GB2217905A - Discharge lamps - Google Patents

Discharge lamps Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2217905A
GB2217905A GB8808654A GB8808654A GB2217905A GB 2217905 A GB2217905 A GB 2217905A GB 8808654 A GB8808654 A GB 8808654A GB 8808654 A GB8808654 A GB 8808654A GB 2217905 A GB2217905 A GB 2217905A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
lamp
electrodes
dimension
abutment member
extent
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB8808654A
Other versions
GB8808654D0 (en
Inventor
Walter Whittaker
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
AC DC HOLDINGS Ltd
Original Assignee
AC DC HOLDINGS Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by AC DC HOLDINGS Ltd filed Critical AC DC HOLDINGS Ltd
Priority to GB8808654A priority Critical patent/GB2217905A/en
Publication of GB8808654D0 publication Critical patent/GB8808654D0/en
Publication of GB2217905A publication Critical patent/GB2217905A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J61/00—Gas-discharge or vapour-discharge lamps
    • H01J61/02—Details
    • H01J61/30—Vessels; Containers

Abstract

A lamp 10 includes a pair of spaced nickel-iron electrodes 12 and 14 each of which seals a different end of a square shaped cavity defined between spaced square glass plates 16 and 18 and side seals 20 and 22 extending between the plates 16 and 18. The plate 16 includes a series of nine spaced domed protuberances 24 which extend across and contact the opposed face of the other plate 18. Light may be emitted from the face of one plate or both plates. <IMAGE>

Description

CATHODE LAMPS.
The present invent ion relates to cathode lamps, and in particular although not exclusively, to coldcathode discharge lamps.
In a known cold-cathode discharge tube, a pair of electrodes are each mounted at a different end of a tube of circular cross-section which is hollow throughout its length. The tube takes up a considerable volume of space as it extends in all directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube to an extent equal to the width of light emitted from the tube. Furthermore, the tube has to be made of relatively thick material in order to be able to withstand the pressure differentials which are exerted on the tube both during manufacture, In which the interior of the tube is evacuated, and during use, in which a pressure differential acts on the walls and other stresses are also to be exerted.
According to one aspect of the present invention a cathode lamp includes a pair of spaced electrodes in which the dimension of the lamp along at least part of the extent of the lamp between the electrodes, in a plane extending perpendicularly to the direction between the electrodes through the lamp, is greater in a first direction than the dimension In a second direction transverse to the first direction.
The lamp may include at least one and preferably a plurality of abutment members within the lamp extending from one side of the lamp to the other side of the lamp.
The abutment member or members may be fixed to or integral with one side of the lamp.
According to another aspect of the present invent Ion, a cathode lamp includes at least one abutment member extending within the lamp from one side of the lamp to the other side of the lamp. A plurality of such abutment members may be provided. The or each abutment member may be fixed to or integral with one side of the lamp. The dimension of the lamp along at least part of the extent of the lamp between the electrodes, in a plane extending perpendicularly to the direction between the electrodes through the lamp may be greater In a first direction than the dimension in a second direction transverse to the first direction.
The dimension of the lamp may be taken from the Inwardly facing surface of the walls defining the enclosure of the lamp or the outwardly facing surface of those walls or both.
The first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction.
The dimension In the first direction may be greater than the dimension in the second direction throughout substantially the complete extent between the electrodes through the lamp.
The cross section of the lamp along at least part of the extent of or along substantially the complete extent of the lamp in the direction between the electrodes through the lamp may be generally rectangular.
The lamp may Include at least one side, and preferably two sides comprising a generally planar sheet.
The present invention also Includes a method of making a cathode lamp having any of the herein described features.
The present invention also includes any combination of the herein described features.
The invention may be carried Into practice in various ways, but one embodiment will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of coid-cathode discharge lamp 10, and Figure 2 Is a cross-section taken on the line 11- ii of Figure 1.
As shown in the figures, the lamp 10 includes a pair of spaced nickel-iron electrodes 12 and 14 each sealing a different end of a square shaped cavity defined between spaced square glass plates 16 and 18 and side seals 20 and 22 extending between the plates 16 and 18 down either side of the plates. The plate 16 includes a series of nine spaced domed protuberances 24 which extend across and contact the opposed face of the other plate 18. The protuberances 24 may be formed Integrally with the plate 16.
The lamp is made by placing the plates 16 and 18 In their relative positions and securing them together by the side seals 20 and 22 and the electrodes 12 and 14.
The cavity Is then evacuated and the appropriate gas Inserted into the cavity. The opening (not shown) through which gas is evacuated and inserted is then sealed. The protrubances prevent the plates 16 and 18 from flexing towards each other either during manufacture or during subsequent use.
The lamp Illustrated is approximately 100 mm by 100 mm when vlewed in Figure 1. Light may be arranged to be emitted either from the face of one plate or the face of both plates.
The lamp Is particularly useful for use in conjunction with liquid crystal displays used in aircraft cockpits. The lamp is arranged to be located behind such a display In order to shine light through the display. The flat face of one of the plates is placed against or adJacent to the rear of the display and it can be seen that light can be emitted over an area of approximately 100 mm by 100 mm and yet the depth of the lamp need only be 30 mm or 20 mm or 10 mm or less.
Accordingly a considerable saving of space, which is at a premium in aircraft, Is able to be made.
Light filters may be provided in or on the lamp or in or on the liquid crystal display in order to achleve different colours for different displays.
Where the lamp Is used in aircraft which undergo considerable g force effects, such as when turning fast at high speed, the protuberances assist in providing strength to the lamp by limiting or preventing flexure of one plate towards the other.

Claims (20)

1. A cathode lamp Including a pair of spaced electrodes in which the dimension of the lamp along at least part of the extent of the lamp between the electrodes, in a plane extending perpendicularly to the direction between the electrodes through the lamp, is greater in a fIrst direction than the dimension in a second direction transverse to the first direction.
2. A lamp as claimed In Claim 1 including at least one abutment member wlthin the lamp extending from one side of the lamp to the other side of the lamp.
3. A lamp as claimed in Claim 2 including a plurality of abutment members within the lamp extending from one side of the lamp to the other side of the lamp.
4. A lamp as claimed in Claim 2 or 3 in which the abutment member or members are fixed to one side of the lamp.
5. A lamp as claimed in Claim 4 in which the abutment member or members are Integral with one side of the lamp.
6. A cathode lamp including at least one abutment member extending within the lamp from one side of the lamp to the other side of the lamp.
7. A lamp as claimed in Claim 6 including a plurality of abutment members.
8. A lamp as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7 in which the or each abutment member is fixed to one side of the lamp.
9. A lamp as claImed in Claim 8 in which the or each abutment member is integral with one side of the lamp.
10. A lamp as claimed In any of Claims 6 to 9 in which the dimension of the lamp along at least part of the extent of the lamp between the electrodes, In a plane extending perpendicularly to the direction between the electrodes through the lamp Is greater in a first direction than the dimension In a second direction transverse to the first direction.
11. A lamp as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 5 or Claim 10 In which the dimension of the lamp is taken from the Inwardly facing surface of the walls defining the enclosure of the lamp.
12. A lamp as claimed In any of Claims 1 to 5 or Claim 10 or 11 In which the dimension of the lamp is taken from the outwardly facing surface of walls defining the enclosure of the lamp.
13. A lamp as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 5 or any of Claims 10 to 12 in which the first direction Is perpendicular to the second direction.
14. A lamp as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 5 or 10 to 13 in which the dimension in the first direction is greater than the dimension in the second direction throughout substantially the complete extent between the electrodes through the lamp.
15. A lamp as claimed In any of Claims 1 to 5 or 10 to 14 in which the cross-section of the lamp along at least part of the extent of the lamp in the direction between the electrodes through the lamp is generally rectangular.
16. A lamp as claimed in Claim 15 in which the crosssect ion of the lamp along substantially the complete extent of the lamp in the direction between the electrodes through the lamp Is generally rectangular.
17. A lamp as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 5 or 10 to 16 including at least one side comprising a generally planar sheet.
18. A lamp as claimed in Claim 17 including two sides comprising generally planar sheets.
19. A cathode lamp substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.
20. A method of making a cathode lamp in which the lamp includes a feature of the lamp as claimed in any of the Claims 1 to 19.
GB8808654A 1988-04-13 1988-04-13 Discharge lamps Withdrawn GB2217905A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8808654A GB2217905A (en) 1988-04-13 1988-04-13 Discharge lamps

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8808654A GB2217905A (en) 1988-04-13 1988-04-13 Discharge lamps

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8808654D0 GB8808654D0 (en) 1988-05-18
GB2217905A true GB2217905A (en) 1989-11-01

Family

ID=10635086

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB8808654A Withdrawn GB2217905A (en) 1988-04-13 1988-04-13 Discharge lamps

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2217905A (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1990009676A1 (en) * 1989-02-11 1990-08-23 Smiths Industries Public Limited Company Radiation-emitting panels and display assemblies
EP0467542A2 (en) * 1990-07-16 1992-01-22 Smiths Industries Public Limited Company Radiation-emitting panels and display assemblies
FR2666676A1 (en) * 1990-09-12 1992-03-13 Smiths Industries Plc LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY DEVICE WITH FLUORESCENT LAMP.
EP0495068A1 (en) * 1990-08-03 1992-07-22 LYNN, Judd B. Thin configuration flat form vacuum-sealed envelope
US5272410A (en) * 1989-02-11 1993-12-21 Smiths Industries Public Limited Company Radiation-emitting panels and display assemblies
US5589730A (en) * 1992-10-12 1996-12-31 Valeo Vision Motor vehicle lighting/indicating apparatus using luminescent discharge

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB325592A (en) * 1928-11-23 1930-02-24 Soma Prisner Improvements in or relating to electric discharge lamps
GB465135A (en) * 1935-11-01 1937-05-03 Thomas William Warren Improved electric discharge lamps and method of making same
GB545592A (en) * 1940-03-01 1942-06-03 Westinghouse Electric Int Co Improvements in or relating to gaseous electric discharge lamps
GB2027265A (en) * 1978-06-05 1980-02-13 Horstmann G Low pressure mercury vapour lamp and irradiation reactor equipped therewith
GB1566370A (en) * 1977-08-22 1980-04-30 Siemens Ag Vessels having two spaced wall plates eg for optical display devices
GB2043332A (en) * 1978-12-30 1980-10-01 Stanley Electric Co Ltd Flat fluorescent lamp
GB2068357A (en) * 1980-01-14 1981-08-12 Modern Controls Inc Constructing a gas display panel
US4325489A (en) * 1980-04-17 1982-04-20 Rca Corporation Envelope for flat panel display devices
WO1987004562A1 (en) * 1986-01-17 1987-07-30 Sidefact Limited Flat light source

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB325592A (en) * 1928-11-23 1930-02-24 Soma Prisner Improvements in or relating to electric discharge lamps
GB465135A (en) * 1935-11-01 1937-05-03 Thomas William Warren Improved electric discharge lamps and method of making same
GB545592A (en) * 1940-03-01 1942-06-03 Westinghouse Electric Int Co Improvements in or relating to gaseous electric discharge lamps
GB1566370A (en) * 1977-08-22 1980-04-30 Siemens Ag Vessels having two spaced wall plates eg for optical display devices
GB2027265A (en) * 1978-06-05 1980-02-13 Horstmann G Low pressure mercury vapour lamp and irradiation reactor equipped therewith
GB2043332A (en) * 1978-12-30 1980-10-01 Stanley Electric Co Ltd Flat fluorescent lamp
GB2068357A (en) * 1980-01-14 1981-08-12 Modern Controls Inc Constructing a gas display panel
US4325489A (en) * 1980-04-17 1982-04-20 Rca Corporation Envelope for flat panel display devices
WO1987004562A1 (en) * 1986-01-17 1987-07-30 Sidefact Limited Flat light source

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1990009676A1 (en) * 1989-02-11 1990-08-23 Smiths Industries Public Limited Company Radiation-emitting panels and display assemblies
US5272410A (en) * 1989-02-11 1993-12-21 Smiths Industries Public Limited Company Radiation-emitting panels and display assemblies
EP0467542A2 (en) * 1990-07-16 1992-01-22 Smiths Industries Public Limited Company Radiation-emitting panels and display assemblies
EP0467542A3 (en) * 1990-07-16 1993-01-20 Smiths Industries Public Limited Company Radiation-emitting panels and display assemblies
EP0495068A1 (en) * 1990-08-03 1992-07-22 LYNN, Judd B. Thin configuration flat form vacuum-sealed envelope
EP0495068A4 (en) * 1990-08-03 1992-11-19 Judd B. Lynn Thin configuration flat form vacuum-sealed envelope
FR2666676A1 (en) * 1990-09-12 1992-03-13 Smiths Industries Plc LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY DEVICE WITH FLUORESCENT LAMP.
US5589730A (en) * 1992-10-12 1996-12-31 Valeo Vision Motor vehicle lighting/indicating apparatus using luminescent discharge

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB8808654D0 (en) 1988-05-18

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)