Abstract: A luminaire having parabolic reflector elements to obtain strong crossed beams of reflected light forming the main components in a batwing distribution, with elliptical reflector elements to reflect light toward the center and mid-zones of the distribution pattern but not toward the peripheries, to improve the uniformity of the illumination on a surface and to reduce direct discomfort glare. The luminaire has special utility for uplighting, to illuminate a ceiling which can thus produce indirect illumination of an area, relatively free from veiling reflections.

Abstract: A luminaire having a pair of parabolic reflectors or a reflector having a continuous parabolic surface of revolution, a light source within the parabolic surface or surfaces having a light emitting envelope, and a plurality of light absorbing surfaces positioned to cut off substantially all light emanating from the light source envelope which would otherwise have been reflected or directed into the zone of about 45.degree. to about 90.degree. above nadir. The parabolic reflectors or surface are arranged to provide maximum candlepower in the zone of about 25.degree. to 45.degree. above nadir. The luminaire eliminates direct discomfort glare and substantially eliminates veiling reflections in seeing tasks located on the working plane. The luminaire is adapted for surface, pendant or recessed ceiling mounting or for mounting above the task area from floor or table mounted supports, or inverted to illuminate the ceiling.