US4359668A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for igniting electrodeless discharge lamp
Assignee: Fusion Lighting Inc
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Filing: 1981-07-15
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Granted: 1982-11-16
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Expires: 2001-07-15
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for igniting a microwave generated discharge lamp. An ultraviolet-producing means is positioned so as to irradiate the fill-containing envelope of the discharge lamp. The ultraviolet-producing means is excited by microwave energy which is extracted from means which couples microwave energy from the microwave source to the fill-containing envelope of the discharge lamp.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael G. Ury
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 01:50
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B41/00; H05B41/02; H05B41/04; H01; H01J; H01J65/00; H01J65/04; H01J65/042; H01J65/044
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
Apparatus for igniting a microwave generated light source which is comprised of a plasma forming medium-containing envelope made of a transparent material, microwave source means, and microwave coupling means for coupling the microwave energy emitted by said source means to said envelope comprising, ultraviolet source means for emitting ultraviolet light when excited, means for extracting microwave energy from said microwave coupling means and for coupling it to said ultraviolet source means to excite said ultraviolet source means, said ultraviolet source means being positioned so as to irradiate said envelope with said emitted ultraviolet light, thus causing ignition of the plasma forming medium in said envelope.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
Apparatus for igniting a microwave generated light source which is comprised of a plasma forming medium-containing envelope made of a transparent material, microwave source means, and microwave coupling means for coupling the microwave energy emitted by said source means to said envelope comprising, ultraviolet source means for emitting ultraviolet light when excited, means for extracting microwave energy from said microwave coupling means and for coupling it to said ultraviolet source means to excite said ultraviolet source means, said ultraviolet source means being positioned so as to irradiate said envelope with said emitted ultraviolet light, thus causing ignition of the plasma forming medium in said envelope.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said microwave energy is extracted at or very close to a maximum of the standing wave in said coupling means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus defined in claim 2 wherein said microwave coupling means comprises a waveguide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus defined in claim 3 wherein said means for extracting and coupling comprises a probe means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus defined in claim 4 wherein said ultraviolet source means comprises a light bulb having a filament, and wherein said probe means is connected to said filament.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
86 words
A method of igniting a microwave generated light source which is comprised of a plasma forming medium-containing envelope made of a transparent material, microwave source means, and microwave coupling means for coupling the microwave energy emitted by said source means to said envelope, comprising the steps of, positioning an ultraviolet source means so that when excited it will irradiate said envelope with ultraviolet light, and extracting microwave energy from said microwave coupling means and coupling it to said ultraviolet source means to excite the source means.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
86 words
A method of igniting a microwave generated light source which is comprised of a plasma forming medium-containing envelope made of a transparent material, microwave source means, and microwave coupling means for coupling the microwave energy emitted by said source means to said envelope, comprising the steps of, positioning an ultraviolet source means so that when excited it will irradiate said envelope with ultraviolet light, and extracting microwave energy from said microwave coupling means and coupling it to said ultraviolet source means to excite the source means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 6 wherein said microwave coupling means comprises a waveguide.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said microwave energy is extracted from said waveguide at or close to a maximum of the standing wave in the waveguide.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
87 words
Apparatus for igniting a microwave generated light source comprising, a plasma forming medium-containing envelope made of a transparent material, microwave source means, ultraviolet source means for emitting ultraviolet light when excited, means for coupling microwave energy which is emitted by said microwave source means to said plasma forming medium-containing envelope and to said ultraviolet source means for exciting it, said ultraviolet source means being positioned so as to irradiate said envelope with said emitted ultraviolet light, thus causing ignition of the plasma forming medium in said envelope.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
87 words
Apparatus for igniting a microwave generated light source comprising, a plasma forming medium-containing envelope made of a transparent material, microwave source means, ultraviolet source means for emitting ultraviolet light when excited, means for coupling microwave energy which is emitted by said microwave source means to said plasma forming medium-containing envelope and to said ultraviolet source means for exciting it, said ultraviolet source means being positioned so as to irradiate said envelope with said emitted ultraviolet light, thus causing ignition of the plasma forming medium in said envelope.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-11-15 | 1986-05-17 | 1986-11-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-11-15 | 1990-05-17 | 1990-11-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-11-15 | 1994-05-17 | 1994-11-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |