Patents Assigned to Lighting Systems
  • Patent number: 6392368
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a plurality of control modules distributed on the AC power line for remote control of lights within a residential/office building structure. Each control module is hard-wired to an electrical load and is provided with a dimmer and up to four control switches and LEDs for status indication. Each control module has a data decoder, a switch and LED interface, a dimmer driver and processor with memory for independently processing and communicating data signals to the other control modules on the AC power line without the need for a central processor to coordinate the lighting control operation. Every control module is programmable through a programmable module and a PC. The system data downloaded to each control module includes a unique address, a system configuration file and a response file for evaluating system transmission commands. Each control switch may be programmed to control the hard-wired load or any other load in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Home Touch Lighting Systems LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Deller, Robert C. Heagey
  • Patent number: 6313616
    Abstract: A PWM switching power supply of the buck regulator type converts an unfiltered rectified d.c. input voltage into a regulated stepped down d.c. output voltage for use by load circuits. The power supply includes a PWM switching regulator which controls the duty cycle of an N-channel field effect transistor (FET) power switch which has its source connected to a Schottky flyback diode. The flyback diode is connected to an LC output filter which generates the stepped down output voltage. The PWM regulator includes a 555 timer operating in conjunction with an RC timing network in a modulated a stable mode. Timer 555 has an output lead electrically connected to the gate of the FET for switching the FET on/off in response to an output voltage modulating feedback input from a feedback path with the source of the FET serving as the “ground” for the PWM regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Home Touch Lighting Systems LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Deller, Robert C. Heagey
  • Patent number: 6168291
    Abstract: A luminaire motorized shade or douser mechanism includes a lamp mounted within a reflector and a motorized shade unit that opens and closes in front of the lens of the reflector. The shade unit includes a motor, two rollers, two guide cables, a sheet of opaque flexible material or fabric, and an aluminum frame. The motor drives the roller to run the shade in front of the lens to cover it and also to uncover. The motorized shade or douser mechanism is used to effectively block the light emitting from the lamp and create a condition whereas no light leaves the lens of the luminaire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Sterner Lighting Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Noah N. Rockey, Jim J. Frensko, Johann A. Toikka, John B. Grunloah
  • Patent number: 5994791
    Abstract: A portable controlled lighting system comprising at least one lamp connected to an operating circuit for operating the lamp and a control circuit coupled to the operating circuit for controlling the luminous flux of the lamp is disclosed. A battery pack for providing electrical power to the operating circuit is also provided, together with a control means for adjusting the luminous flux of the lamp by the control circuit. The control means comprises a first adjustment means for controlling the luminous flux of the lamp and provides a predetermined rate of increase of the luminous flux until a predetermined flux level is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Nite Rider Light Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary A. Rayner
  • Patent number: 5662407
    Abstract: A canopy luminaire (10, 110, 210) for mounting by a single individual in a canopy comprises a luminaire housing (12, 112, 212) having a bulbous body (14, 114) configured to receive the light-emitting section of a lamp and a narrow neck (16, 116). Spring clips (26, 124) are secured to opposing sides of the narrow neck (16, 116) and are adapted to support the luminaire (10, 110) from a canopy. A locking component (31) may be attached to the narrow neck (16, 116) to fixedly secure the luminaire (10, 110, 210) to the canopy. The luminaire (10, 110, 210) may also include externally mounted control gear (80), such as the ballast. Further, the luminaire (10, 110, 210) may include a hingedly attached glass lens (42) to permit quick and easy replacement of lamps. Alternatively, luminaire (210) may include a rotatably attached glass lens (240).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: LSI Lighting Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry F. Fischer, Robert E. Kaeser
  • Patent number: 5515255
    Abstract: A light fixture includes a lamp mounted within a reflector. The reflector includes a first surface lying in a generally parabolic sheet and being bounded in the generally parabolic sheet by first and second edges. A pair of generally opposing surfaces are connected to the first surface at the first and second edges. The generally opposing surfaces have a shape such that the lamp provides a generally rectangular beam pattern when the reflector reflects or redirects light from the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Sterner Lighting Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Wayne G. Nielson, Robert D. Kruger, Noah N. Rockey, Michael R. Specken, Gary V. Briesemeister, John B. Grunloh
  • Patent number: 5450300
    Abstract: A device for providing light along a runway or taxiway at an airport. A base receptacle is adapted to be positioned along the runway and has an open end. A sleeve member is movably received within the base receptacle and has a sleeve member passageway. Replaceable light fixture connecting apparatus is used to connect a light fixture to the sleeve member. Sleeve member connecting apparatus selectively connects the sleeve member to the base receptacle at varying positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Airport Lighting Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Rector, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5291068
    Abstract: A touch sensitive switching apparatus for controlling the operation of an electrical load is disclosed. The apparatus includes a programmable controller and a touch sensor assembly. The controller is connected to the electrical load and is programmable to provide a repeatable sequence to operate the load wherein each step of the sequence is initiated by touching two contact surfaces of the touch sensor assembly. The controller can also be configured to duplicate a momentary switch wherein the load is energized as long as the contact surfaces of the touch sensor assembly are connected. The touch sensor assembly can be mounted in a wall panel. The assembly includes a conductive housing with a conductive rod positioned therein. A first fastener secures the rod within the housing, while a second fastener secures the assembly to the wall panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Sterner Lighting Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas W. Rammel, Terrence R. Arbouw
  • Patent number: 5278738
    Abstract: A wall light fixture is disclosed which includes a hollow generally translucent bowl. The bowl has an upwardly opening recess formed therein and a reflector is mounted in the bowl within the recess. The reflector has a predetermined light reflective pattern in order to reflect light from a source contained within the reflector to reflect light upwardly relative to the frame and laterally to at least a portion of the transparent bowl so that the bowl reflects light within it to provide an entirely luminous surface on the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Lam Lighting Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn M. Illes
  • Patent number: 5188449
    Abstract: A lighting fixture assembly is provided which includes the possible use of multiple types of fixture fittings, a light fixture which allows for multi-directional lighting, pendants and a reflecting surface which is preferably a ceiling panel having a reflecting face. The lighting fixture assembly can be assembled into a uniform assembly so as to be easily attachable and detachable from a hung-ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Architectural Lighting Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Davis, Jan W. Uryase
  • Patent number: 5111371
    Abstract: A holder includes a support member and a reflector coupled to the support member. The reflector comprises a reflecting member with a predetermined focal axis for reflecting a portion of electromagnetic radiation in a preselected direction from an electromagnetic transmissive envelope placed adjacent the reflector. The envelope comprises an elongated source of electromagnetic radiation extending between two points within the envelope and which is displaced from a straight line. Rotatable receiving assemblies mounted to the support member position the envelope adjacent to the reflector with the envelope axis substantially parallel to the focal axis where rotation of the envelope axis around the focal axis compensates for the displacement of the elongated source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Sterner Lighting Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: Wayne G. Nielson
  • Patent number: 4974137
    Abstract: A luminaire for high intensity indirect lighting providing a horizontally symmetrical light distribution with peak candle power at low angles is disclosed. The luminaire includes an inner light directing member nested in spaced relation within a generally dome-shaped outer translucent member. The inner light directing member includes means for directing the majority of light emitted by an axially located vertical light source out of the upwardly facing open end of the light directing member after no more than one reflection, and means for illuminating the outer translucent member to a substantially homogenious brightness level comparable to that of the surrounding ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Lam Lighting Systems
    Inventors: Royal H. Evans, Jr., Robert Rutledge
  • Patent number: 4845601
    Abstract: An illumination/ventilation system is described wherein the light tube used to support one or more incandescent lamps forms part of the ventilation system itself. The system includes a blower having a forced air outlet with first a conduit connectings the outlet of the blower to an inlet of the light tube. A second conduit connects to an outlet of the light tube to form a circulating air path through which air is forced by the blower to ventilate the light tube. Preferably, the light tube comprises an elongate base member and an elongate light diffuser for supporting the lamps along the light tube. The light tube also includes an elongate track member having a tongue along its entire length which mates which a groove along the length of the base member to secure the track in the base member. Each of the individual lamps is supported in the elongate track member by an adapter track clip which is press-fitted, rather than twisted, into the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Display Lighting Systems
    Inventors: John A. Podbury, Dennis E. Leech
  • Patent number: 4833575
    Abstract: The present invention provides a brightness equalizing light filter system which can be utilized as the bottom panel or as one of a set of bottom panels in an indirect fluorescent light fixture to evenly illuminate the fixture to approximately the same degree of brightness as the surrounding area which it lights. The brightness equalizing light filter system comprises a translucent diffuser panel with an opaque, electrically-connected pattern of thin metal film deposited thereon, wherein the density of the opaque pattern for each point on the panel is proportional to (or the linear function of) the intensity of light impinging on that point from the light source. The metal film serves both as the required electrical ground to act as a starting aid for the lamps and as a reflecting surface to increase the photometric efficiency of the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Lam Lighting Systems
    Inventor: James L. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 4799136
    Abstract: A lighting fixture adapted for uniformly illuminating a wall surface by utilizing an asymmetric light reflection pattern. The fixture includes a support housing and an elongated concave-shaped reflector which is pivotably attached to the support housing and has multiple facet surfaces arranged for reflecting light from the centrally located light source out through a front opening, which is covered with an ultraviolet filtering glass diffusion plate. The reflector has major rear and minor front reflecting portions, each portion containing multiple facet surfaces arranged in upper and lower zones with varying angles measured relative to a central vertical plane selected for reflecting light from the light source uniformly out through the diffusion plate to provide an asymmetric lighting pattern for uniformly illuminating a wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: Guth Lighting Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Molnar
  • Patent number: 4794502
    Abstract: A stackable louver assembly for light fixtures which can be made of a high strength polycarbonate light transmitting plastic material and which has a sleeve and louver flange molded in one piece so that the sleeve will not be lost or discarded at the job site. The louver assembly becomes self-enclosed. The louver assemblies are made so they can be stacked one on top of the other and fastened with tie rods at desired locations. The sleeve that supports the louver flange is made with a surface that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the assembly, and can be provided with v-type grooves to provide refraction of the light emanating from an interior lamp. The grooves can be molded into the plastic with no increase in cost, and will reduce glare and improve overall performance of the fixture. Likewise, the louver flanges may have surfaces that are provided with refraction grooves, as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Sterner Lighting Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: Arthur R. Guggemos
  • Patent number: 4720204
    Abstract: A banner support arm safety coupling rigidly mounts banner support arms to a pole and has a frangible or breakable portion so the coupling will break under loads on the banner before the pole fails. A safety line holds the coupling portion from completely separating after the frangible portion breaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Sterner Lighting Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: Dale L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4704668
    Abstract: A sleeve type lamp stabilizer that is made so that it will fit over a lamp socket, to be rigidly held in place with respect to the socket. The stabilizer can be clamped to the socket or rigidly connected to the lamp housing which mounts the socket. The sleeve type stabilizer has pads that support the lamp at the lamp neck. The need for support results from the common practice to provide a small amount of clearance between the lamp socket and the mating base of the lamp to insure that the lamp will not corrode in place or otherwise become stuck in its socket when it is time to replace the lamp with present large lamps. This slight amount of play in the socket translates into a large amount of movement at the opposite end of the lamp and thus the independent support stabilizes the lamp, and prevents mechanical vibrations from prematurely causing lamp failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Assignee: Sterner Lighting Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert E. Kosek
  • Patent number: D358902
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Sterner Lighting Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: George B. Webster, III
  • Patent number: D360047
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Sterner Lighting Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry P. Zimmerman, Thomas W. Brossard, John Desalliers, Dale L. Johnson, Barbara N. Kampmeyer, George B. Webster, III, Greg A. Witt