Abstract: Modular lighting fixtures that allow convenient installation and removal of LED-based light-generating modules and controller modules. In one example, a modular lighting fixture includes a housing configured to be recessed into or disposed behind an architectural surface such as ceiling, wall, or soffit, in new or existing construction scenarios. The fixture housing includes a socket configured to facilitate one or more of a mechanical, electrical and thermal coupling of the light-generating module to the fixture housing. The ability to easily engage and disengage the LED-based light-generating module with the socket, without removing the fixture housing itself, allows for straightforward replacement of the light-generating module upon failure, or exchange with another module having different light-generating characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus of using light-emitting elements for illumination as well as communication of data, wherein potential flicker due to sub-fusion frequency data correlations can be reduced compared to prior art techniques, while reducing redundancy in the data transmission. The intensity of the illumination from the light-emitting elements is controlled by a dimming signal such as a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal or a pulse code modulation (PCM) signal, for example. An amplitude-modulated data signal is then superimposed on the dimming signal for communication of data. The dimming signal thus acts as a carrier signal for the data signal. A sensing means is then used to receive the data signal by detecting all or part of the illumination from the light-emitting elements. The data signal can subsequently be extracted from the detected illumination.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a contact lever for an electrical switch designed for automatic adjustment of the main contacts. During assembly the pivot shaft is inserted in an oblong opening in the contact lever. The switch position is changed from open to closed by rotating the contact lever on the pivot shaft. The pivot shaft includes two conically extending shoulders that correspond in shape to chamfers located at the edge of the oblong opening. The conical shoulders and chamfers comprise a portion of the bearing surface between the contact lever and the pivot shaft. A sliding bearing pair is formed during switch operation wherein the contact lever is limited to a centrally aligned position in the open position and allowed additional freedom of motion at the end of the closing operation. The additional freedom of motion allows for precise automatic contact alignment.