Abstract: A recessed incandescent ceiling light fixture is provided with a heat sensing device for interrupting current flow to an incandescent bulb mounted in the fixture. The top wall of the fixture is encompassed within a cover member which is spaced from the top wall, the cover member including a depending skirt which outwardly laps the sidewalls of the fixture and defines a circumferential slot between the fixture walls and cover member. A heat sensor is mounted on the surface of the cover member in the area between the top wall of the housing and cover member. The cover member is mounted to the housing at spaced points whereby heat transfer from the housing to the cover member is minimized.

Abstract: A programmable lighting circuit controller for controlling a plurality of household lighting circuits includes a microprocessor and an electronically erasable programmable read only memory for programming the household lighting circuits for a variety of loads. The lighting circuits may be configured as a combination of incandescent and fluorescent loads by designating one output of the controller as a heater circuit for any of the fluorescent loads. The microprocessor is controlled by a set of nonlatching pushbuttons on a front panel which raise and lower lighting levels, set lighting levels in memory and recall preset levels from memory. Combination of two pushbuttons simultaneously pushed may initiate special programming features such as heater designation of one channel for fluorescent lighting.

Abstract: A connector mechanism for linking the ends of successive fluorescent fixtures includes a pair of plates defining the ends of the fixtures, one said plate including a projecting hook portion which extends through the other said plate. The hook poriton includes a cam surface inclined toward the first plate, the second plate including a slide having a locking shoulder positioned to engage the cam surface. A threaded connection to the slide enables the slide to be drawn along the cam surface and accordingly to clamp the end plates tightly against each other.

Abstract: An aligning and joining mechanism for coupling and forcing the abutting ends of fluorescent luminaires into intimate engagement comprises a spanning member extending from one luminaire slidably into a receiver on the other luminaire. The spanner member includes a cam surface disposed adjacent a threaded component on the receiver. When the threaded component is driven against the cam portion, the inclination of the cam causes the abutting ends of the luminaires to be tightly compressed one against the other.

Abstract: A light level controller includes a microcomputer controlled light switch which responds to a manual tap or a longer manual depression of the switch in order to initiate various control modes for a light source. Preset levels of light intensity may be stored in the microcomputer's memory and an automatic fade mode may be initiated to cause the level of light intensity to fade from a current level to a preset level at a pre-established rate. The controller may respond to the momentary depression of the switch to initiate the automatic fade mode or if tapped while a fade is in progress it may cause the light source to make an abrupt transition to either full on or full off, depending on whether a higher or lower level of light intensity is desired. A depression of the switch for a period longer than a tap will cause the level of light intensity to continue to change until the switch is released, and simultaneously this level will be stored in memory.

Abstract: A lighting fixture and ceiling structure incorporating same are disclosed. The fixture may be securely mounted within a ceiling grid work assembly by a simple downward movement of the fixture. Ceiling board is supported by being mounted on flanges integral with the fixture on the one hand and elements of the supporting grid on the other. The fixture and grid work interact so as to effect an accurate positioning of the fixture relative to the grid work by taking advantage of centering formations integral with the grid work.

Abstract: A fixture including thermal sensing means is disclosed which fixture is especially adapted to be mounted in existing ceiling construction. The fixture includes a shroud having a cut-away portion enabling the fixture to be inserted in angularly oriented position relative to the ceiling and thereafter tilted into mounted position in the ceiling. The fixture includes spring clips insertable after the shroud is mounted into clamping engagement with the upper surface of the ceiling to securely connect the shroud to the ceiling.

Abstract: A lighting fixture adapted to be mounted between parallel ceiling support grids includes a series of latches at the corners. The latches are retracted responsive to movement of the fixture to a position above the support grids and are released automatically after the fixture is disposed above the grids to define grid engaging supports for the fixture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fixture which is characterized by its ability readily to be lamped and relamped, notwithstanding the fixture is located at a position which is accessible only with difficulty. The fixture includes a socket which coacts with the terminals of a bulb of particular design to center the terminals and to enable electrical and mechanical contact to be effected by a simple inward movement of the bulb relative to the socket.

Abstract: A recessed ceiling mounted lighting fixture is disclosed, characterized in the incorporation of improved mounting means for effecting connection thereof to a ceiling tile support grid. The mounting means includes spring projected latches which may be readily released to a grid engaging position by the installer and which automatically hold the fixture in a predetermined heightwise relation to the ceiling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting fixture adapted to be mounted directly to the ceiling of a room or the like. A characterizing feature of the invention lies in the provision of a frame structure adapted to seat against the upper surface of the ceiling, the frame structure including means in the nature of clips which are shiftable radially into complementary guideways formed in the frame, the clips in the course of such outward radial movement including tangs which embed themselves in the ceiling structure proper to securely mount the fixture at a desired position in the ceiling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a moisture sealed and vandal-resistant lighting fixture and is characterized by novel means for securing a diffuser in tightly sealed engagement against a gasket on the housing of a lighting fixture, which means precludes the ingress of moisture and reduces the likelihood that the fixture may be vandalized. More particularly, the invention relates to a lighting fixture, preferably rectangular, wherein the diffuser component is pressed against the mouth portion of the housing component by a cam arrangement, access to the cam arrangement being provided through a wall of the housing via an inconspicuous aperture or apertures whereby only one who is familiar with the operating characteristics of the fixture would recognize how to release the cam arrangement and, hence, the diffuser.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a universal ceiling lighting fixture and more particularly is directed to a lighting fixture adapted to be mounted above a ceiling made of gypsum board, acoustical tile or the like, the fixture being characterized by its ability to support reflectors of a variety of diameters. More particularly, the fixture includes novel mounting means which extend over the reflector receiving aperture, the mounting means being adjustable in accordance with the diameter of the reflector intended to be used with the fixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an attachment clamp adapted to be mounted to a ceiling, such as a dry wall or acoustical tile ceiling, for structurally supporting a lighting fixture to the ceiling. The attachment clamp, which is formed of an integral resilient metal blank and a threaded adjustment member includes a foot portion adapted to be braced against the upper surface of the ceiling and a locking finger adapted to underlie the ceiling in spaced parallel relation to the foot portion, the threaded adjustment member being operable variably to space the foot and finger to clamp a thickness of ceiling between the two noted components.