Patent ID: 8664854
Filing Date: 2014-03-04
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. An electrodeless lamp comprising: a fluorescent discharge vessel containing a gas having a partial mercury vapor pressure and a fluorescent material; a tip having an outer end and an inner end, the inner end engaging the discharge vessel and having an opening in communication with the gas in the discharge vessel; an amalgam positioned within the opening in the tip, the amalgam being in heat transfer relation with the tip, the tip positioned relative to the vessel such that mercury vapor in the gas in the fluorescent discharge vessel condensates onto the amalgam when the temperature of the amalgam decreases, thereby causing a decrease in the partial mercury vapor pressure within the discharge vessel, the tip positioned relative to the vessel such that the gas diffuses from the amalgam into the fluorescent discharge vessel when the temperature of the amalgam increases, thereby causing an increase in the partial mercury vapor pressure within with discharge vessel; a lamp core capable of connection to a power source, the lamp core engaging the discharge vessel, wherein the lamp core generates a magnetic flux when powered by a connected power source, wherein the magnetic flux induces a voltage and a current in the fluorescent discharge vessel to produce an electrical discharge in the gas; and a heater capable of connection to the power source, wherein the heater is in heat transfer relation with the tip, such that the heater heats the tip when the electrodeless lamp is in a dimming mode, wherein the heater comprises a positive temperature coefficient (“PTC”) element in heat transfer relation with the tip, the PTC element electrically connected to a winding of the lamp core, the lamp core applying a voltage to the PTC element to power the PTC element when the lamp core is powered; and an enclosure that receives the outer end of the tip and is in heat transfer relation with the outer end of the tip, the enclosure further being in heat transfer relation with the PTC element so that heat generated by the PTC element is transferred to the tip via the enclosure, wherein the enclosure includes a slot configured to receive the PTC element.