Abstract: A lighting system includes a fluorescent lamp 4 and a main body 1 for attaching the fluorescent lamp 4 thereto. The main body 1 is provided with a socket assembly 6 for the attachment of the fluorescent lamp 4, and an electronic ballast 7 for operating the fluorescent lamp 4 at dimmed levels (as well as at the full light level). The fluorescent lamp 4 is composed of a discharge tube formed of four U-shaped glass tubes that are connected together to form a square in plan view. Each glass tube has an inner diameter of 13.5 mm, and the discharge tube is filled with a rare gas containing neon and argon (at 50:50 ratio by volume).

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: An integrated lamp/lamp electronics unit includes a lamp having a first end with first end electrical terminals, and a second end with second end electrical terminals. An end cap having an interior section is placed into electrical connection with the first end electrical terminals at the first end of the lamp. Lamp electronics are configured to control operation of the lamp and are connected only to the second end electrical terminals. The lamp electronics are carried on a circuit board having a configuration substantially matching the second end of the lamp portion. The circuit board is placed within the interior of a lamp electronics end cap, and the end cap is attached in a permanent relationship to the second end of the lamp.

Abstract: A fluorescent-lamp driving apparatus and a compact self-ballasted fluorescent lamp, when a blowout occurs at the electrodes of the arc tube, swiftly and assuredly stop a glow discharge at the electrodes of the arc tube, therefore have heightened security. In the compact self-ballasted fluorescent lamp 1, a switching device (nMOS-FET56) is mounted to the lighting unit 50 so that the entire device main body of the switching device faces the choke coil 52, with the print substrate 51 therebetween. Thus structured lighting unit 50 forms a heat transmission path between the nMOS-FET56 and the choke coil 52, and the heat generated at the choke coil 52 will be swiftly and assuredly transmitted to the device main body of the nMOS-FET56.

Abstract: LEDs (10) are used as a tail stop lamp (L1). A socket (21) for the LEDs (10) is provided at the left end of a socket base (20), and a lighting circuit (15) for the LEDs (10) including the socket (21) and a connector portion (25) is constructed on the socket base (20). Thus, electronic parts, such as resistors for luminance adjustment, are formed into control modules (30) by molding. Lead terminals (32) of the respective control modules (30) are formed by insulation-displacement terminals. On the other hand, insulated wires (40) are laid through mount bases (35) in a specified circuit pattern on the socket base (20). When the control modules (30) are mounted into the corresponding mount bases (35), the lead terminals (32) are pressed into connection to form the lighting circuit.

Abstract: A luminous discharge display device having two distinct, independent discharge chambers, stacked vertically; of substantially flat circular shape containing inert gas mixtures, and a central electrode coupled to a power supply which provides ionizing means for the gas. The device utilizes two grooves formed into defining members of the discharge chambers to increase the capacitance along their length due to the inverse relationship between dielectric width and capacitance. Two electrode assemblies are biased out of phase with respect to the main electrode further increasing the capacitance and converging the luminous discharge at that specific point and are fitted into the circular grooves. A clock mechanism moves the electrode assemblies along their respective grooves thus creating a controlled motion of the luminous glowing plasma.

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: A chain controlled lamp stand with multi-stage light modulation includes a control device to modulate brightness of a lamp. The control device consists of a chain-controlled switch and a light modulation circuit board controlled by the chain-controlled switch to modulate the brightness of the lamp. The chain-controlled switch in the lamp stand is combined with a rotatable disc, which can be actuated to rotate at its original location by a pull chain. The rotable disc is assembled thereon with a conducting metal contact strip, and the light modulation circuit board is provided with multi-stage connecting strips, which are able to change, and control voltage waveform. Thus, the metal contact strip is actuated to contact respectively with the multi-stage connecting strips to carry out multi-stage light modulation of the lamp stand.

Abstract: A ballast socket for compact fluorescent lamp is disclosed. The ballast socket includes: a case having an upper case, which has a receiving space for receiving a lamp and a connection terminal connected with the lamp at a side of the receiving space, and a lower case, which has a through hole at a lower center of the upper case; a controller mounted inside the case for controlling lighting of the lamp; pins for connecting PCB and the connection terminal; and a printed circuit board on which various circuit components are mounted. The ballast socket looks similar to an incandescent lamp socket in outward form, but the compact fluorescent lamp, which does not have ballast, is used in the ballast socket. Therefore, the ballast socket prevents waste of resources and environmental pollution by saving electricity, and improves productivity of the lamp by manufacturing the lamp not adhering ballast thereon.

Abstract: A color-changing bulb for an instrument panel of a vehicle, which is made as a bulb and directly installable in a bulb seat of the instrument panel is provided. The color-changing bulb includes a bulb housing defining a receiving space for receiving a light emitting diode and a circuit board. The light emitting diode includes three-color LED chips for generating red, green and blue light components. A controlling circuit is disposed on the circuit board and connected with the light emitting diode for driving the three-color LED chips to emit light. By use of a brightness adjustment switch on the instrument panel or the headlight switch, at least seven combinations of colors of light can be variably emitted to provide illuminating effect.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge lamp has elongated electrodes (3) that are arranged on the inside of the wall of the discharge vessel (2) and are covered by a dielectric layer (4). Arranged on the outside of the wall of the discharge vessel (2) is an electrically conductive means (8) that is limited with reference to the longitudinal axis to a subregion (B) of the discharge vessel wall, for example a metal ring. The startability of the dielectric barrier discharge lamp when first being started or after long operational pauses is improved thereby.

Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp comprises a light-transmissive ceramic discharge vessel having a swollen portion defining a discharge space and a pair of slender cylindrical portions formed in integral with the swollen portion and communicating with the swollen portion at opposite ends of the swollen portion, wherein the inner surface of the boundary portion between the swollen portion and the each slender cylindrical portion defines a discontinuous inflection, and a pair of the electrodes which penetrate the slender cylindrical portions of the light-transmissive ceramic discharge vessel and lie in the swollen portion of the light-transmissive ceramic discharge vessel at their distal ends, lead-conductors connected to the proximal ends of the electrodes, sealed in the light-transmissive ceramic discharge vessel at least at their mid-portions and exposing outside from the light-transmissive ceramic discharge vessel at their proximal ends, and a filling filled in the light-transmissive ceramic discharge vessel.

Abstract: A support device is provided for use with an electric lamp having a sealed outer envelope that encloses an environment, and a lamp capsule and end-of-life device positioned within such environment. The support device serves to support the lamp capsule and the end-of-life device within the outer envelope. The end-of-life device is electrically connected in series with the lamp circuit through the support device.

Abstract: In a lighting arrangement comprising a LED array and a DC-DC-converter for supplying the LED array, the DC-DC-converter is an up-converter and the LED array is coupled between an input terminal and an output terminal. The up-converter generates a very low voltage over the LED array without making use of a transformer.

Abstract: A non-lethal flash grenade includes a transparent, generally cylindrical housing; a layer of flash lamps disposed in the housing; an ignition circuit connected to a first centrally located flash lamp in the layer of flash lamps; a battery connected to the ignition circuit; and a variable time delay switch connected to the ignition circuit; whereby the first centrally located flash lamp is activated by the ignition circuit and remaining flash lamps are sympathetically activated by a flash of the first centrally located flash lamp.

Abstract: Low-pressure gas discharge lamp provided with a discharge vessel (1) enclosing a discharge space provided with a gas filling in a gastight manner, the discharge vessel (1) having tubular end portions each with a capacitive coupling element (2) made from an electrically insulating material for producing and maintaining a discharge in the discharge space. The lamp is structurally confined to prevent the occurrence of (hair) cracks in a wall of the discharge vessel as a result of piezoelectric properties of the electrically insulating material.

Abstract: A thin profile task light includes a housing having a longitudinally extending and downwardly opening window, an elongated lighting element located within the housing and including electrical connectors located at opposite ends thereof, and a plurality of electrical power sockets shaped to receive the opposite ends of the lighting element therein. The task light also includes a reflector located between the lighting element and the housing, a lens covering the window of the housing, and a power supply assembly that includes an electrical switch controlling the supply of electrical power to the lighting element, a ballast regulating the supply of electrical power to the lighting element, and a circuit board, wherein the electrical switch in the ballast mounted on the circuit board. The task light has an overall thickness of within the range of from about 0.5 inches to about 1.0 inches.

Abstract: A four-electrode fluorescent, lamp having four filaments in a fluorescent lamp; each of the filament having two leads for being connected to a positive and a negative electrodes of a power source. A resistor is serially connected between a lead of one selective filament and a lead of another selective filaments. Each of the filaments is controlled by a transistor. A pair of capacitors are used to adjust the switching current of a pair of two transistors. The base of the transistor is connected to a respective diode set through a current limiting resistor. Each of the transistor is connected to a diode set. The four diodes are serially connected as a loop with two ends of the loop being connected to two ends of an AC power source. Thereby, a circuit for an alternative lighting four-electrode fluorescent lamp is formed.

Abstract: A lighting system includes a fluorescent lamp 4 and a main body 1 for attaching the fluorescent lamp 4 thereto. The main body 1 is provided with a socket assembly 6 for the attachment of the fluorescent lamp 4, and an electronic ballast 7 for operating the fluorescent lamp 4 at dimmed levels (as well as at the full light level). The fluorescent lamp 4 is composed of a discharge tube formed of four U-shaped glass tubes that are connected together to form a square in plan view. Each glass tube has an inner diameter of 13.5 mm, and the discharge tube is filled with a rare gas containing neon and argon (at 50:50 ratio by volume). When operating the fluorescent lamp 4 at the full light level, the electronic ballast 7 applies the nominal lamp current of 0.43 A.

Abstract: A metal halide lamp includes a ceramic arc tube that is composed of a main body and two narrow tube parts provided at respective ends of the main body; a pair of electrodes provided inside the main body; two feeders, each being connected at one end thereof to a different one of the electrodes inside the main body, and extending through a different one of the narrow tube parts, so as to be external to the arc tube at another end; a starting wire that is connected to one of the feeders, and that is in a vicinity of or contacts an outer surface of the arc tube; and a current suppressing unit that is on a current path of the starting wire, and suppresses or cuts off current on the path.

Abstract: An electric discharge lamp device prevents a temperature rise in the circuit device when an electric discharge lamp (30) is operated without the use of a high voltage wire and a high voltage connector. The electric discharge lamp device includes a reflecting member (20) and a circuit device (40) that is directly connected with the electric discharge lamp (30) without using a high voltage wire. The distance between the reflecting member (20) and the circuit device (40) is set at a value not less than 6 mm. In operation, a beam of light emitted from the electric discharge lamp (30) is reflected forward by a concave reflecting face of the reflecting member (20).

Abstract: In a bulb-form lamp, a threaded portion 31 of a lamp cap 5, that is, a shell 30 is made of a conductive resin. The conductive resin shell 30 and an eyelet 50 constituting the lamp cap 5 are composite parts, which are molded integrally with a lamp case 20. A part of the conductive resin shell 30 is provided with a terminal connective portion 30a projecting into the lamp case 20. The terminal connective portion 30a is connected with an electrode terminal 40 led out of a printed circuit board 13 of a lighting circuit 14 so that the conductive resin shell 30 and the lighting circuit 14 are electrically connected. By doing so, it is possible to simplify the assembly of bulb-form lamp, and to reduce an assembly cost, and further, to manufacture a bulb-form lamp having a high quality and a lamp case for the bulb-form lamp.

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 gas discharge lamp base (1) with a starting device has a carrier part (16) for electronic components (23 through 30) of the starting device. The carrier part (16) has a top side and a bottom side. Only high voltage-carrying components (23 through 26) of the starting device are arranged on the one side of the carrier part (16), and only low voltage-carrying components (27 through 30) of the starting device are arranged on the other side (low voltage side) of the carrier part (16).

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 retrofit kit, including a fluorescent lighting assembly for replacing an incandescent light assembly, includes a housing having a ballast receiving section and a fluorescent lamp receiving section. A ballast is disposed within the ballast receiving section and a socket assembly, generally adjustable, is disposed within the lamp receiving section and is in electrical communication with the ballast. The socket assembly includes a socket cup with an opening to receive a fluorescent lamp in a vertical orientation.

Abstract: A lamp holder includes a fit recess for a lamp plug-fitted purpose, a high-voltage side terminal arranged at any one of a central section of the fit recess and a peripheral section surrounding the central section of the fit recess, a low-voltage side terminal arranged at the other, an insulation seal member insulating between the low-voltage side terminal and the high-voltage side member, and at least one projection projected outwardly from an outer peripheral wall of the insulation seal member as to make into contact with an inner peripheral wall of a fit section of the lamp plug side.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fluorescent lamp with a discharge vessel enclosing a discharge path and containing a gas fill. The gas fill may be by excited by a discharge arc. The discharge vessel has at least two sections located adjacent to each other. There are bypass means for providing a bypass path for the gas discharge during a startup of the lamp between the two adjacent sections of the discharge vessel. The bypass path results in a short-cut across the impedance of a portion of the discharge path. A method for starting a discharge arc of the fluorescent lamp is also disclosed. In the method, a voltage is applied between two electrodes across the discharge path, and a bypass path is provided between two ends of a bypassed part of the discharge path. The discharge path is divided into a bypassed part and a remaining part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a silent discharge lamp in which support elements for supporting a top plate opposite a base plate are designed as a unipartite component of the top plate and have a tapering contour.

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 circuit for operating an alternating current high pressure gas discharge lamp for a motor vehicle is described. The circuit includes a ballast, a superimposed pulse starter, a symmetrical lamp filter and a high pressure gas discharge lamp which is surrounded at least partially by a reflector, the symmetrical lamp filter being arranged between the high pressure gas discharge lamp and the superimposed pulse starter, with a filter capacitor arranged in parallel with the high pressure gas discharge lamp and with one reactance coil arranged in each of the connecting lines between this parallel circuit and the starter circuit, and with two lamp power supply lines at the input of the starter circuit, a capacitor being arranged between the reflector and at least one of the lamp power supply lines.

Abstract: An electric bulb structure includes a housing, a base post extended into an inside of the housing from one end of the housing, a shade mounted on an opening of the housing, a first conductive wire and a second conductive wire each extended into the inside of the housing from an outside of the housing and each extended through the base post, a first filament having a first end connected to the first conductive wire, a second filament having a first end connected to the second conductive wire, and a third conductive wire having a first end connected to a second end of the first filament, and a second end connected to a second end of the second filament.

Abstract: A mercury-free high-intensity discharge lamp operating apparatus includes a horizontally operated high-intensity discharge lamp including an arc tube in which a luminous material is enclosed and a pair of electrodes are arranged in the arc tube; a ballast including an alternating current generation means for supplying alternating current to the pair of electrodes; and a magnetic field application means for applying in substantially vertical direction a magnetic field having a component that is substantially perpendicular to a straight line connecting heads of the pair of electrodes; wherein mercury is not included as the luminous material in the arc tube.

Abstract: The discharge tube (1) of a dielectric barrier discharge lamp is closed off in a gas-tight manner with the aid of a disk-like closure element (7) but without the use of joining elements. For this purpose, the discharge tube (1) has a constriction (10), which surrounds the edge of the disk-like closure element (7) in the form of a ring.

Abstract: An ultra-high pressure discharge lamp is provided having seal portions of a structure capable of realizing a pressure resistance of 100 atm or higher while ensuring a higher yield. The ultra-high pressure discharge lamp includes: a pair of mounts each comprising a metal foil having one end welded to an associated electrode and an opposite end welded to an associated external lead pin, and a preseal glass member embedding the metal foil therein; and a quartz envelope having an arc tube portion provided with a pair of seal portions on opposite sides thereof, the electrodes associated with the respective mounts being disposed opposite to each other in the arc tube portion, the preseal glass member being hermetically sealed in a respective one of the seal portions, wherein the preseal glass member has a portion fused to an inner peripheral surface of the respective seal portion over an entire circumference thereof.

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: A self-ballasted fluorescent lamp 50 includes a fluorescent lamp 1 and a ballast circuit 2 for operating the fluorescent lamp. The ballast circuit 2 includes: a printed circuit board 6; a heat generating component 7 disposed on a first face 6a of the printed circuit board, which generates heat when the fluorescent lamp 1 is operated; and a semiconductor component 17 disposed on a second face 6b opposite to the first face 6a of the printed circuit board 6, and wherein the semiconductor component 17 is disposed in an area other than an area on the second face 6b corresponding to an area of the first face 6a where the heat generating component 7 is disposed.

Abstract: An electric lamp is provided which includes a sealed thin-walled outer envelope containing a fill gas having a high thermal conductivity. A lamp capsule is contained within the outer envelope and is in series with an oxidizable fuse also contained within the outer envelope. The fill gas serves to reduce the temperature of the fuse during normal operation of the lamp thereby reducing the power loss in the fuse, increasing overall lamp efficacy and eliminating glow of the fuse. The lamp capsule is quickly extinguished if the outer envelope is broken and the fuse exposed to air. In one embodiment, an incandescent lamp is provided wherein the lamp capsule is a tungsten halogen capsule, the fuse is a tungsten coil wire and the fill gas is helium.

Abstract: An electrode-to-ballast interconnect is provided in combination with a fluorescent lamp including a discharge tube bent substantially in a plane. The discharge tube is shaped at least in part to define a substantial portion of the boundary of a zone in the plane. The part of the tube defining the boundary includes at least one straight portion. The discharge tube has a symmetry axis in the plane and sealed tube ends provided with electrodes, and the tube ends re-enter said zone. A base housing is laid within said zone and receives the tube ends. The base housing includes a ballast circuit which is located at least partly on a circuit board positioned substantially parallel to the plane. The electrode-to-ballast interconnect comprises electrode-in-leads which are connected to each electrode and embedded in the tube ends. Terminals are anchored in and protruding from the circuit board. The electrode-in-leads are pre-formed to a shape suitable for connecting to the terminals.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp includes: an emission tube for generating a luminous flux; a first filament provided at one end of the emission tube; a second filament provided at another end of the emission tube; first current regulator having a first impedance; a first electrode pin coupled to one end of the first filament via the first current regulator; a first switch coupled in parallel to the first current regulator; a second switch; a second electrode pin coupled to another end of the first filament via the second switch; and a control circuit for controlling the first switch and the second switch so as to be opened or closed. The control circuit doses the first switch and the second switch before the fluorescent lamp is lit and during a nominal lighting period after the fluorescent lamp is lit, and opens the first switch and the second switch during a power conservation lighting period following the nominal lighting period.

Abstract: A touch operated control system is provided that advantageously provides enhanced functionality, including a programmable timer that sets a light coupled to the dimmer to OFF after a predetermined period of time. The control system generally includes a conductive housing provided with a power receptacle, a power switch, a fuse, and a printed circuit board mounted within the housing. The printed circuit board includes switching circuitry by means of a programmed integrated circuit operationally connected to the housing, and a timer is operationally connected to the switching circuitry. By touching the housing, the switching circuitry is activated to automatically connect or remove power to or from the power receptacle. The sequence and duration of the touch activation function varies the system response to provide enhanced control, functionality and flexibility.

Abstract: A high-intensity discharge lamp includes an arc tube having a pair of main electrodes, a starting circuit having a thermally-actuated switch for disconnecting the starting circuit, and an outer tube for containing the arc tube and the starting circuit, and the lamp is lighted by means of a reactance ballast. The thermally-actuated switch includes an envelope bulb that covers contacts of the thermally-actuated switch. Thereby, occurrence of sustained arc discharge in the outer tube is prevented in the case of a starting failure or a break-off of the arc tube at the end of the lamp's life.

Abstract: A spark plug having a tubular metallic housing has an internal conductor arrangement including a refractory erosion. The refractory erosion resistor is designed either as a wound wire resistor or a filament-like thin-layer resistor.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp assembly that has a planar configuration with an open area defined within the lamp tube. A low profile, integral common housing encloses a ballast and a portion of the lamp structure within the open area of the lamp tube. The housing mechanically secures the lamp tube and contains an electrical connector allow the lamp electronics to plug into an electrical main. The electronics and the lamp are contained in a common structure so they can be used, handled, and discarded as a single unit.

Abstract: A high-low beam switching device for a headlight includes a housing, a base cap and an external layer constituted of a connection tube, and a seat body for the positioning of the inner layer of the solenoid module of a magnetic coil loop, and for the positioning of the sliding light tube support seat and the inner layer sliding structure of the tube. The solenoid module is provided with a through hole containing a securing seat and a sliding rod, and the outer ring of the sliding rod is provided with an elastic body and is in combination with the sliding-light tube support seat.

Abstract: A ballast socket for compact fluorescent lamp is disclosed. The ballast socket includes: a case having an upper case, which has a receiving space for receiving a lamp and a connection terminal connected with the lamp at a side of the receiving space, and a lower case, which has a through hole at a lower center of the upper case; a controller mounted in the inside of the case for controlling lighting of the lamp; pins for connecting PCB and the connection terminal; and a printed circuit board on which various circuit components are mounted. The ballast socket is similar with an incandescent lamp socket in outward form but the compact fluorescent lamp not having ballast is used in the ballast socket. Therefore, the ballast socket prevents waste of resources and environmental pollution by saving electricity and improves productivity of the lamp by manufacturing the lamp not having the ballast.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat reflector lamp for dielectrically inhibited discharges (14). Greater configuration flexibility is achieved in electrode design (11, 12) while simultaneously ensuring stability of the discharge vessel (1, 2) and preserving the possibility of minimum light reflection impairment by mounting the spacers (3) separated from the flat reflector frames (15) between the base plate (1) and the cover plate (2), the latter being arranged between the electrode strips (11, 12).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel energy efficient, universal replaceable electronic ballast, using compatible adapters, for use in fluorescent lighting fixtures and/or table/floor lamps. This novel energy efficient, universal replaceable electronic ballast comprises a family of electronic ballasts for use with currently available fluorescent lamps; the first being a Circlelite lamp, the second, a compact SpringLamp, the third, either a double or triple biaxial compact fluorescent lamp, and the fourth, a 2D fluorescent lamp. Additionally, these electronic ballasts are available in either an instant start (IS) or a rapid start (RS) designs. It is advantageous to use these universal ballasts with the aforementioned fluorescent lamps because of their increased longevity, typically 9,000 to 10,000 hours, their reduced operating costs and energy efficiencies. Additionally. there are five newly designed families of adapters that are compatible with the universal plug-in electronic ballasts.

Abstract: An arc discharge lamp comprises an arc chamber having an amalgam tip attached to and communicating with it. The communication comprises a narrow tubular extension that penetrates the amalgam tip for a distance less than the depth of the tip. An amalgam that includes bismuth is contained within the amalgam tip. This construction allows operation of the lamp in any position and prevents the bismuth in the amalgam from penetrating the lamp and poisoning the phosphor.

Abstract: Sputtering of the cathodes of a cold cathode fluorescent lamp is reduced or eliminated by removing electrodes altogether from the sealed envelope containing the gaseous medium. Electric field is then applied by means of electrically conductive members outside the tube. Alternatively, the current passing between electrodes can be spread over multiple sub-electrodes so that the current flow and sputtering experienced by each individual sub-electrode will be reduced. Different designs are employed to facilitate heat dissipation for high power and high intensity cold cathode fluorescent lamp applications. Thus, a container for the fluorescent lamp tube may be omitted altogether and adjacent rounds of a spiral-shaped lamp may be attached together by an adhesive material. Alternatively, the container may be open at one end to facilitate heat dissipation. Or the container for the lamp and the housing from the driver may each contain a hole to allow air circulation to carry away heat.