Patent ID: 6064155
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: H01J,Y02B

Abstract:
A compact fluorescent lamp comprising:a bulbous envelope having an external shape of an incandescent lamp, said bulbous envelope having a diameter less than about 60 mm, a height less than about 110 mm and a necked-down portion adjacent said base and a standard Edison-type base disposed thereon, said base being adapted to fit in a standard socket in an incandescent lamp fixture; anda low-pressure fluorescent lamp comprising at least one tube, said tube having an outer diameter less than about 7 mm, an inner diameter between about 1 and 5 mm and a total length of said tube being between about 50 and 100 cm, said tube being disposed within said bulbous envelope, said tubular envelope being formed of soft glass and having a fluorescent phosphor coating disposed on the inner surfaces thereof and electrodes with external electrical contacts disposed at each end thereof;a ballast disposed within said bulbous envelope, said ballast being electrically connected to said fluorescent lamp whereby to control current in said lamp; andmeans to thermally isolate said fluorescent lamp from said ballast whereby heat from said lamp will not adversely affect said ballast, said means including a heat shield disposed between said fluorescent lamp and said ballast to thermally isolate said fluorescent lamp from said ballast, said means further including and a heat reflecting coating and a light reflecting coating on said heat shield, whereby heat from said fluorescent lamp will not adversely affect said ballast and light front said lamp will be reflected from said envelope.