Information
                
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 Patent Grant
                     
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 6641422
                     
                
             
         
    
    
        
            
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Patent Number
                    6,641,422
                 
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Date Filed
                    Wednesday, December 6, 200024 years ago
                 
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Date Issued
                    Tuesday, November 4, 200322 years ago
                 
            
         
     
    
        
            
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Inventors
        
                 
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Original Assignees
        
                 
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Examiners
            
                            Agents
        
                 
            
         
     
    
        
            
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CPC
        
                 
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US Classifications
        
                            Field of Search
        
                US
 
                    - 439 278
 
                    - 439 281
 
                    - 439 732
 
                    - 439 280
 
                    - 439 230
 
                    - 439 220
 
                    - 439 336
 
                    - 439 356
 
                    - 439 602
 
                    - 439 611
 
                    - 439 613
 
                    - 439 615
 
                    - 439 6992
 
                    - 439 282
 
                    - 439 350
 
                    - 439 558
 
                    - 439 559
 
                    - 313 49
 
                    - 313 51
 
                    
                 
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International Classifications
        
                 
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        Abstract
A high intensity discharge lamp (HID) (200) includes an electrically powered lamp (200) having a lamp exterior (220) and at least one lead (226) extending outside of the lamp. An electrical interface (202) includes a male connector (204) fastened at its base (302) to one of the leads (226), an insulate housing (206) having an inner contour (402) shaped to fittedly encompass therein the male connector and at least a portion of the lead, and a cement contact (208) that fastens the housing to the lamp exterior without air gaps. A boot (212) hermetically seals the insulate housing. A female connector (210) is mated to the male connector within the boot, and a feed line (501) having an insulating cover (502) is electrically connected at one end to the female connector and to a power source at the other end.             
         
        
            
                    Description
  
    
      
        BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
      
    
    
      
        1. Field of the Invention
      
    
    
      
        The present invention is directed generally to a method and apparatus for providing high intensity light and, more particularly, to a high intensity discharge lamp and a method of interconnecting a high intensity discharge lamp.
      
    
    
      
        2. Description of the Background
      
    
    
      
        A high intensity discharge (HID) system is a lighting system which throws an intense light therefrom. High intensity discharge systems are generally used in commercial and military aircraft applications.
      
    
    
      
        A conventional high intensity discharge lamp is illustrated in FIG. 
        
          
            1
          
        
        . The high intensity discharge lighting system generally includes a lamp 
        
          
            10
          
        
        . The lamp 
        
          
            10
          
        
         is preferably hermetically sealed, and may include two electrodes 
        
          
            12
          
        
         within the hermetically sealed cavity 
        
          
            14
          
        
        . An HID lighting system preferably uses a high voltage to strike an arc between the electrode 
        
          
            12
          
        
        , thus providing a bright light from the lamp. The electrodes 
        
          
            12
          
        
        , or other light source, is preferably connected to and supported within the lamp 
        
          
            10
          
        
         by a support tree 
        
          
            18
          
        
        .
      
    
    
      
        The current used to provide the light to the HID lamp light source 
        
          
            12
          
        
         flows from a power source exterior to the lamp 
        
          
            10
          
        
        , and generally enters the lamp 
        
          
            10
          
        
         via two small interconnects 
        
          
            20
          
        
        , preferably of copper, at the back of the lamp 
        
          
            10
          
        
        . The two interconnects 
        
          
            20
          
        
         at the back of the lamp 
        
          
            10
          
        
         have generally constituted an exposed un-insulated surface at the back of the lamp 
        
          
            10
          
        
         to which the power source leads 
        
          
            22
          
        
         are connected, such as by screwing the power source to mated threads on the exposed interconnect 
        
          
            20
          
        
        .
      
    
    
      
        Unfortunately, HID lamps currently in use do not always provide a secure connection between the power supply source leads 
        
          
            22
          
        
         and the interconnects 
        
          
            20
          
        
        , and, additionally, do not always provide insulation adequate to enclose the connection between the power source leads 
        
          
            22
          
        
         and the interconnects 
        
          
            20
          
        
        . When the interconnects and power supply are not securely connected, such as by aircraft maintenance personnel, or when the connection between the interconnects and the leads is not adequately insulated, arcing can occur due to the high voltage in use in HID aircraft application. This arcing problem can be exacerbated by the high altitudes at which HID lamps are required to perform.
      
    
    
      
        Arcing problems on an aircraft may lead to devastating consequences. Arcing can start fires, and, because HID lamps are often in use in areas of an aircraft where fuel or fuel vapors are present, such as on the wings, fires caused by arcing can lead to explosions or serious malfunctions on the aircraft. Such explosions and malfunctions can lead to the destruction of an aircraft and, consequently, a loss of life. Additionally, arcing can negatively effect the performance of nearby equipment on the aircraft, and cause power outages to vital systems, as well as overloads to vital systems.
      
    
    
      
        Furthermore, the present manner of interconnecting the power source to the HID interconnects, such as by screwing or welding, is cumbersome and difficult for aircraft personnel. The difficulty encountered in this interconnection can lead to the connection not being made properly or completely. This lack of a proper or complete connection can lead to arcing problems. Additionally, the difficulty in properly connecting the power source and the interconnects can lead to difficulty in the replacement or substitution of HID lamps, or the avoidance of such replacements by aircraft personnel, when such replacements would be otherwise necessary.
      
    
    
      
        Thus, there currently exists a need for an HID lamp, an HID lamp interconnect, and a method of making an HID lamp, that will prevent arcing difficulties on aircraft, as well as simplify the replacement of, and substitution of, HID lamps.
      
    
    
      
        BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
      
    
    
      
        The present invention is directed to a high intensity discharge lamp. The high intensity discharge lamp of the present invention includes an electrically powered lamp having a lamp exterior and at least one lead extending outside of the lamp, a male connector that is fastened at its base to one of the leads of the lamp, an insulate housing having an inner contour shaped to fittedly encompass therein the male connector and at least a portion of the lead of the arc lamp, and a cement contact that fastens, without air gaps, the housing to the lamp exterior. The lamp may additionally include a boot that hermetically locks over the insulate housing, a female connector mated to the male connector within the boot, and a feed line electrically connected to the female connector on one end and to a power source at the other end.
      
    
    
      
        Furthermore, the present invention includes an electrical interface for use with an electrically powered lamp having a lamp exterior and at least one lead extending outside of the lamp. The electrical interface includes a male connector that is fastened at its base to one of the leads of the lamp, an insulate housing having an inner contour shaped to fittedly encompass therein the male connector and at least a portion of the lead of the arc lamp, and a cement contact that fastens, without air gaps, the housing to the lamp exterior.
      
    
    
      
        The present invention also includes a method of interconnecting a high intensity discharge lamp. The method includes providing an electrically powered lamp having a lamp exterior and at least one lead extending outside of the lamp, fastening a male connector, at a base of the male connector, to one of the leads of the lamp, sliding an insulate housing fittedly over the male connector and at least a portion of the lead of the lamp, and hermetically fastening the insulate housing to the lamp exterior. The method of the present invention may additionally include detachably hermetically locking a boot over the insulate housing, wherein the boot includes therein a female connector mated to the male connector, mating the female connector to the male connector, electrically connecting a feed line to the female connector, which feed line passes electrical current, and permanently hermetically sealing the feed line to the boot.
      
    
    
      
        The present invention solves problems experienced with the prior art because it prevents arcing difficulties on aircraft, particularly at above 25 kV operating voltage for a high intensity discharge lamp, and above 25,000 feet altitude for aircraft, as well as simplifying the replacement of, and substitution of, HID lamps. Those and other advantages and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention hereinbelow.
      
    
  
  
    
      
        BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
      
    
    
      
        For the present invention to be clearly understood and readily practiced, the present invention will be described in conjunction with the following figures, wherein:
      
    
    
      
        
          FIG. 1
        
         is a schematic diagram illustrating a high intensity discharge lamp;
      
    
    
      
        
          FIGS. 2A and 2B
        
         are schematic diagrams illustrating a high intensity discharge lamp having an electrical interface connected thereto;
      
    
    
      
        
          FIGS. 3A and 3B
        
         are schematic diagrams illustrating a male connector;
      
    
    
      
        
          FIG. 4
        
         is a schematic diagram illustrating an insulate housing;
      
    
    
      
        
          FIG. 5
        
         is a schematic diagram illustrating a female connector for use in the electrical interface;
      
    
    
      
        
          FIG. 6
        
         is a schematic diagram illustrating a boot for use in the electrical interface; and
      
    
    
      
        
          FIG. 7
        
         is a flow diagram illustrating a method of interconnecting a high intensity discharge lamp.
      
    
  
  
    
      
        DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
      
    
    
      
        It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, many other elements found in a typical high voltage system and method. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other elements are desirable and/or required in order to implement the present invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements is not provided herein. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that, although the present invention is described hereinbelow with respect to a lighting system, the present invention may be implemented using any high voltage device having exposed electrical leads.
      
    
    
      
        
          FIG. 2A
        
         is a schematic diagram illustrating a high intensity discharge lamp 
        
          
            200
          
        
         developed in accordance with the present invention and having an electrical 
        
          
            202
          
        
         connected thereto. The electrical interface 
        
          
            202
          
        
        , as shown in detail 
        
          
            2
          
        
        B, includes a male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
        , an insulate housing 
        
          
            206
          
        
        , and at least one cement contact 
        
          
            208
          
        
        . Tn a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one electrical interface 
        
          
            202
          
        
         is connected to each of the two electrical leads 
        
          
            226
          
        
         extending through the back of the lamp 
        
          
            200
          
        
        , which leads are, for example, electrical current carrying, such as copper, components that are heated and pressed into the glass of the lamp 
        
          
            200
          
        
        , thereby creating a hermetic seal. Additionally, the electrical interface 
        
          
            202
          
        
         preferably includes a female connector 
        
          
            210
          
        
         (see 
        
          FIGS. 6A and 6B
        
        ) within a boot 
        
          
            212
          
        
        , which female connector 
        
          
            210
          
        
         electrically contacts the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
        .
      
    
    
      
        The HID lamp 
        
          
            200
          
        
         preferably is an electrical arc lamp, but may be any high voltage lamp or device. The HID lamp 
        
          
            200
          
        
         includes a lamp exterior 
        
          
            220
          
        
        , and hermetically sealed within the lamp exterior 
        
          
            220
          
        
         are two electrodes. A portion 
        
          
            224
          
        
         of the lamp exterior 
        
          
            220
          
        
         is preferably transparent or frosted, to allow light generated at the electrodes to pass to the outside environment from the lamp exterior 
        
          
            220
          
        
        . The two electrodes each have a lead 
        
          
            226
          
        
         connected thereto. The leads 
        
          
            226
          
        
         pass through the lamp exterior 
        
          
            220
          
        
        , and are hermetically sealed as the leads 
        
          
            226
          
        
         pass therethrough. The leads 
        
          
            226
          
        
         extend outward into the outside environment from the point at which the leads 
        
          
            226
          
        
         pass through the lamp exterior 
        
          
            220
          
        
        .
      
    
    
      
        
          FIGS. 3A and 3B
        
         are schematic diagrams illustrating the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         of FIG. 
        
          
            2
          
        
        A. The male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         is of the type known in the art, such as a metallic extension, stud, or pin, and may be of any metallic or alloyed substance capable of withstanding high current passing therethrough. The male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         has a base 
        
          
            302
          
        
         at the point of contact with the lamp exterior 
        
          
            220
          
        
        , and extends to an end 
        
          
            304
          
        
         at the point of the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         opposite the lamp exterior 
        
          
            220
          
        
        . The male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         is fastened to at least one of the leads 
        
          
            226
          
        
         of the lamp 
        
          
            200
          
        
        , and extends outwardly from the exterior 
        
          
            220
          
        
         of the lamp 
        
          
            200
          
        
        . Thus, the male connector preferably includes a placement opening 
        
          
            310
          
        
        , into which the leads 
        
          
            226
          
        
         may be placed. In a preferred embodiment, one male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         is connected to each lead 
        
          
            226
          
        
         of the lamp 
        
          
            200
          
        
        .
      
    
    
      
        The fastening of the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         to the lead 
        
          
            226
          
        
         must form an electrical bond that allows current to pass to/from the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         from/to the lead 
        
          
            226
          
        
        . For example, the at least one lead 
        
          
            226
          
        
         may include first screw threads 
        
          
            326
          
        
         thereon, and the first screw threads 
        
          
            326
          
        
         are then preferably mated to second screw threads 
        
          
            322
          
        
         on the base of said male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
        . The male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         is then fastened to the lead 
        
          
            226
          
        
         by an interlocking of the first screw threads 
        
          
            326
          
        
         and the second screw threads 
        
          
            322
          
        
        . In a second preferred embodiment, the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         is fastened to the lead 
        
          
            226
          
        
         by a weld, such as a spot weld. In an additional preferred embodiment, the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         may be fastened to the lead 
        
          
            226
          
        
         by a solder capable of operating under the operating conditions of an HID 
        
          
            200
          
        
        . In each preferred embodiment, the fastening of the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         to the lead 
        
          
            226
          
        
         provides a hermetic seal therebetween.
      
    
    
      
        
          FIG. 4
        
         is a schematic diagram illustrating the insulate housing 
        
          
            206
          
        
         of FIG. 
        
          
            2
          
        
        . The insulate housing 
        
          
            206
          
        
         is an insulator to prevent arcing at the connection point of the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         to a female connector 
        
          
            210
          
        
        , and at the connection point of the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         to the lead 
        
          
            226
          
        
        . Thus, the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         is preferably sealed hermetically within the insulate housing 
        
          
            206
          
        
        , by sealing methods apparent to those skilled in the art.
      
    
    
      
        In a preferred embodiment, the insulate housing 
        
          
            206
          
        
         extends outwardly from the lamp exterior 
        
          
            220
          
        
         a second distance, and the second distance is greater than the first distance by which the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         extends outwardly from the lamp exterior 
        
          
            220
          
        
        . The insulate housing 
        
          
            206
          
        
         has an inner contour 
        
          
            402
          
        
         along its inner surface where the inner contour 
        
          
            402
          
        
         is shaped to fittedly encompass therein the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         and at least a portion of the lead 
        
          
            226
          
        
         of the lamp 
        
          
            200
          
        
        .
      
    
    
      
        Further, the inner contour 
        
          
            402
          
        
         is preferably shaped to provide a snug fit for a female connector 
        
          
            210
          
        
         to be placed with the insulate housing 
        
          
            206
          
        
         to mate with the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
        . The insulate housing 
        
          
            206
          
        
         has an outer contour 
        
          
            404
          
        
        , and at least the portion 
        
          
            406
          
        
         of the outer contour 
        
          
            404
          
        
         that is immediately proximate to the lamp exterior 
        
          
            220
          
        
         is shaped to contour to the lamp exterior 
        
          
            220
          
        
         immediately surrounding the lead 
        
          
            226
          
        
         to which the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         is fastened.
      
    
    
      
        In addition, the outer contour 
        
          
            404
          
        
         is preferably shaped to include an air-tight integral locking groove 
        
          
            410
          
        
         for locking with the interior surface of a boot 
        
          
            212
          
        
        , as discussed hereinbelow, and this integral locking groove 
        
          
            410
          
        
         may be at an end of the housing 
        
          
            206
          
        
         opposite the lamp exterior 
        
          
            220
          
        
        . In a preferred embodiment, the insulate housing 
        
          
            206
          
        
         is formed of ceramic, and may be formed of additional materials capable of withstanding high current flow, and the heat that corresponds thereto, such as glass or plastics.
      
    
    
      
        Returning now to 
        
          FIG. 2
        
        , the at least one cement contact 
        
          
            208
          
        
         fastens, without any air gaps, the outer contour 
        
          
            404
          
        
         of the insulate housing 
        
          
            206
          
        
         immediately proximate to the lamp exterior 
        
          
            220
          
        
        . The at least one cement contact 
        
          
            208
          
        
         is a type of cement capable of operating under the conditions of the present application, and is capable of bonding the insulate housing 
        
          
            206
          
        
         to the glass of the lamp exterior 
        
          
            220
          
        
        . The contact 
        
          
            208
          
        
         may be, for example, a rubber cement that seals upon placement.
      
    
    
      
        The cement contact 
        
          
            208
          
        
         may be placed after the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         is fastened, or, in an embodiment wherein the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         and insulate housing 
        
          
            206
          
        
         are pre-fabricated, the cement contact 
        
          
            208
          
        
         may be integrally placed on the outer contour 
        
          
            404
          
        
         of the insulate housing 
        
          
            206
          
        
        , and may seal as it is contacted with the lamp exterior 
        
          
            220
          
        
        , such as when the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         is seated, such as by screwing to the lead 
        
          
            226
          
        
        . The cement contact 
        
          
            208
          
        
         may then be unsealed when the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         is unscrewed, for example, for ease of part replacements. In a second preferred embodiment, the cement contact 
        
          
            208
          
        
         may be permanent upon placement.
      
    
    
      
        In a preferred embodiment, the cement contact 
        
          
            208
          
        
         is rated to prevent arcing of at least 20 kV passing through the lead 
        
          
            226
          
        
         from/to the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         base. Additionally, the cement contact 
        
          
            208
          
        
         is rated to prevent arcing at high altitudes, such as at least 25,000 feet. In a more preferred embodiment, the cement contact 
        
          
            208
          
        
         is rated to prevent arcing of at least 25 kV at an altitude of at least 40,000 feet, and, in a most preferred embodiment, the cement contact 
        
          
            208
          
        
         is rated to prevent arcing of at least 30 kV at an altitude of at least 50,000 feet.
      
    
    
      
        
          FIG. 5
        
         is a schematic diagram illustrating a female connector 
        
          
            210
          
        
         for use in the electrical interface 
        
          
            202
          
        
         of FIG. 
        
          
            2
          
        
        . 
        
          FIG. 6
        
         is a schematic diagram illustrating a boot 
        
          
            212
          
        
         for use in the electrical interface 
        
          
            202
          
        
         of 
        
          FIG. 2
        
         with the female connector 
        
          
            210
          
        
         of FIG. 
        
          
            5
          
        
        .
      
    
    
      
        Referring to 
        
          FIGS. 5 and 6
        
        , the boot 
        
          
            212
          
        
         is preferably formed of silicon rubber, although other materials known to those skilled in the art may be used, subject to the condition that those other materials are preferably elastic, and must be capable of properly insulating in high voltage applications. The boot 
        
          
            212
          
        
         has an inner boot contour 
        
          
            602
          
        
         and an outer boot contour 
        
          
            604
          
        
        . The inner boot contour 
        
          
            602
          
        
         detachably locks over the outer contour 
        
          
            404
          
        
         of the insulate housing 
        
          
            206
          
        
        , which outer contour 
        
          
            404
          
        
         of the insulate housing 
        
          
            206
          
        
         may include an integral locking groove 
        
          
            410
          
        
        , as discussed hereinabove.
      
    
    
      
        The boot 
        
          
            212
          
        
         has two ends 
        
          
            610
          
        
        , 
        
          
            612
          
        
        , and each end 
        
          
            610
          
        
        , 
        
          
            612
          
        
         includes an opening 
        
          
            620
          
        
        , 
        
          
            622
          
        
         passing therethrough. The opening 
        
          
            620
          
        
         of one of the boot ends 
        
          
            610
          
        
         preferably integrally includes an elastic lip 
        
          
            630
          
        
         along the inner boot contour 
        
          
            602
          
        
        , which elastic lip 
        
          
            630
          
        
         creates a hermetic lock by sealing over the integral locking groove 
        
          
            410
          
        
         on the outer contour 
        
          
            404
          
        
         of the insulate housing 
        
          
            206
          
        
         opposite the lamp exterior 
        
          
            220
          
        
        . The elastic lip 
        
          
            630
          
        
         is preferably formed of silicon rubber.
      
    
    
      
        The female connector 
        
          
            210
          
        
         is mounted within the boot 
        
          
            212
          
        
         and between the two openings of the boot 
        
          
            212
          
        
        . The female connector 
        
          
            210
          
        
         is mated to the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
        . A feed line 
        
          
            501
          
        
         is electrically connected to the female connector 
        
          
            210
          
        
         through an insulating covering 
        
          
            502
          
        
        , and serves to pass electrical current therethrough. A metal structure 
        
          
            504
          
        
        , preferably having two open ends, is provided within the insulating covering 
        
          
            502
          
        
        , and the female connector 
        
          
            210
          
        
         is crimped and/or soldered into the metal structure 
        
          
            504
          
        
         on one open end of the metal structure. The feed line 
        
          
            501
          
        
         is crimped and/or soldered at the other open end of the metal structure 
        
          
            504
          
        
        , and the feed line 
        
          
            501
          
        
         is electrically connected, through the metal structure 
        
          
            504
          
        
        , to the female connector 
        
          
            210
          
        
        . The metal structure 
        
          
            504
          
        
         is preferably mounted within the insulation covering 
        
          
            502
          
        
        , centered within the insulation covering 
        
          
            502
          
        
        , and having a center axis passing between the two open ends of the metal structure 
        
          
            504
          
        
         approximately parallel to the tangential axis along the exterior of the insulation covering 
        
          
            502
          
        
        . Thus, the feed line 
        
          
            501
          
        
        , insulation covering 
        
          
            502
          
        
         containing the metal structure 
        
          
            504
          
        
        , and the female connector 
        
          
            210
          
        
         form a wire assembly.
      
    
    
      
        The feed line 
        
          
            501
          
        
        , insulation covering 
        
          
            502
          
        
         containing the metal structure 
        
          
            504
          
        
        , and the female connector 
        
          
            210
          
        
         are permanently hermetically sealed 
        
          
            640
          
        
         to the boot 
        
          
            212
          
        
        , by, for example, injection molding of the silicon boot 
        
          
            212
          
        
         around the feed line 
        
          
            501
          
        
        , insulation covering 
        
          
            502
          
        
         containing the metal structure 
        
          
            504
          
        
        , and the female connector 
        
          
            210
          
        
        , and this wire assembly extends from one end 
        
          
            612
          
        
         of the boot 
        
          
            212
          
        
         and passes through the inner boot contour 
        
          
            602
          
        
        . The female connector 
        
          
            210
          
        
         extends to the end 
        
          
            610
          
        
         of the boot 
        
          
            212
          
        
         opposite the end 
        
          
            612
          
        
         from which the feed line 
        
          
            502
          
        
         extends, and passes through the inner boot contour. The permanent hermetic seal 
        
          
            640
          
        
         of the boot 
        
          
            212
          
        
         to the feed line 
        
          
            502
          
        
         may be formed, for example, through the injection molding, or by a vulcanization. In the preferred embodiment, both the feed line 
        
          
            502
          
        
         and the boot 
        
          
            212
          
        
         are formed of silicon rubber, and the hermetic seal 
        
          
            640
          
        
         between the feed line 
        
          
            502
          
        
         and the boot 
        
          
            212
          
        
         is a silicon rubber to silicon rubber bond that requires no adhesive.
      
    
    
      
        The electrical interface 
        
          
            202
          
        
         of the present invention allows the HID lamp 
        
          
            200
          
        
         to be activated at high altitudes, such as at 55,000 feet, without arcing. Further, the electrical interface 
        
          
            202
          
        
         of the present invention, due to the provision of after-lamp-production installation of the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         and housing 
        
          
            206
          
        
        , and due to the ease of detachment of the boot 
        
          
            212
          
        
        , and security of attachment provided by the boot 
        
          
            212
          
        
        , provides improved substitution and replacement of HID lamps.
      
    
    
      
        
          FIG. 7
        
         is a flow diagram illustrating a method 
        
          
            700
          
        
         of interconnecting a high intensity discharge lamp 
        
          
            200
          
        
        . The method includes the step 
        
          
            702
          
        
         of providing an electrically powered lamp 
        
          
            200
          
        
         having a lamp exterior 
        
          
            220
          
        
         and at least one lead 
        
          
            226
          
        
         extending outside of the lamp 
        
          
            200
          
        
        , the step 
        
          
            704
          
        
         of fastening a male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
        , at a base of the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
        , to one of the at least one leads 
        
          
            226
          
        
         of the lamp 
        
          
            200
          
        
        , the step 
        
          
            706
          
        
         of sliding an insulate housing 
        
          
            206
          
        
         fittedly over the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         and at least a portion of the lead 
        
          
            226
          
        
         of the lamp 
        
          
            200
          
        
        , and the step 
        
          
            708
          
        
         of hermetically fastening the insulate housing 
        
          
            206
          
        
         to the lamp exterior 
        
          
            220
          
        
        .
      
    
    
      
        The method 
        
          
            700
          
        
         may additionally include the step 
        
          
            714
          
        
         of detachably hermetically locking a boot 
        
          
            212
          
        
         over the insulate housing 
        
          
            206
          
        
        , wherein the boot 
        
          
            212
          
        
         includes therein a female connector 
        
          
            210
          
        
         mated to the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
        , the step 
        
          
            716
          
        
         of mating the female connector 
        
          
            210
          
        
         to the male connector 
        
          
            204
          
        
         by the detachable hermetically locking 
        
          
            714
          
        
        , the step 
        
          
            718
          
        
         of electrically connecting a feed line to the female connector, which feed line passes electrical current, and/or the step 
        
          
            722
          
        
         of permanently hermetically sealing the feed line to the boot 
        
          
            212
          
        
        .
      
    
    
      
        Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations of the present invention may be implemented. For example, the electrical connector set forth herein is applicable to different types of high voltage connection applications, and not just to HID lamps. The foregoing description and the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations.
      
    
  
             
            
                        Claims
        
                - 1. An electrical interface for use with an electrically powered lamp having a lamp exterior and at least one lead extending outside of the lamp exterior, said interface comprising:a male connector having a base, said male connector being fastened at said base, said at least one lead extending outside of the lamp exterior to extend said male connector outwardly from the lamp exterior; and an insulate housing having an inner contour and an outer contour, said inner contour of said insulate housing being shaped to fittedly encompass said extended male connector and the fastened at least one lead extending outside of the lamp exterior, and at least a portion of the outer contour being shaped to contour to the lamp exterior immediately surrounding the at least one lead to form a cement contact, without air gaps, to the lamp exterior.
 
                - 2. The electrical interface of claim 1, wherein said insulate housing extends outwardly from the lamp exterior a second distance greater than a first distance extended by said male connector outwardly from the lamp exterior.
 
                - 3. The electrical interface of claim 1, wherein the at least one lead includes a plurality of first screw threads, said first screw threads being mated to a plurality of second screw threads at the base of said male connector, and said male connector being fastened to the at least one lead by interlocking the first screw threads and the second screw threads.
 
                - 4. The electrical interface of claim 1, wherein said male connector is fastened to the lead by an electrical bond.
 
                - 5. The electrical interface of claim 1, wherein said male connector is fastened to the lead by a solder.
 
                - 6. The electrical interface of claim 1, wherein said insulate housing is a ceramic.
 
                - 7. The electrical interface of claim 1, wherein said insulate housing is a glass.
 
                - 8. The electrical interface of claim 1, wherein the base of said male connector is sealed from air gaps within said insulate housing.
 
                - 9. The electrical interface of claim 1, wherein said insulate housing includes an integral lock at an end of the outer contour opposite the lamp exterior.
 
                - 10. The electrical interface of claim 1, wherein said formed cement contact being rated to prevent arcing when electrical potential is applied to the electrical interface of at least 20 kV.
 
                - 11. The electrical interface of claim 1, wherein said male connector is fastened to the lead by a weld.
 
                - 12. The electrical interface of claim 11, wherein the weld is a spot weld.
 
                - 13. The electrical interface of claim 1, wherein said formed cement contact being rated to prevent arcing when electrical potential is applied to the electrical interface at at least 25,000 feet.
 
                - 14. The electrical interface of claim 13, wherein said formed cement contact being rated to prevent arcing when electrical potential is applied to the electrical interface of at least 25 KV.
 
                - 15. The electrical interface of claim 14, wherein said formed cement contact being rated to prevent arcing when electrical potential is applied to the electrical interface at at least 40,000 feet.
 
                - 16. The electrical interface of claim 15, wherein said formed cement contact being rated to prevent arcing when electrical potential is applied to the electrical interface of 30 kV at 55,000 feet.
 
                - 17. The electrical interface of claim 1, further comprising a boot having an inner boot contour and an outer boot contour, wherein the inner boot contour detachably hermetically locks over the outer contour of said insulate housing.
 
                - 18. The electrical interface of claim 17, wherein the boot comprises silicon rubber.
 
                - 19. The electrical interface of claim 17, wherein said boot has two ends, and wherein each end includes an opening, and wherein the opening of one end includes an elastic lip on the inner boot contour, and said elastic lip creates the hermetic lock by sealing into a groove on the outer contour of said insulate housing opposite the lamp exterior.
 
                - 20. The electrical interface of claim 19, wherein the elastic lip comprises silicon rubber.
 
                - 21. The electrical interface of claim 17, further comprising:a female connector mated to said male connector; and a feed line electrically connected to said female connector, and said feed line passes electrical current.
 
                - 22. The electrical interface of claim 21, wherein said feed line is permanently and hermetically sealed to said boot, and wherein said feed line extends from one end of said boot and passes through the inner boot contour, and wherein said female connector extends to the opposite end of said boot and passes through the inner boot contour.
 
                - 23. The electrical interface of claim 22, wherein the permanent hermetic seal of said boot to said feed line comprises a vulcanization.
 
                - 24. An electrical interface for use with an electrically powered lamp, said lamp having a lamp exterior and at least one lead extending outside of the lamp exterior, said interface comprising:a male connector having a base, said male connector being fastened at said base to said at least one lead extending outside of the lamp exterior to extend said male connector outwardly from the lamp exterior; means for insulating said male connector, said insulating means being shaped to fittedly encompass said positioned male connector and the fastened at least one lead of the lamp, and said insulating means being contoured to the lamp exterior immediately surrounding the at least one lead; and means for securely fastening, without air gaps, said insulating means to the lamp exterior.
 
                - 25. A high intensity discharge lamp, comprising:an electrically, powered lamp having a lamp exterior and at least one lead extending outside of the lamp; a male connector having a base, said male connector being fastened at said base to said at least one lead extending outside of the lamp exterior to extend said male connector outwardly from the lamp exterior; an insulate housing having an inner contour and an outer contour, said inner contour of said insulate housing being shaped to fittedly encompass said extending male connector and the fastened at least one lead extending outside of the lamp exterior, and at least a portion of the outer contour being shaped to contour to the lamp exterior immediately surrounding the at least one lead to form a cemented contact, without air gaps, to the lamp exterior.
 
                - 26. The high intensity discharge lamp of claim 25, wherein the at least one lead includes a plurality of first screw threads, which first screw threads are mated to a plurality of second screw threads at the base of said male connector, and wherein said male connector is fastened to the lead by an interlocking of the first screw threads and the second screw threads.
 
                - 27. The high intensity discharge lamp of claim 25, wherein said insulate housing is a ceramic.
 
                - 28. The high intensity discharge lamp of claim 25, wherein said insulate housing is a glass.
 
                - 29. The high intensity discharge lamp of claim 25, wherein said cement contact is rated to prevent arcing of at least 20 kV at at least 25,000 feet.
 
                - 30. The high intensity discharge lamp of claim 25, further comprising a boot having an inner boot contour and an outer boot contour, wherein the inner boot contour detachably hermetically locks over the outer contour of said insulate housing.
 
                - 31. The high intensity discharge lamp of claim 30, wherein the boot comprises silicon rubber.
 
                - 32. The high intensity discharge lamp of claim 30, further comprising:a female connector mated to said male connector; and a feed line electrically connected to said female connector, which feed line passes electrical current.
 
                - 33. The high intensity discharge lamp of claim 32, wherein said feed line is permanently and hermetically sealed to said boot, and wherein said feed line extends from one end of said boot and passes through the inner boot contour, and wherein said female connector extends to the opposite end of said boot and passes through the inner boot contour.
 
                - 34. A method of interconnecting a high intensity discharge lamp, comprising the steps of:providing an electrically powered lamp, said lamp having a lamp exterior; extending outside of the lamp exterior at least one lead of said lamp; fastening a male connector with a base to the at least one lead extending outside of the lamp exterior; sliding an insulate housing fittedly over the male connector, said insulate housing having an inner contour and an outer contour; shaping said inner contour of said insulate housing to fittedly encompass said male connector and the fastened at least one lead extending outside of the lamp exterior; and hermetically fastening the insulate housing to the lamp exterior without air gaps.
 
                - 35. The method of claim 34, wherein said step of fastening the male connector to the at least one lead comprises the step of:screwing the male connector onto the at least one lead.
 
                - 36. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of:detachably hermetically locking a boot over the insulate housing, wherein the boot includes therein a female connector for mating to the male connector; mating the female connector to the male connector by said detachable hermetically locking; and electrically connecting a feed line to the female connector, wherein said feed line passes electrical current.
 
                - 37. The method of claim 36, further comprising the step of:permanently hermetically sealing the feed line to the boot.
 
                - 38. An electrical interface for use in high voltage applications, comprising:an electrical device having a device exterior; at least one lead connected to said electrical device extending outside of the device exterior; a male connector having a base, said male connector being fastened at said base to said at least one lead extending outside of the device exterior to extend said male connector outwardly from of said device; and an insulate housing having an inner contour and an outer contour, said inner contour of said insulate housing being shaped to fittedly encompass said extended male connector and the fastened at least one lead of the electric device extending outside of the device exterior, and at least a portion of the outer contour being shaped to contour to the device exterior immediately surrounding the at least one lead to form a cement contact, without air gaps, to the device exterior.
 
        
                
                
                
                
                
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            Foreign Referenced Citations (6)
            
                
                    
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