Patent ID: 8334973

Claim:
A spectral analysis apparatus, comprising: a light transmissive envelope including a first end portion and a second end portion, said envelope containing a fluid operable to emit light when electrically energized; a first electrode disposed upon an external surface of said first end portion, said first electrode being completely external to said envelope; a second electrode disposed upon an external surface of said second end portion, said second electrode being completely external to said envelope; a cartridge configured to at least partially encase said envelope, said cartridge defining first and second openings therethrough; a sleeve defining a cavity configured to removably receive said cartridge therein; a first electrical contact associated with said cavity, said first electrical contact configured to electrically connect to said first electrode when said envelope is within said sleeve; a second electrical contact associated with said cavity, said second electrical contact configured to electrically connect to said second electrode when said envelope is within said sleeve; a third electrical contact associated with said cartridge, said third electrical contact being electrically connected to said first electrode and arranged to contact said first electrical contact when said cartridge is within said cavity; and a fourth electrical contact associated with said cartridge, said fourth electrical contact being electrically connected to said second electrode and arranged to contact said second electrical contact when said cartridge is within said cavity; a first spring positioned between and electrically connecting said third electrical contact and said first electrode, said first spring biasing said third electrical contact through said first opening; and a second spring positioned between and electrically connecting said fourth electrical contact and said second electrode, said second spring biasing said fourth electrical contact through said second opening, wherein said first electrical contact and said second electrical contact are connectable to an electrical power supply, and wherein said electrodes electrically energize said fluid when electrically connected to said electrical power supply.