Automatically switched spare lamp for a light projector

Abstract

A lamp system for a light projector for continuous light projection upon burn-out of a main lamp. A main lamp with a highly directional light pattern is mounted to the frame for light pattern alignment with the optical axis of the projection lens. A spare lamp is mounted at a location remote from the optical axis. Electronic circuitry detects failure of the main lamp and energizes the spare lamp. A mirror pivots about a point remote from the optical axis for positioning the mirror between the first position which does not effect nor obstruct light transmission between the main lamp and the projection lens and between a second position where the mirror reflects light from the automatically energized spare lamp along the optical axis of the projection lens upon failure of the main lamp. A pivotable lever holds the mirror in the first position before failure of the main lamp, and an electromechanical device, controlled by the circuitry, releases the lever and permits a spring to urge the mirror toward the second position. A mirror with a resilient portion stops the mirror in the second position in a vibration-free manner. A switch senses the position of the mirror to turn-on the spare lamp as the mirror is assuming the second position for substantially uninterrupted light projection.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.