Abstract: A lampholder structure employing oppositely disposed bed and cover sections hingedly mounted so as to open to permit insertion of first and second electrical feed wires in respective recesses of the structure. Clamping of the bed and cover sections together captures the feed wires and causes interconnection of a lighting device and an optional resistor with the feed wires by forcing a plurality of interior contact elements to penetrate into the feed wires.

Abstract: A light fixture housing extrusion that includes a horizontal step plate intersecting a vertical riser plate and having first and second channels for mounting string light fixtures beneath removable translucent covers, the channels including grooved wall structures to facilitate securing of the covers and either a pair of tangs or a pair of interior recessed walls for receiving and retaining a spring-biased wedge clip lamp carriage. Other features include an improved wiring scheme with individually-fused light strings, a diode for dimming the light output of selected strings, and a riser lens cover having a unitarily-extruded extended shield which prevents viewing the direct glare from elevated lighting fixtures. An alternative glare reduction is provided by an opaque lens cover located directly above one or more lamps, the lens cover being mounted in a translucent extrusion structure, which mutes the lamp light, thus providing muted illumination on either side of the opaque lens cover.

Abstract: An improved track lighting system wherein a plurality of lamps are mechanically connected to a flexible track by metal connectors which also serve as the electrical connection for the lamps. The connectors include a stem which mounts along a central groove in the flexible track and have resiliently opposed arcuate members to releasably mount a conical or cylindrical end of the lamp. The electrical connection is achieved by a leg member which extends from the top of one of the arcuate members to the side of the track, where a foot member contacts an electric wire disposed within the side of the track. Each side of the track has a wire extending longitudinally along its length. When alternating connectors contact the two wires, an electric current can be generated through the lamp. The connectors can be selectively located anywhere along the track to place the lamp in a desire position, and the connectors are easily removed and replaced in the central groove.

Abstract: An elongate tubular fixture mounts a plurality of rotatable assemblies above a plurality of respective apertures in the tubular fixture. The rotatable assemblies position a number of lamps and one or more concealed miniature surveillance cameras to observe a gaming table or other surface of interest.

Abstract: A low voltage lighting fixture connected to an isolation step-down transformer is protected from limited or maximum short circuit conditions by monitoring the secondary current of the step-down transformer until a fault is detected, whereupon the protection circuitry deenergizes the primary of the transformer by opening a relay. The protection circuitry is completely isolated such that a breakdown in voltage from the primary to secondary of the stepdown transformer, which would place 120 volts on the secondary side, cannot occur. Additionally, while monitoring the high current-low voltage secondary of the transformer, the relay is placed in the primary circuitry which is at line voltage, but at a much lower current rating. The relay is a normally open device which closes when either of a pair of redundant optoisolators conduct current.

Abstract: First and second light fixtures, each mounting a fluorescent lamp, are interconnected by a flexible conduit which conducts electrical interconnections between the lamps and a ballast located in one of the fixtures. The flexible conduit permits orienting the respective fixtures to accommodate positioning along a variety of curved paths at the installation site. A three-part lamp support structure featuring a pair of resiliently-biased receptacle arms for receiving a twin tube fluorescent lamp is also disclosed.

Abstract: A low-voltage light fixture to facilitate the insertion and removal of light bulbs, where the light bulb is inserted in a socket which is releasable secured to a carriage. The electrical contact to a pair of leads on the light bulb is made by a pair of acruate terminals fastened within the carriage. The terminals have one free end so that they may bend freely upon insertion of the socket within the carriage. The socket includes a depression configured to conform to the shape of the arcuate terminals, so that the terminals snap into the depression when the socket is inserted into the carriage. The leads extend acros the depression to improve the electrical contact. The socket is further secured to the carriage by a pair of grooves which mate to the carriage's guiding rails. The invention further comprises a retrofitting cover and spring-clip mechanism for holding such cover to the housing of the string-lighting system.

Abstract: The open end of a cylindrical or dome shaped cover closed at the other end fits snugly within the raised outer rim of a flat base formed of a heat transmitting material such as metal. A holder structure, preferably of lightweight metal supportable on the base to be enclosed within the cover, has one or more lightweight plates that are the approximate size and shape of a standard tortilla disposed in a roughly horizontal attitude one above the other. The base beneath the plates has concentric shallow liquid retaining areas to hold small amounts of water that can be heated and turned to steam to warm the tortillas and keep them pliant. Heat insulating handles on the cover and base permit the entire assembly to be placed over the heating element on a stove.

Abstract: A decorative light and method of manufacture thereof, said light having an outer transparent tube, a pair of electrical supply wires in the tube, and a plurality of miniature lamps within the tube, the lamps being connected in series between the supply wires, and a protective dielectric material within the tube which coats the supply wires and the lamps forming a protective dielectric cushioning layer between said wires and lamps and the walls of the tube to prevent electrical failure of the decorative light tube circuit as a result of moisture, shock and vibration.

Abstract: Pools and spas formed with lamp house accommodating wall conformations below normal water level are fitted with a flexible tubing lamp house containing special lamps having a safety conductor ending unconnected in the interior of the lamp envelope. The lamp energizing circuits and a grounding circuit connected to the safety conductors of the lamps are disposed in the lamp house with a water insoluable, light transmitting electrical insulating material which serves to insulate the circuits and exclude water.

Abstract: Decorative light tubing, which has unbased miniature lamps connected in series by soldering or welding the ends of the flexible wire leads together to form parallel strings between a pair of elongated parallel wire conductors, is substantially filled with mineral oil or other clear, viscous dielectric fluid to protect the lamps and wiring against the adverse effects of vibration, shock and moisture while also enhancing the visual effect.

Abstract: First and second light fixtures, each mounting a fluorescent lamp, are interconnected by a flexible conduit which conducts electrical interconnections between the lamps and a ballast located in one of the fixtures. The flexible conduit permits orienting the respective fixtures to accommodate positioning along a variety of curved paths at the installation site. A three-part lamp support structure featuring a pair of resiliently-biased receptacle arms for receiving a twin tube fluorescent lamp is also disclosed.