CA1190587A - Single electrode beam mode fluorescent lamp for dc use - Google Patents
Single electrode beam mode fluorescent lamp for dc useInfo
- Publication number
- CA1190587A CA1190587A CA000417410A CA417410A CA1190587A CA 1190587 A CA1190587 A CA 1190587A CA 000417410 A CA000417410 A CA 000417410A CA 417410 A CA417410 A CA 417410A CA 1190587 A CA1190587 A CA 1190587A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- fluorescent lamp
- cathode
- beam mode
- anode
- electrons
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
- H01J63/00—Cathode-ray or electron-stream lamps
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
- H01J61/00—Gas-discharge or vapour-discharge lamps
- H01J61/70—Lamps with low-pressure unconstricted discharge having a cold pressure < 400 Torr
- H01J61/72—Lamps with low-pressure unconstricted discharge having a cold pressure < 400 Torr having a main light-emitting filling of easily vaporisable metal vapour, e.g. mercury
Abstract
SINGLE CATHODE BEAM MODE FLUORESCENT
LAMP FOR DC USE
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The lamp shown herein is a beam mode fluorescent lamp for general lighting applications. The lamp comprises a light transmitting envelope, having a phosphor coating on its inner surface, enclosing a single electrode including a thermionic cathode for emitting electrons and an integral anode for accelerating the electrons and forming an electron beam, and a fill material, such as mercury, which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation.
The electrode configuration provides for use of a single power source and minimal number of power leads. In addition, a separate cathode heater filament is not required.
LAMP FOR DC USE
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The lamp shown herein is a beam mode fluorescent lamp for general lighting applications. The lamp comprises a light transmitting envelope, having a phosphor coating on its inner surface, enclosing a single electrode including a thermionic cathode for emitting electrons and an integral anode for accelerating the electrons and forming an electron beam, and a fill material, such as mercury, which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation.
The electrode configuration provides for use of a single power source and minimal number of power leads. In addition, a separate cathode heater filament is not required.
Description
~ 7~
23,479 CN -1-SINGLE CATHODE BEAM MODE FLUORESCENT
The present invention is an improvemen-t to copending Canadian patent application, Serial Number 393,033 5, filed December 22, 1981~ for a "3eam Mode Fluorescent Lamp," with Proud et al as inven-tors, now abandoned.
The present invention pertains to beam mode discharge fluorescent lamps and more particularly to an arrangement for configuring the electrodes within a beam mode discharge fluorescent lamp.
Proposals ha~e been made to produce a fluorescent lamp suitable for replacing the conventional incandescent bulb. Although incandescent lamps are inexpensive and convenient to use, they are considerably less efficient than fluorescent lamps.
In the above-mentioned proposal, a single anode and cathode configuration is shown. This configuration requires three power terminals connecting the cathode and anode to the two power sources. In an alternate configuration in these proposals, a four terminal and two power source configuration is shown in which a heating filament is provided to heat the cathode for the production of electrons.
"~
~3~79 -2-It is desirable to minimize the number of power sources and po~7er connections from the power source to the anode and cathode of the fluorescent lamp. Thereby, the cost of the resulting lamp is less. In additi.on, such a scheme provides for si.mpler assembly during manufacture.
Further, grid shaped anodes are taught by the above-mentioned application. These anodes are relatively expensive to manufacture and were believed to be necessary to accelerate the primary electrons in the discharge space.
~ s pointed out in the above-mentioned patent application, the placement and location of the anode and cathode is of critical importance.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a single electrode beam mode fluorescen-t lamp comprising:
a light transmittin~ envelope enclosing a fill material which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation; a phosphor coating, which emits visible light upon absorption of ultraviolet radiation, on an inner surface of said envelope; an electrode having first and second ends located within said envelope, said electrode including a thermionic cathode and integral anode; said thermionic cathode for emitting electrons and having first and second ends; said integral anode for accelerating electrons and forming an electron beam, said anode including a linear conductive wire segme.nt and being L-shaped and connected to said first end of said electrode and extending parallel to said cathode; a dri.ft region within said envelope through which said electron beam drifts after passing said anode, so that the electrons in said drift region collide with the atoms of said Eill. material, theleby causing excitation of a portion of said fil.l material atoms and emission of ultraviole-t radiation and causing iollization of another portion of said fill material atoms thereby yielding secondary electrons, said secondary electron~
causing emission of additional ultraviolet radiation; a power source external -to said envelope for providing direct current; and a pair of conductors, one conductor connecting the positive lead of said power source to said first end of said electrode and a second conductor for connecting the negative lead of said power source to said second end of said electrode, whereby application of said direct current produces said electron beam in a direction perpendicular to said cathode toward said anode.
One embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:
The single sheet of drawing included herewith is a schematic diagram of a single electrode beam mode fluorescent lamp embodying the principles of operation of the present invention.
Referring to the included figure, a single electrode beam mode fluorescent lamp according to the presenk invention is shown. A vacuum type lamp envelope 31 made of a light emitting substance, such as g]ass, encloses a discharge volume. The discharge volume contains a fill material which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation.
A typical fill material includes mercury and a noble gas or mixtures of noble gases. A suitable nobel gas is neon.
The inner surface of the lamp envelope 31 has a phosphor coating 37 which emits visible light upon absorption of ultraviolet radiation. ~lso enclosed within the discharge volume by the lamp envelope 31 is an electrode 29 including a thermionic cathode 3~ and integral anodé 35.
In general, the function of the cathode 3~ is to emit electrons, while the function of the anode 35 is to accelerate the electrons emitted by cathode 3~, while collecting only a minimal amount of primary electrons.
Anode 35 is at the same electrical potential as the end 33 23~79 -4-of cathode 34. ~node 35 is L-shaped and extends upwardly relative to cathode 34.
Supportîn~ conductors 36 and 39 provide for electrical connection of the single external power supply 40 through the envelope 31 in a vacuum tight seal, as well as pro-viding support for the electrode structure 29. Conductor 36 connects the negati.ve output and conductor 39 the positive output of power supply 40 to the electrode 29.
Cathode 34 is of a thermionic type, requiring 20 to 30 volts DC for operation.
When the electrons have passed anode 35, they enter into a drift region 30 which extends from the anode to the bounds of the enclosing envelope 31.
The lamp further includes a base 38 which is of a con~entional type suitable for inserting into an incandescent lamp soc~et.
During operation, a DC voltage is applied via conductors 36 and 39 to electrode 29, thereby providing for a readily available supply of electrons for discharge by cathode 34. During the application of the DC voltage, a discharge is formed and point 33 is positive with respect to point 32 of cathode 34. As a result, a potential drop exists between points 32 and 33. Anode 35 will accelerate the electrons emitted from cathode 34, since anode 35 is positive with respect to all points along the cathode 34 with the exception of point 33. Most electrons will then pass the anode and into the corresponding drift region 30 as shown. This result is due -to the simple round wire seg-ment anode construction vis-a-vis the mesh anode which collects many electrons.
It is to be noted that the cathode heating current and current for developing potential difference between anode 35 and cathode 3~ of electrode 29 are derived from the same power supply 40. Only a singl.e power supply and a pair of leads are required for these two functions. Power supply 40 comprises a step-down transformer and a recti~ier to produce the required DC voltage, approximately 20 volts.
~ 3t~
23~79 ~5-The spacing of the anode 35 with respect to cathode 34 may be such that it is less than the electron range in the particular fill material to avoid possible current runaway conditions.
As a result, the simple round wire anode is effective to replace the larger mesh anode, while collecting less electrons than the mesh anode.
~lthough a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated, and that form described in detail, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made therein, without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims.
23,479 CN -1-SINGLE CATHODE BEAM MODE FLUORESCENT
The present invention is an improvemen-t to copending Canadian patent application, Serial Number 393,033 5, filed December 22, 1981~ for a "3eam Mode Fluorescent Lamp," with Proud et al as inven-tors, now abandoned.
The present invention pertains to beam mode discharge fluorescent lamps and more particularly to an arrangement for configuring the electrodes within a beam mode discharge fluorescent lamp.
Proposals ha~e been made to produce a fluorescent lamp suitable for replacing the conventional incandescent bulb. Although incandescent lamps are inexpensive and convenient to use, they are considerably less efficient than fluorescent lamps.
In the above-mentioned proposal, a single anode and cathode configuration is shown. This configuration requires three power terminals connecting the cathode and anode to the two power sources. In an alternate configuration in these proposals, a four terminal and two power source configuration is shown in which a heating filament is provided to heat the cathode for the production of electrons.
"~
~3~79 -2-It is desirable to minimize the number of power sources and po~7er connections from the power source to the anode and cathode of the fluorescent lamp. Thereby, the cost of the resulting lamp is less. In additi.on, such a scheme provides for si.mpler assembly during manufacture.
Further, grid shaped anodes are taught by the above-mentioned application. These anodes are relatively expensive to manufacture and were believed to be necessary to accelerate the primary electrons in the discharge space.
~ s pointed out in the above-mentioned patent application, the placement and location of the anode and cathode is of critical importance.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a single electrode beam mode fluorescen-t lamp comprising:
a light transmittin~ envelope enclosing a fill material which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation; a phosphor coating, which emits visible light upon absorption of ultraviolet radiation, on an inner surface of said envelope; an electrode having first and second ends located within said envelope, said electrode including a thermionic cathode and integral anode; said thermionic cathode for emitting electrons and having first and second ends; said integral anode for accelerating electrons and forming an electron beam, said anode including a linear conductive wire segme.nt and being L-shaped and connected to said first end of said electrode and extending parallel to said cathode; a dri.ft region within said envelope through which said electron beam drifts after passing said anode, so that the electrons in said drift region collide with the atoms of said Eill. material, theleby causing excitation of a portion of said fil.l material atoms and emission of ultraviole-t radiation and causing iollization of another portion of said fill material atoms thereby yielding secondary electrons, said secondary electron~
causing emission of additional ultraviolet radiation; a power source external -to said envelope for providing direct current; and a pair of conductors, one conductor connecting the positive lead of said power source to said first end of said electrode and a second conductor for connecting the negative lead of said power source to said second end of said electrode, whereby application of said direct current produces said electron beam in a direction perpendicular to said cathode toward said anode.
One embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:
The single sheet of drawing included herewith is a schematic diagram of a single electrode beam mode fluorescent lamp embodying the principles of operation of the present invention.
Referring to the included figure, a single electrode beam mode fluorescent lamp according to the presenk invention is shown. A vacuum type lamp envelope 31 made of a light emitting substance, such as g]ass, encloses a discharge volume. The discharge volume contains a fill material which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation.
A typical fill material includes mercury and a noble gas or mixtures of noble gases. A suitable nobel gas is neon.
The inner surface of the lamp envelope 31 has a phosphor coating 37 which emits visible light upon absorption of ultraviolet radiation. ~lso enclosed within the discharge volume by the lamp envelope 31 is an electrode 29 including a thermionic cathode 3~ and integral anodé 35.
In general, the function of the cathode 3~ is to emit electrons, while the function of the anode 35 is to accelerate the electrons emitted by cathode 3~, while collecting only a minimal amount of primary electrons.
Anode 35 is at the same electrical potential as the end 33 23~79 -4-of cathode 34. ~node 35 is L-shaped and extends upwardly relative to cathode 34.
Supportîn~ conductors 36 and 39 provide for electrical connection of the single external power supply 40 through the envelope 31 in a vacuum tight seal, as well as pro-viding support for the electrode structure 29. Conductor 36 connects the negati.ve output and conductor 39 the positive output of power supply 40 to the electrode 29.
Cathode 34 is of a thermionic type, requiring 20 to 30 volts DC for operation.
When the electrons have passed anode 35, they enter into a drift region 30 which extends from the anode to the bounds of the enclosing envelope 31.
The lamp further includes a base 38 which is of a con~entional type suitable for inserting into an incandescent lamp soc~et.
During operation, a DC voltage is applied via conductors 36 and 39 to electrode 29, thereby providing for a readily available supply of electrons for discharge by cathode 34. During the application of the DC voltage, a discharge is formed and point 33 is positive with respect to point 32 of cathode 34. As a result, a potential drop exists between points 32 and 33. Anode 35 will accelerate the electrons emitted from cathode 34, since anode 35 is positive with respect to all points along the cathode 34 with the exception of point 33. Most electrons will then pass the anode and into the corresponding drift region 30 as shown. This result is due -to the simple round wire seg-ment anode construction vis-a-vis the mesh anode which collects many electrons.
It is to be noted that the cathode heating current and current for developing potential difference between anode 35 and cathode 3~ of electrode 29 are derived from the same power supply 40. Only a singl.e power supply and a pair of leads are required for these two functions. Power supply 40 comprises a step-down transformer and a recti~ier to produce the required DC voltage, approximately 20 volts.
~ 3t~
23~79 ~5-The spacing of the anode 35 with respect to cathode 34 may be such that it is less than the electron range in the particular fill material to avoid possible current runaway conditions.
As a result, the simple round wire anode is effective to replace the larger mesh anode, while collecting less electrons than the mesh anode.
~lthough a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated, and that form described in detail, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made therein, without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (6)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED IS DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A single electrode beam mode fluorescent lamp comprising:
a light transmitting envelope enclosing a fill material which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation;
a phosphor coating, which emits visible light upon absorption of ultraviolet radiation, on an inner surface of said envelope;
a single electrode having first and second ends located within said envelope, said electrode including a thermionic cathode and an integral anode;
means for coupling a D.C. voltage between said first and second ends of said electrode with said first end electrically positive with respect to said second end;
said thermionic cathode for emitting electrons in response to said D.C. voltage;
said integral anode for accelerating electrons and forming an electron beam, said anode including a linear conductive wire segment and being L-shaped and connected to said first end of said electrode and extending in spaced relation to said cathode;
a drift region within said envelope through which said electron beam drifts after passing said anode, so that the electrons in said drift region collide with the atoms of said fill material, thereby causing excitation of a portion of said fill material atoms and emission of ultraviolet radiation and causing ionization of another portion of said fill material atoms thereby yielding secondary electrons, said secondary electrons causing emission of additional ultraviolet radiation.
a light transmitting envelope enclosing a fill material which emits ultraviolet radiation upon excitation;
a phosphor coating, which emits visible light upon absorption of ultraviolet radiation, on an inner surface of said envelope;
a single electrode having first and second ends located within said envelope, said electrode including a thermionic cathode and an integral anode;
means for coupling a D.C. voltage between said first and second ends of said electrode with said first end electrically positive with respect to said second end;
said thermionic cathode for emitting electrons in response to said D.C. voltage;
said integral anode for accelerating electrons and forming an electron beam, said anode including a linear conductive wire segment and being L-shaped and connected to said first end of said electrode and extending in spaced relation to said cathode;
a drift region within said envelope through which said electron beam drifts after passing said anode, so that the electrons in said drift region collide with the atoms of said fill material, thereby causing excitation of a portion of said fill material atoms and emission of ultraviolet radiation and causing ionization of another portion of said fill material atoms thereby yielding secondary electrons, said secondary electrons causing emission of additional ultraviolet radiation.
2. A single electrode beam mode fluorescent lamp as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fill material includes mercury, and a noble gas.
3. A single electrode beam mode fluorescent lamp as claimed in claim 2, wherein said noble gas includes neon.
4. A beam mode fluorescent lamp as claimed in claim 1, wherein there is further included a lamp base enclosing said power source, whereby said lamp can be operated directly from AC power.
5. A beam mode fluorescent lamp as claimed in claim 1, wherein said power source provides power for heating said thermionic cathode and simultaneously provides a potential difference between said cathode and said integral anode.
6. A beam mode fluorescent lamp as claimed in claim 5, wherein said power source provides a DC voltage in the range of from 20 to 30 volts.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US33704782A | 1982-01-04 | 1982-01-04 | |
| US337,047 | 1982-01-04 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1190587A true CA1190587A (en) | 1985-07-16 |
Family
ID=23318887
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000417410A Expired CA1190587A (en) | 1982-01-04 | 1982-12-10 | Single electrode beam mode fluorescent lamp for dc use |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0084268A3 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS58145056A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1190587A (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH0620285Y2 (en) * | 1986-12-05 | 1994-05-25 | 松下電工株式会社 | Light emitting electron tube |
| DE102005062394A1 (en) * | 2005-07-10 | 2007-01-11 | Ip2H Ag | light source |
| JP4417970B2 (en) | 2007-03-29 | 2010-02-17 | 株式会社東芝 | Rotating electric machine and rotating electric machine rotor |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2403184A (en) * | 1942-12-26 | 1946-07-02 | Gen Electric | Electric discharge lamp |
| US2409771A (en) * | 1943-07-08 | 1946-10-22 | Sylvania Electric Prod | Electrical discharge device |
| US2774918A (en) * | 1951-10-06 | 1956-12-18 | Gen Electric | Electric discharge device |
| US3369143A (en) * | 1967-02-28 | 1968-02-13 | Westinghouse Electric Corp | Instant-start fluorescent lamp having mixed fill gas and improved electrode structure |
| JPS57130364A (en) * | 1980-12-23 | 1982-08-12 | Gte Laboratories Inc | Beam mode fluorescent lamp |
-
1982
- 1982-12-10 CA CA000417410A patent/CA1190587A/en not_active Expired
- 1982-12-31 EP EP82307012A patent/EP0084268A3/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1983
- 1983-01-04 JP JP2783A patent/JPS58145056A/en active Granted
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH0454342B2 (en) | 1992-08-31 |
| JPS58145056A (en) | 1983-08-29 |
| EP0084268A2 (en) | 1983-07-27 |
| EP0084268A3 (en) | 1984-05-02 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4408141A (en) | Dual cathode beam mode fluorescent lamp | |
| US4518897A (en) | Twin anode beam mode fluorescent lamp | |
| US4516057A (en) | Multi-electrode array for a beam mode fluorescent lamp | |
| EP0054959A1 (en) | Beam mode fluorescent lamp | |
| JPS61190850A (en) | Dual cathode dual beam mode fluorescent lamp with capacitivestabilizer | |
| US4494046A (en) | Single cathode beam mode fluorescent lamp for DC use | |
| EP0115444B1 (en) | Beam mode lamp with voltage modifying electrode | |
| US4413204A (en) | Non-uniform resistance cathode beam mode fluorescent lamp | |
| US4450380A (en) | Multi-electrode array for a beam mode fluorescent lamp | |
| CA1190587A (en) | Single electrode beam mode fluorescent lamp for dc use | |
| US4987342A (en) | Self-ballasted glow discharge lamp having indirectly-heated cathode | |
| US3369143A (en) | Instant-start fluorescent lamp having mixed fill gas and improved electrode structure | |
| FI76448B (en) | ANOD- OCH KATODSYSTEM I FLUORESCERANDE LAMPA. | |
| US1965127A (en) | Electrical discharge lamp | |
| US2512282A (en) | Electric discharge lamp | |
| US5049785A (en) | Two contact, AC-operated negative glow fluorescent lamp | |
| EP0127475A1 (en) | Double ended compact fluorescent lamp | |
| US5146135A (en) | Glow discharge lamp having anode probes | |
| US5006762A (en) | Negative glow fluorescent lamp having discharge barrier | |
| US5059864A (en) | Negative glow lamp | |
| EP0577275A1 (en) | Fluorescent lamp | |
| EP0087962A3 (en) | Beam mode fluorescent lamp having dual cathodes with unipotential ends | |
| JP3183583U (en) | Reflector-integrated flat panel lamp with built-in ballast | |
| SU917239A1 (en) | Method and device for producing radiation in gas discharge | |
| JPS62157656A (en) | Display element |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEC | Expiry (correction) | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |