Energy efficient lighting apparatus and use thereof

#The present invention relates to lighting and illumination devices and more particularly to a method of use thereof for uniform lighting.

#Light sources and lamp types are commonly characterized and compared by their ability to translate electrical power into usable visible light. The efficiency or efficacy of a lighting system can be measured as the amount of light emitted (in Lumens) divided by the amount of electricity used (in Watts). The quality of light is often considered with respect to the colour of light emissions in terms of chromaticity or correlated color temperature, which described the color or wavelength of light emitted from the lighting system measured in Kelvin, and color rendering index (CRI), which indicates the lighting system's ability to show colors naturally (e.g. of an object) measured in percentage.

#There exist a diverse variety of light sources which vary widely in their construction, efficiency, color characteristics, and lamp life. In general, a low color temperature corresponds to a red-to-yellow appearance like incandescent lamps (2700K) while white light emitted from fluorescent lamps operating at 4100K. Daylight and some incandescent lighting have a CRI of 100%, while fluorescent applications typically exhibit a CRI of 60%-70% while high intensity discharge (HID) sources are available with CRI ratings at or above 95%.

#For a more detailed disclosure of the invention and for further objects and advantages thereof, reference is to be had to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an improved lighting apparatus of the present invention comprising a longitudinally disposed elongated tubular light source.

#FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the same improved lighting apparatus comprising a longitudinally disposed elongated tubular light source.

#All of the above noted iso-contour plots include numerical values measured in units of Foot Candles with the light sources at a spacing of 36 inches above the target illumination area. The numerical values in the above noted polar plots are measured in units of Candela.

#In each of the iso-contour plots, the dotted line represents a path of constant numerical value of Foot Candles having the lowest magnitude among the numerical values indicated in the accompanying legend. Accordingly, the bold line of each iso-contour plot represents a path of constant numerical value having the greatest magnitude among the values indicated in the accompanying legend. The lines spaced between the dotted line and the bold line are similarly of constant numerical value, increasing in magnitude at sequentially spaced positions from the dotted line to the bold line.

#Referring to the accompanying figures there is illustrated lighting apparati and designs and arrays thereof to maximize efficiency, distribution and uniformity of light emissions from a given light source thereby maximizing the usefulness of said light source with minimal energy consumption.