Illumination – Light source and modifier – Ionized gas or vapor light source
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-24
2001-01-30
O'Shea, Sandra (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Light source and modifier
Ionized gas or vapor light source
C362S294000, C362S295000, C362S285000, C362S373000, C362S376000, C362S378000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06179446
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to arc lamps and specifically to arc lamp assemblies that fit standard module dimensions.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The high power xenon arc lamp market has been pressing lamp manufacturers with two diametrically opposed goals, compactness and high power. Several manufacturers make a standard lamp holder and module assembly that has found wide acceptance. Newer higher powered lamps must fit the constraints of such standardized modules if they are to have any chance of commercial success.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a xenon arc lamp module.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a xenon arc lamp module that is compact and efficient.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a xenon arc lamp module with a removable lamp assembly that quickly and easily registers and locks within the main unit.
Briefly, an arc lamp module embodiment of the present invention comprises a removable lamp unit including a xenon arc lamp attached to two radial electrode heatsinks that are in turn disposed in an insulating sleeve housing. A chassis has a catch and a clip to lock down the removable lamp unit. An igniter is included to power the arc lamp. A single fan and an air plenum are disposed in the chassis and provide for a cooling airflow that is split between the igniter and the two radial electrode heatsinks. A pair of machine screws provide electrical contact to each of the two radial electrode heatsinks and have crowned heads for a smooth contact surface. A printed circuit board (PCB) has springboard cutouts and electrical pads providing for a spring-pressure electrical contact between the igniter and the arc lamp through the pair of machine screws. An electrical interlock switch is mounted to a corresponding springboard cutout on the PCB and provides for an interruption of electrical power from the igniter when the removable lamp unit is removed from the chassis. A pair of fulcrum knobs are provided on one side of the removable lamp unit and provide for a rolling action of the housing to assist a user in removing the removable lamp unit from the chassis.
An advantage of the present invention is that an extended-power arc lamp is provided.
Another advantage of the present invention is that an arc lamp is provided that can operate at
500
watts and still fits into standard modular lamp assemblies.
It is a further advantage of the present invention that a 500 watt arc lamp is provided that operates approximately 150° C. cooler than comparable 300 watt arc lamps and has about twice the previous reflector area.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after having read the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which are illustrated in the drawing figures.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5561338 (1996-10-01), Roberts et al.
patent: 5721465 (1998-02-01), Roberts
patent: 5855488 (1999-01-01), Heintz et al.
Alavi Ali
EG&G ILC Technology, Inc.
Law Offices of Thomas E. Schatzel A Prof. Corp.
O'Shea Sandra
Schatzel Thomas E.
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