Datum structure for ensuring alignment of a lamp assembly

A light source assembly configured for installation into a reflector assembly including a reflector, the reflecting assembly having a datum structure, the light source assembly comprising:

• a lamp having an emitting portion for emitting light;
• and
• a header supporting the lamp and defining a plurality of datum surfaces for engaging corresponding datums that are defined by the datum structure, the datum surfaces are disposed and arranged to assure proper alignment of the emitting portion relative to the reflector;
• and
• a housing portion that supports the header and is configured to be installed into the reflector assembly in a direction of installation of the light source assembly into the reflector assembly, wherein the housing portion includes a spring that exerts a spring force against the header assembly that biases at least one of the datum surfaces against one of the corresponding datums when the light source assembly is properly installed in the reflector assembly.

A light source, comprising:

• a header having;
• first, second, and third surfaces defining a first plane,
• fourth and fifth surfaces oriented in a first orthogonal direction to the first plane, and
• a sixth surface oriented in a second direction orthogonal to the first plane;
• and
• an origin of light located at a first location with respect to said header when said light source is operating and wherein said first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth surfaces define a datum to said first location.

A lamp assembly, comprising:

• a lamp having a fireball generator and being coupled to a lamp header;
• wherein said lamp header includes a plurality of datum surfaces defined thereon configured to ensure proper orientation and alignment of said fireball when operating with respect to a reflector assembly;
• and
• a housing assembly coupled to said lamp header, wherein said housing assembly comprises a lamp coupling member, a bias spring, and a header engaging member wherein said bias spring couples said lamp coupling member and said header engaging member.