CA2129500A1 - Multi-array twin tube lamps - Google Patents
Multi-array twin tube lampsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2129500A1 CA2129500A1 CA 2129500 CA2129500A CA2129500A1 CA 2129500 A1 CA2129500 A1 CA 2129500A1 CA 2129500 CA2129500 CA 2129500 CA 2129500 A CA2129500 A CA 2129500A CA 2129500 A1 CA2129500 A1 CA 2129500A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- lamp
- twin tube
- array
- lamp assembly
- lampholder
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R33/00—Coupling devices specially adapted for supporting apparatus and having one part acting as a holder providing support and electrical connection via a counterpart which is structurally associated with the apparatus, e.g. lamp holders; Separate parts thereof
- H01R33/05—Two-pole devices
- H01R33/06—Two-pole devices with two current-carrying pins, blades or analogous contacts, having their axes parallel to each other
- H01R33/08—Two-pole devices with two current-carrying pins, blades or analogous contacts, having their axes parallel to each other for supporting tubular fluorescent lamp
- H01R33/0809—Two-pole devices with two current-carrying pins, blades or analogous contacts, having their axes parallel to each other for supporting tubular fluorescent lamp having contacts on one side only
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R33/00—Coupling devices specially adapted for supporting apparatus and having one part acting as a holder providing support and electrical connection via a counterpart which is structurally associated with the apparatus, e.g. lamp holders; Separate parts thereof
- H01R33/88—Coupling devices specially adapted for supporting apparatus and having one part acting as a holder providing support and electrical connection via a counterpart which is structurally associated with the apparatus, e.g. lamp holders; Separate parts thereof adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts
Landscapes
- Vessels And Coating Films For Discharge Lamps (AREA)
- Common Detailed Techniques For Electron Tubes Or Discharge Tubes (AREA)
- Connecting Device With Holders (AREA)
- Discharge Lamps And Accessories Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
MULTI-ARRAY TWIN TUBE LAMPS
Abstract of the Disclosure A multi-array twin tube lamp assembly allows for increased luminous output in a compact volume. The lamp assembly comprises multiple twin tube lamps, each lamp having an electrode structure and independent discharge path. In one embodiment, the base may be modified to allow the multiple twin tube lamps to be assembled in closed proximity.
Alternatively, the lampholders may be modified to allow the multiple twin tube lamps to be assembled in close proximity. The multi-array lamp arrangement may be operated at more than one discrete light level, with each lamp having its own separate voltage. Twin tube lamps may be connected electrically in parallel to essentially achieve extended lamp life.
Abstract of the Disclosure A multi-array twin tube lamp assembly allows for increased luminous output in a compact volume. The lamp assembly comprises multiple twin tube lamps, each lamp having an electrode structure and independent discharge path. In one embodiment, the base may be modified to allow the multiple twin tube lamps to be assembled in closed proximity.
Alternatively, the lampholders may be modified to allow the multiple twin tube lamps to be assembled in close proximity. The multi-array lamp arrangement may be operated at more than one discrete light level, with each lamp having its own separate voltage. Twin tube lamps may be connected electrically in parallel to essentially achieve extended lamp life.
Description
L 09g5 MVLTI-ARRAY TWIN TUBE LAMPS
;
Technical Field :~
The present invention relate~ to a folded discharge lcw pressure lamp such as a fluorescent lamp and, more particularly, to a ~ompacted and segmented array of lamps for increasing the lumen output charactexi~tics in a compacted volum Backqround Art Lamp~ th~t u e mercury along with an inert gas, cuch as Argon, as a m~an~ of converting ~ ;
ultra-violet energy into visible light are ~:
cla~sified as low pres~ure fluore~cent discharge lamps. One such family of lamp~ that are com~ercially available are called twin tube lampR
and typically range in wattage from SW to 50W.
Double twin tube lamp type~, generically called quad~, are also co~nercially avai.lable and operate within the ~ame range of wattage. However, since quad lamp~ are inherently higher voltage device~
than linear or twin tube lamp~ of. equivalent length, it may be difficult to start the device due to the length o the discharge path and the bend~
associated with the quad lamp. This longer di~char9e path impose~ more difficult limitation~ on ~ -the ballasting becau~e of the inherently higher ballast voltag~ needed. Additionally, exi~ting quad lamp~ are difficult and more expen~ive to manufacture, particularly due to the additional need to join the gla~ l~mp tubes.
U.S. Patent 4,g37,487 of Blaisdell et al disclo~es single bent lamp tubes u~ed for an information display system for u~e a~ a picture ,: . . , . ~ : ~ : :
:.': .' . ' '`'`' '' ': '"" "":' ' ' ' ' ' ` '' , ' '~ ' :'.: i: . , , , -2~5~ . 099i~2 element. The ~lai~dell et al patent require3 lamp~
of different color~ and aix flow opening~ in it~
assembly. While the lamp asisembly of this patent serve~ well its de ired needsy i.P.~ to change color, it hasi de~inite limitations with regard to increasing total lumen output and in fact doe~ not eY~n address th~e issue of increasing lumen outputO
It i~ therefore highly de3irable and an object of the present invention to provide an alternative approach to the pre~ent quad concept which can offer the equivalent high lumen output with the compactnes~i feature of the quad de~ign and do ~io with the lower lamp operating v~ltage~ of twin tube lamps.
Summary of the Invention The present invention ha~ be~n developed to provide such a twin tube lamp arr~ngem0nt, wherein the quad concept of higher light output values in a compact volume can be accompli~ihed by a~sembling existing twin tube l~np~ in close proximity with each other. The present invention provid~ a low co~t option to the quad de~ign by miechanlcally and electrically connecting existing twin tube l&mp~i, without the need to join gla3~, a~ :
the quad lamp desi~n requires. Total lumen output ~
can be increased by using a mllti-array of single ~-bent tube3 which are ~impler and le~i~ expensive to ~:
manufacture than existing quad type lamps. Such a multi array liamp al80 make~ it pos~ible to de~ign new balla3t~, particularly of the electronic high frequency type, b~cau3e substantially higher balla~t ;
voltagei3 are not needed.
In accordance with one embodiment of the . .
present invention, exi~ting twin tube lamp8 can be "":. '''' .'' . i ' . . ~ . 1. , . ' ~.,,: '," ' , ,.
~12~0~
asqembled in close proximity to each other with surprisingly small decreases in eficacy due to reflectance and~or absorp'ion los~e~. The multi-array lamp assembly comprise~ multiple twin tube lamp3, each lamp having a base and being attachable to a lampholder. In one embodiment, the ba~e may be modified to allow the multiple twin tube lamp~ to be a~embled in cloeed proximity. Alter~atively, the lampholders may be modified to allow the multiple twin tube lamps to be as~embled in close proximity.~ ~`
Accordingly, it i8 an object of the -~
present invention to increase the ~y~tem lumen output characteristi~ of the twin tub~ type lamp~
while still keeping the compactne~s feature of the lamp. It is also an inherent advantage of the pre~ent invention that such multi-array lamps may be operatad at more than one discrete light level. It i~ a further advantage that the p:re~e.nt invention provides for a family of multi-ar:ray twin tube lamp~
that can be made u~ing existing twin-tube lamp equipmen~, at higher proces~ing s~peeds with redu~ed cost.
Other objects and adv,antage~ of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying dra1wing3 and the appended claim~.
Brief Description of the Dr~win~
Fig. 1 i~ a view of a prior art twin tube lamp, for whi~h the invention provides a mean~
of assembling multiple of these lamp~ in close proximity;
Fig3. 2A and 2B illustrate embodiments of multi-array lamp holders in extremely close ` ' ', ` ` ` ' ' . , ', ~ ' ' ' ' ' ' ` ' ' ` ' ' ' ' ` ` ' ' , ' ` ' . , ` ' ' ', :` ' ~ , ' :. ` ' ' ' , ' ' ' ~ ' '`, ` : ' '; i ~ . ` ' ~ ~
0 ~ ' proximity, arranged in accordance with the present invention, for holding multiples of the twin tube lamp of Fig. l;
Fig. 3A illustrate~ a multi-array twin tu~e lamp in accordance with the present invention;
and Fig. 3B illustraties a view taken ~long line B-B of the multi-array twin tube lamp of Fig. ~:
3A.
Detailed Descrlpt.ion of the Preferred Embodiment~
Exi~ting twin tube lamp de ign~ can be a3~e~b1ed in close proximity to ~ach other with surprisingly small decreases in eficacy due to reflectance and~or ab orption lo~ eqO Th~ 'quad' concept of higher light output value~ in a compact volume can be accomplished in an eas.ier and less expen ive manner by assembling exi~ting twin tube lamp~, in accordance with the pre~ent invention. :~
Referring now to the drawings, in Figq 1 .
there is illu~trated an existing single bent twin . ~
tube lamp 10. The present invention provide~ a : :
mean~ of axsembling multiple of such lamps 10 in close proximity, providing increa~ed total lum~n output. The twin tube lamp 10 include3 an illuminating tube 12 having a fir~t end 14 and a second end 16, with a bend area 18 w~lich can be u~ed for controlling the mercury vapor pr~ssure in the ~`
lamp. The end~ 14 and 16 are encaRed in a lamp ~hell b~e 20, having a plurality of lamp pin~ 22 for providing the proper electrical connection~
The present invention provides the ~ -possibility for multi-array twin tube lamp~
comprised of multiple twin tube lamps 10, for ~ :~
increasing the total system lumen output ,, , , ~ ~ . ., , . .. , . . ... . . , ... ... ~ .
2 ~ 09952 characteri~tics of the twin tube type lamps 10, which otherwis2 would not be pos~ible in certain cases with existing ballast technology. For example, the high2~t wattage quad lamp available i8 approximately 25 watts. With the multi-array concept~ this limit can be extended to 100 wattq.
Such multi-array lamps may also be more easily operated at more than one discrete light level, becau~e the lamp~ can be independently swit~hed on and off. The quad concept of higher light output values in a compact volume i8 accomplished by a~embling existing twin tube lamps 10 in clos~
proximity with each other. ~his provides a low C05t option to the quad design by mechanically and electrically connecting multiple existing twin tube lamp8 10. Total lumen output i~ increased by using a multi-array of the ~ingle bent tubes 12 which are ~impler to manufacture than exi ting quad type lamps. The multi-array twin tube lamp8 of the pre~ent invention can be made u ing exi ting twin tube lamps 10 which are proce~3ed at higher speeds, with khe resultant lower cost relative to quad lamp~ .
The concept of the pre~ent in~ention, achieving higher light output value in a compact volume, can be accompli~hed in a variety of ways, without d~parting ~rom the scope of the invention.
For example, a~ illustrated in Figs. 2A and 2~, lamp holderi$ ~4 may be modified to allow existing twin tube lampis 10 to be u~ed to increase the 8y8tem lumen output characteri3tics of such lamp type~, while still k~seping the compactness feature of the lamps. Alter~atively, ai3 illu~trated in Fig. 3, lamp baise 26 may be modified to accomplish the desired lamp as~eimbly. Obviou~ly, modification of .,. ~ , ~,. ~ , . .... . ... . ......
- 212950~ L 0~952 the ba~e 26 may ~equire related modification to the holder for accepting the lamp.
Referring to Fig~. 2A and 2B, there are illu3trated only two of many pos~ible configurations for achieviny the ~xtremely clo~e po~itioning of the multi-array lamp holders 24. Previously, clo~e proximity of multiple twin tube lamp8, in accord~n~e with the prr~sent invention, wa~ not pursued becau3e of a ~light reduction in lamp efficacy due to the inherent shorter arc discharge di~tance~ between the electrode structures of win tube lamp~ a~ compared to quad lamp8. However, the multi-array approach offer~ many additional advantage~, in~luding low cost, increased 1exibility in the ~onnection between the balla~t and the lamp, which overcome the slight reduction in lamp efficacy that can occur.
In Fig~. 2A and 2B, the lamp holder~ 24 :
compri~e base pins 28 for receiving the lamp pins 22 to energize the l~mp~ 10. The lamp holders 24 .
further may include mechanical alignment tab~ 30 and alignment tab 32 for precise positioning of the lamp. Each lamp holder 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, and 24e compri~e3 a lamp holder ~hell 34. Finally, the lampholders may be ~onnected by any suitabl2 means, including mechanical conne~tions or adhe~ive~
Figs. 2A and 2B illu~trate three atta~hed lamp holders and two attached lamp holder~, resp~ctively, for purpose~ of illu tration only. It will be obviou~ to hose skilled in the art that ::~
additional lamp hold~rs may be aligned or attached, :~ :~
to accommodate the de~ired number and design of multi-array twin tubes, such as i ~hown in Fig. 3A.
Al~o, the lampholders may be attached in variou~
configuration~, a~ nece~sary. For example, the lampholder3 24 could be designed to hold all lamp~
`.".. ',' , ., '''. ;'.'': ' : ' ,' .. . '~ ''. ',~ ' ' .. " .; . ' .. "' '. "; .' ' 2129~
-7~
a~ on~ internal unit. Alternatively, the lampholders could be designed to permit one or more of the lamp~ to be selectively replaced a' end of life, thereby offering the pos~ibility of a les~
expensive lamp replacement at end of life~
Referring now to Fig. 3A~ there is illustrated a multi-array twin tube lamp 36, having a modified lamp base 26, in accordance with the pre~ent invention. Optional connection means 38, which may ~e any suitable ~onnec~ion means including a mechanical tie and/or an adhesive, are capable of bonding a plurality of twin tube lamp~ and~or lampholder~ to provide the multi-array twin tube lamp 36. Although Figs. 3A and 3B 5how a pair of twin tube lamp~ 40 and 42, it will be obviou~ to those skilled in the art that the nu~ber of twin tube l~mps which are connected in clo3e proximity may vary in accordance with de5ign requirements.
Continuing with Fig~ 3A and 3B, for low ambient temperature application~, an external ~tarting aid 44 may be incorporat:ed into the lamp assembly 36 to facilitate 3tarting at low temperatures. For example, the sstarting aid 44 could be a floating ~xternal conciuctive element, ~ituated along the longitudinal center of the lamp assembly 36. The starting aid 44 may further includ~ an electrical connection mean~, ~uch a~ wire 46, to connect the starting aid 44 to electrical ground for even more improved low temperature starting condition It is an advantage of thi~ multiple array approach that lamp life can b~ effectively doubled if the 01ectxical connection~ are such that ~oth lamp~ are connected in a parallel discharge arrangement. ~hat is, it is po~ible for one lamp 212~50~ L 0~952 to be on while the other lamp is off. With this type of arrangement, the light level would be equal to an equivalent twin tube lamp but only one-half of a quad lamp. The effecti~e lamp life would be doubled. Many de~rees of design flexibility are therefo~e provided, inherent to the multi-array approach. :
Th~ invention has been de~cribed in dekail with particular reference to certain ~:
preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be under~tood that modifications and variations can be :~
effected within the 5pirit and ~cope o the invention. ..
' ;::
:'~ ~''`
~".. .
. ~' .'','''`'
;
Technical Field :~
The present invention relate~ to a folded discharge lcw pressure lamp such as a fluorescent lamp and, more particularly, to a ~ompacted and segmented array of lamps for increasing the lumen output charactexi~tics in a compacted volum Backqround Art Lamp~ th~t u e mercury along with an inert gas, cuch as Argon, as a m~an~ of converting ~ ;
ultra-violet energy into visible light are ~:
cla~sified as low pres~ure fluore~cent discharge lamps. One such family of lamp~ that are com~ercially available are called twin tube lampR
and typically range in wattage from SW to 50W.
Double twin tube lamp type~, generically called quad~, are also co~nercially avai.lable and operate within the ~ame range of wattage. However, since quad lamp~ are inherently higher voltage device~
than linear or twin tube lamp~ of. equivalent length, it may be difficult to start the device due to the length o the discharge path and the bend~
associated with the quad lamp. This longer di~char9e path impose~ more difficult limitation~ on ~ -the ballasting becau~e of the inherently higher ballast voltag~ needed. Additionally, exi~ting quad lamp~ are difficult and more expen~ive to manufacture, particularly due to the additional need to join the gla~ l~mp tubes.
U.S. Patent 4,g37,487 of Blaisdell et al disclo~es single bent lamp tubes u~ed for an information display system for u~e a~ a picture ,: . . , . ~ : ~ : :
:.': .' . ' '`'`' '' ': '"" "":' ' ' ' ' ' ` '' , ' '~ ' :'.: i: . , , , -2~5~ . 099i~2 element. The ~lai~dell et al patent require3 lamp~
of different color~ and aix flow opening~ in it~
assembly. While the lamp asisembly of this patent serve~ well its de ired needsy i.P.~ to change color, it hasi de~inite limitations with regard to increasing total lumen output and in fact doe~ not eY~n address th~e issue of increasing lumen outputO
It i~ therefore highly de3irable and an object of the present invention to provide an alternative approach to the pre~ent quad concept which can offer the equivalent high lumen output with the compactnes~i feature of the quad de~ign and do ~io with the lower lamp operating v~ltage~ of twin tube lamps.
Summary of the Invention The present invention ha~ be~n developed to provide such a twin tube lamp arr~ngem0nt, wherein the quad concept of higher light output values in a compact volume can be accompli~ihed by a~sembling existing twin tube l~np~ in close proximity with each other. The present invention provid~ a low co~t option to the quad de~ign by miechanlcally and electrically connecting existing twin tube l&mp~i, without the need to join gla3~, a~ :
the quad lamp desi~n requires. Total lumen output ~
can be increased by using a mllti-array of single ~-bent tube3 which are ~impler and le~i~ expensive to ~:
manufacture than existing quad type lamps. Such a multi array liamp al80 make~ it pos~ible to de~ign new balla3t~, particularly of the electronic high frequency type, b~cau3e substantially higher balla~t ;
voltagei3 are not needed.
In accordance with one embodiment of the . .
present invention, exi~ting twin tube lamp8 can be "":. '''' .'' . i ' . . ~ . 1. , . ' ~.,,: '," ' , ,.
~12~0~
asqembled in close proximity to each other with surprisingly small decreases in eficacy due to reflectance and~or absorp'ion los~e~. The multi-array lamp assembly comprise~ multiple twin tube lamp3, each lamp having a base and being attachable to a lampholder. In one embodiment, the ba~e may be modified to allow the multiple twin tube lamp~ to be a~embled in cloeed proximity. Alter~atively, the lampholders may be modified to allow the multiple twin tube lamps to be as~embled in close proximity.~ ~`
Accordingly, it i8 an object of the -~
present invention to increase the ~y~tem lumen output characteristi~ of the twin tub~ type lamp~
while still keeping the compactne~s feature of the lamp. It is also an inherent advantage of the pre~ent invention that such multi-array lamps may be operatad at more than one discrete light level. It i~ a further advantage that the p:re~e.nt invention provides for a family of multi-ar:ray twin tube lamp~
that can be made u~ing existing twin-tube lamp equipmen~, at higher proces~ing s~peeds with redu~ed cost.
Other objects and adv,antage~ of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying dra1wing3 and the appended claim~.
Brief Description of the Dr~win~
Fig. 1 i~ a view of a prior art twin tube lamp, for whi~h the invention provides a mean~
of assembling multiple of these lamp~ in close proximity;
Fig3. 2A and 2B illustrate embodiments of multi-array lamp holders in extremely close ` ' ', ` ` ` ' ' . , ', ~ ' ' ' ' ' ' ` ' ' ` ' ' ' ' ` ` ' ' , ' ` ' . , ` ' ' ', :` ' ~ , ' :. ` ' ' ' , ' ' ' ~ ' '`, ` : ' '; i ~ . ` ' ~ ~
0 ~ ' proximity, arranged in accordance with the present invention, for holding multiples of the twin tube lamp of Fig. l;
Fig. 3A illustrate~ a multi-array twin tu~e lamp in accordance with the present invention;
and Fig. 3B illustraties a view taken ~long line B-B of the multi-array twin tube lamp of Fig. ~:
3A.
Detailed Descrlpt.ion of the Preferred Embodiment~
Exi~ting twin tube lamp de ign~ can be a3~e~b1ed in close proximity to ~ach other with surprisingly small decreases in eficacy due to reflectance and~or ab orption lo~ eqO Th~ 'quad' concept of higher light output value~ in a compact volume can be accomplished in an eas.ier and less expen ive manner by assembling exi~ting twin tube lamp~, in accordance with the pre~ent invention. :~
Referring now to the drawings, in Figq 1 .
there is illu~trated an existing single bent twin . ~
tube lamp 10. The present invention provide~ a : :
mean~ of axsembling multiple of such lamps 10 in close proximity, providing increa~ed total lum~n output. The twin tube lamp 10 include3 an illuminating tube 12 having a fir~t end 14 and a second end 16, with a bend area 18 w~lich can be u~ed for controlling the mercury vapor pr~ssure in the ~`
lamp. The end~ 14 and 16 are encaRed in a lamp ~hell b~e 20, having a plurality of lamp pin~ 22 for providing the proper electrical connection~
The present invention provides the ~ -possibility for multi-array twin tube lamp~
comprised of multiple twin tube lamps 10, for ~ :~
increasing the total system lumen output ,, , , ~ ~ . ., , . .. , . . ... . . , ... ... ~ .
2 ~ 09952 characteri~tics of the twin tube type lamps 10, which otherwis2 would not be pos~ible in certain cases with existing ballast technology. For example, the high2~t wattage quad lamp available i8 approximately 25 watts. With the multi-array concept~ this limit can be extended to 100 wattq.
Such multi-array lamps may also be more easily operated at more than one discrete light level, becau~e the lamp~ can be independently swit~hed on and off. The quad concept of higher light output values in a compact volume i8 accomplished by a~embling existing twin tube lamps 10 in clos~
proximity with each other. ~his provides a low C05t option to the quad design by mechanically and electrically connecting multiple existing twin tube lamp8 10. Total lumen output i~ increased by using a multi-array of the ~ingle bent tubes 12 which are ~impler to manufacture than exi ting quad type lamps. The multi-array twin tube lamp8 of the pre~ent invention can be made u ing exi ting twin tube lamps 10 which are proce~3ed at higher speeds, with khe resultant lower cost relative to quad lamp~ .
The concept of the pre~ent in~ention, achieving higher light output value in a compact volume, can be accompli~hed in a variety of ways, without d~parting ~rom the scope of the invention.
For example, a~ illustrated in Figs. 2A and 2~, lamp holderi$ ~4 may be modified to allow existing twin tube lampis 10 to be u~ed to increase the 8y8tem lumen output characteri3tics of such lamp type~, while still k~seping the compactness feature of the lamps. Alter~atively, ai3 illu~trated in Fig. 3, lamp baise 26 may be modified to accomplish the desired lamp as~eimbly. Obviou~ly, modification of .,. ~ , ~,. ~ , . .... . ... . ......
- 212950~ L 0~952 the ba~e 26 may ~equire related modification to the holder for accepting the lamp.
Referring to Fig~. 2A and 2B, there are illu3trated only two of many pos~ible configurations for achieviny the ~xtremely clo~e po~itioning of the multi-array lamp holders 24. Previously, clo~e proximity of multiple twin tube lamp8, in accord~n~e with the prr~sent invention, wa~ not pursued becau3e of a ~light reduction in lamp efficacy due to the inherent shorter arc discharge di~tance~ between the electrode structures of win tube lamp~ a~ compared to quad lamp8. However, the multi-array approach offer~ many additional advantage~, in~luding low cost, increased 1exibility in the ~onnection between the balla~t and the lamp, which overcome the slight reduction in lamp efficacy that can occur.
In Fig~. 2A and 2B, the lamp holder~ 24 :
compri~e base pins 28 for receiving the lamp pins 22 to energize the l~mp~ 10. The lamp holders 24 .
further may include mechanical alignment tab~ 30 and alignment tab 32 for precise positioning of the lamp. Each lamp holder 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, and 24e compri~e3 a lamp holder ~hell 34. Finally, the lampholders may be ~onnected by any suitabl2 means, including mechanical conne~tions or adhe~ive~
Figs. 2A and 2B illu~trate three atta~hed lamp holders and two attached lamp holder~, resp~ctively, for purpose~ of illu tration only. It will be obviou~ to hose skilled in the art that ::~
additional lamp hold~rs may be aligned or attached, :~ :~
to accommodate the de~ired number and design of multi-array twin tubes, such as i ~hown in Fig. 3A.
Al~o, the lampholders may be attached in variou~
configuration~, a~ nece~sary. For example, the lampholder3 24 could be designed to hold all lamp~
`.".. ',' , ., '''. ;'.'': ' : ' ,' .. . '~ ''. ',~ ' ' .. " .; . ' .. "' '. "; .' ' 2129~
-7~
a~ on~ internal unit. Alternatively, the lampholders could be designed to permit one or more of the lamp~ to be selectively replaced a' end of life, thereby offering the pos~ibility of a les~
expensive lamp replacement at end of life~
Referring now to Fig. 3A~ there is illustrated a multi-array twin tube lamp 36, having a modified lamp base 26, in accordance with the pre~ent invention. Optional connection means 38, which may ~e any suitable ~onnec~ion means including a mechanical tie and/or an adhesive, are capable of bonding a plurality of twin tube lamp~ and~or lampholder~ to provide the multi-array twin tube lamp 36. Although Figs. 3A and 3B 5how a pair of twin tube lamp~ 40 and 42, it will be obviou~ to those skilled in the art that the nu~ber of twin tube l~mps which are connected in clo3e proximity may vary in accordance with de5ign requirements.
Continuing with Fig~ 3A and 3B, for low ambient temperature application~, an external ~tarting aid 44 may be incorporat:ed into the lamp assembly 36 to facilitate 3tarting at low temperatures. For example, the sstarting aid 44 could be a floating ~xternal conciuctive element, ~ituated along the longitudinal center of the lamp assembly 36. The starting aid 44 may further includ~ an electrical connection mean~, ~uch a~ wire 46, to connect the starting aid 44 to electrical ground for even more improved low temperature starting condition It is an advantage of thi~ multiple array approach that lamp life can b~ effectively doubled if the 01ectxical connection~ are such that ~oth lamp~ are connected in a parallel discharge arrangement. ~hat is, it is po~ible for one lamp 212~50~ L 0~952 to be on while the other lamp is off. With this type of arrangement, the light level would be equal to an equivalent twin tube lamp but only one-half of a quad lamp. The effecti~e lamp life would be doubled. Many de~rees of design flexibility are therefo~e provided, inherent to the multi-array approach. :
Th~ invention has been de~cribed in dekail with particular reference to certain ~:
preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be under~tood that modifications and variations can be :~
effected within the 5pirit and ~cope o the invention. ..
' ;::
:'~ ~''`
~".. .
. ~' .'','''`'
Claims (16)
1. A multi-array twin tube lamp assembly comprising:
a. at least two twin tube lamps with independent electrode structures and discharge paths, each lamp capable of being attached to a base means and further being attachable to a lampholder means;
b. means for assembling the at least two twin tube lamps in close proximity to provide a plurality of individual lamps in close proximity.
a. at least two twin tube lamps with independent electrode structures and discharge paths, each lamp capable of being attached to a base means and further being attachable to a lampholder means;
b. means for assembling the at least two twin tube lamps in close proximity to provide a plurality of individual lamps in close proximity.
2. A multi-array twin tube lamp assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means for assembling the at least two twin tube lamps in close proximity comprises means for modifying the base means of each lamp.
3. A multi-array twin tube lamp assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the means for modifying the base means of each lamp comprises adhesive means for bonding the base means of each lamp in a desired configuration.
4. A multi-array twin tube lamp assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the means for modifying the base means of each lamp comprises mechanical connection means for attaching the base means of each lamp in a desired configuration.
5. A multi-array twin tube lamp assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the base means is a common base.
6. A multi-array twin tube lamp assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the base means is an individual base for each lamp.
7. A multi-array twin tube lamp assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the mean for assembling the at least two twin tube lamps in close proximity comprises means for modifying the lampholder means of each lamp.
8. A multi-array twin tube lamp assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein the means for modifying the lampholder means of each lamp comprises adhesive means for bonding the lampholder means of each lamp in a desired configuration.
9. A multi-array twin tube lamp assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein the means for modifying the lampholder means of each lamp comprises mechanical connection means for attaching the lampholder means of each lamp in a desired configuration.
10. A multi-array twin tube lamp assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein the lampholder means is a common lampholder.
11. A multi-array twin tube lamp assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein the lampholder means is an individual lampholder for each lamp.
12, A multi-array twin tube lamp assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of individual lamps in close proximity has a separate lamp voltage.
13. A multi-array twin tube lamp assembly as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an external starting aid to facilitate starting at low temperatures.
14. A multi-array twin tube lamp assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein the external starting aid comprises a floating external conductive element, situated along a longitudinal center of the lamp assembly.
15. A multi-array twin tube lamp assembly as claimed in claim 14 wherein the external starting aid further comprises an electrical connection means to connect the starting aid to electrical ground.
16. A multi-array twin tube lamp assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the lamps are externally connected in parallel to effectively extend lamp life.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10520993A | 1993-08-10 | 1993-08-10 | |
| US08/105,209 | 1993-08-10 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2129500A1 true CA2129500A1 (en) | 1995-02-11 |
Family
ID=22304624
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2129500 Abandoned CA2129500A1 (en) | 1993-08-10 | 1994-08-04 | Multi-array twin tube lamps |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0639874A3 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH08129989A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2129500A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2680177B1 (en) * | 1991-08-05 | 1995-06-30 | Miclo Michel | PROCESS FOR OBTAINING A FRUIT-BASED BEVERAGE, SLIGHTLY ALCOHOLIC, AND BEVERAGE THUS OBTAINED. |
| KR100892585B1 (en) | 2002-08-09 | 2009-04-08 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Lamp assembly and light supplying module and three level division liquid crystal display device having the same |
| US8304998B2 (en) * | 2007-12-14 | 2012-11-06 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Dimmable light generating device |
| KR101247032B1 (en) * | 2012-01-04 | 2013-03-25 | 김광혁 | Lamp lighting device and how to extend the life |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3233000A1 (en) * | 1982-09-04 | 1984-03-08 | Friedrich 7800 Freiburg Wolff | Lamp arrangement having a fluorescent lamp with a base at one end |
| DE8236814U1 (en) * | 1982-12-30 | 1991-05-08 | Mitsch, Herbert, 8904 Friedberg | Adapter for small fluorescent lamps |
| SE456113B (en) * | 1987-04-15 | 1988-09-05 | Ljus 1 Kellgren & Sundstedt Ab | SAVEL LIGHT FIXED AS DISTRIBUTED LIGHTING |
| DE9104097U1 (en) * | 1991-04-04 | 1991-06-06 | Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft für elektrische Glühlampen mbH, 81543 München | One-piece folding box for a single-ended fluorescent lamp |
| DE9104096U1 (en) * | 1991-04-04 | 1991-06-06 | Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft für elektrische Glühlampen mbH, 81543 München | One-piece folding box for a single-ended fluorescent lamp |
-
1994
- 1994-07-28 EP EP94305609A patent/EP0639874A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1994-08-04 CA CA 2129500 patent/CA2129500A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1994-08-05 JP JP18383394A patent/JPH08129989A/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0639874A3 (en) | 1996-05-08 |
| EP0639874A2 (en) | 1995-02-22 |
| JPH08129989A (en) | 1996-05-21 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |