Thorn Emi Plc

John M Chapman

Basil Antonis

The invention provides an advantageous shape of discharge tube and a discharge lamp including such a tube which is particularly beneficial for use in dimensions intended to replace general lighting service lamps but can readily be adapted to other sizes. The discharge tube is shaped to define a substantial part of the boundary of a substantially planar zone. The part of the tube defining the boundary includes at least one straight portion. In one embodiment it defines three sides of a square with the ends of the tube being re-entrant into the fourth side. In a preferred embodiment a support housing central to the zone holds the ends of the tube thereby supporting it. Preferably one or more arms extending from the support housing grip the tube between its ends for further support. The support housing may include some circuit elements and provides electrical connection to the lamp as well as providing a convenient point to handle the lamp.

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Petersfield, United Kingdom

John M Chapman