US3872340A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
High temperature lamp starting aid
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1974-05-28
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Granted: 1975-03-18
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Expires: 1994-05-28
Abstract
Abstract A high pressure sodium vapor lamp utilizing an alumina ceramic arc tube within an outer glass envelope is provided with a capacitive starting aid on the outside of the arc tube. The starting aid comprises a pair of thermally deformable bimetal arms whose ends embrace the arc tube at room temperature to provide a capacitive effect. The bimetal arms swing away from the arc tube when heated up under operating conditions in order to reduce the obstruction of light and prevent overheating of the arc tube wall.
Inventors
- 👤 Byron R Collins
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 21:55
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01J; H01J61/00; H01J61/02; H01J61/54; H01J61/541; H01J61/544
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
84 words
A high pressure metal vapor lamp comprising: a tubular light-transmitting envelope having thermionic electrodes sealed into its ends and containing a charge of vaporizable metal and inert starting gas; and a capacitive starting aid comprising a thermally deformable metal member electrically connected to one electrode, said member having an end disposed to lie against the envelope at room temperature in order to facilitate starting by capacitive effect, and adapted to move away from said arc tube when heated by the operation of said lamp.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
84 words
A high pressure metal vapor lamp comprising: a tubular light-transmitting envelope having thermionic electrodes sealed into its ends and containing a charge of vaporizable metal and inert starting gas; and a capacitive starting aid comprising a thermally deformable metal member electrically connected to one electrode, said member having an end disposed to lie against the envelope at room temperature in order to facilitate starting by capacitive effect, and adapted to move away from said arc tube when heated by the operation of said lamp.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
A lamp as in claim 1 wherein the starting aid comprises a pair of arms of bimetal strip attached to a frame part and having their ends embracing and wrapping around the arc tube at room temperature and swinging away therefrom when heated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A lamp as in claim 2 wherein the envelope is Alumina ceramic and the vaporizable metal comprises sodium and mercury.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A lamp as in claim 3 wherein the inert starting gas is a neon-argon mixture.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
160 words
A high pressure metal vapor lamp comprising: an outer vitreous envelope domed at one end and having a base attached to the other end, and a pair of inleads sealed into said envelope and connected to said base; an arc tube having electrodes sealed therein and containing a charge of vaporizable metal and inert starting gas; a mounting frame within said envelope comprising a side rod extending from one inlead towards the dome end of said envelope, and a short support rod extending from the other inlead, said electrodes being connected one to the side rod and the other to the support rod; and a capacitive starting aid comprising a thermally deformable metal member fastened to said side rod, said member having an end disposed to lie against the arc tube wall at room temperature in order to facilitate starting by capacitive effect, and adapted to move away from said arc tube when heated by the operation of said lamp.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
160 words
A high pressure metal vapor lamp comprising: an outer vitreous envelope domed at one end and having a base attached to the other end, and a pair of inleads sealed into said envelope and connected to said base; an arc tube having electrodes sealed therein and containing a charge of vaporizable metal and inert starting gas; a mounting frame within said envelope comprising a side rod extending from one inlead towards the dome end of said envelope, and a short support rod extending from the other inlead, said electrodes being connected one to the side rod and the other to the support rod; and a capacitive starting aid comprising a thermally deformable metal member fastened to said side rod, said member having an end disposed to lie against the arc tube wall at room temperature in order to facilitate starting by capacitive effect, and adapted to move away from said arc tube when heated by the operation of said lamp.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
A lamp as in claim 5 wherein the starting aid comprises a pair of arms of bimetal strip attached to said side rod and having their ends embracing and wrapping around the arc tube at room temperature and swinging away therefrom when heated.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A lamp as in claim 5 wherein the arc tube is alumina ceramic and the vaporizable metal comprises sodium and mercury.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
59 words
A lamp as in claim 5 wherein the arc tube is alumina ceramic and the vaporizable metal comprises sodium and mercury and wherein the starting aid comprises a pair of arms of bimetal strip attached to said side rod and having their ends embracing and wrapping around the arc tube at room temperature and swinging away therefrom when heated.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
A lamp as in claim 8 wherein the inert starting gas is a neon-argon mixture.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3721845A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-03-17 | 1978-09-16 | 1979-03-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-17 | 1982-09-16 | 1983-03-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-17 | 1986-09-16 | 1987-03-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |