Abstract: Luminaires particularly useful for ceiling mounting in either recessed or surface-mounted applications and intended for “washing” light over an adjacent wall, the “wall wash” luminaires of the invention are configured in preferred embodiments for operation with elongated lamping and particularly tubular fluorescent lamping including T5 lamps. The present luminaires are usually provided with elongated and other apertures, certain of which are often referred to as “small” apertures, conformed by shaping of at least one elongated edge thereof to minimize alternating relatively light and dark striations on adjacent walls. Luminaires according to the invention having relatively narrow elongated apertures function to transition abrupt changes in luminance imaged onto an adjacent wall by alteration of aperture opening, such as by an extension of structure from one elongated edge of such an aperture, thereby to produce a more smooth vertical light distribution over the wall.

Abstract: Luminaires for illumination of vertical surfaces of predetermined dimensions such as billboards or similar signs, the invention in several embodiments takes the form of reflector assemblies capable of directing light from a light source disposed within each of said luminaires either directly to the vertical surface or to refractive structures located on the luminaires for redirection of light to the vertical surface for even illumination of said surface with minimal light pollution from “spill” light. Lamps used in embodiments capable of providing asymmetrical light distributions are located toward one or the other of side portions and are preferably vertically oriented. A main reflector is curvilinear in conformation and functions in concert with a secondary reflector located directly behind the lamp to direct light onto desired portions of a vertical surface.

Abstract: A latching mechanism useful in the raising and lowering of luminaires mounted to a support ring and positionable at an upper end of a high mast, the invention comprehends a latch pin capable of articulating attachment to the support ring for preventing damage to latching structure and for reducing the potential for jamming as the latch pin engages latch cams on raising of the support ring. The latch pin is particularly configured with a ball-shaped swivel joint capable of reducing the potential for damage to the pin and associated structure by permitting the support ring to tilt if canted during a lowering operation. The latch pin is further configured with a nose portion of a diameter sufficient to center the latch pin relative to latch cams on raising of the support ring, thereby to reduce the potential for jamming.

Abstract: Switching of parallel capacitors in an HID bi-level lighting control system is accomplished through use of transient voltage suppression across an electronic relay for discharge of residual charge from a switched capacitor when combined peak voltage exceeds clamping voltage, thereby allowing maximum switch voltage rating to be lower than is possible through the use of conventional switching methods and circuitry. The invention contemplates method and apparatus permitting capacitive switching at voltage levels higher than are possible in conventional capacitive switching arrangements including capacitive switching arrangements used in lighting control systems.

Abstract: An emergency lighting fixture combining the functions of an illuminated sign such as an exit sign and an emergency lighting unit integrated into one housing onto which one or more emergency lights can be mounted at predetermined locations of the housing, the combined emergency lighting structure providing both exit location information and ambient emergency lighting in a single cooperatively operating device.

Abstract: A bandless seam between reflector and refractor sections of a luminaire globe formed of light-transmissive material and configured to improve optical performance as well as facilitate effective mounting of the reflector and refractor sections together, the invention finds particular utility with suspended luminaires ordinarily requiring a metal band or the like to join said sections into a luminaire globe. Opposing peripheral edge surfaces of the reflector and refractor sections are shaped according to the invention not only to cause even flow of adhesive between said surfaces to adhere said sections to each other but also to reduce brightness at the resulting seam between the sections, thereby improving luminaire appearance and reducing seam brightness and optical glint.

Abstract: A luminaire globe member formed of light transmissive material and having a reflector section and a refractor section, light from a light source such as a high intensity discharge lamp initially impinging on at least major portions of the reflector section being reflected back into the interior of the globe member by prisms preferably disposed on exterior surfaces of said reflector section, refractive prisms preferably disposed on interior surfaces of the reflector section redirecting said reflected light through a focal point or loci of points directly above the light source, the light thus redirected from the reflector section being incident on surfaces of the refractor section at angles similar to angles of incidence of light rays directly emanating from the light source and directly incident on said refractor section surfaces, thereby to increase light efficiency by virtue of improved light control within the globe member.

Abstract: Lighting fixtures for illuminating vertical surfaces of predetermined dimensions such as billboards or similar signs, the invention in several embodiments takes the form of primary reflector structures capable of directing light from a light source disposed within each of said fixtures either directly to the vertical surface or to refractive structures located on the fixtures for redirection of light to the vertical surface for even illumination of said surface with minimal light pollution from “spill” light. The primary reflector structures of the invention are curvilinear in conformation and extend from above a light source to a location between the source and the vertical surface, the reflector structures being smoothly contoured or formed into a plurality of reflective segments.

Abstract: An open type luminaire lens including a non-circular reflective lens having a metalized exterior surface and a prism section, the non-circular reflective lens having a shape generally defined by the combination of two parabolas, the prism section including and array of external reflecting prisms of varying predetermined shapes and varying predetermined sizes for use in providing a desired efficient light distribution.

Abstract: Electrical receptacles configured to eliminate arc faults rather than merely detect such faults with attendant circuit disconnection, the invention contemplates low-cost, child-safe electrical receptacles useful in residential situations and which can be fitted within the confines of single gang enclosures. The safety receptacles of the invention can be used in all use situations including both residential and industrial applications to increase safe use of electrical receptacles in residential applications in particular and to decrease industrial liabilities. In essence, the safety receptacles of the invention prevent arcing during insertion of a plug into the receptacle, during residence of the plug in the receptacle and during removal of the plug from the receptacle with a substantial load to the receptacle.