Abstract: An improved fluorescent bulb for use in a work lamp for rough service applications. The fluorescent bulb is of the type having a fluorescent tube which emits light when energized by electric power. A base portion connects to the fluorescent tube and encloses a base cavity which supports a starter switch bulb electrically connected to the fluorescent tube. The starter switch bulb is protectively surrounded by a preferably woven glass-fabric sleeve which absorbs impacts caused by relative movement of components within the base cavity, including the starter switch bulb itself.

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: The reflector high-pressure discharge lamp unit has a reflector (2), a high-pressure discharge lamp (3) arranged on the axis of the reflector (2), a first base part (4) connected to the neck (16) of the reflector (2), and a second base part (5), arranged in front of the radiation/light exit opening of the reflector (2) and in the form of a mechanical auxiliary part. The end of the second supply lead (18), led to the second lamp shank (10), of the high-pressure discharge lamp (3) is electrically connected directly to the end of the second high-voltage cable (7), and this free connecting region is embedded in the second base part (5). The result of this is a high degree of shock resistance and strain relief with this lamp connection.

Abstract: A portable HMI light fixture with integral ballast for use in the motion picture and television industries. The inventive HMI fixture includes: a housing having a front portion and a rear portion; a socket secured in the front portion for removably receiving an HMI bulb; a ballast secured in the rear portion; and a thermal barrier separating the front and rear portions. Preferably the thermal barrier includes a reflective forward surface to direct radiated energy away from the rear portion, provides thermal insulation between the front portion and rear portion, and restricts airflow between the front and rear portions.

Abstract: A display includes a substrate and an emitter formed on the substrate. A first dielectric layer is formed on the substrate to have a thickness slightly less than a height of the emitter above the planar surface and includes an opening formed about the emitter. The display also includes a conductive extraction grid formed on the first dielectric layer. The extraction grid includes an opening surrounding the emitter. The display further includes a second dielectric layer formed on the extraction grid and a focusing electrode formed on the second dielectric layer. The focusing electrode is electrically coupled to the emitter through an impedance element. The focusing electrode includes an opening formed above the apex. The focusing electrode provides enhanced focusing performance together with reduced circuit complexity, resulting in a superior display.

Abstract: A system for an individual bulb timing assembly for providing direct bulb timed on-off sequencing. A timing assembly that is installed directly into an electrical fixture bulb socket, that provides electrical power to an individual timing assembly, allowing each bulb directly controlled by a timing assembly to be preprogrammed, enabling timed sequence events at the bulb for selected electrical lighting fixtures. The timing assembly receives electrical power that has moved through the select fixture, the invention positioned after the power is through the fixture provides for operation independent of the kind and type of power source, delivery line to the fixture, and the kind and type of switching device controlling the select fixture. The system is programmable at the attached controlled bulb for two timed events in a twenty four hour period. Programmed event timing is protected by the timing assembly's onboard energy storage cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surge current limiting circuit of a filament lamp, meant to be connected in series between the filament and a switch that supplies an a.c. voltage, including at least one controllable active element, for limiting the current to a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A high-pressure gas discharge lamp (HID or UHP lamp, or in general lamps with mercury fillings of between approximately 0.05 and 0.5 mg/mm3) is described with at least one electrode (7, 8) which is provided with a thickened, for example globular portion (9, 10) at its end lying inside a lamp vessel (2). This portion is so dimensioned in dependence on operational parameters of the lamp and/or the diameter of the electrode rod that an electrode tip (19) forms itself independently at said portion during the first hours of operation. This tip grows from the portion until its free end starts melting. The electrode tip is self-adjusting in this manner, so that an optimum electrode interspacing is maintained throughout lamp life. Furthermore, a method of manufacturing such a lamp is described.

Abstract: A resistor seal composition useful in resistor spark plugs, comprises glass, at least one metal oxide, at least one filler material, and a branched or straight chained zirconium carboxylate. The glass comprises a strontium borate glass and/or a borosilicate glass. Metal oxides include aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, and zirconium oxide. Filler materials include silicon dioxide and mullite.

Abstract: The electric-light bulb is capable of limiting an inrush current and automatically periodically changing brightness. In the electric-light bulb, a filament is provided in a bulb body. A resistance is provided in the bulb body and connected to the filament in series. A thermoswitch is provided in the bulb body and connected to the resistance in parallel. The thermoswitch includes a bimetal element and contact points. The bimetal element is deformed by heat radiated from the filament and closes the contact points when temperature of the bimetal element reaches prescribed temperature so as to short the resistance.

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: An electronic track lighting system comprises a power supply filter circuit having an input connected to an alternating current power supply AC, a rectifier circuit connected to an output of the power supply filter circuit, an inverter circuit connected to an output of the rectifier circuit and outputting a high frequency voltage by on/off operation of switching elements therein, a lamp load, and a power track providing supply voltage to the lamp load. The lighting system further comprises a first unit which is interposed between the AC power supply and an input of the power track and includes at least the power supply filter circuit, and a second unit which is provided as a structure independent from the first unit, is connected to the power track and outputs a high frequency voltage to the lamp load.

Abstract: A method to eliminate filament hot shock in lamp filaments, particularly in compact filament light sources such as high efficiency infrared reflective coated halogen lamps, during installation or during energization comprising a voltage reduction circuit that reduces the voltage applied to the lamp filaments for a predetermined period of time and a timing circuit that is activated each time the lamp is energized and controls the predetermined period of time during which the voltage reduction circuit reduces voltage applied to the lamp filaments. Optionally, a one time latch circuit may be included that enables the timing circuit upon energization and disables it after the voltage reduction circuit has operated continuously for the predetermined period of time, and forever thereafter.

Abstract: In a high-frequency electronic ballast, a fluorescent lamp is connected with and powered by way of a series-resonant LC circuit. A resistive load is connected with the LC circuit, thereby to constitute a load therefor before ignition of the fluorescent lamp or in case the fluorescent lamp were to fail to ignite.

Abstract: A circuit for complementing the AC mains supply voltage, particularly for resistive loads, comprising a rectifier inserted between an AC power source and a resistive load and adapted to prevent the reverse flow of a processed portion of the AC supply voltage towards the AC power source, and one or more capacitors arranged ahead of the resistive load; the circuit has the particularity that the values of the one or more capacitors are chosen, according to table 2, low enough to maintain the AC nature of the AC voltage and to complement, during discharge towards the resistive load, the AC supply voltage until a desired value thereof is reached.

Abstract: A fluorescent discharge lamp including a housing with a base, series electronics, and an overcurrent protection element formed of two connection leads having ones of their ends electrically welded to opposite ends of a fuse wire, with the free ends of the connection leads defining contact positions.

Abstract: An electrodeless lamp assembly includes an electrodeless, high intensity discharge lamp capsule and a coaxial electric field applicator. The coaxial electric field applicator includes an outer conductor assembly including a tubular outer conductor having a distal end disposed at or near a first end of the lamp capsule, an outer ring disposed at or near a second end of the lamp capsule, and a plurality of cage wires connected between the outer ring and the tubular outer conductor. A center conductor assembly includes a center conductor coaxially positioned with respect to the tubular outer conductor and has a distal end disposed at or near the first end of the lamp capsule. High frequency power, supplied to the tubular outer conductor and the center conductor, is coupled by the electric field applicator to the lamp capsule. The center conductor assembly may include a guard ring positioned near the first end of the lamp capsule for concentrating electric fields in the lamp capsule.

Abstract: A low-voltage landscape lighting system having a stepdown transformer having a predetermined power rating and primary and secondary windings with said primary windings. The primary winding is adapted for connection to an AC supply source and the secondary winding being adapted for connection to a low-voltage outdoor power distribution cable and a plurality of lamp fixtures electrically connected to the power distribution cable. A number of low-voltage, non-thermionic, ballast-free fluorescent light sub-systems are connected to the distribution cables. Each has a fluorescent discharge lamp with electrodes spaced in a gaseous medium, a light transmissive envelope confining a gaseous discharge medium at a predetermined pressure between the electrodes. A power supply including a rectifier connected to the power distribution cable and constituting a direct current source is connected to a solid state switch device.

Abstract: A housing sealed to a glass jewel forming a chamber in which is placed light emitting diodes mounted to a printed circuit board with other electrical components. The chamber is filled with a silicon elastomer which thermally insulates the glass jewel and enhances its impact resistance.

Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting device comprising a lamp socket for connecting the discharge lamp; a stabilizing circuit connected to the power source and outputting a voltage to the lamp socket; a starting circuit connected between the stabilizing circuit and the lamp socket, and activated before the discharge lamp begins discharging to generate a high voltage required to start discharging, and deactivated after discharging begins; and a means for disabling the starting circuit when the discharge lamp is not installed in response to the installation or non-installation of the discharge lamp to the lamp socket.Preferably, the starting circuit is integrated with the lamp socket, thus forming a lamp socket unit comprising a starting circuit.

Abstract: A capacitor network includes a plurality of capacitors in series. Each capacitor has a preselected capacitance and breakdown voltage. The sum of the breakdown voltages of all the capacitors is at least equal to a desired voltage value. The capacitances of the capacitors are chosen to provide a desired capacitance value when connected in series. At least one capacitor has a break-down voltage equal to greater than fifty percent of the desired voltage value and a capacitance approximately equal to the desired capacitance value.

Abstract: An improved ballast circuit for use with a compact fluorescent lamp includes an EMI filter, a rectifier and voltage amplification stage, an active resonant circuit and power factor correction stage which is connected in parallel to a lamp load. The ballast circuit includes a feedback capacitor which provides a feedback path for a portion of the high frequency current to the rectifier and voltage amplification stage. The feedback capacitor of the improved ballast circuit reduces the non-linear characteristics of the diode, thus providing almost a linear load on the input power supply and therefore achieving an improved power factor, on the order of 0.95 or greater. The improved ballast circuit may also include a dimming stage which works with the active resonant circuit to vary the amount of power that is supplied to the lamp load. The dimming stage does not require the addition of parasitic active stages and thus provides a lamp with high electrical efficiency.

Abstract: An electrodeless fluorescent reflector lamp includes a housing arrangement having a threaded screw base for receiving line power and a lamp envelope mounted on the housing arrangement. A ballast circuit is disposed within the housing arrangement and is effective for converting line power into an RF signal which excites a fill contained within the lamp envelope to a discharge state thereby resulting in the production of visible light. The lamp envelope is constructed having an upper curved face portion and a lower tapered portion which extends partly within the housing. A reflective coating is applied to the lower tapered portion of the lamp envelope. A phosphor coating distribution is applied to the interior surface of the lamp envelope in a manner so as to maximize the light output from the reflector lamp.

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: A housing having a cavity is in sealing engagement with a glass jewel which also contains a cavity; these two cavities cooperate to form a closed chamber. A frame supporting terminal plates is mounted within the chamber. The frame also mounts a circuit board which in turn mounts a plurality of LEDs. An encapsulating material fills all of the spaces within the chamber.

Abstract: To provide for reliable interconnection of a cover (4) with the body (1) of socket and socket housing for an electric lamp which, also, is formed with a receptacle or socket to receive the base of the lamp, preferably a compact fluorescent lamp, a rotary interengaging screw-type connection is provided between the cover and the body. To prevent inadvertent removal, an interengaging snap connection (6, 8) is formed on the cover (4) and on the body, respectively. The snap connection (6, 8) engages upon assembly of the cover (4) with the body (1). To remove the cover (4), a tool such as a screwdriver is engaged through a small slit (16) in the body, to deflect a resilient flap formed by the cover element. A positioning rib (14) is provided within the body to secure the resilient flap in deflected position, even after removal of the tool, to permit easy disassembly of the cover (4) from the body (1) without requiring continued deflection pressure on the resilient flap.

Abstract: A variable power lamp control adapter is provided having a novel, different, and a lower cost construction method than that used in prior art lamp control devices. The circuit construction is achieved by utilization of the Surface Mount Technology disciplines of Polymer Thick Film and Chip on Board technologies. The adapter circuitry is constructed and held on a uniquely dissimilar type of substrate than that used in prior art, and assembled into housings that contain unique interengaging mating parts for a more rapid assembly process than the assembly processes used in prior art construction. In the present invention an overall improvement in the organization, arrangement of all componets, housings and assembly is achieved for a reliable power control operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single-ended discharge lamp with circuitry in its housing base. The discharge lamp includes a discharge tube and a housing. The discharge tube is provided with electrodes containing a fill and sealed in a gas-tight manner. The housing base contains circuitry mounted on a circuit board and providing for the operation of the discharge tube. The housing base is built from two parts, a base and a cap, fixed to each other. The housing base is formed in a way suitable for mechanical and electrical connection to a lamp socket on one part, and for mechanically fixing the discharge tube and connecting the output terminals of the circuitry to the electrode inleads of the discharge tube on the other part. The circuit board is inserted between supports formed in the inside of and protruding from one part of the housing base. One feature of the invention is that longitudinal ribs are formed on the support and protrude from the support.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluorescent lamp and ballast arrangement of the type having a lamp base for connection to a fixture that also accommodates a lamp base of an incandescent lamp. A ballast circuit contains a first conversion circuit which converts a.c. voltage to d.c. voltage and which has an electrolytic capacitor for smoothing the d.c. voltage. The ballast circuit further includes a second conversion circuit which converts the d.c. voltage into a.c. current and which includes a resonant inductor and resonant capacitor. A ballast housing has first and second ends spaced along a longitudinal axis of the housing and encloses parts of the ballast circuit. Only two lamp tube portions of the lamp terminate in the first end of the ballast housing, with the resonant inductor being positioned between the two lamp tube portions.

Abstract: A device for charging PFLs (Pulse Forming Lines) on a time scale of a few nanoseconds. The device includes a source transmission line (STL) connected through a switch to a pulse forming transmission line. The source line is initially charged while the PFL is uncharged, and the switch is open. The impedance of the STL is larger than the impedance of the PFL. The impedance of the STL is also tapered in order to effect an energy transfer efficiency approaching 100% from the STL to the PFL. In operation when the switch is closed, energy flows from the source line to the PFL. As the energy and voltage build on the PFL, an output switch closes and delivers the energy of the PFL to the output transmission line section. The impedance of the output transmission line section is matched to the PFL impedance so that all of the energy in the PFL flows into the output section in the form of a pulse.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp unit has a phosphor coated bulb of which first and second sealed end portions. A pair of filaments is disposed in the bulb. The filament contains an emitter for enhancing thermionic emission of electrons therefrom and is caused to be cut off by the self-generated heat when the emitter is substantially dissipated. The lamp device has an inverter circuit containing a resonant capacitor disposed between each one end of the filament coils to pass a resonant current through the capacitor during the operation of the lamp. The filament coil is substantially composed of a tungsten wire having a diameter corresponding to 8 MG though 12 MG and is normally operated with a lamp current ranging from 250 mA to 350 mA. The filament coil has a cold resistance ranging from 2 .OMEGA. to 4 .OMEGA. and an output voltage of the inverter circuit exhibits more than 260 volts when the fluorescent lamp is substituted by a resistor having 5 .OMEGA..

Abstract: A shell form ballast has rounded corners for positioning inside a ballast housing for use with a fluorescent light bulb adapter. The ballast has rounded outer corners to meet both long-term life and power requirements, and spatial design constraints of a fluorescent lamp adapter assembly for use in an incandescent lighting fixture, and particularly for use in a recessed incandescent lighting fixture. The rounded outer corners of the ballast provide the ability for the shell form ballast to fit into a hollow housing for use in the recessed lighting fixture while simultaneously providing the shell form ballast a snug fit in the hollow housing, thereby minimizing gap growth.

Abstract: A lamp assembly for use with a rapid start metal halide bulb, and including a lamp head housing and a power supply source. The lamp head housing includes a circuit board with power supply contact surfaces, a high voltage resistant socket, a reflector, and an on-off switch. The circuit board provides an ignition voltage, an ignition voltage spike, and a supply voltage to the rapid start metal halide bulb. The power supply contact surfaces connect power to the circuit board. The high voltage resistant socket holds the rapid start metal halide bulb and is electrically coupled with the circuit board. The reflector is arranged relative to the high voltage resistant socket, and reflects light emitted from the rapid start metal halide bulb. The on-off switch is electrically coupled with the circuit board.

Abstract: A compact dimmable fluorescent lamp includes a dimming control ballast within a base which installs directly on an existing incandescent or other lighting fixture. The lamp mounts a fluorescent illumination element and includes an accessible dimmer control member connected to the dimming control ballast.In the preferred embodiment, a rotatable lamp globe both covers the fluorescent lamp and is coupled to the control element. The globe thus provides the dual functions of decoratively covering the fluorescent lamp tubes and serving as the dimmer control by rotating the globe to vary the amount of power that is supplied to the lamp. In other embodiments, a rotatable external annular ring extends substantially around the circumference of the lamp base and is connected to the dimming ballast control to serve as the dimmer control.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of lighting a hot-cathode type low-pressure rare gas discharge lamp without flicker. The method has the steps of operating, as a hot cathode, at least one of electrodes provided at both ends of a glass valve in a stable discharge state, and emitting light from a fluorescent material with the ultraviolet rays generated by the discharge of low-pressure rare gas sealed in the glass valve, or directly with visible light. The hot cathode is heated at least during lighting. In the method, the temperature of the hot cathode relative to the lamp current flowing between the electrodes is set within a region to prevent flicker in the discharge lamp.

Abstract: A high power strobe lamp has a multi-pin base, an elongated gas-filled tube having a loop formed therein, an anode in one end of the tube and a cathode in the other end of the tube, and the ends of the gas-filled tube being mounted in the base and connected to the pins. A heat dissipating member extends through the loop and a conductive wire, having opposite ends connected to the pins, is spirally wrapped around the tube ends adjacent to the base and extends through the heat dissipating member.

Abstract: A DC type gas-discharge display panel comprises a plurality of discharge cells; discharge current limiting means provided for each of the discharge cells, for limiting a discharge current of each of said discharge cells; and a filling gas filled into each of said discharge cells, and having an inert gas mixture. A partial pressure ratio of said inert gas mixture to total pressure of said filling gas is at least 0.95. The above-described inert gas mixture is selected from the group consisting of (1) a first gas mixture consisting of a He gas and a Xe gas, (2) a second gas mixture consisting of a He gas, a Xe gas, and a Kr gas, (3) a third gas mixture consisting of a Ne gas and a Xe gas, and (4) a fourth gas mixture consisting of a Ne gas, a Xe gas and a Kr gas.

Abstract: An incandescent lamp bulb which is driven by an electronic control module (ECM) and method of manufacture characterized in that an inductor comprising a magnetic spool and a winding thereon is disposed within a screw shell base of the lamp bulb and surrounds the lamp exhaust tube therein. One end of the winding on the magnetic spool is connected to a filament wire within the screw shell base and the other end of the inductive winding is connected to an output terminal of the ECM control module. In this manner, the inductor significantly reduces the di/dt rise time of voltage and current when a TRIAC within the ECM module is driven to conduction on each one half cycle of the applied AC line voltage. This operation in turn produces a substantial reduction in radio frequency interference, both of radiation transmitted into space from the lamp bulb and by direct DC coupling back into the AC line voltage source.

Abstract: An incandescent lamp bulb which is driven by an electronic control module (ECM) and method of manufacture characterized in that an inductor comprising a magnetic element and a winding thereon is disposed within a screw shell base of the lamp bulb and surrounds the lamp exhaust tube therein. One end of the winding on the magnetic element is connected to a filament wire within the screw shell base and the other end of the inductive winding is connected to an output terminal of the ECM control module. In this manner, the inductor significantly reduces the di/dt rise time of voltage and current when a triac within the ECM module is driven to conduction on each one half cycle of the applied AC line voltage. This operation in turn produces a substantial reduction in radio frequency interference, both of radiation transmitted into space from the lamp bulb and by direct DC coupling back into the AC line voltage source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a base socket that fits into incandescent fixtures and allows one or many "stick" type compact fluorescent lamps to be inserted. The fixture allows the user to insert as many CFL's as desired without changing or rearranging, in any way, the ballast. The ballast circuitry is designed for series or parallel electrical connections of the CFL's. When in series each socket has a bypassing microswitch that provides for electrical circuit continuity.

Abstract: A replacement fluorescent lighting adaptor for adapting a fluorescent lamp to an incandescent lamp connector includes a base defined by an annular inner wall and an annular outer wall surrounding the inner wall and spaced from the inner wall defining a cavity. The inner wall includes a contact assembly for making electrical contact with the fluorescent lamp contacts and a portion to receive the fluorescent lamp base. A reflector including a narrow neck portion and a longitudinally, outwardly expanding portion is fitted to the base receiving portion by the narrow neck portion. The cavity includes a first cavity portion between the lamp base-receiving portion and the outer wall in which an annular electrical ballast member is positioned. The outer wall is spaced from the reflector in order to improve heat dissipation of the electrical ballast. An annular capacitive device is positioned in a second cavity portion between the contact assembly and the outer wall.

Abstract: A fluorescent light source includes a 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 an 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 electrodes include circuitry for inducing an RF magnetic field within the fluorescent lamp in the region of the electrodes. The RF magnetic field improves the performance of the capacitively coupled RF light source by creating an auxiliary inductive RF discharge near the capacitive coupling electrodes. The inductive discharge locally increases the plasma density and the electrode sheath capacitance and provides a reduction in RF voltage across the capacitively coupled fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: A press sealed lamp with an internally pressed fuse is disclosed. The filament structure is conveniently formed so the fuse links across a looped section of the initial filament structure. The loop structure provides strength to the fused filament structure prior to sealing. After the lamp is sealed, a portion of the exposed loop is trimmed, thereby limiting the electrical connection to the path through the fuse.

Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp having a thick film resistor comprising a plurality of resistive elements. A first resistive element is included in a starting circuit for the lamp and a second resistive element is in series with the arc tube during lamp operation for flicker elimination. The integral thick film resistor facilitates mounting and connection of the resistor elements within the lamp envelope. Favorably, the resistor substrate has a surface emissivity of greater than about 0.5, and preferably greater than about 0.9, to provide sufficient radiation cooling within an evacuated outer lamp envelope to prevent resistor failure while keeping the size of the resistor small enough for use as a component in an HID lamp. Additionally, a suitable coating of low vapor pressure thickness covers the solder connecting the metallic resistor terminals to the substrate to prevent evaporation of the solder and its deposition on the inner surface of the outer lamp envelope.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge (HID) lamp includes a resistive fuse for overcurrent protection of its associated ballast, which fuse is connected electrically in series with the discharge vessel of the lamp and continuously dissipates power during lamp operation. The resistive fuse is heated by passage of the operating current through the discharge vessel during lamp operation to a temperature substantially controlled by the operating current. In response to an increase in the operating current to a predetermined overcurrent, the resistive fuse reaches a temperature such that it breaks and disconnects the discharge vessel from its source of electric potential within a predetermined time period. The fuse passes short-term high starting currents and does not disconnect the discharge vessel during each lamp start-up at least until the operating current reaches the predetermined over-current during lamp life.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure discharge lamp (2) provided with a discharge vessel (3) with a ceramic wall (3a) and provided with a bimetal element (11) which rests against the discharge vessel wall in the cold state of the lamp, and which is removed from the discharge vessel wall during lamp operation. The discharge vessel is surrounded by an outer bulb (30) with intervening space (6), in which space a solid-state getter (15) is provided. According to the invention, the solid-state getter is provided on the bimetal element.

Abstract: A metal-glass seal resistor composition for use between a terminal member and an electrode member in a resistor spark plug containing by weight of 24 to 33 percent glass, 18 to 25 percent mullite, 36 to 49 percent zirconia, 0.5 to 1.6 percent carbon black, 0 to 2.0 percent bentonite, 0.3 to 0.8 percent sucrose, 0.8 to 1.2 percent lithium carbonate, 0.5 to 1.3 percent antimony and 0.5 to 1.3 percent silicon.

Abstract: A lamp assembly includes a sealed lamp envelope enclosing a filament, a screw shell connected to the lower portion of the envelope, and electrical leads extending from the filament into the screw shell. The screw shell has a bottom opening, in which is mounted an electronic control module. The electronic module is retained in the screw shell by an insulator. A spring is compressed between the electronic module and an exhaust tube on the lower portion of the envelope. One electrical lead is electrically coupled from the module through the spring to the filament, allowing the module to control the filament. The insulator defines a cavity for retention of the electronic module in a fixed position.

Abstract: A new and improved electronic control module (ECM) for controlling lighting functions of an incandescent light bulb and method of manufacturing the ECM. The ECM is installed, such as by press fitting into a dielectric insulating material at the socket end of the bulb, after the high temperature bulb fabrication steps have been completed. In this manner, the solid state and associated circuitry of the electronic control module are not subjected to the high temperature processing used in lamp bulb fabrication. The electronic control module is especially well suited and adapted for integration into the lamp bulb housing and is constructed using a minimum number of reliably constructed and connected electrical components in a hybrid-type circuit module assembly which is economical to manufacture.