Abstract: A fluorescent lamp is capable of easily achieving a reduction of power consumption only be being mounted on a conventional lighting apparatus, whether or not the lighting apparatus has a dimming function. The fluorescent lamp includes an arc tube; and a current suppressing section for suppressing a lamp current which flows in the arc tube, after the elapse of a predetermined time after the power is turned on, and during an operation of the fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp thermal fuse arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement in a preferred embodiment comprises a fluorescent glass tube lamp, a thermal fuse wrapped externally around an end of the lamp, electrically insulated mechanical means, lead portions of the thermal fuse and strain relief, and a thermally and electrically insulating protective cover placed over the thermal fuse to concentrate heat around the fuse and to electrically isolate the lamp end from the surrounding environment. The lamp has a maximum normal operating temperature, a coating of emissive material on a cathode of the lamp, a plurality of lamp cathode leads, and a termination electrically connected to a fluorescent lamp power source. The thermal fuse is electrically connected in series between at least one lamp cathode lead and the termination. The protective cover provides electrical insulation to the surrounding environment and a small space for melted fuse material to flow regardless of lamp orientation.

Abstract: A glow discharge starter having an hermetically sealed envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode including a first bimetallic element having a curved portion and a free end, and a counter electrode. A first discharge gap having a predetermined spacing is formed between the free end of the first bimetallic element and the counter electrode. The starter includes a second bimetallic element having an end secured to the counter electrode. A portion of the second bimetallic element is positioned adjacent the curved portion of the first bimetallic element such that a second discharge gap having a predetermined spacing is formed therebetween. In the event that the starter encounters a dc current of the wrong polarity, a portion of the second bimetallic element contacts the first bimetallic element so as to extinguish the arc discharge and prevent electrode damage.

Abstract: A quick start initiator for a flourescent light comprises a sealed glass bulb, a long conductor rod centrally located within the bulb, a pair of short conductor rods positioned to either side of the long conductor and electrically connected with a conducting lead protruding from the base of the glass bulb, and a pair of thermally deforming arcuate strips each being electrically connected to one of the short conductor rods. Wherein one arcuate bimetallic strip attached to one short conductor bar is normally separated by a space from the central conductor bar when in the inactive state. The other arcuate bimetallic strip on the other short conductor bar normally contacts the central long conductor when inactive. A mixture of argon and neon gases fills the glass bulb. Each of the leads are electrically connected in series with one respective cathode of a flourescent tube as in a conventional flourescent tube initiator circuit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a glow discharge starter including a glow bottle having a hermetically sealed discharge envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode and a counter electrode. A pair of conductors extending from the main body of a radio frequency suppressing capacitor electrically coupling respective electrodes of the glow bottle. The main body of the capacitor is in a thermal relationship with the discharge envelope and responsive to heat generated therewithin. When a predetermined temperature limit is reached within the discharge envelope, the generated heat creates a short circuit within the main body of the capacitor and extinguishes the glow discharge. The present invention eliminates the need for an additional fuse member or thermal protector.

Abstract: A glow discharge starter having an integral thermal protector includes a glow bottle having an hermetically sealed discharge envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode and a counter electrode. A pair of conductors extend from the main body of a radio frequency suppressing capacitor and electrically couple respective electrodes of the glow bottle. The cylindrically-shaped main body of the capacitor is coaxially positioned with respect to the discharge envelope so as to be responsive to heat generated within the envelope. When an abnormal temperature limit (e.g., 450 degrees Celsius) is reached by the discharge envelope, a short circuit is created within the main body of the capacitor and extinguishes the discharge.

Abstract: A glow discharge starter having an hermetically sealed envelope of vitreous material, a seal located at one end thereof and containing an ionizable medium. A pair of electrical conductors extend through the seal and terminate in a spaced relationship to form a pair of electrodes within the envelope. At least one of the electrodes has a bimetallic element secured thereto. A coating comprising lanthanum, nickel and boron is disposed on a surface within the envelope. Preferably, the coating comprises from about 2 percent to about 4 percent boron. The coating is effective in improving the aging efficiency and the temperature stability of the glow discharge starter.

Abstract: A glow discharge starter having an hermetically sealed envelope of vitreous material, a seal located at one end thereof and containing an ionizable medium. A pair of electrical conductors extend through the seal and terminate in a spaced relationship to form a pair of electrodes within the envelope. At least one of the electrodes has a bimetallic element secured thereto. A coating comprising lanthanum, nickel and at least one radioactive dopant is disposed on a surface within the envelope. The coating is sufficient to reduce the dark effect by improving the dark starting of the glow discharge starter.

Abstract: A heat flow detector for protecting against overheating of a lamp fixture energized from a voltage source, even when a dimmer is used for operating the lamp fixture. The detector includes a temperature sensitive switch electrically coupled to the lamp fixture. The switch disconnects the lamp fixture from the voltage source in response to a predetermined temperature. A biasing heater is thermally coupled to the temperature sensitive switch for raising the temperature of the switch sufficiently to operate the switch upon overheating of the lamp. A regulating circuit maintains the required voltage across the heater even upon reduction of the voltage from the source through use of the dimmer. The heat flow detector is placed in the vicinity of the lamp fixture so as to be subject to the same heat flow environmental conditions as the lamp fixture whereby as the lamp fixture gets overheated, the resistor heated up will be sufficient to operate the switch.

Abstract: A glow discharge starter having an hermetically sealed envelope containing an ionizable medium, a bimetallic electrode and a counter electrode located therewithin. A pair of lead-in conductors passes through one end of the envelope for electrically connecting the electrodes. A spot of dried paste is disposed on a surface within the envelope and comprises a mixture of thorium and a binder. The quantity of thorium is sufficient to reduce the dark effect of the glow discharge starter by improving the dark starting performance of the glow discharge starter.

Abstract: A glow discharge starter having an hermetically sealed, thin-walled envelope of vitreous material, a press seal located at one end thereof and containing an ionizable medium. A pair of non-segmented electrical conductors extend through the press seal and terminate in a spaced relationship to form a pair of electrodes within the envelope. The electrodes are held in the spaced relationship substantially by the press seal. At least one of the electrodes has a bimetallic element secured thereto. The bimetallic element is deformable by heat into engagement with the other electrode. Preferably, the envelope has a wall thickness in the range of from about 0.015 inch to less than about 0.025 inch.