Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling compound ramps in LED luminaires and lighting circuits are disclosed. In a compound ramp, the light output of one set of LED light engines increases while the light output of another set of LED light engines decreases. During such a ramp, the methods and systems may control the total light output to keep it relatively constant. In some embodiments, the methods and systems may also control the color of the emitted light maintain ideal color characteristics.

Abstract: Optical systems for linear lighting, particularly linear lighting that is installed in a channel, are disclosed, as are light fixtures that use these optical systems. The optical systems have multiple lenses, usually a first lens adapted to be positioned close to a strip of linear lighting installed in a channel, and a second lens adapted to be positioned farther from the strip of linear lighting. The two lenses are optically aligned with one another such that light from the first lens reaches the second lens. The two lenses may, e.g., form an Abbe condenser lens system. In some embodiments, diffusing features may be integrated into one or both lenses to effect light mixing. The multiple lenses may be adapted to physically support one another, and to engage with structure provided by the channel for securing a cover.

Abstract: A flexible cover for a linear lighting channel is described, as are enclosures and luminaires using this kind of flexible cover. The flexible cover has sufficient flexibility to be bent or coiled to a bend radius of 6 inches (15.2 cm) or smaller, and can thus be coiled for shipping and uncoiled for installation. Typically, the cover is made of a polymer that is at least translucent. Covers may be made in various shapes, including lens and prism shapes, and channels may be made with sidewalls that make complementary shapes in order to engage with and retain the covers.

Abstract: A linear luminaire is disclosed. The linear luminaire includes a channel, in which a strip of linear lighting is disclosed. The strip of linear lighting may have an individual optic positioned over each LED light engine. A set of louvers is provided. The set of louvers is arranged such that an individual louver is positioned over each one of the LED light engines. The individual louvers are generally cylindrical in shape. The individual louvers are connected by a web or platform that carries engaging structure allowing the set of louvers to snap or slide into the channel. The channel is covered with a channel cover, which has edges that extend out over at least a portion of the channel sidewalls, making it more difficult for dust and other foreign matter to enter the channel. The channel cover may be transparent.

Abstract: Encapsulated linear lighting with improved light diffusion is disclosed. The encapsulated linear lighting includes a channel and a long narrow strip of printed circuit board (PCB) with light engines disposed off-center on the PCB. The PCB is installed along a bottom inner surface of a sidewall of the channel so that the light engines are adjacent a bottom of the channel. The encapsulated linear lighting includes a covering that encapsulates and protects the PCB.

Abstract: Optical systems for linear lighting, particularly linear lighting that is installed in a channel, are disclosed, as are light fixtures that use these optical systems. The optical systems have multiple optical elements, usually a first lens adapted to be positioned close to a strip of linear lighting installed in a channel, and a second lens adapted to be positioned farther from the strip of linear lighting. In some cases, the first optical element may be a diffuser. The two optical elements are optically aligned with one another such that light from the first optical element reaches the second optical element. The multiple optical elements may be adapted to physically support one another, and to engage with structure provided by the channel for securing a cover. Some optical systems may be adapted to compensate for variations in the color or intensity of the emitted light.

Abstract: Interchangeable driver systems including at least a driver and a receptacle are disclosed. The receptacle provides a compartment, space, or other connection point for a power input as well as connecting structure that releasably and interchangeably connects to the driver. The driver has complementary electrical and mechanical connecting structure. The electrical and mechanical connections between the driver and the receptacle are such that when a mechanical connection between them is made, an electrical connection is also made. The receptacle may take the form of an enclosure that surrounds a substantial portion of the driver, or it may take the form of a short base with a socket that receives a connecting portion of the driver.

Abstract: An electrical gang box adapted for use with drivers is disclosed. The electrical gang box includes a main compartment with a front opening sized and adapted to accept an electrical control and structure around the front opening to secure the electrical control within the front opening and within the main compartment. The electrical gang box also includes a lower compartment that extends below the main compartment, is set back from the front of the main compartment and is open to the main compartment along an upper portion. The gang box may also include one or more pairs of rails disposed on opposite interior walls. In such cases, a divider panel is sized to slide into and extend between the rails to divide the junction box. Multiple-gang boxes with these features are also disclosed.

Abstract: Lighting circuits using LED light engines and strips of linear lighting using these circuits are described. The lighting circuits are designed to produce different levels of light output at least in part using onboard components. In some embodiments, the circuit contains several current-setting elements, such as resistors, which are coupled to their own terminals such that the light output of the lighting circuit is determined by which of the terminals are connected to power. In other embodiments, a transistor in the lighting circuit may be adapted to allow or prevent current flow in the circuit based on a control signal applied to its gate. The circuit thus has separate power and control signal lines, and an external device, such as a pulse-width modulation signal generator, may be applied to the control signal line to modulate the light output.

Abstract: Optical systems for linear lighting, particularly linear lighting that is installed in a channel, are disclosed, as are light fixtures that use these optical systems. The optical systems have multiple lenses, usually a first lens adapted to be positioned close to a strip of linear lighting installed in a channel, and a second lens adapted to be positioned farther from the strip of linear lighting. The two lenses are optically aligned with one another such that light from the first lens reaches the second lens. The two lenses may, e.g., form an Abbe condenser lens system. In some embodiments, diffusing features may be integrated into one or both lenses to effect light mixing. The multiple lenses may be adapted to physically support one another, and to engage with structure provided by the channel for securing a cover.

Abstract: Lighting circuits and strips of linear lighting that can accept either a lower voltage or a higher voltage are disclosed. In the lighting circuit, a repeating block including LED light engines and current-setting elements is divided into two sub-blocks. Terminals are provided that allow the sub-blocks to be connected to voltage and ground in various ways. When the two sub-blocks are connected electrically in parallel with one another, the lighting circuit accepts the lower voltage; when the two sub-blocks are connected electrically in series with one another, the lighting circuit accepts the higher voltage. Circuitry that automatically detects the applied voltage and switches between series and parallel configurations may be included in some embodiments.

Abstract: Junction boxes and partitions for junction boxes are disclosed. The junction boxes have a central area for installation of a driver or another such component and at least one wrap-around compartment in which wire connections can be made. In many cases, the junction box may have two wrap-around compartments, often mirror images of one another, that provide separate spaces for high- and low-voltage wire connections. The interior walls or partitions that create the compartments may be carried by and arise from the base of a junction box, or they may be carried by a separate piece that inserts over the driver, fully encloses or caps it, and also carries partition portions to create fully-divided compartments when used in combination with a junction box base that has no partitions of its own.

Abstract: A weather-resistant junction box is disclosed. The junction box includes a back panel and a number of sidewalls arising from the back panel to create an enclosure with an open face. A removable panel is constructed and arranged to cover and close the open face. A cap with an overhang extends over the top of the enclosure, extending out and down over the top portions of its sidewalls. Internally, the enclosure is divided by one or more partitions into a driver compartment and two or more connection compartments. Each of the connection compartments includes at least one opening, or a knock-out for the opening. All of the openings or knock-outs for all of the connection compartments may be located in the same panel of the junction box.

Abstract: Connectors for linear lighting are disclosed. These connectors are adapted to electrically connect two strips of linear lighting, or a single strip of linear lighting and an appropriate number of wires. At least the portions of the connectors that accept the strips of linear lighting have sloped ramps that provide strain relief to the strips of linear lighting. Additionally, pivoting connectors that allow their sides to rotate relative to one another are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for making encapsulated linear lighting with opaque ends are disclosed. Linear lighting is placed in a polymeric channel, and the channel is filled with a resin in order to encapsulate the linear lighting. In order to prevent leaks, the channel is dammed at both ends of the linear lighting with stoppers. The channel has interior engaging features, such as grooves or ridges, that engage with complementary features on the sidewalls of the stoppers to form a seal between the channel and the stoppers. The resin within the channel is caused or allowed to cure. The stoppers are moved back from the cured mass to form a gap. An opaque resin may be poured into the channel and spills into the gap to coat the top and end face or faces of the linear lighting. Once all resin layers are cured, the stoppers are removed from the channel.

Abstract: Optical systems for linear lighting, particularly linear lighting that is installed in a channel, are disclosed, as are light fixtures that use these optical systems. The optical systems have multiple optical elements, usually a first lens adapted to be positioned close to a strip of linear lighting installed in a channel, and a second lens adapted to be positioned farther from the strip of linear lighting. In some cases, the first optical element may be a diffuser. The two optical elements are optically aligned with one another such that light from the first optical element reaches the second optical element. The multiple optical elements may be adapted to physically support one another, and to engage with structure provided by the channel for securing a cover. Some optical systems may be adapted to compensate for variations in the color or intensity of the emitted light.

Abstract: Methods for making encapsulated linear lighting are disclosed. In these methods, linear lighting is placed in a polymeric channel, and the channel is filled with a resin in order to encapsulate the linear lighting. In order to prevent leaks, the channel is dammed at both ends of the linear lighting with stoppers. The channel has interior engaging features, such as grooves or ridges, that engage with complementary features on the sidewalls of the stoppers to form a seal between the channel and the stoppers. The resin within the channel is caused or allowed to cure, and once cured, the stoppers are removed from the channel.

Abstract: Channel systems adapted to diffuse light are disclosed. The channels include a bottom and a pair of sidewalls. The interior surfaces of the sidewalls are free from inward projections or ridges that would prevent light from linear lighting installed in the channel from reaching the cover. In some cases, the sidewalls may bend inwardly to capture and engage the cover. In various embodiments, the cover may be a diffuser, a lens, or a prism. In some cases, the bottom of the channel may be sloped or angled to direct the light from linear lighting installed on it.

Abstract: Multi-purpose channels are disclosed. These channels include sidewalls and a bottom, which may be either modular or of single-piece construction. An outwardly-extending flange is removably connected to at least one sidewall, allowing the channel to be mounted flush in a wall or converted for mounting in another fashion.

Abstract: Linear lighting with a mirrored coating is disclosed, as is a luminaire including the linear lighting.