Abstract: A method of manufacture for a lamp involves making up, separate from an envelope, a sub-assembly comprising a lead structure and a vitreous body that surrounds it. In one form of this method, particles of vitreous material are pressed into a mold cavity that surrounds the lead structure, thus forming a compact surrounding the lead structure. This compact is sintered in an inert atmosphere, thereby forming the sub-assembly. Thereafter, the sub-assembly is placed in an opening in the envelope, and a hermetic seal is made between the envelope and the vitreous body in the interface region between the envelope and the vitreous body.

Abstract: A lamp including a glass envelope having a base fitted at each end portion thereof. Each lamp base includes a metallic base shell having an annular flange. The annular flange is heated prior to fitting over the end portion of the envelope so as to increase the inner flange diameter. Cooling of the annular flange after fitting reduces the flange diameter thereby providing an interference fit with the end portion. The lamp base is retained on the end portion without the need for basing cement. In order to accommodate variations in the diameter of the lamp seals, an annular rib is formed on the inner surface of the flange. After cooling, the annular rib forms an interference fit with the lamp end portion.

Abstract: A method of producing a low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp comprising two or more substantially parallel co-extending glass discharge tubes includes forming an inter-connecting joint between the tubes by heating the tubes to form blisters and causing the blisters to simultaneously fuse and break, thereby forming a joint between the tubes.

Abstract: An electrodeless SEF fluorescent discharge lamp of the type having an envelope with a re-entrant cavity formed therein for containing an excitation coil includes an amalgam positioned for maintaining an optimum mercury vapor pressure during lamp operation. The amalgam is doped with a magnetic material, such as iron, cobalt, nickel, aluminum or tungsten, and is initially located in an optimal operating position using a magnetic field generated by a magnet situated about the lamp envelope. Advantageously, the magnetic field can be used to relocate the amalgam within the exhaust tube, as desired, during lamp processing steps. After processing, the magnet is removed, and no amalgam holder is required.

Abstract: A low pressure discharge lamp having a tubular discharge vessel (1). At each of its end portions (2, 3) the vessel (1) is fused to a respective metal tube (5) having an uncovered outer surface outside the vessel. A sealed glass tube (6) is fused to the metal tubes (5). Ignition aids (18, 28, 40) may also be present. The simple construction of the lamp permits manufacture and high lamp quality, even at long lengths and/or small diameters of the discharge vessel. The lamp may have an ionizable filling of rare gas or may also contain mercury. A fluorescent powder may also be present in the discharge vessel. The lamp (72) and a luminaire (70, 71) mounting the lamp may be used for display or signalling purposes.

Abstract: An improved design and method and of manufacturing a luminous tube electrode comprises the steps of placing an electrode shell in an outer tube and allowing conductors connected to the electrode shell to emanate from an open end of the outer tube. A tubulation with a flared end is then butted up against the end of the outer tube, thereby sandwiching the conductors between the flared end of the tubulation and the outer tube. The flared end of the tubulation are then fused to one another forming a hermetic seal between each other and the conductors, resulting in the finished electrode. A further provision is made to blow a bubble in the tubulation.

Abstract: A double-ended arc discharge lamp includes a sealed, light-transmissive outer jacket, a light-transmissive shroud mounted within the outer jacket and directly supported by the outer jacket, and an arc discharge tube mounted within the shroud. The arc tube is typically a metal halide arc discharge tube. In a preferred embodiment, the shroud includes an outwardly flared portion at each end. The outwardly flared portions space the shroud from the outer jacket and support the shroud within the outer jacket. The outwardly flared portions of the shroud can be affixed to the outer jacket by fusing. The outer jacket can be provided with inwardly extending dimples for locating the shroud with respect to the outer jacket. In another embodiment, the outer jacket includes reduced diameter portions near each end which are attached to the shroud.

Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp having a translucent sintered aluminum oxide discharge envelope is produced by a method that includes providing a ceramic end plug having an aperture for a current lead-in member in an end of the envelope, sintering the end plug to the envelope and passing the current lead-in member through the plug so as to extend into the envelope, forming a thin disc-shaped sealing member formed of magnesium oxide containing glass frit and having an aperture for the lead-in member on the outer surface of the plug, positioning a thin barrier member having an aperture for the lead-in member on and extending over the outer surface of the sealing member and heating the assembly so as to cause the sealing member to melt and form a glass bond between the lead-in member and the plug and the barrier member to melt and bond to the glass seal.

Abstract: An arc tube having a closed glass bulb having no broken-off portion, and a method of manufacturing the arc tube. A glass bulb is formed on a glass tube substantially at the middle. An electrode assembly is inserted into one end portion of the glass tube, and the one end portion is closed by pinch-sealing. A light emitting material is supplied into the glass bulb through the other end portion of the glass tube, another electrode assembly is inserted into the other end portion, and the latter is closed by pinch-sealing. Since the closed glass bulb has no broken-off portion, the arc tube is free from the difficulty that the distribution of light is adversely affected. Moreover, in manufacturing the arc tube of the invention, it is unnecessary to connect an exhaust tube to the glass tube. Therefore, the number of manufacturing steps is small, and the arc tube can be manufactured with ease.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for an arc tube which is free from the difficulty that tearing of a foil occurs in pinch-sealing the arc tube. One end portion of an electrode bar is overlapped with a molybdenum foil, and the electrode bar is connected to the molybdenum foil by spot-welding the overlapped portions of the two members, except for the tip end part of the end portion of the electrode bar, whereby the molybdenum foil is prevented from being damaged by the rectangular corner of the end portion of the electrode bar.

Abstract: To connect a vitreous lamp bulb which has an essentially tubular extension 6) to a base lamp holding structure (2), the holding structure is formed with a cylindrical recess into which the tubular extension is fitted. The material of the lamp holding structure, or at least a portion adjacent the recess, is a high-temperature meltable plastic, and the extension portion is surrounded by a spiral spring or wire loops which, to attach the lamp to the base lamp holding structure, is subjected to a high-frequency electromagnetic field so that, by induction, the plastic surrounding the extension will melt, and embed the spiral or looped wires in the molten plastic while oozing towards the extension portion to securely grip the extension portion in the base lamp holding structure.

Abstract: An electrode of a discharge lamp which has an improved adhesion between an emitter material and a filament is formed in accordance with the following method. That is, a Fe-Cr-Al alloy is used as the filament. The filament is placed in a heated oxidizing environment to precipitate an aluminum oxide layer uniformly in a surface thereof. Thus precipitated aluminum oxide layer has good adhesion with the filament without flaking thereof. The aluminum oxide layer is coated with triple carbonates consisting of barium carbonate, calcium carbonate and strontium carbonate, so that a carbonate coated filament is obtained. And then, the coated filament is heated in vacuum to reduce the carbonates to their alkaline earth oxides of the emitter material, and also to form a complex oxide consisting of the aluminum oxide and the alkaline earth oxides.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp including a lamp bulb which has been coated with phosphor powder which has been ground in an attritor to reduce the powder weight without loss in light output and light maintenance. A process to produce such a fluorescent lamp utilizes a particular sequence of steps including firing, milling, attritor milling, and washing to produce an improved stir-in alkaline earth halophosphate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a lamp including a glass envelope having a base fitted at each end portion thereof. Each lamp base includes a metallic base shell having an annular flange. The annular flange is heated prior to fitting over the end portion of the envelope so as to increase the inner flange diameter. Cooling of the annular flange after fitting reduces the flange diameter thereby providing an interference fit with the end portion. The lamp base is retained on the end portion without the need for basing cement. In order to accommodate variations in the diameter of the lamp seals, an annular rib is formed on the inner surface of the flange. After cooling, the annular rib forms an interference fit with the lamp end portion.

Abstract: A method for making an ultraviolet radiation starting source is described which includes providing a tube with an opening, inserting a molybdenum ribbon and a wire lead into the opening, and forming a seal near the opening. The ribbon and wire are provided in a continuous stream from a set of spools, and are cut after the seal is formed.

Abstract: A discharge lamp with offset or tilted arc tube includes a glass envelope or bulb which surrounds an arc tube. One end of the bulb has a threaded mount for securement into a lamp socket. The arc tube is supported inside the bulb in a position whereby the longitudinal axis of the arc tube is offset from the longitudinal axis of the bulb.

Abstract: A method of producing a high pressure discharge lamp arc tube having discharge electrodes extending from respective press seals into opposing end chambers of continuously reducing cross-section. The press seals are positioned offset from the axis of the arc tube in a direction normal to their plane by positioning the lead-through and discharge electrode within the end portion of a length of tube of vitreous material offset from the tube axis by a predetermined distance, heating the end portion of the tube to its softening temperature, and moving opposing press jaws against said end portion in such a manner that the press seal is formed about said lead-through offset in a direction normal to the plane of the press seal and away from the tip-off. The press jaws may include mold portions for accurately forming the end chambers. During pressing, the tube is pressurized with a gas to blow mold the end chambers in the mold portions.

Abstract: The method is suitable to make sodium high-pressure discharge lamps operag operating under saturated condition. After placing and melt-sealing a first electrode system into the discharge vessel, sodium is introduced in the form of NaN.sub.3 through the second end of the vessel. Upon heating of the second end, and due to heat conduction, the NaN.sub.3, collected at the first end, dissociates, resulting in a sudden pressure rise due to liberation of nitrogen within a vacuum. As soon as the nitrogen has dissipated, noble gas to cool the first end is introduced, and the second melt seal is then made. The noble gas may, at the same time, form an ignition gas, or a gas mixture for the discharge lamp. One or more half-finished lamps are preferably held in a holder structure which has vertical bores leaving a gap of between 0.2 to 3 mm between the wall surface of the bore and the vessel and, as such, are introduced into a vacuum furnace, where the pressure can be monitored.

Abstract: An arc tube for a high pressure metal vapor discharge lamp is provided. The arc tube of the present invention comprises a tubular ceramic envelope; a chemical fill within said envelope; a seal button at each end of said envelope; said seal button having an aperture therethrough for receiving a feedthrough member; a feedthrough member having an electrode projecting therefrom passing through said seal button aperture and being oriented such that the electrode projects into said tubular ceramic envelope, said feedthrough member being sealed into said seal button by means of a fritless seal between said seal button and said feedthrough; and sealing frit material sealing said seal buttons into the ends of said tubular ceramic envelope. A method for fabricating the above-described arc tube and high pressure metal vapor discharge lamp including the above-described arc tube is also provided.

Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from an arc tube includes introducing an inert gas into the arc tube through a conduit extending through the lamp tubulation and exhausting the gas through the space between the conduit and the wall of the lamp tubulation. Contaminated gas thereby always flows away from the arc tube. The arc tube can be heated during the gas flushing process to release adsorbed water and vaporize volatile oxides. Gas is preferably flushed through the lamps tubulation during and after press sealing of electrodes into the arc tube to remove contaminants introduced during press sealing.

Abstract: An electrode mount with a stationary electrode and a movable electrode facing each other, the movable electrode including a snap-acting and thermosensitive element which comes into contact with and out of contact with the stationary electrode, fixed thereon by a frit glass bead is encased in a glass envelope having an opening at one end thereof. A sealed portion for sealing the frit glass bead and the opening of the glass envelope is formed by melting frit glass therebetween.

Abstract: A double-ended, double-sided pinch seal discharge lamp has pinch seals at posite ends of a discharge vessel, in which the broad side surfaces of the pinch seal, retaining a molybdenum foil (8) is formed with lateral constrictions or indentations (16) located at the transition zone between the pinch seal and the bulbous or discharge vessel portion (3). Preferably, excess glass material from the side surfaces or ribs (14) formed on the side surfaces of the pinch or press seal is squeezed, in the transition zone, towards the bulb or central region (3) during the pinch sealing process to form reinforcement ribs (17), thereby strengthening the transition zone between the pinch seal (5) and the bulb portion (3) of the lamp.

Abstract: To reduce the axial length of high-power, high-pressure discharge lamps, for example between 1000-4000 W rating, while reducing the temperature, in operation, of a connection foil (8) adjacent the base ends of the foil, the discharge vessel (2) of quartz glass has two shaft-like extensions (5) unitary therewith, in which the connection foils are pinch or press-sealed. The lengths of the pinch or press seals are major fractions of the length of the discharge of the discharge vessel, for example between 2/3 and 4/3 thereof, and the connection foil extends over a major portion of the length of the shaft-like extension, for example between 60-80%. Such pinch seals are made by differentially, over its length, heating the shaft-like extension (5).

Abstract: A method of encasing a luminous translucent tubing (12,32) of a non-linear complex geometrical configuration in a transparent outer member (14,34) and forming a passage (25,35) of annular radial cross section therebetween, which method comprises coating the exterior of the tubing (12,32) with a viscous temporary material (17,47) which solidifies to provide a coating with smooth exterior surface, coating the temporary substance (17,47) with a permanent forming material in a viscous liquid state which hardens to form a rigid transparent outer member (14,34) in coextensive surrounding relation to the tubing (12,32) and its coating of temporary material (17,47), applying heat to said coating of temporary material at a temperature above the melting point of the temporary material and below the softening temperature of the outer member, and removing the temporary material from between the translucent tubing (12,32) and the transparent outer member (14,34) while supporting the translucent tubing in fixed relation to

Abstract: A method of fabricating an arc discharge capsule from a tubular blank, and a mold used in such fabrication, is provided wherein a first electode is sealed in a first press seal in one end of the blank, and a preform designed to facilitate insertion and positioning of a second electrode is formed in an opposite end of the blank, in a single pressing and blowing step.

Abstract: A discharge lamp unit in which a pair of terminal and lead support assemblies (A, B), composed of a pair of metal connector terminals (123, 125) and a pair of metal lead supports (122, 124), are fixedly held by a molded resin lamp holder (120) in such a manner that the connector terminals (123, 125) extend from the rear surface of the lamp holder while the lead supports (122, 124) extend from the front surface of the lamp holder to support a discharge lamp (110). The lamp holder has an axial through-hole formed therein during the molding of the lamp holder in a metal mold in such a manner that the axial through-hole is located between the connector terminals of the terminal and lead support assemblies, whereby the lamp holder is enhanced in dielectric strength.

Abstract: A flashlamp provides a ruggedized yet simple-to-manufacture construction capable of operating at high average output power over a long life. The flashlamp construction includes a glass tube (12) with an electrode assembly (24) detachably secured to each end. The electrode assembly includes an end cap (26) to which an electrode support (28) is attached, with a first end (32) of the electrode support protruding inside of the glass tube, and a second end (44) of the electrode support protruding outside of the glass tube. The electrode support (28) is made from a suitable electrical conductor. An electrode (34) is threaded onto the first end of the electrode support (28) without the use of brazing or other attachment techniques that might introduce impurities. An electrode lug (36) is attached to or near the second end of the electrode support, outside of the glass tube, and provides a means for making electrical contact with the electrode (34).

Abstract: An apparatus for making an aperture in a coating on an inside surface of a lamp envelope such as a miniature fluorescent lamp envelope. The apparatus includes a magnetic scraping tool disposed adjacent to the inside surface of the lamp envelope and a magnet disposed adjacent to the outside surface of the lamp envelope so as to influence the scraping tool. The magnet acts on the magnetic scraping tool to maintain a scraping portion of the scraping tool in contact with the inside surface of the lamp envelope. As the magnet is moved along the outside of the lamp envelope, the scraping tool is pulled through the inside of the lamp envelope with sufficient clamping force to scrape a desired width of coating from the inside surface of the lamp envelope. In one embodiment, a guide is provided to guide the scraping tool through the lamp envelope. In a preferred embodiment, the scraping tool and the magnet are coupled to the guide. The guide moves the magnet and the scraping tool along the lamp envelope.

Abstract: To make a small high-pressure discharge lamp, for example of 50 W rating or less, and suitable, for example, for automotive applications, a quartz glass tube is heated, formed with constrictions, and a gas passed therebetween to expand the portion of the tube between the constrictions into olive shape to form the discharge vessel (6). A preformed first electrode system is introduced through one of the constrictions. The electrode system preferably has a zig-zag lead (9) slightly larger than the internal diameter of the tube to provide for self-centering. The tube is then isolated from atmosphere, for example by being placed in a glove box or coupled to a pumping head (15), for introduction therein of a fill substance, for example in pellet form, of a metal halide and, if desired, mercury; and a fill gas, such as argon or, preferably, xenon, preferably after cleaning and flushing the tube.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing small tubular lamps, a moving amount of a tube stock is adjusted according to a wall thickness thereof to make the stock-guide amount uniform, and the internal pressure during the stock-guide step is also adjusted so as to produce a suitable dimension of the outside diameter thereof, whereby the working amount in the succeeding step is reduced to decrease errors in dimensional tolerances, particularly in wall thickness and internal volume.

Abstract: A method for applying a protective coating to the inner surface of the arc tube of a high-intensity metal halide discharge lamp involves dosing the arc tube with an inert gas that is doped with a metal hydride gas. Preferably, the metal hydride gas comprises silane. The arc tube is heated to a sufficiently high temperature to decompose the silane gas. As a result, silicon is deposited as a protective coating on the inner surface of the arc tube wall. The hydrogen gas that is generated by the silane decomposition is removed from the system either by pumping it out before dosing the arc tube with the final arc tube fill, or by diffusion through the arc tube wall during operation of the lamp.

Abstract: A method to press mold heavy wall metal halide lamps (with reduced glass mass in end seals) is disclosed. Wall temperature in a metal halide lamp may be normalized by varying the wall thickness in relation to the heat falling on the interior surface, and the heat lost through the exterior surface. Increasing the wall thickness, acts to spread the heat, and decrease the wall temperature. Thinning the wall, acts to concentrate the heat, and increase the wall temperature. By press molding the lamp glass and simultaneously reducing the glass mass in the end seals, the desired wall thickness may be obtained without excessive heat loss in the end seals to result in an isothermal internal profile.

Abstract: A method of producing a lamp having a coated layer and of a type in which linear tubes in parallel are interconnected, comprises the steps of forming a connected glass tube by making an airtight connection via connecting portions between side walls of a plural number of glass tubes having openings at both ends and main portions that are linear and arranged parallel to each other; of forming a coated layer on the inner wall surface of the connected tube including the connecting portions by introducing a coated substance from opening end portions of the connected glass tube; and of forming an airtight path as a discharge path in the connected tube including the main and connecting portions by sealing the opening end portions on a side of the connecting portions of the connected tube after the formation of the coated layer.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp unit comprises a double U-shaped discharge tube having a base shell secured to one end thereof. A housing containing the necessary starting and operating circuitry includes a first portion having a standardized base and a second portion surrounding the base shell of the discharge tube. The internal surface of the second housing portion includes a plurality of flexible fingers for securing the base shell to the second portion of the housing. in a preferred embodiment, each flexible finger includes a latch for engaging the base shell. Preferably, the the internal surface of second housing portion further inlcudes a plurality of support ribs for preventing or limiting lateral movement of the base shell within the housing.

Abstract: A high-pressure metal vapor discharge lamp, for example and specifically a etal halide vapor discharge lamp, has a discharge vessel, in which electrodes are fitted from both ends, in form of an elongated ceramic hollow body, in which, in accordance with the invention, the ceramic is translucent, high-purity aluminum nitride (AIN). The end portions are closed off by closing electrodes in form of either solid pins or rods, from which electrode elements carried on shafts (13) extend, or a hollow tube (19) fitted into the end portion of the aluminum nitride discharge vessel and pinched and soldered shut. The solid or tubular closing elements can be inserted into a pre-sintered discharge vessel, preferably under inert atmospheric conditions, in a meticulously clean environment. For translucidness, the high-purity aluminum nitride should have less than 0.05% of metal cations, which may cause coloring or discoloration, less than 0.01% iron as two or three valent ions, and less than 0.

Abstract: To guide a double-ended arc tube (8) within an outer bulb (2), a sheet me guide element (17, 17') is secured to a support rod (12) of a holder structure (6a, 6b, 7, 12) extending within the bulb, the sheet metal part (17) having a major surface extending at least approximately transversely to the lamp axis (A) and being formed with an opening (24) fitting around and loosely, resiliently recieving a press seal (10) of the arc discharge tube (8). Preferably, the opening (24) is rectangular, and depending flaps (25, 26) extend from the sides of the opening to resiliently grip the press seal. The flaps may be reduced adjacent their junction with the rim (22, 23) surrounding the opening (24) of the guide element, so that a single guide element can receive different sizes of arc tubes having differently shaped press seals (10, 15).

Abstract: A multistep process is disclosed which enables hermetically sealed, durable, long-lasting illumination devices which utilize electrical discharges through inert gas and inert gas/mercury vapor mixtures to be produced in an essentially flat-plate configuration without the use of glass tubing to contain the discharge. This process utilizes plates of glass having a particular range of thermal expansion coefficients for the preparation of these display devices through the discovery of a heating/cooling process that enables these thick glass assemblies to be produced rapidly yet without cracking and without significant residual air or water vapor contamination and which includes the heat sealing of a evacuation/backfilling tubulation in the same sequence and also includes the unique feature of the inclusion of finely divided powder in the inert gas chamber which, when subjected to the heating/cooling cycle, acts to getter residual air and water vapor from the inert gas.

Abstract: A process for sealing of niobium-ceramic through-wall assemblies for ceramic or metal vessels for high temperature and high pressure or vacuum applications, for example an electrical feedthrough and sealable fill opening in an alumina arc tube for a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp. The process produces a fritless hermetic seal while maintaining the ductility of the niobium components. The niobium-ceramic through-wall assembly includes an axially bored alumina or yttria sealing means having a ductile niobium throughpiece close fitted to and extending through the bore. The throughpiece is preferably essentially pure niobium, but may contain up to about 2% zirconium. The assembly is fired at about 1400.degree.-2000.degree. C. in a pure oxygen- and hydrogen-free (<5 ppm each) inert, preferably flowing, atmosphere or vacuum for a time sufficient to form a hermetic seal between the throughpiece and the sealing means. The fired assembly is then cooled to below 250.degree. C.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp including a lamp bulb which has been coated with phosphor powder which has been ground in an attritor to reduce the powder weight without loss in light output and light maintenance. A process to produce such a fluorescent lamp is also provided.

Abstract: A process for fabricating arc tubes for the manufacture of unsaturated vapor high pressure sodium lamps wherein a first electrode is sealed into one end of a ceramic envelope, a sodium-mercury amalgam and an oxygen-absorbing getter are introduced into the ceramic envelope, the ceramic envelope is flushed and then filled with a rare gas, and a second electrode is sealed into the other end of the ceramic envelope to provide an arc tube wherein decomposition of the amalgam and absorption of oxygen occurs within the ceramic envelope during operational use.

Abstract: A process of dosing the arc tube of an unsaturated vapor high pressure sodium lamp wherein a sodium-containing compound, an oxygen-absorbing getter, mercury and a rare gas are deposited within the arc tube, and the arc tube is sealed whereby thermal decomposition of the sodium-containing compound is effected within the arc tube and the getter prevents compound reformation by absorbing the oxygen therein.

Abstract: An electric lamp is provided including a sealed outer glass envelope having an arc tube therein supported from the stem of the outer glass envelope by a support frame. The support frame is attached to the stem by a stem clip to which the support frame is welded. An inert refractory fibrous material is disposed between the stem and the stem clip to provide resiliency and a friction fit therebetween.

Abstract: A thermal device, such as a glow discharge starter, includes an hermetically sealed envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode having a bimetallic element associated therewith, and a counter electrode. A mount sealed in the envelope includes a glass stem having a disk-shaped portion extending substantially across the envelope and a longitudinally-extending planar portion. The transverse portion of the mount assists in centering the electrodes within the envelope and preventing the bimetallic element from oxidizing during the manufacturing process when the mount is sealed to the envelope. Preferably, the transverse portion is disk-shaped having a radius within the range of from about 89 to 93 percent of the internal radius of the envelope. The defined thickness of the planar portion of the glass stem allows rapid transfer of heat during sealing so that the planar portion can effectively be sealed to the envelope without developing seal cracks.

Abstract: A method of aligning and gapping arc lamp electrodes is to form a single piece electrode preform with a number of breakable junctions formed therein. The single piece preform is then positioned in the lamp envelope and sealed in place. The central portion of the preform is then removed by causing the breakable junctions to give way. The central portion is then removed from the enclosed lamp cavity, and the lamp sealing is finished by known methods.

Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp having a partially collapsible frame for holding an arc tube at a predetermined angle to the lamp axis and being insertable through the neck portion of a standard bulged tube outer envelope. The frame has a first frame section welded to a standard stem assembly, a second frame section rotatably joined to the first frame section for holding the arc tube, and a third frame section rotatably joined to the second frame section for engaging the outer envelope opposite the lamp cap. The frame sections are joined by rotary locking joints and are aligned such that they pivot during insertion of the frame sections when the third frame section engages the dome portion of the outer envelope. The rotary locking joints lock with the arc tube at the desired angle.

Abstract: An arc tube fabricating process wherein an oxygen-absorbing getter is affixed to at least one of a pair of electrodes, one of the electrodes is sealed into the end of a tubular ceramic envelope, a dosage is deposited in the tubular ceramic envelope and the other one of the pair of electrodes is sealed into the other end of the tubular ceramic envelope.

Abstract: A ceramic envelope device for an HID lamp, wherein a translucent ceramic arc tube is closed at opposite end sections thereof by respective end caps which support respective discharge electrodes on their inner surfaces. At least one of the opposite end sections of the arc tube is sealed with a sealing layer, and each of the sealed end section of the tube includes a first axial portion having a first inside diameter, and a second axial portion having a second inside diameter smaller than the first inside diameter and disposed axially inwardly of the first axial portion. The first and second axial portions define an annular shoulder surface radially inwardly extending between the first and second inside diameters. The first axial portion preferably has a cylindrical wall thickness of 1.0-1.5 mm, and the annular shoulder surface preferably has a radial width of 0.2-0.8 mm. The sealing layer is interposed between the first axial portion of the arc tube and the corresponding end cap.

Abstract: A compact low-pressure mercury vapour discharge lamp comprises two or more straight tubes which are interconnected at their ends to form one discharge chamber between two electrodes located in the outermost ends of the lamp. These ends are connected in a gas-tight manner to a lamp base incorporating the requisite contact pins and conductors. Down stream of the electrodes in the direction of the discharge current are tube constrictions which define spaces around the electrodes in which released ions from the electrode emission material are held concentrated, so as to fall back onto the electrode surface upon each change in current phase. The invention includes a method including several specific operating parameters, for making the glass envelope of the invention lamp.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing an aluminum oxide coated manganese activated zinc silicate phosphor which comprises forming a solution of Al.sup.+3 ions in water with the concentration of the aluminum being from about 0.01 to about 0.30 moles/l, adding manganese activated zinc silicate phosphor to the aluminum solution to form a slurry wherein the amount of phosphor is about 0.7 to about 1.0 moles per liter of slurry with agitation for a sufficient time to result in aluminum ions being adsorbed onto the surfaces of the particles of the phosphor, separating the resulting phosphor with adsorbed aluminum ions from the resulting liquor, drying the phosphor with the adsorbed aluminum ions, firing the resulting dried phosphor at a temperature of from about 750.degree. C. to about 850.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention is a method of assembling an electric lamp having a canted arc tube. The invention permits the lamp to be assembled using a standard bulged tube outer envelope having an elongate neck portion of the type normally used for lamps in which the arc tube is mounted coaxially with the envelope axis.In the inventive method, a stem assembly having a pair of rigid conductors extending therefrom is first sealed in the open end of the neck portion in a gas-tight manner. The envelope is severed around its circumference in the region where the neck portion merges into the bulbous portion of the envelope. After the two portions are separated, a frame holding the arc tube is welded to the rigid inductors of the stem assembly with the arc tube positioned at the desired angle with respect to the lamp defined by the elongate neck portion. The two envelope portions are then resealed in a gas-tight manner and a lamp cap secured to the neck portion.