Coupling Part To Receive Fluorescent Or Neon Lamp Patents (Class 439/226)
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Patent number: 6919671Abstract: The invention relates to a compact low-pressure discharge lamp (1) comprising a discharge vessel (3) with electrodes and power supply leads (7), a discharge vessel mount on which the discharge vessel is mounted, and a cap (10), which comprises a housing (11), connecting contacts (12) and a mounting plate (13) with a ballast apparatus (15), with the mounting plate being fitted with the ballast arrangement in the interior of the cap housing, and having connections for electrical connection of the mounting plate to the power supply leads and to the connecting contacts. The discharge vessel mount in this case comprises a plate (5) which is mounted in a further mount, with the further mount in turn being mounted on the housing of the cap. The further mount may be in the form of an enveloping bulb (2) or a reflector for the discharge vessel, or in the form of a closure cap (20) for the cap housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2002Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fur Elektrisch Gluhlampen mbHInventors: Bruno Bachetzky, Andreas Jakob, Thomas Noll
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Patent number: 6890199Abstract: A socket for a bipin lamp has a relatively stationary body, a pair of contacts in the body symmetrically flanking an axis of the body, and a rotor formed with an axially open and generally diametrally extending slot and pivotal on the body about the axis between an outwardly open position and a crosswise position. Pins of the lamp are insertable into the slot and engageable with the contacts in the crosswise position. An operating part has a disk fixed to the rotor and formed with a slot aligned axially with the rotor slot and an arm fixed on and projecting radially from the disk past the lamp when the pins are in the slots. Thus a user can fit the lamp pins to the slots and pivot the rotor between the positions by the arm to engage the pins with the contacts.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: BJB GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Karl-Wilhelm Vogt, Hartmut Greschner
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Patent number: 6830473Abstract: An improved lamp socket assembly having a modified common metal screw shell riveted to an insulated base, connected to the screw shell is an elongated conductive strip that extends down the side of the insulated bas. A pair of contact screws being arranged oppositely vertically and horizontally offset from each other via a center of the insulated base so as not to interfere with each other when making electrical contact with conductor of lamp wires. The contact screws both penetrate an insulated layer of the wires without piercing through whereby causing the wire to bend and bulge for providing an electrical contact quickly and safely.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2002Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Inventor: Jerry Salvatore Trainello
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Publication number: 20040219814Abstract: A socket for a bipin lamp has a relatively stationary body, a pair of contacts in the body symmetrically flanking an axis of the body, and a rotor formed with an axially open and generally diametrally extending slot and pivotal on the body about the axis between an outwardly open position and a crosswise position. Pins of the lamp are insertable into the slot and engageable with the contacts in the crosswise position. An operating part has a disk fixed to the rotor and formed with a slot aligned axially with the rotor slot and an arm fixed on and projecting radially from the disk past the lamp when the pins are in the slots. Thus a user can fit the lamp pins to the slots and pivot the rotor between the positions by the arm to engage the pins with the contacts.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2004Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: BJB GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Karl-Wilhelm Vogt, Hartmut Greschner
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Patent number: 6799987Abstract: A wire-connecting device that is capable of preventing deterioration or breakage of a wire connected to a lamp electrode of a liquid crystal display module. In the device, a clamp presses and secures the electrode to the wire. The lamp electrode and the wire are connected to each other by means of the clamp, providing a secure conductive connection. The wire-connecting device also prevents the penetration of lead by capillary action into the conductive core of the wire, thereby preventing the wire from becoming brittle and subject to breakage as a result of penetrated lead curing in the conductive core of the wire.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2000Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jong Dae Park, Se Chang Won, In Suk Jeong
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Patent number: 6791244Abstract: An electric lamp (2) with a lamp cap (12) suitable for contacting an external electric contact element (28). The lamp cap comprises contacting means (16) comprising a first contact part (18) connected to a second contact part (20) via a spring (24), thus enabling the second contact part (20) to move transversely with respect to the first contact part (18) and/or the lamp cap (12). Optionally, the first contact part (18) is kept in a fixed position with respect to the lamp cap (12) through the spring force of a further spring (22).Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Petrus Johannes Antonius Linssen
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Patent number: 6764328Abstract: The electric lamp has a lamp vessel (1) composed of a glass bulb (2) and a glass plate (3) sealing the bulb (2). A shaped metal body (20) is embedded in the glass plate (3). The shaped metal body (20) has a plate-shaped metal member (10) with which a tube (11) is integral and with which current conductors (12) are integral via bridges (15). The glass plate (3) has at least one recess (4) in which a bridge (15) to a current conductor (12) is located, which bridge (15) has a disconnection (16) in the recess (4), thus insulating the relevant current conductor (12) from the metal member (10). The lamp is of a simple construction that can be easily realized. The current conductors (12) occupy a predetermined position with respect to one another in the lamp owing to the use of the shaped metal body (20), and fewer components have to be combined in the manufacture of the lamp.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Hendrikus Albertus Maria Van Dulmen, Jacques Maria Jozef Geboers
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Publication number: 20040115979Abstract: The invention relates to lamp holder comprising a glass vessel and a base, particularly for a discharge lamp. The holder comprises a bushing for receiving the base and a means for locking the base into the bushing. The locking means comprises at least one spring element (2) and at least one locking part (3) which can be displaced between a first and a second position relative to the spring element (2). In the first position, the contact locking part (3) enters into the spring element (2) in such a manner that said spring element is placed under tension and is pressed against the base of a lamp disposed in the bushing (12). In the second position, the spring element (2) is exposed to either no pressure or to a reduced amount thereof. According to the invention, it is possible to position a lamp in a precise position in the holder even during the transportation and operation thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventors: Erwin Melzner, Joachim Koll
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Patent number: 6727636Abstract: A headlight device includes a discharge lamp, a circuit unit and a heat radiating member. The circuit unit is directly connected to the discharge lamp to apply a high voltage to the discharge lamp. The heat radiating member radiates heat generated from the discharge lamp and the circuit unit. The heat radiating member is placed between the discharge lamp and the circuit unit and extends radially in a generally vertically downward direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Hironao Yamaguchi
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Publication number: 20040072459Abstract: A housing is provided in which a first electrical connector is positioned, the first connector being connected to a power supply. A second electrical connector is designed to be received by the housing so that a substantially stable and continuous electrical connection is established between the first and second electrical connectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: April 15, 2004Applicant: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventors: Charles Alexander, Mark Tausch, Thomas Wallenhorst
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Publication number: 20040047149Abstract: A lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of sockets 22 made of a soft and elastic conductor and arranged facing each other, with which electric power is supplied to EEFL lamps 21. A plurality of lamp inserting holes 220 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the socket 22. External electrodes 214 at the both ends of EEFL lamps 21 are pressed into each of the lamp inserting holes. These sockets 22 are supported and coated by socket holders 23 made of an insulator having higher rigidity than the sockets 22 respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: HARISON TOSHIBA LIGHTING CORPORATIONInventors: Mamoru Amano, Shuho Yamasaki
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Patent number: 6692309Abstract: A connector includes a tubular wall on a first body containing a lamp envelope, coaxially receiving an insulating tube mounted on a second body having a cavity that receives the first body, spring metal strip terminals on the outside of the tubular wall in resilient contact with spring metal strip terminals on the inside of the cavity, and microprocessor controlled heated and cooled air delivered to the lamp envelope by way of the insulating tube in response to a sensor that monitors at least one of lamp amalgam temperature and lamp radiation.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Light Sources, Inc.Inventor: George Kovacs
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Publication number: 20040001339Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a lamp tube having a back-bend electrode section, a lamp support structure supporting the lamp tube, and a pair of electrical contacts. The contacts include a contact member and a contact clip configured to snap into electrical connection with each other upon forceful engagement of the contact member with the contact clip against a spring force of the contact clip. One of the contacts is electrically connected with the electrode section of the lamp tube. That contact is supported by the lamp support structure in a load bearing relationship separate from the lamp tube so as to transmit the spring force from the contact clip to the support structure separately from the lamp tube upon forceful engagement of the contact member with the contact clip. This helps to avoid breakage of the lamp tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2002Publication date: January 1, 2004Inventor: Leonard E. Black
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Publication number: 20030224642Abstract: The present invention is a kit for adapting a tube lamp fixture made for a first size of lamp tubes into a fixture that accommodates smaller lamp tubes. The kit comprises a conversion apparatus that itself comprises a bar in which are disposed one or more plugs for connecting to the sockets in the existing tube lamp fixture, said plugs being slidably disposed on the bar to adapt to the position of the sockets in the fixture. The conversion apparatus further comprises one or more slidably disposed sockets on the opposite side of the bar that may be positioned independently from the plugs. Appropriate wiring permits the supply of electrical energy to the tube lamps. The invention further comprises a master-slave ballast conversion assembly. The ballast conversion assembly comprises a chain of circuit boards connected by cables and connectors that enable a single ballast to control two or more tubes through a chain of circuit boards.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Suresh H. Shah
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Patent number: 6641418Abstract: An inside unit (54) is housed in the unit receiving section 81 of a lamp socket (1). The central terminal (3) is connected to the high-voltage output terminal (76) of the inside unit (54) and mounted in the terminal aperture (11A) of a terminal mount (11) at the center of the lamp socket (1). The low-voltage output terminal (77) of the inside unit (54) is connected to the side terminal (4) of the lamp socket (1).Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Takahashi, Kensaku Sato
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Patent number: 6624554Abstract: Fittings for adapting conventional fluorescent light fixtures to receive smaller-diameter T5 fluorescent tubes are described. The fittings include transparent tubes adapted to fit around the small-diameter T5 light, electronic components for supplying high-frequency current, and insulation caps having pins which correspond to the receptacle for the lamp that is being replaced.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Provera GmbHInventor: Walter Holzer
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Publication number: 20030153206Abstract: A contact system 2 for connection of an electrical supply unit by means of connection lines is integrated in the narrow side of a flat radiator 1 having a discharge vessel comprising baseplate 3, front plate 4 and frame 5. An insulating body, which is provided with U-shaped contact parts, is arranged between a part of baseplate 3 and front plate 4 which projects beyond the frame 5 of the discharge vessel and serves as a receptacle. The contact surfaces of the contact parts are connected to the electrodes of the flat radiator 1 via connection faces of the receptacle. The connection parts of the contact parts are connected to the connection lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2002Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventors: Friedrich Lauter, Matthias Schweizer
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Patent number: 6547582Abstract: A lampholder for receiving a cap of a lamp includes a body, a receiving portion, and lead wires: the receiving portion is provided in the body and to be connected to the cap; the lead wires are connected to the receiving portion. The receiving portion is made of conductive resin. This configuration can reduce the parts, simplify assembly, lower the cost, and improve the productivity.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuo Matsuba, Yoshinori Kakuno
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Publication number: 20030045147Abstract: A safe connecting end structure for a multi-wire and multi-loop flexible lamp pipe, wherein a transparent flexible pipe of the lamp pipe is provided therein with a plurality of lamp strings and related conductors, the two ends of the pipe are provided with a male insertion end and a female insertion end respectively, the ends of the conductors are provided with male and female metallic conducting members respectively connectable by insertion to each other; high temperature durable inner sleeves are formed at the junctions of the ends of the conductors and the metallic conducting members, and male and female external sleeves are formed about the inner sleeves at the male and female insertion ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2001Publication date: March 6, 2003Applicant: Shining Blick Enterprises Co., Ltd.Inventor: Peter K. H. Huang
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Patent number: 6523975Abstract: An adjustable support member for attaching fluorescent lamps to a light strip fixture body. The adjustable support member is easily adjusted to accommodate fixture bodies having a variety of widths, thereby simplifying the upgrading of existing light fixtures to use more energy efficient bulbs. The support member includes a generally planar support body having a pair of channels formed thereon, and a pair of angle brackets which may be slid into the respective channels to a desired width. The angle brackets are held at a desired width by the ratchet/pawl effect of mating detents formed on the support body and the angle brackets. The channels are formed by stamping generally L-shaped channel members integral with the support body material. A reflector having a center ridge is formed to have a mounting tab by cutting a generally U-shaped opening along the center ridge. The mounting tab is then easily flattened for attachment to the support body for installing the reflector as part of the fixture upgrade.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Inventors: Jason V. Plourde, Michael Brennan, Frederick W. Froelich, Von A. Plourde
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Patent number: 6523960Abstract: The invention provides a light source device of an easy maintenance, and a projector using the light source device. The light source device includes a light source lamp, a reflector, a lamp housing for covering substantially entirely almost the outer surface except for an opening plane of the reflector and a front glass for covering the opening plane of the reflector. The light source device is formed so as to be integrally exchangeable as a unit in the projector. Since the lamp housing covers almost the whole surface of the reflector, even if the light source lamp and the reflector burst, fragments thereof do not scatter to the inside of the projector, there is no need to remove the outer casing to clean the inside of the device, and maintenance of the projector can be facilitated.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Nobuo Watanabe
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Patent number: 6494730Abstract: An apparatus that prevents the interchange or replacement of an expensive compact fluorescent lamp with a standard inexpensive incandescent bulb to diminish thefts of the more expensive lamp, by using a locking lamp socket insert in combination with newly designed screw lamp base that permits the operation of the compact fluorescent lamp. Should the compact fluorescent lamp be substituted with a standard inexpensive incandescent bulb, the center contact in the base of the incandescent bulb cannot touch the centrally located leaf-spring contact of the lamp socket, thereby preventing the incandescent bulb from operating. The lamp socket insert is a rigid plastic material such as nylon, shaped as a flat disk with three tangential cantilever, spaced apart vanes. A pointed end of each tine permits the insert to rotate upon insertion, but a counterclockwise rotation causes the tines to bite into the interior socket sidewalls preventing its counter-rotation and removal.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Technical Consumer Products, Inc.Inventor: Ellis Yan
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Patent number: 6439742Abstract: A luminaire comprising a half shell (1) or roof, a transparent half shell (2) or cover, and a plate (4) which supports inter alia holders (9) for a fluorescent tube. The plate comprises openings through which the holders are passed, and the holders (9) each have two elastic means (11, 12) for snapping them home in the plate at two different levels on the holder, so that the holders can be fixed to the plate with two different heights.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Serge Lavergne
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Publication number: 20020090852Abstract: A fluorescent lamp holder has a socket circuit unit disposed on the lamp socket in the assembly. The distribution wiring related to the holder is disposed in the socket circuit unit previously, where the socket circuit unit working as the distributional junction. The user can set up the electronic starter easily and correctly in installation of the lamp. Furthermore, the electronic starter can be divided into two units previously. These two units are matched with the lamp sockets on the two extremities of the lamp holder, which can improve the function of heat transfer and the convenience of maintenance. It can also reduce the risk of circuit failure and the cost of maintenance.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventor: Yung-Chuan Lin
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Publication number: 20020086573Abstract: A lamp apparatus for a liquid crystal display that is capable of preventing a wire breakage of the lamp apparatus, a lamp causes a discharge by a voltage applied from a power terminal to generate light. A wire is supplied with the voltage. A connector electrically connects the power terminal of the lamp to the wire using a pressing. The power terminal of the lamp and the wire electrically connected to each other and the connector are integrated.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2001Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventor: Dong Jae You
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Patent number: 6413107Abstract: A lamp has a lamp body having a first socket and a second socket configured to receive matching bases of a tubular fluorescent light. At least the first socket has a housing that is of such a design that the housing, with a base of the fluorescent tube received and electrically contacted in the first socket, is detachably connected to the lamp body. The detachable connection is a snap connection having a bore and a matching pin that can be secured in the bore by a snap element engaging a locking recess on the pin.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Spectral Gesellschaft für Lichttechnik mit beschränkter HaftungInventors: Paul Heinrich Neuhorst, Clemens Meyer
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Patent number: 6398367Abstract: The invention provides a light source device of an easy maintenance, and a projector using the light source device. The light source device includes a light source lamp, a reflector, a lamp housing for covering substantially entirely almost the outer surface except for an opening plane of the reflector and a front glass for covering the opening plane of the reflector. The light source device is formed so as to be integrally exchangeable as a unit in the projector. Since the lamp housing covers almost the whole surface of the reflector, even if the light source lamp and the reflector burst, fragments thereof do not scatter to the inside of the projector, there is no need to remove the outer casing to clean the inside of the device, and maintenance of the projector can be facilitated.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Nobuo Watanabe
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Patent number: 6332796Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved structure of a fluorescent light-tube seat comprising a base seat, a panel, an axle, an engaging peg, a spring, a hole covering an “Π”-shaped member, two conducting copper plates, wherein two fluorescent light-tube seats are used as one module to facilitate the installation of the fluorescent light-tube by vertically repeating pushing dismantling action of the fluorescent light-tube.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2000Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Inventor: Chuan-Ying Chen
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Patent number: 6326731Abstract: A lamp socket is provided which contains a ballast, or lamp driver which remains in the socket when the tube is replaced and supports the gas discharge tube. The lamp socket includes connectors for attachment to the gas discharge tube, lamp driver circuitry including an oscillator, power semiconductors, and protective and filter circuitry, and a housing containing the lamp driver circuitry including an oscillator, power semiconductors, and protective and filter circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Logic Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Herbert L. Robinson, Robert C. Smallwood, David E. Bachschmid
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Patent number: 6325651Abstract: A light emitting device (1) includes a tubular light emitter (11) and a pair of caps (14) disposed at both ends of the tubular light emitter. Each cap (14) includes a contact (24) and a pair of catching arms (27) both which of which project from the cap body (22) at approximately a right angle to the tube axis of the cap body (22). During assembly, catching arms (27) serve to protect contact (24) from damage and securely attach each cap (14) to the tubular light emitter. Each cap (14) includes a partition wall with a hole (30) connecting a conductive element (21) to contacts (24). The light emitter (11) may include a tube (12) containing one or more light elements (15) joined by wires (16) additionally operating as positioning elements (20). The socket (2) may include one or more groves for gaskets (42) providing a waterproof light emitter (11).Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1998Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Moriyama Sangyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroyoshi Nishihara, Katsunori Sato, Masayuki Katougi, Kazuaki Murata
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Patent number: 6309236Abstract: A reflector lamp unit with a bilaterally based discharge lamp is provided wherein at least one terminal post of the lamp has, in the area of at least one predetermined coding site as viewed in a plug-in direction, a tapered portion which, as viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the bulb, has a specified tapered length and which, as viewed in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, has a specified lateral residual width. The unit has at least one mounting element which is closed off with a coding element which has, in the area of the coding site, a coding slot open in the plug-in direction and running in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the bulb, which corresponds to the tapered portion of the terminal post such that the slot length is shorter than the length of the tapered portion, and the slot has a minimal slot width which is adjusted so as to have a value between the lateral pin width and the residual width.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Heraeus Noblelight GmbHInventor: Bernd Ullrich
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Patent number: 6268687Abstract: The invention relates to a base for compact fluorescent lamp comprising a body and a cap which are fixed to each other along an outside connection surface, a discharge tube is fixed in the cap and metal pins ensuring a releasable electrical contact are fixed in the body Electrode inleads of the discharge tube are connected to the metal pins, and a connection hollow ensuring an also releasable mechanical joint is formed in the body Extensions as elongations of the wall of the connection hollow are formed inside the base where at least one opening is formed in the extensions and some of the electrode inleads are connected to the metal pins through the opening. Another aspect of the invention is that the extensions are formed inside the base as an elongation of the wall of the connection hollow, and some of the electrode inleads are passed through between the extensions and then are connected to the metal pins.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1999Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: József Fülöp, Ferenc Papp, István Würsching
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Patent number: 6193534Abstract: A fluorescent lamp holder assembly is adapted to receive various injection molded end cap structures allowing the fluorescent lamp holder assembly to have several embodiments, including watertight embodiments. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly may be disposable or may allow replacement of the fluorescent lamp, with the replacement style being watertight. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly generally includes a fluorescent lamp surrounded by a protective sleeve. A first end cap covers a first end of the lamp and sleeve, while a second end cap structure comprising a power connector cap and tube power connector cap covers a second end of the lamp and sleeve. In one embodiment, the protective sleeve is a structure that includes inner and outer co-axial tubes with a plurality of spacers or creases therebetween and/or therein defining a plurality of chambers defining a plurality of air pockets. The air pockets provide insulation for assisting in cold starting of the fluorescent lamp.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Lyall Assemblies, Inc.Inventors: John W. Burwell, James M. Gust
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Patent number: 6162096Abstract: A ceiling mounted lighting fixture of the present invention accepts a PL-type fluorescent bulb. The lighting fixture includes a socket assembly which is recessed in a ceiling and a reflector mounted to the socket assembly. The socket assembly includes a base and a cover which cooperate to define a chamber having a bottom surface. A power supply for the PL lamp is made part of a circuit board. A receptacle on a lower surface of the bottom surface accepts the PL-bulb. The receptacle is accessible through the reflector. It includes a receptacle chamber sized and shaped to receive the bulb base, and at least two pin holes sized and shaped to receive the bulb pins. The pin holes extend through the receptacle and socket base bottom surface, so that when the bulb is inserted in the receptacle, the bulb pins will be in electrical contact with the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1999Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: Dal PartnershipInventor: Dale A. Klaus
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Patent number: 6113408Abstract: A fluorescent lamp holder assembly is adapted to receive various injection molded end cap structures allowing the fluorescent lamp holder assembly to have several embodiments, including watertight embodiments. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly may be disposable or may allow replacement of the fluorescent lamp, with the replacement style being watertight. The fluorescent lamp holder assembly generally includes a fluorescent lamp surrounded by a protective sleeve. A first end cap covers a first end of the lamp and sleeve, while a second end cap structure comprising a power connector cap and tube power connector cap covers a second end of the lamp and sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1998Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Lyall Assemblies, Inc.Inventors: John W. Burwell, Paul Littrell, James M. Gust, Robert E. Bolen
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Patent number: 6008570Abstract: The invention relates to a compact low-pressure discharge lamp comprising a discharge vessel 14 having electrodes and supply leads 30, and having a mp cap 12 assembled from a cap 16, housing 18 and mounting plate 24 with a ballast arrangement. In this case, the mounting plate 24 with the ballast arrangement is fitted in the interior of the lamp cap housing 18. The mounting plate 24 also has terminals 26 for the electric connection of the supply leads 30. According to the invention, in this case the supply leads 30 are connected to the electric terminals 26 of the mounting plate 24 via an electrically conducting spring element 28 in each case.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fuer elektrische Gluehlampen mbHInventors: Peter Helbig, Hermann Steiner, Werner Bernhard
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Patent number: 5855488Abstract: A removable lamp module (14) employs a male (26) and female (22) electrical connector (24) pair that serves multiple functions including connecting a lamp power supply (72) and high-voltage lamp igniter circuit (74) to an arc lamp (39), acting as a safety interlock switch, and mechanically latching the lamp module within a projector cavity (13). The lamp module safely encloses the arc lamp, provides an airflow pathway for cooling the arc lamp, and slidably secures (50) the male half of the connector pair. The lamp module slides in a first direction into the cavity, and the male half of the connector pair slides in a second direction, transverse to the first direction, into engagement with the female half of the connector pair to latch the lamp module within the projector cavity. Replacing the arc lamp entails sliding the connector pair out of engagement, removing the lamp module from a projector enclosure (12), and replacing the lamp.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1997Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Assignee: In Focus Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brian G. Heintz, Henry Frazier Pruett
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Patent number: 5751117Abstract: A modular ballast system particularly suited for strip lighting installations has ballast modules on opposite ends of each fluorescent lamp tube, each module having lamp connectors for receiving the end pins of the fluorescent lamp, capacitance and inductance elements connected to the lamp connectors in each module, and jumper conductors interconnecting the capacitance and inductance elements of the modules to define a bridge type ballast circuit for powering the fluorescent lamp. Each ballast module can be made small and lightweight with a single inductor and capacitor forming two legs of a four leg bridge type ballast. Pairs of ballast modules can be connected back-to-back to transmit electrical power without external wiring to successive fluorescent lamps along the strip.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1995Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Assignee: Bruce Industries, Inc.Inventor: Louis Eugene Abbott
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Patent number: 5616042Abstract: An adapter is disclosed for connecting a pair of wire leads to the pin contacts of a fluorescent light fixture socket in which a central pin is located between two pins each connected to a wire lead, the central pin engaging the socket to lock the adapter to the socket with the pins rotated into the socket. A wire lead cap is also provided for an auxiliary socket mounting the light tube in a relocated position, the cap having pins received in the wire lead socket terminals, the cap enclosing the wire leads to avoid a shock hazard.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1995Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Inventors: Frederick R. Raby, Sr., Bruce R. Raby
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Patent number: 5610472Abstract: A neon lamp assembly includes a housing having a cavity with an aperture for emission of light, a neon lamp mounted within the cavity in the housing for emission of light through the aperture and a lens covering the aperture in the housing. Connectors are secured to opposite ends of the neon lamp. Each connector includes a resilient boot that is positioned in a recess in the housing. The resilient boot locates the lamp in the housing and cushions the lamp against shock and vibration. The neon lamp assembly further includes a light-transmissive, conductive mesh covering the aperture in the housing for substantially blocking the emission of RF energy from the housing, and an electrical conductor for coupling the conductive mesh to a reference potential, such as ground. The neon lamp is typically used as a stop light in a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1994Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Schmitt, Jr.
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Patent number: 5580158Abstract: A retrofit unit for replacing conventional incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent tubes. A retrofit ballast and a fluorescent tube receptable are adapted to be used in conjunction with conventional light fixtures, including surface mounted or recessed fixtures. The retrofit conversion from incandescent light sources to fluorescent tubes (or the like) is accomplished without removing or replacing the existing incandescent fixture.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1994Date of Patent: December 3, 1996Inventors: Truman R. Aubrey, Steven R. Gerke
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Patent number: 5545950Abstract: A ballast device for a compact fluorescent lamp with: a ballast case including an outer case (17) and a socket substrate (11), the outer case having an incandescent lamp base (19) at its top portion, the substrate having a compact fluorescent lamp socket and a bottom portion of the outer case being assembled with the socket substrate; a first printed circuit board (PCB) (15) on which electronic circuit components (15-2) are mounted and having a first receiving cavity (15-1) for allowing the fluorescent lamp socket to be inserted therein; and a second PCB (16) on which other electronic circuit components are mounted, with the latter mounted components, that have a relatively high height, being situated in a center area of the second PCB, thus located within the bulb base.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1994Date of Patent: August 13, 1996Inventor: Sung H. Cho
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Patent number: 5506596Abstract: A modular neon sign system comprising two or more independent neon or similar luminous tube segments. One or more of the luminous segments are arranged in generally parallel configuration across the remaining tube segments and each such parallel segment includes a series capacitive ballasting element to selectively control the current through the respective segment. Receptacles may be provided to facilitate the attachment of the parallel segments thereby forming detachable neon modules. The capacitive ballasting element is preferably a ceramic button-like disc that may be connected to an end of the parallel neon module or inserted into the receptacle. In one embodiment the several parallel segments are connected to a reduced tension constant voltage power supply. In a second erabodiment, a constant current power supply is continuously interconnected to one or more neon luminous tubes that define a fixed portion of the sign with the parallel segment(s) or module(s) being connected across said fixed portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1994Date of Patent: April 9, 1996Assignee: Everbrite, Inc.Inventor: David Pacholok
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Patent number: 5381071Abstract: A base for a position-dependent lamp comprises an inner shell, an outer shell, an aperture in said outer shell, and a hollow pin projecting from said aperture, said pin having a substantially tubular body with a pair of oppositely disposed wings extending from an end thereof, said wings having a length about two and one half to three times the height of said body and being sandwiched between said inner shell and said outer shell. The extended wings add stability to the pin and eliminate the use of lead-based solder in the lamp manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1994Date of Patent: January 10, 1995Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.Inventor: Huiling Zhu
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Patent number: 5370546Abstract: A molded ceramic housing has two compartments, one for receiving a cold cathode lamp electrode and the other for containing an electrical terminal connected to an electrode contact in the one compartment, the contact engaging the lamp electrode. A ceramic cap encloses the terminal compartment. A ceramic tube is attached to the housing aligned with an aperture in a housing side wall adjacent to the terminal. The tube provides a free air spacer of approximately 1.5 inches in one embodiment. PVC flexible corrugated greenfield tubing is secured in the tube conduit. An electrical power cable extends through the greenfield tubing into the housing and is connected to the terminal. The extended end of the greenfield tubing has a strain relief attached for connection to a rigid metal conduit through which the cable is passed during installation.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1993Date of Patent: December 6, 1994Assignee: National Cathode Corp.Inventor: Jim Evanisko
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Patent number: 5368495Abstract: A method and adapter allows relocation of fluorescent light tubes to be offset from existing light fixture sockets, an adapter installed in each of a pair of opposite fixture sockets and having a plug connected at the ends of a pair of electrical leads able to receive the relocated fluorescent tube pins and establish a power connection to the tube in the offset location. Each adapter also has a transverse extension rod and tube holding clip element mounted thereto to provide a support for a respective end of the relocated tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1993Date of Patent: November 29, 1994Inventors: Frederick R. Raby, Sr., Bruce R. Raby
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Patent number: 5311097Abstract: An improved avionics fluorescent lamp including a fluorescent tube having a resistive element disposed on its exterior and a terminal block for receiving an inserted fluorescent tube, the terminal block having a semi-rigid electrical contact for contacting the resistive element when the tube is inserted inside the terminal block. A plurality of connectors are disposed on the exterior of the terminal block for providing easy connection between the lamp wiring harness and the filament pins of the fluorescent tube and the resistive element by the semi-rigid connector. And a display device having the fluorescent lamp of the present invention disposed therein where the resistive element is disposed on the reflector side of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1992Date of Patent: May 10, 1994Assignee: Rockwell International CorporationInventors: Thomas A. Mepham, Roger D. Eller
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Patent number: 5306167Abstract: The present invention relates to an IC socket to be used for testing various IC packages, an object of which is to provide the IC socket with means facilitating insertion and removal of IC packages either in testing by employing an automatic loader or in testing with manual operation. It is constructed to have a socket body formed with a plurality of contacts for establishing electric contact with leads of an IC package, a cover 2 for removably fitting the IC package on the socket body, latches 4 having hooks 42 arranged at least at two diagonally opposing corners of said cover 2, and hooking to said socket body 1, and projections extending in the same direction to the hooks 42, releasing blocks 5 arranged in the vicinity of said latches and movable in the vertical direction with respect to said projection 43, and catching portions 11 formed in said socket body 1 and to be hooked the hook 42 of said latch 4.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1993Date of Patent: April 26, 1994Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Takayuki Nagumo
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Patent number: 5289079Abstract: To simplify assembly of a bottom portion (4) with a cap portion (3) of a base to a compact fluorescent lamp, and permit automated assembly thereof, the cap portion is formed with inner axially extending projections (23-26), and current supply leads (27a-28b) are looped about the axially extending projections. A circuit board (8) located transversely across the bottom portion (4) has essentially U-shaped bow frames or arched or clip elements (35-38) located thereon which are positioned to engage by resilient surface contact with the end portions (31) of the current supply leads when the bottom portion and the cap portion are snapped together upon axial movement. Inwardly extending ribs (44, 45; 48, 49) projecting from the inner wall of the bottom portion support the bow frame or arched or clip elements, and ensure prestressed reliable contact engagement between the bow frame or arched or clip elements and the end portions of the current supply leads.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1991Date of Patent: February 22, 1994Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fur elektrische Gluhlampen mbHInventor: Horst Wittmann
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Patent number: 5192218Abstract: A lampholder assembly is provided for one or more fluorescent lamps having a single lamp cap, including at least one lampholder module. The lampholder module includes a lamp part for receiving the lamp and a narrower support part for supporting the lamp part, as well as at least one ballast. Only a relatively small and compact part of the lampholder assembly contains the electric components and connections, while the lampholder assembly is such that it can be built in or affixed quickly and easily.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1991Date of Patent: March 9, 1993Inventor: Adrianus M. Kuiper