Enhanced lighting ceramic metal-halide lamp assembly

Abstract

An enhanced lighting ceramic metal-halide lamp assembly provides a ceramic metal-halide lamp that operates to illuminate at high temperatures, have an increased life span, and improved color temperatures, color renderings, and luminous efficacies. The lamp assembly includes an at least partially transparent container forming a vacuum. Inside the container, a plurality of ceramic arc tubes are connected by two U-shaped coupling mechanisms. The coupling mechanisms are conductive and resilient, so as to provide both conductivity, and a buffering clearance between the ceramic arc tubes. The lamp assembly is also unique in that it provides a 630 watt double ended ceramic metal-halide lamp, as the ceramic arc tube produces 630 watts, uses about 200 volts and 3 Amps when illuminating. At least one fastening bracket, having resiliency, extends between the ceramic arc tube and inner surface of the container to help stabilize the ceramic arc tubes inside the elongated container.

Claims

1. An enhanced lighting ceramic metal-halide lamp assembly, the assembly comprising: an at least partially transparent container defined by an inner surface, an outer surface, a pair of sealed conductive ends, and an inner volume defined by a vacuum; a plurality of ceramic arc tubes disposed in the inner volume of the at least partially transparent container, the ceramic arc tubes being filled with an ionizable gaseous mixture; a ballast disposed in the inner volume of the ceramic arc tubes, the ballast comprising at least one electrode generating an electric arc through the ionizable gaseous mixture; whereby the electric arc vaporizes the gaseous mixture to generate illumination; whereby the ceramic arc tube produces about 630 watts of power when illuminating; a wire extending between the pair of sealed conductive ends of the at least partially transparent container, the wire carrying an electrical current through the ballast; two U-shaped coupling mechanisms integral to the wire, the two U-shaped coupling mechanisms connecting each of the ceramic arc tubes to one of the sealed conductive ends of the container, the two U-shaped coupling mechanisms defined by a conductive material, the two U-shaped coupling mechanisms being generally resilient; whereby the two U-shaped coupling mechanisms provide conductivity and a buffering clearance between the ceramic arc tubes and the sealed conductive ends of the container; and at least one fastening bracket defined by a first end and a second end, the first end engaging the inner surface of the at least partially transparent container for stabilizing the ceramic arc tubes, the second end engaging the ceramic arc tubes.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the lamp assembly comprises a 630 watt double ended ceramic metal-halide lamp.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least partially transparent container has an elongated cylindrical shape.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least partially transparent container is a glass tube.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least partially transparent container has a length up to 388 millimeters.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least partially transparent container has a diameter up to 32.5 millimeters.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least partially transparent container is at least partially fabricated from quartz glass.

8. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising two electrical leads connecting to the pair of sealed conductive ends of the at least partially transparent container.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the ceramic arc tubes use about 200 volts when illuminating.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the ceramic arc tubes produce about 3 amps when illuminating.

11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the ceramic arc tubes are at least partially fabricated from polycrystalline alumina.

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the maximum attainable temperature of the ceramic arc tubes is about 700 degrees Fahrenheit.

13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the ionizable gaseous mixture consists of a mercury vapor and at least one metal-halide.

14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the ballast comprises an electronic ballast or an electromagnetic ballast.

15. An enhanced lighting ceramic metal-halide lamp assembly, the assembly comprising: an at least partially transparent container defined by an inner surface, an outer surface, a pair of sealed conductive ends, and an inner volume defined by a vacuum; a plurality of ceramic arc tubes disposed in the inner volume of the at least partially transparent container, the ceramic arc tubes being filled with an ionizable gaseous mixture consisting of a mercury vapor and at least one metal-halide, the ceramic arc tubes being at least partially fabricated from polycrystalline alumina; a ballast disposed in the inner volume of the ceramic arc tubes, the ballast comprising at least one electrode generating an electric arc through the ionizable gaseous mixture; whereby the electric arc vaporizes the gaseous mixture to generate illumination; whereby the ceramic arc tubes produce about 630 watts of power when illuminating; a wire extending between the pair of sealed conductive ends of the at least partially transparent container, the wire carrying an electrical current through the ballast; two U-shaped coupling mechanisms integral to the wire, the two U-shaped coupling mechanisms connecting each of the ceramic arc tubes to one of the sealed conductive ends of the container, the two U-shaped coupling mechanisms defined by a conductive material, the two U-shaped coupling mechanisms being generally resilient; whereby the two U-shaped coupling mechanisms provide conductivity and a buffering clearance between the ceramic arc tubes and the sealed conductive ends of the container; and at least one fastening bracket defined by a first end and a second end, the first end engaging the inner surface of the at least partially transparent container for stabilizing the ceramic arc tubes, the second end engaging the ceramic arc tubes.

16. The assembly of claim 15, further comprising two electrical leads connecting to the pair of sealed conductive ends of the at least partially transparent container.

17. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the ceramic arc tubes use about 200 volts when illuminating.

18. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the ceramic arc tubes produce about 3 amps when illuminating.

19. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the lamp assembly comprises a 630 watt double ended ceramic metal-halide lamp.

20. An enhanced lighting ceramic metal-halide lamp assembly, the assembly consisting of: an at least partially transparent container defined by an inner surface, an outer surface, a pair of sealed conductive ends, and an inner volume defined by a vacuum, the at least partially transparent container having a length of up to 388 millimeters, and a diameter of up to 32.5 milliliters; a plurality of ceramic arc tubes disposed in the inner volume of the at least partially transparent container, the ceramic arc tubes being filled with an ionizable gaseous mixture consisting of a mercury vapor and at least one metal-halide, the ceramic arc tubes being at least partially fabricated from polycrystalline alumina; whereby the ceramic arc tubes use about 200 volts when illuminating; whereby the ceramic arc tubes produce about 3 amps when illuminating; a ballast disposed in the inner volume of the ceramic arc tube, the ballast comprising at least one electrode generating an electric arc through the ionizable gaseous mixture; whereby the electric arc vaporizes the gaseous mixture to generate illumination; whereby the ceramic arc tubes produce about 630 watts of power when illuminating; two electrical leads connecting to the pair of sealed conductive ends of the at least partially transparent container; a wire extending between the pair of sealed conductive ends of the at least partially transparent container, the wire carrying an electrical current through the ballast; two U-shaped coupling mechanisms integral to the wire, the two U-shaped coupling mechanisms connecting each of the ceramic arc tubes to one of the sealed conductive ends of the container, the two U-shaped coupling mechanisms defined by a conductive material, the two U-shaped coupling mechanisms being generally resilient; whereby the two U-shaped coupling mechanisms provide conductivity and a buffering clearance between the ceramic arc tubes and the sealed conductive ends of the container; and at least one fastening bracket defined by a first end and a second end, the first end engaging the inner surface of the at least partially transparent container for stabilizing the ceramic arc tubes, the second end engaging the ceramic arc tubes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary an enhanced lighting ceramic metal-halide lamp assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2A illustrates a life span graph, showing experimental use of the lamp assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 2B illustrates a wavelength graph showing the enhanced lighting that the lamp assembly is able to generate over a wide wavelength spectrum, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 2C illustrates a second wavelength graph showing the enhanced lighting that the lamp assembly is able to generate over a wide wavelength spectrum, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(6) FIG. 3A illustrates a performance data table that lists experimental data of the lamp assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 3B illustrates an electrical characteristics table that references the nominal lamp wattage as 630 W, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(8) FIG. 3C illustrates a physical descriptions table that references physical characteristics of the container and ceramic arc tubes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

(9) FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an exemplary ceramic arc tubes connected by two U-shaped coupling mechanisms, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(10) Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(11) The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word exemplary or illustrative means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, left, rear, right, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

(12) An enhanced lighting ceramic metal-halide lamp assembly 100 is referenced in FIGS. 1-4. The enhanced lighting ceramic metal-halide lamp assembly 100, hereafter lamp assembly 100, provides a metal-halide lamp that operates in such a manner and is structurally configured to illuminate at high temperatures, have an increased life span, and illuminate with improved color temperatures, color renderings, and luminous efficacies.

(13) The lamp assembly 100 provides an at least partially transparent container 102 forming a vacuum. Inside the container 102, a plurality of ceramic arc tubes 112a, 112b are connected by two U-shaped coupling mechanisms 120a, 120b. The coupling mechanisms 120a, 120b are conductive and resilient, so as to provide both conductivity, and a buffering clearance between the ceramic arc tubes 112a-b and the ends of the transparent container 102. The lamp assembly 100 is also unique in that it provides a 630 watt double ended ceramic metal-halide lamp. The ceramic arc tube produces 630 watts, uses about 200 volts and 3 Amps when illuminating. Further, the lamp assembly utilizes at least one fastening bracket 122a, 122b, having a resiliency that helps to stabilize the ceramic arc tubes 112a-b inside the transparent container 102.

(14) These novel features result in an increased life span for the ceramic arc tubes 112a, 112b. This further results in enhanced lighting by the lamp assembly 100, while operating at higher temperatures up to 700 Fahrenheit. This also enables energy saving generation of improved color temperatures, color renderings, and luminous efficacies. The lamp assembly 100 is also efficacious for significantly reducing reactions with the ionizable gaseous mixture contained within. Further, the lamp assembly 100 operates at higher temperature which is adapted to boost performance and quality-of-light characteristics, such as lumen maintenance, lamp color-shift and spread stability, color rendering index, and dimming.

(15) As referenced in FIG. 1, the lamp assembly 100 comprises an at least partially transparent container 102. The container 102 is defined by an inner surface 104, an outer surface 106, a pair of sealed conductive ends 108a, 108b, and an inner volume 110. The sealed conductive ends 108a, 108b are sufficiently conductive, so as to conduct an electrical current through the inner volume. The inner volume 110 is sealed and forms a vacuum. In some embodiments, the container 102 may have a generally cylindrical shape. Though other shapes are possible.

(16) In one non-limiting embodiment, the container 102 is a glass tube having a length of up to 388 millimeters, and a diameter of up to 32.5 millimeters. In one non-limiting embodiment, the at least partially transparent container 102 is at least partially fabricated from quartz glass. The quartz glass material is efficacious for enabling optimal passage of light through. Though other materials that are at least partially transparent may be used.

(17) The lamp assembly 100 further comprises a plurality of ceramic arc tubes 112a, 112b (FIG. 4). The ceramic arc tubes 112a-b are disposed in the inner volume 110 of the container 102. This being a halide-metal style lamp, the ceramic arc tubes 112a-b are filled with an ionizable gaseous mixture. The ionizable gaseous mixture may include a mercury vapor and at least one metal-halide. In one non-limiting embodiment, the ceramic arc tube is at least partially fabricated from polycrystalline alumina. Though in other embodiments, different ceramic-based materials may be used to fabricate the ceramic arc tubes 112a-b.

(18) In one embodiment, the lamp assembly 100 provides a ballast 114 that is disposed in the inner volume 110 of the ceramic arc tubes 112a, 112b. In some embodiments, the ballast 114 may include an electronic ballast or an electromagnetic ballast. In another embodiment, the ballast 114 comprises at least one electrode 116 generating an electric arc through the ionizable gaseous mixture. The electric arc is operational to vaporize the gaseous mixture, which creates a plasma to generate illumination in the ceramic arc tubes 112a-b.

(19) In one non-limiting embodiment, a wire 118 may extend between the pair of sealed conductive ends 108a, 108b of the at least partially transparent container 102. The wire 118 carries an electrical current through the ballast 114, so as to enable energizing the electrode 116. In one non-limiting embodiment, the lamp assembly 100 further comprises two electrical leads 126a, 126b that connect to the sealed conductive ends 108a, 108b of the container 102. The electrical leads 126a, 126b carry current to the ends of the wire 118.

(20) In one embodiment, the ceramic arc tubes 112a, 112b produce about 630 watts of power when illuminating. In another embodiment, the ceramic arc tube uses about 200 volts when illuminating, and produces about 3 amps when illuminating (FIG. 3C). In another embodiment, the illumination comprises a color rendition between 80 to 96 CRI. Additionally, the polycrystalline alumina composition of the ceramic arc tubes 112a-b is effective for increasing the operating temperature, such that the maximum attainable temperature of the ceramic arc tubes 112a-b is about 700 Fahrenheit.

(21) FIGS. 2A-2C reference graphs that reflect experimental use of the lamp assembly 100; and specifically those of the ceramic arc tubes 112a-b and the container 102. As shown in FIG. 2A, the use of a 630 watt double ended ceramic metal-halide lamp enhances the life span of the lamp assembly 100. The buffering effect from the U-shaped coupling mechanisms 120a, 120b also prevents the lamp assembly 100 from having a shortened life span. In support of the increased life span, FIG. 2A shows a lumen maintenance graph 200 with a graph line decreasing at a flat slope, from 100% to about 78%. Such a flat slope is an indication that the life span of the ceramic arc tubes 112a-b is greater than the traditional metal-halide lamp known in the art. For example, performance data table 300 in FIG. 3A references experimental data that shows the rated average life of the lamp assembly 100 is about 10,000 hours.

(22) Turning now to FIG. 2B, a wavelength graph 202 shows the enhanced lighting that the lamp assembly 100 is able to generate over a wide wavelength spectrum. As shown, the intensity of the light peaks at about 600 nanometer wavelength. Though shorter wavelengths around 500 nanometers also produce high intensities of light. These optimal wavelength patterns correspond to the 630 watt configuration of the ceramic arc tubes 12a-b.

(23) FIG. 2C references a second wavelength graph 204 that shows a second experimental run that achieves enhanced lighting that the lamp assembly 100 is able to generate over a wide wavelength spectrum. This graph 204 shows greater intensities between 500 nm to 600 nm wavelength. The second graph is based on a different initial lumens at rated watts (65,000 Lm), correlated color temperature (4200K), Par value (1150 12,000 mol/s), and lumens per watt (105 lm/w) than the wavelength graph 202 shown in FIG. 2B.

(24) FIGS. 3A-3C reference the specifications of the lamp assembly 100; and specifically those of the ceramic arc tubes 112a-b and container 102. A performance data table 300 lists experimental data of the lamp assembly 100 (FIG. 3A). The table 300 shows that the initial lumens at rated watts after 100 hours of operation are about 78,500 LM. The rated average life is about 10,000 hours. The warm up time is 7 minutes. Further, the correlated color temperature is 3100K. The color rendering index is > or equal to 90. The operating position is HOR15. The PAR value (380-780 nm) is 12,000 mol/s. Further, the lumens per watt are 125 lm/w. It is significant to note that the specifications in table 300 are non-limiting.

(25) Turning now to FIG. 3B, an electrical characteristics table 302 references the nominal lamp wattage as 630 W. This wattage is consistent with the use of a 630 watt double ended ceramic metal-halide lamp. The nominal lamp voltage is about 200V. The nominal lamp current is about 3 Amps. It is significant to note that the specifications in table 302 are non-limiting.

(26) Continuing with the specifications, FIG. 3C illustrates a physical descriptions table 304 that references physical characteristics of the container 102 and ceramic arc tubes 112a-b. The container 102 has a length of up to 388 millimeters, and a diameter of up to 32.5 millimeters. The pulse position (electrical degrees) is 60-90 and 240-270. Further, the maximum attainable temperature of the ceramic arc tubes 112a-b is about 700 Fahrenheit. The bulb (container 102) designation is T32.5. Further, the ceramic arc tube is at least partially fabricated from polycrystalline alumina. The bulb (container 102) is fabricated from quartz glass and has a clear bulb finish. It is significant to note that the specifications in table 304 are non-limiting.

(27) Looking now at FIG. 4, the lamp assembly 100 further provides two U-shaped coupling mechanisms 120a, 120b. The two U-shaped coupling mechanisms 120a-b are integral to the wire 118. The two U-shaped coupling mechanisms 120a-b connect each of the ceramic arc tubes 112a-b to one of the sealed conductive ends 108a, 108b of the container 102, serving as a nexus therebetween. This connecting function reduces the tension on the wire 118; thus creating a stronger interconnection with components along the wire 118 and between the ceramic arc tubes 112a-b.

(28) In one embodiment, the two U-shaped coupling mechanisms 120a-b are defined by a conductive material, and are generally resilient. This may include a tensioned metal leaf or other material that creates a buffering oscillation against the surface of the ceramic arc tubes 112a-b. In this manner, the two U-shaped coupling mechanisms 120a-b provide both the benefits of conductivity and a buffering clearance between the ceramic arc tubes 112a-b and the sealed conductive ends 108a, 108b of the container 102.

(29) Looking back at FIG. 1, the lamp assembly 100 further provides at least one fastening bracket 122a, 122b that helps secure the ceramic arc tubes 112a-b in a stabilized position inside the container 102. The fastening bracket 122a-b is defined by a first end 124a and a second end 124b. The first end 124a engages the inner surface 104 of the container 102. The second end 124b engages the ceramic arc tubes 112a-b. In one embodiment, the fastening bracket 122a-b has an elongated shape with arced ends, such that the first end 124a is arced inwardly. The second end 124b may follow a radial path, in conformance with the ceramic arc tubes 112a-b.

(30) In some embodiments, the fastening bracket 122a-b is resilient, so as to enable buffering and to protect against impactful forces against the container 102 or ceramic arc tubes 112a-b. Similar to the two U-shaped coupling mechanisms 120a-b, the fastening bracket 122a-b are generally resilient, and may include a tensioned metal leaf or other material that creates a buffering oscillation against the surface of the ceramic arc tubes 112a-b and container 102.

(31) These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

(32) Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.