Electric Heater Patents (Class 313/15)
  • Patent number: 11482394
    Abstract: A bidirectional gas discharge tube (GDT) includes a discharge chamber, first and second cathodes, a gas disposed within the discharge chamber, and a control grid. The first and second cathodes are disposed within the discharge chamber and include first and second faces, respectively. The first face and the second face are plane-parallel. The gas is configured to insulate the first cathode from the second cathode. The control grid is disposed between the first and second cathodes within the discharge chamber. The control grid is configured to generate an electric field to initiate establishment of a conductive plasma between the first and second cathodes to close a conduction path extending between the first and second cathodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Technology Gmbh
    Inventors: Timothy John Sommerer, Joseph Darryl Michael, David John Smith
  • Patent number: 10197248
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a housing with a front surface member that has a rectangular opening. A light refracting member is installed within the rectangular opening, and the light refracting member includes a flat front face that is mounted substantially flush with the front surface member of the housing. A lighting source is installed within the housing and is configured to emit light towards the light refracting member. The lighting source includes a support body with an aperture within which one or more light emitters are installed. The light refracting member also includes a rear face that is defined by a convex lens structure that rearwardly extends into the aperture of the support body and extends longitudinally parallel to a longer dimension of the rectangular opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Fortress Iron, LP
    Inventors: Kevin T. Burt, Matthew Carlyle Sherstad, John David Irick
  • Patent number: 10128101
    Abstract: A dimmable induction RF fluorescent light bulb comprising a power coupler with reduced extraneous electromagnetic radiation wherein a dimming facility utilizes burst-mode dimming that periodically interrupts the high frequency voltage and current to the power coupler with an off period and an on period in order to reduce the power being delivered to the power coupler wherein the off period is shorter than the time required for an electron density of the discharge within the lamp envelope to substantially decrease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Lucidity Lights, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Goscha, Walter Peter Lapatovich, Zeng Zhi Yu, James N. Lester, Felix I. Alexandrov
  • Publication number: 20140210340
    Abstract: A magnetron cathode comprises electron emissive material included in a cathode body and a support structure for supporting the cathode body. The support structure has a longitudinal axis and includes a first part having a first cylinder integrally formed with a first end hat and a second part having a second cylinder integrally formed with a second end hat. The first cylinder and the second cylinder have an overlapping region in the longitudinal axial direction and are joined together. The cathode body is located around the first cylinder of the first part of the support structure and is joined to the first cylinder by a brazed joint. The outer surface of the first cylinder is grooved at the brazed joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: E2V Technologies (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Clive Roberts, Robert Charles Lodge
  • Publication number: 20140131581
    Abstract: A gas detection system comprising a case having a hollow chamber, a gas input port, a gas output port, a radiation emitting device, and a photo detector. The gas input port may be disposed on the case for a test gas flowing into the chamber. The gas output port may be disposed on the case for the test gas flowing out of the chamber. The radiation emitting device may be disposed on the case and operated in a surface plasmonic mode or a waveguide mode for emitting a narrow bandwidth thermal radiation light source with multi-peak wavelengths into the chamber, wherein the multi-peak wavelengths may comprise a first absorption wavelength and a second absorption wavelength of the test gas. The photo detector may be disposed on the case for detecting light intensity of the light source passing through the chamber to determine the concentration of the test gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Si-Chen Lee, Hung-Hsin Chen, Chun-Han Chen, Shang-Ru Tsai, Shi-Ming Lin
  • Patent number: 8648530
    Abstract: A fluorescent lighting device includes a ballast and a tube. An amalgam is located within the tube. A resistive heater is operatively coupled with the ballast, to receive electrical power from the ballast while the fluorescent lighting device is in an OFF state. The resistive heater is mounted near the amalgam to transfer heat to the amalgam while the fluorescent lighting device is in the OFF state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gabor Schmidt, Peter Lucz, Jacint Gergely, Zsolt Bagoly, Tamas Daranyi
  • Publication number: 20130249375
    Abstract: Anti-icing solid state aircraft lamps are disclosed. The anti-icing solid state aircraft lamp includes at least one solid state light source, a substantially optically transparent cover optically coupled to the at least one solid state light source, and at least one defroster element coupled to the optically transparent cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: George W. Panagotacos, David G. Pelka
  • Publication number: 20130221849
    Abstract: A discharge lamp having an improved run-up time is disclosed. In an embodiment, the discharge lamp includes a light-transmissive discharge tube extending from a first end to a second end and having an inner surface and an outer surface, a phosphor coating layered onto the inner surface of the discharge tube, and a fill gas composition capable of sustaining a discharge sealed within the discharge tube. Also included is a resistive heating wire positioned about the outer surface of the discharge tube. In some embodiments, a lamp driver circuit is included that operates when the lamp is turned ON to provide power to electrodes in the discharge tube and to provide power to the resistive heating wire, and operates to disconnect power from the resistive heating wire when the discharge lamp achieves a predetermined percentage of its stabilized lumen output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
  • Patent number: 8071914
    Abstract: An apparatus for efficient heating liquids or gases comprising of a transformer having a primary and secondary winding wherein the secondary winding forms a shorted heating element having a resistance in the range of 1.6730 ??·cm to 185 ??·cm, permitting liquid or gas to pass therethrough, whereby the liquid or gas is heated and heat transfer may be optionally facilitated through use of disc filters disposed within said heating element promoting turbulent flow which aids in mixing and more efficient thermal transfer. In an alternative embodiment, the heating element is not the secondary winding but another portion of the circuit on the alienation side of the transformer. The heating element may be comprised of a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. In an alternative embodiment, the alienation side of the transformer may have a reverse winding which cancels reactive currents generated in the secondary winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Hidetaka Azuma
  • Patent number: 8044558
    Abstract: A dimmable arc lamp assembly comprises a lamp enclosure comprising a chamber enclosing a light-emitting material, first and second electrodes extending into the chamber of the lamp enclosure, and a heating element proximate the chamber configured to heat at least a portion of the lamp enclosure to a temperature greater than the boiling point of the light-emitting material such that the light-emitting material remains in a gaseous state. Because the light-emitting material remains above its boiling point during lamp operation, dimming is not susceptible to control issues that can result from condensation of the light-producing material. Such lamps may be used in various applications such as in flat panel displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Scot Olson
  • Publication number: 20110063282
    Abstract: An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device comprises a display panel including first and second substrates, an OLED disposed between the first and second substrates, and a heating controller, a heater configured to apply heat to the display panel, and a temperature controller. The display panel has a display area and a non-display area on which the second substrate does not overlap the first substrate. The first and second substrates and the OLED are arranged in the display area. The heating controller is arranged in the non-display area. A first side and a second side of the temperature controller are electrically connected to the heater and the heating controller, respectively. The heating controller supplies a voltage to the heater when it is determined that an image is not displayed on the display panel. The temperature controller cuts electrical connection with the heater at a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Jae-Ho Yoo
  • Patent number: 7880395
    Abstract: A method for restoring the function of a plasma display panel according to the present invention restores a function of a plasma display panel by raising the temperature of the plasma display panel to 400° C. to 800° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Okumura, Mitsuo Saitoh, Masashi Morita, Masaharu Terauchi, Junko Asayama
  • Patent number: 7741615
    Abstract: Ferroelectric, pyroelectric and piezoelectric crystals are used to generate spatially localized high energy (up to and exceeding 100 keV) electron and ion beams, which may be used in a wide variety of applications including pulsed neutron generation, therapeutic X-ray/electron devices, elemental analysis, local scanning chemical analysis, high energy scanning microscopy, point source compact transmission electron microscopy, compact ion beam sources, positron sources, micro-thrusters for ion engines, and improved fusion efficiency especially of the Farnsworth type. The high-energy emission can be created by simply heating the material or by application of external coercive electromagnetic and acoustic fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Seth Putterman, James K. Gimzewski, Brian B. Naranjo
  • Publication number: 20100102695
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp 1 is constructed in which more than two lead wires (5), (6), (11) and (12) are connected to respective electrodes (3) and (4) of both end portions of a glass tube (2), the glass tube (2) having a uniform diameter of less than 6.5 mm. Also, when the fluorescent lamp 1 is manufactured, an electrode assembly in which two glass beads are fixed to more than two lead wires extended from the electrodes, mercury amalgam being welded to the lead wires is used, the electrode assembly is temporarily fastened by welding the inside glass bead to the glass tube, mercury is evaporated by heating the mercury amalgam and the inside of the glass tube is sealed by welding the outside glass bead to the glass tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroto Watanabe, Takeshi Kaneko
  • Patent number: 7667379
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the hollow-cathode apparatus comprises a small-diameter tantalum tube with a plurality of tantalum-foil radiation shields, wherein the plurality of shields in turn comprise one or more spiral windings external to that tube and approximately flush with the open end from which electron emission takes place. The axial length of at least one of the inner windings (closer to the tantalum tube) is equal to or less than approximately half the length of the tantalum tube. An enclosed keeper surrounds the cathode. To start the cathode, a flow of ionizable inert gas, usually argon, is initiated through the cathode and out the open end. An electrical discharge is then started between the keeper and the hollow cathode. When heated to operating temperature, electrons exit from the open end of the hollow cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Kaufman & Robinson, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold R. Kaufman, James R. Kahn
  • Publication number: 20100018185
    Abstract: The invention relates to a field effect emitter for a field emission thruster or colloid thrusters, that comprises first and second revolution parts (110, 120) defining an inner tank (160) for supplying a conductive liquid metal or ionic liquid, and a circular slot (170) for communication between the inner tank (160) and an outlet opening (171). The first part (110) includes a polished outer face (111) and an inner face (112) made by precision-machining and having conical portions with a predetermined single slope of between 5 and 8°. The second part (120) includes an inner face (121) and an outer face (122) made by precision-machining and having conical portions with a predetermined single slope of between 5 and 8°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventor: Dominique Valentian
  • Patent number: 7621656
    Abstract: A lamp fixture includes a housing with a high voltage end lamp socket therein. A fluorescent lamp extends from the socket. A heater is at the fluorescent lamp at the high voltage end lamp socket and is adjacent to. The heater includes a plate radiator which is attached to the outside of the light reflector and a thermostat. The thermostat is hooked to the line voltage to the fixture. A substantially clear heat reflector extends partially around the fluorescent lamp and, with the heater, substantially encloses circumferentially the fluorescent lamp at the high voltage end lamp socket. The reflector is pivotally mounted relative to the fluorescent lamp to allow retraction of the heat reflector for placement of the fluorescent lamp. A light reflector extends partially around the fluorescent lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding, LLC
    Inventor: Glenn M. Tyson
  • Publication number: 20090273266
    Abstract: A hand held UV lamp and beam generator has resistive ballast provided by a glowing wire and thermal ballast provided by heated air coming via the same hot wire. A detachable reflector housing has curved symmetric spars in a generally parabolic shape defining an axis with an elongated axially lamp at a focal line. Heated air flows through the spars heating the lamp in a start mode and cooling the lamp in a run mode. The lamp and beam generator is made from electrical components found in a household hair dryer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: George Wakalopulos
  • Patent number: 7325946
    Abstract: A lamp fixture includes a housing with a high voltage end lamp socket therein. A fluorescent lamp extends from the socket. A heater is at the fluorescent lamp at the high voltage end lamp socket and is adjacent to. The heater includes a plate radiator which is attached to the outside of the light reflector and a thermostat. The thermostat is hooked to the line voltage to the fixture. A substantially clear heat reflector extends partially around the fluorescent lamp and, with the heater, substantially encloses circumferentially the fluorescent lamp at the high voltage end lamp socket. The reflector is pivotally mounted relative to the fluorescent lamp to allow retraction of the heat reflector for placement of the fluorescent lamp. A light reflector extends partially around the fluorescent lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn M. Tyson
  • Patent number: 7195365
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle lamp that is designed to reliably remove snow, etc. adhering to a lens. A carbon-based heating element is mounted within a lamp body so that the heat rays radiated from the heating element irradiate a rear surface of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Suda, Noboru Kanba
  • Patent number: 7186953
    Abstract: A mercury-heating device is provided. The device is disposed on a substrate of a planar light source. The heating device includes a patterned electrode and a container. The patterned electrode is formed on the substrate and coupled to an external power source. The container, which covers over the patterned electrode, is a dielectric layer formed on the substrate. The container is used for containing mercury alloy or liquid mercury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Jiun-Han Wu, Wei-Yuan Tsou, Horng-Bin Hsu
  • Patent number: 7009329
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a thermally optimized cold cathode heater in which a heater wire is disposed in a plurality of turns are shown. Turns of the plurality of turns are closely spaced to concentrate heat in an area of a host cathode device corresponding to a cold cathode position and turns of the plurality of turns are disposed to minimize introduction of heat in an area of the host cathode device not corresponding to the cold cathode position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: William R. Haas, Kirk S. Tecu, Louis R. Turf, III
  • Patent number: 6924495
    Abstract: A heat controlled ultraviolet light apparatus includes a source of ultraviolet light, a cover, and a heating or cooling element that heats/cools the space or gap between the ultraviolet light source and the cover. Accordingly, the ultraviolet light source may be maintained at an optimal temperature thereby maximizing the efficiency of the ultraviolet light source in producing ultraviolet radiation. The apparatus may further include a temperature sensor and a control circuit to automatically control production of heat/cooling by the element based upon the ambient temperatures experienced by the ultraviolet light source during use. Methods are also provided for sanitizing heating and cooling coils of various devices such as an HVAC system, and cooling systems such as a refrigeration unit and an evaporative cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: James Lawrence Brickley
  • Patent number: 6914369
    Abstract: A quick temperature-raising structure of cold cathode fluorescent lamp comprises a cold cathode fluorescent lamp, a soft electric heating component, an insulating tube and two insulating components. The soft electric heating component adheres onto the surface of the cold cathode fluorescent lamp. The insulating tube is slipped onto the surface of the cold cathode fluorescent lamp. The two insulating components are slipped onto the joint portions at two sides of the cold cathode fluorescent lamp, the soft electric heating component and the insulating tube. Grooves are formed on the insulating components so that an external power source can provide the working power for the soft electric heating component and the cold cathode fluorescent lamp via conducting wires. The soft electric heating component can heat in advance to quickly raise the ambient temperature of the cold cathode fluorescent lamp when the cold cathode fluorescent lamp is driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: ADO Optronics Corporation
    Inventor: Shu Wei Liao
  • Patent number: 6765339
    Abstract: An infrared lamp with a closed-off enveloping tube which encloses an emission source joined with contacts for a power supply in the form of a carbon ribbon which, extending in a direction of a long axis of the enveloping tube, determines an irradiation length of the infrared lamp in the sense of a higher irradiation output. The carbon ribbon has a length which is larger than the irradiation length by a factor of at least 1.5. With a procedure for heating a material to be processed using the infrared lamp, which makes possible short processing times in connection with a simultaneous high degree of energy efficiency, the infrared lamp may be operated such that its maximum emission lies within a wavelength range from 1.8 &mgr;m to 2.9 &mgr;m, and such that its power output comes to at least 15 Watts per cm3 of the volume enclosed by the enveloping tube over the irradiation length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Heraeus Noblelight GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Dieudonné, Joachim Scherzer, Klaus Schmitz, Siegfried Grob
  • Patent number: 6545427
    Abstract: A discharge lamp for dielectrically impeded discharges, having a discharge vessel filled with a discharge medium and having discharge electrodes which are at least partly separated from the discharge medium by a dielectric layer, wherein the discharge vessel is elongated at least in a longitudinal direction, characterized by a thermal device for controlling the heat transport into and out of the lamp nonhomogeneously in the longitudinal direction, which is designed such that in operation, the temperature in the lamp is made homogeneous in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft für elektrische Glühlampen mbH
    Inventors: Frank Vollkommer, Lothar Hitzschke
  • Patent number: 5936330
    Abstract: A magnetron includes a cylindrically shaped cathode having an electron emitting surface and a filamentary heater adapted to raise the temperature of the emitting surface sufficient to permit thermionic electron emission therefrom. The filamentary heater comprises a first filament support member having an axial shaft coaxially disposed within the support sleeve and is coupled at an end thereof to a portion of the support sleeve. The first filament support member has a plurality of first tines extending from an opposite end of the axial shaft. A second filament support member has an axial shaft coaxially disposed within the support sleeve along a common axis with the axial shaft of the first filament support member. The second filament support member has a plurality of second tines extending from an end of the axial shaft in substantial alignment with the first tines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Barbier
  • Patent number: 5841219
    Abstract: An integrated circuit vacuum tube array includes an insulating or highly resistive substrate, electrically conductive materials disposed on the substrate to define and surround a plurality of first voids extending from the substrate upwardly through the material, a plurality of cathodes disposed on the material to bridge over the respective first voids, for emitting electrons when heated by circuitry that selectively heats the cathodes, first electrically resistive material disposed on the electrically conductive material to surround the cathodes and define a plurality of second voids thereabove, an electrically conductive grid disposed on the electrically resistive material to project partially into the second voids to define an opening in the grid above each cathode, for allowing the passage of electrons therethrough, circuitry to selectively apply a voltage to the grid to control electron flow and thereby control the electrical current produced at the anodes, second electrically resistive material disposed
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Laurence P. Sadwick, R. Jennifer Hwu, J. Mark Baird, Sherman Holmes
  • Patent number: 5827438
    Abstract: The invention is related to an electrically modulatable thermal radiant source with a multilayer structure. The radiant source includes a substrate, a first insulating layer formed onto the substrate, a radiant surface layer formed onto the first insulating layer, a second insulating layer formed on the radiant surface layer, a first metallization (incandescent filament) layer formed on the second insulating layer, a third insulating layer formed on the first metallization layer, and a second metallization layer for contacting formed on the third insulating layer. According to the invention, very thin incandescent filaments are formed from the first metallization layer and surrounded by the other elements of the multilayer structure as a uniform, planar plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Vaisala Oy
    Inventors: Martti Blomberg, Altti Torkkeli, Stefan Lindblad, Ari Lehto
  • Patent number: 5773926
    Abstract: This invention relates to electrodeless fluorescent RF lamp which includes bulbous lamp envelope (10, 20) with a top, a bottom and a fill of rare gas and vaporizable amalgam (14) therein. A reentrant cavity (11, 21) is disposed adjacent the bottom of the envelope (10 a, 20a) and at least one tubulation (12, 22) extends from the envelope to hold at least a portion of the vaporizable amalgam. An induction coil (2) is disposed on lead wires and coupled with a radio frequency excitation generator for generation of a plasma to produce radiation. At least the major portion of the cold spot where the amalgam resides is maintained at a temperature between about 60.degree. and 140.degree. C. during operation of the lamp, by utilizing a portion of the induction coil to warm up to amalgam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works Research and Development Laboratory Inc
    Inventors: Jakob Maya, Oleg Popov
  • Patent number: 5723943
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for high-speed control of lamp intensity and for high-speed optical data communication are disclosed. In particular embodiments, an arc, plasma or halogen lamp is provided with the ability to change wavelengths and/or intensities at high rates (up to 10 gigahertz) by maintaining materials which may be solid or liquid under typical lamp operation or storage conditions in the vapor state. This method and apparatus is particularly applicable to microscopy and high-speed optical data communication, particularly at wavelengths in the visible and ultraviolet spectra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Atto Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Brooker, J. Scott McDonald, Jeffrey Scott Brooker
  • Patent number: 5616989
    Abstract: A fluorescent light source includes a fluorescent lamp, lamp bases attached to opposite ends of the fluorescent lamp, and an electrically insulating substrate connected to the fluorescent lamp. A heating element is positioned on the fluorescent lamp, and a first and second pair of power traces are formed on the electrically insulating substrate. The first pair of power traces are connected to the heating element to provide power thereto. The second pair of power traces are connected to a pair of electrical conductors that provide power to the fluorescent lamp. This fluorescent lamp can be used in a replaceable fluorescent light source unit for a document scanner. The replaceable fluorescent light source unit includes a housing, lamp base receiving members attached to the housing, and registration notches to properly align the fluorescent lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph P. Taillie, Richard A. Beck, Robert W. Raus, Sr., Douglas E. Proctor, Jack K. Fullerton
  • Patent number: 5514933
    Abstract: A gas plasma display panel heater device for use with a gas plasma panel display, and methods for using and mounting the same. The gas plasma display panel has a display viewing area, external connection and heather. The gas plasma display heater device includes a thermally conductive layer, preferably a foil or coating, arranged and configured to substantially envelop the gas plasma display panel while not covering the display viewing area. The gas plasma display heater device is operative to conduct heat generated by the heater to other portions of the gas plasma display panel. The plasma display heater further includes a supplemental heater device. The supplemental heater device includes a heating element which is formed from an electrically resistive material such that, when a current is passed through the heating element, the same will generate heat. The supplemental heater also has electrical leads electrically connected with the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Lester G. Ward, Howard M. Myers, Walter L. Baker, Benjamin T. Siler
  • Patent number: 5359254
    Abstract: A plasma compensation cathode includes a casing (1) accommodating coaxially with its outlet hole (2) a hollow holder (3) and a thermal emitter (4) with a central passage (5), a layer (10) of material chemically inert at high temperatures to the materials of the holder and emitter being interposed therebetween. The central passage (5) is blind at the side of admission of gas, and is communicated with the interior of the holder (3) by way of a through passage (8) made in the wall of the thermal emitter (4) so that its axis intersects the axis of passage (5), and longitudinal grooves (9) made in the side surface of the thermal emitter (4) at the location of the inlet holes of the through passage (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Research Institute of Applied Mechanics and Electrodynamics
    Inventors: Boris A. Arkhipov, Yuriy M. Gorbachev, Viktor A. Ivanov, Konstantin N. Kozubsky, Georgy A. Komarov
  • Patent number: 5325277
    Abstract: An electroluminescence device which has a short light emission decay time and high light emission efficiency and an electronic printing apparatus which can print at a high speed using the electroluminescence device. The electroluminescence device comprises an electroluminescence element for emitting light when an AC voltage is applied thereacross, heating means for heating the electroluminescence element, and controlling means for controlling the heating means so as to start operation of the heating means after completion of application of the AC voltage across the electroluminescence element. The electronic printing apparatus comprises such an electroluminescence device, a photosensitive member, and optical means for focusing light from the electroluminescence element upon the photosensitive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teiichi Suzuki, Takashi Ozawa
  • Patent number: 5311097
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Mepham, Roger D. Eller
  • Patent number: 5245246
    Abstract: A low pressure gas discharge lamp of the capillary bore type is equipped with a temperature control system whereby the electrode containment section and the light output section of the lamp are at higher temperatures than the capillary bore section. Vapor flow from the higher temperature sections to the relatively low capillary bore section maintains a satisfactory vapor fill in the bore section for attainment of a high light output. In one arrangement, the temperature control system includes a heater and a heat sink at selected points along the lamp envelope. In another form of the invention, the control system is solely a heat sink in thermal contact with the capillary bore section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: BHK, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven H. Boland, John S. Goldner
  • Patent number: 5237240
    Abstract: A mercury vapor discharge lamp such as a negative glow discharge lamp includes a light-transmitting envelope containing a noble gas fill material. An anode electrode and a cathode electrode are spacedly located within the envelope. An amalgam-forming material for regulating the mercury vapor pressure of the lamp is disposed within the envelope. In order to increase the mercury vapor pressure and consequently the light output of the lamp at low ambient temperatures, a heating element is disposed within the envelope and in close thermal proximity to the amalgam-forming material. A thermostatic switch coupled to the heating element is activated when the temperature adjacent the amalgam-forming material is below a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventor: Andre C. Bouchard
  • Patent number: 5204580
    Abstract: A lamp device includes a ring-shaped bulb, terminated at a prescribed annular length, each terminated portion of which is formed in a linear shape so as to make the bulb axis of one of the terminated portions coincide with that of the other terminated portion, and a base structure rotatably mounted around the opposite terminated portions of the bulb. Thus, the location of the bulb can be adjusted to a desirable position by the rotation of the bulb when the lamp device is attached to an external supporting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Masaharu Baba, Takao Mizukami, Masako Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5130601
    Abstract: An uncoated radiative heating filament wire is electrically and thermally isolated from the cathode of a high power magnetron. The filament wire helically surrounds the cathode support rod and is suspended above the support rod surface by ceramic members. A reflective shell envelops the helical filament wire and cathode support rod. The shell reflects radiated heat from the filament wire evenly upon the cathode support rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Walker, Geoffrey Thornber, Robert C. English
  • Patent number: 5095336
    Abstract: An amalgam fluorescent lamp is designed to operate with minimum axial illumination variations when changing from an off to an on state. This is accomplished by incorporating at least three amalgam patches internal to the lamp. Two patches are located at opposite ends of the lamp, and at least a third patch is centrally located. Each patch has an associated thermistor ands external heater sleeve. The patch temperature which correlates wiht the optimum lamp operating temperature is continuously monitored and adjustments are made to the heater sleeve elements to maintain the patches at desired optimum temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen C. Corona, Thomas J. Hammond, Dominick J. Maiorano
  • Patent number: 5079681
    Abstract: An illuminating apparatus including a casing having an open side, a light reflective surface formed on the interior of the casing, a light diffusive transmission member on the casing and covering the open side, a discharge lamp mounted in the casing underneath the light diffusive transmission member, a first heating element disposed between the discharge lamp and the light reflective surface and a second heating element disposed between the discharge lamp and the light diffusive transmission member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Toshiba Lighting and Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Masaharu Baba, Yasuhiro Nieda, Akihiko Komatsuzaki, Takao Mizukami
  • Patent number: 5051648
    Abstract: The discharge space of a flat type fluorescent lamp in which a pair of electrodes are oppositely positioned for producing discharge therebetween establishes a predetermined elongated width W along the pair of electrodes and a prescribed height H in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction. A fill including argon is sealed in the discharge space at a target pressure F (torr) which satisfies the following relationship when an aspect ratio F defined by the ratio of the predetermined elongated width W to the prescribed height H is equal to or greater than four and is equal to or less than eight: 10.ltoreq.P.ltoreq.-5/2 (F-4)+40; and the following relationship when the aspect ratio F is equal to or greater than eight and is equal to or less than eighteen: 10.ltoreq.P.ltoreq.30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuhide Misono, Hisashi Honda
  • Patent number: 5051649
    Abstract: A ballastless high pressure discharge lamp includes an arc tube, electrodes disposed in the arc tube, a column of mercury disposed in the arc tube and having a volume less than the volume of the arc tube, and cushion material disposed in the arc tube adjacent at least one of the electrodes. The cushion material comprises an inert gas impinging upon at least one end of the column of mercury. At least one of the electrodes extends into the column of mercury. The discharge lamp also includes a heating member disposed adjacent the arc tube to separate the column of mercury into two sub-columns by the vaporization of a portion of the mercury column to thereby form a space between the two sub-columns and compress the cushion material and allow one of the mercury sub-columns to engage one of the electrodes whereby to form an arc in the space between the two sub-columns of mercury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: John F. Waymouth Intellectual Property and Education Trust
    Inventor: John F. Waymouth
  • Patent number: 4965484
    Abstract: An end-viewed vapor discharge lamp having a differential temperature control structure that removes heat more effectively from a base end of the lamp than from the light emitting output end of the lamp. The lamp envelope which contains an excitable vapor, such as mercury, includes a small bore capillary tube with a window at one end. A large bore extension contiguous with the capillary tube and a parallel second tube contain electrodes for providing a discharge in the capillary tube. A thermally conductive shell surrounds and is spaced apart from sides of the envelope and is partly filled with a thermally conductive material around the base end of the envelope. The output end around the capillary tube is free of this material. Heat conduction is better at the base end so that the capillary tube runs hotter, inhibiting condensation of vapor and giving a stable light output. An optional heater pad may be provided around the shell for maintaining an optimal temperature for maximum light output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Tencor Instruments
    Inventor: Michael E. Fein
  • Patent number: 4956573
    Abstract: A gas discharge display which includes a heater element that is built into the unit. The heater element is co-planar with the cathode electrodes of the display. A single set of parallel conductive pins is used to provide the connections for the anode, cathode and heater element components of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Babcock Display Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul H. Smith, Lee R. Wood, Elias J. Lara
  • Patent number: 4931685
    Abstract: A discharge lamp includes a bulb in which a pair of electrodes are installed and mercury and a rear gas are sealed. A heater unit is tightly attached to the outer surface of the bulb by a heat-shrinkable tube fitted over the bulb. The heater unit includes a thin flexible heater for heating the bulb to promote the evaporation of the mercury, and a pair of film members fixed on both sides of the heater so as to reinforce the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yoshitomi Dobashi, Rikio Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 4884009
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel system for producing selectable color bands from a single emission source. More particularly, this invention is directed to a small emission source consisting of a gas discharge means. The emission source in the present invention is preferably a single-ended fused silica capsule which encloses one or more predetermined metal halide salts and an inert gas, preferably argon gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Harold L. Rothwell, Jr., Jeffrey O. Grant
  • Patent number: 4879489
    Abstract: An improved radiation-emitting device of the type for containing gas and an electron flow therein between electrodes. First and second separate elongated principal members form an elongated envelope volume having constant cross-sections along its length. The first principal member is outwardly convex and radiation-transmissive and the second is inwardly concave and radiation-reflective, preferably having a metallic inner coating. The members are arranged and configured so that the envelope volume is less than that of a cylinder of similar cross-dimension. Pural electrodes are preferably used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Photo Redux Corp.
    Inventor: Paul R. Goudy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4869420
    Abstract: Refractory metals or ceramics are diffusion bonded or densified by assembling the workpieces to be bonded, wrapping the assembly with carbon yarn, heating the wrapped assembly, cooling the assembly and unwrapping. The expansion of the workpieces together with the shrinking of the carbon yarn produces tremendous pressures which cause bonding and densifying of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Varian Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Sebastian W. Kessler, Jr.