the anode. The increased electrodes' surface area increases glow discharge electron current and, correspondingly, average radiation power of discharge plasma. The inner tube contains at least one cooling liquid tube placed along the axis of the inner tube along the entire lamp length to provide cathode cooling. The anode has a circumferential heat extracting radiator which removes heat from the anode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing glow plasma discharges by suppressing the transition from glow-to-arc includes a perforated dielectric plate having an upper surface and a lower surface and a plurality of holes extending therethrough. The perforated dielectric plate is positioned over the cathode. Each of the holes acts as a separate active current limiting micro-channel that prevents the overall current density from increasing above the threshold for the glow-to-arc transition. This allows for a stable glow discharge to be maintained for a wide range of operating pressures (up to atmospheric pressures) and in a wide range of electric fields include DC and RF fields of varying strength.

Abstract: An active matrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD) system is for use in avionic applications. The system includes an integral cathode fall indicator. The indicator relies on a gas fill mixture to provide an orange glow when the cathode fall region has an abnormally high potential across it. During normal operation, the gas fill mixture provides a light blue glow. The gas mixture includes helium, neon, argon, krypton, and xenon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing glow plasma discharges by suppressing the transition from glow-to-arc includes a perforated dielectric plate having an upper surface and a lower surface and a plurality of holes extending therethrough. The perforated dielectric plate is positioned over the cathode. Each of the holes acts as a separate active current limiting micro-channel that prevents the overall current density from increasing above the threshold for the glow-to-arc transition. This allows for a stable glow discharge to be maintained for a wide range of operating pressures (up to atmospheric pressures) and in a wide range of electric fields include DC and RF fields of varying strength.

Abstract: A glowbottle starter switch for igniting gaseous discharge lamps in alternating current circuits. The glowbottle including a hermetically sealed glass envelope (7) containing a fill of an ionizable gas and having at least two lead wires (2,3) disposed therein and extending to the exterior of the envelope (7) and a bimetal switch (4) disposed on at least one of the lead wires (3). The switch (4) is arranged to move within a gap to contact the other of the lead wires (2). An electroluminescent light emitter including an electroluminescent phosphor (6 in FIG. 1) is disposed in optically-contiguous relationship with the glowbottle. The electroluminescent light emitter is arranged to be energized to emit light by electric fields produced by alternating voltage between the lead wires (2,3).

Abstract: A hollow cathode discharge tube is used for atomic absorption analysis. The tube has a cathode which includes a first hollow portion and a second hollow portion connected to each other. The second hollow portion has a diameter greater than the first hollow portion and a close end. Inserted through the closed end is a rod-like anode which has a part within the hollow space of the cathode. There is a auxiliary electrode which can be an auxiliary anode that surrounds the rod-like anode and is insulated therefrom. There is an additional electrode which can be an auxiliary cathode at the front end portion of the cathode. The cathode is formed of a material that is a material or includes a material that is to be analyzed.

Abstract: A negative glow discharge lamp having improved color stability and increased life includes a light-transmitting envelope which contains an ionizable medium including mercury and a gaseous fill. The gaseous fill includes neon and a predetermined amount of krypton. The krypton is in an amount equal to less than five percent of the gaseous fill.

Abstract: A glow discharge starter having an hermetically sealed envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode including a first bimetallic element having a curved portion and a free end, and a counter electrode. A first discharge gap having a predetermined spacing is formed between the free end of the first bimetallic element and the counter electrode. The starter includes a second bimetallic element having an end secured to the counter electrode. A portion of the second bimetallic element is positioned adjacent the curved portion of the first bimetallic element such that a second discharge gap having a predetermined spacing is formed therebetween. In the event that the starter encounters a dc current of the wrong polarity, a portion of the second bimetallic element contacts the first bimetallic element so as to extinguish the arc discharge and prevent electrode damage.

Abstract: A first display discharge lamp has a transparent airtight container filled with a discharge gas; a positive electrode disposed in the airtight container and supported by a stem having an air tube therein; a negative electrode of an inverted configuration disposed in the transparent airtight container and surrounded by the positive electrode; a lead member integrally formed with the positive electrode, having a bent portion between a lower end of the negative electrode and the stem; and an insulating member disposed between the lower end of the negative electrode and the bent portion of the lead member. According to a second display discharge lamp, both a negative electrode and a positive electrode are of an inverted conical configuration. The former has at least an open upper end, while the latter has an open upper end and an open lower end. A lower end of the positive electrode is inserted in an interior of the negative electrode from the open upper end of the negative electrode.

Abstract: A negative glow discharge lamp having improved efficacy enabled by reducing the anode work function by the introduction of a metal-based gas into the lamp envelope for absorption on the anode. The metal-based gas is preferably cesium but may also, for example, be sodium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas discharge switch with a low-pressure gas discharge segment, which is provided with an anode and at least one main cathode, and arranged in an ionizable working gas. It is provided with a control unit for flow discharge, which contains a cathode. For the working gas, a gas storage with automatic pressure control is provided. According to the invention, the energy of glow discharge is provided as the setting value for regulating the pressure of the working gas. With this module (30), consisting of the cathode (31) for glow discharge with the gas storage (32), the pressure of the working gas, preferably hydrogen, remains at least approximately constant over a long period of time, in a closed system of this so-called pseudo-spark switch.

Abstract: A glow discharge lamp includes a light-transmitting envelope containing a noble gas fill material. An anode electrode and a cathode electrode are spacedly located within the envelope. The anode electrode includes a single wire having a convoluted portion adjacent the cathode electrode and lying in a plane parallel to a plane intersecting the cathode electrode and a pair of lead-in wires supporting the cathode electrode. The improved anode construction results in an increase in both light output and lamp efficacy.

Abstract: A discharge tube includes a pair of electrode devices mounted within a discharge tube body in an opposed relation to each other, each of the pair of electrode devices including an arc discharge electrode and a glow discharge electrode. An electron-radiating substance vaporized and emitted in a scattered manner from the arc discharge electrode is captured by the glow discharge electrode. The arc discharge electrode is composed of a sintered body containing the electron-radiating substance therein.

Abstract: A negative glow discharge lamp includes a light transmitting envelope containing a noble gas fill material. A pair of electrically spaced electrodes is disposed in a parallel relationship within the envelope. A pair of lead-in wires is coupled to each of the electrodes and extends through and is hermetically sealed in the envelope. A pair of wire probes is associated with each of the spaced electrodes. Each of the ends of the spaced electrodes has one of the wire probes extending beyond the electrode associated therewith and toward the other electrode. The present invention provides a negative glow discharge lamp that has improved lamp efficacy and enhanced lamp life.

Abstract: A special effect light bulb combines both cathode glow illumination with fluorescent illumination. A pair of plates respectively electrically connected to a pair of electrical lead wires jointly define a word, phrase or well-known symbol which is illuminated within an inert gas during operation of the light bulb. A third plate, having a fluorescent coating which is activated only by the ionized inert gas, is shaped in the form of a distinct symbol.

Abstract: A tri-model thermal switch for use in a preheat-type discharge lamp. The thermal switch includes a glass bulb, first and second electrical leads sealed into and passing through the glass bulb, and a bimetallic element disposed within the bulb and having first and second end portions. The first end portion of the bimetallic element is affixed to the first electrical lead while the second end portion of the bimetallic element is formed to be in contact with the second electrical lead at a first elevated temperature higher than ambient temperature. The bimetallic element is spaced from the second electrical lead at ambient temperature and at a second elevated temperature higher than the first elevated temperature. During lamp operation, the thermal switch produces a double hot spot on the cathode by electrically shorting the cathode lead-in wires. As a result, the electrode temperature is lowered sufficiently to cause an improvement in the lumen maintenance and life of the lamp.

Abstract: A negative glow discharge lamp having improved efficacy enabled by reducing the anode work function by the introduction of a metal-based gas into the lamp envelope for absorption on the anode. The metal-based gas is preferably cesium but may also, for example, be sodium.

Abstract: A quick start initiator for a flourescent light comprises a sealed glass bulb, a long conductor rod centrally located within the bulb, a pair of short conductor rods positioned to either side of the long conductor and electrically connected with a conducting lead protruding from the base of the glass bulb, and a pair of thermally deforming arcuate strips each being electrically connected to one of the short conductor rods. Wherein one arcuate bimetallic strip attached to one short conductor bar is normally separated by a space from the central conductor bar when in the inactive state. The other arcuate bimetallic strip on the other short conductor bar normally contacts the central long conductor when inactive. A mixture of argon and neon gases fills the glass bulb. Each of the leads are electrically connected in series with one respective cathode of a flourescent tube as in a conventional flourescent tube initiator circuit.

Abstract: A glow discharge lamp includes a sealed lamp envelope containing a noble gas and mercury, a cathode and an anode disposed in the lamp envelope and an incandescent filament for emitting visible light for illumination immediately upon application of power and for emitting little or no visible light after a glow discharge is formed between the cathode and the anode. The filament, the cathode and the anode are electrically connected in series. The lamp envelope typically includes a phosphor coating for emission of visible light upon absorption of ultraviolet radiation from the glow discharge. An optional switch can be used for disconnecting the filament during steady state operation of the glow discharge lamp.

Abstract: A sealing member used in a portable or on-line analyzer, to achieve a tight seal between a sample and the analyzer in order to perform the analysis in a desired gas atmosphere. The sealing member is a semi-labyrinth sealing member manufactured of metal, elastic material or ceramic material.

Abstract: A glow discharge starter having an hermetically sealed envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode including a bimetallic element, and a counter electrode. The bimetallic element has a free end adapted to form first and second discharge gaps with the counter electrode. The first discharge gap has a spacing which varies during operation of the glow discharge starter. The spacing of the second discharge gap remains relatively constant. Problems associated with high ambient temperatures can be overcome by increasing the initial spacing of the first discharge gap without affecting the electrical breakdown voltage of the glow discharge starter. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the free end of the bimetallic element has a first portion substantially parallel to the counter electrode and a second portion substantially perpendicular to the counter electrode. Preferably, the initial spacing of the first discharge gap measured at 25 degrees Celsius is within the range of from about 0.

Abstract: A negative glow fluorescent lamp includes a light-transmissive envelope enclosing a fill material which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation, a phosphor coating on an inner surface of the envelope, the phosphor coating emitting visible light upon absorption of ultraviolet radiation, a cathode located within the envelope for emitting electrons, first and second cathode leads extending through the envelope, an anode located in the envelope and spaced from the cathode for collecting electrons and first and second diodes coupled between opposite ends of the anode and the first and second cathode leads, respectively. The glow lamp can include one or more insulating discharge barriers which surround the cathode and block electron bombardment of the cathode during positive half cycles of the AC voltage. The discharge barriers are preferably as large in area as is practical and can be coated with an ultraviolet-reflecting material or with a phosphor layer.

Abstract: A tri-model thermal switch for use in a preheat-type discharge lamp. The thermal switch includes a glass bulb, first and second electrical leads sealed into and passing through the glass bulb, and a bimetallic element disposed within the bulb and having first and second end portions. The first end portion of the bimetallic element is affixed to the first electrical lead while the second end portion of the bimetallic element is formed to be in contact with the second electrical lead at a first elevated temperature higher than ambient temperature. The bimetallic element is spaced from the second electrical lead at ambient temperature and at a second elevated temperature higher than the first elevated temperature. During lamp operation, the thermal switch produces a double hot spot on the cathode by electrically shorting the cathode lead-in wires. As a result, the electrode temperature is lowered sufficiently to cause an improvement in the lumen maintenance and life of the lamp.

Abstract: A glow discharge lamp includes a light-transmitting envelope containing a rare gas fill material. The envelope contains a spherical-shaped region having a predetermined internal radius R. A phosphor coating is disposed on the inner surface of the envelope. Anode and cathode electrodes are disposed within the envelope and spaced a predetermined distance d thereapart. The voltage drop of the cathode electrode is less than the excitation potential of the rare gas fill material. The anode electrode has a predetermined effective surface area S.sub.a such that the relationship Rd/S.sub.a is within the range of from about 5.0 to 11.0.

Abstract: A glow discharge lamp that includes a light transmitting envelope containing a noble gas fill material and a pair of electrodes disposed in the envelope. Lead-in wires coupled to the electrodes and extend to and are hermetically sealed in the envelope The electrodes are disposed in oppositely spaced positions in the envelope preferably upper and lower positions with the electrodes positioned outside of the bulbous region of the envelope to thereby retard the formation of deposits at the main bulbous region of the envelope.

Abstract: A negative glow discharge lamp including a light transmitting envelope having supported therein electrode means for establishing a negative glow discharge in the lamp. The fill material includes a metal-based gas such as sodium which, upon excitation thereof, directly emits visible light. The sodium has a resonance radiation in the visible part of the spectrum. The cathode is a hot cathode.

Abstract: A glow discharge lamp that includes a light transmitting envelope containing a noble gas fill material and a pair of electrodes disposed in the envelope. Lead-in wires couple to the electrodes and extend to and are hermetically sealed in the envelope. The electrodes include an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. A getter material is disposed on the anode electrode. The getter material is maintained at an elevated temperature by virtue of a continuous lamp discharge to thus maintain chemical pumping in the envelope for the absorption of residual envelope gases.

Abstract: A negative glow fluorescent lamp includes a light-transmissive envelope enclosing a fill material which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation, a phosphor coating on an inner surface of the envelope, the phosphor coating emitting visible light upon absorption of ultraviolet radiation, a cathode located within the envelope for emitting electrons, first and second cathode leads extending through the envelope, an anode located in the envelope and spaced from the cathode for collecting electrons and first and second diodes coupled between opposite ends of the anode and the first and second cathode leads, respectively. The glow lamp can include one or more insulating discharge barriers which surround the cathode and block electron bombardment of the cathode during positive half cycles of the AC voltage. The discharge barriers are preferably as large in area as is practical and can be coated with an ultraviolet-reflecting material or with a phosphor layer.

Abstract: A glow discharge starter having an hermetically sealed envelope of vitreous material, a seal located at one end thereof and containing an ionizable medium. A pair of electrical conductors extend through the seal and terminate in a spaced relationship to form a pair of electrodes within the envelope. At least one of the electrodes has a bimetallic element secured thereto. The bimetallic element is deformable by heat into engagement with the other of the electrodes. Gettering means contained within the envelope reduces dark effect by improving dark starting and reduces aging time of the glow discharge starter. Preferably, the gettering means is a metal selected from the group consisting of bismuth and lead.

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 negative glow discharge lamp including an anode and an indirectly-heated cathode disposed within a phosphor-coated envelope. The cathode includes a heater filament surrounded by a metallic cylinder which is coated with an emissive material. The differential resistance of the heater filament is sufficient to internally ballast the flow discharge lamp.

Abstract: A thermal device, such as a glow discharge starter, includes an hermetically sealed envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode having a bimetallic element associated therewith, and a counter electrode. A mount sealed in the envelope includes a glass stem having a disk-shaped portion extending substantially across the envelope and a longitudinally-extending planar portion. The transverse portion of the mount assists in centering the electrodes within the envelope and preventing the bimetallic element from oxidizing during the manufacturing process when the mount is sealed to the envelope. Preferably, the transverse portion is disk-shaped having a radius within the range of from about 89 t0 93 percent of the internal radius of the envelope. The defined thickness of the planar portion of the glass stem allows rapid transfer of heat during sealing so that the planar portion can effectively be sealed to the envelope without developing seal cracks.

Abstract: A cathode (12) for a glow discharge device and comprising a hollow body provided with an opening and having an internal working surface (18) which is substantially frusto-ellipsoidal. The cathode has particular application to a laser gyroscope.

Abstract: A negative glow discharge lamp of small size comprising a cylindrical discharge container enclosing at least rare gas, a hot cathode disposed in the discharge container and coated with a thermion radiation matter, and an anode disposed in a negative glow domain formed between the anode and the hot cathode in the discharge container. In the discharge lamp, the outer diameter D (mm) of the discharge container is selected to satisfy the relation3 W.sub.L <D<10 W.sub.Lwhere W.sub.L the electric power consumption (W) of the discharge lamp when the length L (mm) of the discharge container lies within the range of L=25 to 100 mm.

Abstract: A negative glow discharge lamp including a wire anode and a cathode disposed within a phosphor-coated envelope. The thickness radius of the wire used for the anode is less than the electron mean free path in the discharge. In a preferred embodiment, the wire anode is in the form of a cylindrical cage coaxially surrounding the cathode and includes a pair of wire rings spaced apart and interconnected by a plurality of transversing wire segments. The diameter of each of the wire rings and the length of each of the wire segments are greater than the electron mean free path in the discharge. The wire anode does not attain a positive anode voltage drop (PAVD) during lamp operation. As a result, the efficiency of the glow discharge lamp is improved.

Abstract: A glow discharge lamp having increased efficiency and including a light-transmitting envelope which contains a gas fill material. A pair of electrodes is disposed in the envelope. Lead-in wires couple to the electrodes and are hermetically sealed in the envelope. The gas fill material includes at least one noble gas and a quantity of nitrogen. The nitrogen is in an amount from 1.5 percent to less than 10 percent of the total fill material.

Abstract: A discontinuous annular metallic holder for a glow starter in a high pressure discharge lamp. The holder has a hexagonal shape and encircles the bulb of the glow starter. One side is welded to one of the current-supply conductors extending from the lamp stem and two of the sides are parallel to the plane of the getters. The lower parallel side closest to the getter plane has an opening extending the length of the side to define an electrical discontinuity and to prevent a continuous circuit path within the lower side. The gap reduces the current induced in the lower side and resultant heating when the holder is subjected to an electromagnetic field during flashing of the getters. The reduced temperature of the lower side prevents damage to the glow starter.

Abstract: In a discharge tube for use in a housing for a vacuum, an improved optical radiation source is formed by a cathode and a hollow anode. The hollow anode has at least one first surface defining a hollow, partly closed space. The first surface is disposed for cooperation with the cathode. The hollow anode also has at least one second surface that also could cooperate with the cathode. Only the first of the first and second surfaces is conductive. Electrodes are respectively connected to the cathode and hollow anode.

Abstract: A glow discharge lamp that includes a light transmitting envelope containing a noble gas fill material and a pair of electrodes disposed in the envelope. Lead-in wires couple to the electrodes and extend to and are hermetically sealed in the envelope. The anode electrodes is comprised of a refractory metal piece, preferably a molybdenum foil strip, supported from an end of a single lead-in wire that is preferably swagged to the metal strip.

Abstract: A cold-cathode gas discharge device is coupled between a gas sample inlet and a high vacuum and includes spaced-apart electrodes which, when coupled across a high voltage DC power supply, causes a glow-discharge to be set up within the device with the intensity of the emitted light being proportional to the percentage of a given gas contained within a gas mixture introduced through the sampling inlet. In accordance with the present invention, the glow-discharge device contains a tubular pathway which is bent at a point intermediate the spaced electrodes so that they are not co-linear along the tubular path. A photodetector is sighted coaxially with the downstream leg of the bent pathway and, as such, senses the light emitted in a longitudinal direction rather than in a transverse direction. As such, errors due to fogging of the pathway over time by electrode material or the like and movement of the cathode dark-spaced and Faraday dark-space within the tube do not alter the measurable radiation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a glow discharge starter having an hermetically sealed envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode and a counter electrode located within the envelope. A silver plating completely covers the nickel-containing portions of the electrodes. Preferably, the thickness of the silver plating is from about 0.0002 inch to about 0.0004 inch. The present invention results in a glow discharge starter which has stable electrical characteristics, does not require the use of complex gas mixtures, and has an increased life.