A story in The New York Times pointed out how the classic, Thomas Edison light bulb (filament style) is making a come back: “The filament light is now so ubiquitous that it has prompted a backlash among those who deem it overexposed – a badge of retro cool that is fast becoming the restaurant-design equivalent of the Converse All Star.”
The push for being more green by using compact fluorescent bulbs has been going on for several years. In some stores, like Wal-Mart, you can’t find an Edison-style bulb.
The article talks about one gentleman who has established a light bulb business called Aamsco . Bob Rosenzweig, who started selling the reproductions in the 1980s out of a storefront in Flushing, Queens, was inspired by a fascination with the old bulbs he bought from a salvage operation on Canal Street. He manufactures and distributes his own bulbs, as well as lights from other companies, including Kyp-Go, which has been replicating Edison’s original carbon filament bulb for nearly 50 years.
At the Kyp-Go site, you’ll find the story of Robert (Bob) Kyp. The experience he had working in a factory making carbon filament lamps and some tinkering of his own, led to the development of the oscillating carbon filament bulb (which he has patented). Apparently, his bulb, which is referred to as the balafire bulb, gained popularity in the 70’s when it was showcased in a Seven-Up commercial.
Each and every filament used in any of his lamps is hand made. Very cool indeed!
What would Edison think about this trend?
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The trendy Edison bulb got a shout out in The Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/27/travel/27choice.html) — a story, “In Oakland, Innovation Is on the Menu” mentions how “irregularly shaped Edison light bulbs hanging from the ceiling” at BOCANOVA.
If you want to see some interesting light bulb development, check out what Philips is working on — an LED alternative to the 60 watt incandescent lightbulb, called the 12 watt EnduraLED. It was announced in May of this year.
http://www.newsinfusion.com/philips/
Check this out! A German designer named Felix Stark has created a compact fluorescent bulb that looks just like an incandescent. Maybe not a “classic” look per se. Still, it is an interesting thought.
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/08/cfl-bulb-looks-incandescent.php