Abstract: A heat dissipating connector assembly is provided for use in retrofit applications to replace the electrical connector within the housing of an existing light fixture. In one embodiment thereof, the connector assembly includes a hollow, externally finned cooling body having a graphite foil-lined socket opening formed through a forward end portion thereof. The socket opening communicates with an enlarged cavity within a rear portion of the body which captively retains a connector formed from two stacked metal block pairs encapsulated within and separated by silicon insulating material. Pin openings are formed through the block pairs along the junctures between their individual blocks. Entry of the pins into the block openings slightly separates the blocks in each pair thereof, against the resilient force of the insulation material, to create an automatic "pin-wiping" action.

Abstract: A heat-dissipating light fixture for use with a tungsten-halogen lamp has an externally finned metal body provided with an internal cavity divided into two opposite portions by an integrally formed heat shield having a socket opening formed therethrough. An electrical connector is secured to one side of the heat shield, over the socket opening, and a graphite foil disc is secured to the other side of the heat shield, the foil disc having central tab portions which overlie the socket opening. The lamp is installed in the fixture by pressing the lamp base portion through the foil disc and the socket opening until the connecting prongs of the lamp enter prong openings in the connector. Insertion of the lamp base into the socket opening bends the foil tabs into the opening where they are compressed between the lamp base and the interior surface of the socket opening. The heat shield intercepts and absorbs infrared radiation generated by the lamp reflector toward the connector.