Patent Publication Number: US-2012038273-A1

Title: Fluorescent illumination device

Description:
This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/400,646 filed Jul. 30, 2010 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to illumination devices, and relates more particularly to an improved device having a cold cathode fluorescent light in a small compact lightweight housing that is capable for numerous uses in rotational applications and with tapered spring connectors arranged on each end thereof. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Fluorescent lights have long been known in the art, and have in recent years received significant attention due to their relatively low power consumption- and low heat output. Fluorescent lamps are used to provide illumination in typical electrical devices for general lighting purposes because they are more efficient than incandescent bulbs in producing light. A fluorescent lamp is a low pressure gas discharge source, in which light is produced predominately by fluorescent powders activated by ultraviolet energy generated by mercury plasma forming an arc. The lamp, usually in the form of a tubular bulb with an electrode sealed into each end, contains mercury vapor at low pressure with a small amount of inert gas for starting. The inner walls of the bulb are coated with fluorescent powders commonly called phosphors. When the proper voltage is applied, the plasma forming an arc is produced by current flowing between the electrodes through the mercury vapor. This discharge generates some visible radiation and excitation of mercury atoms causes it to emit ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light in turn excites the phosphors to emit light. 
     Two electrodes are hermetically sealed into the bulb, one at each end. These electrodes are designed for operating as either “cold” or “hot” cathodes or electrodes, more correctly called glow or arc modes of discharge operation. Electrodes for glow or cold cathode operation may consist of closed end metal cylinders, generally coated on the inside with an emissive material. “Cold” refers to electrodes that do not rely on additional means of harmonic emission besides that created by the electrical discharge through the tube. It also refers to the lack of a filament, and only one electrode at each end. In contrast, hot cathode fluorescents include an electrode in the form of a filament, heated with current passing there through, which provides enhanced emissions from the lamp. Hot also refers to two electrodes at each end and a filament therebetween, which warms the mercury. 
     Conventional fluorescent lamps operate at a predetermined current with a high cathode fall or voltage drop. CCFL&#39;s are not appreciably affected by starting frequency because of the type of electrode used. CCFL&#39;s emit light in the same way as do standard hot electrode lamps. In general, the latter type operates as normal glow discharges and their electrodes maybe uncoated hollow or solid cylinders of nickel or iron. 
     The cathode fall is high and to obtain high efficacy or power for general lighting purposes, conventional lamps may have any length, with any known diameter. The advantages of CCFL&#39;s compared with the hot electrode fluorescent lamps are that they typically have a very long life, in consequence of their rugged electrodes, lack of filament and low current consumption. They are able to start fairly quickly, even under cold ambient conditions. Their life is less affected by the number of starts. Also, they may be dimmed to relatively low levels of light output. Generally, with CCFL&#39;s a strike or start voltage is twice as high as a run voltage. 
     However, some prior art CCFL&#39;s may have reduced life because of metal fatigue on the single strand iron electrode extending from the end thereof. Hence, there is a need in the art for an improved engagement between the lamp and electrode creating a secured physical and electrical contact between the electrode of the CCFL and the lamp to in which it is arranged. There also is a need in the art for an improved spring connector to be attached to the end of the glass bulb of the CCFL. There also is a need in the art for an improved tubular part holder for stabilization of a longitudinal device within the CCFL tube in relation to the other parts. There also is a need in the art for a tubular fixture that will independently be able to rotate a light tube fixture into a predetermined position. There also is the need in the art for hermetically sealed light fixtures that hold CCFL tubes in predetermined positions and have predetermined shape reflectors to optimize light emitting from the fixture so that the fixture can be used in flat conical shape reflectors, with multiple bulbs, within cantilevered fixtures, on the frame of rectangular or other shaped frames, in overhead fans, in standard residential ceiling fixtures, or recessed fixtures and the like. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention may be to provide a simple and compact lighting device, particularly well suited for mounting in the interior of a confined space such as a storage cabinet or any other lighting area. 
     A further object of the present invention may be to provide a simple and highly efficient design for a substantially water tight illumination device. 
     Yet a further object of the present invention may be to provide an adjustable illumination device. 
     Still a further object of the present invention may be to provide a coil spring connector for the end of a CCFL for use with the present invention. 
     Yet another object of the present invention may be to provide a tubular part holder for stabilization of a longitudinal device within a tube or glass container or other applications. 
     Yet another object of the present invention may be to provide a single or double lamp tube fixture that allows for two CCFL fixtures to each independently rotate to predetermined lighting positions. 
     Yet another object of the present invention may be to provide for safety and replacement improvements to the electrical contacts of the CCFL according to the present invention. 
     Still another object of the present invention may be to provide for a hermetically sealed CCFL for use in rectangular light fixtures or in other self contained sealed housing units. 
     Still another object of the present invention may be to provide a predetermined shaped reflector to optimize light fixture output for a CCFL according to the present invention. 
     Still another object of the present invention may be to provide for a CCFL for use in a flat or conical shape reflector, a cantilevered light fixture, a rectangular frame or other shaped frame, in a vent or other standard ceiling can fixture and the like. 
     In one aspect, the present invention provides an illumination device having an elongate bulb and an outer casing substantially coextensive with the bulb and surrounding the same. The CCFL elongate bulb generally has a glass bead containing an iron electrode embedded in the center and attached to both ends thus sealing the elongate bulb or tube. The end of the CCFL bulb or tube will have the iron electrode bent over into contact with an outside surface of the bulb and then have a coil spring connector arranged over the end of the bulb, such that the coil spring connector contacts the iron electrode, thus allowing for electricity to flow through the coil spring connector to the iron electrode and the associated electronic circuitry needed to operate the CCFL tube. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a side view of a prior art CCFL bulb. 
         FIG. 2  shows a side view of a CCFL bulb. 
         FIG. 3  shows a prior art end view of a CCFL bulb. 
         FIG. 4  shows a CCFL bulb end view prepared to receive a conductive spring according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows a connector spring for use according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows a connector spring according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  shows a CCFL bulb and connector spring according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows an alternate embodiment of the CCFL bulb and connector spring according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  shows a side view of a bulb clamping device according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  shows a side view of an alternate embodiment of a bulb clamping device according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  shows an alternate embodiment of a bulb clamping device according to the present invention. 
         FIGS. 12  A-C show an alternate embodiment of a bulb clamping device according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  shows a lamp tubular fixture according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  shows a partially exploded view of a lamp tubular fixture according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  shows a mounting circuit according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  shows a circuit diagram depicting a parasitic loss paths associated with the typical backlight circuit according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  shows a side view of a CCFL bulb mounted in a light tube according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  shows a cross sectional end view of a light tube and bulb according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  shows an end view of an illumination device according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  shows a plug in circuit board for a single and dual lamp light fixture according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  shows an end view of an illumination device according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  shows an end view of an illumination device with a porous mercury absorbent material arranged in an end thereof according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  shows an alternate embodiment of an illumination device according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 24  shows an end view of an alternate embodiment of an illumination device according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 25  shows rectangular light fixture according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 25   b  shows an alternate embodiment of an illumination device according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 25   c  shows an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of an illumination device according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 26  shows a rectangular light fixture according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 27  shows a square light fixture according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 27   b  shows an alternate embodiment of a square light fixture according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 28  shows a close up view of the square light fixture according to  FIG. 27 . 
         FIG. 28   b  shows a shape reflector optimized light fixture according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 29  shows an alternate embodiment of an electrical connector according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 30  shows a light fixture having a gasket arranged therebetween. 
         FIG. 31  shows an elongated light fixture according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 32  shows a low profile fixture according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 33  shows a low profile fixture according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 34  shows a cantilevered light fixture according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 35  shows a frame being lit by an illumination device according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 36  shows a light fixture for use in a standard residential or commercial ceiling can fixture according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 37  shows a light fixture for use in a standard residential or commercial ceiling can fixture according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 38  shows a lighting fixture for use in a recessed application according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 39  shows a rectangular lighting fixture according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 40  shows a stabilizer member for use in the fixture of  FIG. 39 . 
         FIG. 41  shows alternate embodiments of a stabilizer member for use in  FIG. 39 . 
         FIG. 42  shows yet another alternate embodiment of a stabilizer member for the fixture in  FIG. 39 . 
         FIG. 43  shows CCFL lamp fixtures according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 44  shows CCFL lamp fixtures according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 45  shows a disc member for use in a light fixture according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 46  shows a disc member and cylindrical member for use in an alternate embodiment of a light fixture according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 47  shows an end view of a light fixture according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 48  shows an alternate embodiment of a light fixture according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) 
     Referring to the drawings, there are shown various views and embodiments of a light fixture or illumination device according to the present invention. The illumination device generally includes a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) in any of the light fixtures shown in the Figures, according to the present invention. The illumination device may be used in any known lighting application including but not limited to, recessed lights in commercial or residential buildings, existing light fixtures, as cabinet under lights, as back lighting, as lighting around mirrors, frames, and signs, or in any other known application that uses light to produce a desired effect for viewers. It should be noted that generally a CCFL bulb is used in the lighting and illumination devices of the present invention. However, some of the improvements for the illumination device may be used with other types of bulbs other than CCFL&#39;s. 
       FIGS. 1 through 3  show a prior art CCFL  54 . The CCFL  54  typically includes a bulb  56 , which generally is made of a glass tube  56  with a glass bead  58  bonded thereto. An iron electrode  60  is embedded in the center of the glass bead  58 . The glass bead  58  is bonded to both ends of the tube  56 , thus sealing the tube  56  and creating the bulb for the CCFL  54 . The electrode  60  is generally attached to a wire harness or to a fixed point  62 . The electrode  60  generally is welded or soldered to a wire or other electrical system and then covered with an insulating cover  64  to protect the end of the CCFL  54  from damage and to protect users from electrical shock during use of the bulbs. It should be noted that the electrode  60  generally is made of a special iron alloy that will bond to glass. Furthermore, generally in the prior art when the wire is attached to the electrode  60  that extends out of the end of the CCFL  54 , the electrode  60  generally is bent into a circular pattern to form a loop around the extension wire, which then will be crimped and then soldered to the extension wire to create the electrical circuit to allow for current and voltage to pass through the electrical wire and electrode  60  into the bulb  56  of the CCFL  54 . However, in these prior art systems the process of forming a loop may put a strain on the iron glass bond, which may lead to a gas leak and cause the lamp to fail. Furthermore, the joint between the electrode  60  and the extension wire generally is a soldered joint. The process of soldering may cause thermal stress to be imparted to the glass bond which may result in a leak and CCFL failure. Also, when the external electrode  60  is attached to a fixed point, care must be taken for thermal or physical changes, generally a Z-bend was used in the electrode lead between the CCFL glass end and the end of the CCFL electrode  60 , which may cause metal fatigue of the single strand iron electrode  60  extending from the end of the glass bead  58 . The electrode wire  60  extending from the end of the lamp  62  may be shaped, formed or wound to form a spring  70  before the glass bead  58  is attached, after the bead is attached, or after the whole lamp is completely built. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 through 8 , the present invention creates an improved CCFL  62  that generally includes a tube or bulb  64  that is generally made of a glass, however any other type of material may be used for the tube  64  depending on the design requirements and environment in which the CCFL  62  will be used. The CCFL  62  of the present invention also includes a glass bead  66  bonded to the glass tube  64  via any known bonding technique, wherein the glass bead  66  has an electrode  68  extending through a center portion thereof and extends a predetermined distance from at least one surface of the glass bead  66 . In one embodiment the electrode  68  extends from the glass bead  66  from one surface arranged inside the tube  64  and also extends from one surface arranged outside the tube  64 . It should be noted that the electrode  68  in the present embodiment is contemplated to be made of an iron material, however any other type of metal, ceramic, natural material, plastic, composite, or the like may be used for the material to make the electrode  68  of the CCFL  62 . The portion of the electrode  68  that extends outside of the tube  64  of the CCFL  62  of the present invention may be bent back over onto the lamp tube  64  such that a portion of the electrode  68  is in contact with an outer surface of the lamp tube  64  at a predetermined position. A tapered coiled spring  70  may be arranged over the end of the bulb  64  and electrode  68  such that the inside surface of the tapered coil spring  70  is in contact with the electrode  68 , while the electrode  68  is also in contact with the outer surface of the lamp tube  64 . It should be noted that the inner diameter of the tapered coil spring  70  may be of such a size that it may have a predetermined amount of expansion to engage the tube  64  and thus ensuring a secure and reliable physical and electrical contact between the tapered coil spring  70  and the electrode  68  of the CCFL  62  according to the present invention. It should further be noted that generally the bend radius of the external wire lead or electrode  68  extending from the outside of the glass bead  66  should be approximately one half the radius of the outside diameter of the tube  64 . This ensures that the electrode  68  may not be subjected to any unnecessary physical forces that may lead to weakening of the electrode  68  and possible failure of the CCFL  62  due to failure of the electrode  68 . 
     Generally, the present invention may use two types of coil spring connectors  70 , however any other type of tapered coil spring connector may also be used depending on the design requirements and environment in which the CCFL  62  will be used. As shown in  FIG. 5 , one contemplated tapered coil spring connector  70  may have a lead  72  extending from an end thereof. The lead  72  may extend from the end that is opposite of the open end. The open end is arranged over the end of the glass tube  64  and electrode  68  extending from the glass tube  64 . The lead  72  in this embodiment may be connected prior to the connector  70  being arranged over the end of the glass tube  64  such that only physical handling is required to install the wire harness to the CCFL  62 . However, it is also contemplated to connect the lead  72  after the connector  70  is arranged over the end of the CCFL glass tube  64 .  FIG. 6  shows another alternate embodiment of the coil spring connector  70  wherein the coil spring is opened at both ends with one end having a larger diameter than the opposite end. Generally, the larger end diameter will be arranged over the end of the CCFL glass tube  64  and electrode  68 . It should be noted that the winding ratio and turn spacing on the ends of either of the connector springs  70  as described are designed that they must expand to fit over the end of the CCFL glass tube  64  and electrode  68 , wherein the electrode  68  is external to the CCFL  62  and parallel to the CCFL glass tube  64  as described above. The second end of the open end connector  70  may be of any size depending on the design requirements and environment in which the CCFL  62  will be used. The second end may be sized for further assembly per the application, such as a pin, rivet or some other electrically conductive or connected device being attached thereto. This will ensure that electricity will pass through the connector  70  via the contact made between the end of the connector  70  and the electrode  68  of the glass tube  64  and the opposite end of the connector  70  to the electrical circuitry necessary to operate the CCFL  62 . It should be noted that in one contemplated embodiment the tapered coil connector springs  70  generally are made of a steel material, however any other metal, ceramic, composite, plastic or natural material that is capable of conducting electricity may also be used to design the tapered coil spring connector  70 . It should be noted that in both embodiments a wire harness may be attached to either a single lead extending from the connector  70  or attached to a fixed position locator depending on the design of the CCFL  62  and illumination device. Spring  70  also compensates for various differences in the rate of thermo expansion of the many different kinds of material that may be incorporated in the lamp assembly. It also will dampen any vibration/shock that the tube may be subjected to. 
       FIGS. 9 through 12  show multiple embodiments of a CCFL bulb clamping device or holder  74  for use within an illumination device of the present invention. Generally, the bulb holder  74  may have a first  76  and second finger  78  extending from a base portion  80 . Arranged a predetermined distance on an outer surface of each finger  76 ,  78  is a predetermined height and shaped ridge or lip  82  that may extend around the entire or only a partial portion of the outer surface of each finger  76 ,  78 . The lip  82  may be used to engage with a surface of a reflector or the like  84  within the light tube of the CCFL  62  illumination device. Generally, the tube holder  74  may be placed through a rectangular orifice or hole through the reflector or other device  84  within the CCFL light tube. It should be noted that any other shaped hole, other than rectangular, may also be used depending on the design requirements of the tubular holder  74  for the present invention. The tubular holder  74  also may include a first and second recess or cavity  86  that will mimic the outer circumference of the bulb  64  being held therein within the CCFL illumination device. Generally, the recess area  86  has a circumferential or circular shape. The recess area  86  ensures that the bulb  64  is secured within the illumination device tubing of the CCFL lamp device according to the present invention. It should be noted that multiple channels  86  may be used in each holder  74  to support multiple CCFL&#39;s  62 , pipes, wires or other devices. It should be noted that the cavity or channel  86  may be of any shape and generally may mimic the outer shape of the bulb  64  being used. It should also be noted that the lamp holder  74  may have an added hook to secure a wire or other component or a catch, wire restraint may also be used with the lamp holder  74  except resized as needed to perform some other purpose, stabilization, attachment, etc. It should also be noted that holder  74  may be formed as an integral part of device  84 . 
       FIG. 10  shows another alternate embodiment of the tubular holder  74 . It includes a predetermined shaped post or pole  88  extending from the body  80  or a side opposite of the fingers  76 ,  78 . The post  88  may have a generally angled face on one end thereof and may be used to align two parallel parts within the light tube in addition to restraining a third if necessary. It should be noted that the post  88  may be threaded or have any other typical mechanical or chemical treatment thereon to secure various parts of various shapes thereto. Another embodiment as shown in  FIG. 11  includes the elongated portion or post  88  extending from the body member with a push and retainer type surface generally including a plurality of feathered retaining fingers or edges  90  extending from the main base or pole  88 . This will allow for the bulb holder  74  to be placed within the reflector or other device  84  within the light tube and be secured therein without the need for the retaining lip or ridge as described above in  FIGS. 9 and 10 .  FIG. 12  shows yet another embodiment of the bulb holder  74 , which may be used in conjunction with the extension or pole  88  extending from the body  80  in conjunction with a first and second retaining ridge  82  or lip  82  arranged on the outer surface of each of the fingers  76 ,  78  extending from the outer surface thereof. It also includes a snap on retainer ring  92  that may engage with two of the retaining ridges or lips  82  to secure the bulb  64  within the predetermined shaped holding orifice within the fingers of the bulb holder  74 . It should be noted that any of the bulb holders  74  may be used in the application as currently shown through a reflector, through pipe, an electrical wire, wood or metal studding depending on the design requirements and environment in which the present invention will be used. It should also be noted that it is generally contemplated to have all of the parts for the bulb holder  74  to be made of a plastic material, however any other metal, ceramic, composite, natural material or the like may also be used for the bulb holder  74  according to the present invention. It should be noted that multiple bulb holders  74  may be used in the present invention depending on the design requirements of the CCFL lamp and illumination device. The bulb holder  74  may have any known tubular shape or any other known shape that will fit and be held in the device, such as a pipe, wire, other part, etc. 
       FIGS. 13 through 14  show an embodiment of a single and double lamp tubular fixture or device  100  according to the present invention. Generally, this is a low profile light fixture  100  that has one or two CCFL lamps  102  each independently rotatable within the fixture  100 , such that the light tube  104  can be directed to a predetermined angle with relation to the user of the light tubular fixture  100 . Generally, the lamp fixture  100  has a body  106  that has a generally T-shape when viewed from above, however the fixture may be of any shape to fit any application. A cover  108 , having a generally T-shape, also is arranged over and connected to the body  106  via any known fastener, such as screws, snap fit arrangements or any other mechanical or chemical fastening methodology. The body  106  has a plurality of bearing surfaces  110  that will mate with and interact with a plurality of bearing surfaces  112  arranged on a predetermined portion of the cover  108 . Generally, these bearing surfaces  110 ,  112  have curved shapes that will receive generally cylindrical or circular rotating members  114  that are arranged therein. These bearing surfaces  110 ,  112  generally are molded into the extension or small portion of the T-shaped body  106  and cover  108 . These extension portions also may each include a generally circular orifice  116  arranged on each end thereof for allowing a lamp tube  104  to pass therethrough. The lamp fixture  100 , as shown in  FIG. 13 , has the body  106  and cover  108  made of generally a plastic material that is molded with predetermined specifications. It should be noted that any other type of material, such as any other known plastic, ceramic, composite, natural material, metal, or the like may be used for the lamp fixture device  100 . It should be noted that the body  106  includes an inner bore or cavity  118  therein which will be used to hold the necessary electronics to operate the lamp  100 . The body  106  also may include a plurality of orifices  120  to allow for wiring or the like to pass therethrough and a plurality of orifices  122  to allow for mounting of the lamp device  100  on a wall or similar surface for use by a consumer. The cover  100  and the body  106  include a generally circumferential groove  124  along the circumferential orifice for passing the light tube  104  therethrough. Generally, the groove  124  may provide for a seal  126  to be arranged therein that will allow for the seal  126  to be arranged between an outer surface of the light tube  104  and the seal within groove  124  thus completely waterproofing the assembly  100 . It should be noted that the length and inside diameter of the body extension may be any known dimension that provide alignment and cantilevered support for the CCFL  102  and provide adequate pressure such that proper electrical contact occurs between spring loaded contact  128  arranged on a circuit board  130  that are arranged within the rotating members  114  of the device  100  and the electrical contacts  134  arranged on a circuit board  132  that is connected to the bulb  64  of the CCFL  102  as described above. Generally, the circuit board  130  is rotatably fixed with respect to the rotating member  114  and provides a plurality of spring loaded contactors  128  that extend a predetermined distance from the outer surface of the circuit board  130 , thus ensuring proper electrical contact with a circuit board  132  connected to the CCFL  102  as described above. The circuit board  130  arranged within the rotating members  114  also have the appropriate electrical wiring and such connected to the internal circuitry of the lamp device  108  according to the present invention. It should be noted that in one contemplated embodiment the spring loaded contacts  128  are common with low input power voltage and that two of the spring contacts  128  are connected in series between the input power lead and the input of electronics in powering the circuitry. When the hot contact of the circuit board  132  of the CCFL  102  engages the two contacts  128  arranged within the rotating members  114  the circuit is completed and power is passed through to the CCFL bulb  64 . It should be noted that the contacts are also connected to the high voltage side of the driving circuitry. This electrical circuitry will sense when the contacts are connected to the boards and allow power to drive the CCFL circuitry. This configuration will ensure no high voltage is present at the contacts  128  when a CCFL  102  is not arranged therein, thus providing a high level of safety and convenience when changing out complete lamp tube assemblies such as those shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     It should be noted that the electrical circuitry for the CCFL  102  is generally shown in  FIGS. 15 ,  16  and  17 . The tapered spring connector  70  is generally shown without the light bulb  64  connected thereto. Generally, the spring connector  70  is connected to a receiver member  136  which is in contact with the circuit board  132  of the CCFL  102 . A capacitor  138  may be arranged on the circuit board  132 , depending on the electrical requirements of the lamp  100 . It should also be noted that two capacitors  138  may also be arranged, one on each side of the circuit board  132 , depending on the electrical requirements of the CCFL  102 . Furthermore, the electrical requirements may not always be met with a single capacitor value, such that the two capacitors are needed for each CCFL  102  connected to the circuit board  132  utilizing a surface mount technology coupling capacitor  138 , i.e., a series ballast capacitor is needed, because the electrical characteristics and relationship between the CCFL  102  and its driving circuitry. It should be noted that the desire to provide replacement lamp tube assemblies, even though the long interval between change outs may occur, will lead to possible manufacturing and electrical characteristics of CCFL&#39;s changing over time. Thus, it will be advantageous to be able to couple new lamp assemblies with legacy driving circuits that endeavor to maintain the design efficiency of the overall total fixture life. The circuit board  132  also includes electrical contacts  134  which will drive the circuitry of the CCFL  102 . A bracket  140  generally engages one of the contacts  134  on one end of the electrical circuit and the reflector/conductor  84  on an opposite end thereof. The bracket  140  ensures electrical conductivity occurs between circuit board  132  and a coil spring connector  70  connected at the opposite end of the bulb  64  on the opposite end of reflector/conductor  84 . Thus, this will allow power to pass from contact  134  and capacitor through bracket  140  and reflector/conductor  84  to the spring connector  70  arranged and connected electrically at the opposite end of the reflector  84 . The receiving member  136  that is arranged between the coil spring connector  70  and circuit board  132  provides positioning and also keeps thermal and physical forces from reaching the light bulb  64  and also acts as an electrical conductor therebetween. A metal bracket  140  engaging contact  134  and the metal electrical conductor/reflector  84 , power passes therethrough. It should be noted that if the reflector  84  is made of a non-conductive material another means of connecting the two spring connectors  70  to the circuit board  132  may be used, such as a wire or other electrical conducting methodology. 
     The rotating member  114  may have the circuit board  130  arranged therein such that it rotates therewith and the rotating members  114  may be free to rotate with respect to the body  106  of the lamp fixture  100 . This will ensure that the light from the CCFL bulb  64  will be directed to a predetermined position that the user of the light needs. This rotation will allow for up to 360° rotation of the light with relation to the body  106  of the lamp fixture  100 . The CCFL bulb  64  and associated reflector  84 , bulb holder and circuit board as described above, will all be arranged within a light tube  104 . The light tube  104  generally is made of a plastic material, however any other natural material, ceramic material, composite material or the like may be used such as glass, ceramics, clay or the like. Generally, one end of the light tube  104  will have a notch  142  arranged therein with an indentation  144  which allows for retention and securing of the circuit board  132  of the CCFL  102  to be smoothly inserted therein. This indentation  144  on the inside surface of the light tube  104  will allow for precise location of the CCFL bulb reflector  84  and circuit board  132  with relation to the light tube  104 . It should be noted that any dimensioned diameter or length light tube  104  may be used depending on the design requirements and environment in which the lamp  100  will be positioned. It should be noted that in one contemplated embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the outer edges of the fingers of the lamp holder  74  will engage with the inside surface of the lamp tube  104  while a surface of conductor and reflector  84  will engage with an interior surface of the lamp tube  104 , thus immobilizing the light bulb  64  from upward movement within the interior of the light tube  104 . Each end of the light tube  104  may also be sealed to ensure leaking of mercury or other chemicals used for the CCFL bulb  64  into the atmosphere, thus causing a potential hazmat situation. It should be noted that the ends of the spring connectors  70  may be connected to the end of the folded up portion of the reflector/conductor  84  via any known fastener  146  such as a rivet, screw, or any other known methodology, chemical or mechanical for connecting the end of a tapered coil spring connector  70  to a metal surface. It should further be noted that it is also contemplated as shown in  FIG. 20 , that any type of configuration of one bulb  64  or multiple bulbs  64  being connected. 
     As shown in  FIG. 21  it is also contemplated to use a rivet or other metal connector  146  to connect reflector/conductor  84  having a slight bend in one end thereof to circuit board  132  in essence replacing connector  140  as described above. However, it is also contemplated to use connector  140  as described above in any or all of the inventions. Furthermore, there are regulations existing or pending regarding the toxic distribution of mercury as contained in CCFL&#39;s and other fluorescent bulbs. Therefore, it should be noted that the lamp tube  104  may be plugged at both ends hermetically sealing it, thus not allowing any mercury from exiting the internal area of the lamp tube  104 . In one contemplated embodiment the material  148  may be composed partially of carbon or nano particles of selenium that will bond or retain mercury and may be arranged in the outer openings of the lamp tube  104 . One or both ends of the lamp tube  104  may be plugged, such as the material  48 , having generally partial circular shapes, as shown in  FIG. 22 . It is further contemplated that any porous material capable of absorbing mercury or water vapor, if present in the interior atmosphere of the lamp tube  104 , may be used if an atmospheric pressure differential exists and that the interior atmosphere will move toward the exterior atmosphere, thus allowing for absorption by the material  148  plugging the ends of the lamp tube  104 . Furthermore, it may also be desirable to place the porous material  148  for plugging the ends in cavities between the reflector  84  and the inside surface of the lamp tube  104 . 
       FIGS. 23 and 24  show yet two more embodiments of the present invention. This embodiment includes the generally clear lamp tube  104 , a CCFL light bulb  64  arranged therein and a bulb holder  74  as described above arranged through and connected to the reflector  84  that is arranged along the entire length of the bulb  64 . The connector spring  70  is arranged over the end of the light bulb  64  and a mounting pin  146  connects the connector spring  70  to a first washer  1  in the embodiment shown. Next a retainer sleeve  152  having an inside diameter generally less than the outside diameter of the light tube  104  will retain the first washer  150  against forces of the connector spring  70 . Then a second washer  154  generally having a keyhole shape or square shape with a semi circle top. It should be noted that any other shape may be used for the washer  154 . The washer  154  may also include a mounting pin  146  attached on one end thereto with a wire extension therefrom for attaching a second wire lead attachment thereto. It should be noted that washer  154  generally will be arranged to fit within a housing with a slot to restrict lateral movement thereof. Mounting pin  146  extends from the opposite end of the washer  154  and provides for an electrical connection between the connector  70  connected to the bulb  64  and the washer  154  electrical connector  146 . This will allow for a complete 360° rotation because the conductor member  156  may be in constant contact with the mounting pin  146  that is connected to the connector  70  on one end thereof even though 360° of rotation may occur, hence the connection will always be electrically closed. On the opposite end a second mounting pin  146  may be connected to the opposite end of rotating conductor  156 , thus allowing for electricity to pass through to the CCFL light bulb  64 . It should further be noted  104  that the light tube is hermetically sealed such that mercury containment occurs therein. It should further be noted that it is contemplated to have one or more capacitors  138  extend from an outer surface of the first washer  150 . In one contemplated embodiment the mercury absorbent material  148  may also contain a water absorbent material or carbon and an associated container or collator  149  at or near an end of the lamp assembly. The container  149  may have orifices for pressure equalization. The material  148  controls water vapor inside the container. Also, a water absorbent material may be a separate material if mercury containment is not an issue, or the two attributes may be combined into one component or the two parts may be assembled within the assembly separately. It is also contemplated to have a non conductive heat resistant material in the shape of a cylinder  158  to absorb lateral forces that would otherwise be imparted upon the coupling capacitors  138  that may be arranged and extending from the first washer  150 . A third washer  160  may also be backed upon cylinder  158  prior to being slid over retainer sleeve  152 . 
       FIG. 25  shows another embodiment of a rectangular light fixture  162  that may contain any number of CCFL&#39;s  102  of any length or diameter. The top portion of the light fixture may be of any dimension and appropriate to the application needs while the bottom section  164  of the light  162  may contain the electrical components that may vary in width and depth as necessary to accommodate the components and size of the CCFL light bulbs  64  and electronics therein. It should be noted that the lower section  164  may also have fins or other exterior cooling means to facilitate operation in adverse environments while the unit may also be hermetically sealed with a seal  166  to ensure no mercury or water is leaked from the CCFL  102  in case of failure. It should also be noted that the upper and lower portions are intended to be one replaceable housing, each with a self contained sealed unit, but not limited to having any of the other attributes contained as described for the CCFL and associate lamp inventions. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 27 ,  28  and  29  it is also contemplated that a jumper  166  may be arranged on the side of one of the sections of a generally rectangular light fixture  170  to ensure the electricity passes to both ends of a multi CCFL bulb  64  lighting arrangement when no capacitor  138  is needed or used in certain embodiments. Furthermore, it is also contemplated to have predetermined shaped reflectors  172  and flat panel reflectors  174  and curved reflectors  172  arranged within the cavity  176  of a rectangular light fixture  178  to further increase the efficiency of the light fixture  178  that uses tubular light sources. The angled sides  174  generally will reduce the amount of trapped light versus sides that are 90° or at right angles to the bottom portion thereof. The continuous curving depiction of a profile such as that on the bottom surface further enhances the ability of the light rays to escape the structure, thus allowing for more light to escape and increasing the efficiency of the rectangular lamp  178 . It should be noted that the that size, radius, shape and angle of the angled parts are governed by many factors, including but not limited to the diameter of the light source, the distance of the light source to the structure bottom, the distance of the light source to the top of the structure and the width of the structure. It should further be noted that many multiple versions of the rectangular light fixture  178  may be used such that there are provisions for one or two, one each side, or a coupling capacitor  138  if not needed a jumper  168  to be arranged therein to allow for many different variations and abilities to use multiple light bulbs  64  within a rectangular lamp setting. 
       FIG. 30  shows a gasket provision groove  180  along the entire inner periphery thereof that will allow a seal  182  to be arranged therein and thus create a container including the CCFL bulb  64  for containment of mercury. Furthermore, with the gasket  182  arranged in the groove  180  may provide a structure impervious to contamination from either inside sources or leaking from the outside sources. It should further be noted that the outer shell  184  with the electronics has an expected life of approximately 400,000 hours requiring five lamp change outs due the life of the lamp structure that are described herein. 
     It should further be noted that  FIG. 31  depicts an elongated device  186  configuration that may consist of one or up to four plus lamps  104  positioned around a circular shaped reflector  188  fitted with a standard bulb base  190 . Also, as shown in  FIGS. 32 and 33  it is also contemplated to use the above described CCFL light fixtures according to the present invention with a low profile fixture with the CCFL&#39;s mounted radially on a flat or conical shaped reflector  192  with associated spring connectors  70  and other hardware as described above. 
       FIG. 34  also shows according to the ideas described above a cantilevered light fixture  194  or as in  FIG. 35   196  a frame of either a rectangle or other shape that will provide light on an object mounted in the frame, fit around another object, the center section may be open without support, as fitting around a fan housing or ventilation vent or other structure. 
     It is also contemplated as shown in  FIGS. 36 and 37  the CCFL&#39;s  102  as described above fit into standard residential/commercial ceiling can fixtures  198  with adjustable angle lamp unit or within a standard residential/commercial ceiling can fixture  198  with adjustable angle lamp unit as shown.  FIG. 38  also shows another design that is contemplated that it can be used in new construction such as a ceiling light fixture  201  or other recessed application that has commonality of the primary parts with the other designs described above including the outer shell and brackets. Therefore, the CCFL&#39;s  102  and connecting methodologies described above may be used in any of the applications shown in the Figures and described herein. Therefore, there is no limitation as to the use of the connector spring  70  methodology with the light bulbs  64  of a CCFL  102  and/or the connecting methodologies of the CCFL bulb  64  within a light tube  104  and the associated electronics that allow for rotation thereof in order to guide the light to predetermined positions and directions. 
       FIG. 39  shows stabilizer members  200  and  202  which stabilize the CCFL&#39;s  206 , they may engage in slots on the side, bottom or any other place that is appropriate for the given application of the light fixture  170  and slots  204  in the circuit board  132 . The distance between member  202  and circuit board  132  may be such that an electrical interference is resultant. It is contemplated that the material may be electrically nonconductive and it may be optically transparent. 
     Although only one each of the members  200  and  202  is shown it is assumed that two of  202  may be used, one at each end of  170 , the number of members  200  used may be influenced by the anticipated application requirements. 
       FIGS. 40 and 41  show member  200  having a shape to fit within the interior of light fixture  170 , holes  210  are sized to permit CCFL  206  to fit therethrough. Tabs  208  may be straight or bent and may be used to locate member  200  within fixture  170 . It is contemplated that the material may be electrically nonconductive and it may be optically transparent. 
       FIG. 42  shows member  202  designed to fit at an end of fixture  170  and engage tabs  208  in slots of the circuit board  132 . Member  202  may also have additional tabs as member  200  does in one contemplated embodiment and engage in fixture  170 . The length of flange  212  is such that member  202  is electrically isolated from other parts attached to the circuit board  132 . It is contemplated that the material may be electrically nonconductive and may be optically transparent. 
       FIG. 43  shows various configurations of CCFL  200  for replacement of other type fixtures that screw in lamps. Base  202  contains electronics and a disc like member  220 , and cylindrical like member  230  and engages tube  106 . CCFL  200  may incorporate all attributes regarding mercury, water, sealing and vibration described above. The quantity of CCFL lamps and length of lamp is dependent on the intended application. The cylindrical like member  230  may be incorporated in the part  204 . 
       FIG. 44  shows various configurations for replacement of existing technology. Some may incorporate all attributes regarding mercury, water, sealing and vibration described above. Quantity of CCLF&#39;s and length of lamp is dependent on intended application. Pins  206  may fit standard fluorescent lamp fixtures. Member  230  may be incorporated in part  206 . 
       FIGS. 45 through 48  show incorporations/configurations of all components and associated attributes. The quantity and orientation of the various parts will be influenced by the number of CCFL&#39;s used, and the shape of member  220  may be less than 360 degrees, if partial round or some other configuration is desired as in a focused lamp. Member  230  may be used to stabilize the CCFL&#39;s. Assembly  200  may incorporate holders  74  and member  230 . A groove  234  may be arranged at the end of light fixture  170  and may engage to center it longitudinally and radially. Dimension  232  may be such the member  230  is electrically isolated from the components attached to member  220 . It is contemplated that the material of member  230  may be electrically nonconductive and may be optically transparent. Orifice  210  is arranged such that tube  62  may pass therethrough. 
       FIGS. 45 through 48  also show a complete assembly of base end  202  of CCFL  200 . Light fixture  170  may incorporate reflectors  172 , or it may be smooth, or optically shaped for a particular application, shown is basic round shape with lamps  64  mounted on an exterior. Another option may be partial round or other shape with lamps  64  mounted on an interior to form a focused light source. It should be noted that the interior structure of the lamp does not have to be configured to emit light 360 degrees it may be 180 degrees or such other number. Also, the reflector and assembly associated therewith may be concave or convex, lamps may be inside or have a curved reflective surface to focus/direct the emitted light in a particular direction. 
     The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than that of limitation. 
     Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.