Patent ID: 6326731
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: F21V,H01R

Abstract:
A lighting system comprising:a gas discharge tube having electrical contacts, said gas discharge tube configured to produce visible light when a specified voltage is applied to said electrical contacts;a fixture having a pair of mounting means disposed therein, said pair of mounting means disposed at a distance from each other, said distance corresponding to said length of said gas discharge tube;first and second lamp sockets, each said socket configured to be mounted in one of said pair of mounting means, each said socket having a first face substantially perpendicular to an axis of said gas discharge tube and a second face opposite said first face, said first face of each said socket configured such that said electrical contact of said gas discharge tube is insertable therein;lamp drive circuitry, including an oscillator, power semiconductors, and protective and filter circuitry, said lamp drive circuitry housed in said at least one socket in a region extending towards said second face of said at least one socket.