US3670193A - Electric lamps producing energy in the visible and ultra-violet ranges - Google Patents

Electric lamps producing energy in the visible and ultra-violet ranges Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3670193A
US3670193A US37433A US3670193DA US3670193A US 3670193 A US3670193 A US 3670193A US 37433 A US37433 A US 37433A US 3670193D A US3670193D A US 3670193DA US 3670193 A US3670193 A US 3670193A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
ultraviolet
envelope
lamp
radiation
range
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
US37433A
Inventor
Luke Thorington
Louis J Parascandola
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.)
Duro Test Corp
Original Assignee
Duro Test 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 Duro Test Corp filed Critical Duro Test Corp
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3670193A publication Critical patent/US3670193A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01JELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J61/00Gas-discharge or vapour-discharge lamps
    • H01J61/02Details
    • H01J61/38Devices for influencing the colour or wavelength of the light
    • H01J61/42Devices for influencing the colour or wavelength of the light by transforming the wavelength of the light by luminescence
    • H01J61/44Devices characterised by the luminescent material
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C09DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • C09KMATERIALS FOR MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • C09K11/00Luminescent, e.g. electroluminescent, chemiluminescent materials
    • C09K11/08Luminescent, e.g. electroluminescent, chemiluminescent materials containing inorganic luminescent materials
    • C09K11/0838Aluminates; Silicates
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C09DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • C09KMATERIALS FOR MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • C09K11/00Luminescent, e.g. electroluminescent, chemiluminescent materials
    • C09K11/08Luminescent, e.g. electroluminescent, chemiluminescent materials containing inorganic luminescent materials
    • C09K11/66Luminescent, e.g. electroluminescent, chemiluminescent materials containing inorganic luminescent materials containing germanium, tin or lead
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C09DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • C09KMATERIALS FOR MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • C09K11/00Luminescent, e.g. electroluminescent, chemiluminescent materials
    • C09K11/08Luminescent, e.g. electroluminescent, chemiluminescent materials containing inorganic luminescent materials
    • C09K11/67Luminescent, e.g. electroluminescent, chemiluminescent materials containing inorganic luminescent materials containing refractory metals
    • C09K11/68Luminescent, e.g. electroluminescent, chemiluminescent materials containing inorganic luminescent materials containing refractory metals containing chromium, molybdenum or tungsten
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C09DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • C09KMATERIALS FOR MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • C09K11/00Luminescent, e.g. electroluminescent, chemiluminescent materials
    • C09K11/08Luminescent, e.g. electroluminescent, chemiluminescent materials containing inorganic luminescent materials
    • C09K11/70Luminescent, e.g. electroluminescent, chemiluminescent materials containing inorganic luminescent materials containing phosphorus
    • C09K11/71Luminescent, e.g. electroluminescent, chemiluminescent materials containing inorganic luminescent materials containing phosphorus also containing alkaline earth metals
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01JELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J61/00Gas-discharge or vapour-discharge lamps
    • H01J61/02Details
    • H01J61/38Devices for influencing the colour or wavelength of the light
    • H01J61/42Devices for influencing the colour or wavelength of the light by transforming the wavelength of the light by luminescence

Definitions

  • FIG. 2 TYPICAL TRANSMITTANCE CURVES v ULTRAVIOLET-1mm WAVELENGTH nm
  • FIG. 5 TYPICAL TRANSMITTANCE CURVES v ULTRAVIOLET-1mm WAVELENGTH nm
  • x and y are the coordinates on the standard chromaticity diagram of the IC! (International Commission'on Illumination) also known as the CIE (Commissione Intemational De Clairrage)
  • CRI is the so-called color rendering index adopted by the CIE which measures the color properties of a source related to the corresponding color temperature of a black body radiator or natural daylight.
  • the number 100 represents the reference illuminant (black body or daylight), so the closer the CRI to 100, the more accurate a match to the reference illuminant the light source has. This is described in Interim Method of Measuring and Specifying Color Rendering of Light Sources, Illuminating Engineering, Vol. LVII, No. 7, p.
  • UV microwatts/lurnen the amount of ultraviolet energy present per lumen of light output of the source.
  • the values on the Table in parenthesis are estimated and are extrapolations from the standard, black body, temperature curve locus.
  • Table I The values listed in Table I are for typical lamps which are commercially available. While there may be some variance in the values given, due to manufacturing and material differences, the listed values are believed to be typically representative of the various types of sources.
  • the so-called daylight fluorescent lamp which is the only source specifically designed by the lighting industry to match natural daylight, matches it only with respect to color temperature, that is, there is a phase of daylight having a color temperature of the daylight lamp; though only rarely the same chromaticity.
  • the color rendering index for the daylight" fluorescent is only vs. for natural light and the energy it produces in the near-ultraviolet image is only 37 microwatts/lumen or only about 1/ 10 that present in natural light.
  • the other sources listed are of a low color temperature, have a poor color rendering index, or have excessively low or high ultraviolet energy content, as compared to natural light.
  • the present invention is directed to electric lamps which have controlled amounts of ultraviolet energy output in the near and middle ultraviolet energy range and which produce an amount of light output at an acceptable color to be useful as a general illuminant.
  • lamps which have controlled amounts of ultraviolet energy output in the near and middle ultraviolet energy range and which produce an amount of light output at an acceptable color to be useful as a general illuminant.
  • the amount of ultraviolet energy in the middle and near ultraviolet ranges is controlled to approximate that of natural daylight.
  • These lamps also have spectral radiation characteristics which produce'light having a color closely approximating that of daylight and a relatively high color rendering index.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a general illuminant having a color rendering index over 50 in which there is simultaneously present both middle range ultraviolet (290-320 nm.) and near ultraviolet (320-380 nm.) in a radiant power ratio of near-UV/middle-UV of between 8 and 40.
  • Another object is to provide a light source of high color rendering index which also emits ultraviolet light in substantially the same proportion per lumen as natural light for the purpose of showing fluorescent objects and colors as they would appear under outdoor light.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a fluorescent lamp made in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a graph showing the transmittance characteristics of one type of glass useful in making the lamp of FIG. 1;
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 are graphs comparing lamps of the present invention with prior art fluorescent lamps.
  • FIG. 5 is a view, partially broken away, of a mercury vapor lamp made in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a typical fluorescent lamp constructed in accordance with the present invention which produces an output which closely matches the characteristics of natural daylight in the visible and UV regions.
  • the lamp 1 is of conventional construction and includes an elongated tubular glass envelope 2 which is sealed at each end, usually by a glass stem 3.
  • a pair of lead-in wires 4, 5, are mounted in and extend through the stems 3, each supporting a filament 6 which may be typically of tungsten.
  • the filaments 6 can be of the double or triple coiled types, or coiled-coil, and they have the usual electron-emissive coating of an alkaline earth oxide.
  • a small amount of zirconium dioxide also may be used in the filaments, as is conventional in the art.
  • the envelope 2 contains a fill of inert gas such as argon at low pressure, for example, about 2 mm. of mercury.
  • inert gas such as argon at low pressure, for example, about 2 mm. of mercury.
  • a small quantity of an ionizable material such as mercury-is also utilized so that the lamp can be operated at a mercury vapor pressure of between about 2 and 10 microns, for example.
  • a base 7, from which contact prongs 8 and 9 extend is cemented to each end of the envelope. The contact prongs of each base are connected to the lead wires 4 and and the prongs on the two bases, in turn, are adapted to be inserted into the sockets of a fluorescent lamp fixture. All of the features of the lamp heretofore described are conventional and can be varied in a manner well known to those skilled in the art.
  • the fluorescent lamp 1 of the preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes an envelope 2 having a transmittance characteristic suitable to pass a substantial portion of any ultraviolet energy produced having a wavelength above about 290 nm.
  • the transmittance characteristic of one suitable type of glass which is commercially available from Corning Glass Works of Coming, New York as Code 0080 glass, is shown in FIG. 2.
  • Coming Glass 9821 also may be utilized.
  • the transmittance increases from zero at about 270 nm. to about 50 percent at 300 nm. and then to substantially the maximum value of 90 percent at about 345 nm.
  • the main requirements of any glass utilized are that it can pass energy above 290 nm. and block any substantial UV energy below the range, which might be harmful.
  • the inside of the envelope 2 is coated with a phosphor material 10 which produces the light in response to the resonance radiation of the ionized mercury.
  • Table II lists two typical phosphor mixes which can be utilized with the lamps of the subject invention to produce desired spectral radiation characteristics:
  • Phosphor Composition Used For Fluorescent Lamps As indicated in Table II, phosphor Mix A operating in conjunction with the glass envelope of transmittance shown in FIG. 1, produces a lamp having a color temperature of 7500 K and a color rendering index of 96. The spectral distribution of this lamp is shown in FIG. 3 (dotted line compared with natural daylight (Judd reconstituted) at the same color temperature (solid line 22). Wavelength is plotted along the x axis and energy in terms of average microwatts per 10 nm. per lumen along the y axis. The 10 nm. designation refers to the width of the spectrum of energy measured at a given time and integrated.
  • the lamp of the subject invention produces a close match to daylight at the same color temperature. It also has a CRI of 96, which is close to that of natural daylight.
  • Phosphor Mix B used with the envelope material whose transmittance characteristics are depicted in FIG. 2, produces a lamp having a color temperature of 5500 K and a color rendering index of 91.
  • the spectral characteristics of this lamp are shown in FIG. 4 (solid line 30) as compared to a standard cool white" lamp (dotted line 32). It should be noted that the lamp of the invention has considerably more energy output in the near UV, violet, blue, green and red ranges and less in the yellow range.
  • Table III is a comparison of the spectral characteristics of the lamps produced by phosphor Mixes A and B and the glass with transmittance characteristics of FIG. 2, natural daylight at the same color temperatures and a so-
  • the data for Table III and FIGS. 3 and 4 was computed in the manner described below.
  • a relative spectral power distribution normalized to equal lumens for each light source was plotted on graph paper for each of the light sources.
  • Mercury lines were computed for a 10 nanometer bandwidth and plotted separately.
  • the power distribution curves were separated into the respective bands by drawing vertical lines from the wavelength axis to the continuum thus giving an enclosed area for each band under the curve.
  • the total area under the entire curve and the areas of each separate band where then measured using a compensating polar planimeter.
  • the areas for each band were then divided by the spectral bandwidth in tens of nanometers giving an average height for each band.
  • the absolute value in microwatts per lumen per 10 nanometers for the near-uv band was then determined as
  • L luminosity factor 2 JAY/E J)t JA relative spectral power at wavelength A.
  • the 7500 K, 96 CR1 lamp provides a relatively good match of the spectral radiation characteristics of natural daylight at the same color temperature. The same holds true for the 5500 K, 91 CRI lamp.
  • Both the aforesaid lamps of the present invention also are suitable as general illuminants.
  • both of these lamps constructed in a 40 watt size produce approximately 2100-2300 lumens of light output as measured in a conventional manner. This compares quite favorably with the more conventional fluorescent lamps whose light output, for the same size lamp, is approximately the same for so-called deluxe" fluorescent lamps.
  • the phosphor Mixes A and B referred to above are only typical of a number of phosphor mixes which can be utilized.
  • Barium Silicate:Lead produces energy in the near-UV range and Calcium Zinc Phosphate: Thalium in the middle UV range.
  • the necessary quantities of these two phosphors are selected to produce the desired UV radiation output and then the other phosphors blended to produce the proper color and CRI.
  • the proportions of the phosphor mixes of the type described above using the same constituents will vary due to changes in the relative efficiencies of the different phosphors.
  • the principles of the present invention are not limited to low pressure fluorescent lamp types and other types of lamps can be produced having a controlled amount of ultraviolet energy and still be useful for general illuminant purposes.
  • a subtractive filter to selectively reduce the ultraviolet radiation from a high pressure mercury lamp (e.g., type H33-1CD as specified by the American Standards Institute) the ultraviolet output perlumen may be brought within the ranges found in natural light.
  • an ultraviolet absorber such as manganese activated magnesium fluorogermanate phosphor so as to transmit only about percent of the middle and only about 30 percent of the near-UV radiation.
  • this phosphor has been utilized (see US. Pat. No.
  • FIG. 5 shows a mercury vapor lamp constructed in accordance with the present invention.
  • the otherwise conventional lamp has an envelope 40 with a screw type base 42 in which is mounted an arc tube 44 on a support 47.
  • Lead wires 46 and 48 connect the electrodes 50 and 52 of the arc tube to the electrical contacts of the base.
  • the are tube contains a quantity of mercury which is ionized to produce the light.
  • the interior wall of envelope 40 is coated with the UV absorbing phosphor 49 compound previously described. It should be understood that the thickness of the phosphor coating depends upon the phosphor particle size. Thus, finer phosphor particles can be more densely packed and a thinner coating used to produce the desired amount of absorption, than if larger size phosphor particles are utilized.
  • Lamps such as high pressure sodium and metal-halide-mercury sources also are correctable by means of either UV emitting phosphors on the outer envelopes and/or additions of other vapor species to the arc itself so as to radiate proportions of ultraviolet energy in the ranges required to simulate what is found in natural light. While such lamps with controlled UV/visible ratios of radiated energy are within the scope of the present invention, they do not represent the best illuminants by reason of their inferior color rendering indexes and discontinuous spectra.
  • the lamps of the subject invention produce ultraviolet energy in the middle and near ultraviolet ranges in quantities per lumen comparable to natural daylight while at the same time producing sufficient light output at an acceptable color to serve as a general purpose illuminant, e.g., as a light source where prior art fluorescent lamps are utilized such as in factories, schools, homes, oflices, etc.
  • the glass transmittance characteristics are selected to produce a lamp: having a CR1 of about 50 or greater; an output of middle UV energy in the range of 6-50 microwatts per lumen of visible light emitted; an output of near UV energy in the range of 150-700 microwatts per lumen of visible light emitted; and in which the ratio of near UV/middle UV energy emitted is in the range between about 8 to 40.
  • a CRI of at least 50 is preferable, for a lamp used as a general illuminant since CRIS below this value have very poor color rendering and therefore are poor from the standpoint of perception.
  • Outputs of 6-50 microwatts of middle range UV and 150-700 microwatts of near range UV energy per lumen of visible light emitted by the lamp and maintenance of the ratio of near UV/rniddle UV in the range of from about 8 to 40 is also desired. The reason for this is that this range of energy outputs and ratios approximates the range of the standard color temperature of natural daylight from about 5000 K to about 8000 K which is suitable for illumination purposes.
  • UV energy output it is also desirable to limit the UV energy output to the ranges specified above in order to prevent undue erythema (burning or reddening of the skin) upon exposure to the lamp. It is preferred that a person exposed to the lamp over a given period of time, say an eight hour day, receive less than one MPE (minimum perceptible erythema), which is the quantity of UV energy needed to produce just noticeable reddening of the average untanned skin of a caucasian human. Using the 5500 K, 91 CRI fluorescent lamp described above, a person exposed to a footcandle level from this lamp (the average level found in an office) over an eight hour day would receive approximately one-third of an MPE.
  • MPE minimum perceptible erythema
  • a lamp such as shown in FIG. 1 is a relatively simple matter.
  • the phosphors emitting UV energy such as in Mixes A and B above, are first chosen in the quantity desired to produce the needed amount of UV energy.
  • the color emitting phosphors are selected to produce the desired CRI. Adjustments of both can then be made, if needed, to achieve both the desired quantity of UV energy and proper CRI.
  • fluorescent lamps have been developed for the specific purpose of producing ultraviolet for sun tanning purposes.
  • these fluorescent lamps have no utility as general illuminants whatsoever.
  • Other lamp types such as the RS Sunlamp, have been designed as sources of ultraviolet energy.
  • These sunlamps are advertised as having health benefits in synthesizing Vitamin D and aiding the growth of strong healthy bones and teeth. While these sunlamps do have visible radiation, their color temperature (see Table I) is so far from the black body locus as to prohibit assignment of a meaningful color rendering index. Further, their luminous efficacy (in the order of 9 lumens/watt) is so low as to render them very poor choices as general illuminants.
  • the lamps of the present invention have advantageous photobiological effects.
  • fluorescent lamps of the first example (5500 K and CR1 of 91) in plant growth and seed germination.
  • the flower varieties of ageratum begonia, impatiens, lobelia, petunia, salvia, verbena, and vinca rosea were found to germinate and grow particularly well. Seeds of these varieties started two weeks after the normal sowing date, caught up to the stage at which the same species were a year earlier at the same time under energy from the lamps of U.S. Pat. No. 3,287,586.
  • Early germination and rapid early growth were also found for kidney beans and dwarf marigolds under the fluorescent lamps of 5500 K and CR1 of 91 of the present invention, and after 66 days, healthy mature fruited and blossomed plants were obtained.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 which show the spectral output oftyp ical lamps of the present invention, have been divided spectrally into known photobiologically active regions from the shorter wavelength (middle) ultraviolet, to the longer wavelength radiations between 625 and 700 nm. Radiation from natural daylight in the former, shorter wavelength region has been shown to form Vitamin D in the body. Energy from natural daylight in the latter, longer wavelength region, which evokes the sensation of red light in the human eye, has been shown to have pronounced photoblastic effects upon seeds. Such photobiological effects related to the various bands are shown in Table IV together with pertinent literature references.
  • Light also has direct beneficial effects upon the human body when absorbed through the skin. These are well known effects such as the formation in the body of vitamins by ultraviolet and improved lime, phosphorus, and carbohydrate metabol ism. Then there is the greatly sought after cosmetic effect of skin tanning long associated with a healthy condition of the body. These are extremely complex reactions afiected drastically by the balance of ultraviolet between the shorter wavelengths (middle UV) and the longer wavelengths (near UV and visible). For example the short wavelengths alone can cause a burning (erythema) of the skin while the longer wavelengths alone cause a direct pigment darkening without burning. Only with simultaneous exposure to both types of light in proper balance does one get the natural skin responses. Remarkably it has been found only recently that the oral administration of Vitamin D could not replace the effects of ultraviolet absorbed by the skin in forming the same vitamin.
  • the lamps of the present invention whose spectral radiation characteristics closely match natural daylight, could have significant utility in producing various beneficial photobiological efiects. This is so because the lamps produce a full spectrum of energy containing energy in the specific range, or ranges, which have been shown in the literature to produce some photobiological activity.
  • the plant growth tests already conducted with the lamps of the present invention have already substantiated a portion of this conclusion.
  • An electric lamp for general illumination purposes operable from a source of voltage comprising an envelope capable of transmitting light in the visible, and middle and near ultraviolet ranges, a pair of electrodes for connection to said voltage source and an ionizable medium within said envelope, said electrodes and said ionizable medium upon operation of the lamp producing an electrical discharge, means cooperating with the radiant power of the electrical discharge for producing radiation having a spectrum in the visible light range with a C.l.E.
  • a fluorescent lamp for general illumination purposes operable from a source of voltage comprising an ultraviolet and visible light transmitting envelope, a pair of electrodes for connection to said voltage source, an inert gas and an ionizable medium within said envelope for producing an electrical discharge upon operation of the lamp, means including a blend of phosphors internally coated on said envelope for producing upon operation of the lamp and in cooperation with the radiant power of the electrical discharge radiation which is transmitted through said envelope including visible light having a C.I.E.
  • color rendering index of at least 80 and an ultraviolet emission of radiation in both the near and the middle ultraviolet ranges which is transmitted through said envelope in the quantities of between about 6-50 microwatts of middle range ultraviolet radiation and between about -700 microwatts of near range ultraviolet radiation per lumen of visible light with the radiant power ratio of near ultraviolet/middle ultraviolet radiation being in the range from between about 8 to 40 and the quantity of total ultraviolet radiation being substantially the same per lumen of visible light transmitted through the envelope as found in natural daylight of the same correlated color temperature.
  • Strontium Calcium OrthophosphatezTin 6 Magnesium Tungstate 2 Barium SilicatezLead Zinc SilicatezManganese LnOMw Strontium Calcium Orthophosphate:'l'in Magnesium Tungstate Calcium Tungstate Magnesium Fluorogermanate Yttrium VanadatezEuropium Barium SilicatezLead Calcium Zinc Phosphatez'l'hallium to produce a lamp having a color rendering index of visible light of about 96 at about 7500 K color temperature.
  • a fluorescent lamp as in claim wherein the visible light produced has a color temperature of between about 5000 K and about 8000 K.

Abstract

Electric lamps having spectral radiation characteristics approximating natural daylight with a controlled amount of energy in the near and middle ultraviolet ranges which also produce light of sufficient intensity and proper color to make them usable as general illuminants.

Description

United States Patent Thorington et al.
[451 June 13, 1972 ELECTRIC LAMPS PRODUCING ENERGY IN THE VISIBLE AND ULTRA- VIOLET RANGES Inventors: Luke Thorington, Berkeley Heights; Louis J. Parascandola, North Bergen, both of Assignee: Duro-Test Corporation, North Bergen,
Filed: May 14, 1970 Appl. No.: 37,433
Related US. Application Data Continuation of Ser. NO. 654,148, July is, 1967, abandoned.
U.S.Cl. ..313/l08R,3l3/l09,3l3/ll2, 313/227 ..H01j 61/44 ..313/10s,109, 112,227; 240 11 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,563,900 8/1951 Wollentin et al ..313/112 x 3,355,982 12/1967 Rendina ..356/l86 x OTHER PUBLICATIONS Fluorescent Lamps and Lighting, edited by W. Elenbaas, Philips Technical Library Netherlands, 1962 Article by A. A. Kruithof pgs. 31- 33, 42- 44, 62 64 TK4386E47 Luckiesh, Artificial Sunlight, N.Y., D. Van Nostrand, 1930 pgs. 5- 9 TH7703L7A Primary Examiner-Roy Lake Assistant Examiner-Palmer C. Demeo Attorney-Darby & Darby ABS I'RACT Electric lamps having spectral radiation characteristics approximating natural daylight with a controlled amount of energy in the near and middle ultraviolet ranges which also produce light of sufficient intensity and proper color to make them usable as general illuminants.
17 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJun 1 3 1972 saw 10F 3 FIG. 1
FIG. 2 TYPICAL TRANSMITTANCE CURVES v ULTRAVIOLET-1mm WAVELENGTH nm FIG. 5
9 mmw PKTENTEDJUM 1 3 m2 SHEET 2 OF 3 MICROWATTS/IO nm. per LUMEN SHEET 3 OF 3 zwwm Own
lllllllllll IPZS @244 X 000mm ull.
COM
MICROWATTS IO per LUMEN wE v ELECTRIC LAMPS PRODUCING ENERGY IN THE VISIBLE AND ULTRA-VIOLET RANGES This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 654,148, filed July 18, 1967, and now abandoned.
As is known, existing illuminants for general use have very distorted spectra in the visible as well as the ultraviolet wavelength ranges when compared to natural daylight. This is shown in Table 1 below which lists values of color, color rendering index (CRI), color temperature, and ultraviolet output per lumen for typical sources heretofore available.
TABLE I UV microwatts/lumen Color Color temp Middle- Near- Light source 1 C RI UV U Outdoor light .332 .348 100 5, 500 10.7 254 I )0 .313 .320 100 6, 500 18. 5 390 Do .299 315 100 7,500 27.9 535 Fluorescent cool White type lamp. .370 377 66 4, 300 26 30 Fluorescent warm white type lamp. 430 .406 54 3,100 19 38 Fluorescent whitelamrL .406 .305 v 50 3,550 25 51 Fluorescent daylight" type lamp .310 333 75 6, 700 37 Fluorescent deluxe cool white type lamp 369 369 86 4, 200 10 40 Fluorescent deluxe warm white type lamp 434 400 77 3,000 14 30 400 w. mercury vapor clear lamp .331 379 (22) (5, 690) 75 956 400 w. mercury vapor color improved lamp 412 450 (45) (3, 800) 7 361 1000 w. mercury vapor clear lamp .330 380 (5, 700) 205 1, 141 Metal-halide type lamp. .373 .385 44 4, 250 8. 1 1,018 High pressure sodium lamp .405 .385 18 2,100 0. 2 04 Incandescent 100 w.
lamp 45 .407 98 2, 900 4. 5 40 RS sunlamp 400 495 (4, 080) 547 471 In Table I, the following definitions apply to the column headings:
x and y are the coordinates on the standard chromaticity diagram of the IC! (International Commission'on Illumination) also known as the CIE (Commissione Intemational De Clairrage) CRI is the so-called color rendering index adopted by the CIE which measures the color properties of a source related to the corresponding color temperature of a black body radiator or natural daylight. Generally, the number 100 represents the reference illuminant (black body or daylight), so the closer the CRI to 100, the more accurate a match to the reference illuminant the light source has. This is described in Interim Method of Measuring and Specifying Color Rendering of Light Sources, Illuminating Engineering, Vol. LVII, No. 7, p. 471 (July 1962) Color Temperature The temperature at which light from a complete radiator (black body) matches in chromaticity the light from a given source Middle UV the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum of natural daylight in the range of 290-320 nm. (nanometers) Near UV the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum of natural daylight in the range of 320-380 nm.
UV microwatts/lurnen the amount of ultraviolet energy present per lumen of light output of the source. The values on the Table in parenthesis are estimated and are extrapolations from the standard, black body, temperature curve locus.
The values listed in Table I are for typical lamps which are commercially available. While there may be some variance in the values given, due to manufacturing and material differences, the listed values are believed to be typically representative of the various types of sources.
As seen from Table l, none of the general types of prior art illuminants listed match natural light in all of its characteristics. For example, the so-called daylight" fluorescent lamp, which is the only source specifically designed by the lighting industry to match natural daylight, matches it only with respect to color temperature, that is, there is a phase of daylight having a color temperature of the daylight lamp; though only rarely the same chromaticity. The color rendering index for the daylight" fluorescent is only vs. for natural light and the energy it produces in the near-ultraviolet image is only 37 microwatts/lumen or only about 1/ 10 that present in natural light. The other sources listed are of a low color temperature, have a poor color rendering index, or have excessively low or high ultraviolet energy content, as compared to natural light.
The present invention is directed to electric lamps which have controlled amounts of ultraviolet energy output in the near and middle ultraviolet energy range and which produce an amount of light output at an acceptable color to be useful as a general illuminant. In accordance with the invention, several types of lamps are described in which the amount of ultraviolet energy in the middle and near ultraviolet ranges is controlled to approximate that of natural daylight. These lamps also have spectral radiation characteristics which produce'light having a color closely approximating that of daylight and a relatively high color rendering index.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a light source having the characteristics required in a good illuminant and at the same time having a controlled output of middle (290-320 nm.) and near (320-380 nm.) ultraviolet radiation.
Another object of this invention is to provide a general illuminant having a color rendering index over 50 in which there is simultaneously present both middle range ultraviolet (290-320 nm.) and near ultraviolet (320-380 nm.) in a radiant power ratio of near-UV/middle-UV of between 8 and 40.
Another object is to provide a light source of high color rendering index which also emits ultraviolet light in substantially the same proportion per lumen as natural light for the purpose of showing fluorescent objects and colors as they would appear under outdoor light.
It is also an object of this invention to provide a general illuminant which is also a plant growth lamp and which emits ultraviolet radiation in the 290-320 nm. (middle-UV) range of 6-50 microwatts per lumen of visible light emitted and in the 320-380 nm. (near-UV) range of -700 microwatts per lumen of visible light emitted and in which the ratio of near- UV/middle-UV lies between 8 and 40.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following specification and annexed drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of a fluorescent lamp made in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a graph showing the transmittance characteristics of one type of glass useful in making the lamp of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 3 and 4 are graphs comparing lamps of the present invention with prior art fluorescent lamps; and
FIG. 5 is a view, partially broken away, of a mercury vapor lamp made in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 1 shows a typical fluorescent lamp constructed in accordance with the present invention which produces an output which closely matches the characteristics of natural daylight in the visible and UV regions. As shown, the lamp 1 is of conventional construction and includes an elongated tubular glass envelope 2 which is sealed at each end, usually by a glass stem 3. A pair of lead-in wires 4, 5, are mounted in and extend through the stems 3, each supporting a filament 6 which may be typically of tungsten. The filaments 6 can be of the double or triple coiled types, or coiled-coil, and they have the usual electron-emissive coating of an alkaline earth oxide. A small amount of zirconium dioxide also may be used in the filaments, as is conventional in the art.
The envelope 2 contains a fill of inert gas such as argon at low pressure, for example, about 2 mm. of mercury. A small quantity of an ionizable material such as mercury-is also utilized so that the lamp can be operated at a mercury vapor pressure of between about 2 and 10 microns, for example. A base 7, from which contact prongs 8 and 9 extend is cemented to each end of the envelope. The contact prongs of each base are connected to the lead wires 4 and and the prongs on the two bases, in turn, are adapted to be inserted into the sockets of a fluorescent lamp fixture. All of the features of the lamp heretofore described are conventional and can be varied in a manner well known to those skilled in the art.
To produce the desired spectral characteristics, the fluorescent lamp 1 of the preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes an envelope 2 having a transmittance characteristic suitable to pass a substantial portion of any ultraviolet energy produced having a wavelength above about 290 nm. The transmittance characteristic of one suitable type of glass, which is commercially available from Corning Glass Works of Coming, New York as Code 0080 glass, is shown in FIG. 2. Coming Glass 9821 also may be utilized. As seen, the transmittance increases from zero at about 270 nm. to about 50 percent at 300 nm. and then to substantially the maximum value of 90 percent at about 345 nm. The main requirements of any glass utilized are that it can pass energy above 290 nm. and block any substantial UV energy below the range, which might be harmful.
The inside of the envelope 2 is coated with a phosphor material 10 which produces the light in response to the resonance radiation of the ionized mercury.
Table II below, lists two typical phosphor mixes which can be utilized with the lamps of the subject invention to produce desired spectral radiation characteristics:
TABLE II Phosphor Composition Used For Fluorescent Lamps As indicated in Table II, phosphor Mix A operating in conjunction with the glass envelope of transmittance shown in FIG. 1, produces a lamp having a color temperature of 7500 K and a color rendering index of 96. The spectral distribution of this lamp is shown in FIG. 3 (dotted line compared with natural daylight (Judd reconstituted) at the same color temperature (solid line 22). Wavelength is plotted along the x axis and energy in terms of average microwatts per 10 nm. per lumen along the y axis. The 10 nm. designation refers to the width of the spectrum of energy measured at a given time and integrated. The integrated areas are depicted in block form for the sake of clarity rather than in the more conventional continuous curve form. As seen, the lamp of the subject invention produces a close match to daylight at the same color temperature. It also has a CRI of 96, which is close to that of natural daylight.
Phosphor Mix B, used with the envelope material whose transmittance characteristics are depicted in FIG. 2, produces a lamp having a color temperature of 5500 K and a color rendering index of 91. The spectral characteristics of this lamp are shown in FIG. 4 (solid line 30) as compared to a standard cool white" lamp (dotted line 32). It should be noted that the lamp of the invention has considerably more energy output in the near UV, violet, blue, green and red ranges and less in the yellow range.
Table III below is a comparison of the spectral characteristics of the lamps produced by phosphor Mixes A and B and the glass with transmittance characteristics of FIG. 2, natural daylight at the same color temperatures and a so- The data for Table III and FIGS. 3 and 4 was computed in the manner described below. A relative spectral power distribution normalized to equal lumens for each light source was plotted on graph paper for each of the light sources. Mercury lines were computed for a 10 nanometer bandwidth and plotted separately. The power distribution curves were separated into the respective bands by drawing vertical lines from the wavelength axis to the continuum thus giving an enclosed area for each band under the curve. The total area under the entire curve and the areas of each separate band where then measured using a compensating polar planimeter. The areas for each band were then divided by the spectral bandwidth in tens of nanometers giving an average height for each band. The absolute value in microwatts per lumen per 10 nanometers for the near-uv band was then determined as follows:
uv 1 0 J)\l XLX685X 10 where:
J)\ average radiant flux in microwatts per lumen per 10 A,,,. area of near-uv band A, total area under spectrum 685 lumenslwatt= electrical equivalent of light at 555 nm.
L= luminosity factor 2 JAY/E J)t JA relative spectral power at wavelength A.
Y= CIE 1931 Standard Observer Function.
Values of microwatts per lumen per 10 nm. for the remaining bands were then computed using the ratio JA /A,,,. as a constant to convert the area measurements into the absolute values.
As seen in Table III the 7500 K, 96 CR1 lamp provides a relatively good match of the spectral radiation characteristics of natural daylight at the same color temperature. The same holds true for the 5500 K, 91 CRI lamp.
Both the aforesaid lamps of the present invention also are suitable as general illuminants. For example, both of these lamps constructed in a 40 watt size produce approximately 2100-2300 lumens of light output as measured in a conventional manner. This compares quite favorably with the more conventional fluorescent lamps whose light output, for the same size lamp, is approximately the same for so-called deluxe" fluorescent lamps.
It should be understood that the phosphor Mixes A and B referred to above are only typical of a number of phosphor mixes which can be utilized. In the Mixes A and B, Barium Silicate:Lead produces energy in the near-UV range and Calcium Zinc Phosphate: Thalium in the middle UV range. In general, the necessary quantities of these two phosphors are selected to produce the desired UV radiation output and then the other phosphors blended to produce the proper color and CRI. It should be understood that, in general, the proportions of the phosphor mixes of the type described above using the same constituents will vary due to changes in the relative efficiencies of the different phosphors.
The principles of the present invention are not limited to low pressure fluorescent lamp types and other types of lamps can be produced having a controlled amount of ultraviolet energy and still be useful for general illuminant purposes. For example, by using a subtractive filter to selectively reduce the ultraviolet radiation from a high pressure mercury lamp (e.g., type H33-1CD as specified by the American Standards Institute) the ultraviolet output perlumen may be brought within the ranges found in natural light. This can be achieved in one embodiment of this invention by adjusting the coating thickness of an ultraviolet absorber such as manganese activated magnesium fluorogermanate phosphor so as to transmit only about percent of the middle and only about 30 percent of the near-UV radiation. Heretofore this phosphor has been utilized (see US. Pat. No. 2,748,303) for color improvement of this lamp type in which case it is important that all ultraviolet be absorbed in order to have the highest conversion of this radiation into red luminescence. This contrasts with the present invention where it is important to allow a controlled amount of the middleand near-UV to be radiated by the lamp so as to more closely match natural light. By proper adjustment of this coating, it has thus been found possible to achieve ultraviolet emission levels in this type lamp of about 16 microwatts and 280 microwatts per lumen respectively for the middleand near-UV regions per lumen of visible light emitted. This brings the lamp quite close to the UV ratios found in natural light although the spectral distribution in the visible range is not quite as good as that produced with the fluorescent lamps described previously. The lumen output of such mercury vapor lamps modified as described above is about 50 lumens per watt.
FIG. 5 shows a mercury vapor lamp constructed in accordance with the present invention. Here, the otherwise conventional lamp has an envelope 40 with a screw type base 42 in which is mounted an arc tube 44 on a support 47. Lead wires 46 and 48 connect the electrodes 50 and 52 of the arc tube to the electrical contacts of the base. The are tube contains a quantity of mercury which is ionized to produce the light. The interior wall of envelope 40 is coated with the UV absorbing phosphor 49 compound previously described. It should be understood that the thickness of the phosphor coating depends upon the phosphor particle size. Thus, finer phosphor particles can be more densely packed and a thinner coating used to produce the desired amount of absorption, than if larger size phosphor particles are utilized.
Lamps such as high pressure sodium and metal-halide-mercury sources also are correctable by means of either UV emitting phosphors on the outer envelopes and/or additions of other vapor species to the arc itself so as to radiate proportions of ultraviolet energy in the ranges required to simulate what is found in natural light. While such lamps with controlled UV/visible ratios of radiated energy are within the scope of the present invention, they do not represent the best illuminants by reason of their inferior color rendering indexes and discontinuous spectra.
As indicated above, the lamps of the subject invention produce ultraviolet energy in the middle and near ultraviolet ranges in quantities per lumen comparable to natural daylight while at the same time producing sufficient light output at an acceptable color to serve as a general purpose illuminant, e.g., as a light source where prior art fluorescent lamps are utilized such as in factories, schools, homes, oflices, etc.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the glass transmittance characteristics, such as types of glass compositions and thickness and/or the phosphor mixes, and other factors, are selected to produce a lamp: having a CR1 of about 50 or greater; an output of middle UV energy in the range of 6-50 microwatts per lumen of visible light emitted; an output of near UV energy in the range of 150-700 microwatts per lumen of visible light emitted; and in which the ratio of near UV/middle UV energy emitted is in the range between about 8 to 40.
'The ranges of operation of the various output parameters specified above are selected for the following reasons. First, a CRI of at least 50 is preferable, for a lamp used as a general illuminant since CRIS below this value have very poor color rendering and therefore are poor from the standpoint of perception. Outputs of 6-50 microwatts of middle range UV and 150-700 microwatts of near range UV energy per lumen of visible light emitted by the lamp and maintenance of the ratio of near UV/rniddle UV in the range of from about 8 to 40 is also desired. The reason for this is that this range of energy outputs and ratios approximates the range of the standard color temperature of natural daylight from about 5000 K to about 8000 K which is suitable for illumination purposes. Too far a departure from these temperatures would bring a lamp in the range to where its light output would have a color unsuitable for general illumination purposes. As should be apparent the color temperature of natural daylight varies due to various external factors, including the seasons of the year, and therefore it is impossible to fix upon any one color temperature.
It is also desirable to limit the UV energy output to the ranges specified above in order to prevent undue erythema (burning or reddening of the skin) upon exposure to the lamp. It is preferred that a person exposed to the lamp over a given period of time, say an eight hour day, receive less than one MPE (minimum perceptible erythema), which is the quantity of UV energy needed to produce just noticeable reddening of the average untanned skin of a caucasian human. Using the 5500 K, 91 CRI fluorescent lamp described above, a person exposed to a footcandle level from this lamp (the average level found in an office) over an eight hour day would receive approximately one-third of an MPE.
To produce a lamp such as shown in FIG. 1 is a relatively simple matter. Starting with a glass which can transmit UV energy above 280 nm. the phosphors emitting UV energy, such as in Mixes A and B above, are first chosen in the quantity desired to produce the needed amount of UV energy. Then the color emitting phosphors are selected to produce the desired CRI. Adjustments of both can then be made, if needed, to achieve both the desired quantity of UV energy and proper CRI.
In the past certain special lamps have been developed for producing certain types of energy for the purpose of of promoting specific biological effects. For example, the fluorescent lamp described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,287,586 is said to have been developed to improve the growth of specific plants such as' green beans and tomatoes. The color (.1: 0.392, y 0.331) of this lamp departs considerably from acceptable white sources so that the CIE Color Rendering Index is very low or cannot logically be applied at all. Also, the lumen output of visible light of a lamp of this type is quite low as compared to conventional fluorescent lamp sources used for general illumination purposes.
Similarly, fluorescent lamps have been developed for the specific purpose of producing ultraviolet for sun tanning purposes. However, these fluorescent lamps have no utility as general illuminants whatsoever. Other lamp types, such as the RS Sunlamp, have been designed as sources of ultraviolet energy. These sunlamps" are advertised as having health benefits in synthesizing Vitamin D and aiding the growth of strong healthy bones and teeth. While these sunlamps do have visible radiation, their color temperature (see Table I) is so far from the black body locus as to prohibit assignment of a meaningful color rendering index. Further, their luminous efficacy (in the order of 9 lumens/watt) is so low as to render them very poor choices as general illuminants. They also could not be used for general illumination purposes even if it were desired to do so because of the inherent danger to people of the high ultraviolet intensities which accompany the visible light. For example, to achieve an illumination level of 50 footcandles with such a source, a person receiving this amount of light would be exposed to about 30 microwatts/cm of middle ultraviolet energy in the range between 290 and 320 nanometers which produces erythema. The maximum intensity tolerated by the American Medical Association at face level for an 8-hour day is 0.5 microwatts/cm This maximum intensity level was actually specified for bactericidal UV (253.7 nanometers) but was based on experience with wave-lengths in the 280-320 nm. range.
In addition to serving as a general illuminant, it is believed that the lamps of the present invention have advantageous photobiological effects. For example, particularly good results have been obtained with fluorescent lamps of the first example (5500 K and CR1 of 91) in plant growth and seed germination. The flower varieties of ageratum begonia, impatiens, lobelia, petunia, salvia, verbena, and vinca rosea were found to germinate and grow particularly well. Seeds of these varieties started two weeks after the normal sowing date, caught up to the stage at which the same species were a year earlier at the same time under energy from the lamps of U.S. Pat. No. 3,287,586. Early germination and rapid early growth were also found for kidney beans and dwarf marigolds under the fluorescent lamps of 5500 K and CR1 of 91 of the present invention, and after 66 days, healthy mature fruited and blossomed plants were obtained.
Considerable research work is presently being done on other aspects of the photobiological effect of light. The lamps of the present invention also produce energy in ranges where it has been shown that other advantageous photobiological effects are produced. To demonstrate these possibilities, the charts of FIGS. 3 and 4, which show the spectral output oftyp ical lamps of the present invention, have been divided spectrally into known photobiologically active regions from the shorter wavelength (middle) ultraviolet, to the longer wavelength radiations between 625 and 700 nm. Radiation from natural daylight in the former, shorter wavelength region has been shown to form Vitamin D in the body. Energy from natural daylight in the latter, longer wavelength region, which evokes the sensation of red light in the human eye, has been shown to have pronounced photoblastic effects upon seeds. Such photobiological effects related to the various bands are shown in Table IV together with pertinent literature references.
Since the different wavelengths of light found in natural daylight and considered in the literature references of Table IV are present in the lamps of the subject invention, it is believed that a number of the same beneficial effects of natural daylight can be obtained with these lamps. For example, it is believed that the lamp of 7500 K color temperature and CR] of 96 has bactericidal efiectiveness in a manner comparable to that of natural light. As described in one literature reference, 10, natural daylight provides a lethal environment for such organisms as streptococci even at levels as low as 40-50 footcandles. This reference describes that inactivation of certain bacteria (E. coli) by sunlight is even more effective than ultraviolet alone (253.7 nm.) in that the sunlight inactivated. cells are least susceptible to reactivation processes. Since the 7500 K, CR] 96 lamp spectral distribution closely; matches thatpfnatural light, it should have a similar effectiveness. Thus, it would be a good illuminant for use in general hospital illumination.
All of the above described lamps of this invention (both fluorescent and vapor types) will supply ultraviolet energy at reasonable footcandle levels which has shown in the literature to be sufficient to cure and/or prevent rickets in humans and growing chicks. 7
In recent years considerable research work has been done which leads to the conclusion that natural light is the most important environmental factor controlling and molding life on earth. This has been universally understood for a long time in the case of plant life where light directly powers the remarkable process of photosynthesis. Here carbon dioxide and water are converted into the basic building blocks of all life. As
TABLE IV.BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF LIGHT Wavelength measured in nanometers Middle-UV Near-UV Violet Blue Green Yellow Orange Red Vitamin D synthesisf 7 Direct tanning. Erythcmal and tanning ellcetsfi- 7 Exeitatlion of fluorescent colors and optical bloac lCS. Lime, phosphorus, carbohydrate mctabolismfl- 7 Microorganism inactivation Photorcaetivation 11 Rhodopsin action spectrum 12 and twilight (scotopic vision) Photodynamic eilccts Rhodopsin p11otoregencration PHOTOPIC VISION Pineal gland 18 response 7' and Pituitary-hypothalamus response lhotoblnstic Red Fur lied ellects. W (lonndal stimulation. l9
(Enzymes and hormonal substances) l I llt'nin e Adrenals (lomulS might be expected, the intensity, periodicity, and spectral composition of light used for growing plants can have drastic effects upon them. However direct effects of light upon mankind and animal life have not been so obvious. Only now is the complexity of the interrelations between light and these forms of life beginning to unfold.
Research conducted at the National Institutes of Health in the last several years has revealed that a small gland near the center of the brain responds to light entering the eye. This response is independent of and apart from the normal visual process. Under stimulation of light entering the eye, this gland, called the pineal gland, controls the synthesis and release of chemical substances (hormones, enzymes) into the bloodstream to be carried to any one of several target sites in the neuroendocrine system including the brain, the pituitary, and the gonads. Earlier work had already indicated retinal stimulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary system which regulates vital autonomic function of the body. Before this discovery, there had been numerous observations of biological effects of light and its spectral composition on people and animals although the exact processes were not understood. These go back over 40 years when it was discovered that slate-colored junco could be made to migrate north in the fall by simply varying the light-dark cycle to which they were exposed before release. 1
Subsequent reports of photobiological effects have ranged from those involving regulation of the water, carbohydrate, blood, and hormone (including insulin and ACT H) 22 balance in humans to those involving grotesque effects upon animals of spectrally distorted light sources. The latter include such effects as abnormal gonadal development and camer Studies of blind people as compared with seeing people have shown remarkable differences in age of sexual maturity and in the size of the pituitary gland.
Light also has direct beneficial effects upon the human body when absorbed through the skin. These are well known effects such as the formation in the body of vitamins by ultraviolet and improved lime, phosphorus, and carbohydrate metabol ism. Then there is the greatly sought after cosmetic effect of skin tanning long associated with a healthy condition of the body. These are extremely complex reactions afiected drastically by the balance of ultraviolet between the shorter wavelengths (middle UV) and the longer wavelengths (near UV and visible). For example the short wavelengths alone can cause a burning (erythema) of the skin while the longer wavelengths alone cause a direct pigment darkening without burning. Only with simultaneous exposure to both types of light in proper balance does one get the natural skin responses. Remarkably it has been found only recently that the oral administration of Vitamin D could not replace the effects of ultraviolet absorbed by the skin in forming the same vitamin.
Effects of light on bacteria are also complex. Shorter wavelengths of ultraviolet alone inactivate them while longer wavelengths seem to repair the damage to certain types. Simultaneous irradiation with all wavelengths as present in sunlight therefore has a very complex effect. Viruses alone on the other hand show no repair effects under longer wavelengths they are inactivated by ultraviolet alone or in combination with longer wavelengths unless they are incorporated within a host cell showing photo-repair characteristics. Recent studies on full spectrum natural sunlight have demonstrated its effectiveness against both viruses and bacteria? The action spectra for bacterial inactivation and erythemal effectiveness have been determined of necessity by isolating the various UV wavelengths and measuring their biological effectiveness. They are not realistic for sources in which longer wavelengths of ultraviolet-and visible-radiation are simultaneously present. There results a more complex interplay of biological effects in full spectrum radiation such as found in natural light than is observed for monochromatic or narrow band sources. Such phenomena extend to the visual process which itself is photo-biological in nature. For example, it has recently been reported that the visual pigment rhodopsinknown to photodecornpose upon absorption of light giving rise to rod stimulation is actually photoregenerated by the action of near-UV and violet wavelengths upon the intermediates formed during the bleaching process. This has its analogue in the plant world where photoblastism, that is, the influence of light upon seed germination shows remarkable reversible effects. Germination of certain seeds is inhibited by one wavelength (730 nm.) and stimulated by another (660 nm.). Simultaneous irradiation by both wavelengths with white light gives results dependent upon which wavelength is preponderant. Such complex photobiological effects are closely attuned. to natural light. Another researcher has concluded that I have no doubt that adaptation to sunlight is one of the principal circumstances that govern the action spectra of photo-biological processes.
It has also been recently discovered that small quantities of ultraviolet light bring about profound changes in living cells. Thus, while ultraviolet may bring about in living skin the formation of a small amount of melanin according to reactions such as have been demonstrated in vitro, the skin might be pretty thoroughly burned before the quantity reaches the proportion of suntan. On the other hand, a very small amount of ultraviolet radiation might, by eliciting changes in the cell, lead to the ultimate production of a good deal of melanin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for skin darkening. The foregoing relates to actual synthesis of melanin in the malphigian layer of the skin due to middle-UV exposure. Near-UV as mentioned earlier has the property of eliciting direct pigment darkening due presumably to oxidation of existing melanin in the outer layers of skin.
As on other important aspect of photobiological effects, it should be considered that up to now, scientists thought the bodys biological clock mechanisms operate independently of external influences. Now the discovery of the pineals direct neural connection with the eyes and the influence of light on synthesis of hormones exposes the error of the theory.
It is also known that quantities of UV energy have been successfully used to promote the general health of humans and animals.
As can be reasonably concluded from the above, it is believed that the lamps of the present invention, whose spectral radiation characteristics closely match natural daylight, could have significant utility in producing various beneficial photobiological efiects. This is so because the lamps produce a full spectrum of energy containing energy in the specific range, or ranges, which have been shown in the literature to produce some photobiological activity. The plant growth tests already conducted with the lamps of the present invention, have already substantiated a portion of this conclusion.
While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be understood that these are illustrative only, and the invention is limited solely by the appended claims.
APPENDIX 1. Wollentin, et al, Journal of the Electrochemical Society,
2. Jo. of American Medical Assoc. 137, 1600-1603.
3. Radiation Biology, Vol. II, p. 53, McGraw-Hill (1955) Ed. by Alexander Hollaender.
4. [ES Lighting Handbook, fourth Edition, p. 25-14 (1966).
4a. ibid p. 25-12.
5. Blum, H. F., ref. No. 23, p. 487.
6. Seidl, E., Influence of Ultraviolet Radiation on the Healthy Adult, Max-Planck-lnstitut fur Arbeitsphysiologie (paper presented at Conference on Biologic Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation held at Temple University Sciences Center, Aug. 1966).
7. Luckiesh, Matthew, Applications of Germicidal Erythemal, and Infrared En rgy," Van Nostrand (1946) p. -436.
8. Luria, S. E., ibid, p. 333.
9. Harm, Walter, Radiation Research Supplement 6, p. 215
Academic Press 1966).
10. Buchbinder, L. et al, J. Bacteriology, Vol. 42, 1941, p.
a. lES Handbook, fourth Edition, FIG. 25-23.
11. Dulbecco, Renato, ref. No. 23, p. 455.
11a. Rupert, Claud S., Photophysiology, p. 283, Academic Press (1964) Ed. by A. C. Giese.
12. Rushton, W. A. H., ref. 130., p. 126
13. Clare, N. T., Radiation Biology Vol. III, p. 693, Mc-
Graw-l-lill 1956).
14. Blum, H. F., Photo-Dynamic Action & Diseases caused by Light, Hafner Pub. Co. (1964).
15. Pak, W. L. and Boes, R J., Science, Vol. 155(3766), p.
16. Wurtman, R. J. and Axelrod, J Scientific American 213(1),July 1965.
17. Hollwich, F., Annals of The New York Academy of Sciences 117, p. 105-127.
18. Benoit, J., ref. 17, p. 204.
19. Evenari, M., Recent Progress in Photobiology, p. 161,
Blackwell Scientific Publications 1965 20. Rowan, William, Nature 1552p. 494-495 (1925).
21. Jones, E., Deut. Arch. Klin. Med. 175:244 (1933).
22. Radnot, M. and Wallner, E., ibid p. 244-253.
23. Blum, H. F Radiation Biology Vol. II, p. 5 29, McGraw- Hill Book Co. (1955 24. Ott, John N., Illuminating Engineering, Vol. LX, p. 254
25. Wurtman, R. J. and Zacharias, L., Science Vol.
26. Wald, George, Ref. No. l, p. 336.
27. l-larold F. Blum, ref. 23, p. 507.
28. Chemical & Engineering News, May 1, 1967, page 40.
What is claimed is:
1. An electric lamp for general illumination purposes operable from a source of voltage comprising an envelope capable of transmitting light in the visible, and middle and near ultraviolet ranges, a pair of electrodes for connection to said voltage source and an ionizable medium within said envelope, said electrodes and said ionizable medium upon operation of the lamp producing an electrical discharge, means cooperating with the radiant power of the electrical discharge for producing radiation having a spectrum in the visible light range with a C.l.E. color rendering index of at least 80, radiation in the near ultraviolet range, and radiation in the middle ultraviolet range, said visible and said ultraviolet radiation produced being transmitted through said envelope in the quantities of between about 6-50 microwatts of middle range ultraviolet radiation and between about 150-700 microwatts of near range ultraviolet radiation per lumen of visible light with the radiant power ratio of near ultraviolet/middle ultraviolet radiation being in the range from between about 8 to 40, said ultraviolet radiation transmitted through said envelope being of a total quantity substantially the same per lumen of visible light transmitted through said envelope as found in natural daylight of the same correlated color temperature.
2. An electric lamp as in claim 1 wherein said means cooperating with the radiant power of the electrical discharge produces respective quantities of radiation transmitted through said envelope in each of said middle and near ultraviolet ranges per lumen of visible light which are substantially the same as that found in the corresponding ranges of natural daylight for the same correlated color temperature.
3. An electric lamp as in claim 1 wherein said means cooperating with the radiant power of the electrical discharge produces ultraviolet radiation transmitted through said envelope in the middle ultraviolet range which is of a quantity less than that which would produce minimum perceptible erythema on an average untanned caucasian skin during exposure for an eight-hour period at a 100 foot candle level.
4. An electric lamp as in claim 1 wherein said envelope is of a material which substantially blocks the transmission of radiation below 290 nanometers.
5. A fluorescent lamp for general illumination purposes operable from a source of voltage comprising an ultraviolet and visible light transmitting envelope, a pair of electrodes for connection to said voltage source, an inert gas and an ionizable medium within said envelope for producing an electrical discharge upon operation of the lamp, means including a blend of phosphors internally coated on said envelope for producing upon operation of the lamp and in cooperation with the radiant power of the electrical discharge radiation which is transmitted through said envelope including visible light having a C.I.E. color rendering index of at least 80, and an ultraviolet emission of radiation in both the near and the middle ultraviolet ranges which is transmitted through said envelope in the quantities of between about 6-50 microwatts of middle range ultraviolet radiation and between about -700 microwatts of near range ultraviolet radiation per lumen of visible light with the radiant power ratio of near ultraviolet/middle ultraviolet radiation being in the range from between about 8 to 40 and the quantity of total ultraviolet radiation being substantially the same per lumen of visible light transmitted through the envelope as found in natural daylight of the same correlated color temperature.
6. A fluorescent lamp as in claim 5 wherein said means including the blend of phosphors which cooperates with the electrical discharge produces respective quantities of radiation transmitted through said envelope in each of said middle and near ultraviolet ranges which are substantially the same as that found in the corresponding ranges of natural daylight for the same correlated color temperature.
7. A fluorescent lamp as set forth in claim 5 wherein the envelope is of a material which limits the transmittance of the short wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation produced substantially to above 290 nanometers.
8. A fluorescent lamp as set forth in claim 5 wherein the phosphor blend comprises at least the following phosphors:
Strontium Calcium OrthophosphatezTin Magnesium Tungstate Barium Silicate:l..ead
Zinc SilicatezManganese.
9. A fluorescent lamp as set forth in claim 8 wherein the phosphor blend comprises at least the following phosphors at substantially the weight percentages of the total blend indicated:
Strontium Calcium OrthophosphatezTin 6 Magnesium Tungstate 2 Barium SilicatezLead Zinc SilicatezManganese LnOMw Strontium Calcium Orthophosphate:'l'in Magnesium Tungstate Calcium Tungstate Magnesium Fluorogermanate Yttrium VanadatezEuropium Barium SilicatezLead Calcium Zinc Phosphatez'l'hallium to produce a lamp having a color rendering index of visible light of about 96 at about 7500 K color temperature.
12. A fluorescent lamp as in claim wherein the visible light produced has a color temperature of between about 5000 K and about 8000 K.
13. A fluorescent lamp as in claim 5 wherein said means including said blend of phosphors for cooperating with said electrical discharge produces light in the visible range with a ratio of the yellow to red components thereof being substantially less than :1 at about 5500 K color temperature.
14. A fluorescent lamp as in claim 5 wherein said means including said blend of phosphors for cooperating with said electrical discharge produces light in the visible range with a ratio of the yellow to red components thereof being substantially

Claims (17)

1. An electric lamp for general illumination purposes operable from a source of voltage comprising an envelope capable of transmitting light in the visible, and middle and near ultraviolet ranges, a pair of electrodes for connection to said voltage source and an ionizable medium within said envelope, said electrodes and said ionizable medium upon operation of the lamp producing an electrical discharge, means cooperating with the radiant power of the electrical discharge for producing radiation having a spectrum in the visible light range with a C.I.E. color rendering index of at least 80, radiation in the near ultraviolet range, and radiation in the middle ultraviolet range, said visible and said ultraviolet radiation produced being transmitted through said envelope in the quantities of between about 6-50 microwatts of middle range ultraviolet radiation and between about 150-700 microwatts of near range ultraviolet radiation per lumen of visible light with the radiant power ratio of near ultraviolet/middle ultraviolet radiation being in the range from between about 8 to 40, said ultraviolet radiation transmitted through said envelope being of a total quantity substantially the same per lumen of visible light transmitted through said envelope as found in natural daylight of the same correlated color temperature.
2. An electric lamp as in claim 1 wherein said means cooperating with the radiant power of the electrical discharge produces respective quantities of radiation transmitted through said envelope in each of said middle and near ultraviolet ranges per lumen of visible light which are substantially the same as that found in the corresponding ranges of natural daylight for the same correlated color temperature.
3. An electric lamp as in claim 1 wherein said means cooperating with the radiant power of the electrical discharge produces ultraviolet radiation transmitted through said envelope in the middle ultraviolet range which is of a quantity less than that which would produce minimum perceptible erythema on an average untanned caucasian skin during exposure for an eight-hour period at a 100 foot candle level.
4. An electric lamp as in claim 1 wherein said envelope is of a material which substantially blocks the transmission of radiation below 290 nanometers.
5. A fluorescent lamp for general illumination purposes operable from a source of voltage comprising an ultraviolet and visible light transmitting envelope, a pair of electrodes for connection to said voltage source, an inert gas and an ionizable medium within said envelope for producing an electrical discharge upon operation of the lamp, means including a blend of phosphors internally coated on said envelope for producing upon operation of the lamp and in cooperation with the radiant power of the electrical discharge radiation which is transmitted through said envelope including visible light having a C.I.E. color rendering index of at least 80, and an ultraviolet emission of radiation in both the near and the middle ultraviolet ranges which is transmitted through said envelope in the quantities of between about 6-50 microwatts of middle range ultraviolet radiation and between about 150-700 microwatts of near range ultraviolet radiation per lumen of visible light with the radiant power ratio of near ultraviolet/middle ultraviolet radiation being in the range from between about 8 to 40 and the quantity of total ultraviolet radiation being substantially the same per lumen of visible light transmitted through the envelope as found in natural daylight of the same correlated color temperature.
6. A fluorescent lamp as in claim 5 wherein said means including the blend of phosphors which cooperates with the electrical discharge produces respective quantities of radiation transmitted through said envelope in each of said middle and near ultraviolet ranges which are substantially the same as that found in the corresponding ranges of natural daylight for the same correlated color temperature.
7. A fluorescent lamp as set forth in claim 5 wherein the envelope is of a material which limits the transmittance of the short wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation produced substantially to above 290 nanometers.
8. A fluorescent lamp as set forth in claim 5 wherein the phosphor blend comprises at least the following phosphors: Strontium Calcium Orthophosphate:Tin Magnesium Tungstate Barium Silicate:Lead Zinc Silicate:Manganese.
9. A fluorescent lamp as set forth in claim 8 wherein the phosphor blend comprises at least the following phosphors at substantially the weight percentages of the total blend indicated: Strontium Calcium Orthophosphate:Tin68.3 Magnesium Tungstate22.2 Barium Silicate:Lead5.0 Zinc Silicate:Manganese4.5 to produce a lamp having a color rendering index of visible light of about 91 at about 5500* K color temperature.
10. A fluorescent lamp as set forth in claim 5 wherein the phosphor blend comprises at least the following phosphors: Strontium Calcium Orthophosphate:Tin Magnesium Tungstate Calcium Tungstate Magnesium Fluorogermanate Yttrium Vanadate:Europium Barium Silicate:Lead Calcium Zinc Phosphate:Thallium
11. A fluorescent lamp as set forth in claim 8 wherein the phosphor blend comprises at least the following phosphors at substantially the weight percentages of the total blend indicated: Strontium Calcium Orthophosphate:Tin44.7 Magnesium Tungstate20.8 Calcium Tungstate13.7 Magnesium Fluorogermanate6.8 Yttrium Vanadate:Europium3.3 Barium Silicate:Lead9.0 Calcium Zinc Phosphate:Thallium2.0 to produce a lamp having a color rendering index of visible light of about 96 at about 7500* K color temperature.
12. A fluorescent lamp as in claim 5 wherein the visible light produced has a color temperature of between about 5000* K and about 8000* K.
13. A fluorescent lamp as in claim 5 wherein said means including said blend of phosphors for cooperating with said electrical discharge produces light in the visible range with a ratio of the yellow to red components thereof being substantially less than 10:1 at about 5500* K color temperature.
14. A fluorescent lamp as in claim 5 wherein said means including said blend of phosphors for cooperating with said electrical discharge produces light in the visible range with a ratio of the yellow to red components thereof being substantially less than 7:1 at about 7500* K color temperature.
15. The fluorescent lamp as in claim 5 wherein said means including said blend of phosphors which cooperates with the electrical discharge produces substantially no infra-red radiation.
16. A fluorescent lamp as in claim 5 wherein the phosphor blend is substantially uniformly distributed on the internal surface of the envelope.
17. A fluorescent lamp as in claim 5 wherein said means including said blend of phosphors which cooperates with the electrical discharge produces light having a C.I.E. color rendering index of at least 85.
US37433A 1970-05-14 1970-05-14 Electric lamps producing energy in the visible and ultra-violet ranges Expired - Lifetime US3670193A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US3743370A 1970-05-14 1970-05-14

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3670193A true US3670193A (en) 1972-06-13

Family

ID=21894310

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US37433A Expired - Lifetime US3670193A (en) 1970-05-14 1970-05-14 Electric lamps producing energy in the visible and ultra-violet ranges

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US3670193A (en)

Cited By (86)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3778660A (en) * 1970-06-12 1973-12-11 Matsushita Electronics Corp Fluorescent lamp of high color rendering
US3825792A (en) * 1973-07-03 1974-07-23 Westinghouse Electric Corp Novel discharge lamp and coating
US3952322A (en) * 1971-09-30 1976-04-20 Lester Wolfe Photographic lighting system
FR2461356A1 (en) * 1979-07-03 1981-01-30 Philips Nv DISCHARGE LAMPS IN LOW PRESSURE MERCURY STEAM
FR2461355A1 (en) * 1979-07-03 1981-01-30 Philips Nv DISCHARGE LAMP IN LOW PRESSURE MERCURY STEAM
FR2465311A1 (en) * 1979-09-06 1981-03-20 Gen Electric FLUORESCENT BRONZER LAMP
US4703224A (en) * 1985-01-07 1987-10-27 Gte Products Corporation Fluorescent lamp substantially approximating the ultraviolet spectrum of natural sunlight
US4843279A (en) * 1985-01-07 1989-06-27 Gte Products Corporation Fluorescent lamp substantially approximating the ultraviolet spectrum of natural sunlight
US4891550A (en) * 1987-10-15 1990-01-02 Duro-Test Corporation Phosphor blend for broad spectrum fluorescent lamp
US4933600A (en) * 1987-09-04 1990-06-12 Patent Treuhand Gesellschaft Fur Elektrische Gluhlampen M.B.H. Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp, particularly ultra-violet radiator, also providing visible light output
US5122710A (en) * 1989-11-28 1992-06-16 Duro-Test Corporation Rare earth phosphor blends for fluorescent lamp using four to five phosphors
US5292345A (en) * 1987-08-24 1994-03-08 Gerardo Ernesto A Portable photoneuronic energizer
US5444501A (en) * 1992-12-09 1995-08-22 Aloi; Joanne Golf stabilizer for less dominant eye
US5601786A (en) * 1994-06-02 1997-02-11 Monagan; Gerald C. Air purifier
US6135117A (en) * 1997-05-12 2000-10-24 Cornell Research Foundation, Inc. Non-ocular circadian clock resetting in humans
US6301371B1 (en) * 1995-08-21 2001-10-09 Mark F. Jones Object identification system applications
US6613277B1 (en) 1999-06-18 2003-09-02 Gerald C. Monagan Air purifier
US6615538B2 (en) * 1999-03-15 2003-09-09 Seed-Tech Temed Ltd Process and apparatus for promoting the germination of plant seeds and the production of agricultural crops
US6669627B1 (en) 1999-07-09 2003-12-30 Cornell Research Foundation Inc. REM sleep augmentation with extra-ocular light
US20040075995A1 (en) * 2002-10-17 2004-04-22 William Raggio Illuminated workrooms substantially devoid of blue and UV light, and light sources, including fluorescent lamps, adapted to block blue and UV light emission
US6787979B2 (en) * 2000-05-13 2004-09-07 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Rare-gas low-pressure discharge lamp, method of manufacturing a rare-gas low-pressure discharge lamp, and application of a gas discharge lamp
US20040218387A1 (en) * 2003-03-18 2004-11-04 Robert Gerlach LED lighting arrays, fixtures and systems and method for determining human color perception
US20050000365A1 (en) * 2003-05-08 2005-01-06 Roger Nelsen System for purifying and removing contaminants from gaseous fluids
US20050175498A1 (en) * 1997-09-17 2005-08-11 Jerry Nelson Method and apparatus for producing purified or ozone enriched air to remove contaminants from fluids
US20080029720A1 (en) * 2006-08-03 2008-02-07 Intematix Corporation LED lighting arrangement including light emitting phosphor
US20080151143A1 (en) * 2006-10-19 2008-06-26 Intematix Corporation Light emitting diode based backlighting for color liquid crystal displays
US20080192458A1 (en) * 2007-02-12 2008-08-14 Intematix Corporation Light emitting diode lighting system
EP1970423A1 (en) * 2007-03-13 2008-09-17 LightTech Lámpatechnológia Kft. Fluorescent lamp for stimulating previtamin D3 production
US20080224597A1 (en) * 1996-03-26 2008-09-18 Cree, Inc. Solid state white light emitter and display using same
US20090224652A1 (en) * 2008-03-07 2009-09-10 Intematix Corporation MULTIPLE-CHIP EXCITATION SYSTEMS FOR WHITE LIGHT EMITTING DIODES (LEDs)
US20100027293A1 (en) * 2008-07-30 2010-02-04 Intematix Corporation Light Emitting Panel
US20100052560A1 (en) * 2007-05-07 2010-03-04 Intematix Corporation Color tunable light source
US20100102250A1 (en) * 2008-10-23 2010-04-29 Intematix Corporation Phosphor based authentication system
US20100164346A1 (en) * 2008-12-31 2010-07-01 Intematix Corporation Light emitting device with phosphor wavelength conversion
US20100321919A1 (en) * 2009-06-18 2010-12-23 Intematix Corporation Led based lamp and light emitting signage
US20110110095A1 (en) * 2009-10-09 2011-05-12 Intematix Corporation Solid-state lamps with passive cooling
US20110115406A1 (en) * 2009-11-19 2011-05-19 Intematix Corporation High cri white light emitting devices and drive circuitry
US20110149548A1 (en) * 2009-12-22 2011-06-23 Intematix Corporation Light emitting diode based linear lamps
US20110188228A1 (en) * 2007-03-05 2011-08-04 Intematix Corporation Light emitting diode (led) based lighting systems
US20110204805A1 (en) * 2007-04-13 2011-08-25 Intematix Corporation Color temperature tunable white light source
US20120126696A1 (en) * 2010-11-22 2012-05-24 Iwasaki Electric Co., Ltd. Metal halide lamp
US8604678B2 (en) 2010-10-05 2013-12-10 Intematix Corporation Wavelength conversion component with a diffusing layer
US8610341B2 (en) 2010-10-05 2013-12-17 Intematix Corporation Wavelength conversion component
US8610340B2 (en) 2010-10-05 2013-12-17 Intematix Corporation Solid-state light emitting devices and signage with photoluminescence wavelength conversion
US8614539B2 (en) 2010-10-05 2013-12-24 Intematix Corporation Wavelength conversion component with scattering particles
US8616714B2 (en) 2011-10-06 2013-12-31 Intematix Corporation Solid-state lamps with improved radial emission and thermal performance
US8647373B1 (en) * 2010-02-11 2014-02-11 James G. Shepherd Phototherapy methods using fluorescent UV light
US8686449B2 (en) 2007-10-17 2014-04-01 Intematix Corporation Light emitting device with phosphor wavelength conversion
US8740400B2 (en) 2008-03-07 2014-06-03 Intematix Corporation White light illumination system with narrow band green phosphor and multiple-wavelength excitation
US8783887B2 (en) 2007-10-01 2014-07-22 Intematix Corporation Color tunable light emitting device
US8807799B2 (en) 2010-06-11 2014-08-19 Intematix Corporation LED-based lamps
US8888318B2 (en) 2010-06-11 2014-11-18 Intematix Corporation LED spotlight
US8947619B2 (en) 2006-07-06 2015-02-03 Intematix Corporation Photoluminescence color display comprising quantum dots material and a wavelength selective filter that allows passage of excitation radiation and prevents passage of light generated by photoluminescence materials
US8946998B2 (en) 2010-08-09 2015-02-03 Intematix Corporation LED-based light emitting systems and devices with color compensation
US8957585B2 (en) 2010-10-05 2015-02-17 Intermatix Corporation Solid-state light emitting devices with photoluminescence wavelength conversion
US8994056B2 (en) 2012-07-13 2015-03-31 Intematix Corporation LED-based large area display
US8992051B2 (en) 2011-10-06 2015-03-31 Intematix Corporation Solid-state lamps with improved radial emission and thermal performance
US9004705B2 (en) 2011-04-13 2015-04-14 Intematix Corporation LED-based light sources for light emitting devices and lighting arrangements with photoluminescence wavelength conversion
US9115868B2 (en) 2011-10-13 2015-08-25 Intematix Corporation Wavelength conversion component with improved protective characteristics for remote wavelength conversion
US9217543B2 (en) 2013-01-28 2015-12-22 Intematix Corporation Solid-state lamps with omnidirectional emission patterns
US9252338B2 (en) 2012-04-26 2016-02-02 Intematix Corporation Methods and apparatus for implementing color consistency in remote wavelength conversion
WO2016019029A1 (en) * 2014-07-31 2016-02-04 Vital Vio, Inc. Disinfecting light fixture
CN105470069A (en) * 2015-10-23 2016-04-06 东台市天源荧光材料有限公司 Preparation method of UVB sunshine calcium supplementation fluorescent lamp
US9318670B2 (en) 2014-05-21 2016-04-19 Intematix Corporation Materials for photoluminescence wavelength converted solid-state light emitting devices and arrangements
US9333274B2 (en) 2014-07-31 2016-05-10 Vital Vio, Inc. Disinfecting light fixture
US9365766B2 (en) 2011-10-13 2016-06-14 Intematix Corporation Wavelength conversion component having photo-luminescence material embedded into a hermetic material for remote wavelength conversion
US9512970B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-12-06 Intematix Corporation Photoluminescence wavelength conversion components
US9546765B2 (en) 2010-10-05 2017-01-17 Intematix Corporation Diffuser component having scattering particles
US9927097B2 (en) 2015-07-30 2018-03-27 Vital Vio Inc. Single diode disinfection
US10234725B2 (en) 2015-03-23 2019-03-19 Intematix Corporation Photoluminescence color display
US10309614B1 (en) 2017-12-05 2019-06-04 Vital Vivo, Inc. Light directing element
US10357582B1 (en) 2015-07-30 2019-07-23 Vital Vio, Inc. Disinfecting lighting device
US10363325B2 (en) 2015-06-26 2019-07-30 Kenall Manufacturing Company Lighting device that deactivates dangerous pathogens while providing visually appealing light
US10413626B1 (en) 2018-03-29 2019-09-17 Vital Vio, Inc. Multiple light emitter for inactivating microorganisms
US10456485B1 (en) 2015-06-26 2019-10-29 Kenall Manufacturing Company Single-emitter lighting device that outputs a minimum amount of power to produce integrated radiance values sufficient for deactivating pathogens
US10557594B2 (en) 2012-12-28 2020-02-11 Intematix Corporation Solid-state lamps utilizing photoluminescence wavelength conversion components
US10617774B2 (en) 2017-12-01 2020-04-14 Vital Vio, Inc. Cover with disinfecting illuminated surface
US10918747B2 (en) 2015-07-30 2021-02-16 Vital Vio, Inc. Disinfecting lighting device
US11273324B2 (en) 2015-07-14 2022-03-15 Illumipure Corp LED structure and luminaire for continuous disinfection
US11369704B2 (en) 2019-08-15 2022-06-28 Vyv, Inc. Devices configured to disinfect interiors
US11499707B2 (en) 2020-04-13 2022-11-15 Calyxpure, Inc. Light fixture having a fan and ultraviolet sterilization functionality
US11541135B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2023-01-03 Vyv, Inc. Multiple band visible light disinfection
US11628234B2 (en) 2020-06-01 2023-04-18 Know Labs, Inc. White light LED light bulbs for ambient lighting and pathogen inactivation
US11639897B2 (en) 2019-03-29 2023-05-02 Vyv, Inc. Contamination load sensing device
US11759540B2 (en) 2021-05-11 2023-09-19 Calyxpure, Inc. Portable disinfection unit
US11878084B2 (en) 2019-09-20 2024-01-23 Vyv, Inc. Disinfecting light emitting subcomponent

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2563900A (en) * 1947-06-21 1951-08-14 Westinghouse Electric Corp Phosphor and method of making
US3355982A (en) * 1963-10-02 1967-12-05 Du Pont Apparatus for simulating daylight and artifical light

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2563900A (en) * 1947-06-21 1951-08-14 Westinghouse Electric Corp Phosphor and method of making
US3355982A (en) * 1963-10-02 1967-12-05 Du Pont Apparatus for simulating daylight and artifical light

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Fluorescent Lamps and Lighting, edited by W. Elenbaas, Philips Technical Library Netherlands, 1962 Article by A. A. Kruithof pgs. 31 33, 42 44, 62 64 TK4386E47 *
Luckiesh, Artificial Sunlight, N.Y., D. Van Nostrand, 1930 pgs. 5 9 TH7703L7A *

Cited By (132)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3778660A (en) * 1970-06-12 1973-12-11 Matsushita Electronics Corp Fluorescent lamp of high color rendering
US3952322A (en) * 1971-09-30 1976-04-20 Lester Wolfe Photographic lighting system
US3825792A (en) * 1973-07-03 1974-07-23 Westinghouse Electric Corp Novel discharge lamp and coating
FR2461356A1 (en) * 1979-07-03 1981-01-30 Philips Nv DISCHARGE LAMPS IN LOW PRESSURE MERCURY STEAM
FR2461355A1 (en) * 1979-07-03 1981-01-30 Philips Nv DISCHARGE LAMP IN LOW PRESSURE MERCURY STEAM
FR2465311A1 (en) * 1979-09-06 1981-03-20 Gen Electric FLUORESCENT BRONZER LAMP
US4499403A (en) * 1979-09-06 1985-02-12 General Electric Company Skin tanning fluorescent lamp construction utilizing a phosphor combination
US4843279A (en) * 1985-01-07 1989-06-27 Gte Products Corporation Fluorescent lamp substantially approximating the ultraviolet spectrum of natural sunlight
US4703224A (en) * 1985-01-07 1987-10-27 Gte Products Corporation Fluorescent lamp substantially approximating the ultraviolet spectrum of natural sunlight
US5292345A (en) * 1987-08-24 1994-03-08 Gerardo Ernesto A Portable photoneuronic energizer
US4933600A (en) * 1987-09-04 1990-06-12 Patent Treuhand Gesellschaft Fur Elektrische Gluhlampen M.B.H. Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp, particularly ultra-violet radiator, also providing visible light output
US4891550A (en) * 1987-10-15 1990-01-02 Duro-Test Corporation Phosphor blend for broad spectrum fluorescent lamp
US5122710A (en) * 1989-11-28 1992-06-16 Duro-Test Corporation Rare earth phosphor blends for fluorescent lamp using four to five phosphors
US5444501A (en) * 1992-12-09 1995-08-22 Aloi; Joanne Golf stabilizer for less dominant eye
US5601786A (en) * 1994-06-02 1997-02-11 Monagan; Gerald C. Air purifier
US6301371B1 (en) * 1995-08-21 2001-10-09 Mark F. Jones Object identification system applications
US8860058B2 (en) 1996-03-26 2014-10-14 Cree, Inc. Solid state white light emitter and display using same
US8502247B2 (en) 1996-03-26 2013-08-06 Cree, Inc. Solid state white light emitter and display using same
US8963182B2 (en) 1996-03-26 2015-02-24 Cree, Inc. Solid state white light emitter and display using same
US8659034B2 (en) 1996-03-26 2014-02-25 Cree, Inc. Solid state white light emitter and display using same
US20080224598A1 (en) * 1996-03-26 2008-09-18 Cree, Inc. Solid state white light emitter and display using same
US20080224597A1 (en) * 1996-03-26 2008-09-18 Cree, Inc. Solid state white light emitter and display using same
US9698313B2 (en) * 1996-03-26 2017-07-04 Cree, Inc. Solid state white light emitter and display using same
US6135117A (en) * 1997-05-12 2000-10-24 Cornell Research Foundation, Inc. Non-ocular circadian clock resetting in humans
US20050175498A1 (en) * 1997-09-17 2005-08-11 Jerry Nelson Method and apparatus for producing purified or ozone enriched air to remove contaminants from fluids
US6615538B2 (en) * 1999-03-15 2003-09-09 Seed-Tech Temed Ltd Process and apparatus for promoting the germination of plant seeds and the production of agricultural crops
US6613277B1 (en) 1999-06-18 2003-09-02 Gerald C. Monagan Air purifier
US20040249237A1 (en) * 1999-07-09 2004-12-09 Cornell University Research Foundation REM sleep augmentation with extra-ocular light
US6669627B1 (en) 1999-07-09 2003-12-30 Cornell Research Foundation Inc. REM sleep augmentation with extra-ocular light
US6787979B2 (en) * 2000-05-13 2004-09-07 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Rare-gas low-pressure discharge lamp, method of manufacturing a rare-gas low-pressure discharge lamp, and application of a gas discharge lamp
US7053542B2 (en) * 2000-05-13 2006-05-30 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Rare-gas low-pressure discharge lamp, method of manufacturing a rare-gas low-pressure discharge lamp, and application of a gas discharge lamp
US20050007021A1 (en) * 2000-05-13 2005-01-13 Thomas Juestel Rare-gas low-pressure discharge lamp, method of manufacturing a rare-gas low-pressure discharge lamp, and application of a gas discharge lamp
US20040075995A1 (en) * 2002-10-17 2004-04-22 William Raggio Illuminated workrooms substantially devoid of blue and UV light, and light sources, including fluorescent lamps, adapted to block blue and UV light emission
US20040218387A1 (en) * 2003-03-18 2004-11-04 Robert Gerlach LED lighting arrays, fixtures and systems and method for determining human color perception
US6939397B2 (en) 2003-05-08 2005-09-06 Eco-Rx, Inc. System for purifying and removing contaminants from gaseous fluids
US20050000365A1 (en) * 2003-05-08 2005-01-06 Roger Nelsen System for purifying and removing contaminants from gaseous fluids
US8947619B2 (en) 2006-07-06 2015-02-03 Intematix Corporation Photoluminescence color display comprising quantum dots material and a wavelength selective filter that allows passage of excitation radiation and prevents passage of light generated by photoluminescence materials
US9045688B2 (en) 2006-08-03 2015-06-02 Intematix Corporation LED lighting arrangement including light emitting phosphor
US20080029720A1 (en) * 2006-08-03 2008-02-07 Intematix Corporation LED lighting arrangement including light emitting phosphor
US9595644B2 (en) 2006-08-03 2017-03-14 Intematix Corporation LED lighting arrangement including light emitting phosphor
US20110187262A1 (en) * 2006-08-03 2011-08-04 Intematix Corporation Led lighting arrangement including light emitting phosphor
US20080151143A1 (en) * 2006-10-19 2008-06-26 Intematix Corporation Light emitting diode based backlighting for color liquid crystal displays
US20080192458A1 (en) * 2007-02-12 2008-08-14 Intematix Corporation Light emitting diode lighting system
US8538217B2 (en) 2007-02-12 2013-09-17 Intematix Corporation Light emitting diode lighting system
US8376580B2 (en) 2007-03-05 2013-02-19 Intematix Corporation Light emitting diode (LED) based lighting systems
US20110188228A1 (en) * 2007-03-05 2011-08-04 Intematix Corporation Light emitting diode (led) based lighting systems
US9739444B2 (en) 2007-03-05 2017-08-22 Intematix Corporation Light emitting diode (LED) based lighting systems
EP1970423A1 (en) * 2007-03-13 2008-09-17 LightTech Lámpatechnológia Kft. Fluorescent lamp for stimulating previtamin D3 production
US20080224592A1 (en) * 2007-03-13 2008-09-18 Lighttech Lampatechnologia Kft. Fluorescent lamp for stimulating previtamin d3 production
US20110204805A1 (en) * 2007-04-13 2011-08-25 Intematix Corporation Color temperature tunable white light source
US8773337B2 (en) 2007-04-13 2014-07-08 Intematix Corporation Color temperature tunable white light source
US20100052560A1 (en) * 2007-05-07 2010-03-04 Intematix Corporation Color tunable light source
US8783887B2 (en) 2007-10-01 2014-07-22 Intematix Corporation Color tunable light emitting device
US9458988B2 (en) 2007-10-01 2016-10-04 Intematix Corporation Color tunable light emitting device
US8686449B2 (en) 2007-10-17 2014-04-01 Intematix Corporation Light emitting device with phosphor wavelength conversion
US20090224652A1 (en) * 2008-03-07 2009-09-10 Intematix Corporation MULTIPLE-CHIP EXCITATION SYSTEMS FOR WHITE LIGHT EMITTING DIODES (LEDs)
US9324923B2 (en) 2008-03-07 2016-04-26 Intermatix Corporation Multiple-chip excitation systems for white light emitting diodes (LEDs)
US9476568B2 (en) 2008-03-07 2016-10-25 Intematix Corporation White light illumination system with narrow band green phosphor and multiple-wavelength excitation
US8567973B2 (en) 2008-03-07 2013-10-29 Intematix Corporation Multiple-chip excitation systems for white light emitting diodes (LEDs)
US8740400B2 (en) 2008-03-07 2014-06-03 Intematix Corporation White light illumination system with narrow band green phosphor and multiple-wavelength excitation
US20100027293A1 (en) * 2008-07-30 2010-02-04 Intematix Corporation Light Emitting Panel
US20100102250A1 (en) * 2008-10-23 2010-04-29 Intematix Corporation Phosphor based authentication system
US8822954B2 (en) 2008-10-23 2014-09-02 Intematix Corporation Phosphor based authentication system
US20100164346A1 (en) * 2008-12-31 2010-07-01 Intematix Corporation Light emitting device with phosphor wavelength conversion
US8651692B2 (en) 2009-06-18 2014-02-18 Intematix Corporation LED based lamp and light emitting signage
US20100321919A1 (en) * 2009-06-18 2010-12-23 Intematix Corporation Led based lamp and light emitting signage
US20110110095A1 (en) * 2009-10-09 2011-05-12 Intematix Corporation Solid-state lamps with passive cooling
US8779685B2 (en) 2009-11-19 2014-07-15 Intematix Corporation High CRI white light emitting devices and drive circuitry
US20110115406A1 (en) * 2009-11-19 2011-05-19 Intematix Corporation High cri white light emitting devices and drive circuitry
US20110149548A1 (en) * 2009-12-22 2011-06-23 Intematix Corporation Light emitting diode based linear lamps
US8647373B1 (en) * 2010-02-11 2014-02-11 James G. Shepherd Phototherapy methods using fluorescent UV light
US8807799B2 (en) 2010-06-11 2014-08-19 Intematix Corporation LED-based lamps
US8888318B2 (en) 2010-06-11 2014-11-18 Intematix Corporation LED spotlight
US8946998B2 (en) 2010-08-09 2015-02-03 Intematix Corporation LED-based light emitting systems and devices with color compensation
US8957585B2 (en) 2010-10-05 2015-02-17 Intermatix Corporation Solid-state light emitting devices with photoluminescence wavelength conversion
US8610340B2 (en) 2010-10-05 2013-12-17 Intematix Corporation Solid-state light emitting devices and signage with photoluminescence wavelength conversion
US8614539B2 (en) 2010-10-05 2013-12-24 Intematix Corporation Wavelength conversion component with scattering particles
US9546765B2 (en) 2010-10-05 2017-01-17 Intematix Corporation Diffuser component having scattering particles
US8604678B2 (en) 2010-10-05 2013-12-10 Intematix Corporation Wavelength conversion component with a diffusing layer
US8610341B2 (en) 2010-10-05 2013-12-17 Intematix Corporation Wavelength conversion component
US20120126696A1 (en) * 2010-11-22 2012-05-24 Iwasaki Electric Co., Ltd. Metal halide lamp
US8736167B2 (en) * 2010-11-22 2014-05-27 Iwasaki Electric Co., Ltd. Metal halide lamp
US10204888B2 (en) 2011-04-13 2019-02-12 Intematix Corporation LED-based light sources for light emitting devices and lighting arrangements with photoluminescence wavelength conversion
US9004705B2 (en) 2011-04-13 2015-04-14 Intematix Corporation LED-based light sources for light emitting devices and lighting arrangements with photoluminescence wavelength conversion
US9524954B2 (en) 2011-04-13 2016-12-20 Intematrix Corporation LED-based light sources for light emitting devices and lighting arrangements with photoluminescence wavelength conversion
US8992051B2 (en) 2011-10-06 2015-03-31 Intematix Corporation Solid-state lamps with improved radial emission and thermal performance
US8616714B2 (en) 2011-10-06 2013-12-31 Intematix Corporation Solid-state lamps with improved radial emission and thermal performance
US9115868B2 (en) 2011-10-13 2015-08-25 Intematix Corporation Wavelength conversion component with improved protective characteristics for remote wavelength conversion
US9365766B2 (en) 2011-10-13 2016-06-14 Intematix Corporation Wavelength conversion component having photo-luminescence material embedded into a hermetic material for remote wavelength conversion
US9252338B2 (en) 2012-04-26 2016-02-02 Intematix Corporation Methods and apparatus for implementing color consistency in remote wavelength conversion
US8994056B2 (en) 2012-07-13 2015-03-31 Intematix Corporation LED-based large area display
US10557594B2 (en) 2012-12-28 2020-02-11 Intematix Corporation Solid-state lamps utilizing photoluminescence wavelength conversion components
US9217543B2 (en) 2013-01-28 2015-12-22 Intematix Corporation Solid-state lamps with omnidirectional emission patterns
US9512970B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-12-06 Intematix Corporation Photoluminescence wavelength conversion components
US9318670B2 (en) 2014-05-21 2016-04-19 Intematix Corporation Materials for photoluminescence wavelength converted solid-state light emitting devices and arrangements
TWI679033B (en) * 2014-07-31 2019-12-11 美商維它里歐公司 Disinfecting light fixture
WO2016019029A1 (en) * 2014-07-31 2016-02-04 Vital Vio, Inc. Disinfecting light fixture
US9333274B2 (en) 2014-07-31 2016-05-10 Vital Vio, Inc. Disinfecting light fixture
US9439989B2 (en) 2014-07-31 2016-09-13 Vital Vio, Inc. Disinfecting light fixture
US10234725B2 (en) 2015-03-23 2019-03-19 Intematix Corporation Photoluminescence color display
US11054109B2 (en) 2015-06-26 2021-07-06 Kenall Manufacturing Company Single-emitter lighting device that outputs a minimum amount of power to produce integrated radiance values sufficient for deactivating pathogens
US10765765B2 (en) 2015-06-26 2020-09-08 Kenall Manufacturing Company Single-emitter lighting device that outputs a minimum amount of power to produce integrated radiance values sufficient for deactivating pathogens
US10363325B2 (en) 2015-06-26 2019-07-30 Kenall Manufacturing Company Lighting device that deactivates dangerous pathogens while providing visually appealing light
US11493183B2 (en) 2015-06-26 2022-11-08 Kenall Manufacturing Company Method of providing doses of light sufficient to deactivate dangerous pathogens throughout a volumetric space over a period of time
US10434202B2 (en) 2015-06-26 2019-10-08 Kenall Manufacturing Company Lighting device that deactivates dangerous pathogens while providing visually appealing light
US10456485B1 (en) 2015-06-26 2019-10-29 Kenall Manufacturing Company Single-emitter lighting device that outputs a minimum amount of power to produce integrated radiance values sufficient for deactivating pathogens
US11324843B2 (en) 2015-06-26 2022-05-10 Kenall Manufacturing Company Lighting device that deactivates dangerous pathogens while providing visually appealing light
US10617775B2 (en) 2015-06-26 2020-04-14 Kenall Manufacturing Company Lighting device that deactivates dangerous pathogens while providing visually appealing light
US11054110B2 (en) 2015-06-26 2021-07-06 Kenall Manufacturing Company Single-emitter lighting device that outputs a minimum amount of power to produce integrated radiance values sufficient for deactivating pathogens
US10823369B2 (en) 2015-06-26 2020-11-03 Kenall Manufacturing Company Lighting device that deactivates dangerous pathogens while providing visually appealing light
US11273324B2 (en) 2015-07-14 2022-03-15 Illumipure Corp LED structure and luminaire for continuous disinfection
US10918747B2 (en) 2015-07-30 2021-02-16 Vital Vio, Inc. Disinfecting lighting device
US10753575B2 (en) 2015-07-30 2020-08-25 Vital Vio, Inc. Single diode disinfection
US11713851B2 (en) 2015-07-30 2023-08-01 Vyv, Inc. Single diode disinfection
US10357582B1 (en) 2015-07-30 2019-07-23 Vital Vio, Inc. Disinfecting lighting device
US9927097B2 (en) 2015-07-30 2018-03-27 Vital Vio Inc. Single diode disinfection
CN105470069A (en) * 2015-10-23 2016-04-06 东台市天源荧光材料有限公司 Preparation method of UVB sunshine calcium supplementation fluorescent lamp
US11426474B2 (en) 2017-12-01 2022-08-30 Vyv, Inc. Devices using flexible light emitting layer for creating disinfecting illuminated surface, and related methods
US10617774B2 (en) 2017-12-01 2020-04-14 Vital Vio, Inc. Cover with disinfecting illuminated surface
US10835627B2 (en) 2017-12-01 2020-11-17 Vital Vio, Inc. Devices using flexible light emitting layer for creating disinfecting illuminated surface, and related method
US10309614B1 (en) 2017-12-05 2019-06-04 Vital Vivo, Inc. Light directing element
US11395858B2 (en) 2018-03-29 2022-07-26 Vyv, Inc. Multiple light emitter for inactivating microorganisms
US10806812B2 (en) 2018-03-29 2020-10-20 Vital Vio, Inc. Multiple light emitter for inactivating microorganisms
US10413626B1 (en) 2018-03-29 2019-09-17 Vital Vio, Inc. Multiple light emitter for inactivating microorganisms
US11639897B2 (en) 2019-03-29 2023-05-02 Vyv, Inc. Contamination load sensing device
US11541135B2 (en) 2019-06-28 2023-01-03 Vyv, Inc. Multiple band visible light disinfection
US11369704B2 (en) 2019-08-15 2022-06-28 Vyv, Inc. Devices configured to disinfect interiors
US11717583B2 (en) 2019-08-15 2023-08-08 Vyv, Inc. Devices configured to disinfect interiors
US11878084B2 (en) 2019-09-20 2024-01-23 Vyv, Inc. Disinfecting light emitting subcomponent
US11499707B2 (en) 2020-04-13 2022-11-15 Calyxpure, Inc. Light fixture having a fan and ultraviolet sterilization functionality
US11628234B2 (en) 2020-06-01 2023-04-18 Know Labs, Inc. White light LED light bulbs for ambient lighting and pathogen inactivation
US11759540B2 (en) 2021-05-11 2023-09-19 Calyxpure, Inc. Portable disinfection unit

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3670193A (en) Electric lamps producing energy in the visible and ultra-violet ranges
KR102253975B1 (en) Lighting system with reduced melanopic spectral component
ES2540548T3 (en) LED lighting system
US20080224592A1 (en) Fluorescent lamp for stimulating previtamin d3 production
US20140277297A1 (en) Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diodes for Phototherapy
KR20120088662A (en) Horticultural led lighting assembly
JP2008258169A (en) Usage of color temperature-regulable led light
US4683379A (en) Lamp for emission of radiation in UV and visible light ranges of the spectrum
CN112106443A (en) Multi-channel system for providing tunable light and functional diode emission
US20220233878A1 (en) Light source for eye therapy and light emitting device having the same
Tazawa Effects of various radiant sources on plant growth (Part 1)
US20220241608A1 (en) Led lighting apparatus having sterilizing function
US4933600A (en) Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp, particularly ultra-violet radiator, also providing visible light output
WO2008027438A2 (en) Lamp for stimulating vitamin d production and method of making the same
EP0188211B1 (en) Fluorescent lamp substantially approximating the ultraviolet spectrum of natural sunlight
US20110025187A1 (en) Low-pressure gas-discharge lamp for influencing the endogenous melatonin balance
CN108302335B (en) Lighting device and lamp comprising same
EP1523760B1 (en) Tanning device
US3892997A (en) Arc discharge lamp for producing controlled energy spectrum
JPH0349530B2 (en)
US20170211755A1 (en) Method for producing high-quality light
KR101088098B1 (en) Lamp for cultivating a plant
DE1764685C3 (en) General purpose electric discharge lamp
Jewess Ultraviolet content of lamps in common use
WO2023112392A1 (en) Light-emitting device