Rapid start fluorescent lamp having quick hot restarting.

摘要

A rapid start fluorescent lamp having an improved hot restarting time. The lamp includes the standard envelope and end cap through which electrical connection is made by conductive feedthroughs which extend through the lamp stem to the interior of the lamp. One of the feedthroughs is connected to the cathode, and the other is connected to the leads of a fuse element which is contained within an envelope to isolate the fusible element from the lamp environment. A thermally activated bimetallic element is disposed across the leads of the fuse. The other lead of the fusible element is connected to the other end of the cathode. When the bimetal element is cold, it will bridge the connection between the other feedthrough to the other end of the cathode to permit rapid starting. When the bimetal heats up, the connection o both ends of the cathode to the heating current is broken. The location of the bimetallic element within the lamp envelope but not in the fuse container permits it to open and close more rapidly. Additionally the fuse assembly is utilized as part of the supporting structure for the filament assembly.