Abstract: A method of using a single pole, single throw switch having normally open contacts in a conductive path in a non-intuitive manner in an electric circuit to sequentially provide three operable states including latched engagement (path closed, circuit OFF), momentary disengagement (path opened, circuit ON momentarily), and latched disengagement (path open, circuit ON until switch actuated again).

Abstract: A battery operated fluorescent lamp is disclosed, which is operable from the battery while the battery is being recharged, comprising a tubular housing configured as a handle grip at one end and a cylindrical lens portion at the other end. The tubular housing lockably connects to a battery pack. The cylindrical 3030 lens portion encloses a miniature fluorescent bulb. The electrical circuitry, enclosed within the handle grip and alternately operable from either 120 VAC or 12 VDC, includes a converter circuit, a battery charging circuit, and a fluorescent lamp ballast circuit. The battery pack is electrically coupled to simultaneously receive charging current from an output of the charging circuit and to deliver DC supply voltage to the fluorescent lamp ballast circuit without the occurrence of a net discharge of the battery pack.

Abstract: A single drive circuit is configured to drive disparate current loads of first and second combinations of compact light emitting devices with respective regulated constant currents. Standard push ON, push OFF latching switches provide independent control of the two lighting loads wherein each switch operates in three states including momentary ON, continuous ON, and OFF. The circuit is readily adapted to providing continuous or pulsed drive to the lighting arrays. Circuits for dimming control, strobe control, and a low battery indicator are also described.

Abstract: An impact resistant assembly for a handheld fluorescent task lamp, comprising a housing configured as a hollow tubular handle; a generally tubular lens body molded of a substantially clear plastic material, seated in a recess within a first end of the housing and enclosing at least one compact fluorescent bulb; an elongated spine member extending from a rearward side of the first end of the housing approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof and configured for slidingly supporting the lens body on a track formed along a rearward portion of the lens body; and a resilient bulkhead disposed within a distal portion of the lens body for cushioning a distal end of the at least one compact fluorescent bulb.

Abstract: An LED lighting array is disclosed wherein a plurality of light emitting devices disposed in at least first and second columns are mounted on a planar mounting surface to form an emission plane. The emission axes of all the LEDs in a first column are parallel with each other and lie in a first plane. The emission axes of the LEDs in an adjacent, second column are also parallel, but a second plane containing the emission axes of the second column is disposed at a predetermined, non-zero angle with respect to the first plane. The non-zero angle is a function of the LED beam width and the distance to a lighting target. This configuration of the LEDs provides an optimum balance at a predetermined target distance between the size of the area illuminated and the brightness of the illumination of the target. In one aspect of the invention the LED lighting array includes at least first, second and third columns of LEDs.

Abstract: A portable fluorescent task lamp comprising at least two fluorescent bulbs of any wattage up to forty Watts and of either a non-starting type or a self-starting type; and an electronic ballast circuit for use therewith including an SPST function switch disposed in series with each fluorescent bulb, wherein the fluorescent bulbs may be ignited and sustained in illumination in parallel, simultaneously or individually, as determined by the respective SPST switches.

Abstract: A portable hand held fluorescent task lamp comprising at least two compact fluorescent lamp (“CFL”) bulbs of any wattage and of either a non-starting type or a self-starting type; an electronic ballast circuit; and an SPST function switch disposed in series with each CFL bulb, wherein the CFL bulbs may be ignited and sustained in illumination in parallel, simultaneously or individually, as determined by the respective SPST switches.

Abstract: An illumination assembly for a handheld fluorescent task lamp, comprising first and second elongated compact fluorescent bulbs positioned in an upright orientation side by side; a self starting electronic driver circuit operable to start and run the at least first and second compact fluorescent bulbs; and first and second receptacles for connecting the first and second compact fluorescent bulbs to the driver circuit and orienting the first and second compact fluorescent bulbs at a predetermined optimum angle with respect to each other such that an enhanced forward emission field is provided.

Abstract: A plurality of compact light emitting assemblies is mounted on a frame configured as a heat sink that provides a structural platform and a thermal management component. The frame further ensures proper alignment of the light emitting devices to aim the individual light emitting assemblies in a direction that provides a predetermined overlap of the individual light beams resulting in a uniform, high brightness pattern on a target surface. The source of current connected to the light emitting devices may also be mounted on the frame. The compact light emitting module thus provided is readily adaptable to a variety of compact, high performance lighting product configurations.

Abstract: A unitary lens and light emitting device combination is provided that produces a highly uniform beam of light, corrected for distortions and gaps in illumination, throughout a full output beam width. The unitary lens incorporates all of the necessary optical surfaces to provide the output beam, including a pattern-correcting spherical refracting surface that smooths intensity variations in the overall illumination pattern.

Abstract: An electronic ballast circuit for a handheld fluorescent task lamp, comprising a self-starting electronic driver circuit operated by a power supply and operable to start and run at least first and second compact fluorescent bulbs from a single output; first and second receptacles for connecting the first and second bulbs to the single output; and a bulb accommodation circuit in the electronic driver circuit that enables operation of the electronic ballast circuit with either starter or non-starter type fluorescent bulbs and with either one or both bulbs.

Abstract: A handheld fluorescent task lamp comprising a housing assembly having a housing and a tubular lens body enclosing compact fluorescent bulbs, an elongated spine configured for slidingly supporting the lens body, and a resilient bulkhead for cushioning the compact fluorescent bulbs in the lens body; an electronic ballast circuit within the housing comprising a power supply, a self-starting electronic driver circuit operable to start and run at least first and second CFL bulbs; a bulb accommodation circuit that enables operation of the electronic ballast circuit with either starter type or non-starter type and regardless whether one or both CFL bulbs are connected to the driver circuit; and an illumination assembly, wherein the CFL bulbs are oriented with respect to each other such that an enhanced forward emission field is provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed a portable hand held fluorescent task lamp comprising an elongated plastic housing having a clear lens on one end of the housing and a hand grip portion formed into the second end of the housing; a line cord; at least two compact fluorescent lamp (“CFL”) bulbs removably disposed behind and visible through the clear lens, of any wattage from approximately four to thirty watts and of either a non-starting type or a self-starting type; an electronic ballast circuit; and an SPST function switch disposed in series with each CFL bulb, wherein the CFL bulbs may be ignited and sustained in illumination in parallel, simultaneously or individually, as determined by the respective SPST switches.