Importance

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Abstract

An all-weather lamp includes a standard fluorescent lamp and a protective assembly having a protective tube that is preformed from a semi-rigid, non-frangible polymeric transparent or translucent material that is stabilized against ultraviolet radiation and is received over the glass tube with its inner surface substantially uniformly spaced apart from the outer surface of the glass tube to form an air space for insulation of the lamp. The desired uniform spacing between the lamp tube and the protective tube is established by a spacer ring located adjacent each end of the glass tube and adhesively bonded to the glass tube. The protective tube is securely joined to the lamp by a shrink-fitted collar at each end of the lamp that overlaps and is adhesively joined to the protective tube and the lamp terminal cap. A multiplicity of vent holes in portions of the protective tube proximate to the terminal caps of the lamp allow ventilation of the air space between the glass tube and the protective tube. The vent holes are of a size such that if the lamp breaks fragments of the glass tube cannot pass through the holes. There is a sufficient number of holes to enable the lamp to operate without substantial discoloration and without a substantial reduction in light output at ambient temperatures in the range of from about 50.degree. F. to about -30.degree. F.

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First Claim