Abstract: A portable, durable and rugged hand-held lighting device particularly useful as a safety flare or illumination device is described. This device utilizes a rare gas containing illumination source (e.g. a glass tube containing the rare gas) and is particularly useful in projecting light during darkness or in fog. The light source may be any of the conventional rare gas materials but neon is preferred. A fluorescent material coating the inside of the glass tube may be used enhance the output of the light from other rare gasses. The power supply for this unit may be replaceable or rechargeable batteries or the device may be connected to a permanent DC or AC power supply to enhance the life thereof. A transformer is used to increase the electrical power supply from the power supply to the glass tube and is required in order to get the high intensity light output afforded by the use of rare gas illuminating devices.

Abstract: A headlight for vehicles has a light source formed as a gas discharge lamp, a ballast unit connected with the gas discharge lamp and producing high voltage, and a unit for preventing dispersion of electromagnetic radiation caused by the gas discharge lamp. The unit includes an electrical filtering circuit arranged near the gas discharge lamp and having a plurality of components, and a housing surrounds at least a part of the components of the electrical filtering circuit.

Abstract: The high output luminaire of the invention is capable of lighting a specific and determinable area defined by front and rear light shields. A reflector is mounted inside of a housing to forwardly direct light from a lamp positioned therein. The housing includes a hinged, waterproof access door having a transparent portion through which light from the lamp is shown. Adjustable front and rear light shields decreases the front and rear beam spread angles to confine the light from the luminaire to a chosen area.

Abstract: An electronic ballast for discharge lamps comprises an open loop configuration of an impedance converter first stage and an inverter second stage linked by a limiting control stage. The impedance converter stage presents its load, passive or active, as input resistance. It draws a continuous current, through large RFI/EMI suppressing input inductors, which is switched discontinuously through a tank circuit using an energy transfer relationship based on the switch on-time and the inductance and capacitance of the tank circuit. The impedance converter stage supplies unregulated power to the inverter stage which operates stably at a fixed frequency. If an imbalance such as an overcurrent condition or an overvoltage condition develops in the system, the limiting control stage temporarily preempts the converter switching until stability is reestablished.

Abstract: A modular luminaire assembly including a top mounting assembly, an optical assembly removably affixable to the top mounting assembly and an electrical assembly removable affixable to the optical assembly where the optical assembly is mechanically coupled to the top mounting assembly by a quick disconnect.

Abstract: A motor vehicle headlamp in which electromagnetic waves generated when the discharge bulb employed therein as the light source is activated are prevented from leaking out of the headlamp and interfering with other circuitry on the vehicle. The lamp body of the headlamp is made of a conductive material, or an insulating resin coated with a conductive layer. The lamp body or conductive layer is grounded to the body of the vehicle, thereby to ground out potentially interfering electromagnetic waves generated inside the lamp body.

Abstract: A ceiling fan comprising upper and lower transparent dome-shaped light housings connected together by an annular ring. A neon light is positioned about the fan motor between the light housings such that illumination from the neon tube shines therethrough. Power supply electrical wires extend from the ceiling through the down rod of the fan, then through the hollow shaft of the motor into a switch housing. A light circuit is positioned within the switch housing and connected to the power supply electrical wires. High voltage electrical wires extend from the light circuit through the hollow shaft and to the neon light for powering the neon tube to cause illumination thereof.

Abstract: A lamp assembly (10) for use with equipment such as construction vehicles and heavy trucks that are subjected to prolonged, intense vibrations. The lamp assembly of this invention includes a socket (14) formed by a shell (42). A sealed enclosure, in the form of a lamp housing (12), is releasably secured in the shell. The light source, such as a gas-discharge tube (16) or a set of LEDs (72) is located inside the lamp housing. A transformer primary winding (20), which is attached to a power source (56), is attached to the outside of the shell. A transformer secondary winding (22) connected across the light source is located inside the lamp housing. The secondary winding is located so that the lamp housing is seated in the socket, adjacent the primary winding. When a voltage is applied across the primary winding, an inductive voltage develops across the secondary winding.

Abstract: A mobile lighting system includes a self-powered mobile base that can be driven long distances and maneuvered in tight locations. An articulateable boom is mounted on the base and has multiple degrees of freedom of movement. A light array is attached to the end of the boom and has additional degrees of freedom of movement. One or more fixtures are mounted on the end of the boom and also have several degrees of freedom of movement, as well as having structure to vary the beam pattern output from each fixture. The system contains power generating means as well as all structure to operate the lights and the boom. Additional features which facilitate the efficient and advantageous provision of the mobile lighting system are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a lamp assembly according to the present invention, a double ended lamp is securely supported in such a way that the one end of said lamp is fixed to a cap or a mirror and the other end of said lamp is fixed to a power supply member. The power supply member located in front of the mirror is made of a metal member of a higher rigidity. A flexible covered wire is secured with an adhesive, so that it may be located outside the periphery of the mirror and a connection portion of the metal member to the covered wire cannot protrude from a contour of the edge of the mirror. Therefore, the lamp assembly can be easily handled. In addition, the inclined bottom surface of a ventilating cutout in a cap ensures that the lamp can be cooled satisfactorily, leading to a long life of the lamp.

Abstract: A vehicular headlamp employing a discharge bulb as a light source in which a lighting circuit for the bulb, including an ignitor, is secured to a lamp housing in such a manner as to cover a rear opening in the housing. This arrangement results in significantly reduced danger of shock and reduced radiation of electromagnetic noise. In another embodiment of the invention, a lighting-circuit-accommodating unit containing a lighting circuit is bayonet-engaged with a circular opening in the rear wall of a lamp body, and also is fixed to the lamp body by a second fixing device in such a manner as to prevent rotation of the lighting-circuit-accommodating unit relative to the lamp body.

Abstract: A motor vehicle headlamp which employs a discharge lamp as its light source, and which is combined with a clearance lamp. The clearance lamp is provided in the front end portion of a space defined by a lamp body in such a manner that the clearance lamp is adjacent to the reflector, and a ballast circuit for energizing the discharge lamp is provided behind the clearance lamp inside the lamp body.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp device comprises an oblate section type fluorescent lamp having an oblate cross section and provided with a luminous surface illuminating in one direction and with a back plate and a lighting circuit means attached to the back plate and adapted to light the fluorescent lamp. The fluorescent lamp is electrically connected to and integrally assembled with the lighting means including the lighting circuit board by the bendable leads and the terminal pieces capable of having various shapes. In addition, a fluorescent lamp device comprises a fluorescent lamp body which includes a front plate, a back plate and a spacer which is provided between the front plate and the back plate and which defines the oblate sectioned bulb of the fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: An electrical packaging system, preferably a fluorescent lamp assembly, includes an assembly (10) having a housing (12) with a planar base (14) carrying affixed thereto a flat, flexible circuit (50) with holes (52) exposing conductors (56). Spacially disposed components (28, 40) are affixed to the housing with terminals extending to bear against a resilient conductive member (38, 44) to interconnect components to the circuit. The conductive medium may be bonded to either the terminals or to the circuit to facilitate handling.

Abstract: A headlamp for a motor vehicle comprises a power unit including an inverter, a starting circuit connected to the inverter, an electric discharge lamp bulb connected to the starting circuit, and a shell for holding the starting circuit and the electric discharge lamp bulb. A lens and a cap are fixedly mounted to the shell at the front and rear open ends thereof, respectively. The shell and the cap are coated with a metal film to provide shielding from radio noise due to high frequency pulses.

Abstract: An aimable vehicular headlamp system has a discharge lamp assembly mounted within a lamp housing via aiming screws. The discharge lamp assembly comprises a paraboloidal reflector, a discharge lamp bulb, and a bulb carrier subassembly electrically coupled to the discharge lamp bulb and mechanically supporting the same in position with respect to the reflector. Also included is a lighting circuit assembly comprising a ballast section for providing a high alternating voltage, and an igniter section electrically connected between the ballast section and the bulb carrier subassembly of the discharge lamp assembly for causing the lamp bulb to glow by an electric discharge. At leeast the igniter section of the lighting circuit is mounted to the lamp housing, with the igniter section electrically connected to the bulb carrier subassembly via flexible conductors of minimal lengths thoroughly disposed within the lamp housing.

Abstract: A motor vehicle headlamp with a discharge lamp as its light source in which electromagnetic noise produced by the discharge lamp or by the glow switch starter and which leaks out of the headlamp is eliminated. A lighting circuit unit is provided which includes a casing on the inner surface of which an electrically conductive layer is formed for shielding electromagnetic noise, and a lighting circuit for the discharge bulb accommodated in the casing and coupled to the rear end portion of a lamp body. In another embodiment, the rear end portion of a lamp body, on the inner surface of which an electrically conductive grounding layer is formed, is formed into a noise shielding chamber closed with a partition board capable of blocking electromagnetic noise, and a lighting circuit for the discharge bulb is accommodated in the noise shielding chamber.

Abstract: A low voltage halogen lighting fixture includes a threaded base portion adapted to engage a standard light socket and a step down transformer. A bracket supports a low voltage halogen lamp for rotational and pivotal movement and the threaded portion is ratcheted to allow full rotation of the entire fixture. A thermocouple shuts down lamp operation if a predetermined operating temperature is exceeded and automatically restores power when the temperature returns to the safe region.

Abstract: A hand-held pulsed-light generator is presented for temporarily blinding and assailant at a distance. The light generator comprises a high energy storage capacitor, charged by high voltage power supply, and a high intensity flashtube. A high current electronic switch discharges the capacitor through the flashtube thereby generating an intense flash of light. The flash is focused by a reflector to form a concentrated beam pulse which is aimed at an assailant's head. The intensity of the pulsed-light beam striking the eyes is sufficiently strong to cause temporary blindness, thereby rendering the assailant immobile. By using a discharge capacitor with very high energy storage, and an ultra high intensity flashtube, and a focusing reflector for concentrating the light, it is possible to project a light flash that is several orders of magnitude brighter than the sun.

Abstract: A long range, high intensity lamp or spotlight comprises a head portion at one end having a window opening and a handle portion connected to the head portion and containing starter circuitry for controlling operation of the lamp. A parabolic mirror is mounted in the head portion to face the window opening, and a high intensity electric arc bulb such as a Xenon bulb is adjustably mounted within the mirror so that the electrode gap is located as close as possible to the focus of the mirror. An adjustable mounting base allows the position of the bulb to be adjusted until the optimum position is reached, at which point the bulb is secured in its position.

Abstract: A system for the insulated support of neon lights comprising a cylindrical glass cup having different diameter, longitudinal intersecting bores for receiving and securing together the respective ends of a cylindrical neon tube electrode and the cylindrical end of glass encased high voltage wire. A resilient O-ring encircles and holds together the respective end of the electrode and glass sleeve and the combination is slidably moved into the cylindrical insulating cup, with the O-ring being compressed between the inner surface of the cup and the outer surfaces of the electrode and glass sleeve, securing the combination within the cup.

Abstract: A light fixture includes separate ballast and optical housings. The optical housing includes an open top, a hollow base depending from the open top and a wiring chamber extending laterally from the hollow base adjacent to the open top. A cover is releasably coupled to the housing, extends over the open top, and has an aperture extending through it receiving a lens. The lamp is mounted in the base of the optical housing for directing light through the lens. The ballast housing is releasably coupled to the optical housing at the wiring chamber. A ballast cover is coupled to the ballast housing. An electrical ballast assembly is mounted in the ballast housing. Wiring extends between the housings for electrically connecting the lamp and the electrical ballast assembly.

Abstract: A arc discharge headlamp system is disclosed. An arc discharge headlamp system may be formed with a lamp housing including an enclosed reflector, a double ended arc discharge lamp having a two leads at offset ends, enclosed in the reflector. A first lamp support for the front end of the lamp is coupled to the lamp housing, and a first lead connection for the lamp is coupled through a high potential conductor embedded in the lamp housing. The high potential conductor embedded in the lamp housing extends subsurface to a ballast cavity formed in the lamp housing and enclosing a ballast. The ballast is potted in the cavity to protect it. A second lamp lead extends through a second lamp support to the rear of the lamp housing to be connected to the ballast. The lamp capsule, high potential leads, and ballast are all securely enclosed as a single unit with potential leakage between elements, and with the outside prevented.

Abstract: An electrodeless lamp which couples to a small bulb and obtains a relatively high light output therefrom. A cavity which comprises a compound resonant structure including vestibule and reflector portions is provided. The combination of vestibule and reflector results in a condition of resonance throughout the cavity, whereby strong fields are coupled to the small bulb and a reflector is provided for directing and enhancing light output.

Abstract: A simulative candle includes a housing receiving therein a battery, an oscillator converting the battery power into an a.c. power, a half-wave-rectifying filtering network changing the a.c. power into an astable high-voltage d.c. electric power, and a neon lamp energized by the astable d.c. power to sparkle like a real candle flame.

Abstract: A projector lamp comprising a single ended metal halide discharge lamp in a generally spherical reflector has been found to exhibit turbulence when running. The resulting fluctuation of light especially when used in conjunction with the reflector to concentrate the light for studio or theatre applications provides an apparent movement which is extremely disturbing to the eye. It has been found the turbulent movement of gas around the electrodes in the lamp envelope can be regularised by the application of a magnetic field to the envelope. The turbulence is sensitive to conditions within the discharge arc tube and the strength and position of the magnetic field has to be variable to cater for this. The magnetic field is conveniently applied by an electro-magnet using lamp current.

Abstract: A low voltage lighting fixture has a lamp housing having distal and proximal ends and is made of heat conducting material. A low voltage lamp is supported in an integral socket on a central axis in the distal end of the externally finned housing. A generally planar thermal barrier made of poor heat conducting material is provided at the proximal end of the lamp housing, and a tubular transformer housing, including a low voltage transformer means, is coaxially attached to the proximal end of the lamp housing in abutment with the thermal barrier. In a preferred embodiment convective cooling air passages are provided between the lamp housing and the thermal barrier, and additional convective cooling passages are provided between the thermal barrier and the transformer housing, whereby lamp heat is dissipated by the cooling fins with limited thermal conduction to the transformer.

Abstract: A work light comprising a housing, a gas discharge lamp of the fluorescent type positioned inside a portion of said housing, means defining a compartment which is an extension of said portion of said housing, and a smoothing choke and a rectifier including a voltage multiplier circuit mounted in the compartment. The compartment and the portion of the housing are aligned with each other along the longitudinal axis of the housing. An electrical power supply cable is connected to the housing in series with an electric switch, and a swivel arm is mounted on the housing, the power supply cable extending through the swivel arm.

Abstract: Add-on device for lead-type ballast comprises additional inductor and series-connected controlled AC switching means which are connected in parallel circuit with the capacitor portion of the lead-type ballast such as is used to operate an HID sodium lamp. The add-on device has a sensing and control circuit which operates to sense a lamp operating parameter in order to control the actuation of the AC switching means which in turn controls in predetermined fashion the operation of the ballasted lamp. The inductor and AC switch and sensing and control means of the add-on device are all packaged within a can-shaped member which has dimensions similar to those of the conventional capacitor can for the lead-type ballast. All the elements of the add-on device are potted within the capacitor can with terminal means extending from an end portion thereof for ready connection along with an exposed potentiometer portion to enable the control to be adjusted.

Abstract: A circular gas discharge reflector lamp has a ballast supporting structure enclosing a ballast and having a male screw shell extending therefrom. Lamp engaging arms extend from the structure and hold a circular gas discharge lamp which is electrically connected to the ballast and screw shell in an operative circuit. A concave reflector partially enclosing the lamp and attached to the ballast supporting structure near the male screw shell. A lens attached at its perimeter to the perimeter of the reflector, which transmits the direct light emitted by the lamp and also transmits the reflected light from the reflector. The screw shell, ballast supporting structure, reflector and lens are joined together with continuously sealed seams whereby the reflector lamp is water tight.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for auxiliary operating components for a high-pressure vapor discharge lamp in a standard inverted cup-shaped mounting structure for an incandescent street lamp comprises a U-shaped bracket attached by a leg of the bracket to the interior of the structure with one leg of the bracket being centrally located in an open end of the structure. A holder for the lamp is attached to the leg of the bracket located in the open end and a reflecting metallic heat shield closes the remaining portion of the open end. One of the auxiliary components is a capacitor which is attached to the other side of this leg and in the interior of the structure by a mounting strap which spaces the capacitor from contact with other components and the structure to limit transfer of heat to the capacitor.

Abstract: This light is designed for use in the welding industry, for checking joint preparations, by lighting the area to be welded, lighting the area of a weld, so as to enable the user effectively to clean or chip slag from it, etc. It consists primarily of a sleeve, in which a high voltage bulb is received, that includes a resistor across the leads, and it is mounted to any electrode holder, by a ball and socket swivel, for changing the light angle.

Abstract: A flashlight apparatus includes a power switch, formed by a changeover switch, which is connected in a path to discharge a primary discharge capacitor and a trigger capacitor in its off condition to disable a flashlight operation. Simultaneously, a neon tube light which indicates the completion of charging of the primary discharge capacitor is turned off, indicating the off position of the power switch.

Abstract: A high intensity light source having high repetition rate and narrow pulse-width. The light source comprises a metal casing having coaxially mounted arcing electrodes therein which utilize the capacitance of the coaxial system to charge up to the arcing potential. One electrode is electrically connected to the end wall of the casing to provide a reflected wavefront from the end wall after an arc has been struck, such wavefront serving to extinguish the arc and thus provide a sharp pulse. The lamp may be used for such areas as photochemical and photobiological research, in place of much costlier nanosecond lasers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a light fixture having a ballast mounted on the housing thereof by means of a metal bracket having side walls which are connected to one another to form a corner and a base wall connected to each of the side walls intermediate their opposite ends. The side walls of the bracket are secured to adjacent metal side walls of the housing which are connected to one another at a corner thereof, and the ballast is releasably connected to the base wall of the bracket.