Patent Abstract:
There is disclosed a lamp device including a longitudinal axis, a first elongate electrical connector and a second elongate electrical connector, each of the first elongate electrical connector and the second elongate connector being non-parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis. The present lamp device provides a reliable electric connection on the one hand, yet is relatively inexpensive, uncomplicated and simple to implement on the other hand.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/626,756, filed Jan. 24, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT/CA2006/001040, with an international filing date of Jun. 27, 2006, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/693,502, filed Jun. 24, 2005, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     In one of its aspects, the present invention relates to a lamp device. In another of its aspects, the present invention relates to a radiation lamp. In yet another of its aspects, the present invention relates to a radiation source assembly. In yet another of its aspects, the present invention relates to a radiation source module. In yet another of its aspects, the present invention relates to a fluid treatment system. In yet another of its aspects, the present invention relates to a water disinfection system. 
     2. Background Information 
     Fluid treatment systems such as water disinfection systems are generally known in the art. 
     See, for example, one or more of the following U.S. Pat. Nos.: 
     Re36,896, 
     3,418,370, 
     4,482,809, 
     4,872,980, 
     5,006,244, 
     5,471,063, 
     5,504,355, 
     5,538,210, 
     6,342,188, 
     6,500,346, 
     6,507,028, 
     6,646,269, 
     6,674,084, 
     6,803,586, and 
     6,863,078. 
     Many of the above-identified United States patents teach fluid treatment systems that employ ultraviolet (UV) radiation to kill, sterilize and/or prevent replication of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, pathogens and the like) that may be present in the fluid. 
     Generally, such conventional fluid treatment systems employ an ultraviolet radiation lamp to emit radiation of a particular wavelength or range of wavelengths (usually between 185 and 400 nm) to kill, sterilize and/or prevent replication of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, pathogens and the like) that may be present in the fluid. 
     Conventional ultraviolet radiation lamps include low pressure lamps, medium pressure lamps, low pressure high output lamps and the like. 
     In more recent years, it has become conventional to use such ultraviolet lamps configured to have all of the electrical connections disposed at one end of the lamp. See, for example, FIGS. 2-8 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,700,101 [Ellner, et al. (Ellner)] and FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,166,527 [Solymar]. 
     As can be seen from the conventional radiation lamps taught by Ellner and Solymar, the electrical connection pins are elongate and are disposed such that the axes of the pins are parallel with the longitudinal axes of radiation lamp. In other words, the electrical connection is made by pushing an end cap or other connection base on to the pins in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the radiation lamp. 
     The problem with this approach is that in many applications, the radiation lamp is immersed in a flow of water and turbulence created within that water treatment system invariably imparts a vibratory motion to the lamps which frequently results in lamps being vibrated or shaken loose of its electrical connection base or socket thereby causing the lamps to be rendered completely or intermittently inoperative. When such an event occurs, the water being treated may not be fully disinfected. 
     More recently, other attempts to address this problem have used a relatively complicated mechanical connection (e.g., a so-called “push-and-twist” connection) to secure the lamp to the connection base. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,487 [Sauska, et al. (Sauska)] and U.S. Pat. No. 6,884,103 [Kovacs]. The problem with these approaches is the complexity of the mechanical connection between the lamp and the base unit requiring the use of springs, specialized connection lugs and the like. Further, a connection system which is predicated on a dual motion system such that pushing and twisting gives rise to a higher incidents of lamp breakage and other damage to the module by field personal. 
     Accordingly, there remains the need in the art for a lamp device, particularly a radiation lamp, which will provide a reliable electric connection on the one hand, yet be relatively inexpensive, uncomplicated and simple to implement on the other hand. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages of conventional fluid treatment systems. 
     Accordingly, in one of its aspects, the present invention provides a lamp device comprising a longitudinal axis, a first elongate electrical connector and a second elongate electrical connector, each of the first elongate electrical connector and the second elongate connector being non-parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis. 
     In another of its aspects, the present invention relates to a radiation source assembly comprising such a lamp device, together with a radiation transparent protective sleeve. 
     In another of its aspects, the present invention provides a radiation lamp comprising: an elongate radiation-emitting cavity having a longitudinal axis; a first electrical connection base disposed at a first end of the elongate radiation-emitting cavity; a pair of first elongate electrical connectors and a pair of second elongate electrical connectors disposed in the first electrical connection base; each of the first elongate electrical connector and the second elongate connector being non-parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis. 
     In yet another of its aspects, the present invention provides a radiation source module comprising such a radiation lamp and a first support member for supporting the radiation lamp, the first support member comprising a second electrical connection base for engagement with the first electrical connection base and connection to a power supply. 
     Other aspects of the present invention relate to fluid treatment systems and water disinfection systems incorporating the above lamp device, radiation source assembly, radiation lamp and radiation source module, respectively. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts, and in which: 
         FIGS. 1-4  illustrate components of a first preferred embodiment of the present lamp device. 
         FIGS. 5-8  illustrate portions of a second preferred embodiment of the present lamp device. 
         FIGS. 9-14  illustrate portions of a third preferred embodiment of the present lamp device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 1-14 . In  FIGS. 1-14 , there is shown in detail the electrical connection portion of a radiation lamp and/or the connection thereof to a complementary base unit. The remaining detail of the lamp is not shown for easier understanding. However, those of skill in the art will readily recognize how the specific connection shown in the Figures can be implemented in a lamp design by reference to the various prior art patents referred to above. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , there is illustrated a first electrical base unit  100  and a second electrical base unit  150 . 
     First electrical connection base unit  100  comprises a housing  102 . An end portion  104  of unit  100  comprises a first pair of electrical connectors  106  and a second pair of electrical connectors  108 . 
     End portion  104  comprises an undulating shape having a series of peaks  110  and valleys  112 . Electrical connectors  106 ,  108  are connected to wire or other suitable electrical conveyance (not shown) disposed within housing  102  which is then connected to the radiation-emitting cavity of the lamp in a conventional manner. 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 2 , there is illustrated an enlarged view of base unit  150 . As shown, base unit  150  comprises a first pair of electrical receptacles  152  and a second pair of electrical receptacles  154 . These receptacles are disposed at a first end portion  156  of base unit  150 . Disposed at another end portion  158  of base unit  150  is a sealing system which functions in a manner similar to that described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,872,980 and 5,006,244 referred to above. Specifically, end portion  158  comprises a pair of annular seals  160  that serve to seal the interior of a radiation transparent protective sleeve ( FIG. 4 ) placed over the radiation lamp. 
     Also disposed on end portion  158  is a stop portion  162  that serves as stop for the open end of protective sleeves surrounding the lamp. 
     Portion  158  further comprises a pair of annular seals  164  that serve to seal against water ingress into the frame of a module in which the lamp is placed (again, reference can be made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,872,980 and 5,006,244 for further details on the function of the seals). 
     Electrical receptacles  152 ,  154  are wired in a conventional manner with the electrical wires or other electrical conveyance emerging from an aperture  166  in end portion  158  connection unit  150 . 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 3 , it will be seen that when base unit  100  is connected to the remaining components of the radiation lamp, there will be a longitudinal axes shown at line A through base unit  100  and the remainder of the lamp. Further, it will be seen that electrical connectors  106 ,  108  are elongate and have a longitudinal axis through line B. An important feature of this preferred embodiment is that line B is non-parallel with respect to line A. In other words, the longitudinal axis through each of electrical connectors  106 ,  108  is in a non-parallel relationship with the longitudinal axis through base unit  100  and the remainder of the radiation lamp. In the specific embodiment shown, electrical connectors  106 ,  108  are disposed at an acute angle α toward the radiation-emitting cavity (not shown) of the lamp. 
     When it is desired to engage base unit  100  with base unit  150 , the base units are aligned as shown in  FIG. 3  and moved with respect to one another in the direction of arrow C. The engaged components are shown in  FIG. 4  and a radiation transparent protective sleeve  170  encases the connected units  100  and  150 . As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, once the connection is shown as made in  FIG. 4 , the connection will withstand vibration forces conveyed to the radiation lamp. Specifically, base unit  100  will not separate from base unit  150  in a direction of arrow D, particularly when radiation transparent protective sleeve  170  is disposed over the connection. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5-8 , there is illustrated a second embodiment of the preferred invention. In the description of  FIGS. 5-8 , reference numerals will be used wherein the last two digits correspond to the same element appearing in  FIGS. 1-4  and the first numeral will be “2” in  FIGS. 5-8  instead of “1” in  FIGS. 1-4 . Thus, it will be seen that a first major difference between the two embodiments is that the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5-8  comprises electrical connectors  206 ,  208  that are angled away (β) from the radiation-emitting cavity. Another difference is that the cross-sectional shape base unit  200  in  FIGS. 5-8  comprises a single valley  212  instead of the pair of valleys  112  in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 . Yet another difference is that the cross-sectional shape base unit  200  in  FIGS. 5-8  comprises a single peak  210  instead of the pair of valleys  110  in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 . Otherwise, the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5-8  may be used in a manner similar to that described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 9-14 , there is illustrated a third preferred embodiment of the present lamp device. More particularly, there is illustrated a first electrical base unit  300  and a second electrical base unit  350 . 
     First electrical base unit  300  comprises a housing  302 . An end portion  304  of first electrical base unit  300  comprises a first pair of electrical connectors  306  and a second pair of electrical connectors  308 . 
     Electrical connectors  306 ,  308  are connected to wire or other suitable electrical conveyance (not shown) disposed within housing  302  which is then connected to the radiation-emitting cavity of the lamp in conventional manner. 
     End portion  304  of housing  302  further comprises a fin portion  320  which is disposed in a manner that separates electrical connectors  306  from electrical connectors  308 . Fin portion  320  comprises a series of rib portions  325  which serve to support fin portion  320 . 
     Fin portion  320  acts as a dielectric barrier so as to obviate or mitigate arcing between electrical connectors  306  and electrical connectors  308 . The use of fin member  320  and rib portions  325  is optional. 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 12 , there is illustrated a view of base unit  350 . Base unit  350  is very similar in its design and function to base unit  150  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 . In the description of  FIGS. 9-14 , reference numerals are used wherein the last two digits correspond to the same element appearing in  FIGS. 1-4 , and the first numeral will be “3” in  FIGS. 9-14  instead of “1” in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     The main difference between electrical base unit  350  in  FIGS. 9-14  and electrical base unit  150  in  FIGS. 1-4  is the provision in base portion  350  of a receptacle portion  351  that has a substantially complementary shape to the combination of fin portion  320  and rib portions  325  disposed in end portion  304  of electrical base unit  350 . 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 11 and 14 , it can been seen that a difference between the embodiments of the present invention described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-8  and the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 9-14  is the relative orientation of the electrical connectors. Specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , electrical connectors  106  and  108  are disposed in an offset manner with respect to line A (FIG.  3 )—i.e., the longitudinal axis. A similar arrangement exists in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5-8  wherein electrical connectors  206  are offset longitudinally with respect to electrical connectors  208 . 
     In contrast, it can be seen that electrical connectors  306  are not offset with respect to electrical connectors  308  along line A ( FIG. 11 ) in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 9-14 . Thus, the distal ends of electrical connectors  306  and electrical connectors  308  are in substantial alignment along line E in  FIG. 11 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 14 , it can be seen that first electrical base unit  300  cannot be disengaged from second electrical base unit  350  along line A. Thus, when lamp device incorporating first electrical base unit  300  and second electrical base unit  350  is disposed in a protective (e.g., quartz) sleeve having a diameter very similar to that of stop portion  362 , first electrical base unit  300  can not be disengaged from second electrical base unit  350  in a direction along line A. Rather, the two base units may be disengaged by relative movement thereof in the direction of line C (i.e., after removal of the protective sleeve). 
     While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments and examples, the description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Thus, various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description. For example, it is possible to reverse the arrangement of electrical connectors and electrical receptacles in the illustrated embodiments—i.e., the electrical connectors would be disposed in electrical connection base unit  150 , 250 , 350  and the electrical receptacles would be disposed in electrical connection base unit  100 , 200 , 300 . Also, it is possible to have a mixture of electrical connectors and electrical receptacles on electrical connection base unit  100 , 200 , 300  and a complementary mixture of electrical connectors and electrical receptacles on electrical connection base unit  150 , 250 , 350 . Yet another possible modification of the illustrated embodiments relates to disposing the electrical connectors such that the longitudinal axis of the electrical connectors is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the radiation lamp (i.e., α≈90° and β≈90°). Yet another modification of the illustrated embodiments relates to the use of electrical connection bases that, in cross-section, contain no peaks or valleys. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments. 
     All publications, patents and patent applications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7