Abstract: In a circular fluorescent lamp unit comprising: a glass bulb 1 which is bent into a ring shape with both ends abutting on each other, has phosphor powder coated on an inner wall thereof, has electrodes provided at the respective ends in an inner space thereof and has mercury and inert gas sealed therein; and a cap which has connection pins used for electrically connecting the electrodes in the glass bulb with the outside and is attached so as to cut across the both ends of the glass bulb, a tube outer diameter of the glass bulb 1 is 13 mm to 20 mm, a ring outer diameter of the ring is 145 mm to 170 mm, lamp wattage is not more than 20 W, and lighting is carried out with a high frequency which is not less than 10 kHz.

Abstract: The present invention relates primarily to a fluorescent lighting fixture having a novel plug-in replaceable electronic ballast that can be replaced without the need of dismantling the installed fixture. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the attachment means is comprised of a ballast housing having a threaded portion that engages the mating threaded indentations found in a recess found in the base of the lighting fixture and is rotatable therein for attachment. This novel attachment and engaging means, thereby reduces the number of components needed for the manufacture of the lighting fixture, concomitantly reducing the assembly time and assembly costs. Alternatively, the attachment means is comprised of a plurality of vanes found typically at the base of the ballast housing as used in a light source apparatus. This attachment means is comprised of a ballast housing having a plurality of vanes that engages the mating threaded indentations found the base of the lighting fixture.

Abstract: A sidemarker light which has a light housing, an EL slice and a fastening mechanism. The light housing has a bottom plate with at least two through holes and a top cover attached to the bottom plate. The EL slice has a lighting portion and two conductive terminals. The fastening mechanism has a pair of terminal receivers and a pair of plugs. Each terminal receiver has a terminal-buckling portion and a plug-buckling portion. The terminal-buckling portions buckle the two conductive terminals. The plug has a coupling portion that is buckled by the plug-buckling portion and a through portion that passes through the through holes on the bottom plate.

Abstract: A secondary alert light for a motor vehicle is composed of a light holder, a light convergence ring and light emission devices. Wherein, positioning posts protruding from a reflection cover on the light holder secures the light convergence ring which is light permeable having on one side provided with fluorescent material to collect the light, provided with posts to match those on the reflection cover and at least two grooves on its peripheral at equal spacing to house light emission devices for the light convergence ring collecting light emitted from the light emission devices by means of the light convergence material to create a significant light ring for improving alert effect.

Abstract: An energy-saving conic lamp is constructed substantially in a spiral formation, in which the outer diameter is tapered from the vicinity of the lamp socket to the front end such that the emitted rays of a lighting turn near the socket will not be shaded by a preceding turn to thereby raise the overall brightness of the lamp. For enhancement and evenness of the light projected, a reflective mirror in the inner space surrounded by a spiral lamp formation is arranged to thereby reflect the incident light through a gap between every two immediate neighboring lighting turns.

Abstract: To provide a bulb-type lamp in which a globe is fixed to a case without a tilt, and a manufacturing method for the bulb-type lamp. The globe is bonded to a connector using a thermosetting resin, in a state where a neck part of the globe is inserted in a groove of the connector without contacting the bottom of the groove. The connector is then fixed to the case by means of a fitting construction. This makes it unnecessary to perform a heating process to cure an adhesive after an envelope is formed by the globe and the case. Hence the tilting of the globe caused by the thermal expansion of air in the envelope can be prevented.

Abstract: A luminaire has an inner annular housing separating an interior cavity of an outer annular housing of the luminaire into a central portion and an outer annular portion. The luminaire also has an annular support element detachably mounted to a bottom end of the inner annular housing and removably supporting an annular louver in the outer annular portion of the interior cavity outside of the inner annular housing and below an illumination lamp of the luminaire.

Abstract: In a liquid crystal display device of the prior art, a liquid crystal panel is fixed by a panel receiving portion of a lamp cover. When the liquid crystal display device is assembled, the liquid crystal panel rides on the panel receiving portion so that it cannot be positioned while being chipped. A liquid crystal display device is constructed: by arranging, on the back of a liquid crystal panel 1 for displaying an image, an optical guide plate unit 5 constructed to irradiate the whole surface of the liquid crystal panel 1 with a light coming from a lamp unit 2 and reflected by a lamp reflector 3; by positioning the liquid crystal panel 1 in contact with a liquid crystal panel receiving portion 8 which is rounded by folding back a lamp cover 4 constructed to cover the lamp unit 2; and by supporting and fixing the liquid crystal panel 1 and the optical guide plate unit 5 by a front frame 7 and a back frame 6.

Abstract: A fluorescent lighting fixture having a novel attachment and engaging means, thereby reducing the number of components needed for the manufacture of the lighting fixture, concomitantly reducing the assembly time and assembly costs. The attachment means is comprised of a ballast housing having a threaded portion that engages the mating threaded indentations found the base of the lighting fixture. The ballast housing is rotatably drawn flat, abutting the surface of the fixture base into a binding frictional engagement. A lamp support bracket, securely attached to the end of the ballast housing opposite its mounting base, is bat-winged shaped to allow the fluorescent lamp to be positioned close to the base of the lighting fixture to permit a stylized dome-shaped cover to be snap-fitted to the base of the fixture. The dome-shaped cover, having a circumferential ridge on its skirt, is securely held in place by snapping the cover past three nibs in the base plate, spaced preferably 120 degrees apart.

Abstract: A less costly bulb-shaped fluorescent lamp with improved assembly efficiency is provided which prevents the impairment of product quality due to the change in color of a holder or the slipping off of a fluorescent tube from the holder decreased in resin strength. The fluorescent lamp includes a set of fluorescent tubes, filament coils disposed at both ends of each fluorescent tube, a starter circuit for activating the fluorescent tubes, a holder for retaining the fluorescent tubes, and a case containing the starter circuit. The holder includes holes for receiving the fluorescent tubes, and a recess defined in a central portion of the holder and extended in the opposite direction of the fluorescent tubes.

Abstract: A printed wiring board assembly for a compact fluorescent lamp unit that has a lamp portion and a base portion includes a first generally planar wiring board containing a first group of electronic components electrically connected to the lamp portion and a second generally planar wiring board containing a second group of electronic components electrically connected to the base portion. The first board is attached generally perpendicular to the second board and is in electrical communication with the second board.

Abstract: A safety system for grounding an operator at a fueling station prior to removing a fuel fill nozzle from a fuel tank upon completion of a fuel filling operation is provided which includes a fuel tank port in communication with the fuel tank for receiving and retaining the nozzle during the fuel filling operation and a grounding device adjacent to the fuel tank port which includes a grounding switch having a contact member that receives physical contact by the operator and where physical contact of the contact member activates the grounding switch. A releasable interlock is included that provides a lock position wherein the nozzle is locked into the port upon insertion of the nozzle into the port and a release position wherein the nozzle is releasable from the port upon completion of the fuel filling operation and after physical contact of the contact member is accomplished.

Abstract: A compact lamp unit is described which functions both as a fluorescent lamp and as a nightlight. The lamp unit includes a housing, a fluorescent tube, a low power light source, a conductive base and first and second circuits. The housing is used to contain a number of components and to support the fluorescent tube and low power light source. The conductive base is attached to a neck portion of the housing and has contact terminals adapted for a three-way lamp socket. The first circuit is electrically connected between the fluorescent tube and two of the contact terminals to drive the fluorescent tube. The second circuit is electrically connected between the low power light source and two of the contact terminals to drive the low power light source.

Abstract: The present invention relates primarily to a modular replaceable ballast as used in a table or floor lamp using a circular fluorescent lamp as the primary source of illumination. Circular fluorescent lamps have been in use for many years to provide superior operating and lighting efficiency. These lamps can provide many years of trouble free performance, obviating the need for frequent replacement that is needed by comparable wattage incandescent bulbs. The ballasts, on the other hand, have not enjoyed the same degree of success of having similar reduced failure rates. The present invention utilizes a plug-in replaceable electronic ballast which can easily be replaced by a novice person. Because this ballast is plugged into a compatible adapter receptacle, the need for dismantling or disassembling the fixture is thereby obviated. The plug-in electronic ballast has two centrally located pins that insert into the newly designed modular receptacle.

Abstract: A light emitting unit of one or more kinds selected from light sources such as, neon lamp, cold cathode fluorescent lamp, electro luminescence (EL), and light emitting diode (LED) accommodated in a protecting enclosure together with a rectifier circuit, is mounted on a rotating body of an automobile such as a wheel or a tire. Power for illumination is supplied from an extra miniature generator installed on the rotating body converting its rotating kinetic energy into electrical energy by means of a specially designed vane, an eccentric swing block, and a bearing disc with associated transmission gear wheel to continuously supply electricity to the light emitting unit. Both sides of the automobile are therefore well illuminated in a dark environment so as to achieve traffic security and contribute to beautiful night scenery.

Abstract: An arc tube is a connected bulb composed of three U-shaped bulbs set annularly and connected by a bridge connector to include one discharge path. A reflector is set in a space enclosed by the three U-shaped bulbs, the bottom end of the reflector being fixed to a holder. The reflector has a conical part, and a cylindrical part whose height is greater than a height of a clearance between the pair of legs of each U-shaped bulb, and smaller than a height of the U-shaped bulb. At least within the height of the clearance between the pair of legs, a diameter of the reflector is greater than both a width of the clearance between the pair of legs and a width of each clearance between neighboring U-shaped bulbs, improving light distribution of the arc tube. A reflector may have a reflective body and a restrictive member integrally formed.

Abstract: A tubular light bulb device includes an arc tube, a lighting circuit for lighting the arc tube, a case housing the lighting circuit and having a base at one end, and a heat-transferring member disposed in the case for conducting heat from a space formed in the case to the base. This allows the tubular light bulb device to discharge heat in the space formed in the case to the outside to reduce temperature of a phosphor film and electronic parts of the lighting circuit, whereby increased life can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention comprises a fluorescent lamp system wherein an ultraviolet producing discharge tube contains no phosphor internal to the tube. Rather an insert or sleeve physically distinct from the tube includes a phosphor. The layer insert or sleeve further includes an ultraviolet filter, preferably in the form of an ultraviolet reflective/visible light transmissive layer positioned to reflect ultraviolet energy that is not converted to visible light on a previous pass through the phosphor, back toward the phosphor. It has many embodiments.

Abstract: A double lamp table or floor lamp lighting system has a pair of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) arranged vertically with a reflective septum in between. By selectively turning on one or both of the CFLs, down lighting, up lighting, or both up and down lighting is produced. The control system can also vary the light intensity from each CFL. The reflective septum insures that almost all the light produced by each lamp will be directed into the desired light distribution pattern which is selected and easily changed by the user. Planar compact fluorescent lamps, e.g. circular CFLs, particularly oriented horizontally, are preferable. CFLs provide energy efficiency. The lighting system may be designed for the home, hospitality, office or other environments.

Abstract: A meter for a vehicle has a dial, a light transmitting ring member surrounding the dial, a lamp disposed at a rear side of the dial/ring member and an orange-colored layer disposed between the dial/ring member and the lamp. A surface of the ring member is covered by a silver paint layer except a front surface thereof. When the lamp is lit, light emitted from the lamp enters the orange layer, and the orange layer emits orange-colored light. The orange light enters the ring member and is emitted from the front face thereof, whereby the front face is illuminated by orange light and appears orange color. When the lamp is turned off, the silver paint layer becomes visible through the front face, whereby the front face appears silver color. Therefore, the meter looks novel and original due to the ring member.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp comprises a light-transmitting glass tube having a softening temperature of about 685 degrees centigrade or less, which is formed into a predetermined shape from a straight glass tube with the straight glass tube being heated after a phosphor layer has been coated on its inner surface. The light-transmitting glass tube does not substantially include lead (Pb) but does include: about 1 to about 11 weight % sodium oxide (Na2O), about 1 to about 10 weight % potassium oxide (K2O), 0 to about 3 weight % lithium oxide (Li2O), wherein the total amount of sodium oxide (Na2O), potassium oxide (K2O), and lithium oxide (Li2O) is about 5 to about 20 weight %, and about 0.1 to about 0.5 weight % antimony oxide (Sb2O3). A stem, having an electrode, is arranged at each end of the light-transmitting glass tube. The fluorescent lamp may be used in a lighting fixture.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp including a housing for enclosing a ballast and, optionally, a starter; a fluorescent light tube attached to the housing and electrically connected to the ballast; and a base electrically connected to the ballast and physically attached to the housing for connecting the lamp to an electrical receptacle. The housing is provided at an upper edge thereof with male or female mating elements, for example, threads, tabs, or slots. The lamp further includes a translucent cover or shroud for surrounding the fluorescent tube, having a closed form and being open at an end thereof, and being provided at the open end with male or female mating elements cooperative with the mating elements on the housing to directly, positively, and detachably attach the cover to the housing.

Abstract: An interchangeable lamp apparatus having a detachable plug which is positionable in one of a plurality of orientations with respect to a base of the lamp apparatus. A construction of the base protects against undesired electrical shock when the plug is detached from the base whereby current can flow through the base and the lamp apparatus only when there is continuity across first contacts.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric luminaire having a luminaire housing (10, 11) and at least one low-pressure discharge lamp (12) as well as an operating device for operating the at least one low-pressure discharge lamp (12), the operating device having lamp-side (19a) and line-side electric terminals (19e, 19f) for supplying voltage to the at least one low-pressure discharge lamp (12) and to the operating device. The at least one low-pressure discharge lamp (12) is uncapped and has a plurality of supply leads (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) which project from its discharge vessel (12) and are connected in each case to one of the lamp-side electric terminals (19a) of the operating device. Furthermore, the components of the operating device are arranged together with the electric terminals (19a, 19e, 19f) of the operating device on a common mounting plate (18), and the electric terminals (19a, 19e, 19f) are constructed as insulation-piercing contacts.

Abstract: An illumination method and apparatus for machine-vision systems, including a ring-light source (e.g., LEDs arranged in one or more circular rows), and a reflective-ring focusing element. The illumination source exhibits multidirectional ring-illumination properties which are useful for illumination of small components (which are being inspected or measured) without unwanted shadows. One embodiment provides a dark field illumination system. One embodiment of the present invention uses a strobed (or pulsed) power supply to drive the LEDs. Yet another embodiment of the present invention uses a xenon strobe ring-light source and a backplane slit in place of the row of LEDs. In one such xenon strobe embodiment, a color filter is also placed in series with the light path in order to obtain a monochromatic light.

Abstract: A lighting unit includes a housing, a light-conductive-panel and a fluorescent lamp, and has a space between the panel and a side wall of the housing. The lamp has electrodes on both its ends and a curved-corner. The space has different widths at sections where the electrodes are rested and at a section where the curved-corner is rested, and accommodates the lamp therein. The lighting unit is compact in size and has better shock resistance, as well as vibration resistance. The lighting unit and an LCD are integrated into a compact and highly reliable LCD device.

Abstract: An alternative lighting system luminaire to conventional fluorescent light fixtures includes an angled mounting bracket with a plurality of fluorescent lamps to provide both greater illumination of a linearly extending visual display aisle. The obliquely placed lamps are secured and powered by sockets fastened to the angled mounting bracket which is mounted to the ballasts of the fixture. Ballasts are located in the area between the reflector and the top of the fixture. The light emitted ends of the fixture are angled downward to illuminate areas not immediately below the lighting fixture itself.

Abstract: An enhanced safety system for the conversion of luminaria that uses halogen lighting technology to a safe and efficient fluorescent lighting system. Quartz halogen bulbs operate at elevated temperatures and pressures. Fires have been known to have been started when a lighting fixture is accidentally toppled where some combustible material is in close proximity. This novel retrofit system provides for the safe and efficient operation of torchiere uplighted lighting systems. By retrofitting a lighting fixture to a fluorescent lamp using this adapter, there is an immediate benefit in reduced operating cost. For the equivalent light output, there can be a cost savings reduction by a factor of six or seven to one. In addition, the retrofit components can be used in the fabrication and assembly of newly designed and manufactured torchiere uplighted lighting systems.

Abstract: A circular fluorescent lamp unit comprises a circular glass bulb having a circular outer diameter set within a range of 285 to 310 mm or thereabout. The circular fluorescent lamp unit comprises a tube outer diameter set within a range of 15 to 18 mm or thereabout and an inner surface onto which a fluorescent substance is applied. A discharge medium including a rare gas and a mercury is sealed up in the circular glass bulb. A pair of electrode means is fitted in both end portions of the circular glass bulb so as to be sealed therein. So that discharge occurs in the circular glass bulb by providing the pair of electrode means with a lamp power so that the circular glass bulb lights. The lamp power has a high frequency which is not less than 10 kHz and the lamp power is set within a range of 20 to 40 W or thereabout.

Abstract: A wheel lighting system for illuminating a wheel of a vehicle such as an automobile from behind the wheel. The wheel lighting system includes an annular light source and a tubular cover substantially covering the light source. The cover comprises a pair of separable arcuate tubular portions each having a pair of opposite ends and a longitudinal window extending therealong between the ends of the respective tubular portion. A plurality of mounting brackets each having a tubular mounting sleeve at a first end through which the cover is extended to connect the mounting brackets to the cover and light source and such that the longitudinal axes of the mounting brackets extend radially inwards from the cover.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a sewing machine having a lamp holder, which retains at least one lamp, is arranged on the underside of the head of a sewing machine, and within the range of the needle bar and the presser foot bar. The lamp is constructed to loop around the needle bar and the presser foot bar over an angular range of more than 180°. The type of lamp used is, preferably, a cold-light-cathode florescent lamp, which radiates little, if any, heat, while emitting a pleasant light.

Abstract: A novel energy efficient recessed downlighted lighting fixture, using a compact laterally twisted, fluorescent lamp, and electronic ballast, provides an easy to install procedure for retrofit installations. Using an integrated socket-and-ballast subassembly, the overall height is reduced so that it can find use with existing metal housings. This recessed fixture uses a newly designed energy efficient compact fluorescent lamp as the primary lighting source. This fluorescent lamp, which is a laterally twisted tube commonly referred to as a “springlamp” allows the shortest lamp known to the fluorescent lamp industry. It provides for minimal light trapping, thereby creating the maximum concentrated lighting output, and lighting distribution that is closest to the illumination supplied by an incandescent bulb.

Abstract: A mirror device includes a frame comprising a circular ring-shaped light transmissive body which supports a concave magnifying mirror plate. The body has a front beveled annular light exit surface which angles inwardly and rearwardly from the outer side wall of the body to the inner side wall of the body, which has an annular shoulder flange which supports the peripheral edge of the mirror plate. The outer and inner side walls of the body curve longitudinally rearwardly and inwardly, terminating in an annular-shaped rear leg portion located behind the mirror plate. The rear leg portion has an inner, longitudinally disposed, cylindrical light entrance surface within which is located a ring-shaped lamp.

Abstract: A neon lighting fixture has a first housing channel member that mounts to a building wall and has side walls terminating in rims on opposite sides of the open side of the member. A second inverted housing channel member has a neon tube supporting wall and side walls that are spaced apart to define an open side which interfaces with the open side of the first channel member. There are cooperating elements on the side walls of each member. An electric power supply assembly is mounted to the second nominally inverted channel member between its side walls and is supported on ledges in the side walls. A neon tube mounts on the second channel member's tube supporting wall on which wall there are spaced apart grooved rails that serve as slides. A light transmissive cover has slides shaped complementarily to the grooves in dove-tail fashion to provide for interlocking the cover to the second housing channel member by sliding the cover onto the member endwise of the grooves.

Abstract: This invention relates to compact fluorescent lamps, and, more particularly, to the construction of connections inside the compact fluorescent lamp. The compact fluorescent lamp has a base (24), the base is connected to a housing (26) including a ballast circuit (18). The housing (26) is separated from the fluorescent tube (28) by a cap (20) on the side of the housing opposite to the base (24) and current feedthrough wires (2, 4) protrude from the fluorescent tube (28) inside the housing (26). The electrical connections between the current feedthrough wires (2, 4) and the lead-out wires (3, 5) of the ballast circuit and/or the junction lead-out wires of the base (24) are made by welding the corresponding wires together through metal connection elements (14).

Abstract: A ceiling fan includes a motor having a center shaft. A control box is secured to said lower end of said shaft. An upper shell is secured to the control box for receiving the control box and the motor. A lower shell and a frame are secured to the control box. The frame has a cross shape having a number of ends for supporting a number of light tubes. The light tubes are engaged around said upper shell. A lamp shell includes a multi-circle step having two circular surfaces for supporting two circular light tubes.

Abstract: A lamp assembly mount is adapted to receive a specific commercially available fluorescent lamp known as the "2D" lamp, which is commercially produced in several different sizes and commensurate wattage ratings. By taking advantage of certain structure in the design of the 2D lamp that is specific to its wattage rating, the lamp assembly mount will only receive the correct lamp, eliminating the possibility of mounting under-or over-wattage fluorescent lamps of different base configurations.

Abstract: A lighting system in which a housing is provided to support a curved lamp tube and includes a curved base plate to conform with the curve of the lamp tube. Two corners members are connected to the base plate and are curved to conform to the curve of the base plate, and two side walls are respectively connected to the two corner members and are curved to conform to the curve of the corner members. A support plate is supported by the side walls and curved to conform to the curve of the base plate for supporting the lamp tube.

Abstract: A lighting device for vehicle wheels for illuminating the inner portion of a wheel. The lighting device includes a generally translucent annular tube that is filled with neon gas for producing light when an electrical charge is introduced. The tube and extends around an outer perimeter of a brake drum such that the light emitted from the tube is visible through the spokes of the rim of a wheel. A plurality of brackets are coupled to the brake drum towards the outer perimeter of the brake drum. Each of the brackets has first and second flange ends. Each of the brackets is bent to form a generally annular eye between the flange ends of the brackets, through which the tube extends. A power source is electrically connected to the tube.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a lamphead having a multi-positional base and removably mountable reflector flashtube assembly. The lamphead base is configured to detachably mount to a flashtube assembly such that the flashtube assembly may be interchanged with a second flashtube assembly. The flashtube assembly defines an opening and an inner chamber having a reflective surface. A flashtube is mounted within the inner chamber between the reflective surface and the opening, wherein the reflective surface extends behind the flashtube, thereby increasing the intensity of the light emitted thereby. The lamphead base may be adapted for pivotable mounting on a stand to a full vertical position without interfering with the stand.

Abstract: The lighting assembly uses fluorescent tubes arranged in a circular configuration around a tree, for illumination of the tree and an area around the tree with low power consumption. An outer protective tube is provided around the fluorescent lighting, and an adjustable bracket is provided for mounting the fluorescent lighting and protective tubing assembly to allow the lighting to be adjusted to accommodate a range of tree diameters. Each bracket includes a body with a base portion including a foot member adapted to rest on the tree, with the foot member being slidably attachable to the base portion, for slidably adjusting the lighting system to the diameter of the tree.

Abstract: The present invention of a PL lamp holder comprises a holder shell, a holder body, and a holder mount for connecting the holder shell to the holder body. The holder shell is formed of funneled shape having a conical body, the holder body has a PL lamp on an upper portion of a cylindrical body and a lower portion formed of an annular wall extended downwardly therefrom, and the holder mount comprises a short barrel having a lower barrel wall and a linging wall pan in a smaller outside diameter having an annular upward pan wall with an outward flange connected to the inner surface of the barrel and formed a narrow annular groove.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus comprises a circular fluorescent lamp having inner and outer circular portions arranged coaxially and having outer diameters different each other, the inner circular portion having an outer meter of 285 mm to 310 mm and comprising a first arc tube having a tube diameter of 15 mm to 21 mm and the outer circular portion having an outer diameter of 360 to 390 mm comprising a second arc tube having a tube diameter of 15 to 21 mm. The lighting apparatus further comprises an apparatus body to which the circular fluorescent lamp is assembled. The apparatus body is provided with light reflection member adapted to reflect a light from the fluorescent lamp means.

Abstract: An enhanced safety system for the conversion of luminaria that uses halogen lighting technology to a safe and efficient fluorescent lighting system. Quartz halogen bulbs operate at elevated temperatures and pressures. Fires have been known to have been started when a lighting fixture is accidentally toppled where some combustible material is in close proximity. This novel retrofit system provides for the safe and efficient operation of torchiere uplighted lighting systems. By retrofitting a lighting fixture to a fluorescent lamp using this adapter, there is an immediate benefit in reduced operating cost. For the equivalent light output, there can be a cost savings reduction by a factor of six or seven to one.

Abstract: A portable light assembly includes a ballast, a bulb having a base and at least one electrode for being connected to the ballast, and an elongate light-transmitting protective shield surrounding the bulb. A shock-absorbing bulb socket is located adjacent to the base of the bulb to protect the bulb against impact damage. The bulb socket includes a top and bottom, and integrally formed side walls engaging an inside wall of the protective shield. A plurality of openings extend longitudinally through the socket from the top to the bottom for receiving from the bottom a plurality of electrical wires connected to the ballast, and for receiving from the top a plurality of external pins connected to the electrode and extending outwardly from the base of the bulb. The top of the bulb socket defines a contoured recess adapted for receiving and holding the base of the bulb.

Abstract: A retrofit recessed compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) system that delivers quality aesthetics, glare control, and high efficiency light output. The system comprises a reflector unit adapted to be installed into an existing light fixture to provide an improved environment for distribution of light from a CFL. The system is compatible with a range of existing light fixture heights and styles.

Abstract: A system enabling conversion of a conventional ringlight for differential illumination such as dark field or Rheinberg illumination is disclosed. The system comprises a ringlight having an annular light emitting portion and a hood that fits over the ringlight. The hood has an aperture and an annular reflective surface, disposed opposite the light emitting portion, that reflects the light from the ringlight through the aperture. An angle of the annular reflective surface is selected relative to a direction of light from the ringlight to form a cone of light exiting the aperture. To ensure good contrast, a light baffle in the form of a sleeve, inserted into the ringlight, may be incorporated to prevent stray light from the ringlight from directly exiting through the aperture. The differential illumination produced by the invention is applicable to machine vision applications, but also microscopy, gemology, and serology, for example.

Abstract: A circular fluorescent lamp unit comprises a circular glass bulb having a circular outer diameter set within a range of 285 to 310 mm or thereabout. The circular fluorescent lamp unit comprises a tube outer diameter set within a range of 15 to 18 mm or thereabout and an inner surface onto which a fluorescent substance is applied. A discharge medium including a rare gas and a mercury is sealed up in the circular glass bulb. A pair of electrode means is fitted in both end portions of the circular glass bulb so as to be sealed therein. So that discharge occurs in the circular glass bulb by providing the pair of electrode means with a lamp power so that the circular glass bulb lights. The lamp power has a high frequency which is not less than 10 kHz and the lamp power is set within a range of 20 to 40 W or thereabout.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp, particularly of annular shape, with a tube-shaped disrge vessel has a base with contact pins, in which the two ends of the vessel face each other. The contact pins are essentially arranged in the annular plane of the lamp on both sides of the base. The mount belonging thereto has a U-shaped profile. The arms of the mount are provided with recesses for taking up and making contact with the contact pins of the base. This makes possible a linear motion when inserting the base into the mount. Retaining springs on the mount and recesses on the base belonging thereto make possible a locking of the base with the mount. Another advantage is the small structural height of the lamp including the mount.

Abstract: A low pressure discharge lamp, particularly a compact fluorescent lamp, achieves substantially the same base-down lumen output as base-up lumen output. The lamp does so in a bent and bridged configuration, preferably in the shape of a plurality of vertically oriented bent tubes horizontally bridged together, where at least one of the tubes has at least one extended leg that defines a cold chamber within or adjacent the base.