Reverse pin ultraviolet germicidal lamp system

Abstract

An ultraviolet gas discharge lamp having contact pins extending from a base cap toward an opposing end in reverse pin fashion. The lamp is placed within a conduit or duct for disinfecting air or water flowing within the conduit. The reverse contact pins that extend toward the opposing end mate with contact holes in a socket attached to the conduit through which the lamp is inserted. The lamp is only energized when the lamp is fully inserted into the duct and is de-energized upon removing the lamp from the duct. A shroud may protect the pins. A window may be incorporated in the base cap so as to visually confirm that the lamp is energized and radiating. A key and mating receiver may be used on the base cap and the socket so as to prevent accidental insertion of an inappropriate lamp. A locking latch may also be included.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application of U.S. utility application Ser. No. 11/062,988 filed Feb. 22, 2005, priority to which is hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C. §120.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to a lamp alone, a socket alone, and a lamp base and socket and more specifically to a lamp base and socket for inserting an ultraviolet lamp into an air or fluid duct for germicidal purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many germicidal applications use ultraviolet gas discharge lamps. Ultraviolet gas discharge lamps are often placed in containers or ducts that contain a fluid, such as air or water. The ultraviolet radiation emitted from the ultraviolet gas discharge lamp has a germicidal effect destroying germs, viruses, and bacteria for disinfection. Often the ultraviolet gas discharge lamp is placed directly within the air flow in a duct or conduit. In applications involving the disinfecting of a liquid, often a protective glass sleeve is used to surround the ultraviolet gas discharge lamp.

The ultraviolet gas discharge lamp should be easily installed, and installed so as to prevent ultraviolet radiation from escaping from the conduit or container. Often, as a safety feature, switches are used to prevent removal of the ultraviolet gas discharge lamp while the lamp is on so as to prevent exposure to potentially dangerous ultraviolet radiation. An ultraviolet lamp having a construction to prevent radiation when the lamp is removed from a duct is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,838,057 entitled “Power Disruption Apparatus for A Radiation Lamp,” and issued to Russell et al on Jan. 4, 2005. Disclosed therein is a radiation lamp having a flange attached to the lamp base. Additionally, an electrical socket is detachable mounted in a manner that prevents removal of the radiation lamp from the duct without prior detachment of the electrical socket from electrical pins.

Another ultraviolet lamp that can be quickly installed is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,797,966 entitled “Quick-install Irradiation Unit and Method of Making Same” issued to Summers et al on Sep. 28, 2004. Disclosed therein is an irradiation unit for irradiating a surface including a frame.

Another sterilization device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,552 entitled “Ultraviolet Air Sterilization Device” issued to Brickley on May 11, 1999. Disclosed therein is an ultraviolet air sterilization device including a housing and mounts. A receptacle connects to corresponding mounts by means of a threaded connection enabling the lamp units to be removed.

While these prior devices aided in the installation and operation of an ultraviolet germicide gas discharge lamp used to disinfect fluids, they often required relatively complicated mounting hardware and additional switches to prevent operation of the lamp upon removal from the fluid flowing in a duct or conduit. Therefore, there is a need for an easily installed, simple, and safe operating ultraviolet germicidal gas discharge lamp for placement into a duct or conduit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment may comprise a germicidal gas discharge lamp comprising: a lamp envelope containing gas and having a first end and a second end; an anode and a cathode located in the lamp envelope; a base cap placed on the first end of the lamp envelope and having a portion of the base cap extending radially beyond at least one side of the envelope; at least one return wire connected to the anode or the cathode wherein one of the anode or the cathode is located proximate to the second end, and wherein the least one return wire connects the anode or the cathode to at least one contact pin structured to extend towards the opposing second end of the lamp envelope and formed on the radially extending portion of the base cap externally to the envelope; and wherein the at least one return wire extends along said lamp envelope.

An embodiment may also comprise a germicidal gas discharge lamp assembly comprising: a lamp envelope containing gas and having a first end and a second end; an anode and a cathode located in the lamp envelope; a base cap placed on the first end of the lamp envelope and having a portion of the base cap extending radially beyond at least one side of the envelope; at least one return wire connected to the anode or the cathode wherein one of the anode or the cathode is located proximate to the second end, and wherein the least one return wire connects the anode or the cathode to at least one contact pin structured to extend towards the opposing second end of the lamp envelope and formed on the radially extending portion of the base cap externally to the envelope and wherein the at least one return wire extends along said lamp envelope; a receiving socket having contact pin receiving holes with receiving contacts therein; and wherein the second end, and the envelope, are capable of being inserted through a hole in the receiving socket and wherein the at least one contact pin is structured to engage the contact pin receiving holes with receiving contacts therein in the socket.

An embodiment may comprise a receiving socket for a germicidal gas discharge lamp comprising: a receiving socket having contact pin receiving holes with receiving contacts therein; a hole located in the receiving socket for accepting a lamp envelope wherein the lamp envelope contains gas and has a first end and a second end; an anode and a cathode located in the lamp envelope and a base cap is placed on the first end of the lamp envelope and a portion of the base cap extends radially beyond at least one side of the envelope; and at least one return wire connected to the anode or the cathode wherein one of the anode or the cathode is located proximate to the second end, and wherein the least one return wire connects the anode or the cathode to at least one contact pin structured to extend towards the opposing second end of the lamp envelope and formed on the radially extending portion of the base cap externally to the envelope; and wherein the at least one return wire extends along said lamp envelope; wherein the second end, and the envelope, are capable of being inserted through a hole in the receiving socket and wherein the at least one contact pin is structured to engage the contact pin receiving holes with receiving contacts therein in the socket.

An embodiment may comprise an ultraviolet lamp and socket that may be keyed to permit only a predetermined lamp in a predetermined angular orientation to mate and be connected.

An embodiment may provide an ultraviolet lamp that can easily be mounted in a fluid or air duct.

An embodiment may also provide an ultraviolet lamp that is automatically de-energized upon removal from the fluid or air duct without the need for any separate switches.

It is an advantage of an embodiment that the ultraviolet lamp may be pushed directly into a socket engaging the contact pins.

It is an advantage of an embodiment that upon removing the ultraviolet lamp from the fluid duct and socket the contact pins become disengaged, automatically removing power from the ultraviolet lamp, and thus preventing the possibility of the ultraviolet lamp remaining powered while unshielded by the duct.

It is another advantage of an embodiment that direct visual confirmation of operation of the lamp can be made through a window even when the lamp is completely enclosed in a duct.

It is a feature of an embodiment that a contact pin shroud extends from the base cap protecting the contact pins from inadvertent electrical contact or damage to the pins.

It is a feature of an embodiment that the contact pins are placed adjacent to the sides of the lamp and a distal end extends toward an opposing end of the lamp.

These and other advantages and features will become more readily apparent in view of the following more detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings which are meant to be exemplary, not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered alike in several Figures, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the placement of an embodiment of an ultraviolet lamp in a fluid or air duct.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of another embodiment of an ultraviolet lamp with a shroud.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a base cap of the embodiment of the ultraviolet lamp illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a partial elevational view of the embodiment of the ultraviolet lamp illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 being inserted into a socket.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of another embodiment of an ultraviolet lamp having a protective tube.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of yet an embodiment of an ultraviolet lamp having a lamp and socket mating system and electric line cord and power supply.

FIGS. 7-15c are various views of another embodiment using a keying system.

FIGS. 16-25 are various views of another embodiment with a u shaped lamp.

FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of another embodiment which also incorporates a locking system.

FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of another embodiment which also incorporates a stepped base.

FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of another embodiment which shows that the contact pins can be located in many orientations.

FIGS. 29-30 show perspective views of another embodiment which also incorporates a reflector.

FIGS. 34-35 show perspective views of another embodiment of a keying system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates an ultraviolet lamp fluid duct germicidal system 10. A fluid or air duct 12 has an opening thereon on which a mounting flange 14 is placed. The fluid duct 12 may contain air or other gas or liquid such as water to be disinfected. The mounting flange 14 has a socket 16. The socket 16 has a plurality of contact pin holes 30 therein. A hole 17 is placed through the socket 16 and mounting flange 14 and opens into the fluid duct 12. A lamp 18 is placed within the socket 16 and extends into the interior of the fluid duct 12. For example, the lamp 18 may be an ultraviolet gas discharge, fluorescent lamp, or other type as are commonly used in germicidal applications.

The lamp 18 has a base cap 34 on a first end and an end cap 22 on the second end. The end cap 22 may also be called the blind side cap because the electrical connections used to power the lamp 18 are all made via contact pins 26 located on the first end. Therefore, no contact pins 26 are located on the end cap 22 and this results in a “single ended” lamp arrangement which is excellent for insertion into air or liquid as shown in FIG. 1 for example. The base cap assembly 20 comprises a base cap 34 and a cylindrical base 32. A portion of the base cap 34 extends radially and sufficiently beyond the exterior surface of the lamp 18 so as to permit contact pins 26 to have the distal ends thereof extending downward towards the opposite second end of the lamp 18 and away from the base cap 34. This is termed herein “a reverse pin” arrangement because the contact pins 26 are reversed in comparison to a standard single sided lamp with non-reversed or forward facing pins.

In order to locate all of the electrical contact pins 26 at the first end in order to have a single sided contact pin lamp arrangement, a return wire 24 provides an electrical connection between the end cap electrode 36 adjacent the end cap 22 and the contact pins 26 on the base cap 34. These electrodes can be AC anodes/cathodes. An anode and a cathode create a voltage which excites gas present in the lamp as is well known in gas discharge lamps.

In this example, one pair of the contact pins 26 are electrically connected to the base cap electrode 38. The other pair of contact pins 26 is coupled to the end cap 22 electrode 36 through wires 24. Depending upon the number of contact pins used, one or more wire 24 may be used to provide an electrical connection to contact pins on a “single end” of the lamp 18. A power cable 28 is electrically connected to the socket 16 and provides power to the lamp 18. Arrow 40 represents the movement of the lamp 18 in and out of the fluid duct 12. The lamp 18 may preferably be an ultraviolet gas discharge lamp or an ultraviolet fluorescent lamp, but may by any other type of lamp having pin contacts, pin-like contacts, or other electrical contacts.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a shroud or guard 146 is used to protect the contact pins 126. The ultraviolet lamp 118 comprises an envelope 119 and has a base cap 120 and an end cap 122. Electrodes 138 and 136 are placed adjacent each cap 120 and 122. Wires 124 electrically couple the electrode 136 to a pair of contact pins 126. The contact pins 126 are formed within the base cap 120. The base cap 120 comprises a cylindrical base attached to one end of the envelope 119. A base cap 134 is formed on the cylindrical base cap 132 and has a diameter sufficiently greater than that of the envelope 119 usually made of glass and the cylindrical base cap 132 to permit contact pins 126 to be positioned along a side of the cylindrical base cap 132. The distal ends of the contact pins 126 extend downward from the base cap 134 towards the end cap 122 at the opposing end of the lamp 118. A pin shroud 146 is formed on the edge of the base cap 134 to protect a user or installer from inadvertently touching the contact pins 116 and also to protect the contact pins 126 from damage. The pin shroud 146 guards the contact pins 126 against inadvertent contact and from being bent or damaged. Indicia 148 may be placed or etched on the envelope 119 to provide identifying information.

In this embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, a hole 142 is also formed in the base cap 134 and extends through to the interior of the lamp 118. A transparent window 144 seals the external end of the hole 140. The transparent window 144 permits a view into the interior of the lamp 118. The window 144 permits visual confirmation that the lamp is on when the lamp 118 is placed with a duct or conduit and thus only the end of the base cap 120 is visible.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the base cap 120 more clearly illustrating the window 144 and contact pins 126. In this example, four contact pins 126 are positioned around the base cap 134 and extend downward adjacent the cylindrical base cap 132. However, many other window and pin configurations are also possible.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the germicidal ultraviolet lamp system 110, illustrating the base cap 120 and the socket 116 attached to a fluid chamber or duct 112. The mounting flange 114 may be mounted by any conventional means, such as screws, to a fluid chamber or duct 112. The socket 116 has a hole or bore 117 through which is placed the envelope 119 of the germicidal ultraviolet lamp. Contact pin holes 130 are formed within the socket 116 and are positioned and adapted to receive the contact pins 126 formed on the base cap 120. Contact pin shroud 146 protects the contact pins 126. A power cord 128 is connected to a ballast or power supply 150 for powering the germicidal ultraviolet lamp. The contact pins 126 may be asymmetrically spaced on the base cap 120 to require a predetermined angular orientation of the lamp to connect or mate with the corresponding contact pin holes 130 in the socket 116.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a protective tube 252 is placed over the envelope 219. The protective tube 252 is used to further protect the envelope 219, in air or especially when the fluid being treated is water or other liquid. In this embodiment, the lamp system 218 comprises an envelope 219 and end cap 222 positioned adjacent to an electrode 236 at one end. Indicia 248 may be placed or etched onto the envelope 219 to identify the lamp system 218. Wires 224 electrically couple the end cap electrode 236 to one pair of the four contact pins 226. The cylindrical base 232 is attached to the protective tube 252 forming a seal and preventing fluids from contacting the envelope 219. The base cap 220 also has a hole 242 and window 244 formed therein, as well as a pin shroud 246. The base cap electrode 238 is placed adjacent the cylindrical base 232 of the base cap 220. In this embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5, the germicidal ultraviolet lamp system 218 may be installed as a unit into a chamber or duct containing fluid or air to be disinfected.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a key and receiver system is used to assure that the appropriate lamp is matched with the appropriate socket or application. That is, a specific power or type of lamp may have a key and mating receiver system that will only permit the correct lamp to fit a receiver on a socket. The key and receiver system may also be used to assure that the lamp is placed in a predetermined angular orientation within the chamber or duct, if desired.

In FIG. 6 a mounting flange 314 is attached to socket 316 having a hole 317 there through. Contact pin holes 330 are formed within socket 316. The contact pin holes 330 are coupled to a ballast or power supply 350 by power cord 328. The envelope 319 is adapted to be placed through a hole 317 within socket 316. The base cap 320 comprises a cylindrical base cap 332 attached to, or cooperates with, the envelope 319. Formed within the base cap 320 are contact pins 326. The contact pins 326 are protected by shroud 346. A hole or opening 342 and window 344 is formed in the base cap 320.

A socket key 354 may be formed on socket 316 and a mating base receiver 356 may be formed within the pin shroud 246. The socket key 354 and mating base receiver 256 may be used to assure that an appropriate lamp is used with the appropriate socket. The key and receiver may be reversed, as also illustrated in FIG. 6, with the base key 358 formed on the cylindrical base 332 and the mating socket receiver 360 formed on the socket 316. The key and receiver may be matched to prevent an inappropriate lamp from being energized causing potential injury or damage. While several different keys and receivers have been illustrated, other known methods may be used to physically match the lamp and the socket.

An optional safety switch arrangement 380 is also shown in FIG. 6. The safety switch, in addition to the structures described above, further ensures that the lamp 318 will not turn on and emit harmful UV rays into an installer's eye inadvertently for example. Any kind of switch may be used, however in this simple example, a rod 381 is located in mounting flange 314 and is connected to a first contact 383. A plunger 384 extends into contact hole 330 and is also connected to second contact 383 so that when the base cap 320 is inserted into the socket 316, the contact pin 326 enters the contact pin hole 330 and pushes plunger 384 down which in turn pushes second contact 383 down onto first contact 382 to enable the power from wire 328 to flow to the lamp 318. In this way, the installer will not be exposed to UV rays inadvertently.

FIGS. 7-15c illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a key and receiver system is also used to assure that the appropriate lamp is matched with the appropriate socket or application. Again, as stated above, a specific power or type of lamp may have a key and mating receiver system that will only permit the correct lamp to fit the receiver on the socket. The key and receiver system may also be used to assure that the lamp is placed in a predetermined angular orientation within the chamber or duct, if desired.

As shown FIGS. 7-15c, socket 416 and socket base 480 has a hole 417 there through. Contact pin holes 430 with contacts inside (not shown) are formed within socket 416. The envelope 419, which may be a tubular glass cover for example (note: other shapes of the envelope and other materials are possible and contemplated for all of the embodiments), of ultraviolet light 490 is structured and shaped to be placed through hole 417 within socket 416. The base cap 420 comprises a cylindrical base cap 432 which is attached to, or cooperates with, the envelope 419. Other shapes other than a cylindrical base cap are possible. Located within the base cap 420 are at least one contact pin 426 (see FIG. 9). The at least one contact pin 420 is located external to the envelope 419 and formed on an extending (radially or otherwise) portion of the base cap, and the at least one contact pin 420 extends towards the opposing second end of the lamp envelope 419. The contact pins 426 are protected by dielectric insulating shroud 446. A hole or opening 442 and window 444 is formed in the base cap 420.

A protruding base cap key 454 is shaped to mate with an indented receiving area 460 located on the socket 416. Thus, the base cap key 454 and mating receiving area 460 may be used to assure that an appropriate lamp is used with the appropriate socket. Also, the key and receiver may be reversed, with a socket key (not shown) formed on the socket 416 and the mating indented receiver area (not shown) formed on the base cap 420. The key and receiver may be matched to prevent an inappropriate lamp from being energized causing potential injury or damage. For example, FIG. 8 shows the base cap 420 connected to the socket 416 in final position. FIG. 9 shows how contact pins 426 are protected and isolated by shroud 446.

FIG. 10 shows indented section 491 formed in socket base 480 which can also be termed a flange. This indented section may used to align the socket base 480 onto a duct or other mounting. This helps prevent undesired, improper, or non-matching socket bases from being mounted to a particular conduit or duct.

FIGS. 16-25 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention that uses a u-bulb. In this embodiment, a key and receiver system may also be used, if desired, to assure that the appropriate lamp is matched with the appropriate socket or application so that a specific power or type of lamp may have a key and mating receiver system that will only permit the correct lamp to fit a receiver on a socket. Again, the key and receiver system may also be used to assure that the lamp is placed in a predetermined angular orientation within the chamber or duct, if desired.

As shown FIG. 17, socket 516 and socket base 580 has a hole 517 there through. Contact pin holes 530 are formed within socket 516. The envelope 519 or a cover of ultraviolet light 590 is adapted to be placed through hole 517 within socket 516. The base cap 520 comprises a bi-cylindrical base cap 532 having two connected cylindrical sections which are attached or cooperate with the double section envelope 519. Formed within the base cap 520 are contact pins 526 (see FIG. 16). The contact pins 526 are protected by dielectric shroud 546. A hole or opening 542 and window 544 is formed in the base cap 520. A triple bulb, quadruple bulb or any multiple bulb or multiple envelope 519 solution can be created in this manner and this disclosure contemplates such additional uses and configurations.

As best seen by comparing FIG. 17 to FIG. 22, the shrouds 546 form protruding base cap keys that are shaped to mate with an indented receiving area 560 located on the socket 516. Thus, the shroud 546 and mating receiving area 560 may be used to assure that an appropriate lamp is used with an appropriate socket. Also, the key and receiver may be reversed, with a socket key (not shown) formed on the socket 516 and the mating indented receiver area (not shown) formed on the base cap 520. The key and receiver may be matched to prevent an inappropriate lamp from being energized causing potential injury or damage. For example, FIG. 22 shows the base cap 520 connected to the socket 516 in final position. FIG. 20 shows how contact pins 526 are protected by shroud 546.

FIG. 26 illustrates another embodiment. Parts which are similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7-15c are labeled by the same reference numbers and their description is not repeated herein. In this embodiment, a locking system is also implemented. The locking system comprises at least one latch 495 having a protruding catch lip 495a. The latch 495 is made of resiliently biased material such as plastic or other material which is flexible enough to bend when inserted in order travel to, and spring engage, a locking position within latch receiving opening 496. Thus, the protruding catch lip 495a engages an inner wall within latch receiving opening 496 in order to lock base cap 420 to socket base 480 upon insertion of the latch 495 into the socket base 480. To remove the locked base cap 420 a tool such as screwdriver can be used to bend latch 495 or it may be compressed by hand. Although one embodiment is shown, many variations of latching devices or other embodiments are possible, and any configuration of latching devices may be used depending upon the desired application.

Additionally, many contact pin 426 configurations are possible including contact pins 426 which are located in different planes or “stepped” in relation to each other. This is best seen in FIG. 27 where contact pin 426a is “stepped” or raised vertically on step structure 499 in relation to the other pins 426. In this way, the contact pins also form a keying system or structure which is an additional safety feature.

Additionally, a plurality of contact pins 426 may be used and the pins may orientated in any specific pattern that the application requires. This shown in FIG. 28 wherein contact pins 426b are shown in possible other exemplary orientations in phantom. However, any orientation of pins is possible and this figure should not be considered to be limiting. For example, in one example, if four pins 426 were used, the first two pins could be located close together and the second two pins could be located further from each other in order to structurally form a unique or “keyed” orientation. The pin holes in the socket would be made to correspond to this unique or keyed orientation of contact pins. Therefore, in this way, the structure of the contact pins can become part of a pin keying system as well.

Additional pins may be added and used for other purposes than providing electrical contact such as proving signal feedback to the power supply. Also, pins can be added which have no function other than a keying function, i.e., “dummy pins.”

Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, a reflector 499 may also be added to any of the embodiments. The reflector 499 may be attached to socket base 480 as shown or may be attached by other means. In this example, rings 498 are used to help align the lamp 419 with the reflector 499 upon insertion. The reflector 499 is used to direct the output of the lamp 419 in a desired direction. The reflector can be parabolic or any desired shape.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 31-33, an additional cover 403 may be used to cover and seal the lamp and may be fixed to socket base 480 by the addition of threaded section 404, also known as a nipple, which mates with threaded cap 406 to secure the cover 403. O-ring 405 is used to also help further seal the connection. This embodiment is very useful for in water applications wherein an extra tight seal is important.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 34-35 another keying system is shown wherein keys 454a are included and mate with receiving sections 460a. Many other configurations are also possible.

While several different keys and receivers have been illustrated, other methods or arrangements of keys and sockets or other means may be used to physically match the lamp and the socket.

Thus, the present invention permits safe operation of an ultraviolet germicidal lamp for disinfecting a fluid flowing in a conduit or duct. The reverse or transposed contact pin arrangement of the present invention permits the ultraviolet germicidal lamp to be pushed or inserted into a socket on the conduit or duct directly without the need for any separate fixture attached to the base cap end.

While the ultraviolet germicidal lamp has been illustrated mounted in a vertical position or orientation, the ultraviolet germicidal lamp may also be mounted in a horizontal position or orientation, or at any angle. Additionally, upon removing the ultraviolet germicidal lamp from the conduit or duct the contact pins are automatically disengaged from the powered socket eliminating the need for a separate safety switch. This greatly improves safety by making it impossible to remove the ultraviolet germicidal lamp in an energized or radiating state eliminating the possibility of unintended exposure of dangerous ultraviolet radiation. Accordingly, the present invention greatly advances the art of disinfecting fluids with ultraviolet or other radiation.

While the present invention has been described with respect to several different embodiments, it will be obvious that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A germicidal gas discharge lamp comprising:

a lamp envelope containing gas and having a first end and a second end;

an anode and a cathode located in the lamp envelope;

a base cap placed on the first end of the lamp envelope and having a portion of the base cap extending radially beyond at least one side of the envelope;

at least one return wire connected to the anode or the cathode wherein one of the anode or the cathode is located proximate to the second end, and wherein the least one return wire connects the anode or the cathode to at least one contact pin structured to extend towards the opposing second end of the lamp envelope and formed on the radially extending portion of the base cap externally to the envelope; and

wherein the at least one return wire extends along said lamp envelope.

2. A germicidal gas discharge lamp as in claim 1 further comprising:

a shroud attached to the base cap,

whereby the at least one contact pin is protected.

3. A germicidal gas discharge lamp as in claim 1 further comprising:

a window incorporated in the base cap,

whereby the window permits light to be seen when the germicidal gas discharge lamp is operating providing visual confirmation that the lamp is on.

4. A germicidal gas discharge lamp as in claim 1 further comprising:

an end cap placed on the second end of the lamp envelope.

5. A germicidal gas discharge lamp as in claim 1 further comprising:

a key incorporated on the base cap; and

a receiver adapted to receive the key incorporated on a socket adapted to receive the germicidal gas discharge lamp,

whereby the key and the receiver are structured to mate in a predetermined orientation.

6. A germicidal gas discharge lamp as in claim 1 wherein the germicidal gas discharge lamp is an ultraviolet lamp.

7. A germicidal gas discharge lamp as in claim 1 wherein the germicidal gas discharge lamp is structured for being inserted within a chamber and the at least one contact pins are structured to engage a socket when the germicidal gas discharge lamp is inserted through the socket and into the chamber.

8. A germicidal gas discharge lamp as in claim 1 further comprising:

a protective tube placed over said envelope.

9. A germicidal gas discharge lamp as in claim 1 wherein the at least one electrical contact pin comprises a plurality of electrical contact pins orientated in a chosen pattern.

10. A germicidal gas discharge lamp as in claim 1 wherein the at least one electrical contact pin comprises a plurality of electrical contact pins orientated in different planes.

11. A germicidal gas discharge lamp assembly comprising:

a lamp envelope containing gas and having a first end and a second end;

an anode and a cathode located in the lamp envelope;

a base cap placed on the first end of the lamp envelope and having a portion of the base cap extending radially beyond at least one side of the envelope;

at least one return wire connected to the anode or the cathode wherein one of the anode or the cathode is located proximate to the second end, and wherein the least one return wire connects the anode or the cathode to at least one contact pin structured to extend towards the opposing second end of the lamp envelope and formed on the radially extending portion of the base cap externally to the envelope and wherein the at least one return wire extends along said lamp envelope;

a receiving socket having contact pin receiving holes with receiving contacts therein; and

wherein the second end, and the envelope, are capable of being inserted through a hole in the receiving socket and wherein the at least one contact pin is structured to engage the contact pin receiving holes with receiving contacts therein in the socket.

12. A germicidal gas discharge lamp assembly as in claim 11 further comprising:

a shroud attached to the base cap whereby the at least one contact pin is protected.

13. A germicidal gas discharge lamp assembly as in claim 11 further comprising:

a window incorporated in the base cap whereby the window permits light to be seen when the germicidal gas discharge lamp is operating providing visual confirmation that the lamp is on.

14. A germicidal gas discharge lamp assembly as in claim 11 further comprising:

an end cap placed on the second end of the lamp envelope.

15. A germicidal gas discharge lamp assembly as in claim 11 further comprising:

a key incorporated on the base cap; and

a receiver adapted to receive the key incorporated on a socket adapted to receive the germicidal gas discharge lamp,

whereby the key and the receiver are structured to mate in a predetermined orientation.

16. A germicidal gas discharge lamp assembly as in claim 11 wherein the germicidal gas discharge lamp is an ultraviolet lamp.

17. A germicidal gas discharge lamp assembly as in claim 11 further comprising:

a protective tube placed over said envelope.

18. A germicidal gas discharge lamp assembly as in claim 11 wherein the at least one electrical contact pin comprises a plurality of electrical contact pins orientated in a chosen pattern.

19. A germicidal gas discharge lamp assembly as in claim 11 wherein the at least one electrical contact pin comprises a plurality of electrical contact pins orientated in different planes.

20. A germicidal gas discharge lamp as in claim 1 further comprising:

a locking latch incorporated on the base cap; and

a receiver adapted to receive the locking latch and incorporated on a socket adapted to receive the germicidal gas discharge lamp,

whereby the locking latch and the receiver are structured to mate in a predetermined orientation.

21. A germicidal gas discharge lamp as in claim 1 wherein the base cap comprises a bi-cylindrical base cap having two connected cylindrical sections which are attached or cooperate with a double sectioned u-shaped envelope.

22. A germicidal gas discharge lamp as in claim 1 wherein the base cap comprises a multi-base cap for mating with multiple envelopes.

23. A germicidal gas discharge lamp as in claim 1 further comprising:

a safety switch.

24. A germicidal gas discharge lamp as in claim 1 further comprising:

a reflector located proximate to the gas discharge lamp.

25. A germicidal gas discharge lamp as in claim 1 further comprising:

a cover for sealing the gas discharge lamp wherein the cover is connectable to the socket base.

26. A germicidal gas discharge lamp assembly as in claim 11 further comprising:

a locking latch incorporated on the base cap;

wherein the receiving socket is adapted to receive the locking latch; and

whereby the locking latch and the receiving socket are structured to mate in a predetermined orientation.

27. A germicidal gas discharge lamp assembly as in claim 11 wherein the base cap comprises a bi-cylindrical base cap having two connected cylindrical sections which are attached or cooperate with a double sectioned u-shaped envelope.

28. A germicidal gas discharge lamp assembly as in claim 11 wherein the base cap comprises a multi-base cap for mating with multiple envelopes.

29. A germicidal gas discharge lamp assembly as in claim 11 further comprising:

a safety switch.

30. A germicidal gas discharge lamp assembly as in claim 11 further comprising:

a reflector located proximate to the gas discharge lamp.

31. A germicidal gas discharge lamp assembly as in claim 111 further comprising:

a cover for sealing the gas discharge lamp wherein the cover is connectable to the socket base.

32. A socket assembly for a germicidal gas discharge lamp comprising:

a receiving socket having contact pin receiving holes with receiving contacts therein;

a hole located in the receiving socket for accepting a lamp envelope wherein the lamp envelope contains gas and has a first end and a second end; an anode and a cathode located in the lamp envelope and a base cap is placed on the first end of the lamp envelope and a portion of the base cap extends radially beyond at least one side of the envelope; and at least one return wire connected to the anode or the cathode wherein one of the anode or the cathode is located proximate to the second end, and wherein the least one return wire connects the anode or the cathode to at least one contact pin structured to extend towards the opposing second end of the lamp envelope and formed on the radially extending portion of the base cap externally to the envelope; and wherein the at least one return wire extends along said lamp envelope;

wherein the second end, and the envelope, are capable of being inserted through the hole in the receiving socket and wherein the at least one contact pin is structured to engage the contact pin receiving holes with receiving contacts therein in the socket.