CCFL illuminated device and method of use

• US 20050184667A1
• Filed: 03/26/2004
• Published: 08/25/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/10/1996
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: T-1 Lighting, Inc.
• Original Assignee: BJI Energy Solutions LLC
• Inventors: Murray, Ian C., Sturman, Bruce D.
• Application Number:
  US10/809,310
• Publication Number:
  US 20050184667A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 315/59
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 17/04 the fastening being onto or by the light source
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2103/00 Elongate light sources, e.g. fluorescent tubes
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/04 Signs, boards or panels, illuminated from behind the insignia
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/26 Signs formed by electric discharge tubes by selective lighting G09F9/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01J 5/48 Means forming part of the tube or lamp for the purpose of supporting it

Abstract

A Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp (CCFL) is enclosed within a bulb normally used for incandescent fixtures. The CCFL is bent into a u-shape to fit within the bulb and the ballast can be installed in the lamp base. In an alternative embodiment, one or more CCFLs is enclosed within a fluorescent lamp tube or bulb with bi pin end caps. An insert in the end cap can support the CCFLs. Contact is made to the CCFLs through a connection with the pins of the end caps. In an alternative arrangement, the CCFLs are supported within the tube by electrode wires connecting to the pins.

Claims

1-6. -6. (canceled)

7. A light assembly comprising;

a. A fluorescent tube bulb;

b. A CCFL wholly contained within said fluorescent tube bulb including electrodes at each end extending from the interior to the exterior of said CCFL;

c. A bi-pin end cap at each end of said fluorescent tube bulb; and

d. Connecting means electrically coupling said CCFL electrodes to at least one pin of each of said bi-pin end caps,

whereby electrical energy applied to said bi-pin end caps in transmitted to energize said CCFL.

8. The light assembly of claim 7, above, wherein said bi-pin end caps include support means for holding said CCFL.

9. The light assembly of claim 7, above further including a second CCFL with electrodes at each end extending from the interior to the exterior of said second CCFL, said second CCFL being wholly contained within said fluorescent tube bulb;

ans said connecting means coupling the pins of said bi pin end caps to both of said CCFLs.

10. The light assembly of claim 9, above, wherein said bi-pin end caps include support means for suspending both of said CCFLs.