Abstract:
A street lamp apparatus. The apparatus has a housing having an inner region and an outer region. In a specific embodiment, the inner region forms a cavity structure. The apparatus also has a transparent cover coupled to the housing to enclose the inner region and a socket being provided within the cavity structure. The apparatus has an electrodeless plasma lamp coupled to the socket. In a specific embodiment, the apparatus has an RF power source provided between the socket and an AC power source. In a specific embodiment, the RF power source is configured to generate a frequency of about 1 GHz and less to cause a fill material in the plasma lamp to discharge. In a specific embodiment, the apparatus has a heat sink provided form one or more portions of the housing. In a specific embodiment, the one or more portions of the housing is thermally coupled to the RF power source.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/187,219, filed Jun. 15, 2009, which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to lighting techniques. In particular, the present invention provides a method and device using an electrodeless plasma lighting device having one of a plurality of base configurations. More particularly, the present invention provides a method and resulting system for retrofitting an electrodeless plasma lighting device onto a street lamp or other configurations. Merely by way of example, such configurations can include at least a warehouse lamp, stadium lamp, street lamp, parking-lot lamp, lamps in small and large buildings, and other applications that can be retrofitted, and the like. 
         [0003]    From the early days, human beings have used a variety of techniques for lighting. Early humans relied on fire to light caves during hours of darkness. Fire often consumed wood for fuel. Wood fuel was soon replaced by candles, which were derived from oils and fats. Candles were then replaced, at least in part by lamps. Certain lamps were fueled by oil or other sources of energy. Gas lamps were popular and still remain important for outdoor activities such as camping. In the late 1800s, Thomas Edison, who is one of the greatest inventors of all time, conceived the incandescent lamp, which uses a tungsten filament within a bulb, coupled to a pair of electrodes. Many conventional buildings and homes still use the incandescent lamp, commonly called the Edison bulb. Although highly successful, the Edison bulb consumed much energy and was generally inefficient. 
         [0004]    Fluorescent lighting replaced incandescent lamps for certain applications. Fluorescent lamps generally consist of a tube containing a gaseous material, which is coupled to a pair of electrodes. The electrodes are coupled to an electronic ballast, which helps ignite the discharge from the fluorescent lighting. Conventional building structures often use fluorescent lighting, rather than the incandescent counterpart. Fluorescent lighting is much more efficient than incandescent lighting, but often has a higher initial cost. 
         [0005]    Shuji Nakamura pioneered the efficient blue light emitting diode, which is a solid state lamp. The blue light emitting diode forms a basis for the white solid state light, which is often a blue light emitting diode within a bulb coated with a yellow phosphor material. Blue light excites the phosphor material to emit white light. The blue light emitting diode has revolutionized the lighting industry to replace traditional lighting for homes, buildings, and other structures. 
         [0006]    Another form of lighting is commonly called the electrodeless lamp, which can be used to discharge light for high intensity applications. Frederick M. Espiau was one of the pioneers that developed an improved electrode\less lamp. Such electrodeless lamp relied solely upon a solid ceramic resonator structure positioned against a fill enclosed in a bulb. The bulb was coupled to the resonator structure via RF feeds, which transferred power to the fill to cause it to discharge high intensity lighting. Although somewhat successful, the electrodeless lamp still had many limitations. As an example, electrode-less lamps have not been successfully deployed on a wide scale. 
         [0007]    From the above, it is seen that improved techniques for lighting are high desired. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    According to the present invention, techniques for lighting are provided. In particular, the present invention provides a method and device using an electrodeless plasma lighting device having one of a plurality of base configurations. More particularly, the present invention provides a method and resulting system for retrofitting a plasma lighting device onto a street lamp or other configurations. Merely by way of example, such configurations can include at least a warehouse lamp, stadium lamp, street lamp, parking-lot lamp, lamps in small and large buildings, and other applications that can be retrofitted, and the like. 
         [0009]    In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a method for converting a low or high pressure sodium street lamp to an electrodeless plasma lamp device. The method includes providing a street lamp apparatus comprising a housing having an inner region and an outer region. In a specific embodiment, the inner region forms a cavity structure. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a transparent cover coupled to the housing to enclose the inner region. A socket is provided within the cavity structure. In a specific embodiment, the socket is coupled to a sodium lamp having a first terminal and a second terminal. A ballast is coupled to the first terminal and an AC power source is coupled between the ballast and the second terminal. The method includes exposing the cavity region of the housing by detaching the transparent cover and removing the sodium lamp from the socket. In a specific embodiment, the method includes decoupling the ballast from the socket and coupling an electrodeless lamp to the socket. The method includes coupling an RF power source between the socket and an AC power source and enclosing the cavity region by attaching the transparent cover. 
         [0010]    In an alternative specific embodiment, the present invention provides a method for converting a low or high pressure sodium street lamp to an electrodeless plasma lamp device. The method includes providing a street lamp apparatus comprising a housing having an inner region and an outer region. The inner region forms a cavity structure. A transparent cover member is coupled to the housing to enclose the inner region. A socket is provided within the cavity structure. In a specific embodiment, the socket is coupled to a sodium lamp having a first terminal and a second terminal. A ballast is coupled to the first terminal and an AC power source is coupled between the ballast and the second terminal. In a specific embodiment, the present method includes exposing the cavity region of the housing and removing the sodium lamp. The method also includes decoupling or removing the ballast and coupling a plasma lamp and an rf power source into a spatial region within an inner region of the housing. The method includes coupling the AC power source to the RF power source and enclosing the cavity region to house the plasma lamp and the RF source. 
         [0011]    In yet an alternative specific embodiment, the present invention provides a method for converting a low or high pressure sodium street lamp to an electrodeless plasma lamp device. In a specific embodiment, the method includes providing a street lamp apparatus comprising a first housing having an inner region and an outer region. In a specific embodiment, the inner region forms a cavity structure, a transparent cover is coupled to the housing to enclose the inner region, and a socket is provided within the cavity structure. In a specific embodiment, the socket is coupled to a sodium lamp having a first terminal and a second terminal, a ballast is coupled to the first terminal and an AC power source is coupled between the ballast and the second terminal. In a specific embodiment, the method includes removing the first housing from the street lamp apparatus by at least decoupling an AC power source and mechanically decoupling the housing from the street lamp apparatus. The method also includes attaching a second housing to the street lamp apparatus. In a specific embodiment, the second housing comprises a plasma lamp device coupled to a resonator structure. In a specific embodiment, the resonator structure is coupled to an RF power source. The method also includes coupling the AC power source to the RF power source and supplying the power from the AC power source to the electrodeless plasma lamp. 
         [0012]    Still further, the present invention provides a street lamp apparatus. The apparatus has a housing having an inner region and an outer region. In a specific embodiment, the inner region forms a cavity structure. The apparatus also has a transparent cover coupled to the housing to enclose the inner region and a socket being provided within the cavity structure. The apparatus has an electrodeless plasma lamp coupled to the socket. In a specific embodiment, the apparatus has an RF power source provided between the socket and an AC power source. In a specific embodiment, the RF power source is configured to generate a frequency of about 1 GHz and less to cause a fill material in the plasma lamp to discharge. In a specific embodiment, the apparatus has a heat sink provided form one or more portions of the housing. In a specific embodiment, the one or more portions of the housing is thermally coupled to the RF power source. 
         [0013]    Benefits are achieved over pre-existing techniques using the present invention. In a specific embodiment, the present inventions provides a method and device having configurations of input, output, and feedback coupling elements that provide for electromagnetic coupling to the bulb whose power transfer and frequency resonance characteristics that are largely independent of the conventional dielectric resonator, but can also be dependent upon conventional designs. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method and configurations with an arrangement hat provides for improved manufacturability as well as design flexibility. Other embodiments may include integrated assemblies of the output coupling element and bulb that function in a complementary manner with the present coupling element configurations and related methods for street lighting applications. Still further, the present method and device provide for improved heat transfer characteristics, as well as further simplifying manufacturing and/or retrofitting of existing and new street lighting, such as lamps, and the like. In a specific embodiment, the present method and resulting structure are relatively simple and cost effective to manufacture for commercial applications. Depending upon the embodiment, one or more of these benefits may be achieved. These and other benefits may be described throughout the present specification and more particularly below. 
         [0014]    The present invention achieves these benefits and others in the context of known process technology. However, a further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to he latter portions of the specification and attached drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a simplified diagram of a street lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a more detailed description of a housing apparatus for a street lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a simplified flow diagram illustrating a method for installing a plasma lamp to a street lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a simplified diagram of retrofitting a plasma lamp to a street lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C, are simplified diagrams for retrofitting an electrodeless plasma lamp into a street lamp using an integrated light engine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    According to the present invention, techniques for lighting are provided. In particular, the present invention provides a method and device using an electrodeless plasma lighting device having one of a plurality of base configurations. More particularly, the present invention provides a method and resulting system for retrofitting an electrodeless plasma lighting device onto a street lamp or other configurations. Merely by way of example, such configurations can include at least warehouse lamp, stadium lamp, street lamp, parking-lot lamp, lamps in small and large buildings, and other applications that can be retrofitted, and the like. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a simplified diagram of a street lamp  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, and should not unduly limit the scope of claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. As shown, the street lamp  100  includes a support member  101 , commonly called a pole or other suitable structure, such as a beam, frame, or other mounting structure. In a specific embodiment, the support member is often made of a suitable material such as a metal but can also be a polymer based material, any layered and/or composite materials, and the like. In a specific embodiment, the metal can include aluminum, steel, other suitable alloys, and the like. In a specific embodiment, the polymer based material can also be a lightweight plastic, carbon fiber based material, such as fiber glass, or other rigid structures, which can withstand environmental influences and are generally shock resistant. In a specific embodiment, the support member is secured  103  to the ground via an attachment device such as a set of bolts, or other technique secured to concrete and/or other substantially fixed structure. Also shown is housing  105  that houses reflector, lamp, ballast and lens/transparent cover and can be found throughout the present specification and more particularly below. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a more detailed description of a housing apparatus  200  for a street lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, and should not unduly limit the scope of claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. As shown, the housing apparatus has an inner region  204  and an outer region  202 , as shown in the “Side-View” “Open” configuration. In a specific embodiment, the inner region forms a cavity structure, as shown by the “exposed view.” In a specific embodiment, the housing also includes a transparent cover  203  coupled to the housing to enclose the inner region. Depending upon the embodiment, the transparent cover can be a lens, which is spatially disposed in a portion of housing  201  or other suitable structure. Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives. 
         [0023]    In a specific embodiment, the inner cavity structure includes various elements and/or modules. As an example, the inner region can include a socket structure provided within the cavity structure. Depending upon the embodiment, the socket structure can be from a conventional sodium lamp or other suitable structure  219  for providing an electrical connection to a pair  215  of wires or other electrical input/output device. As shown, a first wire can be coupled to a set of terminals, which couple to one or more of the modules. The second wire can be coupled to a ground plane, or other suitable input/output devices. The devices include an AC-to-DC converter  224 , RF driver  223 , resonator  225 , and a bulb  227 . Of course, there can be other variations, modifications, and alternatives. Further details of the plasma lamp, RF module, the power supply are described throughout the present specification and more particularly below. 
         [0024]    According to a specific embodiment, a method for retrofitting a street lamp with a plasma lamp can be outlined as follows. 
         [0025]    1. Start; 
         [0026]    2. Provide a street lamp apparatus comprising a housing having an inner region and an outer region, a transparent cover coupled to the housing to enclose the inner region, a socket provided within a cavity structure of the inner region, a sodium lamp, a ballast, and an AC power source; 
         [0027]    3. Expose the cavity region of the housing by detaching the transparent cover; 
         [0028]    4. Remove the sodium lamp from the socket; 
         [0029]    5. Decouple the ballast from the socket; 
         [0030]    6. Couple an electrodeless lamp to the socket; 
         [0031]    7. Couple an RF power source between the socket and an AC-to-DC power source; 
         [0032]    8. Enclose the cavity region by attaching the transparent cover; 
         [0033]    9. Provide power to the AC power source; and 
         [0034]    10. Perform other steps, as desired. 
         [0035]    The above sequence of steps provides a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a method and resulting retrofitted device using an electrodeless lamp for outdoor activities or others. Examples of plasma lamp devices are described in “Electrodeless Lamps with Externally-Grounded Probes and Improved Bulb Assemblies,” in the names of Espiau, Frederick M, Buckett, Timothy J., and Matloubian, Mehran, as listed as U.S. Ser. No. 61/075,735 filed Jun. 25, 2008, commonly assigned, and hereby incorporated by reference herein. Other examples include U.S. Pat. No. 7,362,056, among others, which are assigned to Luxim Corporation of Sunnyvale, Calif. Other alternatives can also be provided where steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein. 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  is a simplified flow diagram illustrating a method for installing a plasma lamp to a street lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, and should not unduly limit the scope of claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. 
         [0037]    In yet an alternative specific embodiment, the present invention provides a method for converting a low or high pressure sodium street lamp to an electrodeless plasma lamp device, as outlined below. 
         [0038]    1. Start; 
         [0039]    2. Provide a street lamp apparatus comprising a first housing, a sodium lamp, a ballast, and an AC power source; 
         [0040]    3. Remove the first housing from the street lamp apparatus by at least decoupling an AC power source; 
         [0041]    4. Mechanically decoupling the housing from the street lamp apparatus; 
         [0042]    5. Provide a second housing comprises a plasma lamp device coupled to a resonator structure; 
         [0043]    6. Attach the second housing to the street lamp; 
         [0044]    7. Couple the AC power source to the RF power source; 
         [0045]    8. Supply power from the AC power source to the plasma lamp; and 
         [0046]    9. Perform other steps, as desired. 
         [0047]    The above sequence of steps provides a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a method and resulting retrofitted device using an electro-less lamp for outdoor activities or others. Other alternatives can also be provided where steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein. 
         [0048]      FIG. 4  is a simplified diagram of retrofitting an electrodeless plasma lamp to a street lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, and should not unduly limit the scope of claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C are simplified diagrams illustrating retrofitting an electrodeless plasma lamp to a typical cobra head street lamp fixture (or luminaire) according to another embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. In this embodiment a self-contained electrodeless lamp light engine is used to retrofit the street lamp. The light engine includes a resonator, a bulb, a reflector, an RF driver, an AC-to-DC converter, and can also include a heat sink. The electrodeless lamp light engine is designed to fit primarily within the reflector cavity of the street lamp. 
         [0050]    Figure is a simplified diagram illustrating a process or removing one or more components from a street lamp  500 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , the cover/door  502  of a street lamp  500  housing is opened The reflector  504  and the lens/transparent cover  501  (or diffuser) of the street lamp  500  are removed. Depending on the application, ballast and/or other electrical components can also be removed. 
         [0051]      FIG. 5B  is a simplified diagram a light engine being fitted into a street lamp fixture. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. A light engine  510  is being fitted into a street lamp fixture, which has some of the components (e.g., front over, reflector, ballast, etc.) removed to accommodate the light engine  510 . In certain embodiments, the light engine includes, among other things, a electrodeless plasma lamp and driving circuits. It is to be understood that other types of energy efficient lamps can be fitted into the street lamp  502  as well. The front portion of the light engine can then fit within the lens/transparent cover portion of the street lamp cover  502  and fastened to the cover  502 . In one embodiment, the light engine  510  includes an electrodeless lamp that uses DC power, and the light engine  510  includes an AC-to-DC converter. For example, the wires from the AC-to-DC converter of the light engine are connected to the power line wires of the street lamp. 
         [0052]      FIG. 5C  is a simplified diagram illustrating a light engine incorporated into a street lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the cover of the housing is then closed, thereby encloses the light engine. It is to be appreciated that use of self-contained electrodeless lamp light engines that fit within the reflector cavity of the street lamp housing fixture greatly simplifies the process of retrofitting the fixtures. For example, the dimension of the light engine is specifically design to accommodate the size of the street lamp. This approach can also be used for retrofitting other types of fixtures including parking lot fixtures. This diagram is merely an example, and should not unduly limit the scope of claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives. 
         [0053]    While the above is a full description of the specific embodiments, various modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents may be used. Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present invention which is defined by the appended claims.