US3883763A - Self-controlled arc stream in gaseous discharge lamps - Google Patents

Self-controlled arc stream in gaseous discharge lamps Download PDF

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Publication number
US3883763A
US3883763A US506640A US50664074A US3883763A US 3883763 A US3883763 A US 3883763A US 506640 A US506640 A US 506640A US 50664074 A US50664074 A US 50664074A US 3883763 A US3883763 A US 3883763A
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United States
Prior art keywords
arc
conductors
arc tube
tube
refractory metal
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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
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US506640A
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English (en)
Inventor
Joseph P Kearney
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Philips North America LLC
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Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Priority to US506640A priority Critical patent/US3883763A/en
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Publication of US3883763A publication Critical patent/US3883763A/en
Priority to JP50111012A priority patent/JPS5156590A/ja
Assigned to NORTH AMERICAN PHILIPS ELECTRIC CORP. reassignment NORTH AMERICAN PHILIPS ELECTRIC CORP. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORPORATION
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Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J61/00—Gas-discharge or vapour-discharge lamps
    • H01J61/82—Lamps with high-pressure unconstricted discharge having a cold pressure > 400 Torr
    • H01J61/822—High-pressure mercury lamps
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J61/00—Gas-discharge or vapour-discharge lamps
    • H01J61/02—Details
    • H01J61/56—One or more circuit elements structurally associated with the lamp

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A discharge lamp with minimized upward bowing of the arc in which conductors carrying full arc current are placed in close proximity above and below the arc tube.
  • the conductors run parallel with the longitudinal axis of the arc tube and the conductor (or conductors) above the are are electrically connected in such a manner as to carry full lamp current in the same di rection of the are (thus repelling the arc in a down ward direction) and the conductors below the arc tube are electrically connected so as to carry full lump current in the opposite direction of the are (thus attaching the arc downward).
  • the present invention relates to controlling the arc bowing normally encountered in arc discharge lamps.
  • a discharge lamp When a discharge lamp is operated with the arc-tube in a position other than essentially vertical, and in particu lar when the arc tube (and arc) are in a horizontal or near horizontal position, the arc discharge does not remain along the central axis of the arc tube during continued operation, but bows upward within the arc tube. This are bowing can and often does result in early lamp failure through excessive heating of a particular portion of the arc tube wall.
  • Electro-magnetic means have been used to deflect the arc-discharge down into a more central portion within the arc tube by directing the magnetic field transverse to the arc current direction wherein the inner-action of the arc discharge current and magnetic field results in a downward force on the arc.
  • the instant invention provides an inexpensive tech nique for stabilization of the arc ofa gaseous discharge lamp without drawing current in addition to lamp current or blocking a substantial amount of light.
  • the invention is (in combination with a discharge lamp of the type wherein an elongated arc tube having a main electrode in either end, between which electrodes an arc is established during operation, and which arc tube is contained within a light transmitting outer envelope) the improvement which comprises; at least three refractory metal conductors located inside of the outer envelope and outside and in close proximity to the arc tube, which conductors run generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the arc tube and are electrically connected in series with the main electrodes.
  • the conductors are electrically connected such that when the lamp is operated with the arc other than substantially vertical, at least one of the conductors is generally above the arc tube and is carrying full arc current in the same direction as the arc and at least two of the conductors are generally below the arc tube and are carrying full arc current in the opposite direction of the arc.
  • the magnetic effect from the current in both the conductors above the arc tube and the conductors below the are tube tends to counteract the natural upward bowing of the arc.
  • FIGURE is a side elevational view of a discharge lamp constructed in accordance with the pres ent invention, with parts of the outer envelope broken away.
  • FIG. 1 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • the lamp generally designated 10
  • the lamp includes an outer light transmitting envelope 12 which is sealed to a mogul base 14.
  • a mogul base Other types of bases such as a mogul bipost may also be used, as it should be noted that proper orientation of the refractory metal conductors (ie having the conductor which carries current in the same direction as the arcs located above) is essential to proper operation.
  • the are tube I6 is mounted within the outer envelope [2 by a two-piece frame, comprising a base-end frame 18 and a dome-end frame 20. Sealed within the arc tube 16 and disposed at opposite ends thereof are a pair of main electrodes 22 and 24. The base-end main electrode 22 and the dome-end main electrode 24 are sealed through the ends of the arc tube 16 by conventional ribbon seals 26. A starting electrode 28 is also sealed to the arc tube adjacent to base-end main electrode 24 by means of a ribbon seal 26.
  • a pair of lead-in conductors 30 extend through a conventional reentrant stem press 32 connected to the mogul base 14, which in turn is connected to a conventional power source through a ballast 34 in the well known manner.
  • a starting resistor 36 is connected between one of the lead-in conductors 30 and the starting electrode 28.
  • a top refractory metal conductor 38 is positioned above the arc tube 16.
  • Bottom refractory metal con ductors 40 are positioned below the arc tube 16.
  • One end of the top conductor 38 is electrically connected to the one of the lead-in conductors 30 and the other end of the top conductor 38 is electrically connected to one end of one of the bottom conductors 40.
  • the other end of that same bottom conductor 40 is electrically connected to the base-end main electrode 22.
  • the other bottom conductor 40 is electrically connected on one end to the other lead-in conductor 30 and on the other end to the dome-end main electrode 24.
  • Phosphor coatings are commonly used on the interior surface of the outer envelope of high pressure discharge lamps, and, if desired, can be used in conjunction with the instant invention. Except for the refractory meta] conductors 38, 40 used in the instant invention to counteract the arc bowing, the lamp operation is essentially conventional. A description of the config uration and operation of a conventional high pressure discharge lamp may he found in US. Pat. No.
  • the in tant invention permits a gaseous discharge light source to operate in the borivontal mode more el ficiently and more safely since it minimi/cs the natural bowing of the arc stream, which bowing normally causes the are to come into very close proximity of the wall of the are tuhe l6 (and sometime actually touching it).
  • the arc stream is more centrally located keeping a more uniform temperature and more of the light producing materials in a vapor state. resulting in better efficacy.
  • the more central location of the arc prevents violent failure which can he caused by the arc stream coming very close to or actually touching the arc tube 16.
  • the imention is intended for use primarily when the are tube 16 is operated in other than a vertical manner, the invention also assists in stahilizing the are when the arc is vertical.
  • the refractory metal conductors 38 and 40 must he in close proximity to the arc tuhe. (icncrally the con ductors must be within a quarter of an inch and prefer ably within it i s of an inch ofthe arc tuhe substantially throughout the entire arc length. These conductors 38, 4t! should he as close as practical to the arc tube l6 and can actually touch the arc tube 16. Because of the tenr per-attire on or near the arc tube 16 being quite high, it is necessary to use a refractory metal for such conductors.
  • the conductors 38, 40 be of small diameter lrihhon conductors can also be used and should be positioned with their larger cross sectional dimension in radial relationship with the are such that they proiide a minimum shadowing of the light emitted by the arc].
  • the refractory metal conductors 38, 4! are connected in series relationship with each other and in serics relationship with the arc current. This can he :chieied in a number of manners. For example, one lcadin conductor 30 can he connected directly to the base-end main electrode 22. lhe other lead-in conductor 30 is then run under the are tube 16 and past (but not connected tot the dome-end main electrode 24. back above the are tuhe 16 past (but not connected to ⁇ the hase-end main electrode 22 and then under the arc tube to back to and connected to the dome-end main electrode 24 (in this configuration the three conductors 38. 40 can he formed by a single piece of wire).
  • Another alternatiie ⁇ the alternatiie shown in the FIGURE! is to run a refractory metal conductor 40 from one of the leadin conductors underneath the arc tuhe l6 and connect it to the domc-end main electrode 24.
  • Refractory metal conductor 38 is run from the other lead-in conductor 30 above the arc tuhe l6 past lhut not connected to) the dome-end main electrode 24 and then run (as refractory metal conductor 40) under the arc tube 16 back to and connected to the base-end main electrode 2.
  • This configuration has the advantage that the refractory metal conductors 38, 40 can be conveniently supported by a single additional support tat the point at which the conductor is going past, but not connected to. the dome-end main elec trode 24).
  • the two top conduo tors 38 and three bottom conductor 40 configuration can he produced by, for example, connecting the baseend rnain electrode 22 directly to one of the lead-in conductors 3t) and running a piece of refractory metal wire [which will form the five refractory metal conductors) from the other lead-in conductor 30 under the arc tube In, past the dome end electrode 24, above the arc tube 16 back past the haseend electrode 22, under the arc tube 16 past the domeaend eiectrode 24. above the are tube 16 past the base-end electrode 22, and under the arc tube 16 and connecting to the domeend main electrode 24. [t can be seen that even more fie seven) refractory metal conductors can he used in a similar manner.
  • the instant invention can he used with high pressure mercury lamps and with halide lamps (it should be noted however that sodium containing lamps when used with the instant invention will generally experience increased photo-electric problems due to the close proximity of the conductors to the arc tube 5.
  • the instant invention provides a cheaper and more convenient configuration than units in which magnets are used.
  • At least three refractory .rnetui conductors located inside of said outer emelope, and outside and in close proximity to said are tube and running generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of said are tube, said conductors being electrically connected in series with said main electrodes and being electrically connected such that when said lamp is operated with said are other than substantially vertical, at least.
  • one of said conductors is generally above said are tube and is carrying current in the same direction as said arc, and at least two of said conductors are generally below said are tube and carrying eur rent in the opposite direction as said are, whereby the magnetic effect from the current in both the cunduetur ahuve the arc tube and the euntluetors below the are luhe tends to counteract the natural upward bowing of the arc.

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  • Discharge Lamps And Accessories Thereof (AREA)
  • Vessels And Coating Films For Discharge Lamps (AREA)
US506640A 1974-09-16 1974-09-16 Self-controlled arc stream in gaseous discharge lamps Expired - Lifetime US3883763A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US506640A US3883763A (en) 1974-09-16 1974-09-16 Self-controlled arc stream in gaseous discharge lamps
JP50111012A JPS5156590A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1974-09-16 1975-09-16

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US506640A US3883763A (en) 1974-09-16 1974-09-16 Self-controlled arc stream in gaseous discharge lamps

Publications (1)

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US3883763A true US3883763A (en) 1975-05-13

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US (1) US3883763A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
JP (1) JPS5156590A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3995928A (en) * 1975-01-13 1976-12-07 General Electric Company High pressure metal halide lamp with electron collector
US4061939A (en) * 1976-08-02 1977-12-06 General Electric Company Low noise sodium vapor lamp for sonic pulse operation
US4064418A (en) * 1975-11-04 1977-12-20 Westinghouse Electric Corporation Controlled arc stream in high intensity discharge lamps
US4281267A (en) * 1979-05-14 1981-07-28 General Electric Company High intensity discharge lamp with coating on arc discharge tube
US4311943A (en) * 1979-11-13 1982-01-19 Spellman High Voltage Electronics Corp. Fluorescent lamp with arc spreading with recombination structures
FR2553575A1 (fr) * 1983-10-18 1985-04-19 Toshiba Kk Lampe a vapeurs de sodium a haute pression
WO1997032337A1 (de) * 1996-03-02 1997-09-04 Imab Stiftung Verfahren zur einfachen beschaltung von quecksilberdampfstrahlern in bräunungsgeräten
US5997162A (en) * 1998-03-13 1999-12-07 Osram Sylvania Inc. Horizontal HID vehicle headlamp with magnetic deflection
US6043614A (en) * 1998-03-06 2000-03-28 Osram Sylvania Inc. Alternating current hid lamp with magnetic deflection

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5355280U (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * 1976-10-13 1978-05-11
JPS56119258U (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * 1980-02-13 1981-09-11

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2930920A (en) * 1956-11-02 1960-03-29 Engelhard Ind Inc Electrical discharge lamp
US3153169A (en) * 1961-06-02 1964-10-13 Patent Treuhand Ges Fuer Elektrische Gluehlampen Mbh Discharge lamp
US3562583A (en) * 1969-01-27 1971-02-09 Westinghouse Electric Corp Magnetically rotating constricted arc-discharge device

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2930920A (en) * 1956-11-02 1960-03-29 Engelhard Ind Inc Electrical discharge lamp
US3153169A (en) * 1961-06-02 1964-10-13 Patent Treuhand Ges Fuer Elektrische Gluehlampen Mbh Discharge lamp
US3562583A (en) * 1969-01-27 1971-02-09 Westinghouse Electric Corp Magnetically rotating constricted arc-discharge device

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3995928A (en) * 1975-01-13 1976-12-07 General Electric Company High pressure metal halide lamp with electron collector
US4064418A (en) * 1975-11-04 1977-12-20 Westinghouse Electric Corporation Controlled arc stream in high intensity discharge lamps
US4061939A (en) * 1976-08-02 1977-12-06 General Electric Company Low noise sodium vapor lamp for sonic pulse operation
US4281267A (en) * 1979-05-14 1981-07-28 General Electric Company High intensity discharge lamp with coating on arc discharge tube
US4311943A (en) * 1979-11-13 1982-01-19 Spellman High Voltage Electronics Corp. Fluorescent lamp with arc spreading with recombination structures
FR2553575A1 (fr) * 1983-10-18 1985-04-19 Toshiba Kk Lampe a vapeurs de sodium a haute pression
WO1997032337A1 (de) * 1996-03-02 1997-09-04 Imab Stiftung Verfahren zur einfachen beschaltung von quecksilberdampfstrahlern in bräunungsgeräten
US6043614A (en) * 1998-03-06 2000-03-28 Osram Sylvania Inc. Alternating current hid lamp with magnetic deflection
US5997162A (en) * 1998-03-13 1999-12-07 Osram Sylvania Inc. Horizontal HID vehicle headlamp with magnetic deflection

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS5156590A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1976-05-18

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AS Assignment

Owner name: NORTH AMERICAN PHILIPS ELECTRIC CORP.

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

Effective date: 19830316