Abstract: An abnormal or unbalanced load operating condition is detected in a single lamp ballast circuit or in either lamp of a two-lamp ballast circuit by feedback voltage signals that are proportional to the flow of current through the cathodes of each lamp. The analog feedback signals are combined algebraically by a summing circuit that produces a null (zero) value corresponding with normal lamp operation, and produces a non-zero value in response to abnormal cathode current flow. The non-zero value is compared with the reference value to generate a shut-down signal. In one embodiment, the cathode currents are sensed by primary windings of a toroid transformer, and the feedback signals are the magnetic flux components that are generated in response to cathode current flow through the current sensing windings.

Abstract: A lighting control and dimming system utilizes a single traveler conductor for transmitting analog data signals corresponding to a particular light intensity level of multiple dimmers in a dimmer group. A predetermined binary data word is retrieved from the read-only memory of a remote controller and is transmitted serially in an analog pulse train over the traveler conductor to each dimmer unit. Each dimmer unit includes a microcontroller and read-only memory in which a group of binary numbers are stored. The analog data signal received by each dimmer is converted to binary and is compared bit-by-bit with each binary number stored in the dimmer memory. A serial bit comparator produces an enable signal in response to a bit-by-bit identity match between the converted analog data signal and the preset binary number stored in the dimmer ROM. Dimmers enabled by the transmitted analog data signal produce a predetermined scene at a particular brightness level corresponding with one of the stored binary numbers.

Abstract: A lighting control and dimming system 10 utilizes a single traveler conductor for transmitting analog data signals corresponding to a particular light intensity level of dimmers DIM 1, DIM 2, DIM 3, DIM 4, . . . , DIM N in a dimmer group. A predetermined binary data word is retrieved from the read-only memory of a controller that may be remote from the dimmers, and is transmitted serially in an analog pulse train over the traveler conductor to each dimmer unit. Remote signaling and selection of a specific scene are performed independently of the phase of the applied AC line voltage by sampling the logic values of logic high to logic low and logic low to logic high transitions of a zero cross signal. Dimmers enabled by the transmitted analog data signal produce a predetermined scene at a particular brightness level corresponding with one of the stored binary numbers.

Abstract: A lighting control and dimming system utilizes a single traveler conductor for transmitting analog data signals corresponding to a particular light intensity level of dimmers in a dimmer group. A predetermined binary data word is retrieved from the read-only memory of a remote controller and is transmitted serially in an analog pulse train over the traveler conductor to each dimmer unit. Each dimmer unit includes a microcontroller and read-only memory in which a group of binary numbers are stored. The analog data signal received by each dimmer is converted to binary and is compared bit-by-bit with each binary number stored in the dimmer memory. A serial bit comparator produces an enable signal in response to a bit-by-bit identity match between the converted analog data signal and the preset binary number stored in the dimmer ROM. Dimmers enabled by the transmitted analog data signal produce a predetermined scene at a particular brightness level corresponding with one of the stored binary numbers.

Abstract: Described is an improved electrical connection suitable for track lighting which is comprised of a novel, formed conductive buss structure having a hairpin curve shape cross-section forming a groove for firmly holding a conductive blade to provide physical and electrical integrity of the connection thereby.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for thermally controlling a light fixture contemplate the use of a housing for holding a high-wattage, heat-producing lamp, with the housing having an opening through which light emanates from the lamp. Two lenses are provided, and mounting means support the lenses in spaced layered relation so as to form a thermal barrier that at least partially encloses the opening of the housing whereby the lens furthest from the heat-producing lamp is maintained cooler than the lens closest to the lamp.

Abstract: A lighting fixture with a socket base having a closed and cool running back which reduces the amount of heat transferred to the area behind the lamp socket base and allows lower temperature rated wires to be used in the installation of the lamp socket base. The lamp socket base has raised lugs on which the lamp socket rests. A gasket is placed around or between the lamp socket and the lamp socket base and another gasket is placed between the lamp socket base and the wall or ceiling box. The lamp socket base is constructed as one piece such as from a casting. All of these features help to reduce the amount of heat transferred from the lamp socket to the other side of the lamp socket base and also to the wires in the area behind the lamp socket base.

Abstract: A light fixture for setting the optimum position of a position-oriented lamp, independently of the fixture position, includes a housing for holding the position-oriented lamp and having an opening through which light emanates from the lamp. Means is releasably connected to the housing for rotating the position-oriented lamp relative to the housing and securing the lamp to the housing when the lamp has been rotated to its optimum position. Means is mounted to the rotating and securing means for indicating when the position-oriented lamp has been rotated to its optimum position, so that the lamp can be so positioned without having visual access to it.

Abstract: A lighting fixture with a safety hook allows easier wiring of a lighting fixture, allows easier and accurate alignment and attachment of the fixture's housing and cover during installation and prevents the fixture from dropping down during servicing. A safety hook with two stages or hook elements is installed in the cover of the lighting fixture. An eye flange with a slot is installed in the housing so that the slot can slide over the safety hook in the cover. As the slot is guided over the safety hook, the slot will engage the first stage or hook element which allows the housing to hang from the cover without any assistance from the installer while the necessary wiring connections are made. Then, the slot is guided further onto the safety hook until the slot engages the second stage or hook element which allows the housing and cover to be easily aligned and connected.

Abstract: A lighting control and dimming system utilizes a single traveler conductor for transmitting analog data signals corresponding to a particular light intensity level of a dimmer group. A predetermined binary data word is retrieved from the read-only memory of a remote controller, and is transmitted serially in an analog pulse train over the traveler conductor to each dimmer unit. Each dimmer unit includes a microcontroller and read-only memory in which a group of binary numbers are stored. The analog data signal received by each dimmer is converted to binary and is compared bit-by-bit with each binary number stored in the dimmer memory. A serial bit comparator produces an enable signal in response to a bit-by-bit identity match between the converted analogy data signal and the preset binary number stored in the dimmer ROM. All the dimmers are enabled by the transmitted analog data signal, thus producing a predetermined scene at a particular brightness level corresponding with one of the stored binary numbers.

Abstract: Described is a low profile, adjustable deck light fixture suitable for outdoor use comprised of a housing having a step lock mechanism for easy, versatile installation and adjustment.