Patent ID: 7187131
Filing Date: 2007-03-06
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. An arc discharge light source for automotive headlight applications comprising: an arc tube having a hollow body arrayed along a longitudinal axis and provided with first and second ends, said first and second ends having, respectively, first and second jointure areas with said hollow body; an electrode sealed in each of said first and second ends and an arc generating and sustaining medium contained within said hollow body; and a low-voltage-pulse starting aid associated with said arc tube, said low-voltage-pulse starting aid comprising an electrically conductive wire member having an intermediate portion and proximal and distal ends, said intermediate portion extending the length of said hollow body and said proximal and distal ends each terminating in a loop comprised of at least one turn of electrically conductive wire, said loop from said proximal end surrounding said first jointure area and said loop from said distal end surrounding said second jointure area.