Illumination – Plural light sources – With support
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-01
2001-03-27
Sember, Thomas M. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Plural light sources
With support
C362S260000, C362S265000, C362S414000, C362S216000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206545
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to an enhanced safety system for the conversion of luminaria that uses halogen lighting technology to a safe and efficient fluorescent lighting system, and more particularly to a novel retrofit system for the safe and efficient operation of torchiere uplighted lighting systems.
In addition to using the present invention for the conversion of luminaria, it can also be incorporated in the fabrication and assembly of newly designed and manufactured torchiere luminaria.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
One of the most recent innovations used in lighting today is the halogen technology that features Double Ended Quartz (DEQ) bulbs. The advantage of using these bulbs is that they provide crisp, white light which produces richer and more vibrant colors in room accent pieces. Another advantage in using this new technology is that these bulbs generate more light than comparable wattage incandescent lamps, thereby resulting in some cost savings, when there is a need for using high intensity illumination.
Presently, these bulbs are designed for use in today's most contemporary lighting fixtures. They are commonly used in torchieres, uplighted fixtures, wall sconces, and chandeliers, as well as in outdoor lighting fixtures.
Because these bulbs operate at high temperatures and pressure and may shatter, there are several elements of safety that must be observed. It is generally recommended that the bulb be used in an enclosed fixture to protect persons and surroundings from hot flying fragments, in the event of a catastrophic failure of the bulb. Torchieres and uplighted fixtures, for example, are manufactured with the high intensity bulb being fully exposed with some having a small shroud to deflect the flying debris toward the bottom of the reflector.
Frequently, accidental fires in the home or office are started when the luminiare is placed to close to hanging decorative items, such as the foliage of small imitation ornamental trees or curtains flowing across the top of the torchiere reflector by a breeze.
Other precautions that must be made by the user when using luminaria having halogen bulbs are:
1) The luminaria should not be used if the bulb is scratched or broken because it may break during installation or while operating, thereby causing either a fire or personal injury.
2) The bulb operates at high temperatures. Touching the lamp while operating will burn one's skin. Gloves should be worn while replacing the bulb, only after a sufficient amount of time is allowed for cooling.
3) The luminaria should not be used by those who are sensitive to short wave ultra-violet radiation. Slight ultraviolet radiation from unprotected sources can cause skin and eye irritation following direct exposure. Passing the light through ordinary glass or plastic, such as wearing eye glasses, provides adequate protection.
4) When replacing the halogen bulb, only the rated voltage and wattage should be used in the fixture. It is essential that the lamp should not be operated in lighting power systems that exceed 100% of the rated voltage. Over-voltage operation results in short life, increases chance of skin and eye irritation, and increases pressure and tendency to break
5) The halogen bulb should not be used when in close proximity to combustible material or objects sensitive to drying or fading.
6) The halogen bulb should not be used when near liquids. The inadvertent splashing of a liquid on the bulb may cause it to shatter due to thermal shock caused by rapid cooling.
7) Deterioration of the lamp's socket contacts may adversely affect the bulb's performance. The socket should be replaced if deterioration is observed.
8) If the bulb is touched by one's bare hands, the bulb should be cleaned with denatured alcohol to prevent incipient failure.
9) It is important that the bulb be operated only in a horizontal position, plus or minus four degrees.
10) When replacing a halogen bulb with another, the following instructions should be observed:
a) Turn the power off and allow the bulb to cool before attempting to replace it.
b) Use gloves and eye protection when removing and installing bulbs.
c) Do not touch the new bulb with bare hands. Clean the bulb with denatured alcohol if it has been touched.
d) Firmly seat the bulb into the socket that is found at each end within the light fixture.
There is presently no method available to retrofit and dedicate an existing halogen lighting fixture to a safer operating fluorescent lamp, that is exceptionally more efficient in operation. Because of the many hazards and precautions that are necessary when using halogen bulbs, there is a particular need for a dedicated conversion system that will provide reliable, safe and efficient operation. In this regard, this invention fulfills this need.
Additionally, in recognition of the foregoing factors, OEM's have used variously shaped fluorescent lamps that fit within the uplighting receptacle for a torchiere. Double nested fluorescent lamps, 2D fluorescent lamps, and Delux F “finger” fluorescents are examples of such OEM halogen substitutes for torchieres.
Finally, OEM's may sequentially install incandescent lamps that are viewed as safer than halogens, followed by successive fluorescent lamps selected from the foregoing and appropriately dimensioned for a torchiere, for product promotions through reduced energy consumption.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is retrofit system for the conversion and dedication of a luminaire that uses an unsafe halogen quartz bulb, as used in torchiere lighting fixtures and other luminaria, to a safe operating circular fluorescent lamp. The size of the halogen bulbs that are used in present day lighting equipment is typically 300 watts.
Because these bulbs operate at much higher temperatures than equivalent sized fluorescent or incandescent bulbs, they present a high risk for starting a fire in a home or office. If drapes blow across and land upon the top of an open torchiere fixture or if there is any dangling foliage from a flammable imitation tree in close proximity to the top of the fixture, there is a setting for creating a dangerous fire. Also, if the fixture accidentally topples over while operating, a serious fire can result. One such fire occurred when a pet brushed against the fixture, toppling it over onto a bed, where the bed linens caught fire.
When comparing the relative merits of the various common sources of illumination, such as the fluorescent, halogen and incandescent lamps, with each having the same equivalent wattage, the performance of the fluorescent lamp excels in longevity, low cost efficient operation and in output illumination. Consider the following comparisons, where each lamp is rated at 40 watts.
The standard 40 watt incandescent bulb lasts about 300 hours and has an output of 450 lumens. A ruggedized 40 watt incandescent bulb lasts 1000 hours, but has a lower light output—360 lumens, because of a thicker gage filament.
A halogen 40 watt quartz bulb has an improved longevity of about 2000 hours, but has only a very slight improvement in light output—500 lumens.
The 40 watt fluorescent lamp, however, has tenfold improvement in longevity over the incandescent lamp and a fivefold improvement over the halogen lamp, about 10,000 hours. The same fluorescent lamp has over a six to seven times increase in light intensity—to approximately 3000 lumens. For equivalent light output, the fluorescent lamp uses 14 percent of the input power that is needed by the halogen lamp.
Fluorescent lamps are made in a variety of wattages and shapes. Both halogen lamps and incandescent bulbs are inefficient in operation, especially when compared to a fluorescent lamp that uses substantially less input energy to produce the same equivalent light output.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the use of a circular fluorescent lamp that has an adapter mountable to the base of the circular lamp assembly. The adapter is designed to be installed into the existing holes that
Sember Thomas M.
Taddeo Joseph H.
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