Patent ID: 6612892
Filing Date: 2003-09-02
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A method of making an arc tube for a lamp comprising the steps of:(a) providing an arc tube body comprising open tubular end portions; (b) positioning the arc tube body so that the tubular end portions are substantially vertical; (c) positioning a first electrode lead assembly in the lower open tubular end portion while flushing the interior of the body with an inert gas introduced through the upper open tubular end portion; (d) hermetically sealing the lower tubular end portion and fixing the position of the first electrode lead assembly relative to the arc tube body by: (i) heating a portion of the lower tubular end portion, and (ii) pinch-sealing the heated portion of the lower tubular end portion around the portion of the assembly positioned therein; (e) introducing the lamp fill material into the interior of the arc tube body through the upper tubular end portion; (f) flushing and filling the interior of the arc tube body with an inert fill gas through the upper tubular end portion; (g) positioning a second electrode lead assembly in the upper tubular end portion; and (h) hermetically sealing the upper tubular end portion and fixing the position of the second electrode lead assembly relative to the arc tube body by: (i) heating a portion of the upper tubular end portion while maintaining communication between the interior of the arc tube body and the atmosphere surrounding the arc tube body through the upper tubular end portion, and (ii) pinch-sealing the heated portion of the upper tubular end portion around the portion of the assembly positioned therein, the sealing of the upper end portion being the final seal to hermetically seal the interior of the arc tube body.