Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a remote powered electrodeless light bulb 12 and an RF transmitter 14. The bulb 12 requires no electrical connection and will not burn out, can be submerged into water without causing electrocution, is safe and non toxic and has many uses. The bulb 12 may be of any size or shape, and is filled with inert argon gas and or other inert gases under vacuum. The transmitter 12 emits an RF field from a distance of 1 to 25 feet and comprises a variable frequency adjustment knob 16, an output power field adjustment knob 18 and a special effects transmitter knob 20 for changing the pulse/strobe rate. Also shown is a power source 22, a base 24, which may be made of metal, a chassis ground wire 26, an antenna 28, and a transmitter housing 30.

Abstract: A short-arc discharge lamp (1) in accordance with the invention is provided with a light-transmitting, gastight lamp vessel (10), which is provided with an ionizable filling. A first electrode and a second electrode (11a, 11b), respectively, are arranged in the lamp vessel (10) and are each connected to a current conductor of their own (12a, 12b), respectively, which issues from the lamp vessel to the exterior. An ignition antenna (2) is arranged near the lamp vessel, which ignition antenna is connected to a further current conductor (24). The ignition antenna comprises an antenna vessel (20) and a further outer electrode (22), which antenna vessel (20) is closed in a gastight manner and provided with an ionizable filling, the further outer electrode (22) being connected to the further current conductor (24). According to the invention, the antenna encloses an electroconductive element. In this way, very small ignition delays are guaranteed, even if the lamp has been in a dark environment for some time.

Abstract: A fluorescent light source includes a twin tube fluorescent lamp having first and second electrodes at or near the ends thereof for capacitive coupling of RF electrical energy to a low pressure discharge within the fluorescent lamp and a RF source having a first output lead electrically coupled to the first electrode and a second output lead electrically coupled to the second electrode. The capacitive coupling electrodes can be conductive layers on the outside surface of the twin tube fluorescent lamp. In an alternative configuration, the electrodes are cold cathode electrodes located within the twin tube fluorescent lamp. Filaments for emitting electrons are not required. When the RF voltage applied to the fluorescent lamp is not sufficient to initiate discharge, a starting device can be utilized. The fluorescent light source preferably includes a lamp base for supporting the fluorescent lamp. The RF source can be mounted within the lamp base.

Abstract: A novelty device comprising an energizing circuit, including an dielectric base material, having a circuit and a conductive member attached to a first surface of the dielectric base material. The novelty device further includes a transparent display, containing an inert gas, such as neon or argon, being illuminated when the transparent display is brought into sufficiently close proximity to the surface opposite the surface carrying the conductive member and the energizing circuit, when power is supplied to the circuit. The invention also relates to a method for illuminating the transparent display, containing an inert gas, such as neon or argon, by the use of the energizing circuit.

Abstract: A large volume magnetoplasma is created by (a) establishing a plasma in an electrically isolated, tubular cavity formed by a cylinder (10) containing a source of ions and electrons at low pressure, into which rf energy is coupled by an antenna (32) alongside the cavity; and (b) allowing the plasma to extend into an adjoining auxiliary region (20) which is connected to the cavity (10). Preferably the operating conditions in the cavity (10) are such that the production of atomic species in the plasma is enhanced. The enhancement occurs when the operating conditions satisfy the relationships ##EQU1## where W is the power in watts applied to the antenna (32), D is the diameter of the plasma cavity (10) in cm, p is the pressure in the cavity (10) (and in the auxiliary region (20)) expressed in millitorr, f is the frequency of the rf power in MHz, L is the length of the antenna (32) in cm and B is the magnetic field in the cavity (10), established by a coil (13) which surrounds the cavity, expressed in gauss.

Abstract: A plasma generator for exciting electrons in the plasma to a uniform energy evel. In a perferred embodiment, two sets of mutually perpendicular electrodes surround a container of gas, with one set being driven through a ninety degree phase shifter to establish a circularly polarized field in the space within the container. Alternative means are disclosed for launching circularly polarized RF waves into the container of gas. A desired level of uniform electron energy is achieved by establishing the proper relationship between the frequency and magnitude of the applied circularly polarized field and the mean free path of the electrons in the plasma.

Abstract: A high power, broadband, active transmitting antenna for operation in the frequency range below 1 GHz which is in the order of 0.15 wavelength in electrical size. The relatively small antenna is coupled across an electron bombarded semiconductor device in the form of a diode which is penetrated by high energy electrons from an electron gun modulated with the RF signal to be transmitted.

Abstract: A spin stabilized, earth orbitting satellite having a phased array antenna capable of radiating a plurality of steered electromagnetic beams to predetermined earth locations. The antenna array extends around the satellite and is made up of individual elements which are energized through semiconductor diode devices by electron beams. The electron beams are controlled by fields having the same frequency as the spin frequency of the satellite.

Abstract: An array antenna capable of simultaneously radiating several microwave parns wherein the antenna elements are individually energized by p-n junction devices that are controlled by electron beams.

Abstract: Device for stroboscopically testing the ignition timing of an internal-combustion motor, comprising a flat elongate casing and a flash lamp and a trigger circuit for the flash lamp arranged in the casing, which trigger circuit is adapted to be controlled by impulses received from the ignition system of the motor to be tested, the casing comprising three parts, a middle casing part containing the flash lamp trigger circuit and, at its forward end, mounting means for the flash lamp, a front casing part forming a removable lens cap having a lens mounted in an opening in front of the flash lamp, and a hollow rear casing part provided on its inner wall with a flat metal antenna member operatively connected to the trigger circuit.

Abstract: A lamp for use on a radio antenna is disclosed. The lamp consists of a neon bulb encapsulated in a transparent or translucent covering, with the bulb leads secured in an electrically conductive tube. The tube is adapted for connection to and support by an antenna, whereby the bulb is responsive to RF energy radiated by the antenna to illuminate the lamp.