Abstract: A lamp contains a voltage conversion circuit that converts a line voltage to an RMS load voltage and includes a switch and a microcontroller that operates the switch to define the RMS load voltage. The microcontroller senses a load voltage of the lamp, compares the sensed load voltage to a reference RMS voltage, and operates the switch in response to the comparison so that the RMS load voltage is substantially constant at the reference RMS voltage over an operating range of the line voltage and so that the RMS load voltage decreases with decreasing line voltage at line voltages less than the operating range. The operating range of the line voltage is defined to have a minimum that is a non-zero line voltage at which a load current is a predetermined maximum. The voltage conversion circuit may be a phase clipping circuit or a pulse width modulation circuit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing controllable power via an A.C. power source to LED-based lighting devices having an MR16 configuration. In one example, LED-based MR16 lighting devices may be coupled to A.C. power circuits that are controlled by conventional dimmers (i.e, “A.C. dimmer circuits”). In yet other aspects, one or more parameters relating to the light generated by LED-based light sources (e.g., intensity, color, color temperature, temporal characteristics, etc.) may be conveniently controlled via operation of a conventional A.C. dimmer and/or other signals present on the A.C. power circuit.

Abstract: Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp has a discharge vessel (10) enclosing, in a gastight manner, a discharge space (13) provided with a filling of mercury and an inert gas in a gastight manner. The discharge vessel comprising electrodes (20a; 20b) arranged in the discharge space for maintaining a discharge in the discharge space. According to the invention, the probability of failure of the low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp being substantially determined by one of the electrodes. As upon igniting the low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp the ignition-related events influence the electrodes, preferably, the ignition-related events substantially are prevented affecting the one electrode.

Abstract: A phase-control power controller that converts a line voltage to an RMS load voltage includes a fixed phase forward/reverse hybrid phase-control clipping circuit that performs phase-control clipping of a load voltage to provide an RMS load voltage. A conduction angle of the phase-control clipping circuit is defined by a time-based pulse source that triggers conduction in the phase-control clipping circuit independently of line voltage magnitude during time periods that span polarity changes of the load voltage and that are separated by intervals when conduction is not triggered. The phase-control clipping circuit includes a transistor switch whose gate receives positive polarity signals from the time-based pulse source to trigger conduction of the phase-control clipping circuit. The power controller may be in a voltage conversion circuit that converts a line voltage at a lamp terminal to the RMS load voltage usable by a light emitting element of the lamp.

Abstract: A high power light string device comprises a plug with a plug blade set, a tail receptacle, and at least an LED string, wherein a first power adaptor disposed in the plug converts an AC voltage through the plug blade set to a high DC voltage, and a second power adaptor disposed in the tail receptacle converts the AC voltage through the plug blade set to a low DC voltage. Two ends of the LED string are respectively connected to the first and second power adaptors to receive the high and lower DC voltages so that the LED string is turned on to emit light. The power adaptors are directly disposed respectively in the plug and the tail receptacle to simplify the whole light string device so as to enhance the decorating effect of the light string device.

Abstract: A light facility includes one or more batteries disposed in a housing, a processor device includes two power terminals coupled to the batteries and includes a switch terminal and a key terminal and three light terminals, a light device may be energized by the battery and includes a red light member, a green light member, and a blue light member coupled to the three light terminals of the processor device for being operated to generate red light, green light, and blue light, a switch is selectively coupled to either the switch terminal or the key terminal of the processor device for actuating the light device to generate lights, or gradually darkened light, or gradually brightened light.

Abstract: A lamp contains a lamp voltage conversion circuit that is entirely within a base for converting a line voltage at a lamp terminal to an RMS load voltage at a light emitting element. The voltage conversion circuit includes a forward clipping circuit with a three-terminal thyristor that forward clips a load voltage to define the RMS load voltage, and a time-based pulse source that provides pulses the trigger conduction of the three-terminal thyristor at constant time intervals that are independent of the magnitude of the line voltage.

Abstract: A lamp has a voltage controller that converts a line voltage to an RMS load voltage suitable for operation of the lamp's light emitting element, where the voltage controller is entirely within a lamp base and uses pulse width modulation to define the RMS load voltage. The voltage controller is connected in series between the light emitting element and a line voltage terminal in the lamp base and has a bridge that supplies the RMS load voltage to the light emitting element, a switching transistor that pulse width modulates a current supplied to the bridge, and a timer that is connected to a gate of the switching transistor to turn the switching transistor on and off at a rate that defines the RMS load voltage. The voltage controller allows the lamp to be used with an external dimming circuit that provides a clipped line voltage to the lamp.

Abstract: A lamp package includes a base for insertion into an electrical socket, a complete dimmable ballast circuit contained within and electrically connected to the base, and a fluorescent lamp, including a CFLP, connected to and dimmed through the ballast circuit. The base includes a thermally conductive body, such as an epoxy, so that the base dissipates heat from the ballast. The package also includes a diffuser, possibly connected directly to the base, that surrounds the lamp. In a further aspect of the invention, the lamp package includes one or more of a variety of sensors, such as a photodetector, that are connected to the dimmable ballast circuit, thereby providing a self-dimming lamp. The self-dimming lamp is suitable for use in a standard Edison socket and with CFLPs to provide a self-regulated light output. Various lighting schemes may be incorporated into the dimmable ballast circuit, such as regulated light output applications.

Abstract: A lamp includes a voltage controller that converts a line voltage to a desired RMS load voltage. The voltage controller is entirely within a lamp base and uses pulse width modulation to define the RMS load voltage. The voltage controller has a feed-back circuit that adjusts the RMS load voltage to a desired voltage based on a comparison to a preset reference. The voltage converter also includes a switching transistor that pulse width modulates lamp current and that is responsive to the feed-back circuit. The feed-back circuit may be included in a microcontroller that has a time-based signal source that triggers the transistor, a comparator that compares the load voltage to a reference, and a program that adjusts the time-based signal source based on the comparison so as to provide the desired RMS load voltage.

Abstract: A lamp includes a voltage conversion circuit entirely within a lamp base. The voltage conversion circuit includes a pulse width modulator for modulating a lamp load voltage and provides a load voltage to a light emitting element. A feed-back circuit adjusts the pulse width modulator in response to the load voltage to cause an RMS load voltage to reach a predetermined level.

Abstract: A power saving device for a light emitting diode (LED) lamp mounted to an existing fixture for a fluorescent lamp having a ballast assembly and LEDs positioned within a tube and electrical power delivered from the ballast assembly to the LEDs. The LED lamp includes a device for controlling the delivery of the electrical power from the ballast assembly to the LEDs wherein the use of electrical power can be reduced or eliminated automatically during periods of non-use. Such device for controlling can include an on-off switch mounted in the tube or can also include a current driver dimmer mounted in the tube that regulates the amount of power delivered to the LEDs. A computer or logic arrays control the dimmer or power switch. A sensor such as an occupancy motion detection sensor mounted external to the tube or within the tube can send signals to the computer or logic array to trigger a switch or control a dimmer.

Abstract: A lamp includes a voltage conversion circuit that converts a line voltage to a desired RMS load voltage. The voltage conversion circuit is entirely within a lamp base and uses pulse width modulation to define the RMS load voltage. The voltage conversion circuit includes a bridge that supplies the RMS load voltage to a light emitting element, a switching transistor that pulse width modulates a current supplied to the bridge, a timer connected to a gate of the switching transistor to turn the switching transistor on and off at a rate that defines the RMS load voltage, an analog-to-digital converter that converts the RMS load voltage to a digital signal, a comparator that compares an output from the converter to a preset reference value, and a circuit that adjusts the timer in response to an output from the comparator.

Abstract: A lamp assembly configured to inductively receive power from a primary coil. The inductively powered lamp assembly includes a lamp circuit including a secondary and a lamp connected in series. In a first aspect, the lamp circuit includes a capacitor connected in series with the lamp and the secondary to tune the circuit to resonance. The capacitor is preferably selected to have a reactance that is substantially equal to or slightly less than the reactance of the secondary and the impedance of the lamp. In a second aspect, the inductively powered lamp assembly includes a sealed transparent sleeve that entirely encloses the lamp circuit so that the transparent sleeve is fully closed and unpenetrated. The transparent sleeve is preferably the lamp sleeve itself, with the secondary, capacitor and any desired starter mechanism disposed within its interior.

Abstract: An LED lamp for mounting to an existing fluorescent lamp fixture having a ballast assembly including ballast opposed electrical contacts, comprising a tubular wall generally circular in cross-section and having tubular wall ends with one or more LEDs positioned within the tubular wall between the tubular wall ends. An electrical circuit provides electrical power from the ballast assembly to the LED(s). The electrical circuit includes at least one metal substrate circuit board and means for electrically connecting the electrical circuit with the ballast assembly. The electrical circuit includes an LED electrical circuit including opposed electrical contacts. Each metal substrate circuit board supports and holds the one or more LEDs and the LED electrical circuit. Each metal substrate circuit board is positioned within the tubular wall between the tubular wall ends. At least one electrical string is positioned within the tubular wall and generally extends between the tubular wall ends.

Abstract: A lamp assembly configured to inductively receive power from a primary coil. The lamp assembly includes a lamp circuit including a secondary and a lamp connected in series. In a first aspect, the lamp circuit includes a capacitor connected in series with the lamp and the secondary to tune the circuit to resonance. The capacitor is preferably selected to have a reactance that is substantially equal to or slightly less than the reactance of the secondary and the impedance of the lamp. In a second aspect, the lamp assembly includes a sealed transparent sleeve that entirely encloses the lamp circuit so that the transparent sleeve is fully closed and unpenetrated. The transparent sleeve is preferably the lamp sleeve itself, with the secondary, capacitor and any desired starter mechanism disposed within its interior.

Abstract: A lamp (10) includes an optics module (12) and an electronics module (14, 60, 70). The optics module (10) includes a plurality of LEDs (76) arranged on a printed circuit board (18) and having a plurality of input leads, and a heat sink (22) having a conduit (40) for the input leads. The plurality of LEDs (16) thermally communicate with the heat sink (22). The electronics module (14, 60, 70) is adapted to power the plurality of LEDs (16) through the input leads. The electronics module (14, 60, 70) has a first end (52) adapted to rigidly connect with the heat sink (22), and a selected electrical connector (50, 62, 72) arranged on a second end for receiving electrical power. The electronics module (14, 60, 70) further houses circuitry (80) arranged therewithin for adapting the received electrical power (82) to drive the LEDs (16).

Abstract: An LED lamp comprising a tubular wall circular, oval, or multi-faceted in cross-section having tubular wall ends. At least one electrical string mounted within the tubular wall extends between the tubular wall ends with at least one LED electrically mounted thereto. Electrical circuit means providing power to at least one LED from the ballast assembly of a fluorescent lamp fixture. Electrical circuit means include an LED circuit including at least one electrical string each having one LED or a plurality of LEDs connected in series thereto. The at least one electrical string can further include two electrical strings in parallel or a plurality of parallel electrical strings. Means for suppressing voltage delivered from the ballast assembly to an LED operating voltage within the design capacity of said plurality of LEDs in electrical connection with the electrical circuit means.

Abstract: A lamp assembly configured to inductively receive power from a primary coil. The lamp assembly includes a lamp circuit including a secondary and a lamp connected in series. In a first aspect, the lamp circuit includes a capacitor connected in series with the lamp and the secondary to tune the circuit to resonance. The capacitor is preferably selected to have a reactance that is substantially equal to or slightly less than the reactance of the secondary and the impedance of the lamp. In a second aspect, the lamp assembly includes a sealed transparent sleeve that entirely encloses the lamp circuit so that the transparent sleeve is fully closed and unpenetrated. The transparent sleeve is preferably the lamp sleeve itself, with the secondary, capacitor and any desired starter mechanism disposed within its interior.

Abstract: A lamp assembly, particularly for an entertainment machine, is made from one or more LEDs soldered to a printed circuit board (pcb). The pcb has an edge region with contacts which is constructed to fit into a lamp holder. The lamp assembly can be used in substitution for a conventional wedge-based push-fit bulb. The pcb edge region may be constructed so that it can only fit one way round in the lamp holder, or the pcb may include circuitry which allows connection either way round (either polarity).

Abstract: A power-saving lamp is constructed to include a lamp head, a bulb fastened to the lamp head, a polygonal light emitting circuit assembly suspended from a bracket in the lamp head within the bulb, the polygonal light emitting circuit assembly having LEDs in each of the peripheral sidewalls thereof, and a power control circuit board mounted in the lamp head and electrically connected between the lamp head and the polygonal light emitting circuit assembly to convert input AC power from the lamp head into the desired working voltage for the polygonal light emitting circuit assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resistor assembly for dividing an applied voltage into an intermediate voltage being below the applied anode voltage in a cathode ray tube. The resistor assembly comprises an insulating substrate and a resistive voltage divider including a first and a second resistive layer provided on the insulating substrate, and an additional resistive network with a first network terminal and a second network terminal. The additional resistive network is coupled in series with the first resistive layer. Furthermore, the additional resistive network comprises first and second resistive portions which are releasably coupled to the network terminals via bridge connections. According to the invention, the first and second resistive portions have substantially different resistance values for selecting a predetermined resistance value from a range of resistance values of the additional resistive network.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle, a filament lamp is mounted in a connecting device. The vehicle electrical system has a system or network voltage which is higher than the nominal lamp voltage.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp having electrical conduits on the outer surface of the gas discharge vessel. Electrical power is supplied to one end of the fluorescent tube, via a ballast assembly which is connected to a first electrode in the tube. The electrical conduits on the outer surface of the tube carry power to the electrode at the other end of the tube, thus eliminating the need for wiring within the tube mounting assembly.

Abstract: An enhanced high-intensity discharge lamp and enhanced lighting device using the lamp, wherein feed-conductor is coupled being without off-centered and/or a discharge lamp light-transmissive ceramic enclosure and the feed-conductor is sealed at a high-reliability, are provided. The coil portion in formed on the sealable portion of the feed-conductor, to which the refractory portion and the outer protrusion of the sealable portion are inserted to be coupled. The feed-conductor is inserted into the light-discharge lamp light-transmissive ceramic enclosure from the small diameter cylinder portion, then the gap between the sealable portion and the inner surface of the small diameter cylinder portion is sealed by the sealant of the ceramic sealing compound. When the ceramic sealing compound which has melted in the sealing operation enters into the interior of the mid-portion of the coil portion and then it is solidified therein, a thick sealant film is formed inside the coil portion.

Abstract: A metal halide lamp, having a cold fill pressure of at least 50 torr, incorporates a starter circuit with an active device to protect the diode included therein. The active portion of the starter circuit, either removes a voltage multiplying circuit portion, from the starter circuit or shorts out the diode by shunting action of the switch. The voltage multiplier circuit portion is connected across the main electrodes, wherein the voltage multiplier circuit portion increases the starting voltage applied to the starter electrode.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus such as for a display apparatus equipped for an instrument panel of an automobile, for example, comprises a light source, such as a light-emitting diode, having polarities of substantially a tubular structure having a center axis, a circuit board arranged substantially on the center axis of the light source and electrically connected thereto, a socket body having substantially a cylindrical structure for accommodating the circuit board, and contact terminals accommodated in the socket body and including an inner terminal portion electrically connected to the circuit board through a contact point of the circuit board and an outer terminal portion electrically connected to the inner terminal portion and fixed to the socket body so as to protrude outward the socket body. The circuit board is provided with a flicker element for flickering the light source at 0.5 to 10 Hz controlled by a control unit provided for a printed circuit board of the display apparatus.

Abstract: To extend the lifetime of an incandescent lamp having a sealed glass envelope, an inert gas or gas mixture contained in the glass envelope, a tungsten filament mounted in the glass envelope, a hollow bulb screw or prefocus base mounted to the glass envelope, and first and second lead in wires for electrically connecting the tungsten filament to the base, a first rectifying diode is connected in series with the tungsten filament. Connected in parallel with the first rectifying diode is a series circuit including a resistor connected in series with a second rectifying diode. The first and second diodes are connected in opposite directions whereby the first rectifying diode applies to the filament the positive half-cycles of an alternating supply voltage, and the second rectifying diode applies to the tungsten filament the negative half-cycles attenuated by a voltage drop within the resistor.

Abstract: A lamp device is constituted by an assembly consisting of a holder and a lamp and can be detachably attached to an installation hole of a print board or the like. The lamp device internally includes a flickering circuit for flickering the lamp. The holder comprises first, second, and third contact members for electrically connecting a power supply terminal of the print board with the lamp, and a flickering circuit element is contained in the holder. The first contact member has contacts with the power supply terminal and with a lead of the lamp. The second contact member has contacts with another lead of the lamp and with a terminal of the flickering circuit element. The third contact member has contacts with another terminal of the flickering circuit element and the power supply terminal.

Abstract: Light socket improvements include a thermal conductor which removes heat by inducing a flow of air within the socket and/or which acts as heat sink that more efficiently transfers heat to the socket support thereby enabling use of higher wattage light bulbs. The conductor may, if desired, also function as a control signal input. Other improvements simplify wiring procedures and assure safety by providing a lockable internal chamber for power terminals within the socket housing. Some embodiments of the invention include electronic control circuits and enable selection of any of a variety of modes of controlling the light sockets by touch or by other forms of signal input including remote control and optional joint or independent control of individual sockets in a light fixture which has a plurality of sockets.

Abstract: An outboard ballast which allows a compact fluorescent light bulb and its associated ballast to be positioned within a standard table lamp having a standard-size harp. The ballast is divided into separate sections so that the sections and their housing can extend into an area beyond the harp and below the socket of the lamp fixture. A three-way switch circuit is provided to be adaptable with common table lamp fixtures. The configuration of the present invention provides security features.

Abstract: A circuit for a plurality of electrical discharge lamps having a multiplicity of lighting functions comprises a common DC power supply/control unit with socket means to receive plug-in function modules common to all of said lamps, a socket means for connecting the power supply/control unit to an AC mains supply, a bus network and ballasts for respective ones of said plurality of lamps. Each of the plug-in function modules contains all the necessary circuitry and components for a desired lighting function and the ballasts are constructed as low cost disposable items comprising lamp driver circuits only.

Abstract: A radon decay product remover for use in a conventional, residential lamp. The remover screws into the light bulb socket of a lamp and provides a replacement socket for a light bulb. The flow of electric current to the light bulb is controlled by an on-off switch in the radon decay product remover. When used in a table lamp, an ion generator includes electrodes (from which negative and/or positive ions are emitted) that attach to the exterior of the lamp shade.

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: The assembly comprises a light-emitting diode (28) and associated circuit components (38, R1-R4) mounted on a printed circuit board (26) all mounted within a housing (10) formed with securement means such as a screw thread (14) for mounting the assembly in a panel (18) with the led (28) visible from the opposite side of the panel. The circuit components form means for converting a mains voltage at input leads (30) to a low voltage for driving the led, preferably in the form of an i.c. rectifier bridge (38) and a plurality of volgage-dropping resistors (R1-R4).

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 lamp assembly includes a sealed lamp envelope enclosing a filament, a lamp base affixed to the lamp envelope and including a connector, and an automatic light control circuit located in the lamp base and electrically connected between the connector and the filament. The light control circuit includes a photosensor for controlling the power delivered to the filament in response to a sensed ambient light level. Preferably, the lamp base includes a cup-shaped portion affixed to the connector, and the light control circuit is mounted in the cup-shaped portion on a circuit board. The photosensor is mounted in a hole in a sidewall of the cup-shaped portion. The lamp assembly can be installed and operated in a conventional lamp socket.

Abstract: This illumination lamp (5) includes a discharge tube (6, 7), a standardized base (10) and an intermediate element (9) arranged between the tube and the base. The lamp is characterized in that an electronic circuit (32) transforming the low frequency of the distribution network into a high frequency for energizing the tube is entirely electronic circuit is made up of a printed circuit in the form of a disc (30) bearing vertically arranged circuit components. The lamp, which is of greatly reduced dimensions is intended to replace an incandescent lamp.

Abstract: A light emitting diode lamp that operates directly from an AC input. The lamp has an even number of light emitting diodes that are disposed on a cylindrical cluster plate. The diodes are separated into two halves that are conductable in opposite electrical directions. The two halves of diodes are connected at two terminals. The diodes are arranged in a circular configuration near the edge of the circular cluster plate. Leads are connected to the terminals. The leads extend toward the center of the circular configuration and extend through the cluster plate. A modifying resistor is connected between one lead and an end terminal of a lamp housing. The other lead is connected to a base terminal of the lamp housing.

Abstract: A light matrix display system and a lamp socket for use therein. The lamp socket receives a single lamp which may be easily replaced by another lamp. The lamp socket is also designed so that it may be readily replaced if necessary. A solid state switching circuit is replaceably mounted on each lamp socket. Thus, if a switching circuit fails, it may be quickly replaced without disturbing the operation of other lamps. The light matrix display system includes a plurality of lamps arranged in rows and columns. A plurality of row control conductors and column control conductors are provided which are connected to a matrix system controller. Hot and neutral AC current supplying conductors and one row control conductor and one column control conductor are directly connected to each lamp socket and the switching circuit associated with the lamp socket.

Abstract: An electronic touch control light socket used to convert a lamp to touch-sensitive use which includes a circuit housing and a light bulb insertion socket mounted thereto which together are adapted for installation within a standard light socket shell of a lamp in place of a standard light socket. A touch sensing circuit in the circuit housing has a self-compensating subcircuit to eliminate the effects of slower changing ambient capacitance of the lamp in order to detect touching of the lamp by monitoring rapid changes in lamp capacitance. A spring contact connected to the circuit is attached to the circuit housing and projects along a side thereof for placement between the circuit housing exterior and the interior surface of the light socket shell and in electrical contact with a conductive portion of the light socket shell when the circuit housing and insertion socket are installed within the light socket shell.

Abstract: A conventional pilot lamp which is used in a power plant, substation, or other types of plants, each has its own large and heavy weight transformer below the lamp case. In order to obtain a pilot lamp having the same capacity as the conventional pilot lamp even if the transformer is taken away from the lamp case, the pilot lamp of this invention comprises a lamp, a lamp holder, a heat radiating plate fixed within the lamp holder, an extremely small-sized IC type AC-DC constant voltage regulator connected to the input terminal fixed to the lamp holder, and an output terminal connected to the lamp. Thus, the arrangement contemplated produces a pilot lamp having the same capacity as a conventional pilot lamp, without the large and heavy weight of the transformer unit below the lamp case.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spark plug (1) comprising at least two insulated electrodes (5) and (6), an earthed electrode (7) and a chamber (4) so arranged with respect to one another that when a voltage is applied arcs are struck in series between electrodes (7) and (6) and (6) and (5) to provide a continuous plasma jet expelled from the chamber (4) at low energies (<100 mJ) and which can be used for combustion of a lean air/fuel mixture.

Abstract: A long-life incandescent lamp and a socket insert for use with conventional lamps to provide long life. The lamp includes a sealed glass envelope, a base fixedly attached to the glass envelope, a center contact fixedly attached to the base and electrically insulated therefrom, a pair of lead wires extending within the envelope, an illuminable filament disposed within the envelope and electrically connected between the lead wires, a diode electrically connected between the center contact and the one lead wire for half-wave rectifying current to the filament, and a resistor for providing a resistive bridge between the base and center contact. The resistor has a resistance substantially in excess of the resistance of the filament, preferably no greater than 27K ohms. In one embodiment, the resistor is electrically connected between the center contact and the base in parallel with the in-series combination of the filament and the diode.

Abstract: A high efficiency pulsed ultraviolet light source is provided which comprises a flashlamp containing a noble gas, for example xenon, at low pressure, and having a pair of electrodes between which a discharge through the gas may be impressed, and an electrical pulse forming circuit connected to the flashlamp comprising a lamp resistance and high voltage source connected in series with the lamp, and a capacitor and switch connected in parallel to the lamp, the capacitor and resistance selected to minimize the total inductance of the circuit and to maximize the voltage stress on the gas contained within the lamp.

Abstract: The AC drive type electroluminescent display device comprises a combination of an electroluminescent element, a transistor for driving the electroluminescent element, a source of alternating current, a switching transistor ON/OFF--controlling the first mentioned transistor, and a capacitor. The transistor for driving the electroluminescent element comprises a channel region of a first conductivity type and made of polycrystalline silicon with its grain size increased, first and second impurity diffused layers on the opposite sides of the channel region and a gate electrode overlying a predetermined portion of the channel region via a gate insulating film. The gate electrode is made of polycrystalline silicon diffused with an impurity of a second conductivity type. Offset gate regions are formed between the gate electrode and the first and second impurity diffused layers respectively.

Abstract: A single-ended compact fluorescent lamp having an envelope that is partitioned or of multi-U-bent shape and defines a tortuous arc path is combined with a plug-in ballast module which is elongated in a lateral direction but has a low profile and a narrow width. The resulting decrease in the overall height dimension of the unit formed by the mated lamp and module, together with the narrow width of the module, permit the unit to fit within the harp component of a table lamp or similar lighting fixture and be used as a replacement for an incandescent lamp. The screw-in socket of the lamp fixture is provided with a threaded adapter plug which enables the lamp-ballast unit to be plugged into the adapter after it has been inserted between the spaced support rods of the harp component.

Abstract: A lamp consists of a high voltage power supply 5 mounted on an evacuated envelope 1. The lamp glows when electrons from a cathode 2 strike a phospher coating 4 on the inside surface of the envelope. The lamp is mounted so that it can be separated from the power supply and provision is made to inhibit the generation of the very high anode potential by the power supply unless it is correctly mounted on the envelope.

Abstract: An envelope comprises a bowl-shaped component with a screw base and a bulb of a translucent material. A fluorescent tube bent a plurality of times and a reactance ballast are encased in the envelope. This fluorescent tube and the reactance ballast are fixed to a supporting plate. The bend part of the fluorescent tube protrudes through the supporting plate toward the side of the bowl-shaped component. A plurality of openings are formed in the bowl-shaped component at parts corresponding to the bend part of the fluorescent tube. A plurality of openings are formed in the supporting plate at parts near the reactance ballast fixed to the supporting plate.

Abstract: A fluorescent lampholder fitting has a fluorescent lamp having first and second ends respectively provided with starting filaments. The lamp is supported by a housing which also encloses a solid-state fluorescent ballast and which also incorporates a male screw base electrical connector for supporting the housing in a portable lamp or lighting fixture. The male screw base is provided with three electrical input connections so configured to be electrically connected and selectively switched when installed in a three-way lampholder of the portable lamp or lighting fixture. The lampholder fitting is provided with a center-tapped step-down transformer which has three terminals attached to the three respective connections of the three-way male screw base. The step-down transformer has a single low-voltage secondary winding which connects to the input terminals of a full-wave bridge rectifier which has its rectified output connected to a high frequency oscillator.