Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems – With load device temperature modifier – Automatic control of the temperature modifier
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-14
2001-12-25
Vu, David (Department: 2821)
Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems
With load device temperature modifier
Automatic control of the temperature modifier
C315S112000, C315S292000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06333602
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of light emitting devices, and in particular, to replaceable bulbs, lamps and other light emitters.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Specialized light emitting devices, such as those used in photocuring applications, frequently utilize replaceable light sources which have been designed to emit light within specified parameters, under certain standard operating conditions. Such light sources are typically engineered to rigid standards, and as such are expensive to manufacture and purchase.
These types of light sources also frequently possess a limited operational lifespan in which the generated light meets acceptable parameters. This lifespan can be shortened by operating the light emitter under non-optimal conditions. The quality of the generated light can also be affected by operating under less than ideal operating conditions.
For example, in the context of an arc lamp, the operating temperature of the anode and cathode can affect the qualities of the light emitted, as well as the lamp's operational lifespan. Similarly, the temperature of the lamp at the time of striking (or restriking) of the lamp can also affect the lamp's performance.
The performance, including lifespan, of specialized light emitters is typically guaranteed by the manufacturer. Because such emitters tend to be expensive, occasionally they are returned to the manufacturer with a request for a free replacement or other consideration on the basis that the emitter failed to perform within specified parameters for its guaranteed lifespan. Such claims are generally impossible to verify by the manufacturer, since the manufacturer cannot confirm either the number of operating hours the emitter has undergone, or whether the conditions under which the light source was operated conformed to specifications.
Similarly, different emitters having different output capabilities may be used interchangeably within the same device, for different applications. When emitters are interchanged for different applications and stored for later use, it can be difficult for a user to ascertain how many operating hours a particular emitter has performed, and hence to predict its remaining useful operational life.
There is accordingly a need for a light source which stores operational data correlated to its operational life. In addition, the inventor(s) have recognized a need for apparatus which retrieves and displays the stored operational data from the light source.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed towards a light source, for use in a light emitting device, which stores operational data correlated to its operational life.
The subject light source comprises a light generator, a sensor for sensing operational parameters of the light generator, and a light source data storage device integrated with the light generator and operatively coupled to the sensor, for storing operating data correlated to the operational parameters of the light emitter. The light source also typically has a light source housing, to which are mounted the light generator, the sensor and the light source data storage device.
The subject invention is also directed towards a light emitting device in combination with the light source. The light emitting device includes a device housing, and a socket for releasably engaging the light source, the socket being mounted to the device housing. The light emitting device also has a controller operatively coupled to the socket, the controller comprising means for retrieving the operating data from the light source data storage device. Additionally, the light emitting device has a power source mounted to the device housing and operatively coupled to the controller.
Additionally, the subject invention is directed towards a light source for use in a light emitting device having a controller for determining operational parameters of the light source. The light source has a housing and a light generator mounted within the housing. The light source also has a light source data storage device mounted to the housing and adapted to operatively couple to the controller, for receiving and storing operating data from the controller correlated to the operational parameters of the light source.
The subject invention is further directed towards a light source reader in combination with the light source. The light source reader has a reader housing, a socket for releasably engaging the light source, wherein the socket is mounted to the reader housing, a controller operatively coupled to the socket, the controller comprising means for retrieving the operating data from the light source data storage device. The reader also has a power source mounted to the reader housing and operatively coupled to the controller.
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patent: 4760609 (1988-07-01), Tamagaki
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System Extension Data Book, pp. 788-801, ©1995-1996 by Dallas Semiconductor Corporation.
Tech Brief No. 1—MicroLAN Design Guideby Dan Awtrey, dated Feb. 7, 1999, http://www.dalsemi.com/TechBriefs/tb1.html.
Bereskin & Parr
EXFO Photonic Solutions Inc.
Lee Wilson
Vu David
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