Illumination – Light source and modifier – Fluorescent type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-27
2001-03-20
O'Shea, Sandra (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Light source and modifier
Fluorescent type
C225S032000, C225S032000, C225S032000, C225S032000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06203172
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a lighting system for use in television, motion picture, still photography, and other photographic, cinematographic and theatrical lighting applications. In particular, the present invention relates to a low-temperature high-luminescent light suitable for close-up work on stage, studio and on-location sets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional high-luminescent television, motion picture and theatrical lights have a curved reflective housing and a high intensity lamp mounted in the housing. Typical high-intensity lamps include gas vapour, arc and metal halide. Such high-intensity lamps have a high luminescent output for illuminating a large portion of the set. However, these lamps also emit substantial quantities of heat, making them unsuitable for situations requiring the light to be placed in close proximity to an actor or model. Further, the high intensity lamps are quite fragile and, therefore, must be removed from the reflective housing during transport. In addition, the curved housing tends to focus the heat generated by the lamp around the lamp itself thereby subjecting the lamp structure to increased thermal stress. Over time, this stress can lead to early failure of the lamp.
Attempts have been made to reduce the thermal stress imposed upon the lamp. Typically, these attempts have involved incorporating heat sinks into the reflective housing so as to dissipate the heat generated by the lamp. However, such heat sinks tend to increase the cost of manufacturing the light, while also increasing the difficulty of replacing failed lamps. Further, the heat sinks tend to increase the weight of the light, rendering them top-heavy and difficult to maneuvre into position. Accordingly, there remains a need for a low maintenance lighting system which is suitable for close-up work in television, motion picture, still photography, and other photographic, cinematographic and theatrical lighting applications, and which can be easily maneuvred into position and transported between sets without a high risk of bulb failure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, there is provided a low-temperature theatrical lighting system which addresses the disadvantages of the prior art theatrical lighting systems. As used in this context, the phrase “theatrical lighting system” is intended to mean a lighting system which is suitable for use in all theatrical applications, including television, motion picture, still photography and for stage, studio and on-location sets.
The low-temperature theatrical lighting system, according to the invention, comprises a frame structure having a window, a first pair of opposing tubular frame members disposed along the perimeter of the window, and a plurality of fluorescent lamp sockets secured to the frame structure. The lighting system also includes a plurality of fluorescent lamps disposed within the window, with each fluorescent lamp being connected to a pair of lamp sockets. The lighting system also includes a fluorescent lamp ballast assembly disposed within at least one of the frame members. The lamp ballast assembly is electrically connected to the lamp sockets and controls the intensity of light emitted from the fluorescent lamps.
In a preferred implementation of the invention, the frame structure comprises a rectangular frame structure having a second pair of frame members coupled to the first pair of frame members. Each of the end frame members of the first frame member pair includes twenty eight standard bi-pin fluorescent lamp sockets, and each of the fluorescent lamps is connected to an opposing pair of the fluorescent lamp sockets. The fluorescent lamps also extend parallel to the second frame member pair and in close proximity to each other to increase the luminescent output of the lighting system. A removable reflective panel is fastened to the frame members for further increasing the luminescent output.
The lamp ballast assembly comprises a number of discrete dimmable electronic ballasts which are disposed within both of the frame members of the first frame member pair. Each dimmable electronic ballast controls a pair of non-adjacent fluorescent lamps. As a result, the electronic ballasts disposed in one of the frame members of the first frame member pair controls one set of fluorescent lamps, while the electronic ballasts disposed in the opposing frame member controls the intervening set of fluorescent lamps. In addition, the lighting system also includes a ballast control system which allows the electronic ballasts disposed in one of the frame members to be controlled independently of the electronic ballasts disposed in the other of the frame members.
Since fluorescent lamps are used instead of the conventional high-intensity lamps, the invention produces sufficient light for use in theatrical applications, but without the dissipation of heat associated with the prior art lighting systems. In addition, since fluorescent lamps are more durable than high-intensity lamps, the invention allows the light to be transported without a high risk of damage to the lamps. Further, since the fluorescent lamp ballasts are electronic and are disposed within the frame itself, the invention provides a light-weight compact source of light which can be readily maneuvered into position.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4404619 (1983-09-01), Ferguson
patent: 5012396 (1991-04-01), Costa
patent: 5172034 (1992-12-01), Brikerhoff
patent: 5539281 (1996-07-01), Shackle et al.
patent: 5890793 (1999-04-01), Stephens
patent: 5962989 (1999-10-01), Baker
Mosicki Larry Stan
Wanuch Arthur Paul
Alavi Ali
O'Shea Sandra
PS Production Services Ltd.
Zavis Katten Munich
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