Electrical Connector Patents (Class 313/51)
  • Patent number: 5045755
    Abstract: An electroluminescent panel lamp being of either a split-electrode or parallel plate type is disclosed wherein the lamp consists of a main body having an electroluminescent layer between first and second conductive layers. An integral electrical connector tab is formed from the materials of the main body. In the parallel plate embodiment the first conductive element is exposed so as to form a front electrode, the rear electrode being the second conductive layer. In the split-electrode embodiment, the second conductive layer on the main body and connector tab is split into two halves, the two halves on the tab being the electrical connections and lying in the same plane. An alternating current charge applied to one half of the split second conductor will capacitively couple it to the other half through the unconnected first conductor. A universal connector that can connect an electrical power source to either the parallel plate or split-electrode embodiment is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: E-Lite Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gustaf T. Appelberg
  • Patent number: 5036439
    Abstract: A car headlight lamp having a lamp envelope (1), which is closed by seals (2) through which current lead-in members (3,4) are passed and is secured by a holding member to a socket (17), the holding member having a dipping cap (12), which at least partly surrounds the lamp envelope and is connected to a current lead-in member (4) of the lamp envelope. The socket (17) has an outwardly projecting cylindrical flange bush (24) for receiving the lamp envelope (1) and the lamp envelope has a tubular prolongation (6), onto which a clamping sleeve (7) is slipped, which consists of a cylindrical sleeve body (8), which has an outer flange (9) secured to the flange bush and several inwardly directed resilient tongues (10), which bear on the prolongation of the envelope. The dipping cap (12) is secured to the clamping sleeve (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Friedrich Hoffmann, Leo Wings
  • Patent number: 5036248
    Abstract: The invention concerns light emitting diode clusters assembly suitable for use in outdoor displays. The cluster on a circuit board is housed in a first socket open to its front and nested in an outer connector socket. Electrical wiring runs from the rear of the first socket via the connector socket to a source of electricity. The connector socket provides weather proofing and protects the circuit board from torque. Moreover, driver circuits of a display board into which the assembly is connected may be shielded from ultraviolet rays. A tubular visor may be provided to the front.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Ledstar Inc.
    Inventors: Vince McEwan, Milan Patel
  • Patent number: 5030125
    Abstract: An attachment assembly for each end of an ultraviolet light lamp positioned in a quartz sleeve protruding through a mounting nipple on opposite ends of an apparatus such as a water treatment unit. A compression nut is threadly mounted on each of the mounting nipples and has an internal cylindrical bore with an O-ring for receiving and positioning the end of the quartz sleeve. An elastic electrical socket assembly is operably connected to each end of the ultraviolet light lamp. A retainer is detachably mounted on the compression nut and has means for retaining the electrical socket assembly in position. A compression spring is provided in one of the retainers to resiliently urge the electrical socket assemblies into engagement with the ends of the lamp continuously and securely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Aquafine Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyomitsu Toma, Kenneth Lew
  • Patent number: 5021706
    Abstract: A modified X'mas lamp bulb and the related lamp base, and more particularly a big lamp bulb of low voltage to match a water-tight lamp base structure by means of set-in connection so as to let the whole lamp assembly be matchable with any lamp holder (socket) of small X'mas light sets through series connection. The component parts can be manufactured through mass production to reduce manufacturing cost. In addition to the water-proof feature, a clamping and a fastening member are provided to let the whole assembly be convenient for hanging on or fixing to any position desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Inventor: Ming-Hsiung Chen
  • Patent number: 5007850
    Abstract: In a cathode ray tube socket which is provided with a socket body having a plurality of contacts disposed in a circle and a high voltage discharge gap housing provided on one side of the socket body, there are provided along the inside surface of both a case forming the high voltage discharge gap housing and a cover to be put on the case on the side of its open end face a plurality of plate-shaped ribs extending in a direction across a high voltage discharge in the high voltage discharge gap housing. The ribs of the case and the cover are disposed at predetermined intervals so that they do not overlap each other. A meandering ridge is formed along one of the opposed side walls of the case and cover to define a gap therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignee: Hosiden Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Inaba, Yasunori Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 5006751
    Abstract: An improved bulb and adapter socket is provided with a ribbed base wherein the ribs are equally spaced about an external surface of the base and receivable within elongate slits within an adapter socket. A spring ring is receivable within an annulus within the base to effect electrical contact with the base, wherein the adapter and bulb are receivable within a conventional threaded electrical socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Inventor: Rodney G. Marshall
  • Patent number: 5003222
    Abstract: An electroluminescent (EL) display panel comprising a flexible substrate film for supporting an EL display unit, a lead electrode provided on an extended portion of the flexible substrate film, the lead electrode leading out of the EL display unit, an adhesive provided on the lead electrode formed on the flexible substrate film, and a wiring board for carrying a driving circuit for the EL display unit, the wiring board being connected to the EL display unit by the adhesive. The EL display unit is a thin-film type or a powder type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Junichi Washo
  • Patent number: 4994710
    Abstract: The low-pressure discharge lamp has a tubular lamp vessel provided at its both ends with a lamp cap having a pair of contact pins. Each lamp cap is fixed in an adapter having one central contact pin electrically connected to at least one of the pair of contact pins of the lamp cap. A lamp of ordinary construction when provided with the adaptor is thus suitable for use in a space containing explosive gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Bauke J. Roelevink, Frans J. Traksel, Johannes A. A. M. Van Heeswijk
  • Patent number: 4990820
    Abstract: Sockets for receiving metal lamp bases of electric lamps which contain metal parts fabricated from certain relatively high copper and low zinc content copper alloys are resistant to corrosion and to corrosion cracking in corrosive environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Albert L. Suster, Rolf S. Bergman
  • Patent number: 4980602
    Abstract: An incandescent electric lamp and a socket for receipt of the lamp. The socket contains an insulator to prevent completion of the electrical circuit for illuminating the filament contained within the lamp except when the lamp has a wattage rating which is equal to or less than the wattage rating for which the socket is designed. When the wattage rating is proper, the central contact assembly of the base of the electric lamp bypasses the insulator to establish a completed electrical circuit. In one embodiment, the insulator defines an opening of a predetermined diameter through which a protrusion on the base of the lamp extends when its diameter is equal to or less than the opening in the insulator. In an alternative embodiment, the insulator has a diameter of a predetermined value while the central contact assembly defines a depression having a diameter which is equal to or greater than the diameter of the insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Inventor: Bruce E. Eldridge
  • Patent number: 4950942
    Abstract: To permit ready attachment of a pinch or press seal terminating a halogen incandescent lamp, particularly for automotive use, a base sleeve (9), for example of steel, is formed as a hollow cylinder having, at the end remote from the bulb, at least two spaced flange elements (28) extending radially inwardly of the sleeve and essentially at right angles to the axis of the lamp. A base plug element, formed as a solid body, for example of highly heat-resistant plastic material, is located projecting from the base sleeve, and positioned remote from the bulb. The essentially cylindrical solid body (29) is formed with a circumferential collar of smaller outside diameter, and separated from the remainder of the solid body by a circumferential ring groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Patent Treuhand Gesellschaft fur elektrische Gluhlampen
    Inventors: Alfred Braun, Peter Helbig, Hermann Steiner
  • Patent number: 4937487
    Abstract: A plug-in lamp assembly for use as a picture element in an information display screen includes a plurality of low-pressure arc discharge lamps for selectively generating multiple colors, a lamp plug for interconnection and mounting of the discharge lamps, and a lamp socket for plug-in attachment of the lamp plug. Each discharge lamp has electrical leads extending from a first end thereof and a light output region at a second end thereof. The lamp plug comprises a base having spaced-apart electrical connector pins and a cap attached to the base. The first ends of the discharge lamps extend through openings in the top wall of the cap into the lamp plug, and selected electrical leads are coupled to the electrical connector pins. The lamp plug and the lamp socket include openings for directing cooling air over the first ends of the discharge lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald G. Blaisdell, Harold L. Hough, Thomas Haraden
  • Patent number: 4934951
    Abstract: A holder for a small incandescent light bulb for the removable insertion in a plate opening, the holder being mounted mechanically and electrical contact with the contact areas of the plate being produced by two electrically conducting contacting parts that are connected to the light bulb connection wires, with the proviso that the electrically conducting contacting parts comprise an electrically conductive plastic, especially a polyester with embedded carbon fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Paul Albrecht
    Inventor: Andreas Schonath
  • Patent number: 4922395
    Abstract: A conductive track circuit for shock mounting a light bulb within a lamp housing particularly well suited for use on motor vehicles to protect the light bulb from shock loads and vibrations. The conductor track circuit includes mounting flanges for attaching the track circuit to the lamp housing, electrical conductor strip members integral with the mounting flanges for connecting the track circuit to a source of electrical energy, and resilient arms integral with the mounting flanges for holding the light bulb in position and absorbing vibrations and shocks. A blank from which the track circuit is formed includes three coplanar conductor tracks each having a mounting flange with an integrally formed terminal strip member extending from the mounting flange and an integrally formed arm extending from the mounting flange, the conductor tracks being in spaced juxtaposition and connected together by integral webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventor: Troy L. Roney
  • Patent number: 4906891
    Abstract: A low-pressure discharge lamp includes a bulb and a pair of bases attached to the end portions of the bulb, respectively. Each base has a base body fixed to the end of the bulb and a pair of terminals attached to the periphery of the base body. The terminals have contact portions which project from the periphery of the base body and include contact surfaces extending parallel to the axis of the bulb and facing the same direction. The contact surfaces are located so as to contact a common plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masami Takagi, Shinichi Tsunekawa, Kenji Ohkubo
  • Patent number: 4868456
    Abstract: The capped electric lamp has a metal clamping member which surrounds a longitudinal part of the lamp vessel with a clamping fit and is secured to a metal bushing. The lamp cap has a metal sleeve secured therein which receives the metal bushing with telescoping fit to allow alignment of the lamp vessel with the lamp cap. After alignment, the metal bushing is fixed to the sleeve, for example, by welding. A dimming hood is secured in the aligned state to the bushing. A current-supply conductor extends through a tubular part inside of the lamp cap to a contact member of the lamp cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Rudolf Sanders, Johannes A.A.M. Van Heeswijk
  • Patent number: 4864183
    Abstract: A lamp assembly having a molded plastic holder body for holding a light bulb in position thereon. The light bulb has a flat base encircled by a holder band which has bulb retainer lugs resiliently engaging the bulb base under their own bias. The holder band inclusive of the bulb retainer lugs is made from a metal (e.g. nickel silver) that is resilient enough to enable the lugs to securely engage the bulb base. Spot welded to the holder band is a first connector made from another metal (e.g. austenitic stainless steels of certain specific compositions) that is weldable enough to permit the first connector to be firmly welded to the holder band. A second connector of substantially tubular shape, which may be made from the same metal as the first connector, is immovably engaged in the holder body and welded to the first connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Koito Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Okano
  • Patent number: 4842535
    Abstract: A connector for discharge electrodes of luminous gas tubes includes an insulative barrel receiving a power cable at one end for attachment to a fixed end of a resilient contact member. The opposite end of the barrel is open and threaded, to receive the crimped and headed tip of a gas tube having electrode conductors projecting therefrom. A lock element is applied to the crimped portion of the gas tube end and is axially captured thereon so that following insertion of the tube tip and lock element into the barrel open end, a cap surrounding the gas tube engages the threads of the barrel to radially and axially retain the tube tip within the barrel interior with its electrode conductors firmly biased against a displaceable end of the resilient contact member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventors: David C. Velke, Sr., George P. Marsden, Burton C. Leffingwell
  • Patent number: 4820956
    Abstract: A light matrix display system and a lamp socket for use therein. The lamp socket receives a single lamp which may be easily replaced by another lamp. The lamp socket is also designed so that it may be readily replaced if necessary. A solid state switching circuit is replaceably mounted on each lamp socket. Thus, if a switching circuit fails, it may be quickly replaced without disturbing the operation of other lamps. The light matrix display system includes a plurality of lamps arranged in rows and columns. A plurality of row control conductors and column control conductors are provided which are connected to a matrix system controller. Hot and neutral AC current supplying conductors and one row control conductor and one column control conductor are directly connected to each lamp socket and the switching circuit associated with the lamp socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Integrated Systems Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Slobodzian, Bill Kersey, Brent Madsen
  • Patent number: 4807098
    Abstract: A lampholder for miniature light sets has a socket at one end to receive a lamp unit and a wireway at the opposite end which is covered by a snap-on cover. The socket receives two identical contact plates which are laterally reversible so that in one position they project by a respective insulation severing element into one portion of the wireway to engage a first wire, and in a second position the severing element projects into a second portion of the wireway to engage a second wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Inventor: Joseph M. Ahroni
  • Patent number: 4795940
    Abstract: A large area directly heated lanthanum hexaboride (LaB.sub.6) cathode system (10) is disclosed. The system comprises a LaB.sub.6 cathode element (11) generally circular in shape about a central axis. The cathode element (11) has a head (21) with an upper substantially planar emission surface (23), and a lower downwardly and an intermediate body portion (26) which diminishes in cross-section from the head (21) towards the base (22) of the cathode element (11). A central rod (14) is connected to the base (22) of the cathode element (11) and extends along the central axis. Plural upstanding spring fingers (37) are urged against an outer peripheral contact surface (24) of the head end (21) to provide a mechanical and electrical connection to the cathode element (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Ka-Ngo Leung, Keith C. Gordon, Dean O. Kippenham, Peter Purgalis, David Moussa, Malcom D. Williams, Stephen B. Wilde, Mark W. West
  • Patent number: 4779177
    Abstract: A series-parallel lighting string having a cord with three wires separated by insulation and a series of cutouts severing the center wire of the cord, and lampholders positioned at each of the cutouts to hold a miniature push-in type light bulb. Each of the lampholders has a pair of contact plates between which a bulb is inserted with its lead wires in contact with the plates. The contact plates are positioned within the housing of the lampholder, and the housing has a snap-fitting cap hingedly attached thereto to define a wireway. Each of the contact plates has an insulation-piercing contact finger positioned to engage one of the end portions of the severed wire to each side of the cutout in the cord. The first and last lampholders in each series set has a second cord-piercing contact finger which contacts one or the other of the outer non-severed wires. The cap or lampholder housing has an insulating divider which projects through the cutout to keep the severed end portions of the central wire separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Inventor: Joseph M. Ahroni
  • Patent number: 4777573
    Abstract: A miniature light set applied to a series-parallel decorative light string including a miniature bulb, a bulbholder in which the bulb is mounted, and a seat. The bulbholder has a socket on the top center portion for mounting a bulb on, two conducting plates with uppermost portions inserting into the bulbholder, and a base. Three semicircular channels are disposed at the base and are complemented for forming three wire-way by other semicircular channels provided at the seat. A pair of roughly surfaced strips are provided transverse to the channels, both on the base and the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Inventor: Nan-Whair Liao
  • Patent number: 4772820
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating monolithic flat panel displays together with the resulting display are disclosed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. According to the invention the end portions of the row and column conductors of a display panel are metalized, grouped and patterned to accept a driver circuit within the pattern of each group. The driver circuit is then bonded to the panel and each output of the driver circuit to be employed is wire bonded to the patterned conductor portions within the group associated therewith. Inputs to the driver circuit may also be wire bonded to input conductors provided on the panel to provide an integral one piece structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Copytele, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. DiSanto, Denis A. Krusos
  • Patent number: 4727285
    Abstract: A PC board consisting of a conductive layer laid through an insulating layer on a metal plate surface is easily bendable to make any desirable shape. This permits any desired distance to be provided between the display element and the PC board. In addition, it is possible to form display element-fixing angles integrally with the PC board. As a result, the number of components required is decreased and production efficiency improved. Moreover, the metal plate of the PC board protects the display device from unnecessary radiation, external noises and/or static electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koki Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 4701662
    Abstract: A spark plug having a porcelain insulator affixed with a bushing of a rubber, an oil-impregnated rubber or a thermosetting elastomer such as a silicone resin. The spark plug is connected to an ignition system by a spark plug connecting structure including a plug terminal attached to the extremity of a high-tension resistance cord so as to seize the electrode of the spark plug, and a plug cap covering the free end portion of the high-tension resistance cord and, the plug terminal. In connecting the spark plug to the ignition system, the plug cap is fitted tightly over the bushing so that the porcelain insulator and the electrode of the spark plug, and the plug terminal are sealed perfectly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hidenori Yamanashi, Toshio Inada, Seiichi Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 4695768
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp electrode heat cutout switch is provided for placement within a fluorescent lamp stem and outside the discharge envelope and is configured such that a resistive heater wire is connected to one electrode lead-in and a bimetallic switch element is connected to the other electrode lead-in and configured upon an insulating support in such fashion that the heat cutout switch receives heat from the resistive heater to activate the switch so that the electrode heat is cut off when the lamp starts and is kept off during normal lamp operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Edward J. Covington, John E. Cridland, John P. Gorman
  • Patent number: 4654557
    Abstract: A lamp holder assembly for use with an incandescent fixture includes a base that provides a predetermined amount of rotational movement relative to the housing to allow proper orientation of the assembly with respect to the incandescent fixture. In one embodiment, a rib located on the internal surface of the base engages an arcuate-shaped projecting member at two spaced apart positions of movement. The spaced apart positions of movement define the amount of rotational movement which preferably is 180.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Haraden
  • Patent number: 4649315
    Abstract: Contact pieces are accommodated respectively in contact housings in a main body portion. Each of the contact pieces has an intermediate portion extending between a contact portion and a terminal portion and force-fitted and held as a first discharge electrode portion in first positioning grooves. An arcuate grounding conductor is disposed on the main body portion and has integral second discharge electrode portions and dust-prevention lug portions. The second discharge electrode portions are held in confronting and spaced relation to the first discharge electrode portions via discharge gap holes formed in a side wall portion of the main body and are force-fitted and held in second positioning grooves. The first and second discharge electrode portions define discharge gaps therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignee: Hosiden Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Inaba, Yasumasa Watanabe
  • Patent number: 4641056
    Abstract: An electrical lamp having a cap of synthetic material. A lamp vessel with a pinch seal is fixedly secured in a metal plate which is welded to a metal sleeve. The sleeve is rigidly secured in a two-part cup-shaped lamp cap which has a mounting flange and a groove for a sealing ring. The lamp cap is formed of first and second bodies of synthetic material which are rigidly connected to each other, the metal sleeve being locked to the first body, and the groove walls being formed by respective parts of each of the bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Rudolf Sanders, Josephus F. Rijckaert
  • Patent number: 4631650
    Abstract: A series-parallel lighting string having a cord with three wires separated by insulation and a series of cutouts severing the center wire of the cord, and lampholders positioned at each of the cutouts to hold a miniature push-in type light bulb. Each of the lampholders has a pair of contact plates between which a bulb is inserted with its lead wires in contact with the plates. The contact plates are positioned within a husk of the lampholder, and the husk has a snap-fitting cap hingedly attached thereto to define a wireway. The wireway is formed by corresponding semicircular grooves in each of the husk and the cap sized to receive the cord. Each of the contact plates has an insulation-piercing contact finger positioned to engage one of the end portions of the severed wire to each side of the cutout in the cord. The first and last lampholders in each series set has a second cord-piercing contact finger which contacts one or the other of the outer non-severed wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Inventor: Joseph M. Ahroni
  • Patent number: 4626734
    Abstract: To reduce the size of the base and a socket therefor of a single-ended, sle-based, high-pressure discharge lamp, for example a mercury discharge lamp with halogen and noble gas additives therein, possibly including rare earths, a base (5) has a generally conically shaped portion (8) in the region adjacent the discharge vessel, the discharge vessel being formed with two supply shafts (3, 4) one of which is seated in a recess in the smaller part of the conical portion. The base is formed with a centering stub (9), preferably of rectangular cross section, and extending away from the discharge vessel, the centering stub having a lateral slot (11) within which one of the terminals (12) of the lamp is located. The other terminal is formed by a metal strip (14) carried through the cone surface and terminating laterally of the centering stub (9) at the side remote from the first terminal (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fur Elektrische Gluhlampen mbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Greiler
  • Patent number: 4617195
    Abstract: A method for forming electroluminescent devices is disclosed. A first conductor is deposited on a substrate in a preselected pattern so as to form a first electrode. A first portion of the first conductor is then covered with a luminescent coating. A pair of second conductors are then deposited adjacent to each other, one of the second conductors forming a second electrode and contacting only the luminescent coating and the substrate, while the other second conductor contacts only the first conductor and the substrate. An insulative film is then deposited so as to cover the pair of second conductors. A conductive shielding layer is then deposited over the insulating film. The shielding layer includes a terminal portion adapted to be connected to a suitable ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: Microlite, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Mental
  • Patent number: 4533851
    Abstract: A halogen-metal vapor lamp (1) with its electrodes coming out of the discharge vessel at opposite ends is provided with a highly insulated socket at one end capable of withstanding 30 kV that may have to be applied for warm ignition of the lamp. Contact pins (9,10) of the socket (11) and connection bushings (22,23) of the support (21) into which the socket plugs in, are provided with collars (15,16;25,26) which lengthen the breakdown path length. The fused seal (7) of the lamp through which the high voltage is applied is cemented in a central opening of the socket body and additionally surrounded in part by a collar (17). The other end of the lamp is connected to the socket by an uninsulated rigid conductor in the form of a metal strip to facilitate the dissipation of heat by radiation. A projecting partition (24) at the bottom of the support (21) separates the voltage supply connection to the connection bushings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand Gesellschaft
    Inventors: Werner Block, Wolfgang Greiler
  • Patent number: 4517493
    Abstract: A rapid start fluorescent lamp comprising a pair of cathode mounts each having a pair of lead-in wires for cathode heating current, and a thermal switch to turn off the heating current after sufficient cathode heating for the lamp to operate. A third lead-in wire in each mount bypasses the thermal switch and is used for heating the cathodes to activate them during manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Peter V. Dembowski, Quentin D. Dobras
  • Patent number: 4508990
    Abstract: A mounting unit for a thin-film EL panel includes a substrate provided with cross-grid electrodes on the back surface thereof having aligned terminals located along the marginal sides thereof and a printed circuit board provided with a plurality of conductive paths on the front surface thereof having aligned end portions located along the side portions thereof. The printed circuit board is provided with plated-through connecting holes and routing holes. Some of the conductive paths on the front surface of the printed circuit board are connected to some of the connecting holes and others of the conductive paths are connected to the routing holes. The back surface of the printed circuit board is provided with conductive paths connecting the routing holes to others of the connecting holes. Plug connectors for electrical circuit means are positioned on the back of the printed circuit board with their leads respectively connected to the connecting holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1985
    Assignee: Sigmatron Associates
    Inventor: Walter F. Essinger
  • Patent number: 4506192
    Abstract: A rapid start fluorescent lamp having an external conductive strip has a resistive element in the lamp base electrically connected to the conductive strip and a pin of the lamp base. The resistive element is made from a material which has a volume resistivity of about 10.sup.5 to about 10.sup.8 ohm-cm and a deflection temperature greater than 250.degree. C. at 1,820 kilo dynes/cm.sup.2. The resistive element is mounted in the lamp base metal housing and supports the metal pins or the resistive element is made into a washer shaped element and attached to one of the pins on the inside of the lamp base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: GTE Laboratories Incorporated
    Inventors: William D. Koenigsberg, Arthur J. Wagenknecht
  • Patent number: 4471157
    Abstract: An improved sealed beam glass PAR lamp design is disclosed which employs a particular ferrule construction permitting electrical wire conductors to be connected thereto without soldering or screw terminals. The improved termination features physical engagement between the ferrule member and a metal contact element having flexible fingers to grip an inverted tapered wall section of said ferrule member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Harvey G. Peters, Joseph J. Wojtowicz
  • Patent number: 4406975
    Abstract: A lamp consists of a high voltage power supply 5 mounted on an evacuated envelope 1. The lamp glows when electrons from a cathode 2 strike a phospher coating 4 on the inside surface of the envelope. The lamp is mounted so that it can be separated from the power supply and provision is made to inhibit the generation of the very high anode potential by the power supply unless it is correctly mounted on the envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Assignee: English Electric Valve Company
    Inventor: Ralph D. Nixon
  • Patent number: 4394598
    Abstract: A spark plug for internal combustion engines, especially a spark plug deeply arranged in a spark plug recess of the engine. The spark plug includes a mounting portion, a center electrode, and an insulating body. An extension arrangement is adapted to be attached to the spark plug for facilitating access thereto. The extension arrangement includes a center electrode, an insulating body, and a tubular jacket. The tubular jacket is provided at a first end with an inner cross section corresponding to a cross section of the mounting portion of the spark plug, with the inner cross section being adapted to be mounted over the mounting portion of the spark plug. A second end of the tubular jacket is provided with a further mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1983
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Horst Bergmann
  • Patent number: 4384233
    Abstract: Electrical contact with the target electrode of the tube in a tube/coil assembly is made by disposing a wire tangentially to a radial periphery about the longitudinal axis of the tube to create an interference fit between the wire and the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1983
    Assignee: RCA Corporation
    Inventor: John J. Colgan
  • Patent number: 4378511
    Abstract: A cathode ray tube socket is provided which provides spark gap protection to terminal pins operating at selected high potentials through a distinct spark gap protection system, including a structure for disrupting the corona discharge track and minimizing the effects of corona discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1983
    Assignee: American Plasticraft Company
    Inventor: Stephen S. Simovits, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4316120
    Abstract: A circular fluorescent lamp unit having a compact central hub containing a ballast reactor and provided with a screw base. A replaceable circular lamp assembly is positioned around and attached to the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1982
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald N. Cotman, Gustino J. Lanese
  • Patent number: 4275325
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp having a longitudinal divider forming at least two enclosures inside its cylindrical glass envelope. Each enclosure has a set of electrodes on each end in a similar fashion as regular fluorescent lamps do. The end cap is provided with the corresponding electrodes terminals for each enclosure. An end cap connector is removably attached to the end cap providing for the corresponding contacts for the electrode terminals on the inside of said connector and the outside being capable of mating with commercially available sockets for fluorescent lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1981
    Inventor: Raul Guim
  • Patent number: 4266158
    Abstract: In a cathode ray tube socket, contacts to be respectively connected with terminal pins of a cathode ray tube are housed in a body, which has formed therein a chamber for a pair of electrode holders, the electrode holders being removably and adjustably supported in position within the chamber by cooperating projections and depressions, each electrode holder having fitted therein an electrode plate, and semispherical electrode portions projecting from the electrode plates are disposed adjacent each other to define therebetween a spark gap, one of the electrode plates being electrically connected with a contact for high voltage use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Assignee: Hosiden Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Uda, Yoshiichi Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 4262228
    Abstract: An electric lamp including a reflector and a lens secured together to define an enclosure therebetween. A bulb is supported in the enclosure by support wires. Each support wire has a substantially U-shaped portion, and the base portion of the bulb is engaged in the substantially U-shaped portions of the support wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1981
    Assignee: Wagner Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Oliver B. Cruse
  • Patent number: 4258287
    Abstract: A hub for a circular fluorescent lamp unit, containing a ballast reactor and provided with a screw base. The hub housing comprises two housing members fitted together at their rims by means of a ridge on one member and a groove in the other member. An outwardly extending flange is provided on one of the housing members at the rim thereof, for seating a circular light assembly positioned around the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1981
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Frederick Hetzel
  • Patent number: 4246516
    Abstract: The invention relates to light biassed camera tube arrangements of the kind in which the light bias source within the overall outline of the tube envelope has one terminal connected to a heater pin in order to provide a source of power. The other terminal of the light bias source is connected to a lead extending to a terminal carried by a protecive end base cap for the tube and a removable disc is provided to fit between the base of the tube and a valve base into which the tube is plugged, the removable disc bearing circuitry and terminals provided to contact selected ones of the terminals carried by the protective end base cap so that the nature of the light bias provided may be selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1981
    Assignee: English Electric Valve Company Limited
    Inventors: Hans Scholz, David G. Holland
  • Patent number: RE30315
    Abstract: A mercury vapor lamp having a light transmissive envelope defining an arcuate capillary plasma cavity. A mounting base secured to one end of the envelope has a configuration which is geometrically unique with respect to the position and spatial orientation of the plasma cavity. A mounting block and clamping arrangement have a configuration complementary to that of the lamp base so as to receive and releasably secure the lamp base and, therefore, the plasma cavity in a fixed predetermined position and orientation relative to its operating environment. The lamp is energized by means of an electrical potentional applied to electrodes in the plasma cavity or by reactance coupling an r-f power source to the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1980
    Assignee: The Perkin-Elmer Corporation
    Inventor: Carlo F. LaFiandra