Method and apparatus for coupling bulb stem to rotatable motor shaft
US5688064A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 1996 |
| Grant date | Nov 18, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 30, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/57
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An inexpensive and reliable method and apparatus for selectively coupling the bulb stem of an electrodeless lamp to a rotatable drive shaft does not require side access to a set screw or an RF sealing arrangement. The coupler accommodates angular and eccentric misalignment of threadedly engageable members at relatively low manufacturing costs. A cylindrical coupler connected to the bulb stem is provided with a cylindrical cross-hole extending diametrically through and exposing the proximal end of the bulb stem in the longitudinal bore. A seating lock nut of generally rectangular configuration, and having a pair of opposite compressible turned out comers or "wings", is insertable through the cross-hole and is loosely retained at the intersection of the bore and cross-hole. The seating lock nut is sized, relative to the cross-hole and longitudinal bore, such that, upon being released within the cross-hole, the lock nut is loosely retained. The distal tip of the drive shaft is pointed to facilitate its entry into threaded aperture formed by bendable tongue members of the loosely retained seating lock nut. Rearwardly of its pointed end, the drive shaft is threaded to engage the nut thr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.