Miniature rare gas discharge lamp electrode and method of making

(19)

(11)

EP 0 675 520 A3

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88)	Date of publication A3:
	09.07.1997 Bulletin 1997/28

(43)	Date of publication A2:
	04.10.1995 Bulletin 1995/40

(21)	Application number: 95104514.5

(22)	Date of filing: 28.03.1995

(51)	International Patent Classification (IPC)⁶: H01J 61/09, H01J 9/02, H01J 61/067, H01J 61/78

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	BE DE FR GB IT NL

(30)

Priority:

29.03.1994 US 219150

(71)	Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA INC.
	Danvers, MA 01923 (US)

(72)	Inventors:
	Hilchey Sr.,Clifford E. Contoocook, NH 03299 (US) France, David W. Washington, NH 03280 (US)

(74)	Representative: Lemke, Jörg-Michael, Dipl.-Ing.
	Schmiedstrasse 1, Hausen D-86447 Aindling D-86447 Aindling (DE)

(54)	Miniature rare gas discharge lamp electrode and method of making

(57) A method of making a miniature neon lamp electrode (10) having lead (12), can (20), and an emitter coating (40) is disclosed. A needle (44) with a quantity of emitter material (13) is advanced into a sleeve (20). The needle is then spun at high speed to deposit the emitter material (13) on the inside wall of the sleeve (20). The sleeve (20) is then coaxially crimped to a lead (12), forming a narrow entrance hollow cathode having an even and specifically positioned emitter coating (40). The method of making a miniature neon lamp electrode (10) yields a miniature neon lamp electrode (10) capable of withstanding a long life, with many starts, while producing an accurately position arc.

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