Multiple anode arc lamp system

Claim 1

A system for operating a high-intensity, arc dischaRge lamp comprising in combination: a plurality of anode electrodes disposed axially and symmetrically with respect to a common axis, each anode electrode terminating in a tip disposed in a plane normal to the axis; a single cathode disposed on said axis and having a tip spaced from said plane and spaced an equal discharge gap distance from each of said anode tips; a sealed envelope surrounding said electrodes containing a discharge gas consisting essentially of at least one gas selected from the group consisting of neon, argon, xenon and krypton at a pressure greater than atmospheric at room temperature, at least a portion of the envelope being transparent to emitted radiation; and polyphase power input means connected to said cathode and to each of said anodes for sequentially firing said anodes and for developing across said gap an arc discharge having a stationary, small, maximum brightness fireball disposed just above the apex of the cathode tip a neutral gas jet stream flowing axially from said fireball into the volume between the anode tips and an ion stream between said stationary fireball and sequentially rotating across the tip of the anode having the momentary maximum positive potential.

Claim 2

A system for operating a high-intensity, arc dischaRge lamp comprising in combination: a plurality of anode electrodes disposed axially and symmetrically with respect to a common axis, each anode electrode terminating in a tip disposed in a plane normal to the axis; a single cathode disposed on said axis and having a tip spaced from said plane and spaced an equal discharge gap distance from each of said anode tips; a sealed envelope surrounding said electrodes containing a discharge gas consisting essentially of at least one gas selected from the group consisting of neon, argon, xenon and krypton at a pressure greater than atmospheric at room temperature, at least a portion of the envelope being transparent to emitted radiation; and polyphase power input means connected to said cathode and to each of said anodes for sequentially firing said anodes and for developing across said gap an arc discharge having a stationary, small, maximum brightness fireball disposed just above the apex of the cathode tip a neutral gas jet stream flowing axially from said fireball into the volume between the anode tips and an ion stream between said stationary fireball and sequentially rotating across the tip of the anode having the momentary maximum positive potential.