Lamp structure, having elliptical reflectors, for uniformly irradiating surfaces of optical fiber and method of use thereof

Apparatus for irradiating surfaces of the periphery of at least one workpiece, comprising:

• a primary elliptical-shaped reflector;
• a secondary elliptical-shaped reflector, the secondary elliptical-shaped reflector and the primary elliptical-shaped reflector being positioned such that a cross-section of the primary and secondary elliptical-shaped reflectors in combination form substantially an ellipse, surrounding a space, the ellipse having a major axis and first and second focal points, the first focal point being closer to the primary elliptical-shaped reflector, along the major axis, than is the second focal point;
• a bulb positioned on the major axis, spaced from the first focal point, in the vicinity thereof;
• and
• structure for passing the at least one workpiece through said space surrounded by the primary and secondary elliptical-shaped reflectors.

A method of irradiating at least one workpiece, comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing lamp structure including:
• a primary elliptical-shaped reflector;
• a secondary elliptical-shaped reflector, the secondary elliptical-shaped reflector and the primary elliptical-shaped reflector being positioned such that a cross-section of the primary and secondary elliptical-shaped reflectors in combination form substantially an ellipse, surrounding a space, the ellipse having a major axis and first and second focal points, the first focal point being closer to the primary elliptical-shaped reflector, along the major axis, than is the second focal point;
• and
• a bulb positioned on the major axis, in the vicinity of the first focal point and spaced therefrom;
• (b) passing the at least one workpiece through the space surrounded by the primary and secondary elliptical-shaped reflectors, in the vicinity of the second focal point;
• and
• (c) while passing the at least one workpiece, radiating light from the bulb, the light reflecting off the primary and secondary elliptical-shaped reflectors, to irradiate surfaces of the periphery of the at least one workpiece.

A method of curing an ultraviolet light curable coating on at least one workpiece, comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing lamp structure including:
• a primary elliptical-shaped reflector;
• a secondary elliptical-shaped reflector, the secondary elliptical-shaped reflector and the primary elliptical-shaped reflector being positioned such that a cross-section of the primary and secondary elliptical-shaped reflectors in combination form substantially an ellipse, surrounding a space, the ellipse having a major axis and first and second focal points, the first focal point being closer to the primary elliptical-shaped reflector, along the major axis, than is the second focal point;
• and
• a bulb positioned on the major axis, in the vicinity of the first focal point and spaced therefrom;
• the end reflectors;
• (b) passing the workpiece, having the ultraviolet light curable coating thereon, through the space surrounded by the first and second elliptical-shaped reflectors, at the first focal point;
• (c) while passing the workpiece, radiating ultraviolet light from the bulb, the ultraviolet light reflecting off the primary and secondary elliptical-shaped reflectors, and the end reflectors, to irradiate surfaces of the periphery of the workpiece so as to cure the ultraviolet light curable coating.