US3898494A - Integrated heater alkali vapor lamp - Google Patents
Integrated heater alkali vapor lamp Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US3898494A US3898494A US511859A US51185974A US3898494A US 3898494 A US3898494 A US 3898494A US 511859 A US511859 A US 511859A US 51185974 A US51185974 A US 51185974A US 3898494 A US3898494 A US 3898494A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- envelope
- lamp
- lamp according
- alkali vapor
- ceramic
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 239000003513 alkali Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 21
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 229910052594 sapphire Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000010980 sapphire Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 3
- XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Argon Chemical compound [Ar] XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Potassium Chemical compound [K] ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052792 caesium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- TVFDJXOCXUVLDH-UHFFFAOYSA-N caesium atom Chemical compound [Cs] TVFDJXOCXUVLDH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910052700 potassium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011591 potassium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052701 rubidium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- IGLNJRXAVVLDKE-UHFFFAOYSA-N rubidium atom Chemical compound [Rb] IGLNJRXAVVLDKE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000007858 starting material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052684 Cerium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M Ilexoside XXIX Chemical compound C[C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(CC[C@@]3(C(=CC[C@H]4[C@]3(CC[C@@H]5[C@@]4(CC[C@@H](C5(C)C)OS(=O)(=O)[O-])C)C)[C@@H]2[C@]1(C)O)C)C(=O)O[C@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)CO)O)O)O.[Na+] DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 229910052783 alkali metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000001340 alkali metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052786 argon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- GWXLDORMOJMVQZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N cerium Chemical compound [Ce] GWXLDORMOJMVQZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002788 crimping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010894 electron beam technology Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000004694 iodide salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910001507 metal halide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000005309 metal halides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052724 xenon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- FHNFHKCVQCLJFQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N xenon atom Chemical compound [Xe] FHNFHKCVQCLJFQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
- H01J61/00—Gas-discharge or vapour-discharge lamps
- H01J61/02—Details
- H01J61/52—Cooling arrangements; Heating arrangements; Means for circulating gas or vapour within the discharge space
- H01J61/523—Heating or cooling particular parts of the lamp
Definitions
- thermocouple is positioned within one of 2 313/217 the shrouds. Circuit connections to the heaters, the hf. Cl. electrodes and to the thermocouple are made Via e [58] Field of Search 313/15, 44 ramic Socket ends, thus permitting rapid replacement of the lamp in the event that the lamp fails. [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 9 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures 3.746.914 7/1973 Olson et al 313/15 X INTEGRATED HEATER ALKALI VAPOR LAMP The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor. I
- this invention relates to alkali vapor lamps and the like. More p'articularlyfin a preferred embodiment, this invention relates to an alkali vapor lamp having integratedend-c'ap heaters associated therewith.
- Alkali vapor lamps are widely used in industry for such diverse purposes as laser pumps, searchlights, street and parking lot illumination, etc. These lamps are characterized by high efficiency, high light output, and high operating temperatures (for example greater than l80C).
- At least one heating element is positioned within the chamber to heat the envelope and thereby establish the needed alkali vapor.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an alkali vapor lamp according to the invention.
- FIG. 2 is an end view of the lamp shown in FIG. 1.
- lamp comprises an envelope 11 which is filled with an alkali vapor, such as sodium, potassium, cesium, rubidium, etc. and a starter gas such as argon or xenon.
- the envelope 11 comprises a trans- 2 parent cylinder Ila, for example, of sapphire which is sealed atboth-ends byceramic end caps 1112.
- an evacuated, ceramic shroud I2 is positioned about each end of envelope 11.
- a ceramic-'to-sapphire seal 13 about the circumference of envelope l1 maintains the integrity of the vacuum within shrouds 12' at the envelope ends.
- a pair of endcap heating elements 14 are positioned within shrouds 12, proximate the ends of envelope 11.
- Heating elements 14 are advantageously potted in ceramic, but may also be wound on a ceramic mandrel, for examplejElectricalconnections for the heating elements'are made via metallic pins 16' extending outwardly through a ceramic socket l7in'tegral with and sealed to shroud 12.
- a thermocouple 18 for example a Cr-Al thermocouple
- Electrical connections to thermocouple 18 are made by a second pair of metallic pins 19, as seen in FIG. 2. Only one of the leads of thermocouple 18 is shown in FIG. 1, the other lead being in back of the electrode assembly structure.
- a second thermocouple could be mounted at the other end of the lamp if desired.
- a metal tubulation 21 extends into each end of the evacuated sapphire envelope 11 through end caps 11b and is sealed thereto.
- a hole 21b in at least one tubulation 21 is used during manufacture to evacuate the en velope 11.
- an alkali metal and starter gas are introduced therein also via tubulation 21 and hole 21b.
- the envelope 11 is then sealed by crimping the ends 210 of tubulations 21 as shown in FIG. I.
- the shrouded ends are evacuated during manufacture through second, larger tubulations 23 which are subsequently crimped at 23a and then covered by metal caps 24. Electrical connection to electrodes 22 is made via tubulations 21, metal straps 21a connecting to larger tubulations 23 and caps 24.
- shrouds 12 are sealed to envelope I1 and to the sockets 17.
- shrouds 12 could be fabricated as integral parts of envelope 11, if desired, thus eliminating a sealing step.
- thermocouple 18 could be potted in ceramic together with the respective heater element 14 or positioned in intimate contact with the fill tubulation 21.
- metal halide lamps such as potassium, cesium, rubidium, iodides, cerium, etc.
- metal halide lamps such as potassium, cesium, rubidium, iodides, cerium, etc.
- tubulations 21 one at each end of the lamp as shown, one tubulation can be used to admit the alkali vapor while the other can be sealed.
- An alkali vapor lamp which comprises:
- At least one heating element in each of said chambers for heating said envelope, thereby to establish the alkali vapor in said lamp.
- each of said evacuated chambers is integral with said envelope.
- each of said evacuated chambers is comprised of ceramic, each of said chambers being circumferentially bonded at one end to said envelope.
- the lamp according to claim 1 further comprising 6.
- Thelamp according to claim 5 further comprising a metallic tubulation extending into one end of said envelope for introducing said alkali vapor therein, said tubulation also serving to mount that one of said electrodes at the same end of said envelope and providing the electrical connection between said mounted electrode and the corresponding pin on said ceramic socket.
Landscapes
- Vessels And Coating Films For Discharge Lamps (AREA)
- Resistance Heating (AREA)
- Discharge Lamps And Accessories Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
An alkali vapor lamp which may be operated in the open atmosphere has integrated heaters mounted in evacuated ceramic shrouds positioned at each end of the lamp. A thermocouple is positioned within one of the shrouds. Circuit connections to the heaters, the electrodes and to the thermocouple are made via ceramic socket ends, thus permitting rapid replacement of the lamp in the event that the lamp fails.
Description
United States Patent Levy Aug. 5, 1975 1 INTEGRATED HEATER ALKALI VAPOR LAMP Primary E.\'aminer--R. V. Rolinec Assistant ExaminerDarwin R. Hostetter [75] lnvemor' Stephen Levy Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Nathan Edelberg; Robert P. [73] Assignee: The United States of America as Gibson; Arthur L. Bowers represented by the Secretary of the Army, Washington, DC. 221 Filed: Oct. 3, 1974 [57] ABSTRACT [21] A N 511,859 An alkali vapor lamp which may be operated in the open atmosphere has integrated heaters mounted in evacuated ceramic shrouds positioned at each end of [52] US. Cl. 313/15; 313/44, 313/225; the lamp A thermocouple is positioned within one of 2 313/217 the shrouds. Circuit connections to the heaters, the hf. Cl. electrodes and to the thermocouple are made Via e [58] Field of Search 313/15, 44 ramic Socket ends, thus permitting rapid replacement of the lamp in the event that the lamp fails. [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 9 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures 3.746.914 7/1973 Olson et al 313/15 X INTEGRATED HEATER ALKALI VAPOR LAMP The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor. I
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention Broadly speaking, this invention relates to alkali vapor lamps and the like. More p'articularlyfin a preferred embodiment, this invention relates to an alkali vapor lamp having integratedend-c'ap heaters associated therewith. I
2. Discussion of the Prior Art Alkali vapor lamps are widely used in industry for such diverse purposes as laser pumps, searchlights, street and parking lot illumination, etc. These lamps are characterized by high efficiency, high light output, and high operating temperatures (for example greater than l80C).
If operated in the open atmosphere, the metallic connections to the heaters, and indeed the heaters themselves, quickly become oxidized and must be replaced at impractically frequent intervals. To overcome this difficulty, such lamps in the past have been operated within an evacuated housing or optical head. However, this also leads to difficulties because the optical head must be disassembled whenever the lamp is changed, frequently causing the connections to the heater coils and other devices, such as temperature monitoring thermocouples, to fail due to repeated stress. Also, lamps which are operated in an evacuated housing have been known to fail when gases, evolving from the internal parts of the lamp and housing and from leaks in the enclosure walls, collect inside the housing causing oxidation of the metal parts which are at high temperatures.
The problem then is the provision of an alkali vapor lamp which may be operated in the open atmosphere without the need to completely enclose the lamp in an evacuated chamber or the like so that it is relatively easy to replace when spent.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These, and other problems, have been solved by the instant invention which, in a preferred embodiment, comprises a transparent cylindrical envelope for containing an alkali vapor. An electrode is provided at each end of the envelope as is an evacuated chamber."
Finally, at least one heating element is positioned within the chamber to heat the envelope and thereby establish the needed alkali vapor.
The invention and its mode of operation will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description when read with the appended drawing in which:
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an alkali vapor lamp according to the invention; and
FIG. 2 is an end view of the lamp shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As shown in FIG. I, lamp comprises an envelope 11 which is filled with an alkali vapor, such as sodium, potassium, cesium, rubidium, etc. and a starter gas such as argon or xenon. The envelope 11 comprises a trans- 2 parent cylinder Ila, for example, of sapphire which is sealed atboth-ends byceramic end caps 1112.
At both ends of lamp 10, an evacuated, ceramic shroud I2 is positioned about each end of envelope 11. A ceramic-'to-sapphire seal 13 about the circumference of envelope l1 maintains the integrity of the vacuum within shrouds 12' at the envelope ends. A pair of endcap heating elements 14 are positioned within shrouds 12, proximate the ends of envelope 11.
A metal tubulation 21 extends into each end of the evacuated sapphire envelope 11 through end caps 11b and is sealed thereto. A hole 21b in at least one tubulation 21 is used during manufacture to evacuate the en velope 11. After evacuation of envelope 11, an alkali metal and starter gas are introduced therein also via tubulation 21 and hole 21b. The envelope 11 is then sealed by crimping the ends 210 of tubulations 21 as shown in FIG. I. The tubulations 21, which may advantageously be electron-beam welded, mount the lamp electrodes 22. The shrouded ends are evacuated during manufacture through second, larger tubulations 23 which are subsequently crimped at 23a and then covered by metal caps 24. Electrical connection to electrodes 22 is made via tubulations 21, metal straps 21a connecting to larger tubulations 23 and caps 24.
As mentioned, shrouds 12 are sealed to envelope I1 and to the sockets 17. However, shrouds 12 could be fabricated as integral parts of envelope 11, if desired, thus eliminating a sealing step. Also, thermocouple 18 could be potted in ceramic together with the respective heater element 14 or positioned in intimate contact with the fill tubulation 21.
The invention disclosed herein may be used with equal success with metal halide lamps such as potassium, cesium, rubidium, iodides, cerium, etc. Also, where there are two tubulations 21, one at each end of the lamp as shown, one tubulation can be used to admit the alkali vapor while the other can be sealed.
One skilled in the art may make various substitutions and changes to the arrangement of parts shown without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.
What is claimed is:
I. An alkali vapor lamp, which comprises:
a transparent, cylindrical envelope for containing said alkali vapor;
an electrode at each end of said envelope;
an evacuated chamber at each end of said envelope and in engagement therewith; and
at least one heating element in each of said chambers for heating said envelope, thereby to establish the alkali vapor in said lamp.
2. The lamp according to claim 1 wherein each of said evacuated chambers is integral with said envelope. 3. The lamp according to claim 1 wherein each of said evacuated chambers is comprised of ceramic, each of said chambers being circumferentially bonded at one end to said envelope.
4. The lamp according to claim 1 further comprising 6. Thelamp according to claim 5 further comprising a metallic tubulation extending into one end of said envelope for introducing said alkali vapor therein, said tubulation also serving to mount that one of said electrodes at the same end of said envelope and providing the electrical connection between said mounted electrode and the corresponding pin on said ceramic socket.
7. The lamp according to claim 5 wherein said heating element is potted in ceramic.
8. The lamp according to claim 5 wherein said heating element is wound on a ceramic mandrel.
9. The lamp according to claim 5 wherein said envelope is comprised of sapphire.
Claims (9)
1. An alkali vapor lamp, which comprises: a transparent, cylindrical envelope for containing said alkali vapor; an electrode at each end of said envelope; an evacuated chamber at each end of said envelope and in engagement therewith; and at least one heating element in each of said chambers for heating said envelope, thereby to establish the alkali vapor in said lamp.
2. The lamp according to claim 1 wherein each of said evacuated chambers is integral with said envelope.
3. The lamp according to claim 1 wherein each of said evacuated chambers is comprised of ceramic, each of said chambers being circumferentially bonded at one end to said envelope.
4. The lamp according to claim 1 further comprising a thermocouple in at least one of said chambers to monitor the temperature of said lamp.
5. The lamp according to claim 4 wherein each of said chambers includes an integral ceramic socket having a plurality of metallic pins extending outwardly therefrom through which connection may be made to the electrode at the same end of said envelope and to the respective heating element and thermocouple.
6. The lAmp according to claim 5 further comprising a metallic tubulation extending into one end of said envelope for introducing said alkali vapor therein, said tubulation also serving to mount that one of said electrodes at the same end of said envelope and providing the electrical connection between said mounted electrode and the corresponding pin on said ceramic socket.
7. The lamp according to claim 5 wherein said heating element is potted in ceramic.
8. The lamp according to claim 5 wherein said heating element is wound on a ceramic mandrel.
9. The lamp according to claim 5 wherein said envelope is comprised of sapphire.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US511859A US3898494A (en) | 1974-10-03 | 1974-10-03 | Integrated heater alkali vapor lamp |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US511859A US3898494A (en) | 1974-10-03 | 1974-10-03 | Integrated heater alkali vapor lamp |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US3898494A true US3898494A (en) | 1975-08-05 |
Family
ID=24036743
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US511859A Expired - Lifetime US3898494A (en) | 1974-10-03 | 1974-10-03 | Integrated heater alkali vapor lamp |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US3898494A (en) |
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4221987A (en) * | 1974-12-20 | 1980-09-09 | Egyesult Izzolampa Es Villamossagi Reszvenytarsasag | High-pressure discharge tube operable in the open air without outer protective envelope |
| US4295075A (en) * | 1979-12-14 | 1981-10-13 | Gte Products Corporation | Arc discharge lamp having ceramic arc tube |
| FR2565733A1 (en) * | 1984-06-12 | 1985-12-13 | Tungsram Reszvenytarsasag | HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM STEAM LAMP |
| US4628225A (en) * | 1982-11-02 | 1986-12-09 | W. C. Heraeus Gmbh | Electrode for laser stimulation lamps |
| US4801840A (en) * | 1986-09-05 | 1989-01-31 | Patent Treuhand Gesellschaft Fur Elektrische Gluhlampen Mbh | Discharge lamp having automatically controlled preheating device attached to envelope |
| US20050088588A1 (en) * | 2003-10-27 | 2005-04-28 | Lg. Philips Lcd Co., Ltd. | Liquid crystal display device including backlight unit |
| US20080031299A1 (en) * | 2006-08-01 | 2008-02-07 | Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. | Heater-attached alkali-encapsulated cell and alkali laser apparatus |
Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3746914A (en) * | 1971-12-30 | 1973-07-17 | Gte Sylvania Inc | Arc discharge tube with surrounding starting coil |
-
1974
- 1974-10-03 US US511859A patent/US3898494A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3746914A (en) * | 1971-12-30 | 1973-07-17 | Gte Sylvania Inc | Arc discharge tube with surrounding starting coil |
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4221987A (en) * | 1974-12-20 | 1980-09-09 | Egyesult Izzolampa Es Villamossagi Reszvenytarsasag | High-pressure discharge tube operable in the open air without outer protective envelope |
| US4295075A (en) * | 1979-12-14 | 1981-10-13 | Gte Products Corporation | Arc discharge lamp having ceramic arc tube |
| US4628225A (en) * | 1982-11-02 | 1986-12-09 | W. C. Heraeus Gmbh | Electrode for laser stimulation lamps |
| FR2565733A1 (en) * | 1984-06-12 | 1985-12-13 | Tungsram Reszvenytarsasag | HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM STEAM LAMP |
| US4801840A (en) * | 1986-09-05 | 1989-01-31 | Patent Treuhand Gesellschaft Fur Elektrische Gluhlampen Mbh | Discharge lamp having automatically controlled preheating device attached to envelope |
| US20050088588A1 (en) * | 2003-10-27 | 2005-04-28 | Lg. Philips Lcd Co., Ltd. | Liquid crystal display device including backlight unit |
| US7431478B2 (en) * | 2003-10-27 | 2008-10-07 | Lg Display Co., Ltd. | Liquid crystal display device including backlight unit |
| US20080031299A1 (en) * | 2006-08-01 | 2008-02-07 | Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. | Heater-attached alkali-encapsulated cell and alkali laser apparatus |
| US7586968B2 (en) * | 2006-08-01 | 2009-09-08 | Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. | Heater-attached alkali-encapsulated cell and alkali laser apparatus |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US3502929A (en) | High intensity arc lamp | |
| JPH10294085A (en) | Matal halide lamp | |
| US3898494A (en) | Integrated heater alkali vapor lamp | |
| JP5214445B2 (en) | Ceramic lamp with molybdenum-rhenium end cap, and system and method comprising the lamp | |
| US4672270A (en) | Metal vapor discharge lamp having a starting device of a thermal switch type | |
| US3636395A (en) | Light source | |
| US5340346A (en) | Double-ended metal halide arc discharge lamp with electrically isolated containment shroud | |
| US3886392A (en) | Method of sealing alumina arc tube | |
| SU586857A3 (en) | High-pressure discharge lamp | |
| US4975620A (en) | Metal vapor discharge lamp and method of producing the same | |
| US2845557A (en) | Arc tube mounting | |
| EP0204303A2 (en) | High temperature tapered inlead for ceramic discharge lamps | |
| US3497742A (en) | Short metal arc tube mounted within a ceramic reflector envelope | |
| EP0538364A1 (en) | Lamp with an oxygen detector | |
| US4560357A (en) | Method for sealing arc discharge lamps | |
| US3642340A (en) | High-pressure metal vapor discharge lamp | |
| US5208509A (en) | Arc tube for high pressure metal vapor discharge lamp | |
| US5188554A (en) | Method for isolating arc lamp lead-in from frit seal | |
| KR100382059B1 (en) | Metal halide lamp manufacturing method | |
| SU1103303A1 (en) | Gaseous-discharge light source | |
| RU2803045C1 (en) | High intensity pulsed gas discharge short arc lamp | |
| US3291548A (en) | Mercury vapor lamp seasoning and sealing method | |
| KR20070046186A (en) | lamp | |
| EP0341749A2 (en) | Improved arc tube for high pressure metal vapor discharge lamp, lamp including same, and method | |
| JPH10214595A (en) | Ceramic discharge lamp, lamp device, lighting device and liquid crystal projector |