Patent Number: 046848100
Section: summary

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Fluorescent lights have a cathode mounted near each terminal end thereof. The cathodes emit soft X-rays therefrom which propagate through the intervening space and impinge on anyone located in close proximity thereto. Tests and experiments show that absorption of these soft X-rays cause hyperactivity and learning disabilities in children. These emotional effects are sometime very pronounced, and as more advance studies are conducted, there is an indication that this radiation affects both children and adults. It is also known that plant life and animals are adversely effected by the soft X-rays. The term "X-rays" or "soft X-rays", as used in this disclosure, is intended to denote the particles or matter or energy which is radiated from the cathode ends of a fluorescent light tube. The widespread use of fluorescent lighting in schools, hospitals, offices, and public buildings indicates a need to protect animal and plant life from the soft X-rays emitted by the cathode end of the fluorescent lights. Such a desirable expedient is the subject of this invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A shield supported by the marginal opposed ends of a fluorescent light tube which intercepts soft X-rays and prevents propagation of the X-rays away from the light fixture thereof, thereby preventing the X-rays from adversely affecting animal and plant life which may be located in close proximity thereto. In one embodiment of the invention, a shield is provided for each marginal end of a fluorescent light tube of a light fixture. The shield comprises a circumferentially extending layer of metal through which soft X-rays cannot pass. The shield surrounds the cathode located in each marginal end of the fluorescent tube. One specific embodiment of the invention comprises a layer of metallic material applied as a coating to the interior surface of the marginal ends of the fluorescent tube. Another embodiment of the invention comprehends a layer of metallic material applied to the exterior surface of the marginal ends of the fluorescent tube. In each instance, the metallic material is finely divided and admixed with a suitable vehicle which enables it to be applied by painting the glass surface. Another embodiment of the invention comprehends a tubular support structure having a length greater than the diameter of the tube, with there being a sheet of metal applied to the support structure so that the cylindrical shield can be telescoped about the marginal ends of a fluorescent tube, thereby supporting the metal sheet radially spaced about the cathode in a removable manner. Another embodiment of the invention comprehends the before mentioned cylindrical, removable shield, which is provided with a longitudinally extending slot thereby providing spaced adjacent edge portions so that the cylindrical shield can be deformed and placed about the marginal ends of the fluorescent tube in intimate contact with the glass surface thereof. This embodiment of the invention enables the shield to be installed on a tube without removing the tube from the fixture. Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is the provision of apparatus in combination with a fluorescent tube which shields animal and plant life from the harmful effects of X-rays emitted from the cathode of the fluorescent tube. Another object of the invention is the provision of a shield assembly in combination with the fluorescent light tube which forms a barrier for intercepting X-rays emitted by the cathode. A further object of this invention is the provision of a shield device which is removably received about the opposed marginal terminal ends of a fluorescent tube to prevent X-rays from being propagated from a fluorescent light fixture. These and various other objects and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description and claims and by referring to the accompanying drawings. The above objects are attained in accordance with the present invention by the provision of a combination of elements which are fabricated in a manner substantially as described in the above abstract and summary.