US3619697A - Mercury vapor discharge lamp and pressure-regulating means therefor - Google Patents

Mercury vapor discharge lamp and pressure-regulating means therefor Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3619697A
US3619697A US381503A US3619697DA US3619697A US 3619697 A US3619697 A US 3619697A US 381503 A US381503 A US 381503A US 3619697D A US3619697D A US 3619697DA US 3619697 A US3619697 A US 3619697A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
amalgam
lamp
assembly
mercury
stem
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 - Lifetime
Application number
US381503A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
George S Evans
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.)
Philips North America LLC
Original Assignee
Westinghouse Electric Corp
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 Westinghouse Electric Corp filed Critical Westinghouse Electric Corp
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3619697A publication Critical patent/US3619697A/en
Assigned to NORTH AMERICAN PHILIPS ELECTRIC CORP. reassignment NORTH AMERICAN PHILIPS ELECTRIC CORP. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORPORATION
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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

Definitions

  • the mercury vapor pressure within an operating fluorescent lamp or similar device is controlled by a quantity of mercury-amalgamative material that is retained at a predetermined location within the lamp by holding means secured to one of the mount assemblies or the lamp envelope.
  • the amalgamative material preferably comprises indium and is held in place by a formaminous assembly.
  • the formed indium-mercury amalgam contains from about 80 to 95 atomic percent indium and both the lamp performance (light output versus ambient temperature) and amalgam retention are significantly improved with indium contents at the high end of the aforesaid atomic percent range.
  • Various amalgam-holding structures, including temperaturecompensating types employing bimetal elements, and a method of fabricating the vapor-pressure control components are also disclosed.
  • PATENTEBunv 9 I9 PERCENT BR IGHTNESS PERCENT BRIGHTNESS IOO-L 3O 5O 7O 90 HO I30 I50 AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IN F AMBIENT TEMP.
  • This invention relates to mercury vapor discharge lamps and has particular reference to an improved fluorescent lamp having a mercury vapor pressure regulating means that permits the lamp to be operated efficiently at high power loadings or under a wide range of ambient temperatures, or both.
  • the efficiency of a fluorescent lamp is at a maximum when the mercury vapor pressure within the lamp is maintained at approximately 6 to l microns. At this vapor pressure, the amount of 2,537 A. radiation produced by the discharge is at maximum.
  • the design parameters are so correlated that the required mercury vapor pressure prevails under normal operating conditions. However, when the lamp is operated at higher power loadings or under high ambient temperature conditions, the mercury vapor pressure increases and the light output drops off sharply.
  • the mercury vapor pressure within a fluorescent lamp be controlled by an amalgam of a selected metal and mercury. Since the vapor pressure of mercury is lower in the case of a mercury amalgam than it is for pure mercury, the use of such an amalgam affords the distinct advantage of controlling the mercury vapor pressure within the lamp without resorting to end chambers or the like.
  • an amalgam-containing fluorescent lamp is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,007,071 entitled Low- Pressure Mercury Vapor Discharge Lamp," issued Oct. 31, 1961 to A. Lompe et al.
  • amalgam had to be coated over a rather large surface area and could not be placed near the electrodes, as indicated in the aforesaid patent.
  • amalgam contained relatively large amounts of mercury and thus had a tendency to melt and migrate from the desired location within the lamp during the later stages of lamp manufacture and during operation under extremely high ambient temperature conditions.
  • Another and more specific object is the provision of an improved fluorescent lamp that can be operated at high loadings and over a wide range of ambient temperatures with a minimum loss of light output.
  • An additional object is the provision of an amalgam-containing fluorescent lamp that can be conveniently manufactured on a mass production basis.
  • the amalgam-forming metal is sandwiched between two strips of wire cloth.
  • the cloth is made from a metal that the amalgam will wet and the openings in the cloth are such that the amalgam, even when in a liquid state, will be retained within the cloth matrix by capillary action.
  • the metal-cloth sandwich when placed within the lamp does not contain any mercury.
  • the amalgam is formed after the lamp has been dosed with a predetermined amount of mercury in the regular fashion.
  • the amalgam composition is such that the amalgam will remain substantially in the solid phase when the lamp is not in use and will remain in a semiliquid phase over practically the entire range of temperatures which prevail at the amalgam location when the lamp is operated.
  • an indium-mercury amalgam is used and the atomic percent indium is maintained within a selected critical range.
  • the amalgam contains from about to about atomic percent indium.
  • this particular amalgam not only has the desired physical properties at the operating and nonoperating temperatures but maintains the light output at higher levels over a wider range of operating temperatures. Lamps containing this particular amalgam will thus operate efliciently over a wide range of ambient temperatures and at loadings significantly higher than those now used.
  • Various structures and assemblies for holding the amalgam in the desired location within the lamp are provided including one wherein a bimetallic element is utilized to compensate for temperature variations which may be encountered during lamp operation.
  • a preferred method for fabricating a mercury vapor control assembly utilizing strips of metal wire cloth, a strip of amalgam-forming metal, and a pair of rollers is also provided.
  • FIG. I is a front-elevational view of a highly loaded fluorescent lamp embodying the present invention, portions of the bulb being removed for convenience of illustration;
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the electrode mount structure of the aforesaid lamp that carries the vaporpressure control assembly of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view through the mount along the line Ill-III of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of the laminated vapor-pressure control assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3, portions of the assembly being removed to indicate the various layers;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the clamp used to hold the aforesaid assembly in position on the stem;
  • FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a preferred method for making the laminated cloth-metal assembly shown in FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the cloth-metal assembly produced by the method illustrated in FIG. 6;
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another fluorescent lamp mount embodying an alternative form of vapor control assembly
  • FIG. 9 is a plan view of the laminated cloth-metal component of the pressure control assembly shown in FIG. 8, portions of the various layers being omitted for illustrative pur- P FIGS. I0 to 2
  • FIG. 22 is a phase diagram of the mercury-indium alloy system indicating the preferred range of indium content in the amalgam according to the invention.
  • FIG. 23 is a graph illustrating the diflerence in the operating temperature of the amalgam when the latter is placed on the stem rather than on the bulb wall;
  • FIG. 24 is a graph comparing the brightness versus ambient temperature characteristics of a conventional highly loaded fluorescent lamp having end chambers and an indium-mercury amalgam lamp embodying the present invention
  • FIG. 25 is a graph illustrating the improved brightness versus ambient temperature characteristics displayed by indiummercury amalgam lamps containing increased amounts of indium',
  • F [G 26 is a graph illustrating the brightness versus ambient temperature characteristics of a family of lamps having the amalgam mounted at different distances from the electrode in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 27 is a graph contrasting the ambient temperature range versus brightness-maintenance characteristics of the improved indium-mercury amalgam lamps of the present invention and conventional highly loaded lamps in which the vapor pressure is controlled by the temperature of condensed mercury.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown a highly loaded fluorescent lamp 28 having a tubular light-transmitting envelope 29 which has the usual re entrant mounts 30 sealed into each of its ends.
  • Each of the mounts carries a thermionic electrode 32 that is connected by lead wires 34 and 34' to recessed contacts housed within a suitable base 35 attached to each end of the envelope 29.
  • the inner surface of the envelope is coated with a layer 33 of an ultraviolet-responsive phosphor and one of the mounts 30 is provided with a tubulation 36 that is tipped off in the usual manner after the lamp has been evacuated, mercury-dosed, and filled with a suitable inert starting gas such as argon, neon, or a mixture thereof.
  • a suitable inert starting gas such as argon, neon, or a mixture thereof.
  • one of the mounts 30 (preferably the nontubulated mount as shown in FIG. 1) is provided with a mercury vapor pressure control structure such as an arcuate assembly 40 which includes an amalgam-forming metal and is fastened to the mount.
  • a mercury vapor pressure control structure such as an arcuate assembly 40 which includes an amalgam-forming metal and is fastened to the mount.
  • the mount 30 comprises the usual flared vitreous stem 31 and lead wires 34 and 34' which support the electrode 32 and are sealed through a press 37 formed on one end of the stem.
  • the electrode 32 preferably consists of a linear triple coiled tungsten filament that carries the usual alkaline-earth oxide coating.
  • a pair of enlarged metal anodes 38 and 38' are also mounted on either side of and in parallel relationship with the electrode 32, preferably by attaching them to the ends of the lead wires.
  • the mercury vapor pressure control as sembly 40 initially comprises a rectangular lamination consisting of a layer 44 of suitable amalgam-forming metal sandwiched between two strips 42, 43 of metal wire mesh or cloth.
  • the strips of wire cloth thus serve as a support structure or matrix for the amalgam-forming metal.
  • the aforesaid laminated assembly 40 is wrapped around the cylindrical portion of the stem 31 and tightly clamped therearound by a resilient wire ring 41 (FIG.
  • the assembly is so positioned that the leading edge of the assembly is spaced a predetermined distance d from the transverse plane that passes through the intermediate segments of the lead wires 34, 34' fastened to the ends of the electrode 32.
  • the aforesaid plane will of course also pass through the electrode.
  • constitutes a collar that is readily and securely fastened directly to the electrode mount 30.
  • the length of the laminated assembly 40 is made slightly less than the circumference of the stem 31 so that the ends of the assembly will be spaced from one another, as will be noted in l"l(iS. l [03.
  • the distance d between the leading edge of the collar asscmhly 40 and the electrode 32 is critical insofar as it determines the temperature at which the amalgam operates in the completed lamp. This, in turn, determines the mercury vapor pressure within the lamp when the latter is energized and thus controls its light output and operating efficiency.
  • Any metal which amalgamates readily with mercury and which will no contaminate the lamp atmosphere at the temperatures which will be encountered during the assembly and operation of the lamp can be used.
  • metals which meet both of these requirements and are suitable include thallium, tin, and alloys thereto. Indium is particularly suitable, as hereinafter disclosed.
  • the overlying strips 42 and 43 of cloth can be woven from other materials besides metal wire. It should, however, be fabricated from a material that is substantially inert with respect to both mercury and the amalgamforming metal and should also be one which the amalgam will wet.
  • the cloth can, accordingly, be made from glass or quartz fibers or from nickel, nickel-plated iron, aluminum, titanium, or iron wire. Grade A nickel cloth has given excellent results and is preferred.
  • Any suitably foraminous material such as perforated sheets of metal, can also be used in place of the cloth strips.
  • FIG. 6 there is shown a preferred method for fabricating the laminated vapor-pressure control assembly 40 described above.
  • the preferred technique involves positioning a strip 44 of a suitable amalgam-forming metal, such as indium, between two strips 42 and 43 of foraminous material (nickel wire cloth, for, example, as indicated) and feeding the strips while in such overlying relationship between a pair of rollers 46 and 47 which rotate and compress the respective strips one against the other. Since the strip 44 of amalgamforming metal is very ductile and soft, the foraminous strips 42 and 43 are partly embedded in the strip 44.
  • a suitable amalgam-forming metal such as indium
  • the overlying strips of foraminous material adhere to and are held together solely by the interposed layer of amalgam-forming metal thus providing a lamination 40 that can be readily handled without falling apart.
  • This method of fabrication is very advantageous since continuous strips of material can be automatically fed into the rollers to produce a continuous lamination that can then be cut into the required lengths.
  • MOUNT AND LAMP ASSEMBLY After the lead wires, electrodes and anodes have been joined with the glass stem 3
  • the tubulated mount is sealed into the other end of the envelope which is then evacuated, charged with a suitable fill gas, dosed with a predetermined quantity of mercury and tipped off in accordance with standard lampmaking
  • the mercury combines with the metal strip 44 in the tipped-off lamp to form an amalgam of the desired composition.
  • the lamp 28 can be manufactured in the conventional manner and no special precautions are necessary to protect the assembly from heat etc. during lamp manufacture as in the prior art lamps when the amalgam was formed prior to lamp assembly.
  • the composition and physical properties of the amalgam that is subsequently formed within the completed lamp are determined by the quantities of mercury and amalgam-forming metal that are separately placed within the lamp as it is being fabricated.
  • the amount of amalgam-forming metal is determined by the dimensions of the strip 44 that is placed in the laminated assembly 40, and the amount of mercury is regulated in the usual manner by the dosing operation.
  • the vapor-pressure control assembly 40 is preferably placed on the nontubulated mount 30, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, to avoid the accidental loss of amalgam-forming metal during lamp manufacture.
  • This can occur when the lamps are fabricated on a sealex machine of the type in which the tubulated mount is first sealed into the lower end of the envelope 29 while the latter is held in a vertical position, and the envelope is then inverted to seal the nontubulated mount into the other end of the envelope.
  • the assembly 40 was attached to the tubulated mount, occasionally some of the heat-softened amalgam-forming metal would be torn free from the assembly as the envelope was swung through an arc and being inverted in preparation for the second sealing-in operation. Placing the assembly 40 on the nontubulated mount which is sealed into the envelope after the envelope has been inverted thus avoids this potential manufacturing problem and insures that an amalgam of the desired composition will be formed within the completed lamp.
  • FIG. 7 Another important feature of the preferred embodiment of the invention is the provision of a margin 45 (see FIG. 4) along each side edge of the assembly 40 that is initially free from amalgam-forming metal.
  • a margin 45 see FIG. 4
  • the metal sheet 44 is approximately centered with respect to the cloth strips to provide margins 45 of a predetermined width along each edge of the assembly 40 that is free from the amalgam-forming metal.
  • the amalgam-fonning metal 44 extends to the edges of the clothe strips 42 and 43, it tends to collect in droplets along the edge of the assembly 40 when the lamp is handled in the factory while still hot. Occasionally, some of these droplets would be jarred loose from the assembly 40 while the lamp was still being processed or tested resulting in a loss of metal from the assembly and improper mercury vapor pressure regulation.
  • the provision of the metal-free margins 45 along both sides of the assembly 40 avoids this problem in that the amalgam-forming metal, even though it wets the cloth strips, takes a considerably time to migrate to the edges of the assembly.
  • the margins accordingly, provide a sort of buffer zone that retains the amalgam-forming metal on the assembly 40 during the subsequent fabrication and testing operations performed on the lamp. While the amalgam that is formed eventually migrates by capillary action to the edges of the assembly 40, this occurs long after the lamp has been completed and has been in use and is thus no longer subjected to mechanical impacts that would tend to jar the amalgam loose from its support structure.
  • amalgam-retaining support structure of wire cloth or other foraminous material that is used must have the following characteristics:
  • the support structure or assembly must expose a sufficient amount of the amalgam-fanning metal to the mercury vapor within the lamp to establish dynamic equilibrium and optimum output within a short period of time, as for example within 5 to minutes.
  • the strips of foraminous material must provide a matrix having sufficient volume to contain the required amount of amalgam without the formation of teardrops.
  • the openings in the foraminous material must be of a size such that the amalgam, when in a semlliquid and liquid state, will fill the openings by capillary action.
  • the foraminous strips must be fabricated from a material that is substantially inert with respect to both mercury and the amalgam-forming metal employed, and it must also be one which the amalgam will wet.
  • the relative dimensions of the foraminous strips and sheet of amalgam-forming metal be such that a margin that is initially devoid of metal will be provided along both edges of the completed assembly when the metal sheet is centrally located therein, as described above.
  • a mercury vapor control assembly constructed as described above but only half as long (three-fourths of an inch) would be suitable for use in a 48-inch T I2 highly loaded lamp of the same current rating containing approximately 60 milligrams of mercu-
  • the minimum amounts of indium and mercury that can be used consistent with adequate lamp life are 222 milligrams and 100 milligrams, respectively.
  • the corresponding values are 50 milligrams of mercury and l I l milligrams of indium.
  • at least 166 milligrams of indium and 75 milligrams of mercury would be required.
  • In FIGS. 8 and 9 there is shown another form of lamp mount 30a and vapor-pressure control assembly 40a that are identical to those shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, respectively, except that the ends of the laminated assembly are cut at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the assembly rather than at right angles thereto.
  • the ends of the assembly 400 are thus tapered in opposite directions as shown in FIG. 9 and, when the assembly is mounted on the stem 310, the end edges are spaced from and extend parallel to one another along a line that is transverse to the stem axis, as shown in FIG. 8.
  • This construction serves to prevent any droplets of amalgam, or amalgam-forming metal, that may form at the cut ends of the assembly from falling free when the lamp is held in a vertical, or tilted upright position, while the lamp is still hot. Since the tapered cut end edges of the assembly lie one above the other throughout substantially their entire length, even when the lamp is held in a vertical position, any droplets that form along and fall from the uppermost edge will strike and be absorbed by the lowermost edge and thus be retained on the assembly.
  • FIG. 10 there is shown another form of mount 3% wherein the collarlike vapor control assembly 40b is held in encircling but spaced-apart relationship with the stem 31b by an L-shaped support wire 48 that is fastened to one of the lead wires (at a point adjacent to the stem press) and to the assembly, as by welding to one of the metal cloth strips of the assembly.
  • this arrangement physically isolates the amalgam-containing assembly 40b from the stem 31b and minimizes the effect of variations in the ambient and stem temperature on the operating temperature of the amalgam.
  • the amalgam-containing assembly 40b may also be electrically isolated from the electrode 32b by utilizing an L-shaped support wire consisting of two segments 49 and 50 that are joined together by a glass insulator 51 as illustrated in FIG. 12. In this case, the assembly 40b would not only be physically spaced from the stem tube but would be disposed in electrically floating relationship with respect to the electrode structure.
  • heat transfer to the vapor-pressure control assembly 40c may be further reduced by using a support wire 53 having an intermediate retroverted or looped portion 54, as illustrated in FIG. 14.
  • This type of support would provide a longer heat path from the stem to the amalgam-containing assembly and thus serve to further isolate the amalgam from temperature variations induced in the stem by changes in the ambient temperature.
  • FIG. I there is illustrated still another arrangement for mounting the pressure control assembly in spaced-apart encircling relationship on the stem.
  • the arcuate assembly 40d is held in the desired position by a resilient wire ring 55 that is clamped on the stem 31d and has a pair of laterally extending arms 56 that extend through and are interlocked with the assembly.
  • the laminated assembly 40d is provided with a pair of slotlike apertures 57 that are dimensioned and spaced to receive the hooked ends of the arms 56 and then hold them in such a position that the circular portion of the ring 55 is contracted and firmly locked in place around the stem 31d.
  • the assembly-holding means includes bimetal elements 59 and 6] that are arranged to shift the position of the vapor control assembly 40c relative to the electrode 32 in response to variations in temperature within the lamp.
  • the holding means in this case comprises a wire support 58 that is attached to the arcuate amalgam-containing assembly 40c and to one end of a generally U-shaped bimetallic element 59, the other end of which is connected by means of an arcuate support wire 60 that curves around the stern 31c (see FIG. 19) to the end of another U-shaped bimetallic element 61.
  • the opposite end of this element is, in turn, secured to the upper part of the mount 30 by another support wire 62 that is embedded in the stern press 372.
  • the aforesaid bimetallic elements 59 and 61 are adapted and arranged to form an elongated and movable heat-sensitive support member that shifts the assembly 40:! toward and away from the electrode 32c along the stern 3Ie in response to temperature variations within the lamp induced by changes in the ambient temperature.
  • the assembly 40e will be spaced from the electrode 32: by distance 41 (as indicated in FIG. I7) and will be automatically shifted toward the electrode and be spaced therefrom a distance d,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, when the ambient temperature drops to a predetermined value, as for example 70 F.
  • This arrangement accordingly, automatically compensates for variations in the ambient temperature conditions and permits the operating temperature of the amalgam to be maintained within very close limits.
  • FIG. Another temperature-compensating arrangement is shown in FIG. wherein the arcuate mercury vapor control assembly 40] is held in spaced-apart and encircling relationship with the stem 31 f at a fixed distance from the electrode 32]" by a relatively heavy support wire 64 that is anchored in the press 37] of the mount 30f and fastened, as by welding, to the assembly.
  • An arcuate heat shield 65 is suspended between the assembly and electrode by a generally U-shaped bimetallic element 66 that is secured to the support wire 64, as is shown in the drawing.
  • This bimetallic element is so arranged that at a preselected ambient temperature it exposes the amalgam-containing assembly 40] to the radiated and convected heat emanating from the electrode 32f and the discharge of the energized lamp.
  • FIG. 21 there is shown still another form of the invention wherein mercury vapor pressure control assembly 403 is sup ported in spaced-apart relationship with the walls of the envelope 29 by a compressible wire clip 68 of generally U- shaped configuration that engages the envelope wall at a plurality of spaced points.
  • the clip when in relaxed condition, is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the envelope so that it is held in the desired position inside the lamp solely by the compressive force exerted by the envelope.
  • the retaining clip is preferably of such configuration that the amalgam-containing assembly 40g is suspended at a location between the center of the envelope and the envelope walls, as shown in FIG. 2], so as to avoid placing the amalgam in the main portion of the arc stream.
  • more than one amalgam-containing assembly may be attached to the clip, as indicated by the phantom showing of additional assemblies on the upstanding portions of the clip as viewed in FIG. 2].
  • the vapor-pressure control assembly may also be secured directly to the envelope wall at a preselected position along the bulb axis. This may be accomplished by providing a tab extension on the assembly, for example, and securing this to the envelope wall by a suitable cement that will not contaminate the lamp atmosphere.
  • indium-mercury amalgam for example, it has been discovered that the amount of indium in the amalgam must be maintained within the range of about to about atomic percent. As shown in the phase diagram for the mercury indium alloy system illustrated in FIG. 22, an amalgam containing this amount of indium remains in either the solid or liquid-solid phase over a temperature range from 4 F. and below to at least about 122 F. Thus, If an amalgam of this composition is placed within the lamp it will remain in a substantially solid state and will not be jarred loose from its support structure while the lamp is being handled during manufacture or shipment. The aforesaid range of temperature is indicated by the lower hatched region 70 in the graph and is identified as the nonoperating range.
  • indium-mercury amalgam containing from about 80 to 95 atomic percent indium and operating at temperatures from about 122 F. to 266 F. will tend to liquify. However, even when in a liquid state such an amalgam will be retained on a suitably designed foraminous support structure, such as the type described previously. Thus, the amalgam will be held in the proper location within the lamp while the latter is operated in its fixture. This temperature range is indicated by the upper hatched region 72 on the graph and is identified as the operating range.” As will be noted, most of the combinations of indium-mercury amalgam compositions and operating temperatures provide an amalgam that remains in either the solid or liquid-solid state.
  • the operating temperature of the amalgam on the stem can be varied over a considerable range (for example down to about 200 F. at the aforesaid ambient temperature of 110 F.) simply by shifting its position on the stem and increasing or decreasing the distance between the amalgam and the electrode.
  • the degree of temperature control afforded by adjusting the position of the amalgam on the lamp stem is indicated by the shaded region 79 in FIG. 23, which region straddles the curve 76 and spans a range of about 40 F.
  • This temperature difference was obtained by varying the amalgam-electrode spacing over a range of approximately 8 millimeters, that is, from 34 millimeters to 42 millimeters.
  • the operating temperature of the arnalgam can be controlled over a wider range by increasing the amalgam-electrode spacing a corresponding amount, and by using a longer stem if necessary.
  • the amalgam when placed on the stem 34 millimeters from the electrode, will not reach a temperature of 266 F. until the ambient temperature is increased to about l40 P.
  • satisfactory control of the mercury vapor pressure can be maintained at ambient temperatures ranging from about 40 F. to l40 F. even when the amalgam-electrode spacing is quite small.
  • the marked improvement in the percent brightness maintained at various ambient temperatures by using an indiumrich amalgam is indicated in the graph shown in FIG. 24.
  • the curve 80 represents the change in the light output exhibited by a conventional highly loaded lamp having and chambers when the lamp is operated at various ambient temperatures.
  • the conventional lamp had a peak output at an ambient temperature of about 70 F. (still air) and dropped to 90 percent brightness at ambient temperatures of approximately 48 F. and 98 F.
  • the conventional lamp thus maintained 90 percent of its peak output over an ambient temperature range of about 50 F.
  • the corresponding curve 82 of a highly loaded lamp of the same type and dimensions containing an amalgam having approximately 87 atomic percent indium shows that this lamp had a peak output at about 80 F. ambient (still air) and maintained 90 percent of its peak output from about 42 F. to about 130 F. ambient, or over a range of 88 F.
  • the brightness versus ambient temperature curve 82 of the indium-mercury amalgam lamp is thus much flatter and wider than the corresponding curve for the conventional lamp utilizing end chambers and condensed mercury as the vaporpressure control center. In order to maintain the brightness at 90 percent of the peak the mercury vapor pressure must be maintained between about 3 and 14 microns.
  • an indium-mercury amalgam containing at least 80 atomic percent indium aflord s an additional advantage in that the brightness of the lamp is less affected by changes in ambient temperature as the atomic percent of indium in the amalgam is increased above this value.
  • the lamp containing amalgam having 92.5 atomic percent indium was much flatter and maintained 95 percent brightness over a significantly wider range of ambient temperature (about fl5 F.) than any of the other lamps.
  • the atomic percent of indium in the amalgam be made as high as practical.
  • FIG. 26 illustrates how the peak output versus ambient temperature characteristics of a given lamp can be shifted simply by varying the spacing between the amalgam and the electrode.
  • curve 86 With an electrode-amalgam spacing of 34 millimeters the lamp peaked at an ambient temperature of about 75 F. (still air), whereas peak output occurred at about 97 F. ambient with a spacing of 38 millimeters (curve 87) and at about US F. ambient when the spacing was increased to 42 millimeters (curve 88).
  • the lamps on which these curves are based were 48-inch T 12 lamps having a current rating of 1,500 ms. and an indium-mercury amalgam containing 85 atomic percent indium.
  • lamps can be designed to peak at the particular ambient temperature desired within the range of operating temperatures usually encountered in the application of such lamps. As indicated by this family of curves, 90 percent of peak brightness can be obtained at ambient temperatures ranging from about 40 F. to 160 F. by properly adjusting the amalgam-electrode spacing.
  • the marked improvement in lamp performance obtained by using an indium-rich amalgam in accordance with this invention is also illustrated by the graph shown in FIG. 27.
  • the ambient temperature range within which percent of peak brightness is maintained is plotted against the atomic percent indium present in the amalgam.
  • point E a conventional 48-inch T [2 highly loaded fluorescent lamp having end chambers and pure mercury (0 atomic percent In) maintained 95 percent of its peak brightness over an ambient temperature range of 25 F.
  • point 1 The corresponding value for a conventional 96-inch T 12 lamp having end chambers is indicated by point 1 and is approximately 33'' F.
  • a 96-inch T 17 Power Groove lamp employing a cooled region and condensed mercury as the vapor-pressure control center maintained 95 percent of its peak output over ambient temperature range of 3 P F. (point K on the graph).
  • amalgam-retaining structures are such that they can be readily fabricated and assembled with the lamp components without interfering in any way with the regular sequence of lamp-making operations.
  • means for controlling the mercury vapor pressure within said lamp during the operation thereof comprising a quantity of indium that is disposed at a predetermined location within said lamp such that said indium combines widr substantially all of the mercury when the lamp is deenergized and forms an amalgam which initially contains between 88 and about 95 atomic percent indium and regulates the mercury vapor pressure within the lamp during operation thereof, and means holding the formed amalgam at said predetermined location within the lamp.
  • a highly loaded fluorescent lamp that is approximately 48 inches long and 1% inches in diameter and initially contains at least 50 milligrams of mercury and at least 11] milligrams of indium which are combined with one another and constitute an amalgam, the quantities of indium and mercury being so related that said amalgam initially contains between 88 and about 95 atomic percent indium, said lamp having means secured therein which holds the amalgam at a predetermined location within the lamp such that said amalgam controls the mercury vapor pressure during lamp operation.
  • a highly loaded fluorescent lamp that is approximately 72 inches long and 1% inches in diameter and initially contains at least 75 milligrams of mercury and at least 166 milligrams of indium which are combined with one another and constitute an amalgam, the quantities of indium and mercury being so related that said amalgam initially contains between 88 and about 95 atomic percent indium, said lamp having means secured therein which holds the amalgam at a predetermined location within the lamp such that said amalgam controls the mercury vapor pressure during lamp operation.
  • a highly loaded fluorescent lamp that is approximately 96 inches long and I it lnches In diameter and initially contains at least I milligrams of mercury and at least 222 milligrams of indium which are combined with one another and constitute an amalgam, the quantities of indium and mercury being so related that said amalgam initially contains between 88 and about 95 atomic percent indium, said lamp having means secured therein which holds the amalgam at a predetermined location within the lamp such that said amalgam controls the mercury vapor pressure during lamp operation.
  • a low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp adapted for operation at a loading such that the mercury vapor pressure would normally exceed that required for optimum efficiency comprising:
  • amalgam of a metal with mercury that wets and is anchored to said support structure, said amalgam by virtue of its affinity for said support structure and the location thereof relative to said electrodes and discharge path having an operating temperature such that it remains on said support structure and controllably lowers the mercury vapor pressure within said lamp during the operation thereof.
  • a fluorescent lamp comprising:
  • vitreous stern sealed to and extending inwardly from each end of said envelope
  • a fluorescent lamp as set forth in claim 7 wherein said support structure is clamped on said stem in encircling relationship therewith.
  • a mount structure including a stem sealed into one end of said envelope
  • said holding means comprises a resilient annular member that overlies said arcuate assembly and firmly clamps it around said stern.
  • said holding means comprises a support wire that is fastened to one of said lead wires and to said assembly and holds the latter in encircling but spaced-apart relationship with the stem.
  • said support wire consists of two wire segments that are joined together by an insulator which electrically isolates the vaporcontrol assembly from the lead wire to which it is attached.
  • said holding means comprises a support wire that is anchored in the stem press and is fastened to and holds said assembly in encircling but spaced-apart relationship with the stem.
  • said holding means comprises a support wire having one end anchored in said stem press and its opposite end fastened to said assembly, and said support wire has a retroverted intermediate portion of such configuration that said assembly is disposed in encircling but spaced-apart relationship with said stem.
  • said holding means comprises a resilient annular member that is clamped in encircling relationship on said stem and has a laterally extending leg that is attached to said arcuate assembly and supports it in encircling but spaced-apart relationship with said stem.
  • said holding means comprises a plurality of wires and a pair of bimetallic elements that are joined together and constitute an elongated heat-sensitive support member having one end secured to said mount structure and its opposite end fastened to said assembly, said support member having a configuration such that said assembly is disposed in encircling but spacedapart relationship with said stem, and said bimetallic elements being arranged and operable in response to temperature variations within said lamp to move the vapor-control assembly along said stern toward and away from the electrode and thereby to minimize the efi'ect of such temperature variations on the amalgam carried by said assembly.
  • said holding means comprises (a) a support wire having one end fastened to said mount and its opposite end fastened to said as sembly, and (b) a shield member that is suspended between said assembly and the electrode by a bimetallic element that is fastened to said support wire, said bimetallic element being arranged and operable in response to variations in temperature within said lamp to move the shield member into and out of masking relationship with said assembly.
  • An electric discharge device comprising, in combination:
  • the foraminations of said assembly being of size to pas mercury vapor and to retain a substantial quantity of said amalgamative material in its fluid state during operation of the discharge device,
  • amalgamative material being eflective to control mercury vapor pressure during the operation of the discharge device.

Landscapes

  • Vessels And Coating Films For Discharge Lamps (AREA)
  • Discharge Lamp (AREA)
  • Vaporization, Distillation, Condensation, Sublimation, And Cold Traps (AREA)
  • Manufacture Of Electron Tubes, Discharge Lamp Vessels, Lead-In Wires, And The Like (AREA)
US381503A 1964-07-09 1964-07-09 Mercury vapor discharge lamp and pressure-regulating means therefor Expired - Lifetime US3619697A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US38150364A 1964-07-09 1964-07-09
US52489966A 1966-02-03 1966-02-03
US52489866A 1966-02-03 1966-02-03
US52490766A 1966-02-03 1966-02-03

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3619697A true US3619697A (en) 1971-11-09

Family

ID=27503203

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US381503A Expired - Lifetime US3619697A (en) 1964-07-09 1964-07-09 Mercury vapor discharge lamp and pressure-regulating means therefor
US524898A Expired - Lifetime US3534212A (en) 1964-07-09 1966-02-03 Fluorescent lamp having an integral mercury-vapor pressure control assembly with segmented amalgam-forming metal
US524899A Expired - Lifetime US3422299A (en) 1964-07-09 1966-02-03 Fluorescent lamp having an integral mercury-vapor pressure control assembly with amalgam-forming metal and amalgam stabilizing means

Family Applications After (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US524898A Expired - Lifetime US3534212A (en) 1964-07-09 1966-02-03 Fluorescent lamp having an integral mercury-vapor pressure control assembly with segmented amalgam-forming metal
US524899A Expired - Lifetime US3422299A (en) 1964-07-09 1966-02-03 Fluorescent lamp having an integral mercury-vapor pressure control assembly with amalgam-forming metal and amalgam stabilizing means

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (3) US3619697A (de)
BE (1) BE666597A (de)
DE (4) DE1246120B (de)
ES (1) ES335661A2 (de)
FR (1) FR1450700A (de)
GB (4) GB1062141A (de)
NL (4) NL6507948A (de)
SE (3) SE328054B (de)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3898511A (en) * 1974-04-22 1975-08-05 Gte Sylvania Inc Fluorescent lamp containing amalgam-forming material for reducing stabilization time
GB2176335B (en) * 1985-06-04 1989-12-06 English Electric Valve Co Ltd Discharge tubes
US5394056A (en) * 1993-04-07 1995-02-28 General Electric Company Opening of capsule inside sealed lamp
US5909085A (en) * 1997-03-17 1999-06-01 Korry Electronics Co. Hybrid luminosity control system for a fluorescent lamp
US6304030B1 (en) * 1998-05-22 2001-10-16 U.S. Philips Corporation Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp
US6310437B1 (en) 2000-06-01 2001-10-30 General Electric Company Fluorescent lamp extension tube amalgam holder
WO2002099843A1 (en) * 2001-06-01 2002-12-12 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp
US6809468B1 (en) * 2002-12-11 2004-10-26 Light Sources, Inc. Cathode with disintegration shield in a gas discharge lamp
US20060145608A1 (en) * 2003-06-19 2006-07-06 De Man Rolf E Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp

Families Citing this family (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1166943A (en) * 1967-02-24 1969-10-15 Edwards High Vacuum Int Ltd Cathode Arrangements for Getter Ion Pumps
FR1583078A (de) * 1968-07-15 1969-10-17
US3560788A (en) * 1968-12-11 1971-02-02 Union Carbide Corp R-f energizable, pan-shaped getter for television tube
US3558962A (en) * 1968-12-11 1971-01-26 Union Carbide Corp High yield getter device
US4871944A (en) * 1979-02-13 1989-10-03 North American Philips Corp. Compact lighting unit having a convoluted fluorescent lamp with integral mercury-vapor pressure-regulating means, and method of phosphor-coating the convoluted envelope for such a lamp
NL8301032A (nl) * 1983-03-23 1984-10-16 Philips Nv Elektrodenloze ontladingslamp.
US5598069A (en) * 1993-09-30 1997-01-28 Diablo Research Corporation Amalgam system for electrodeless discharge lamp
US5739633A (en) * 1995-08-14 1998-04-14 General Electric Company Amalgam containing compact fluorescent lamp with improved warm-up
US6479931B1 (en) 1996-06-04 2002-11-12 Lockheed Martin Corporation Extended temperature range fluorescent lamp
US5923121A (en) * 1997-10-14 1999-07-13 Osram Sylvania Inc. Fluorescent lamp having an attachment therein for reduction of soluble mercury in the lamp and to act as a fail-safe at the end of lamp life
US20050179392A1 (en) * 2002-06-06 2005-08-18 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp
US20070145880A1 (en) * 2003-06-26 2007-06-28 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Low pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp
US20070103080A1 (en) * 2005-11-09 2007-05-10 Zoltan Bako Glass sealing and electric lamps with such sealing
WO2007091187A1 (en) 2006-02-10 2007-08-16 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp with amalgam

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3263111A (en) * 1962-08-02 1966-07-26 Ulrich W Doering Fluorescent tube with mercury amalgam on tube wall
US3392298A (en) * 1962-08-31 1968-07-09 Sylvania Electric Prod Fluorescent lamp using an indiummercury amalgam band for pressure control

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2077961A (en) * 1926-05-24 1937-04-20 Raytheon Mfg Co Gaseous conduction device
US2404803A (en) * 1941-01-25 1946-07-30 Western Electric Co Space discharge device
DE1086804B (de) * 1958-04-29 1960-08-11 Patra Patent Treuhand Elektrische Quecksilberniederdruckentladungslampe, insbesondere Leuchtstofflampe
US3007071A (en) * 1958-04-29 1961-10-31 Patent Treuhand Ges Fuer Elektrische Gluehlampen Mbh Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp
NL252546A (de) * 1959-06-12
DE1149815B (de) * 1960-09-09 1963-06-06 Licentia Gmbh Anordnung zur Messung des Scheitelwerts fluechtiger Spannungen
DE1140286B (de) * 1961-04-07 1962-11-29 Patra Patent Treuhand Quecksilberniederdruckentladungslampe mit erhoehter elektrischer und/oder thermischer Belastbarkeit, insbesondere Leuchtstofflampe
BE625037A (de) * 1961-11-21

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3263111A (en) * 1962-08-02 1966-07-26 Ulrich W Doering Fluorescent tube with mercury amalgam on tube wall
US3392298A (en) * 1962-08-31 1968-07-09 Sylvania Electric Prod Fluorescent lamp using an indiummercury amalgam band for pressure control

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3898511A (en) * 1974-04-22 1975-08-05 Gte Sylvania Inc Fluorescent lamp containing amalgam-forming material for reducing stabilization time
GB2176335B (en) * 1985-06-04 1989-12-06 English Electric Valve Co Ltd Discharge tubes
US5394056A (en) * 1993-04-07 1995-02-28 General Electric Company Opening of capsule inside sealed lamp
US5909085A (en) * 1997-03-17 1999-06-01 Korry Electronics Co. Hybrid luminosity control system for a fluorescent lamp
US6304030B1 (en) * 1998-05-22 2001-10-16 U.S. Philips Corporation Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp
US6310437B1 (en) 2000-06-01 2001-10-30 General Electric Company Fluorescent lamp extension tube amalgam holder
WO2002099843A1 (en) * 2001-06-01 2002-12-12 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp
US20040145318A1 (en) * 2001-06-01 2004-07-29 Lauwerijssen Petrus Cornelis Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp
US7053535B2 (en) * 2001-06-01 2006-05-30 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp
US6809468B1 (en) * 2002-12-11 2004-10-26 Light Sources, Inc. Cathode with disintegration shield in a gas discharge lamp
US20060145608A1 (en) * 2003-06-19 2006-07-06 De Man Rolf E Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp
US7180232B2 (en) * 2003-06-19 2007-02-20 Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V. Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB1137090A (en) 1968-12-18
NL6507948A (de) 1966-01-10
US3534212A (en) 1970-10-13
US3422299A (en) 1969-01-14
GB1175411A (en) 1969-12-23
GB1137010A (en) 1968-12-18
GB1062141A (en) 1967-03-15
DE1290257B (de) 1969-03-06
NL6700762A (de) 1967-08-04
NL6700890A (de) 1967-08-04
NL6700706A (de) 1967-08-04
DE1287215B (de) 1969-01-16
DE1246120B (de) 1967-08-03
SE328054B (de) 1970-09-07
DE1290631B (de) 1969-03-13
ES335661A2 (es) 1968-02-16
FR1450700A (fr) 1966-06-24
BE666597A (de) 1965-11-03
SE328055B (de) 1970-09-07
SE328056B (de) 1970-09-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3619697A (en) Mercury vapor discharge lamp and pressure-regulating means therefor
US3882346A (en) Ceramic arc tube mounting structure
US3898511A (en) Fluorescent lamp containing amalgam-forming material for reducing stabilization time
US3859555A (en) Fluorescent lamp containing-amalgam-forming material
US3445713A (en) Halogen cycle incandescent lamp
US3333132A (en) Discharge lamp having heat reflecting shields surrounding its electrodes
US4034252A (en) Ceramic lamp seal and control of sealing frit distribution
US3227907A (en) Electric discharge lamp with integral pressure regulator
US3504215A (en) Planar fluorescent lamp with integral amalgam type mercury-vapor pressure control component
US3860852A (en) Fluorescent lamp containing amalgam-forming material
US5859492A (en) Electrode rod support for short arc lamp
US3271093A (en) Method for making incandescent lamps
US3644773A (en) A hydrogen-halogen filament lamp with a hydrogen getter flag
US2208987A (en) Electric incandescent lamp
US6586878B1 (en) Metal halide lamp with improved getter orientation
US3114069A (en) Incandescent lamp with vibration damping support for filament
US3356884A (en) Electrode starting arrangement having a coiled heating element connected to the retroverted portion of the electrode
US4433271A (en) High pressure discharge lamp
US3048737A (en) Gaseous discharge device and method
US2556855A (en) Gaseous discharge device
US2841733A (en) Electric discharge lamp
US3530329A (en) Filament support and heat shield construction for electric lamps
US2561898A (en) Electric discharge lamp
US2009211A (en) Gaseous electric discharge device
US3641386A (en) Tungsten halogen lamp

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: NORTH AMERICAN PHILIPS ELECTRIC CORP.

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:004113/0393

Effective date: 19830316