Patents by Inventor Merle E. Morris

Merle E. Morris has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6705748
    Abstract: A ceramic cup may be fitted in the neck of a reflector region to provide good reflection or blockage of the light incident on the reflector neck. Light is then prevented light from incorrectly exiting through the lamp neck or from heating the neck region. The ceramic cup can be cheaper than coatings or other shields. The ceramic cup shield can be more durable and electrically more compatible with the lead structure extending through the neck region. The cup shield can also help align and properly position the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventor: Merle E. Morris
  • Publication number: 20030193806
    Abstract: A ceramic cup may be fitted in the neck of a reflector region to provide good reflection or blockage of the light incident on the reflector neck. Light is then prevented light from incorrectly exiting through the lamp neck or from heating the neck region. The ceramic cup can be cheaper than coatings or other shields. The ceramic cup shield can be more durable and electrically more compatible with the lead structure extending through the neck region. The cup shield can also help align and properly position the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Merle E. Morris
  • Patent number: 4945288
    Abstract: A double jacket arc lamp is disclosed. A double jacket arc lamp may be formed with an electric lamp capsule having an inner light transmissive envelope with electrical lead extending from the inner envelope through a first seal, and a second light transmissive envelope sealed to the inner envelope at a second seal to substantially surround the electric lamp capsule and form an enclosed volume between a portion of the exterior of the inner envelope and the interior of the outer envelope, and leaving the leads unenclosed by the outer envelope. The lamp leads then pass through only one seal, and have no portions exposed in the intermediate insulating volume. The inner capsule is then aligned once, while still being for the most part protected by a double envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Merle E. Morris, Michael L. Martin, Louis D. Neff, George B. Kendrick
  • Patent number: 4922155
    Abstract: A fail safe feature for long life reduced voltage lamps including diodes id disclosed. As known, a low wattage lamp may designed for longer life by using a lower root mean square design voltage. The root means square voltage of the alternating source current may be lowered by including a rectifying element, and a fuse may be included in series with the lamp to safely interrupt the circuit. By further including a one-way shunt oriented oppositely to the rectifier, in parallel with the lamp, and intermediate the rectifier and fuse, on failure of rectifier, unrectified current blows the fuse. If the rectifying diode fails, substantially all of the current is shunted to the fuse during the failed half of the current cycle, thereby blowing the fuse, and safely failing the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Merle E. Morris, George B. Kendrick, John M. Boyd
  • Patent number: 4918355
    Abstract: An electric lamp (e.g., tungsten halogen) including an elongated envelope with at least one sealed end portion of flattened configuration. Located on the sealed end portion is a conductive base member of hollow configuration which is electrically coupled to the lamp's lead-in conductor (which projects externally from the envelope) and which is located not only substantially about the sealed end portion so as to substantially surround the end but also extends over a part of the envelope's body portion to thereby substantially prevent breakage of the sealed end portion (e.g., during lamp insertion and/or removal).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Merle E. Morris, Stephen P. Senft
  • Patent number: 4868451
    Abstract: A method of constructing a filament support member from a single-piece preformed refractory metal wire having at least one loop protrusion formed in the wire and positioned between the ends of the wire. A section of glass tubing is positioned over and supported by the loop protrusion with a head portion of the loop extending beyond the section of tubing. Heat is applied to melt the section of tubing to form an insulating bead at the base of said loop protrusion. The head portion of the loop protrusion is then trimmed to interrupt electrical continuity in the wire and thus electrically isolate the respective ends of the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Larry R. Fields, Michael L. Martin, Merle E. Morris
  • Patent number: 4791333
    Abstract: An electric lamp, such as an infrared lamp, including a sealed outer envelope having a sealed end portion in which are positioned a pair of electrical conductors. Centrally positioned within the outer envelope is a sealed inner, light-transmitting envelope which includes therein a coiled tungsten filament. A pair of conductive members, coupled to the filament, project externally from opposing sealed end parts of the inner envelope. One of these projecting conductive members is electrically connected to a respective one of the electrical conductors while the other conductive member is electrically connected to the remaining conductor through the utilization of a thin, conductive molybdenum reflector which is positioned within the outer envelope adjacent the sealed, inner envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Merle E. Morris, Stephen P. Senft
  • Patent number: 4774432
    Abstract: An improved electric lamp wherein a flexible cover holder is utilized to secure the lamp's cover means (e.g., lens) against the reflector in a sealed manner. The holder flexes during lamp operation to enable expansion and/or contraction of the cover means in such a manner that damage thereto is substantially prevented. In one example, a ceramic reflector and glass lens combination was used, with the holder comprising an annular, metallic (e.g., aluminum) rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Merle E. Morris, Larry R. Fields, George B. Kendrick
  • Patent number: 4755711
    Abstract: An electric lamp of compact, rugged design capable of high temperature operation in such applications as down lighting, display lighting, track lighting, etc. The lamp includes a ceramic reflector having therein a capsule (e.g., tungsten halogen or arc discharge) which serves as the lamp's light source. A base member of conventional external design is secured to the reflector to enable positioning of the lamp in existing socket configurations. At least one part of the capsule engages the internal surface of the reflector's central opening to assure stabilization of the capsule. The lamp further includes a cover which is capable of outward flexing during lamp operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Larry R. Fields, George B. Kendrick, Merle E. Morris
  • Patent number: 4728849
    Abstract: A light-emitting capsule for use in a reflector-type electric lamp utilized in such applications as display and track lighting. The capsule includes a hollow bulb portion containing a light source (coiled filament or arc) therein and an elongated sealed end including a flattened, narrow width segment and a protruding end segment. The end segment, preferably of similar configuration (cylindrical) as the bulb, is adapted for engaging the internal walls of the reflector's central opening to facilitate capsule positioning within such a reflector in both a precise and stable fashion. Additionally, the bulb portion is also capable of similar engagement to even further assure stabilized capsule orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Merle E. Morris, Larry R. Fields, George B. Kendrick
  • Patent number: 4710676
    Abstract: A tubular incandescent lamp for use in heating applications where multiple levels of infrared energy are available from one source while providing for compactness in size and ease in manufacturing. The primary use for such a lamp is in the fusing system of a photocopy machine where speed in attaining the desired operating temperature greatly determines the machine's rating. In one embodiment of the lamp, quartz envelope is provided with dual chambers extending longitudinally therethrough. A filament extends longitudinally through each of the chambers and is hermetically sealed within press-sealed ends at the opposed ends of the lamp. The filaments are capable of being selectively or simultaneously activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Merle E. Morris, Lawrence M. Rice, Steven L. Meade
  • Patent number: 4702717
    Abstract: A method of making a dual envelope lamp wherein a first envelope is formed having opposite sealed ends with conductive wires projecting therefrom. A formed reflector is welded at one end thereof to one wire and wrapped about the first envelope's opposite sealed end. Conductors are connected (welded) to the other wire and the opposite end of the reflector, respectively. This reflector, first envelope and conductor assembly is then slidably inserted within the open end of a piece of quartz tubing and a press sealed formed about the conductors. Subsequently, the tubing is flushed (e.g., with argon) and filled with an inert gas at a fixed pressure, followed by a tipping operation in which the opposite end of the tubing is sealed to thus define the second (outer) envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Merle E. Morris, Stephen P. Senft
  • Patent number: 4626735
    Abstract: A tungsten-halogen lamp including a tubular quartz envelope wherein both of the lead-in conductors designed for providing electrical energy to the lamp's coiled filament are strategically positioned within a single, press-sealed end portion of the lamp's envelope. Electrical connections to the lamp may thus be provided at only one end thereof to thereby facilitate positioning and connection of the lamp within a photocopier or similar machine. The lamp is suited for high wattage applications (i.e., about two-hundred watts per linear inch of filament or greater) by the utilization of an expansion coil section which is provided in one of the lamp's two lead-in conductors to prevent bowing of the lead-in conductor and its quartz sleeve. This coil section enables the conductor to expand during the high temperatures encountered when the lamp is operated at such high wattages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Merle E. Morris, Stephen P. Senft
  • Patent number: 4623817
    Abstract: A tungsten-halogen lamp including a tubular quartz envelope wherein both of the lead-in conductors designed for providing electrical energy to the lamp's coiled filament are strategically positioned within a single, press-sealed end portion of the lamp's envelope. Electrical connections to the lamp may thus be provided at only one end thereof to thereby facilitate positioning and connection of the lamp within a photocopier or similar machine. The lamp is suited for high wattage applications (i.e., about two-hundred watts per linear inch of filament or greater) by positioning the inner portion of one of the lead-in conductors externally of the coiled filament supports and thus at spacing sufficient to prevent excessive heating of the inner portion and surrounding, tubular insulative member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Merle E. Morris, Stephen P. Senft
  • Patent number: 4621220
    Abstract: A tungsten-halogen lamp including a tubular quartz envelope wherein both of the lead-in conductors designed for providing electrical energy to the lamp's coiled filament are strategically positioned within a single, press-sealed end portion of the lamp's envelope. Electrical connections to the lamp may thus be provided and only one end thereof to thereby facilitate positioning and connection of the lamp within a photocopier or similar machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Merle E. Morris, Steven L. Meade, Stephen P. Senft
  • Patent number: 4535268
    Abstract: A high pressure, tungsten halogen lamp wherein a predetermined quantity of a gas mixture including an inert gas (e.g., argon) and halogen compound (e.g., methyliodide) constitute the lamp's combined atmosphere. The gas mixture is flowed into the tubular member which ultimately comprises the lamp's envelope and is then cooled sufficiently to form either a pool of liquified gas or, alternatively, a frozen, solidified member. A quantity of nitrogen gas established at a predetermined atmospheric pressure is also flowed into the tubular member while a press sealing operation is accomplished to seal the member. When the lamp is then subjected to normal room temperature, the pool (or solidified member) becomes gasified to produce the elevated internal pressure, which may readily approach three atmospheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Merle E. Morris, Steven L. Meade, Lawrence M. Rice
  • Patent number: 4510416
    Abstract: A filament support for a helically coiled filament of a tubular double-ended incandescent lamp in which the support is in the form of a wire having a first end portion extending in a loop which is circumferentially engageable with the inner wall of the envelope, a second end portion extending substantially axially of the tubular envelope and defining an inner power lead conductively coupled to a lead-in conductor, a third portion adjacent the first portion and defining several coils each of an outer diameter less than the diameter of the first portion loop and having an inner diameter dimensioned to snugly receive an end of the helically coiled filament, and a fourth portion disposed intermediate the second and third portions and having a turned section forming an abutment which limits the position of the filament relative to the filament support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Steven L. Meade, Merle E. Morris, Lawrence M. Rice
  • Patent number: 4509928
    Abstract: A method of making a high pressure, tungsten halogen lamp wherein a predetermined quantity of a gas mixture including an inert gas (e.g., argon) and halogen compound (e.g., methyliodide) are introduced into the retained tubular member which eventually comprises the sealed envelope of the lamp. This gas mixture is then cooled sufficiently to form either a pool of liquified gas or, alternatively, a frozen, solidified member. A quantity of nitrogen gas established at a predetermined atmospheric pressure is then introduced into the tubular member through the remaining open end while a press sealing operation is accomplished to seal the end. The result is a finished lamp possessing an elevated internal pressure (e.g., three atmospheres) of the described inert gas, halogen and hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Merle E. Morris, Steven L. Meade, Lawrence M. Rice
  • Patent number: D467358
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventor: Merle E. Morris
  • Patent number: D303015
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Larry R. Fields, George B. Kendrick, Merle E. Morris