Means and method of increasing lifetime of fluorescent lamps

• US 6,467,933 B2
• Filed: 04/30/2001
• Issued: 10/22/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/19/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Raymond P. Baar
• Inventors: Baar, Raymond P.
• Primary Examiner(s): O'Shea, Sandra
• Assistant Examiner(s): SAWHNEY, HARGOBIND S
• Application Number:
  US09/845,621
• Publication Number:
  US 20010015894A1
• Time in Patent Office: 540 Days
• Field of Search: 362/217, 362/260, 362/346, 362/298, 362/301, 362/341, 362/360, 362/296, 362/241, 315/312, 315/324
• US Class Current: 362/260
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 2/00 Systems of lighting devices, not provided for in main groups F21S4/00 - F21S10/00 or F21S19/00, e.g. of modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/02 the elements being transformers, impedances or power supply units, e.g. a transformer with a rectifier
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 7/005 with an elongated shape to cooperate with linear light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 7/09 with a combination of different curvatures
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2103/00 Elongate light sources, e.g. fluorescent tubes

Abstract

An elongated light fixture configured to create patterns of light saturation which is free of shadows and spots and provides a more uniform light distribution while effecting a substantial saving in energy costs when a plurality thereof are disposed at prescribed locations and elevations. In addition, such a plurality of light fixtures will produce a higher ratio of vertical to horizontal illuminance where vertical surfaces are needed to be amply lighted. The elongated fixture is characterized by its U-shaped cross-sectional configuration which has an interior light-reflective surface comprised of a plurality of elongated parallel panels which are interconnected and extend at a prescribed angle to each other. The fixtures are also claimed in combination with a hybrid magnetic-electronic ballast to provide the above advantages.

Claims

1. A lighting assembly comprising the combination of:

a. a reflector for fluorescent lights comprised of an elongated channel member which is of generally inverted U-shape in cross-sectional configuration, and has an inner surface which has light-reflecting qualities;

b. means for mounting at least one 55-watt fluorescent lamp within the confines of said inverted U-shaped channel member; and

c. a hybrid magnetic-electronic ballast electrically connected to said lamp to uniformly provide same with about 41-watts of electric power to illuminate same while running cooler, and to cause said lamp to run for a longer life term.

2. The combination claimed in claim 1, wherein said hybrid magnetic-electronic ballast includes a transformer.

3. The combination claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnetic aspect of said ballast is provided by a transformer.

4. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein said channel member includes a plurality of parallel reflector panels which are interconnected to cooperatively define its shape, and which extend at an angle to each other to produce overlapping beams of reflected light.

5. The combination defined in claim 1, wherein said hybrid ballast is capable of transmitting about 41 watts of electric current into said lamp.

6. A lighting assembly comprising the combination of:

a) a reflector for fluorescent lights comprised of an elongated channel member which is of generally inverted U-shape in cross-sectional configuration and has an inner surface which has light-reflecting qualities, said channel member being further comprised of;

(i) a plurality of adjacent, elongated and interconnected flat reflector panels facing downwardly and cooperatively defining said generally U-shaped configuration;

(ii) each of said reflector panels having a light-reflecting surface facing downwardly and outwardly from said inverted U-shaped member;

b) means for mounting a plurality of 55-watt fluorescent lamps within the confines of said inverted U-shaped channel member; and

c) a hybrid magnetic-electronic ballast electrically connected to at least one of said lamps to uniformly provide same with about 41-watts of electric power to illuminate same while running cooler and to cause said lamp to run for a longer life-term.

7. A method for preventing an early burn-out of fluorescent lamps comprising the steps of:

a) providing at least one 55-watt fluorescent lamp;

b) electrically connecting said lamp to a hybrid magnetic-electronic ballast capable, when connected to a source of power, of transmitting about a 41 watt current to that fluorescent lamp.

8. A method of preventing an early burnout of fluorescent lamps comprising the steps of:

a) mounting at least one 55-watt fluorescent lamp for illumination; and

b) electrically connecting said lamp to a magnetic-electronic ballast which transmits about a 41-watt current to said lamp.

9. A method of preventing an early burnout of fluorescent lamps comprising of steps of:

a) providing a 55-watt fluorescent lamp; and

b) electrically connecting the lamp to a hybrid magnetic-electronic ballast transmitting about a 41-watt current.

10. A lighting assembly comprising the combination of:

a) means mounting at least one 55-watt fluorescent lamp for illumination; and

b) a magnetic-electronic ballast electrically connected to said lamp, said ballast transmitting about a 41-watt electric current to said lamp.

11. A lighting assembly comprising the combination of:

a) a 55-watt fluorescent lamp; and

b) a magnetic-electronic ballast electrically connected to said lamp and transmitting about a 41-watt current thereto.