Electrode Exterior To Envelope Patents (Class 313/234)
  • Publication number: 20010030493
    Abstract: A laminated ceramic capacitor is provided having superior elastic and bending characteristics and having a high mechanical strength withstanding the thermal shock generated when mounting is performed on a circuit substrate by soldering. The laminated ceramic capacitor is composed of a laminate and external electrodes, wherein the laminate is formed of a plurality of ceramic layers and a plurality of internal electrodes provided therebetween so that an end of each internal electrode is exposed at one of edge surfaces of the laminate, and the external electrodes are connected to the internal electrodes and contains a conductive component and a glass having a Young's modulus of about 9×109 Pa or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Applicant: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Noda, Kunihiko Hamada
  • Patent number: 6304028
    Abstract: A discharge lamp (1) having an electrically conducting screen (12, 13) which at least partially surrounds the discharge vessel (2). The electrodes (3-5) are separated from the interior of the discharge vessel (2) by a dielectric barrier (6-8). Moreover, this screen (12, 13) is electrically separated from the electrodes (3-5) by a dielectric (2). In order largely to prevent the electric power fed to the lamp electrodes (3-5) during operation from being capacitatively coupled to the electrically conducting screen (12, 13), the thickness dB and the dielectric constant ∈D of the dielectric (2), as well as the thickness dB and the dielectric constant ∈D of the barrier (6-8), which separates the electrodes (3-5) from the gas filling, are specifically mutually coordinated such that the following relationship is fulfilled: d D ϵ D ≥ 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fuer Elektrishe Gluehlampen mbH
    Inventors: Frank Vollkommer, Lothar Hitzschke
  • Patent number: 6294869
    Abstract: The present invention is designed to provide a high intensity light irradiation apparatus having a simpler, lighter, easy to assemble and replace support member for a dielectric barrier electrical discharge lamp. The dielectric barrier electrical discharge lamp 1 comprises concentric outer tube 11 and inner tube 12 to form an inert gas filled electrical discharge space 14 defined by the outer and inner tubes 11,12 and their end walls. A metal rod 3 is inserted into the inner tube 12 of the electrical discharge lamp 1. A pair of clamp members 4 are secured to both ends of the metal rod 3 for clamping the both ends of the electrical discharge lamp 1. An AC voltage is applied between the metal rod 3 and an outer electrode 21 on the surface of the outer tube 11. Cooling water flows through the gap between the metal rod 3 and the inner tube 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: ORC Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuo Adachi, Yasuhiko Okugi
  • Patent number: 6268699
    Abstract: An electrodeless gas discharge lamp includes a light-transmissive envelope having opposite ends and a midsection about which an induction coil is disposed. The envelope and coil are mounted transversely on a base with the ends of the envelope exposed such that light emitted from the envelope is transmitted through both ends of the envelope substantially unobstructed by either the base or coil to generate a high total light output of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald O. Woodward, Jack D. Bodem, Robert L. Kohne
  • Patent number: 6265813
    Abstract: An electrodeless lamp (10) for producing an intense beam of light includes a concave lamp body (11) that surrounds the lamp interior. A gas, such as sulfur or selenium or compounds thereof, is contained within the lamp body (11) for forming a plasma light source. The concave lamp body (11) has a reflecting surface (12). Electrodes (27, 28) are disposed external to the lamp body for producing radio frequency energy exciting the gas. A heat resistant glass plate (20) seals the concave lamp body (11). A frit seal (23) can be used for forming a pressure and temperature resistant seal between the concave lamp body (11) and the glass plate (20). The light beam generated by the plasma exists through the glass plate (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Fusion Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Knox, William Burton Mercer, Dale S. Walker
  • Patent number: 6198223
    Abstract: An arc tube for a discharge lamp comprises an hermetically sealed hollow body containing an arc generating and sustaining medium therein and having first and second ends. An electrode receiving capillary extends from each end and an electrode structure is positioned in each of the capillaries. Each of the electrode structures comprises a proximal, electrode end projecting into the interior of the hollow body, a distal end projecting exteriorly of the capillary, and an intermediate section therebetween, a first area of the intermediate section being sealed to the capillary in an hermetic manner and a second area of the intermediate section being exposed to the medium. A starting aid comprises an electrically conducting member surrounding the capillary extending from the first end at the second area of the intermediate section and is electrically connected to the distal end of the electrode structure positioned in the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Scholz
  • Patent number: 6150758
    Abstract: A noble gas discharge lamp of the present invention comprises an outer enclosure comprising a light emitting layer comprising at least one fluorescent substance, the light emitting layer formed therein and a pair of outer electrodes having tape shapes comprise a metal, which are adhered to the entire length of the outside of the outer enclosure so as to separate one outer electrode and the other outer electrode at a certain distance, and to form a first opening portion and a second opening portion; wherein the coated amount of fluorescent substance is in a range of 5 to 30 mg/cm.sup.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Tamura
  • Patent number: 6147440
    Abstract: A reflector lamp 10 has a vitreous outer envelope 12 formed of a concave reflector 14 and a light-transmitting 16 cover peripherally sealed thereto. The concave reflector and cover are symmetrically arrayed about a longitudinal axis 18 and a substantially cylindrical, hollow neck 20 having a given depth is affixed to the concave reflector opposite the cover. The neck 20 also is symmetrically arrayed about the longitudinal axis 18 and has a substantially closed bottom 21. At least two eyelets, 22, 24, respectively, are sealed in the bottom 21 and a light source capsule 26 is positioned in the concave reflector and aligned with the longitudinal axis 18. The light source capsule 26 has a first end 28 situated in the neck 20 and a second end 30 extending into the concave reflector. The light source capsule 26 comprises a quartz arc tube 32 containing an arc generating and sustaining medium and a surrounding aluminosilicate glass shroud 34.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Scholz, Joseph V. Lima, Edward H. Nortrup, Zeya K. Krasko, Peter R. Gagnon, Joseph P. Gallant
  • Patent number: 6097155
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp (1) having a tubular discharge vessel (2), filled with ert gas, and a fluorescent layer (6) has elongated electrodes (3; 4; 12; 14a-14d) arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular discharge vessel (2), at least one electrode (4; 12; 14a-14d) being arranged on the inner wall of the discharge vessel (2). The tubular discharge vessel (2) is sealed in a gas-tight fashion at one or at both ends with a stopper (8) and by means of solder (9), the at least one inner wall electrode (4) being guided to the outside in a gas-tight fashion through the solder (9). Alternatively or also in addition, at least one electrode (16) is arranged inside the wall of the discharge vessel (2). Up to a maximum of the entire inside diameter can be used as striking distance, depending on the positioning of the associated counterelectrode(s). High luminous densities are achieved because of the large and, at the same time, constant striking distance along the discharge tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fuer elektrische Gluehlampen mbH
    Inventors: Frank Vollkommer, Lothar Hitzschke, Simon Jerebic
  • Patent number: 6060828
    Abstract: A radiation source, in particular a discharge lamp suitable for operating a dielectrically hindered pulsed discharge by means of a ballast, has at st one electrode separated by dielectric material from the inside of the discharge vessel. By appropriately designing at least one of the electrodes and/or the dielectric material, local field reinforcement areas are created, so that during the pulsed mode of operation one or more dielectrically hindered individual discharges are generated exclusively in these areas, maximum one individual discharge being generated in each area. These areas are obtained in particular by shortening the spacing in locally limited areas, for example by providing on one of the electrodes hemispherical projections which extend towards the counter-electrode. This measure achieves a timestable discharge structure with a high useful radiation effectiveness uniformly distributed throughout the discharge vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fuer elektrische Gluehlampen mbH
    Inventors: Frank Vollkommer, Lothar Hitzschke, Jens Muecke, Rolf Siebauer
  • Patent number: 6031330
    Abstract: There is provided a fluorescent lamp comprising a tubular glass bulb, an internal electrode provided at the center of the tubular glass bulb, a fluorescent layer formed on an inner surface of the tubular bulb, and an external electrode provided on an outer surface of the tubular glass bulb, said tubular glass bulb being charged with a rare gas containing xenon as a main ingredient, wherein the charged pressure of the rare gas is 100 to 300 torr, the inner diameter of the tubular glass bulb is 4 to 12 mm and the thickness of the tubular glass bulb is 0.4 to 1.2 mm. As a result, lighting voltage is greatly reduced, whereby the charged pressure of the rare gas can be increased, thereby making it possible to improve illuminance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsunari Yoshida, Toshiyuki Terada, Tomonori Abe, Kazuaki Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 6018218
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp (1) includes a tubular glass bulb (2), an internal electrode (5) within the tubular glass bulb (2), a fluorescent layer (4) formed on an inner surface of the glass bulb (2), an external electrode (3) provided on an outer surface of the glass bulb (2), and a covering glass tube (6) is disposed over the total length of the internal electrode (5). The fluorescent lamp (1) further includes a fluorescent layer (7) disposed on the outer surface of the glass tube (6). The fluorescent lamp (1), as configured above, makes it unnecessary to form the internal electrode into a coil, and absorbs the difference in thermal expansion coefficients. This prevents the internal electrode (5) from resonating with vibrations from the outside and prevents contact of the fluorescent layer (4) by the internal electrode (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Terada, Kazuaki Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 6008583
    Abstract: A discharge lamp includes a lamp tube containing a noble gas, two internal electrodes, and a secondary electrode disposed outside and close to the surface of the lamp tube. In one embodiment, studs are disposed on the lamp tube so as to affix the secondary electrode. In an alternate embodiment, a reflector includes an indentation pointing toward the lamp tube and configured as the secondary ignition wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Heraeus Kulzer GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Breuer, Peter Gernhard, Steffen Oppawsky, Dieter Schodel
  • Patent number: 5998915
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a reflector lamp. The mounting assembly comprises a 0.050" diameter stainless steel rod that has been formed into a three-turn spiral. The spiral surrounds the inner jacket mount assembly of the reflector lamp, and fits into the neck region of the reflector. The lower leg of the spiral either takes the place of, or augments a "dummy" lead presently used in the inner jacket press, so that one or both fit into the reflector eyelet opening in the neck of the reflector. The opposite end of the spiral piece extends upwardly, and is connected to the upper lead of the Model No. PAR30L inner jacket mount assembly of the Model No. MPD70 lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Scholz, Edward H. Nortrup, Kevin Provagna, James Gensert
  • Patent number: 5998921
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp includes a tubular glass bulb, an internal electrode provided substantially along the central axis of the tubular glass bulb, a fluorescent layer provided on the inner surface of the tubular glass bulb, and an external electrode provided on the outer surface of the tubular glass bulb, wherein the internal electrode, having a coiled shape, is laid in the tubular glass bulb with an appropriate tension. According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a sag in the internal electrode from occurring due to a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between the tubular glass bulb and a metallic member forming the internal electrode, and to prevent either the tubular glass bulb or the internal electrode from being broken because of an excessive stress, thereby overcoming the problem concerning such type of fluorescent lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomio Nakaya, Toshiyuki Terada, Mitsunari Yoshida, Tomonori Abe
  • Patent number: 5990627
    Abstract: An electrodeless high intensity discharge lamp includes an electrodeless lamp capsule having an enclosed volume containing a mixture of starting gas and chemical dopant material excitable by high frequency power to a state of luminous emission, an applicator for coupling high frequency power to the lamp capsule, a gas nozzle directed toward the lamp capsule and a gas controller coupled to the gas nozzle. The gas controller receives gas from a gas source and supplies a gas puff of limited duration to the lamp capsule through the gas nozzle in response to termination of the state of luminous emission. The lamp capsule is rapidly cooled by the gas puff to a temperature required for restart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania, Inc.
    Inventors: Jian J. Chen, A. Bowman Budinger, Walter P. Lapatovich
  • Patent number: 5955840
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for phototherapy or tanning of the human body utilizes energy most efficiently by generating incoherent excimer radiation in the wavelength bands of between 300 and 310 nm, preferably about 308 nm, and from 315 to 350 nm. A discharge space (4) is defined by a discharge vessel (3) of radiation transmissive dielectric material. A first electrode (5), preferably a mesh or a net jacket, surrounds the wall of the discharge vessel; a second electrode (7) covered by a second dielectric (8) is coaxially located within the discharge vessel. A fill of xenon halide, preferably xenon chloride with a cold-fill pressure of about 500 to 1,500 mbar is located within a discharge space (4). A voltage source (15) is connected to said first and second electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Heraeus Noblelight GmbH
    Inventors: Erich Arnold, Friedel Maul, Alexander Dohn
  • Patent number: 5949180
    Abstract: A lamp apparatus for producing a beam of light that can be used as a part of a source for a projection system. The lamp apparatus of the present invention produces a beam of light originating from a small aperture. The apparatus includes an electrodeless lamp body in the form of elongated outer tube having a hollow interior. An inner sleeve fits or is deposited inside the outer tube, the inner sleeve having a fill containing generally cylindrically or spherical shaped bore. The sleeve provides temperature resistant and reflection properties. Electrodes positioned either internally or externally of the lamp body are provided for producing radio frequency energy that excite the fill contained in the bore of the inner sleeve to form a plasma light source of intense heat. The light thus generated by the plasma in a relatively large volume is constrained to exit through a small aperture at either one, or both, ends of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Fusion Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale S. Walker
  • Patent number: 5932960
    Abstract: There is provided a fluorescent lamp comprising a tubular glass bulb, a fluorescent layer formed on an inner surface of the tubular glass, an external electrode provided on an outer surface of the tubular glass bulb, and an internal electrode provided on the inner surface of the tubular glass bulb, wherein the internal electrode formed from a conductive member is fixed on the inner surface of the tubular glass bulb by a glass having a low melting point to be in close contact with the inner surface of the tubular glass bulb. This makes it possible to arrange the tubular glass bulb and the internal electrode which have different thermal expansion coefficients without any problem due to resonance with vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Terada, Kazuaki Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 5929564
    Abstract: Since the internal electrode of a fluorescent lamp comprises a base portion made from a transparent glass member having substantially the same thermal expansion coefficient as that of a tubular glass bulb and shaped like a pipe or rod and a conductive and transparent film formed on the surface of the base portion, the thermal expansion coefficient of the internal electrode is made equal to that of the tubular glass bulb to prevent damage caused by temperature variations, and the entire internal electrode 4 is transparent so that all the beams from the fluorescent film can be radiated to the outside without being shaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Cp., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomio Nakaya, Mitsunari Yoshida, Toshiyuki Terada, Tomonori Abe
  • Patent number: 5903095
    Abstract: There is provided an aperture type fluorescent lamp comprising a tubular bulb, an electrode, and a fluorescent layer formed on an inner surface of said tubular bulb in an axial direction of the tubular bulb, an aperture portion provided in said fluorescent layer along the axial direction of the tubular bulb so as to be made the aperture portion as a radiation portion, wherein said aperture portion comprises an aperture portion fluorescent layer having a thickness smaller than the fluorescent layer of other portions. The fluorescent lamp according to the present invention makes it possible to eliminate nonuniformitiy in illuminance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsunari Yoshida, Tomonori Abe, Toshiyuki Terada, Kazuaki Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 5898274
    Abstract: A control and starting device for fluorescent tubes powered by an electrical circuit via two electrodes, the device includes a loaded polymer part provided adjacent to the tube and used as a ballast providing starting and proper operation control functions for the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Alexandre Ferrero
  • Patent number: 5886468
    Abstract: In the fluorescent lamp of the present invention, a fluorescent layer and a reflection layer are formed on an inner surface of a tubular glass bulb such that the reflection layer is formed between the glass bulb and the fluorescent layer, and the open angle of opening portions formed in the fluorescent layer and the refection layer is made smaller than that formed in the external electrode. Thereby, reflection efficiency is improved, thereby making it possible to increase the amount of light with the same power consumption. Since the independent reflection layer is formed and the external electrode does not need to serve as a reflector, flexibility is given to the setting of the area of the external electrode, whereby power consumption is set freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Terada, Kazuaki Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 5877589
    Abstract: A gas discharge illumination device is prepared by encapsulating ionizable gas within microporous or nanoscale sealed cavities created within a matrix material. Upon exposure of said matrix material to an electric field, the ionizable gas becomes ionized and emits light. By incorporating several different ionizable gases into one matrix material, a display with different colors of light can be produced. The gas discharge illumination device can be fabricated by a variety of techniques including selective cavity formation with overcoating taking place in an ionizable gas ambient, and bubbling ionizable gas through the matrix material while it is in viscous form. The gas discharge illumination device can be used to form either active or passive displays, as a sensor for detecting electric fields, and in other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Clifford O. Morgan, Matthew J. Rutten, Erick G. Walton, Terrance M. Wright
  • Patent number: 5852339
    Abstract: An electrodeless light bulb assembly having a standard light bulb base located at one end of an extruded cylindrical heat sink including a set of elongated fins extending radially outward from an annular inner body portion. An electrodeless light bulb, excitation coil, and transparent cover for the bulb are located at the other end of the heat sink. A solid state electrodeless lamp driver circuit is thermally coupled to the heat sink and is located in a hollow inner space region formed by the inner body portion. The annular inner body portion also includes at least one but preferably a plurality of boiler/condenser heat pipes located around its periphery for thermally coupling the heat from excitation coil and the driver to the fins where heat is transferred to the air via natural convection. The excitation coil can be formed from a length of conventional electrical conductor or it can be formed from a length of heat pipe connected at one end to the driver and at the other end to the heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Robin E. Hamilton, Paul G. Kennedy, Raymond A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5833360
    Abstract: An electrodeless lamp apparatus of high efficiency employs a reflection system that allows the lamp to reabsorb light energy. The energy is redirected back to the light to provide increased system efficiency. The redirected light is of the wrong polarization and/or wrong parts of the color spectrum. The lamp efficiency is increased because of the optical pumping as well as the reuse (after some downshifting) of the returned light. In one embodiment, a projection system provides an image source or projection engine that includes the improved high efficiency lamp of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Richard M. Knox, Dale S. Walker, William Burton Mercer
  • Patent number: 5834890
    Abstract: To retain a discharge vessel 1, a groove 12 is formed in a re-entrant portion 3 of the vessel. The grooves 12 engages a corresponding notch 13 in a coil former of a coil assembly 6, housed in the re-entrant. The coil former is sufficiently resilient to be deflected by the groove as the vessel 1 is pushed onto the former. The arrangement may have means to prevent the vessel rotating about the coil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Mahomed H. Girach
  • Patent number: 5808414
    Abstract: An electrodeless fluorescent lamp having a lamp envelope with an inner phosphor coating and containing a fill capable of sustaining a discharge when suitably excited by an electric field includes an electrically conductive coating on the exterior of the lamp envelope. The electrically conductive coating is also light transmissive and is effective for confining the electric field to within the lamp envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Osborn Wharmby, Mohamed Hanif Girach
  • Patent number: 5803593
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reflector system for a lighting fixture having a illumination source surrounded by an envelope. The reflector system includes a first reflector surrounding the illumination source. The reflector system also includes a second reflector which is non-contiguous with the first reflector and which surrounds the illumination source. The illumination source creates light rays which are reflected by the first and second reflectors. The first reflector directs light rays toward the center line of the fixture. However, the reflected rays despite being so reflected do not substantially intersect the envelope. The reflected light rays from the second reflector being directed so that they diverge from the center line of the fixture avoiding intersection with the semi-transparent envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: The Regents, University of California
    Inventors: Michael J. Siminovitch, Erik Page, Carl T. Gould
  • Patent number: 5763999
    Abstract: A light source device in which the radiated light from the dielectric barrier discharge lamp can always be stabilized even if the discharge vessel of the dielectric barrier discharge lamp is large or the load on the tube wall within the discharge vessel is small. This is achieved according to the invention by the provision of a light source device having a discharge lamp which has a generally cylindrical, coaxial double-tube arrangement of an outer tube and an inner tube, in which there is an outer electrode on the outer tube, in which there is an inner electrode on the inner tube, and in which a discharge space between the inner and outer tubes is filled with a discharge gas for formation of excimer molecules by a dielectric barrier discharge, and of a power source for operating this discharge lamp in accordance with the relationship: Vs/Vp.ltoreq.0.5 where Vs is the starting voltage and Vp is the voltage applied to the discharge lamp during steady-state luminous operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Ushiodenki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Matsuno, Nobuyuki Hishinuma, Masashi Okamoto, Tatsushi Igarashi, Fumitoshi Takemoto
  • Patent number: 5757132
    Abstract: To maintain the relative positional relationship between an inner tube and an inner electrode of a dielectric barrier discharge tube having a roughly cylindrical, double tube arrangement of an outer tube coaxially arranged about an inner tube with a discharge space defined therebetween, an outer electrode on an outer surface of the outer tube, an inner electrode on an inner surface of the inner tube, and a discharge gas which forms excimer molecules by a dielectric barrier discharge filling said discharge space, despite repeated expansion and contraction of the inner electrode due to the dielectric barrier discharge lamp being repeatedly turned on and off, according to the invention, the inner electrode is formed of a substantially tubular metal component or the like, and a motion preventing component is provided at opposite ends of the inner electrode for maintaining an axial position of the inner electrode relative to the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Ushiodenki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Matsuno, Nobuyuki Hishinuma, Kenichi Hirose, Kunio Kasagi, Fumitoshi Takemoto, Yoshinori Aiura, Tatsushi Igarashi
  • Patent number: 5751110
    Abstract: An electrodeless low-pressure discharge lamp is provided with a lamp vessel which is closed in a gastight manner, which surrounds a discharge space, and which contains a filling of mercury and rare gas. The lamp vessel has a cavity and a collar where the cavity is open towards the exterior, an electric coil being accommodated in the cavity and support with an amalgam being arranged in the discharge space. The collar is made of metal and the support of the amalgam is fastened to the collar. This construction counteracts degeneration of the amalgam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Antonius J. Spaapen, Johannes T.J. Van Haastrecht, Theodorus J.M.J. Van Gennip
  • Patent number: 5723947
    Abstract: An electrodeless inductively-coupled fluorescent lamp which operates at ro frequency comprising a bulbous envelope (1) filled with rare gas and metal vapor. A reentrant cavity (4) and an induction coil (6) are disposed in the cavity (4). The inner walls of the envelope (1) and the cavity (4) have a protective coating (3) and a phosphor coating (2). A metal Faraday cylinder (12) welded to the lamp base (13) is disposed between the cavity (4) and the coil (6) to reduce capacitive RF voltage between the coil and the plasma to improve lamp maintenance and remove heat. A tubulation (16) is disposed on the lamp axis to evacuate the envelope (1). The proximal end of the tubulation (16) has an expansion (20) with the volume (23) where the initial capacitive discharge is ignited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works Research & Development Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Oleg Popov, Jakob Maya, Koichi Kobayashi, Edward K. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 5694000
    Abstract: An electrodeless low-pressure discharge lamp (10) according to the invention is provided with a radiation-transmitting discharge vessel (11) which encloses a discharge space (14) containing an ionizable filling in a gastight manner. The lamp (10) is in addition provided with a first and a second winding (20, 23) for conducting a high-frequency current during operation. The first winding (20) extends along a longitudinal axis (29) in a cavity (28) surrounded by the discharge vessel (11). The second winding (23) is arranged along the longitudinal axis (29) in the extended direction of the first winding (20) outside the cavity (18) surrounded by the discharge vessel (11). During operation, the currents in the first and second windings (20, 23) have the same tangential direction relative to the longitudinal axis (29). The lamp causes comparatively little magnetic interference, while it is avoided that the second winding (23) hampers lamp ignition or causes an unstable lamp operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Petrus H. Antonis, Klaas Vegter
  • Patent number: 5682080
    Abstract: Ignition of an electrodeless lamp, energized by microwave or radio frequency energy, is achieved by disposing an additive material in the lamp envelope along with the primary fill material. In a first embodiment, the additive is at least partially electrically conductive at room temperatures but non-conductive or a vapor at lamp operating temperatures. The preferred additives for this embodiment are mercury sulfide and mercury selenide. In a second embodiment, the additive is a material, such as piezoelectric crystals, that produces sparks in the envelope when the crystals collide with each other, or with other materials, in response to agitation of the envelope. The additive may alternatively build up electrostatic charge by rubbing along the interior surface of the lamp envelope when the envelope is agitated, the charge build up being sufficient to ignite the primary fill material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Fusion Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: James T. Dolan, Brian P. Turner, Michael G. Ury, Charles H. Wood
  • Patent number: 5670842
    Abstract: Ignition of an electrodeless lamp, energized by microwave or radio energy, is achieved by disposing an additive material in the lamp envelope along with the primary fill material. In a first embodiment, the additive is at least partially electrically conductive at room temperatures but non-conductive or a vapor at lamp operating temperatures. The preferred additives for this embodiment are mercury sulfide and mercury selenide. In a second embodiment, the additive is a material, such as piezoelectric crystals, that produces sparks in the envelope when the crystals collide with each other, or with other materials, in response to agitation of the envelope. The additive may alternatively build up electrostatic charge by rubbing along the interior surface of the lamp envelope when the envelope is agitated, the charge build up being sufficient to ignite the primary fill material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventors: James T. Dolan, Brian P. Turner, Michael G. Ury, Charles H. Wood
  • Patent number: 5666026
    Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge lamp having a generally cylindrical double-tube arrangement of an outer tube coaxially disposed about an inner tube, with an outer electrode disposed on an outside surface of the outer tube, an inner electrode disposed on an inside surface of the inner tube, and a discharge space provided between the outer tube and the inner tube which is filled with a discharge gas for formation of excimer molecules by dielectric barrier discharge achieves firm engagement of the inner electrode against the inner tube and a stable discharge over a long time even if part of the electrode corrodes due to the ozone produced or it wears. This is achieved by embodiments in which the inner electrode is a generally tubular part which is slit in an axial direction along the full length thereof. The tubular part can be a single cylindrically sheet having opposite longitudinally extending edges spaced from each other by a gap or overlapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Ushiodenki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Matsuno, Nobuyuki Hishinuma, Kenichi Hirose, Kunio Kasagi, Fumitoshi Takemoto, Yoshinori Aiura, Tatsushi Igarashi
  • Patent number: 5661501
    Abstract: In a driving method capable of selectively scanning discharge channels in a stable and efficient manner using an open-cell structure, a plasma-addressed display device comprises a display cell, a plasma cell, a scanner, a supply and a controller. The display cell is equipped with data electrodes arranged so as to be mutually parallel. The plasma cell is for creating discharge channels formed in such a manner as to be orthogonal with respect to the data electrodes and has anodes and cathodes alternately arrayed in such a manner as to be shared between adjacent discharge channels. The scanner is for carrying out selective scanning of the discharge channels. The supply is for applying a data voltage to the data electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Shoichi Tanamachi
  • Patent number: 5621266
    Abstract: An electrodeless fluorescent lamp and fixture is disclosed which operates radio frequencies and contains a metallic cylinder 9 to suppress capacitive coupling between an induction coil 7 and a plasma in the envelope 1 of the lamp and simultaneously substantially reduce heat in a reentrant cavity 5. The lamp includes a bulbous envelope 1 having a conventional phosphor layer 3 disposed therein. The bulbous envelope 1 contains a suitable ionizable gaseous fill. Upon ionization of the gaseous fill, the phosphor is stimulated to emit visible radiation upon absorption of ultraviolet radiation. The reentrant cavity 5 of the bulbous envelope 1 contains an inducation coil. The cylinder 9 transfers heat from the plasma to the fixture 11 through a base 13, 13a on the envelope 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works Research and Development Laboraty Inc.
    Inventors: Oleg Popov, Jakob Maya, Edward K. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 5621275
    Abstract: An arc tube for an electrodeless metal halide discharge lamp has an arc chamber fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of magnesia-doped polycrystalline alumina, silicon dioxide doped polycrystalline alumina and mono-crystalline alumina. The arc chamber is tubular and has at least one end and has a given outside diameter. At least one end cap closes the at least one end of the arc chamber, the end cap being formed from magnesia-doped polycrystalline alumina and comprising a substantially cup-shaped member having an inside diameter which is sealed to the outside diameter of the arc chamber by a shrink-fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: George C. Wei, Jerry Kramer, John Walsh, Walter P. Lapatovich
  • Patent number: 5610477
    Abstract: A low breakdown voltage gas discharge device includes an envelope filled with an appropriately selected working substance. Two main electrodes are sealed in a vacuum-tight manner inside the envelope, and are separated by a predetermined distance. A supplemental electrode extends between the main electrodes along the direction of the electrical discharge, and has its geometrical and electrical parameters satisfy the following equation:S=I.sub.d /C,where S is the surface area of the supplemental electrode and depends on the distance between the main electrodes, I.sub.d is the current flowing in the supplemental electrode during normal glow discharge, and C is a constant characterizing the current I.sub.d, the composition of the supplemental electrode, and the type and pressure of the working substance. The supplemental electrode is connected to an AC or DC power source via a switch, so that the supplemental electrode always acts as a preparatory glow discharge cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: MRA Technology Group
    Inventors: Vladimir V. Ivanov, Uriy I. Danilov, Michael V. Zakharov
  • Patent number: 5592047
    Abstract: A flat glow discharge lamp includes a discharge tube having two opposing flat faces and a first and second plurality of long electrodes disposed on respective opposing flat faces, wherein one of the pluralities of long electrodes is composed of a transparent conductive material. The discharge lamp includes a fluorescent layer disposed on the inner surface of the discharge tube, and either rare gases, such as argon, or low-pressure mercury vapor. The first and second plurality of long electrodes provides for a homogeneous discharge over the face of the discharge lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Samsung Display Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Duk-il Park, Sang-mook Kim
  • Patent number: 5592055
    Abstract: A plasma source is described, comprising a discharge chamber (1) bounded by a base wall (5) and by a lateral wall (3), a system (7) for the admission of gas into said discharge chamber, a system of electrodes (13, 15) which are associated with said discharge chamber (1) and which are connected to a radio-frequency generator (17), and which apply an oscillating electric field within the discharge chamber, and means (9, 11) for generating a static magnetic field in said discharge chamber. Coaxially with said discharge chamber (1) there are disposed a first and a second electrode (15; 13; 13X), at least one of which has an annular extent and is disposed in an intermediate position along the axial extent of the discharge chamber, said two electrodes (15; 13; 13X) being connected to two poles of the radio-frequency generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Proel Tecnologie S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Capacci, Giovanni E. Noci
  • Patent number: 5581152
    Abstract: In a dielectric barrier discharge lamp, in which a discharge vessel, in which a discharge gas forming "excimer" molecules is encapsulated, is provided with a dielectric provided with a netlike electrode and a window, through which the light goes, the first object of the invention is achieved by an arrangement in which a thickness of ends of the above-described netlike electrodes is greater than the average thickness of the entire electrode. Another object of the invention is achieved by an arrangement in which a holder incorporated in the discharge vessel has an outer dimension that is less than/equal to an outer dimension of the netlike electrodes. A further object of the invention is achieved by an arrangement by which the discharge vessel has a hollow cylindrical shape formed from an external tube and an internal tube and a means for hermetic sealing is arranged inside the internal tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Ushiodenki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Matsuno, Tatsushi Igarashi, Tatsumi Hiramoto, Fumitoshi Takemoto, Nobuyuki Hishinuma, Yasuo Oonishi, Kunio Kasagi, Takashi Asahina, Yasuhiko Wakahata
  • Patent number: 5561344
    Abstract: A photo-ionization detector utilizes an ultraviolet (UV) lamp and is designed for detecting and measuring the concentration of volatile gases flowing between closely spaced parallel electrodes. One of the electrodes is formed to allow photons to pass into the space between the electrodes to ionize the volatile gases between the electrodes. The detector also incorporates an improved ionization chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: RAE Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter C. Hsi
  • Patent number: 5545953
    Abstract: An electrodeless high intensity discharge lamp includes an electrodeless lamp capsule, first and second electric field applicators positioned so that the lamp capsule is between the electric field applicators, and a planar transmission line. The planar transmission line couples high frequency power from an input to the first and second electric field applicators and has a gap with in which the lamp capsule is positioned. A field symmetrizing conductor, preferably a thin wire, is located in an open side of the gap and is electrically connected to the ground plane of the planar transmission line. The field symmetrizing conductor is positioned such that the electric field in the lamp capsule is substantially symmetrical with respect to the lamp axis and is substantially colinear with the lamp axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Walter P. Lapatovich, Scott J. Butler
  • Patent number: 5514934
    Abstract: A discharge lamp having a large light output and a stable discharge. On an external surface of a cylindrical glass bulb enclosing a rare gas such as xenon, a pair of beltlike electrodes are mounted so as to face each other. A light output part is provided between the electrodes, and the electrodes are situated close to each other on the opposite side to the light output part. An image display device is constituted by arranging a plurality of the discharge lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sadayuki Matsumoto, Takeo Saikatsu, Osamu Myodo, Takehiko Sakurai, Hrumi Sawada, Junichiro Hoshizaki, Kazuo Yoshika, Toshio Yamada, Hisae Nishimatsu
  • Patent number: 5438235
    Abstract: An electrostatic shield is provided between the induction coil and the arc tube of an electrodeless HID lamp. In one embodiment, the shield is a transparent glass cylinder coated with a thin, transparent, conductive layer of tin oxide. In another embodiment, the electrostatic shield is a conductive, transparent tin oxide coating applied to either the inner or outer surface of an outer light-transmissive jacket surrounding the arc tube. The tin oxide layer is discontinuous so as to minimize currents induced in the conductive tin oxide layer by the induction coil. The thickness of the tin oxide layer is sufficient to make it conductive and form an approximately equipotential surface, thereby shielding the arc tube and plasma discharge from intense electric fields, reducing arc tube wall damage and increasing lamp life. In addition, tin oxide functions as an infrared reflector which returns infrared radiation to the arc tube, resulting in higher efficacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Timothy J. Sommerer, Hseuh-Rong Chang, Arthur Klein, III, Victor D. Roberts, Harald L. Witting, George A. Farrall
  • Patent number: 5432398
    Abstract: In a UV excimer radiator, the ignition behavior during the initial ignition or relatively long operating pauses is improved by providing means for local field distortion in the discharge space. These means can either be local constrictions provided in a pinpointed fashion or a disturbing body made from aluminum oxide or titanium oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Heraeus Noblelight GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Kogelschatz
  • Patent number: RE35142
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp having an improved starting performance, especially at low temperatures. A gas under a low pressure is sealed in a glass tube having a pair of electrodes mounted thereon, and a fluorescent material is coated on the inner surface of the glass tube, the fluorescent material being activated to emit light by a discharge between the pair of electrodes. A third electrode is provided between the pair of electrodes, the third electrode being connected to one of the pair of electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryoji Kikuchi, Shinyu Ikeda, Masataka Nishiyama