Electrical connectors – Coupling part to receive fluorescent or neon lamp
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-16
2001-02-27
Sircus, Brian (Department: 2839)
Electrical connectors
Coupling part to receive fluorescent or neon lamp
C439S236000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06193534
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to lamp holders, and, more particularly, to fluorescent lamp holders.
2. Description of the Related Art
Fluorescent lamps, as known, include a glass tube coated on the inside with phosphor powders which fluoresce when exited by ultraviolet light. The glass tube is filled with rare gases (such as argon, neon, and krypton) and a small amount of mercury, and operates at a relatively low pressure. Electrodes are mounted within the glass tube and emit electrons during operation. The electrons are accelerated by the voltage across the tube until they collide with mercury atoms, causing the mercury atoms to be ionized and excited. When the mercury atoms return to their normal state, photons corresponding to mercury spectral lines in both the visible and ultraviolet region are generated, thereby exciting the phosphor coating on the inside of the tube to luminance.
To start a fluorescent lamp, electron emission from the electrodes may be induced in one of two ways. First, a filament electrode may be heated by passing current therethrough. Secondly, a high voltage which is sufficient to start an electric discharge in the lamp may be applied across the lamp without preheating the electrodes. Instant start circuits which are commonly used today typically employ the latter method of inducing electron emission from the electrodes. Instant start circuits use a ballast which applies a high voltage (e.g., up to 848 VAC) at a high frequency. Such instant start ballasts are much more energy efficient than older style ballasts which heat the electrodes. The ballasts are wired from their mounting location to a fluorescent lamp assembly.
Such fluorescent tubes come in a variety of styles and thus are used in a variety of applications. One such application is in commercial refrigeration illumination. Generally, a fluorescent lamp holder or assembly for such applications includes a fluorescent lamp surrounded by a protective plastic tube that are both retained on each end by a cap structure. One cap structure covers terminals on one end of the fluorescent lamp and the connection wires. The other cap structure couples the terminals of the other end of the fluorescent lamp to electrical power, generally by a power cord. Wires run the length of the protective plastic tube for appropriate connection to the terminals on the other end of the fluorescent lamp. Each cap structure is retained to the protective plastic tube by metal clips. The lamp assembly is generally retained within the refrigerator or freezer by clips. The power cord from the lamp assembly is wired into the power of the refrigerator. The above fluorescent lamp holder is, by its nature, disposable and not waterproof. Replacement of the fluorescent tube in the prior art holders is usually not recommended. Further, when the fluorescent lamp goes out, the entire holder must be unwired, with a new holder to be rewired. Additionally, because the lamp assemblies are typically disposed in a cold environment, start-up of the fluorescent lamp may be difficult.
What is needed in the art is a fluorescent lamp holder which prevents electrical arcing between a conductor of the lamp holder and the contact pins of a fluorescent lamp.
What is also need in the art is a fluorescent lamp holder that is waterproof for use in a moisture-laden environment.
Further needed in the art is a fluorescent lamp holder that allows replacement of the fluorescent lamp.
Still further needed in the art is a fluorescent lamp assembly that provides thermal insulation for the fluorescent lamp relative to the ambient environment.
Still even further needed in the art is a fluorescent lamp assembly that functions better in cold environments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluorescent lamp holder assembly adapted to accept various end cap structures.
In one form thereof, the fluorescent lamp holder is disposable. A protective sleeve surrounds the fluorescent lamp. A first end cap structure receives the fluorescent tube and protective sleeve and covers the wire connections to one set of terminals of the fluorescent tube. Preferably, the first end cap is permanently attached to the protective sleeve. A second end cap structure receives the other end of the protective sleeve and fluorescent tube and is comprised of a power attachment cap portion and a tube power connector cap portion. The power attachment cap portion receives one set of terminals of the fluorescent lamp and provides electrical coupling between the two sets of terminals of the fluorescent lamp with a source of electrical energy and is attached to the sleeve via an attachment chip. The tube power connector cap portion couples to the power attachment cap portion and provides a holder for the fluorescent tube and a pathway for the electrical wires for the second set of terminals. Preferably, the tube power connection cap portion is permanently attached to the protective sleeve.
In another form thereof, the fluorescent lamp holder provides replacement of the fluorescent tube. A first end cap structure includes terminal receptacles for receipt of one set of fluorescent lamp terminals. The receptacles are in communication with power wires of the holder and is preferably permanently attached to the protective sleeve. A second end cap structure includes a tube power attachment cap portion and a power attachment cap portion. The power attachment cap portion receives one set of terminals of the fluorescent lamp and provides electrical coupling between the two sets of terminals of the fluorescent lamp with a source of electrical energy. The tube power connector cap portion couples to the power attachment cap portion and provides a holder for the fluorescent tube and a pathway for the electrical wires for the second set of terminals. Preferably, the tube power connection cap portion is permanently attached to the protective sleeve.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluorescent lamp assembly having a sleeve structure that provides thermal insulation for the fluorescent lamp.
In one form, the protective sleeve structure comprises an inner tube surrounded by an outer tube which are sized appropriately such that a cavity is defined between the outer diameter of the inner tube and the inner diameter of the outer tube. Spacers are disposed in the cavity to define chambers that form air pockets between the tubes.
The spacers may be formed on the outer diameter of the inner tube and/or on the inner diameter of the outer tube. The spacers are preferably radially positioned about the respective diameter and extend longitudinally along the tube to define a plurality of longitudinal chambers.
The spacers may take the form of radially outwardly extending ribs or as radially inwardly extending creases or folds. Electrical energy is distributed through the sleeve structure by conductors that extend through one or more of the chambers. As well, the conductors may be formed in a tube as an integral strip conductor.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluorescent lamp assembly having a ballast integral with an end cap of the fluorescent lamp assembly. Heat generated by the ballast is provided to the fluorescent lamp, enhancing its operation.
In one form, the end cap is the power end cap having the ballast formed therein. The power cord is wired to the ballast while the ballast is wired to a plurality of receptacles formed in the power end cap. The power end cap receptacles receive prongs of the fluorescent tube and prongs of the connecting wires as the power end cap receives the fluorescent lamp stick.
It is an advantage of the present invention that various types of end cap structures may be used to provide various lamp assembly characteristics.
It is another advantage of the present invention that the lamp holder can be waterproof.
It is yet another advantage of the present invention that the lamp hold
Burwell John W.
Gust James M.
Lyall Assemblies, Inc.
Prasad Chandrika
Sircus Brian
Taylor & Aust P.C.
LandOfFree
Non-arcing fluorescent lamp holder does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Non-arcing fluorescent lamp holder, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Non-arcing fluorescent lamp holder will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2577900