US4128788A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for operating a gaseous discharge lamp with improved efficiency
Assignee: WR Grace and Co
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Filing: 1977-02-22
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Granted: 1978-12-05
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Expires: 1997-02-22
Abstract
Abstract The light producing efficiency of gas filled electrical discharge tubes is improved by applying a high voltage narrow pulsed ionizing potential across the electrodes of the tube and eliminating, through removal and/or neutralization, gas ions between the electrodes.
Inventors
- 👤 Frank E. Lowther
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 20:00
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B41/00; H05B41/14; H05B41/30; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S315/00; Y10S315/05
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
An apparatus for producing light from electrical energy which comprises: (a) A gas filled tube having discharge electrodes: (b) means for applying pulsed electrical energy between said electrodes, said means being adapted to provide pulses at a potential in excess of the ionization potential of said tube, and of a duration less than the gas ion transit time between the electrodes and greater than the electron transit time; and (c) means for eliminating gas ions from between the electrodes.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
79 words
An apparatus for producing light from electrical energy which comprises: (a) A gas filled tube having discharge electrodes: (b) means for applying pulsed electrical energy between said electrodes, said means being adapted to provide pulses at a potential in excess of the ionization potential of said tube, and of a duration less than the gas ion transit time between the electrodes and greater than the electron transit time; and (c) means for eliminating gas ions from between the electrodes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for eliminating gas ions from between the electrodes comprises means for applying a potential between the electrodes less than said ionization potential.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tube is filled with a gas selected from the group consisting of neon, argon, krypton, xenon, mercury, and sodium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tube is a fluorescent tube.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for applying electrical energy provides electrical energy at a pulse frequency of 60 to 20,000 Hz, an ionization potential of 50 to 100,000 volts, and a duration of from 0.1 to 10 percent of the singly charged gas ion transit time between said electrodes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for eliminating gas ions from between the electrodes comprises a means for applying a positive, negative, and/or alternating potential between said electrodes having a magnitude from about 0.1 to 10 percent of said ionizing potential.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said gas has a pressure of from about 0.1 to 10 -7 atmosphere.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for eliminating gas ions includes an additional electrode placed in said tube and means for applying a potential to said additional electrode less than said ionization potential.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
87 words
In a method for producing light from a gas filled tube wherein electrical energy is applied to the electrodes of said tube at a potential in excess of the ionization potential, the improvement which comprises: (a) dissipating pulsed electrical energy between the electrodes of said tube, wherein the pulses have a potential in excess of the ionization potential, a duration of less than the gas ion transit time between the electrodes; and greater than the electron transit time; and (b) eliminating gas ions from between the electrodes.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
87 words
In a method for producing light from a gas filled tube wherein electrical energy is applied to the electrodes of said tube at a potential in excess of the ionization potential, the improvement which comprises: (a) dissipating pulsed electrical energy between the electrodes of said tube, wherein the pulses have a potential in excess of the ionization potential, a duration of less than the gas ion transit time between the electrodes; and greater than the electron transit time; and (b) eliminating gas ions from between the electrodes.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 9 wherein said gas ions are eliminated by permitting the gas ions to substantially recombine to form neutral gas molecules during the period between said electrical energy pulses.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-12-04 | 1982-06-05 | 1982-12-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-12-04 | 1986-06-05 | 1986-12-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-12-04 | 1990-06-05 | 1990-12-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |