Reduced length compact fluorescent lamp and method of forming same
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsThomas F. Soules, Jennifer I. Barry, Frederic F. Ahlgren, Alexander L. Guba, Erwin G. Steinbrenner
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A low pressure discharge lamp, particularly a compact fluorescent lamp, achieves an overall reduction in height by orienting ends of the envelope radially inward for connection to the base. This advantageously positions the electrodes housed within the envelope away from the base. Moreover, this mounting arrangement provides resistance against pull out forces and elimination of a cement to secure the envelope to the base, as well as other improved heat transfer benefits.
Claims19
A low pressure discharge lamp assembly comprising:
- an envelope containing a gas fill that is energizeable to a discharge state, the envelope formed into a coiled configuration wound about a longitudinal axis and having first and second ends of the envelope disposed at one end of the coiled configuration wherein the legs are bent radially inward from the coiled configuration;
- and
- a base having first and second openings receiving the first and second ends, respectively, of the envelope therethrough in generally non-parallel relation to the longitudinal axis to reduce the overall height of the low pressure discharge lamp assembly.
A method for securing first and second ends of an envelope of a low pressure discharge lamp coiled about a longitudinal axis to a base having first and second openings therein, the method comprising the steps of:
- bending the first and second ends of the envelope radially inward toward the longitudinal axis;
- and
- inserting the bent first and second ends of the envelope through the first and second openings, respectively.
A low pressure discharge lamp assembly comprising:
- an envelope containing a gas fill that is energizeable to a discharge state, the envelope formed into a double helix configuration of substantially constant diameter wound about a longitudinal axis wherein first and second ends of the envelope are disposed at a common end of the envelope, and the first and second ends are bent inwardly toward the longitudinal axis at a greater degree of curvature than the remainder of the substantially constant diameter envelope;
- and
- a base having first and second openings receiving the first and second ends, respectively, of the envelope therethrough in generally non-parallel relation to the longitudinal axis to reduce the overall height of the low pressure discharge lamp assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.