Fluorescent lamp with arc spreading with recombination structures

Claim 1

An arc discharge device such as a fluorescent lamp comprising an outer envelope, said envelope containing arc spreading means including two electrodes to form the arc discharge, and a luminescent phosphor coating all interior walls of said envelope, said arc spreading means further including ballast and circuitry means in said envelope, a screw-in base secured to said envelope and electrically operatively connected to said ballast and circuitry means and said electrodes, recombination structure means in said envelope for electrons and ions to convert more energy into more visible light, said recombination structure means being an insubstantial gossamer of fine fibers of glass or quartz, said envelope being U-shaped and having two legs and an interconnecting portion, said screw-in base being secured to said interconnecting portion, said arc spreading means being disposed between said two legs, said U-shaped envelope having a flattened elliptical, non-circular cross-section.