Abstract: A strut holding assembly for flexible elongated struts engaging a flexible wall, the assembly including a hub, a plurality of holding arms pivotally connected at spaced locations to the hub between storage positions adjacent the hub, and extended positions extending outwardly of the hub, each holding arm being adapted to immobilize a free inner end of one strut. At least one of the holding arms has a seat adapted for receiving and immobilize the free inner end of a strut in at least one direction and a hook spaced from the seat by a fulcrum distance, the hook being adapted for engaging the strut at a distance from the free inner end of the strut equal to the fulcrum distance, for immobilizing the strut in a bent and tensioned position and in at least three directions and being free to move in a remaining direction.

Abstract: An electrical device has a base assembly including first contacts and a mounting mechanism for electrically leading to a power source, a latch assembly adapted to receive at least one additional electrical device that is to be mounted to the latch assembly, push and twist mechanism for engaging the latch assembly to the base assembly and a plurality of second contacts in the latch assembly adapted to be electrically connected to the first contacts of the base assembly, the second contacts being adapted to be connected to the additional electrical device.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is provided for a light fixture. The assembly includes a base assembly which includes a female pin contact holder, a base housing adjacent the female pin contact holder, and having at least one guide post, and a stem. The assembly also includes a male pin contact holder having at least one tab, a hole at one end, a flange surrounding the hole, and an electrical male pin connector inside the male pin contact holder for connection with the female pin contact holder through the hole. A latch assembly includes a spring, a washer, and a latch housing. The latch housing has at least one bayonet slot at an open end for mating connection with the at least one guide post, at least one set of installation slots and resting seats on the inside surface of the housing, and a wall between the installation slots and resting seats having a peak and a ramp.

Abstract: A controller for a lighting system is integrated with a light or other device. The controller operates in a local mode to control the integrated light only and in a remote mode to function as a serial network protocol controller for a series of connected devices. In remote mode, an IR/RF remote control is used to change settings for any device connected to the controller. The controller generates a fast serial network protocol instruction sequence, such as a DMX-512 protocol instruction sequence, from the commands received relatively slowly from the IR/RF remote control. The controller can include an hours of operation counter for the integrated light and a global setting function for changing all connected devices simultaneously to a single setting.

Abstract: A controller for a lighting system is integrated with a light or other device. The controller operates in a local mode to control the integrated light only and in a remote mode to function as a serial network protocol controller for a series of connected devices. In remote mode, an IR/RF remote control is used to change settings for any device connected to the controller. The controller generates a fast serial network protocol instruction sequence, such as a DMX-512 protocol instruction sequence, from the commands received relatively slowly from the IR/RF remote control. The controller can include an hours of operation counter for the integrated light and a global setting function for changing all connected devices simultaneously to a single setting.

Abstract: A support bracket for a device, such as a light, has a swivel mount provided at one end of a bent support arm, the other end of which can be held in a conventional stand. The support arm is shaped to position a light or other device connected to the swivel mount so that the center of gravity of the light is over the vertical axis of the stand. Positioning the center of gravity over the vertical axis of the stand is essential, so that the need for counterweights, counterbalances and ballasts is reduced in order to keep the light stable when mounted on the connector bracket held by a stand. When the center of gravity of the light is also aligned with a horizontal axis of the swivel mount bracket, the light can be pivoted and rotated on the bracket without affecting the balance. The tilt bracket is preferably used with portable lights so that the amount and weight of equipment needed to mount the light is reduced.

Abstract: A light fixture for receiving commercially available reflectors or diffusers having flexible walls and a plurality of flexible struts, has a housing with a socket for receiving a lamp or lamps. A power connection is provided for supplying electrical power to the socket and a plurality of receivers are connected to the housing, each for receiving a free end of a strut. A mount is connected to the housing for mounting the housing to a stand or tripod or other appropriate support. Each of the receivers which are preferably in the form of tubes or blind bores, are positioned so that the free end of each strut must be bent into a braced position and inserted into a receiver. This deploys the flexible wall of the reflector or diffuser into its open reflecting position.

Abstract: An electronics casing is formed from interlocking upper, lower and side panels and a pair of end plates. Grooves are formed in the outer surface of the lower panel for mounting the casing on the legs or struts of tripods or other lighting supports. The weight of the casing helps counter-balance lighting elements supported on the tripod and holds the casing in place. Multiple casings may be connected together using dovetail tongue and groove connectors on the sides of the casing.

Abstract: A clamp assembly can support a member, in particular a light fixture or light filtering, blocking of reflecting member, on a support such as a stand, table top, shelf or the like, and permit three degrees of freedom between the member and the support. The assembly includes a first clamp arm having a mating side and an attachment side opposite from the mating side and a second clamp arm having a mating side and an opposite attachment side. A pivot journal connects the first and second arms to each other with the mating sides facing each other for rotation of the first clamp arm with respect to the second clamp arm about a first axis extending through the mating sides and journal. A hand crank or screw fixes a relative rotational position between the first and second clamp arms with respect to the first axis.

Abstract: A shade control arrangement comprises a shade panel having inner and outer edges with an attachment clamp or attachment clips at the inner edge and additional clips at the outer edge. The outer clips can be used to hold the edge of a gelatin sheet or a perforated sheet to stretch the sheet across a source of light to which a pair of panels is connected using the inner clips or clamp. The clamp comprises inner and outer jaws which form a pocket that can be closed with a screw, at least one of the jaws being pivotally connected between the legs of a U-shaped fork that is detachably connected to the shade panel near the inner edge thereof. A flexible shaft is detachably connected to the clamp. A similarly structured clamp can be used to capture the edge of a flexible sheet that contains a plurality of parallel bend troughs so that the sheet can be bent into a variety of shapes.

Abstract: A shade panel assembly comprises an opaque flexible shade panel having opposite surfaces and made of a material which can be easily cut into different shapes. Non-glare, low reflection markings are provided on both surfaces to guide the cutting of the panel into a plurality of rounded leaves for providing guides to produce custom-shaped leaves.

Abstract: A shade control arrangement comprises a shade panel having inner and outer edges with an attachment clamp or attachment clips at the inner edge and additional clips at the outer edge. The outer clips can be used to hold the edge of a gelatin sheet or a perforated sheet to stretch the sheet across a source of light to which a pair of panels is connected using the inner clips or clamp. The clamp comprises inner and outer jaws which form a pocket that can be closed with a screw, at least one of the jaws being pivotally connected between the legs of a U-shaped fork that is detachably connected to the shade panel near the inner edge thereof. A flexible shaft is detachably connected to the clamp. A similarly structured clamp can be used to capture the edge of a flexible sheet that contains a plurality of parallel bend troughs so that the sheet can be bent into a varity of shapes.