Abstract: A track lighting fixture includes a receptacle that can be used with a wide variety of lamp enclosures of different configurations and sizes. The fixture includes an L-shaped bracket adapted to be pivotably mounted by means of a stem to a track. The fixture further includes a lamp socket in its interior and a docking bulkhead that includes a bayonet mount which receives a mating bayonet mount in the lamp enclosure. In another aspect of the invention, an opening is provided in the L-shaped bracket through which the end of a hand-held pole may be inserted to engage the fixture, so that by manipulation of the pole the angle and horizontal attitude of the fixture can be accurately adjusted by an individual from the floor without the need for that individual to risk injury by standing on a chair or ladder.

Abstract: A protective device for use with a lamp holder for a high-voltage dual-pin lamp, such as a halogen lamp, includes a wall that surrounds the lower portion of an installed bi-pin lamp so as to prevent contact of the installer's fingers with the high-voltage pins. The protective device may also include a transverse rib that prevents the insertion of a low-voltage bi-pin lamp into a high-voltage lamp holder.

Abstract: A thermal protection system for use with a lighting fixture includes a temperature-sensitive switch responsive to the ambient temperature which may have a rating less than that of the lamp. The temperature-sensitive switch controls the operation of a suitably higher rated control device connected to the lamp to turn the lamp off when the ambient temperature above the thermal switch exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: An improved recessed fixture frame and method for installing the recessed fixture frame in new, existing or rough-in construction is disclosed. The improved recessed fixture frame includes a frame band for supporting and surrounding a fixture housing and at least one mounting assembly connected to the frame band in such a manner that the frame band is capable of being adjusted between the ends of the mounting bars. The mounting assembly includes at least one hinged mounting stub operatively hingeably connected to at least one end of the mounting assembly. Each hinged mounting stub includes a fastening means for affixing the recessed fixture frame to a structural member in a first position. In the first position, the recessed fixture frame extends downwardly from the structural member. After the fixture frame has been wired-in, the fixture frame is rotated about ninety degrees (90.degree.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for supporting a light fixture in an aperture formed in a planar member is disclosed. An aperture is first cut in the planar member at the point where the lighting fixture is to be installed and a light fixture support structure having at least two mounting straps positioned about the perimeter of the light fixture support structure for retaining the light fixture support structure in position in the aperture formed in the planar member is positioned in the aperture by an installer. The light fixture support structure mounting straps are then positioned contiguous with the inner surface of the planar member and are manipulated such that the light fixture support structure is maintained in position in the aperture.

Abstract: A multifunctional recessed lighting fixture which offers a unique combination of modular parts and unit components which can be assembled in a plurality of possible variations resulting in distinctive appearance of the variants assembled, yet maintaining an appearance of continuity among the recessed lights.

Abstract: An improved optics, recessed lighting fixture specially designed for easy installation into sloped ceilings is described. The improved optics are provided by a novel asymmetrical dome reflector which adapts the fixture to sloped ceilings for directing reflected light to within the natural cone of illumination emitted by a lamp in the absence of a reflector.

Abstract: A lighting fixture having a simplified structure is provided with such benefits as a junction box attached either permanently or releasably to the housing, a full reflector for improved optics, and support means for installation in different ceiling structures. The reflector is positionable within the housing, whereby inexact or inaccurate mounting of the housing to the ceiling structure can be corrected by changing the orientation of the reflector. Also provided are novel junction boxes. In various embodiments, the junction box may contain an L-shaped door, to cover an L-shaped opening which allows the interior of the junction box to be inspected from the bottom after installation. Another embodiment of junction box includes side walls flexibly joined to permit installation and removal of the junction box. Preferably, this latter embodiment is installed in a fixture through the bottom opening through which the reflector, socket, bulb, and the like are installed.

Abstract: A lighting fixture having a simplified structure is provided with such benefits as a junction box attached either permanently or releasably to the housing, a full reflector for improved optics, and support means for installation in different ceiling structures. The reflector is positionable within the housing, whereby inexact or inaccurate mounting of the housing to the ceiling structure can be corrected by changing the orientation of the reflector. Also provided are novel junction boxes. In various embodiments, the junction box may contain an L-shaped door, to cover an L-shaped opening which allows the interior of the junction box to be inspected from the bottom after installation. Another embodiment of junction box includes side walls flexibly joined to permit installation and removal of the junction box. Preferably, this latter embodiment is installed in a fixture through the bottom opening through which the reflector, socket, bulb, and the like are installed.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for mounting on an inclined planar surface, a light fixture suspended by at least one fixture suspension cable and provided with at least one power cord. In general, the mounting assembly comprises a mounting base, and first and second suspension means. The mounting base is for attachment to a planar structure disposed relative to a reference plane, and includes at least one power cord suspension aperture. The first suspension means is operably associated with the mounting base and is adapted for attachment to one end of the fixture cable. The second suspension means is mounted through the power cord suspension aperture and is adapted for attachment to a portion of the power cord. The first suspension means and the second suspension means each permit pivotal movement of the fixture suspension cable and the power cord, respectively, that is, relative to the mounting base, and the first suspension means and the second suspension means are operable independent of each other.

Abstract: A lighting system comprising a power jack, a first or second type plug connector and luminaire assembly. The power jack is adapted to receive either a first or second type plug connector. The luminaire assembly includes a lamp socket subassembly, and a globe subassembly. The lamp socket subassembly comprises a lamp socket which is supported by a lamp socket support housing which bears a plurality of lamp socket support projections. The globe subassembly includes a globe, a globe support housing with engaging projections and a globe retaining element. The lamp socket support housing is adapted to be received within a portion of the globe support housing and interconnected by engagement of the lamp socket support projections with the engaging projections. In the engaged configuration, air-flow channels are formed between the housings. Air-flow passages are also formed between the globe and the globe support housing when interconnected by retaining element.

Abstract: A two-piece face plate assembly includes a coupling plate which is mounted between the yoke strap of a wiring device and the mounting flange of a wall box. The coupling plate has a central opening for receiving the wiring device and has first and second index pins formed at spaced locations along the longitudinal axis of the coupling plate and in registration alignment with threaded mounting holes on the yoke strap. The coupling plate also has press-fit connectors positioned symmetrically about the central opening. The screwless face plate has a central opening for receiving the wiring device escutcheon and has a corresponding number of complementary press-fit connectors which are aligned for interlocking, press-fit engagement with the coupling plate connectors. The wiring device is mounted onto the wall box by screw fasteners extending through mounting slot openings formed through the yoke strap and in engagement with threaded mounting holes on the wall box.

Abstract: A face plate assembly has a removable decorator insert card which is retained within a face plate housing without screw fasteners. The face plate housing has an elongated slot which opens into a device cavity in which a touch switch is mounted. The decorator insert card is adapted for slidable insertion into and withdrawal out of the device cavity through the housing slot. The face plate assembly is releasably attached to the yoke strap of a wiring device mounted in a wall box by press-fit connectors. In one embodiment, the decorator insert card can be installed and replaced by releasing the face plate housing from the press-fit connector, and inserting or withdrawing the decorator insert card through a hidden housing slot formed in a back plate portion of the housing.