With Or Including Transparent Or Translucent Member Patents (Class 362/222)
  • Patent number: 6244724
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric luminaire having a luminaire housing (10, 11) and at least one low-pressure discharge lamp (12) as well as an operating device for operating the at least one low-pressure discharge lamp (12), the operating device having lamp-side (19a) and line-side electric terminals (19e, 19f) for supplying voltage to the at least one low-pressure discharge lamp (12) and to the operating device. The at least one low-pressure discharge lamp (12) is uncapped and has a plurality of supply leads (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) which project from its discharge vessel (12) and are connected in each case to one of the lamp-side electric terminals (19a) of the operating device. Furthermore, the components of the operating device are arranged together with the electric terminals (19a, 19e, 19f) of the operating device on a common mounting plate (18), and the electric terminals (19a, 19e, 19f) are constructed as insulation-piercing contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fuer elektrische Gluehlampen mbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Schemm
  • Patent number: 6234317
    Abstract: A device for sorting raw, pre-treated or recycled bulk materials, which are comprised of individual components to be sorted, wherein the classification of the parts to be sorted occurs along empirically determined classification parameters and the material which is sorted is removed, the device including a conveyance device for supplying the bulk material, a conditioning device for wetting the bulk material, a break-down device for breaking down the bulk material into individual parts to be sorted, a sensor device for sensing the classification-relevant characteristics of the components to be sorted and for production of measurement data, which includes at least one camera, which is connected to a device for evaluation of electronically measured values with at least one micro computer for classification of the components to be sorted and for achievement of a control signal by means of a control unit, wherein the camera is associated with at least one even diffused light emitting light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Wolfgang Sommer
  • Patent number: 6217190
    Abstract: A fluorescent lighting assembly (2) includes a ballast lampholder subassembly (4) located at one end of a troffer (80) and at least one lampholder connector (50) located at the opposite end. The ballast lampholder subassembly (4) includes ballast circuitry connected to fluorescent lamp terminals (17) all positioned within a ballast lampholder housing (6). A molded ballast lampholder cover (8) encloses three sides of the ballast lampholder subassembly and a stamped metal plate forms the ballast lampholder base (10), with the ballast circuitry located on a circuit board (27) positioned on the interior surface of the base. Integrally molded lampholders (15) extend from channels (14) on the cover (8) and are positioned between larger enclosure sections (12) which provide space for larger ballast components. Fluorescent lamp terminals (17) are inserted from the interior of the cover into cavities (16) in lampholders (15), and lead wires connect the terminals to the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Barry Eddington Altman, John Francis Turner, Kimberly Ann Ketelsleger
  • Patent number: 6210013
    Abstract: A refrigerator capable of being internally illuminated wherein the illumination is provided by an edge-lit panel of a substantially transparent material having two opposed surfaces of which at least one is within the refrigerator and on which a matrix of dots is applied so as to produce a light piping effect internally in to the refrigerator and wherein the light source of the edge-lit panel is located within the enclosed space of the refrigerator. One or more edge-lit panels may be used, which may be shelf of the refrigerator, or its side panels, back panel or roof panel. The edge-lit panel may be form from a transparent acrylic sheet, preferably containing an optical brightner. Protective transparent or translucent layer and a light diffuser may be applied to the surface carrying the matrix of dots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries PLC
    Inventor: Anthony Bousfield
  • Patent number: 6206544
    Abstract: A projection illumination fixture includes luminescent light tubes lined with an emulsion coating of titanium dioxide and phosphors for producing an appropriate mixture of highly scattered red, blue and green wavelengths of sustained luminescent light emission, a reflector housing for reflecting scattered rays of emitted luminescent light toward an aperture, a catadioptric lens for collecting and redirecting luminescent light rays reaching the aperture into and through a light snoot or barrel and a large area projection (magnifying) Fresnel lens at the end of the light snoot or barrel for directing and spreading the emitted light to fill an illumination field with directional divergent light ideal for dimensionally ‘painting’ talent and objects positioned and moving within the illumination field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Paul D. Costa
  • Patent number: 6176594
    Abstract: A low profile fluorescent lamp ballast assembly is provided to allow compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The assembly includes a ballast mounting plate on which the lamp ballast and lamp socket are adjacently mounted, so that the fluorescent bulbs in the socket extend over the lamp ballast. The ballast mounting plate is provided with side flanges for removably securing the lamp ballast and socket assembly to the plate. The lamp ballast may be provided with notches into which side flanges of the ballast mounting plate resiliently project to secure the same. The mounting plate is securable to the electrical junction box, contained within a wall, in a conventional matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignees: Levisohn, Lerner, Berger & Langsam
    Inventor: Fred Yarconi
  • Patent number: 6168289
    Abstract: Fluorescent lighting tubes which incorporate an electronic ballast housed in the sleeves or sockets at each end of the lighting tube. The sockets electrically connect the pins at each end of the fluorescent tube to one another and contain a plurality of electrical contacts. A wiring harness is provided which connects the electrical contacts in one sleeve to electrical contacts in the other sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Suresh H. Shah
  • Patent number: 6155694
    Abstract: A multi-flash strobe light pattern is superimposed on each individual light pulse produced by an incandescent lamp to provide a warning signal of enhanced visibility in a particulate laden ambient environment. The first pulse of each multi-flash strobe pattern is delayed for a time period, subsequent to energization of the incandescent lamp, which is equal to at least 80% of the time required for the incandescent lamp to achieve its maximum light output intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Wayne Lyons, James L. Stopa
  • Patent number: 6132061
    Abstract: A halogen light fixture that houses at least one halogen lamp and is mountable to a support surface. The fixture includes an elongated housing having opposing ends and an interior space in which the halogen light source located. The fixture is mounted to a surface by mounts that secure the fixture to the support surface. The mounts are also opposingly located on the housing and are adapted to releasably engage a plurality of locations on a surface of the housing which causes the housing to tilt is a predetermined manner thereby allowing light to be directionally positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Regent Lighting Corporation
    Inventors: Don Andrus, Brian L. Spitler, Pei Sheng Qian
  • Patent number: 6123432
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting assembly includes a lampshade member having a major wall that extend in a longitudinal direction and that forms a storing space in cooperation with a base plate disposed above the lampshade member and fixed on a wall structure. The major wall of the lampshade member defines a guiding slot therethrough in communication with the storing space such that two end seats for holding a fluorescent tube can be mounted on the major wall by inserting two fastener members through the end seats and the guiding slot for fastening on the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Tao-Tang Feng
  • Patent number: 6102550
    Abstract: A bracket system for fluorescent lighting fixtures using tubular bulbs and a ballast assembly for mounting on such brackets is provided. Each of a pair of opposing brackets includes a main bracket section and at least two bulb-mounting/connecting ends that receive tubular fluorescent light bulbs therein and that electrically connect the light bulbs with the ballast-generated, high-frequency driving current. The ballast housing is adapted for quick-connection to and disconnection from the main bracket section. Contact pads are provided to each of the main bracket section and the ballast housing. Conventional AC power is received through some of the contact pads for input to the ballast, and high-frequency driving current is transmitted from the ballast back to other contact pads for distribution to the underlying bracket bulb-mounting/connecting ends and to those of the opposing bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Photronix, LLC
    Inventor: Richard D. Edwards, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6019481
    Abstract: A light fixture apparatus including a support frame, a light box coupled to the support frame and a hollow housing portion coupled to the support frame alongside the light box. An opening is provided in the housing and a horizontal electrical outlet is in the housing portion opposite the opening. The housing portion includes the first cover pivotally coupled to the support frame at a first end and spaced from the support frame at a second end to form the opening. A second cover is secured in the housing to enclose the wiring of the electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Ambach, Dale A. Nobbe
  • Patent number: 5993034
    Abstract: A reflector is provided which surrounds a light source that has emissions in both the visible and radio frequency ranges. The electrically conductive reflecting coating of the reflector is connected to the system electrical ground so that the radio frequency component is effectively shielded by the reflector. The visible component of the spectrum emitted by the source escapes the reflector cavity after at least one reflection from the reflector surface and forms the required beam pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Valeo Sylvania L.L.C.
    Inventors: Frank Paul Kace, Jr., Robert L. King, Robert J. Schmitt, Jr., Richard J. Smaglick, Yakov G. Soskind, Mark A. Verplank, Douglas A. Waltrip
  • Patent number: 5954421
    Abstract: A fluorescent lighting fixture having at least one elongated fluorescent light tube and a reflector having edges extending generally the length of the light tube. The reflector having a pair of concave reflective surfaces for each light tube, wherein the concave surfaces are separated by an apex generally aligned over each light tube. A cover is removably attached to the reflector's edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Spencer C. McGrath
  • Patent number: 5951145
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus comprises a circular fluorescent lamp having inner and outer circular portions arranged coaxially and having outer diameters different each other, the inner circular portion having an outer meter of 285 mm to 310 mm and comprising a first arc tube having a tube diameter of 15 mm to 21 mm and the outer circular portion having an outer diameter of 360 to 390 mm comprising a second arc tube having a tube diameter of 15 to 21 mm. The lighting apparatus further comprises an apparatus body to which the circular fluorescent lamp is assembled. The apparatus body is provided with light reflection member adapted to reflect a light from the fluorescent lamp means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Fumitsugu Iwasaki, Ryouichi Komai, Keiji Takahashi, Kouji Takahashi, Keiichi Shimizu, Junya Hayashi
  • Patent number: 5914565
    Abstract: An electrical terminal block for a high wattage high intensity projection lamp, and use thereof. The electrical terminal block is connected to an electrical power supply and has an orifice for plug-in of cable that forms part of such a lamp. The terminal block reduces premature lamp failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Allen J. Bernardini
  • Patent number: 5909953
    Abstract: The fluorescent lighting fixture includes a protective tube having a roulette configuration dented portions of which extend longitudinally and a rib having a long hole in which a wire is inserted. The roulette configuration appears as a stripe pattern on the protective tube and the wire inserted in the hole becomes less noticeable. When the fluorescent lamp is set alight, the light reflects, the entire protective tube becomes luminous uniformly, and the wire becomes hard to be seen. The wire can be invisible without an extra part such as a screening plate, and sufficient luminous intensity can be obtained from the entire protective tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Jefcom Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kensuke Shima
  • Patent number: 5906427
    Abstract: A fluorescent light fixture that includes a lamp assembly having a circuit board therein where various components for the lamp's operation are provided; lamp fixing members for connecting the lamp by inserting them into both ends of the lamp assembly; an upper cover covering the top surface of the lamp assembly; a connector connected to the lamp fixing member through an installation groove at one end of the lamp assembly; and a coupler coupling a multiple connectors. Therefore, the lamp has an improved structure of the lamp assembly in order to allow the lamp itself to be replaced, and improved connections between the lamp assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Boam R & D Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shi Youl Noh
  • Patent number: 5832164
    Abstract: A light guide supporting structure has a base portion which is slidingly received and retained by a supporting member. The longitudinal edges of a light guide are secured within longitudinal slots formed in the base member. The supporting member is mounted upon a surface. The support structure includes an axial cavity which can form an electrical conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Kevin D. Miekis
  • Patent number: 5813751
    Abstract: A device for permanent installation of exterior Christmas lighting. The device includes an elongated channel having top and bottom walls joined by a rear wall, and a front wall that depends from the top wall, and a flexible, rectangular screen cover for insertion and retention between the front wall and the bottom wall. The device, in conjunction with one or more additional devices, can be custom fit and mounted by fasteners to a building exterior, such as along principal architectural features--e.g., attached to the eaves or outlining a pitched roof. With the cover screen removed, a string of decorative Christmas lights can be positioned within and stretched from one end of the channel to an opposite end thereof, electrically connected to similar strings within additional such devices, and connected to a source of electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Robert G. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 5791764
    Abstract: A light fixture with extruded wire way cover mount for quick engagement and disengagement of the wire way cover and fixture housing. The fixture housing is extruded to form a recessed channel with a pair of elongated, opposing retainer lips extending over the opposite sides of the channel to define respective retainer slots therebetween. A flexible wire way cover is provided and includes a pair of flanges for receipt in the respective retainer slots. A diffuser is also provided and is likewise formed with mounting flanges for receipt in respective diffuser retainer slots formed in the lateral side walls of the housing in overlying relation with the wire way cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Thin-Lite Corporation
    Inventor: Milenko Jaksich
  • Patent number: 5775797
    Abstract: The line-illumination device has a carrier (1), a plurality of tubular lamps (2) and a screen (5). Mounting brackets (7), which may be mounted to the screen (5) in any area of its length, are coupled to the screen (5) and to suspension brackets (6), which are coupled to the carrier (1) in a free area thereof. The suspension brackets (6) have a first hole (60) which extends up to the circumference of the bracket, and which may have a narrowed portion adjacent said circumference. A first pin (73) of the mounting brackets (6) is supported in said hole (60) and may be unround so as to be able to pass through the narrowed portion of the hole (60) in a rotational position which is different from rotational positions in which the pin (73) is supported in the hole (60). The construction of the device allows for an easy and fast assembling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Greald Henstra
  • Patent number: 5765939
    Abstract: Improved structures for housing assemblies for illuminated glass tubing are provided with this invention which comprises a housing assembly with a base section having wall portions forming an elongated channel having an open side; a central section having wall portions forming an elongated channel having an open side; and a light-transmitting cover section having wall portions forming an elongated channel having an open side; the central section secured to the cover section to form a light unit, the light unit being shorter than the base section; an elongated support plate for glass tubing, the wall portions of the central section including means adjacent the open side of the central section channel for supportably receiving the support plate in the channel; and the wall portions of the base section and the central section including means for securing the central section to the base section in snap-fit relation to close said open sides of said channels; whereby the longitudinal position of the light unit on t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Fallon Luminous Products Corporation
    Inventor: Walter Keisler Tanner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5743627
    Abstract: A low profile damage resistant lighting fixture which has a substantially rigid extruded housing base with an elongated back plate and a spaced pair of longitudinally extending legs that depend from an inside surface of the back plate and thereby provide a ballast channel between the legs and a pair of lamp channels on opposite sides of the ballast channel to receive elongated florescent lamps. An elongated cover is removably secured with snap connections to the legs for covering the ballast channel. Cast or molded end caps enclose opposite ends of the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph M. Casteel
  • Patent number: 5743625
    Abstract: A longitudinally curved, modular housing assembly for the protective support of illuminated glass tubing, such as neon lights, characterized by interconnected base, central, and cover sections which are all curved and have equal radii of curvature. The configuration of the housing assembly is such that it permits combination thereof with other, similar, housing assemblies to provide continuous lighting systems having various shapes and outlines. The housing assembly preferably contains a transformer and wiring for connection to a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Fallon Luminous Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Keisler Tanner
  • Patent number: 5716123
    Abstract: An elongated light fixture is disclosed which includes an elongated hollow transparent tube and a lens panel slidably mounted in the housing to disperse light and/or provide direct light from the fixture. An elongated reflector is mounted in the housing above the lens panel and has one or more light bulbs lighted thereon. The tube has open ends which are closed by caps secured thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: JJI Lighting Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Lamming
  • Patent number: 5658067
    Abstract: A modular light unit is disclosed which has a housing including an openable access panel with an electric lamp mounted in the housing. The housing has opposed ends which respectively mount male and female double insulated electrical connector plug means therein for electrically connecting the light unit to another light unit. The double insulated connector is formed with fully isolated terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Munters Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph D. Engle, John R. Howard, Robert Machacek, George S. Boznos
  • Patent number: 5649759
    Abstract: A lamp for fluorescent tubes includes a housing of plastic having two half-shells that can be divided laterally. A plug element is molded out of the housing and an illumination field is enclosed by an illumination field cover. Electrical equipment necessary for operating the fluorescent tube is provided. In the area of the separation line of the half-shells adjacent to the illumination field, at least one slot-shaped cutout for insertion of contact pins of the fluorescent tube is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventor: Heinrich Korte
  • Patent number: 5624179
    Abstract: A lamp for fluorescent tubes with a housing (2) of plastic consisting of two half-shells (9,10) that can be divided laterally, a plug element (3) molded out of the housing (2), an illumination field with possibly an illumination field cover (5), as well as the electrical equipment necessary for operating the fluorescent tube (12), has a switching element (7) guided through the housing (2) which can be held in place in the desired switching position by a catch element (19) provided on the housing (2) (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: Heinrich Korte
  • Patent number: 5599090
    Abstract: Lamp with protective tube comprising a transparent lamp tube, a bulb installed therein, and multi-part cap members tightly sealing off the lamp tube at both ends. The lamp is characterized in that both cap members (20, 20') have inner and outer compression rings (22, 22'; 23, 23') with facing thrust cones (22c, 23c), between which a sealing ring (24, 24') of rubber elastic material is clamped, the inner and outer compression rings (22, 22'; 23, 23') and the sealing ring (24, 24') being located inside the lamp tube (10). The outer compression ring (22, 22') being part of an actuating ring (22a, 22a') located outside the lamp tube (10). The inner compression ring (23, 23') is moveable toward the outer compression ring (22, 22') by means of an adjusting ring (21, 21'), also located outside the lamp tube (10), and a tensioning mechanism (21d, 23d), actuateable by the adjusting ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Herbert Waldmann GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Herbert Waldmann
  • Patent number: 5558420
    Abstract: A flat lighting device designed to be free from accidental breakage of the leading-in wires for the luminous body comprised therein if they are subjected to vibration in use to consequently enhance the overall reliability of the flat lighting device. Such a flat lighting device comprises a panel-shaped transparent substrate, a light source holding unit fitted to an end face of the substrate and a tubular luminous body fitted to said light source holding unit and is characterized in that said light source holding unit is made of a conductive material and has a substantially U-shaped cross section such that it engages said end face at the open side thereof and that one of the leading-in wires of said luminous body is connected to said light source holding unit to form thereon a power feed section for the luminous body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoji Oki, Koichi Hanaski, Shigeo Fujisawa
  • Patent number: 5541823
    Abstract: A housing assembly for protective support of illuminated glass tubing of the neon tube type comprising a base section, a central section, and a transparent cover section, each having wall portions forming an open sided elongated channel, a support plate mounted in the central section, elongated glass tubing disposed in the cover section and supportably mounted on the support plate in fastening clips, the base, central, and cover sections being formed of resiliently deformable material, such as plastic, and being assembled in snap-fit relation with each other to enclose the open sides of the channels. End caps enclose ends of the cover and central channels and protect the glass tubing and an electrical transformer and wiring disposed therein against weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Fallon Luminous Products Corp.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Fallon, Walter K. Tanner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5526241
    Abstract: An interior or courtesy light for a motor vehicle which provides general diffused light for the passenger compartment and which also provides directed concentrated light in selected areas of the passenger compartment. The lamp includes a fluorescent bulb defining a linear series of light sources and a plurality of louvers positioned beneath the bulb and selectively positioned to deliver concentrated light to selected areas of the passenger compartment. In a first embodiment, the louvers are fixed and are arranged in a first series directing light to the front passenger area and a second series directing light to the driver's area. In a second embodiment, the louvers are movable and may be selectively positioned by an occupant to provide directed concentrated light to a selected area of the passenger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Richard Ferrell
  • Patent number: 5483428
    Abstract: A wet niche light having a nonconductive forming shell 14 with a nonconductive housing 16 mounted therein. A double ended lamp is fixed within the housing in sockets which do not retain the lamp in friction engagement but rather hold the lamp by axial compression. A conductive reflector extends over the sockets and is grounded externally. A planar lens having vertical ribs is positioned within a bezel that attaches to the forward side of the housing by means of resilient clips. The nonconductive forming shell includes a conductive ring about the front opening of the shell with a conductor extending rearwardly for coupling with a pool grounding net. The lamp is positioned far enough within the housing such that no direct light from the lamp will strike the surface of the water in the pool at less than the critical angle of total reflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: GTY Industries
    Inventor: Charles B. Poppenheimer
  • Patent number: 5479327
    Abstract: A lighting fixture including an elongated housing defining a downward open space of a uniform cross section shaped like a truncated cone and having two longitudinal upper tracks and two longitudinal lower tracks, a transparent, water-proof bottom board fastened to the lower track of the housing, a flat, elongated lamp holder made of hollow structure having two flat, longitudinal, lateral bearing walls fastened to the upper tracks for holding a respective lamp tube below, a flat, longitudinal, intermediate bearing wall for holding a lamp tube, and two opposite sloping walls bilaterally connected between the lateral bearing walls and the intermediate bearing wall, two end caps fastened to the housing at two opposite ends, and water sealing jackets fastened to two opposite ends of each lamp tube, wherein the lamp holder can be set in a first position with the intermediate bearing wall disposed at a higher elevation than the lateral bearing walls to hold a single lamp tube, or turned upside down and set in a seco
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: Kuo L. Chen
  • Patent number: 5475576
    Abstract: A compact fluorescent sign light unit includes a ballast, a flat backplate and a socket for receiving a fluorescent tube, such as a twin tube lamp. The ballast has a substantially flat backwall, attachment devices for rigidly attaching the ballast to a support, and electrical connectors for connecting to an electric current source. The backplate has a forward surface rigidly attached to the backwall of the ballast. The socket is attached to the forward surface such that the fluorescent light tube extends substantially perpendicularly away from the forward surface, above a part of the ballast which is not covered with the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: Eldridge R. Daniels
  • Patent number: 5453917
    Abstract: A decorative tube with neon tube to be fixed to an installing base compises a transparent tubular body, a neon tube and a transformer. The neon tube and the transformer are provided within the transparent tubular body, and the transformer is for properly setting the neon tube into a luminous state. A decorative tube is fixed various installing bases, for example installing base made of steel pipe, section steel, wall, or scaffold set up at a construction site. A decorative tube is also made of hard tubular body with an opening on its circumferential wall according to the region wherein the neon tube is disposed. The decorative tube with neon enhances the appearance of construction sites or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Kasyu International Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroaki Ogawa
  • Patent number: 5450299
    Abstract: A touch activated illuminated hand rail assembly includes a hand rail in the form of an elongated opaque rigid hollow member having a construction of an outer plastic dielectric layer and an inner metallized layer so that the member functions as a capacitor which discharges electrical charge when touched by a person, a light bulb, such as an elongated fluorescent tube, disposed within the hollow member, a pair of conductor wires which connect to an external alternating current power source to provide electricity to the light bulb, an elongated cutout formed in the hollow member through which light emitted by the light bulb may shine outward to illuminate the area where the hand rail is installed, a timer device which turns on the light bulb when electrical charge is discharged from the hollow member and turns off the light bulb after passage of a fixed period of time, and a plurality of mounting brackets which attach the hollow member to a wall or other surface where a person may grasp it for support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventor: Dominic Lepre
  • Patent number: 5450221
    Abstract: A box-like molded housing with an open front has a flexible printed circuit wrapped around it, the printed circuit having a terminal array attached to a housing flange adjacent the front opening. A frame having a translucent web or filter covers the open front and contains a liquid crystal cell. A slot in the frame contains an elastomeric connector for joining terminals on the cell with terminals on the printed circuit to provide control signals to the cell. The housing interior is a reflector cavity and contains lamps for illuminating the web and the cell through the web. The printed circuit carries surface mount components, supplies power to the lamps, and has a contact array for connection to spring contacts of an external connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Marvin L. Owen, James E. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5440466
    Abstract: A retrofit unit for a fluorescent lighting fixture having a housing with an open face and a method for installing same. The retrofit unit includes a reflector plate for covering the open face of the housing and brackets for attaching the reflector plate to the housing. The reflector plate has slots formed therein which cooperate with the brackets for adjusting the reflector plate to fit the housing. At least one of the brackets acts as a hinge allowing the reflector plate to rotate away from the open face of the housing. The method includes providing the reflector plate and brackets, as well as inserting a bracket in a slot, adjusting the brackets relative to the slots, and adjusting fasteners relative to the brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Holophane Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Belisle, Robert A. Catone, John C. McCartney, Robert D. Zeller
  • Patent number: 5440467
    Abstract: A light assembly is provided for illuminating a worksurface below and in front of the light assembly. The light assembly includes a housing configured for mounting over the worksurface below an overhead cabinet or shelf, and an elongated linear light source such as a fluorescent light bulb supported in the housing. A step reflector is supported by the housing for reflecting light generated by the light source onto the worksurface therebelow, and a tubular lens is mounted telescopically onto the light source. The tubular lens includes prism-shaped triangular rings on its inside surface for controlling the light from the light source onto the worksurface therebelow. The tubular lens includes end sections and intermediate sections that can be selectively assembled together to cover the light source. By selectively including zero, one, or more of the intermediate sections, a variety of different length linear light sources can be covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventor: Terry L. Lautzenheiser
  • Patent number: 5436814
    Abstract: A portable, durable and rugged hand-held lighting device particularly useful as a safety flare or illumination device is described. This device utilizes a rare gas containing illumination source (e.g. a glass tube containing the rare gas) and is particularly useful in projecting light during darkness or in fog. The light source may be any of the conventional rare gas materials but neon is preferred. A fluorescent material coating the inside of the glass tube may be used enhance the output of the light from other rare gasses. The power supply for this unit may be replaceable or rechargeable batteries or the device may be connected to a permanent DC or AC power supply to enhance the life thereof. A transformer is used to increase the electrical power supply from the power supply to the glass tube and is required in order to get the high intensity light output afforded by the use of rare gas illuminating devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Brite-Glow Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl Hanley
  • Patent number: 5386353
    Abstract: An electrical lighting system consists of two or more, adjacently mounted, lighting modules where each module includes an elongated, box-type housing adapted to be mounted in a predetermined arrangement on a light source supporting surface, the housing being provided with mounting and electrical supply for a light source and, further, with longitudinal guides mounted on the sides of the box and adapted to accept and secure a slotted tubular translucent light cover when the slot edges of the tubular cover are slid into the guides and split collars providing slide-in openings adapted to accommodate the ends of two or more of the covers of the adjacently mounted lighting modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: Domenic Battaglia
  • Patent number: 5363295
    Abstract: A replacement fluorescent lighting device includes a fluorescent lamp having a plurality of parallel tubes elongated along an axis and a reflector with an annual reflecting inner surface surrounding the tubes. The inner surface includes at least one surface, or surface segment, that is defined by a geometric curve rotated at least partially about a given axis, with the curve having a focal point that is laterally offset from the given axis in order to have a focal ring segment to enhance light emitted by the surface of the fluorescent tubes. Multiple surface segments are defined about an axis offset from the lamp axis of elongation and spaced radially around the fluorescent lamp. These segments are positioned at major lumen output lobes of the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Progressive Technology in Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. DeKleine, Rick A. Perkins
  • Patent number: 5309335
    Abstract: The invention includes a lens assembly for use in a lighting system including (a) an elongated translucent lens; (b) tracks for slidably receiving the lens; (c) means for securing the lens at one point thereby allowing thermal expansion and contraction of the elongated translucent lens along the tracks; and (d) means for receiving ends of the elongated translucent lens during expansion and contraction. The invention also includes a light box corner section attached to the corner of a raised canopy or roof including (a) a top assembly in an L-shaped configuration attached to the ceiling of the raised canopy; (b) a bottom panel having an L-shaped configuration attached to the top assembly; and (c) a corner section elongated translucent lens secured between at least a portion of the outer edges of said top assembly and bottom panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: John F. Tryon
  • Patent number: 5270910
    Abstract: A thin light box comprising a thin structural frame less than about 3 inches thick for supporting a transparency to be illuminated along a frontal plane; a thin tubular cold cathode lamp between about 1/2 and 5/8 diameter (about 1.2 cm and 1.6 cm) having a planar serpentine configuration with a length of more than about 8 feet and less than about 16 feet which cold cathode lamp is supported within and by the frame substantially in a light tube plane parallel to the frontal plane spaced apart from the frontal plane about 3/4 of an inch (about 2 cm); and a thin solid state transformer sized to fit within and to be supported by the thin frame, which solid state transformer produces a sufficiently high voltage to illuminate the cold cathode tube lamp to provide sufficient illumination for backlighting the transparency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Edwin N. Kile
  • Patent number: 5226724
    Abstract: A modular, fluorescent, indirect lighting system which may be easily mounted to most surfaces by the user, without any technical knowledge or experience, using just a screwdriver and measuring tape. The system is comprised of a family of plug-in modules, each of which contain an integral power bus (84 and 86), that provides power continuity to the adjacent module, and a gender conversion plug (42) that allows the installer to configure each module so that power is supplied only from female connectors. The system includes a power source module (110) and three sizes of illumination modules (156, 158 and 52), which house single 20, 30 or 40 watt lamps, as well as inside and outside corner modules (118 and 122) and both straight and corner adjustable-length modules (128 and 148). Modules selected from this family can be plugged together to create a cove lighting system for a room of almost any size or shape. The complete installation is powered by a neat line cord (116) plugged into a standard wall outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Inventor: Shepard S. Kanarek
  • Patent number: 5192128
    Abstract: A luminaire, and typically an indirect luminaire, is provided with at least one visible lens element or other light transmissive media, the observable brightness of which is intended to enhance the performance of the luminaire in terms of providing a psychologically pleasing lighting environment. The brightness induced in the lens element is controlled by directing source light to the lens through a confined indirect light path provided by reflector components within the luminaire. Additionally, a light shield is provided internally of the luminaire to prevent direct source light from reaching the lens element. Preferably, at least one of the reflector components in the indirect light path is a diffuse reflector such that source light incident on the lens element is diffuse light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Peerless Lighting Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Y. Y. Ngai
  • Patent number: 5169227
    Abstract: There is provided a fluorescent lamp having a fluorescent tube and a connecting element for connection to a source of current. The connecting element includes a mains plug having a contact plugs electrically connected to the fluorescent tube and projecting on one side of the mains plug. The area of the connecting element facing the contact plugs is in the shape of a housing for the fluorescent tube having an oblong shape with the mains plug located on the longitudinal side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Korte-Licht Inh. Heinrich Korte
    Inventors: Heinrich Korte, Theo Spix
  • Patent number: 5158359
    Abstract: An improved illumination system has a lamp encased in a translucent tube with open ends coupled to endcaps via seals disposed circumferentially around the open ends and securing the tube to the endcaps in removable engagement. The seals are compressed between the tube and a securing nut or collar, forming a watertight seal. The endcaps include electrical connectors for providing electrical power to the encased lamp, coupled to electrical circuitry such as a ballast transformer encased in a sealed housing, via conductors in sealed conduits leading to the endcaps. The illumination system can have two or more lamps in respective transparent tubes, in parallel relation with support tubes and conduits leading from the circuitry to the endcaps. Preferably, end portions of the conduits and tubes are angled, for example at 45 degrees with respect to a center portion, for positioning the transparent tubes at a plane displaced from that of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: James D. Penturelli