Lighting apparatus

The present invention comprises a method of enhancing illumination by a variety of lamp types through the use of reflective technologies, for example, replacement of expensive high intensity density of mercury vapor lamps with low wattage fluorescent tubes having at least one and in some cases, up to three reflective surfaces for focusing otherwise lost light toward a target illumination area. Further, the placement of light sources at the focal point of said reflective surfaces aids in optimizing the amount of light focused in a desired direction.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention may be considered to be in the field of lighting devices, specifically lamps of high intensity discharge and fluorescent lamps, but not limited thereto.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Many industrial and commercial buildings have the burden of illuminating large areas from standard height as well as from higher than normal ceilings. One solution to this lighting application has been the use of high intensity discharge lamps. Mercury vapor, sodium and other high intensity discharge lamps in commercial applications may consume as much as 400 to 1000 watts, and generate an associated amount of heat, contributing to additional heating, ventilating and air conditioning (“HVAC”) operation and fire protection considerations.

These lamps also utilize a certain time duration to warm up and achieve full illumination capability, resulting in time periods with less than desired lighting coverage. Such high intensity discharge lamps are also relatively expensive costing several hundreds of dollars per lamp.

Lamp manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to maximize the amount of foot candles of illumination which can be generated for a fixed amount of power consumption or wattage. These objectives have resulted in the evolution of high intensity discharge lamps which burn metallic vapors to achieve high lumen output.

A fairly common discharge lamp with a reflective lamp is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,291,936 B, issued Sep. 18, 2001 to MacLennan et al. Summarizing, the MacLennan patent discloses a discharge lamp including an envelope, a source of excitation power coupled to the fill for excitation thereof and thereby emit light, a reflector disposed around the envelope and defining an opening, and a reflector configured to reflect some of the light emitted by the fill back into the fill while allowing some light to exit through the opening. This description is typical of a high intensity discharge lamp. The high pressure sodium lamp emits the brightest light while metal halide and mercury vapor lamps emit about the same amount of light. For a lamp in the 400W range, for example, a ballast which acts as the excitation for the fill may typically consume 40 to 58 watts.

Fluorescent lamps are also used in commercial applications, often in offices and warehouses where a plurality of fluorescent tubes are positioned in front of a washboard-shaped, mirrored reflector. The purpose of the reflector is to reflect the light emitted upward back down toward the targeted illumination area. Fluorescent lamps differ from high intensity discharge lamps in that the “strike” time (the time to excite the interior of the lamp) is short—almost immediate, where the high intensity discharge lamps must warm up to full illumination. Fluorescent lamps also operate at a cooler temperature than do high intensity discharge lamps. The same approach may be applied to retrofitting existing installations in the commercial office environment.

Fluorescent lamps are also used in residential applications. A growing trend is the replacement of incandescent lamps with fluorescent lamps to achieve not only brighter light, but also savings in power consumption.

Lamps like the Sylvania ICETRON lamp are touted as having a 100,000 hour lamp life, or roughly five times the life of a standard high intensity discharge lamp. Consequently, with such added lamp life, the amount of maintenance required to change lamps in order to maintain illumination is reduced by 80%.

When one examines the shortcomings attendant to the use of high intensity discharge lamps and the advantages of fluorescent lamps, several observations result. By comparison, fluorescent lamps provide crisp white light in comparison to high intensity discharge lamps which offer unpleasant color and distracting color shift. Fluorescent lights my also be flexibly dimmed whereas high intensity discharge lights may not be operated below 50% output.

What is needed is a lamp which can illuminate a target area with the same amount of foot candles as a high intensity discharge lamp without consuming the same amount of energy, without requiring a warm-up period, and in operation generating less heat.

There exists a further need for high intensity discharge lamps which can illuminate a target area with the same amount of foot candles as a higher wattage, high intensity discharge lamp without consuming the same amount of energy.

Also, what is needed is a lamp which can illuminate a target area with the equivalent of foot candles as an incandescent lamp, but without consuming the same amount of energy.

Further, if the illuminating capability of a high intensity discharge lamp could be accomplished without the high capital cost associated with the purchase and operation of such lamps, the relative operating cost of illuminating industrial and commercial buildings would be reduced. The same can be said for the improvement of residential illuminations as well.

If such a lamp as described immediately above were developed, the cost of retrofitting fixtures with such lamps would be paid for relatively quickly by the associated savings from reductions in energy consumption.

One area of the art that remains to be fully developed is the optimal use of reflective surfaces to assist in directing light which would normally travel away from the targeted illumination area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention combines the advantages of compact fluorescent light tubes with reflective technology aimed at retrofitting high intensity discharge lamps in industrial and commercial applications. Applicant's invention also combines the advantages of high intensity discharge, incandescent and other light sources with reflective technology aimed at retrofitting each type of lamp for industrial, commercial, and residential applications.

By using a combination of cooler operating fluorescent tube lamps with concentrating reflective surfaces, an equivalent illumination result can be achieved at a reduction in energy consumption in the range of 40% to 74%. As a result of the much lower cost of a compact fluorescent lamp, multiple lamps may be used in combination to generate the equivalent illumination of a target area as that of high intensity discharge lamps.

The present invention utilizes reflective surfaces in a variety of ways to increase the intensity of light delivered to the target illumination area.

First, the lamp glass may be manufactured having a reflective surface to reflect light which would normally emanate away from the target illumination area back toward the target area, thereby increasing the amount of light delivered to said target illumination area (“TIA”).

Second, a housing which is normally used for lamps such as a semi-conical or paraboloid-shaped high bay fixture, or a flat “washboard” type reflector may be retrofitted with a combination lamp and reflector which not only uses whatever reflective capability exists in the housing, but adds its own intensity focus factor to deliver light to the TIA, even delivering an equivalent amount of light at much less of a wattage rating (and thereof less power consumption) than the original lamp or lamps in the housing.

In a first embodiment of the present invention, a spiral fluorescent tube is combined with an interior reflector and a single secondary paraboloid reflector. A third reflector such as a semi-conical or paraboloid shape can be utilized by positioning the floodlight fixture at the focal point of said reflector. Important in this case is the distance between the tubes themselves as well as between each tube and its associated reflectors.

The importance stems from the amount of space needed to allow the reflector to bounce light back past the tubes and toward the TIA, and also the space needed for dissipation of heat. Convection allows cool air to be drawn past the fins and dissipating heat will protect the ballast. The compact fluorescent floodlight has a lens designed to precisely control the light from the reflector. It is covered with small, detailed shapes to direct the light into the desired beam pattern. The lens also acts as a cover to allow the lamp to act as it own fixture.

A second embodiment of applicant's invention employs an “implant” consisting of a spirally configured fluorescent or compact fluorescent lamp which is fitted with a reflective surface proximate to the interior portion of the lamp itself. This implant may be retrofitted into a conventional high-bay industrial fixture, thereby delivering an equivalent amount of light to the TIA with less wattage consumed. Each spiral lamp has proximate to it a primary reflector to re-direct light which might otherwise be “lost,” meaning not directed to the TIA, and as well, a secondary reflector which helps direct the light to a third reflector which finally directs the focused light to the TIA.

A third embodiment of applicants invention employs a high intensity discharge compact fluorescent lamp consisting of an array of “spirally” configured fluorescent lamps, each fitted with a reflective surface proximate to the interior portion of the lamp itself. This “HID” may be retrofitted into a conventional high-bay industrial fixture, thereby delivering an equivalent amount of light to the TIA with less wattage consumed. As in the case of the second embodiment, each spiral lamp has proximate to it a primary reflector,to re-direct light which might otherwise be “lost,” meaning not directed to the TIA, and as well, a secondary reflector which helps direct the light to a third reflector which finally directs the focused light to the TIA. This triple reflective light fixture could be placed in a fourth semi-conical or paraboloid shape reflector and can be utilized by positioning the floodlight fixture at the focal point of said reflector to increase the foot candles at the TIA and reduce energy consumption. Fins allow cool air to be drawn in, dissipating heat and protecting the ballast. The compact fluorescent floodlight has a lens designed to precisely control the light from the reflector. It is covered with small, detailed shapes to direct the light into the desired beam pattern, but could also be smooth. The lens also acts as a cover to allow the lamp to act as its own fixture.

In a fourth embodiment, a plurality of spiral lamps having primary reflectors is positioned inside a plurality of secondary reflectors. This array is then positioned inside a single third reflector having its own focusing characteristics, thereby further optimizing the delivery of light to the TIA. Consistent with the applicant's approach, the array is positioned at the focal point of the third reflector.

In a fifth, or preferred embodiment, of the instant invention a light source is positioned at the focal point of a reflective surface which optimizes the amount of light which is directed to the TIA. In this embodiment, a small wattage fluorescent tube is placed inside a second tube having a partially reflective surface and in some cases, a partial lens. An all-in-one open “said” Reflector Lamp can also be used by placing a smaller lamp at the focal point of said reflector. The placement of the smaller fluorescent tube is determined by the focal point of the second outer tube, thereby dependent upon the diameter of the second outer tube.

In a sixth embodiment of the present invention, a U-shaped tube is positioned at the focal point of a reflective surface thereby optimizing the amount of light which is directed to the TIA. Also, in this embodiment, a small wattage fluorescent tube is placed inside another tube or concave, open reflector having a partially reflective surface.

In a seventh embodiment of the instant invention, a high intensity discharge lamp employs a light source at the focal point of a reflective surface again optimizing the amount of light which is directed to the TIA. In this embodiment, a small wattage HID “said invention” Reflector Lamp is placed at the focal point of an outer second reflective surface. The placement of the small light source is again determined by the focal point of the bulb.

In another embodiment, an incandescent lamp employs a light source at the focal point of a reflective surface which optimizes the amount of light which is directed to the TIA. In this embodiment, a small wattage incandescent “same said” Reflector Lamp is placed at the focal point of an outer second reflective surface. The placement of the small light source is determined by the focal point of the bulb.

As one can see, a variety of different shaped lamps can be positioned in the focal point of a reflective surface, even taking advantage of a reflective surface with multiple facets, thereby increasing the amount of light reflected toward the TIA. The placement of the light is typically determined by the focal point of the reflector, thereby dependant upon its diameter. The resultant light delivered to the TIA is consistent with the values expressed in Tables A, B, and C.

The focal point is determined using the formulas developed to describe light reflected from a concave mirror. The equation may be expressed as f=R/2, where R is the radius of the mirror (in the case of the preferred embodiment, the outer tube) and f is the focal length, or the distance from the mirror where the light source should be placed for optimal reflection.

Graph1shown inFIG. 16illustrates how the various types of lamps; i.e., fluorescent, halogen, mercury vapor and high pressure sodium compare with one another. As can be seen from the table, the fluorescent bulb has a higher color rendition index, or “CRI” than other lamp media utilizing the same wattage rating of power consumption.

Graph2shown inFIG. 17shows the asymptotic relationship between an object's distance from the focal point of a reflector and the associated magnification.

Summarizing, the embodiments shown herein comprise seven examples of applicant's invention:

First, a compact or fluorescent lamp such as that already available on the open market, be it spiral, U-shaped, or other configuration, is fitted with a conical (or a variety of other shapes such as concave, or a flat washboard) reflector proximate to the exterior of the lamp glass itself. The purpose of the reflector is to redirect light toward the TIA which would normally scatter in all directions. This Reflector Lamp combination may also be used in conjunction with a single secondary reflector in a combination akin to what is commonly referred to as a floodlamp type apparatus. Positioning of the lamp or lamps in said secondary reflectors proximate to the focal points thereof is advantageously employed.

Second, an embodiment comprising a plurality of spiral fluorescent or compact fluorescent lamps each having a primary reflector is positioned inside a secondary reflector at the focal point forming an array. In this embodiment, a third reflector is employed at the focal point to provide additional direction or focusing of light toward the TIA.

The third embodiment utilizes a small fluorescent tube of low wattage placed proximate to the focal point of a larger tube having, in the preferred embodiment, a reflective hemisphere acting as a primary reflector. In this configuration, light may be directed with substantial increased intensity to the TIA, and when used with a secondary reflector, may provide even more intensity to the TIA.

The fourth embodiment utilizes the amount of space needed for reflector and tubes to allow cool air to flow past the space between reflector and tubes as heat dissipates. Fin spacing allows cool air to pass the fins thereby dissipating heat. Over heating will deteriorate lamp life of the fluorescent ballast.

A fifth embodiment of applicant's invention comprises, the compact fluorescent floodlight with a lens designed to precisely control the light emanating from the reflector. Although it could be smooth, the lens is covered with small, detailed shapes to direct the light into the desired beam pattern. The lens also acts as a cover to allow the lamp to act as its own fixture.

A sixth embodiment of applicant's invention comprises, high-intensity discharge lamps with a light emitting source at the focal point of a reflective surface which optimizes the amount of light directed to the TIA. High pressure sodium is one of the most efficient HID sources available today. These lamps are used for general lighting applications where high efficiency and long life are desired while color rendering is not critical. Typical applications include street lighting, industrial hi-bay lighting, parking lot lighting, building floodlighting and general area lighting. The placement of the small light emitting source is determined to be at the focal point of the reflective hemisphere of the outer tube, thereby being determined by said outer tubes diameter.

A seventh embodiment of applicant's invention comprises incandescent lamps with a light emitting source at the focal point of a reflective surface, which optimizes the amount of light directed to the TIA. The placement of the small light emitting source is determined to be at the focal point of the reflective hemisphere of the outer tube, thereby being determined by said outer tubes diameter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As seen inFIG. 1, a flood light10comprises a spiral compact fluorescent lamp20around which a primary reflector30is positioned. A first bonding means, such as glue or other adhesive or mechanical means is employed to fix lamp20and primary reflector30in a predetermined position. Lamp20is constructed in accordance with typical fluorescent lamps, comprising phosphor coating applied to the inside of the tube with hot cathodes at each end of the lamp. Air is exhausted through the exhaust tube during manufacture and an inert gas is introduced into the bulb. A minute quantity of liquid mercury is included with gas, the gas is usually argon. The stem press has lead-in-wires connecting the base pins and carry the current to and from the cathodes and the mercury arc. Reflector30may be fashioned from a variety of materials including but not limited to chrome-plated glass, chrome-plated metal, polished or painted aluminum plate, painted glass, and painted plastic with a variety of reflective coatings. When utilizing molded metal for reflector30, “mirro4,” “mirro27” or white reflective aluminum may be selected. Commonly configured, a ballast housing40, contains a ballast of either electrical or magnetic type, said ballast having a connecting means for electrical connection to lamp20and screw plug50. A second bonding mean is necessary to attach housing40to lamp20. While a bonding means in specified, other means, mechanical or otherwise, may be employed. In addition, ballast housing40and screw plug50could be fashioned as one unit rather than as separate structures, said unit having either glass, plastic, ceramic or other typical construction known in the art. The area of ballast housing40through screw plug50is typically fashioned from brass. A secondary reflector60in combination with a lens70encloses the lighting apparatus. Lens70can be made of glass or plastic. Fins80are provided on ballast housing40to assist in the dissipation of heat.

Secondary reflector60, in the preferred embodiment, is of paraboloid shape, with its inner surface having a reflective coating90said reflector may be fashioned typically from glass, plastic, or metal.

FIG. 2discloses an embodiment100of applicant's invention which is primarily employed as a retrofit of existing high bay fixtures. The common housing110provides a dual function as a support for a frame120, said frame fashioned to hold an array122of fluorescent lamps124having primary reflectors126. Array122further comprises a secondary reflector128commonly of assembled sections. Assembled sections are put into third reflector161. Electrical connections130, to which electrical wires131are attached, are positioned below frame120and are fed through a platform132and through a transition piece134, to a fastening means136. Fastening means136fixes secondary housing140and therefore housing110, to a ballast housing150, through which the electrical wires131again pass. These electrical wires may be hard wired to a lighting circuit.

When utilizing embodiment number two for retrofitting a typical high bay fixture such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,388 (See sheet 1 of 6), the capacitor and igniter in part12are replaced with a ballast. The wiring is kept along with the structure there above. The core and coil which housed in the space adjacent to part12is removed. Part12may be then fastened to secondary housing18, each of which can be utilized in addition to reflector21. All other numbered parts are replaced by those items listed above and below and shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 3.

A typical high bay fixture can be retrofitted, the capacitor and igniter are replaced with an appropriate capacitor and igniter for a lower wattage high pressure sodium, metal halide, or mercury vapor lamps. The wiring is kept along with the structure thereabove. The core and coil which is housed in the space adjacent to part12shown above in U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,388 is replaced with the appropriate core and coil for the lower wattage lamp. All other numbered parts are replaced by those items listed below as shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 3.

FIG. 3discloses “implant”160, described above, provided also with a third reflective mirror-like surface161. The third reflector could also be used as a secondary reflector161in cases where existing technology lamps are used. The implant may be set into an existing high bay enclosure for retrofitting, The height of the implants third reflector depends on condition of reflector110. Light sockets162are provided to accept lamps or other light sources as previously described, and are typically of ceramic construction. As seen inFIG. 4, access holes163are provided in reflector161, allowing for the installation of light source122, also facilitating the passage of air through holes163.

FIG. 5further discloses secondary reflector128, and tabs129, used to fasten the reflector to reflector161ofFIG. 4, typically by rivets or equivalent means. Folded metal slips123slip reflectors128together.

FIG. 6shows what appears on the surface to be a standard fluorescent tube. However,FIG. 6depicts a lighting apparatus200, which comprises a first fluorescent tube210. First fluorescent tube may include a bulb255with Phosphor coating inside the bulb255. Cathodes265at each end of lamp are coated with emissive materials which emit electrons. Air is exhausted through a tube270during manufacture and a minute quantity of liquid mercury205is place in the bulb to furnish mercury vapor. Gas215, usually comprises Argon or a mixture of inert gases at low pressure, but Krypton is sometimes used. Stem Press225includes lead-in wires that have an air tight seal here and are made of specific wire to assure about the same coefficient of expansion as the glass. Lead-in wires235connect to the base pins and carry the current to and from the cathodes and the mercury arc. The first fluorescent tube210housed in a larger cylindrical housing220. Housing220is usually a straight glass tube, but may also be circular or U-shaped, and may be made of plastic, glass or other suitable material. Housing220has a reflective hemisphere230, at the focal point of which is located tube210, serving as a primary reflector. Several different types of base240used to connect the lamp to the electric circuit and to support the lamp in the lamp holder serve to position tube210in proper position in housing220, and further provide penetrations whereby pins250may be in electrical contact with the circuitry260of tube210. Of course, the primary reflective surface of hemisphere230is provided on the inside or outside of housing220, which provides reflective capability for light emitted from tube210. Lens245may be smooth, but could be designed to precisely control the light from the reflector. It is covered with small, detailed shapes to direct the light into the desired beam pattern. The lens also acts as a cover to allow the lamp to act as it own fixture. A common material for lens245can be glass or plastic or other suitable materials. Reflector230could also not be enclosed to save on material costs.

Lighting apparatus200depicted inFIG. 6may be manufactured as one unit or the different elements of lighting apparatus200may be used separately with an adapter. The benefit of these separate elements is that standard “T5” units or equivalent fluorescent lamps can be replaced, but the other parts will continually last and not need replacement.

For example, base240and pins250may be in electrical contact with the circuitry of a tombstone. The tombstone positioned at the focal point of the base hemisphere240can hold the smaller pins used in T5 fluorescent lamps. Several different types of lamp pins maybe used to connect lamp210and the tombstone. Common materials for the adaptor tombstone, pins, and connectors-could be metal, ceramic, plastic, or the equivalent.

Housing220ofFIG. 6may be provided in a number of suitable configurations, including a larger cylindrical housing. Housing220has a reflective hemisphere230with lens cover245. Some common materials that could be used for housing220may be glass or plastic, or other suitable materials commonly employed in the art.

The fluorescent tube may also be combined with bases240, pins250, and fluorescent tube210as one unit.

Additionally or alternatively, lighting apparatus200may include enclosure caps and end caps with slots to hold pins250in place. Lighting apparatus200may also be employed in a secondary reflector, such as a wash board type reflective housing, thereby giving additional reflective assistance in delivering light to a target illumination area.

In lighting apparatus200depicted inFIG. 6and disclosed hereinabove, standard type electrical connections including ballasts, sockets, and standard wiring are employed. Applicant's invention focuses primarily on the reflective aspects of providing additional light to a TIA, resulting in more lighting where desired with conservation of energy.

FIG. 7discloses spiral compact fluorescent (or fluorescent lamp)170comprising a spiral compact fluorescent lamp184around which a primary reflector176is positioned. A first bonding means, such as glue or other adhesive or mechanical means is employ to fix lamp184and primary reflector176in a predetermined position. Ballast housing181for compact fluorescent lamp (or no ballast housing181for fluorescent lamp without ballast). In addition, housing181and screw plug185could be fashioned as one unit rather than as separate structures. Also air space171, as heat dissipates cool air is drawn into space171cooling housing181and reflector176.

FIG. 8discloses the “HID” fluorescent lamp191, of applicant's invention which is primarily employed as a retrofit of existing high bay fixtures. HID fluorescent lamp191holds an array192of fluorescent lamps193having primary reflectors194. The array192further comprises a secondary reflector195commonly of assembled sections or one molded piece slips into a third reflective mirror-like surface196which is coated with a reflective material. The paraboloid shape housing197is made up of material like glass or plastic or other suitable equivalents. A variety of reflective materials may be used for reflectors194,195, and196including but not limited to chrome-plated glass, chrome-plated metal, polished or painted aluminum plate, painted glass, and plastic painted with a variety of reflective coatings. When utilizing molded metal for reflectors194,195, and196“mirro4”, “mirro27” or white reflective aluminum may be selected. A first bonding means, such as glue or other adhesive or mechanical means is employed to fix lamp array192and primary reflector array186in a predetermined position relative to secondary195and third196reflectors housing. Commonly configured, a ballast housing198, contains a ballast of either electrical or magnetic type, said ballast having a connecting means for electrical connection with lamp193and screw plug189. A second bonding means is necessary to attach housing198to housing197. Fins199are provided on ballast housing198to assist in dissipation of heat. A smooth lens188or a lens188designed to precisely control the light from the reflector is provided. Lens188covered with small, detailed shapes to direct the light into the desired beam pattern. The lens also acts as a cover to allow the lamp to act as its own fixture.

FIG. 9shows a U-shaped fluorescent lamp221with tube222in a predetermined positioned of reflective surface223. Tube222and reflector223are bonded to base224by glue or other mechanical means. Pin225and base224can be manufactured as one unit or as separate pieces. Many types of base224are used on the open market.

FIG. 10discloses a high pressure sodium Lamp (“HPS”)300comprising a glass envelope310having a substantially concave reflective surface320. An arc tube340, with hermetic end seal360, typically an alumina arc tube or equivalent, is located proximate to the focal point of reflector320via a frame330, usually steel. A residue gas repository380is positioned in lamp300on a base390, where it is affixed in its location, and serves to support frame330. Brass base390secures lamp300to a suitable light fixture and connects the light fixture's electric circuitry to the lamp. This lamp is made up of glass, metals, or other suitable materials commonly employed in the art.

FIG. 11shows an incandescent lamp405comprising a soft glass envelope415. Filament425, generally tungsten is electrically connected by wires430to a glass stem press440. Wires430are made typically of nickei-plated copper or nickel from stem press440to filament425. Tie wires445support wires435in the largest envelope area. Wires430pass through stem press440, and an air evacuation tube450toward a base455. In this stem press area, wires430transition from nickel-plated copper or nickel to a nickel-iron alloy core and a copper sleeve (Dumet wire). In this area, there exists an air tight seal at the termination of tube450, said wires' material change made to assure about the same coefficient of expansion of the wires as the glass, and air exhaust tube450. Base455is made of brass or aluminum. A fuse460protects the lamp and circuit if filament425arcs. A heat deflector465is used in higher wattage general service lamps and other types when needed to reduce circulation of hot gases into neck of bulb.

Glass button rod470projects from stem press440and supports button475. Button475has affixed thereto support wires480and485. Gas490a mixture of nitrogen and argon is used in most lamps 40 watts and over to retard evaporation of the filament425. A coating is applied to glass envelope415, creating a substantially sphere-shaped reflective surface495. Filament425is located proximate to the focal point of surface495. The lamp is made of material like glass or plastic or other suitable equivalents.

FIG. 12, discloses reflector500, a concave reflector501, made of a variety of reflective materials including but not limited to chrome-plated glass, chrome-plated metal, polished or painted aluminum plate, painted glass, and plastic painted with a variety of reflective coatings. When utilizing molded metal for reflector500“mirro4”, “mirro27” or white reflective aluminum may be selected or other suitable equivalents.

FIG. 13, discloses reflector510, a W-shape reflector511, again fashioned from a variety of reflective materials as mentioned inFIG. 12.

FIG. 14, discloses reflector520, and a wash board shape reflector521, again made from a variety of reflective materials as mentioned inFIG. 12.

FIG. 15, discloses reflector530, and a wash board shape reflector531, both made from a variety of reflective materials as mentioned inFIG. 12.

FIG. 16is a graph showing the appearance of color under different types of light.

FIG. 17is a graph showing the relationship between an object and magnification.

As shown inFIGS. 18-20, an illumination device610may include a light source612, such as a fluorescent light, coiling around a primary reflector614in a helical fashion. The combination of light source610and primary reflector614may define a light reflection unit615. Light reflection unit615is typically mounted to one or more bases616.

Bases616may include electrical contacts618for electrically coupling with an external power supply. Electrical contacts618may take the form of any suitable type of electrical contact known in the art, such as electrically conductive pins as pictured inFIGS. 18 and 19, or a screw base connector as pictured inFIG. 20. Base616may house a ballast (not pictured) for regulating current flow through light source612.

As shown most clearly inFIG. 19, primary reflector614may include a helical groove620having reflective properties. Helical groove620may have an interior curve forming a curved channel621with a helical groove apex622. Helical groove apex622is the minimum (or maximum depending on the frame of reference) point along curved channel621. The interior curve of helical groove620may define an effective radius R extending from helical groove apex622to an imaginary center C of what would be an approximate circle were curved channel621to extend further along its curved path. Light source612may be spaced apart radially from primary reflector614half the distance of effective radius R, which may correspond to the focal point of light reflected from primary reflector614.

As shown inFIGS. 18 and 19, bases616may be fitted with endcaps624. In some examples, illumination device610may include two or more endcaps624. In the example shown inFIG. 19, fasteners630, such as screws, secure endcaps624to bases616through apertures632.

Each endcap624may include a tombstone626in which mating members628of light source612may insert to electrically couple light source612with a power supply. Tombstone626may be a “tombstone” style electrical connector as known in the art for facilitating electrical communication between light source612, such as a fluorescent light, and electrical contacts618. In the examples shown inFIGS. 18 and 19, electrical contacts618comprises electrically conductive pins extending from each endcap624. The electrically conductive pins are typically configured to mate with a complimentary electrical socket linked to a power supply. Tombstone626may be in electrical communication with electrical contacts618via a ballast (not pictured), which may regulate the current flow through light source612, such as a fluorescent light.

In some examples, such as shown inFIG. 20, illumination device610may include a secondary reflector640and/or a tertiary reflector642. In some examples, illumination device610may include secondary reflector640without tertiary reflector642or vice versa. Secondary reflector640and tertiary reflector642each compliment the reflective properties of reflector614by redirecting light from light reflection unit615towards a target illumination area. However, neither secondary reflector640nor tertiary reflector642is required and one may be used without the other.

Secondary reflector640may generally be in the shape of a paraboloid with a secondary reflector apex644opposite an opening646. Secondary reflector640may take additional or alternative shapes such as pyramidal, tubular, or an irregular shape. An interior surface648of secondary reflector640may have reflective properties. As shown inFIG. 20, secondary reflector may include an effective paraboloid radius R′ extending from secondary reflector apex644to opening646.

Secondary reflector apex644defines an effective minimum (or maximum depending on the frame of reference) region in the paraboloid shape. Secondary reflector apex644may include an apex aperture (not pictured) through which base616may extend. Secondary reflector640typically attaches to base616at secondary reflector apex644to yield certain reflective properties from the shape of secondary reflector640. In the example shown inFIG. 20, the curved shape of secondary reflector640may direct light from light reflection unit615to a target illumination area.

Tertiary reflector642may also have a paraboloid shape with a tertiary interior surface648having reflective properties. However, tertiary reflector642may take additional or alternative shapes such as pyramidal, tubular, or an irregular shape. Tertiary reflector642may also have an exterior surface650having reflective properties. In the example shown inFIG. 20, light entering tertiary reflector642is reflected downward onto secondary reflector640. Upon reaching secondary reflector640, the light may then be reflected towards a target illumination area.

In all embodiments disclosed hereinabove, standard type electrical connections including ballasts, sockets, and standard wiring are employed. Applicant's invention focuses primarily on the reflective aspects of providing additional light to a target illumination area, resulting in more lighting where desired with conservation of energy.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered the most practical and preferred embodiment(s), it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s) but, on the contrary is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.