With Provision For Axial Receipt Of Lamp Contact Patents (Class 439/242)
  • Patent number: 10408389
    Abstract: A modular power manifold for a tube light may feature LED strips mounted in a support extrusion. A cover is provided as are two end caps with modular connectors which allow use in multiple settings. A power interface may also be provided to supply auxiliary power to additional loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Elmer A Wessel
  • Patent number: 8944670
    Abstract: The base for a light emitting diode lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cap which covers an end of a tube of the light emitting diode lamp; and two pins which are extended respectively from the cap toward the outside of an end of the tube. One of the two pins is nonconductive and the other one of the two pins is conductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Lumirich Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ha chul Kim
  • Patent number: 8853923
    Abstract: A discharge tube of the present invention includes a glass bulb in which noble gas is enclosed, a pair of electrodes protruding from both ends of the glass bulb in the longitudinal direction of the glass bulb, and a connector connected to each of the electrodes. Each of the electrodes includes at least an axis section and a large-diameter section with a step section and a circumferential face. The step section has a first latching section for latching onto the connector. The circumferential face has a contact section with which the connector comes in contact. The connector includes a connector body into which the electrode is inserted, a second latching section for latching onto the first latching section of the electrode, and a connecting section connected to the contact section of the electrode. This achieves a discharge tube with high connection reliability and high heat radiation efficiency, and a light-emitting apparatus provided with this discharge tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Erika Kawabata, Katsushi Sumisaki
  • Patent number: 8491142
    Abstract: Provided is a backlight assembly which can be assembled with increased efficiency and has improved reliability. The backlight assembly includes a fluorescent lamp which includes a fluorescent lamp tube and a pair of lamp leads formed at each end of the fluorescent lamp tube, end caps which surround each end of the fluorescent lamp tube and fix the lamp leads in place, and a power supply terminal units which supply power to the lamp leads, wherein an end cap exposes at least part of each of the lamp leads corresponding thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyun-Chul Bae
  • Patent number: 8292631
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a number of electrical contacts secured to the insulative housing. The insulative housing has a pair of opposite top surface and bottom surfaces. Each electrical contact includes a retaining section received in the insulative housing, a flat offset section bending from a top end of the retaining section and extending along the top surface of the insulative housing, a soldering section bending from a bottom end of the retaining section, and a cantilevered contact arm bending downwardly from the offset section and projecting into the insulative housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hao-Yun Ma
  • Patent number: 7946733
    Abstract: A discharge lamp (10) has a fixing base (20) on one end. In some embodiments, the fixing base comprises a cylindrical first body portion (21) having a pair of notches (21H), a cylindrical second body portion being larger than the diameter of the first body portion and having a joint (23H), and a groove portion (25) formed in between the first and second body portion and having an equal or less diameter of a space of the pair of notches. A first body portion and a stepped surface (21B) of the groove portion is contacted to a base surface of a lamp holder (50) when the fixing base is inserted to the lamp holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Hoya Candeo Optronics Corporation
    Inventor: Katsumi Ashida
  • Patent number: 7926965
    Abstract: A lamp socket that can reduce the thickness of both sides of a display device includes a socket main body having a contact hole formed therein, and a power-applying member coupled to the socket main body through the contact hole, and provided with a lamp connection terminal, an inverter connection terminal, and a terminal connection part connected with the lamp connection terminal in a bent form so as to connect the lamp connection terminal with the inverter connection terminal. Accordingly, the thickness of both sides of the display device including the lamp sockets is reduced, and the compatibility of the product is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joo-Woan Cho, Seong-Sik Choi, Yong-Woo Lee, Hyun-Chul Bae, Du-Hwan Chung, Cheol-Yong Noh
  • Patent number: 7699496
    Abstract: A structure for attaching a fluorescent tube includes a base, a holder supported by the base, and a pair of contacts. The holder holds an intermediate portion of the fluorescent tube while restraining the fluorescent tube from moving in a radial direction. To the pair of contacts, terminals of a pair of end portions of the fluorescent tube are respectively attachable in an attaching direction corresponding to the radial direction of the fluorescent tube. Each contact includes a pair of elastic pieces facing each other. The pair of elastic pieces have a pair of straight portions extending substantially straight along the attaching direction and facing each other. On the pair of straight portions, a pair of contact portions for clamping the corresponding terminal of the fluorescent tube therebetween are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: J.S.T. Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsunori Miyazono
  • Patent number: 7686635
    Abstract: A terminal includes a supporting plate, a holding member, a connection portion and a receiving portion. The terminal is connected to a lamp for a liquid crystal display (LCD) device. The holding member protrudes from a side of the supporting plate to surround a wire. The connection portion protrudes from an upper portion of the supporting plate and is bent to hold an electrode of the lamp. The receiving portion protrudes from the connection portion and is bent to be held by the holding member with the wire. Therefore, separation of the lamp from the terminal is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyu-Bok Hwang
  • Patent number: 7530828
    Abstract: An electrical connector has a contact held by a housing and an operating member for operating the contact. The housing includes an insertion recess into which a shaft-like terminal is inserted in a first direction. A pair of elastic pieces of the contact respectively includes clamp portions for clamping the terminal in predetermined clamping directions orthogonal to the first direction. The first direction is in a radial direction of the terminal. The operating member includes widening operating portions for widening the distance between the clamp portions of the pair of elastic pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: J.S.T. Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsunori Miyazono
  • Publication number: 20090117767
    Abstract: A complex coupler for cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) is used as a lamp lead wire coupling terminal, which includes a main body, a CCFL socket, and a cable socket. The main body is in the shape of an elongated column with a complex structure consisting of an inner conductive body and an outer enclosing insulative layer. The main body has a lamp coupling surface, on which the CCFL socket is formed for receiving an end of a CCFL and a lamp lead wire provided on that end of the CCFL, and a conductor coupling surface, on which the conductor socket is formed for a cable to connect thereto. The lamp lead wire of the CCFL and the cable can be electrically connected to each other via the lamp lead wire coupling terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Kuang-Yung Liu, Chen-Hsuan Hsieh, Che-Chen Ou
  • Patent number: 7462052
    Abstract: A lamp is configured for removable insertion into a socket assembly. The lamp includes a light source and a housing. The housing has a proximate end and a distal end. The light source is attached to the proximate end. The housing has an aperture at the distal end. The socket assembly includes a post. The aperture is sized to receive the post when the lamp is inserted into the socket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Richard L. Karton
  • Patent number: 7429184
    Abstract: A lamp holder includes a first holder, a second holder and a connecting part. The second holder is coupled with the first holder to cover an end portion of the lamp. The connecting part connects the first and second holders with each other. Thus, the lamp holder is assembled easily by the connecting part to protect the lamp, so that the lamp is safely supplied with power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seong-Sik Choi
  • Patent number: 7399199
    Abstract: A cable management device, which comprises a body having an axis and at least one planar flange and at least one cable retainer; this apparatus allows for removable attachment of a cable during axial winding in a single plane, which results in uniform and neat storage of cable or cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Blue Lounge Design, LLC
    Inventor: Dominic Symons
  • Patent number: 7354317
    Abstract: A system and a method for keying lamps which involve a lamp keying device such as a keying device with at least one base protruding key being formed on the base and at least one support slot being formed in the lamp support receptacle, the at least one base protruding key detachably coupling with the at least one support slot; a keying device with at least one support protruding key being formed on the lamp support receptacle and at least one base slot being formed in the base, the at least one base slot detachably coupling with the at least one protruding support key; and a keying device with at least one base protruding key being formed on the base and at least one base slot being formed in the base, the keying device further having at least one complementary support protruding key being formed on the lamp support receptacle and at least one complementary support slot being formed in the lamp support receptacle, the at least one base protruding key detachably coupling with the at least one complementary sup
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Ultraviolet Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Witham, Roberto E. Arance, Keith M. Crawford, Michael A. Pedersen, Michael A. Jacques
  • Patent number: 7311540
    Abstract: A safety mechanism includes a pair of sliding blocks each movably received inside the light bulb socket and a releasing block operably connected to each of the pair of sliding blocks to activate movement of the sliding blocks for releasing an energy saving light bulb. Each of the sliding blocks is provided with a first spring received in a first receiving compartment, an inclined first abutting face and a positioning recess so that when the insertion head of the energy saving light bulb passes over the wedged head of the sliding block, the sliding block is moved to allow the insertion head of the energy saving light bulb to be moved from the insertion hole to the positioning hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Chia-Kuan Lin
  • Patent number: 7256539
    Abstract: An eccentric planar fluorescent tube includes an outer planar fluorescent tubular member that extends substantially but not completely about a center point and which is extended by two inner portions that extend from a first peripheral portion of the outer tubular member and on opposite sides of the center point and terminate at ends proximate to an opposite peripheral portion of the outer tubular member and wherein the ends are connected by a leg member for supplying power to the fluorescent tube. In one embodiment, the leg member includes electrical contacts that extend substantially in a plane of the outer tubular member and, in another embodiment, a central adapter may be provided including electrical contacts that extend transversely with respect to the plane of the outer tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: William Yu
  • Patent number: 7137728
    Abstract: Provided are exemplary embodiments of a system and method for allowing predetermined and/or preconfigured lamp assemblies to be utilized with lamp fixtures. The exemplary embodiments may include a fixture assembly, a key configured to couple to the lamp fixture, and a lamp assembly including a base with a receiving structure, wherein the receiving structure is configured to engage the key, such that only predetermined lamp assemblies may couple to the fixture assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Ultraviolet Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Witham, Roberto E. Arance, Keith M. Crawford, Michael A. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 6984056
    Abstract: A lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of sockets 22 made of a soft and elastic conductor and arranged facing each other, with which electric power is supplied to EEFL lamps 21. A plurality of lamp inserting holes 220 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the socket 22. External electrodes 214 at the both ends of EEFL lamps 21 are pressed into each of the lamp inserting holes. These sockets 22 are supported and coated by socket holders 23 made of an insulator having higher rigidity than the sockets 22 respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Harison Toshiba Lighting Corporation
    Inventors: Mamoru Amano, Shuho Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 6869300
    Abstract: The invention relates to a supply connector (10) for a discharge lamp (12) of the type which includes an insulating housing (18) in which an opening (56) is provided for the axial introduction of a free end (26) of the glass body (28) of the discharge lamp (12) including a longitudinal electrode (30) formed by a front section (32) which extends to the exterior of the body (28) and a rear section (34) which extends inside a front section (36) of the free end of the body (28) and which is designed to be supplied with a direct current, and of the type in which a contact blade (20) is formed, which blade cooperates with the front section (32) of the electrode (30) for connecting the lamp (12) to an electrical supply member, characterized in that it includes an electrically conducting ring (22) which is connected to ground, which is axially traversed by the front section (36) of the free end of the glass body (28), and which is designed to be at least partly in contact with a portion (150) of the outer wall of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Karim Malek Tewfik Lefki, Philippe De Montureux, Ahmed Mokhtari
  • Patent number: 6851829
    Abstract: The locking device serves for locking a lamp and a lamp rod. A wire winding box is coupled to the lamp seat. A portion of the lamp seat has a penetrating hole. The lamp seat is locked with an inserting seat. The lamp seat is protruded with a platform and a guide hole is formed on the platform. The connecting structure is formed by an embedding block and a spring. The lamp rod is exactly inserted into the end portion in the inserting seat of the lamp seat for electric conduction. A top of the lamp rod is installed with a plurality of recesses. At the time that the lamp rod is inserted, the inclined surface will push the embedding block to compress the spring so as to confined the lamp rod. Thereby, the user can assembly the lamp rod by inserting it to the lamp seat easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 6837726
    Abstract: A lamp holder that can receive a discharge lamp has an insulating body that can work with an electrically conductive junction box. The junction box has a bottom, an opening opposite the bottom, and one or more sidewalls circumscribing the opening. The insulating body is sized to fit at least partially into the box, and has a flange sized to surmount and circumscribe the sidewalls that circumscribe the opening. The insulating body has (a) a cavity with a lamp entryway, and (b) a wire passageway providing access into the cavity. The wire passageway may travel partly underneath the cavity, or through a portion of the wall having a relatively greater wall thickness (or may travel otherwise.) A lamp contact is mounted in the cavity for electrically engaging the discharge lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: E.G.L. Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Ludwig P. Kiermaier
  • Patent number: 6824409
    Abstract: A lamp holder is provided comprising a housing, a contact pin retainer arranged within the housing, a rotary member rotatably mounted in the housing, and a fastener for fastening the rotary member to the housing. The contact pin retainer is adapted to receive a lamp contact pin. The rotary member comprises an insertion slot, a front shield, and a slotted pivot section extending away from the front shield and into the housing. The fastener includes a retaining pin fixed to the housing and penetrates a bearing opening provided in an end section of the slotted pivot section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Vossloh-Schwabe Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Thiele, Hans-Peter Mews
  • Publication number: 20040171291
    Abstract: The invention relates to a supply connector (10) for a discharge lamp (12) of the type which comprises an insulating housing (18) in which an opening (56) is provided for the axial introduction of a free end (26) of the glass body (28) of the discharge lamp (12) comprising a longitudinal electrode (30) formed by a front section (32) which extends to the exterior of the body (28) and a rear section (34) which extends inside a front section (36) of the free end of the body (28) and which is designed to be supplied with a direct current, and of the type in which a contact blade (20) is formed, which blade cooperates with the front section (32) of the electrode (30) for connecting the lamp (12) to an electrical supply member, characterized in that it comprises an electrically conducting ring (22) which is connected to ground, which is axially traversed by the front section (36) of the free end of the glass body (28), and which is designed to be at least partly in contact with a portion (150) of the outer wall of
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Karim Malek Tewfik Lefki, Philippe De Montureux, Ahmed Mokhtari
  • Patent number: 6666700
    Abstract: A lamp holder that can receive a discharge lamp has an insulating body that can work with an electrically conductive junction box. The junction box has a bottom, an opening opposite the bottom, and one or more sidewalls circumscribing the opening. The insulating body is sized to fit at least partially into the box, and has a flange sized to surmount and circumscribe the sidewalls that circumscribe the opening. The insulating body has (a) a cavity with a lamp entryway, and (b) a wire passageway providing access into the cavity. The wire passageway may travel partly underneath the cavity, or through a portion of the wall having a relatively greater wall thickness (or may travel otherwise.) A lamp contact is mounted in the cavity for electrically engaging the discharge lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: E.G.L. Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Ludwig P. Kiermaier
  • Patent number: 6638088
    Abstract: A lighting system and components are described for a lighting assembly, including a socket having a socket body and an electrical connector with a seat in the socket to seal around a light source. The socket is preferably configured to be independent of the mounting arrangement for the lighting assembly. An insulator is also disclosed for a lamp such as a fluorescent lamp having a body which protects the contact on the lamp so as to form a recessed lamp conductor. The combination of a socket and lamp insulator is also disclosed for providing a socket and insulator assembly for reducing the possibility of injury or damage due to high open circuit voltage, environmental effects and the like. Additionally, a lighting assembly is disclosed incorporating the insulator, socket and mounting arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Anthony, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6632100
    Abstract: A socket is described for a lighting assembly having a socket body and an electrical connector with a seal in the socket to seal around a light source. The socket is preferably configured to be independent of the mounting arrangement for the lighting assembly. An insulator is also disclosed for a lamp such as a fluorescent lamp having a body which covers the contact on the lamp so as to form a recessed lamp conductor. The combination of a socket and lamp insulator is also disclosed for providing a socket and insulator assembly for reducing the possibility of injury or damage due to high open circuit voltage, environmental effects and the like. Additionally, a lighting assembly is disclosed incorporating the insulator, socket and mounting arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Anthony, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6275669
    Abstract: A movable power feeder supports one of terminals of a halogen heater while supplying electric power thereto. The movable power feeder is integrally formed by bending a phosphor bronze thin plate. One of the terminals is secured by use of a screw passing through first and second fastening plates. The first and second fastening plates are supported by a resilient supporting member. Thus, even when the halogen heater generates heat and thermally expands, the terminal shifts while being firmly held by a holding member and stably receiving electric power. Accordingly, the halogen heater is prevented from breaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 6027230
    Abstract: There is disclosed a socket adapter for a receiving a socket, the socket designed to receive fluorescent tubes. The socket adapter is of a configuration that can receive a portion of the socket in a manner such that the distance between center of the socket, as taken from a second socket portion where the fluorescent tube attaches to the edge of housing, where the socket is mounted to a surface, is minimized. This socket adapter structure contributes to reducing the distance between the rear wall of the cabinet and the center of the socket (or center of the bulb, e.g., fluorescent tube, when the bulb is electrically connected in the socket), when compared to the prior art "tombstone" sockets, assisting in and allowing for the creation of "low profile " signs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Quality Manufacturing Incorporated
    Inventors: Mortimer Huber, Salvador Mendez
  • Patent number: 5904415
    Abstract: A connector is provided for securing a fluorescent light bulb having a given length into a lighting fixture having spaced apart bulb-receiving members, with the space between the bulb-receiving members being longer than the length of the bulb. The connector also has fluorescent bulb pin openings at one end which receive a lighting bulb pin or pins at one end and connector pins at the other end of the connector for receipt within a companion opening or slots within the bulb-receiving members of the lighting fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: H. E. Williams, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Robertson, Weldon Wells, Paul Eckels
  • Patent number: 5727869
    Abstract: A fluorescent light fixture includes an elongated housing for mounting on a wall or a ceiling. A fixed socket is attached to one end of the housing by a fixed connecting arm. A breakaway socket is movably attached to another end of the housing by a breakaway connecting arm. A tubular lens is secured between the sockets, and a fluorescent tube is centered within the tubular lens by a pair of centering rings. The fluorescent tube is completely surrounded by the tubular lens, which diffuses the light in a 360 degree circle. Electrical connectors arranged within the sockets are mated with corresponding terminals on the ends of the fluorescent tube. The breakaway socket is movable away from the housing for releasing the tubular lens and the fluorescent tube, so that the fluorescent tube may be removed and replaced in a limited space. The breakaway socket is movable against the housing for securing the tubular lens and fluorescent tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Boyd Lighting Company
    Inventors: Doyle Crosby, Dale A. Petersen
  • Patent number: 5571026
    Abstract: An electrode socket assembly for receiving gas discharge tubes is disclosed. The electrode socket assembly is designed for mounting along a generally flat surface. The assembly includes a barrier panel designed to lie along the flat surface. A housing having a base and a socket is mounted against the barrier panel. A leaf-spring is attached to the base and extends upwardly into the interior of the socket to cooperate with the flexible outer walls of the socket for securely holding the gas discharge tube electrode when inserted into the socket. Additionally, the flexible outer walls of the socket may include ribs that also help secure the gas discharge tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: KCS Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Kahre
  • Patent number: 5510964
    Abstract: This luminaire employs as its light source a double-ended lamp comprising a tubular light-transmitting envelope having a central longitudinal axis, conductive terminals at opposite ends of the envelope, and a light-generating filament connected between the terminals. The lamp, when installed in the luminaire, is connected between a pair of spaced contacts respectively engaging its conductive terminals. The luminaire is constructed in such a manner that an installer engaged in relamping it is blocked from accidentally touching one terminal of the lamp while the other terminal is engaged with its mating contact, thereby protecting the installer from such electric shock as could result from touching one lamp terminal while the other is engaged with a live contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Regent Lighting Corporation
    Inventors: Brian L. Spitler, Suleyman O. Sumer
  • Patent number: 5381071
    Abstract: A base for a position-dependent lamp comprises an inner shell, an outer shell, an aperture in said outer shell, and a hollow pin projecting from said aperture, said pin having a substantially tubular body with a pair of oppositely disposed wings extending from an end thereof, said wings having a length about two and one half to three times the height of said body and being sandwiched between said inner shell and said outer shell. The extended wings add stability to the pin and eliminate the use of lead-based solder in the lamp manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventor: Huiling Zhu
  • Patent number: 5381321
    Abstract: A luminaire comprises a transparent enclosure tube, a cylindrical handle housing at one end of the tube, and a cylindrical cap housing at the opposite end of the tube. A light carriage within the tube comprises a unitary subassembly consisting of a rigid reflector having light bulb holders at opposite ends and a fluorescent bulb secured between the holders. The light carriage is removeable and replaceable as a unit without tools through an open end of the tube by unplugging it from and plugging it into a contact receptacle in the handle housing. Complementary plug and socket formations in the handle housing and light carriage assure alignment of bulb contacts. The housings have castellated ends engageable with detents on mounting brackets on a base to hold the luminaire and to direct light in a selected direction. The cap housing has a telescopical end section which is manually moveable against a spring to release the luminaire from the base without tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Service Machine Co.
    Inventors: Oliver H. Fearing, Jr., Peter J. Green, Richard E. Kirby
  • Patent number: 5311097
    Abstract: An improved avionics fluorescent lamp including a fluorescent tube having a resistive element disposed on its exterior and a terminal block for receiving an inserted fluorescent tube, the terminal block having a semi-rigid electrical contact for contacting the resistive element when the tube is inserted inside the terminal block. A plurality of connectors are disposed on the exterior of the terminal block for providing easy connection between the lamp wiring harness and the filament pins of the fluorescent tube and the resistive element by the semi-rigid connector. And a display device having the fluorescent lamp of the present invention disposed therein where the resistive element is disposed on the reflector side of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Mepham, Roger D. Eller
  • Patent number: 5209674
    Abstract: The invention describes a connector for a pair of neon tubes supported in an end-to-end manner, each of the tubes having a reversely bent end. The connector comprises a support base formed of insulating material and having a longitudinally-extending slot, an electrical connector supported in the base underlying the slot, and first and second electrode housings supported in opposed relation, each of the electrode housings slidably mounted on the base and including a contactor for being received in the slot when the electrode housing is located in a first position to thereby complete and electrical connection between the ends of the neon tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Inventors: Ronald A. Foster, Ruben A. Reyes
  • Patent number: 5192218
    Abstract: A lampholder assembly is provided for one or more fluorescent lamps having a single lamp cap, including at least one lampholder module. The lampholder module includes a lamp part for receiving the lamp and a narrower support part for supporting the lamp part, as well as at least one ballast. Only a relatively small and compact part of the lampholder assembly contains the electric components and connections, while the lampholder assembly is such that it can be built in or affixed quickly and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventor: Adrianus M. Kuiper
  • Patent number: 5044974
    Abstract: A mechanism for locking a fluorescent lamp adaptor to a standard incandescent screw-in lamp socket utilizing base member having a bottom and wall portions. The wall portion of the base member possesses an inner surface and an outer surface and an aperture extends through the wall portion. A male screw-in element is also utilized and is confined to the base member for freely rotating relative to the base member and the screw-in lamp socket. A tool urges the threaded male screw-in element into threading engagement with the standard screw-in lamp socket to permit insertion and removal of the lamp adaptor in relation to the standard screw-in lamp socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Lumatech, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Pelton, James G. O'Carroll
  • Patent number: 4994710
    Abstract: The low-pressure discharge lamp has a tubular lamp vessel provided at its both ends with a lamp cap having a pair of contact pins. Each lamp cap is fixed in an adapter having one central contact pin electrically connected to at least one of the pair of contact pins of the lamp cap. A lamp of ordinary construction when provided with the adaptor is thus suitable for use in a space containing explosive gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Bauke J. Roelevink, Frans J. Traksel, Johannes A. A. M. Van Heeswijk
  • Patent number: 4928032
    Abstract: For converting a lamp with a screw-type base into a lamp with a bi-pin base, there is provided a cup-shaped adapter of electrical insulating material comprising a tubular body containing a bore that has internal threads threadedly receiving the external threads on the usual metal shell of the screw-type base. The adapter further comprises an end wall extending across the bore at one end of the tubular body and carrying two conductive pins extending through the end wall in laterally-spaced relation. First conductor within the adapter connected to one pin has a free end that engages the usual coniform end of the metal shell when the base is threaded into said bore, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the metal shell and said one pin. Second conductor connected to the other pin establishes an electrical connection between the usual eyelet of the base and the other pin when the base is threaded into said bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Skoch, Frederick Hetzel
  • Patent number: 4799896
    Abstract: A socket for a compact fluorescent lamp which includes two or more parallel tubes that share a common base, said base including at least two terminal pins and retaining means for engagement with the socket, has a housing including a back wall, a front wall, with top and bottom walls and two side walls extending from said back wall and forward of said front wall, thereby defining a front opening for receiving said lamp base. Channels are formed in said housing enclosing conductive terminals for receiving each of said terminal pins in electrically conductive engagement. Said front wall defines openings through which the terminal pins project for engagement with said conductive terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Edwin Gaynor Co.
    Inventors: Edwin Gaynor, John C. Dinsdale