Abstract: A dimming control system includes dimmer modules that receive dimming level information from one of at least two control modules. Each dimmer module includes a microprocessor that provides internal intelligence for controlling power to a load in response to dimming level information. Control modules receive industry standard protocol dimming information from various sources, convert it to dimming level information, and serially communicate the dimming level information to the dimmer modules. Dimmer modules and control modules are mounted in a rack which includes a backplane having a nonvolatile memory device that retains configuration data even if control modules are removed from the rack. An inactive control module can assume control of the rack when an active control module fails.

Abstract: A dimming control system includes dimmer modules that receive dimming level information from one of at least two control modules. Each dimmer module includes a microprocessor that provides internal intelligence for controlling power to a load in response to dimming level information. Control modules receive industry standard protocol dimming information from various sources, convert it to dimming level information, and serially communicate the dimming level information to the dimmer modules. Dimmer modules and control modules are mounted in a rack which includes a backplane having a nonvolatile memory device that retains configuration data even if control modules are removed from the rack. An inactive control module can assume control of the rack when an active control module fails.

Abstract: A metal halide light fixture includes three generally cylindrical parts including a lamp housing with a lamp and a lamp socket, an intermediate sleeve member secured to the lamp housing, and a third focusing housing secured to the intermediate sleeve member. The focusing housing includes a reflector member including a concave reflecting surface and a lens. The lamp housing carries a T-6 lamp or similar lamp which includes a cylindrical arc tube having a significant axial length. Rotating the focusing housing moves the reflector member which surrounds the lamp axially relative to the arc tube to shift the light output pattern from floodlight to spotlight. The lamp housing is connected to a mounting structure through a swivel connection. Wires from the lamp socket are fed through a port in the lamp housing and a channel in the mounting structure and are potted in place. Threaded connections between the three principal parts are protected by O-ring seals.

Abstract: A dimming control system includes dimmer modules that receive dimming level information from one of at least two control modules. Each dimmer module includes a microprocessor that provides internal intelligence for controlling power to a load in response to dimming level information. Control modules receive industry standard protocol dimming information from various sources, convert it to dimming level information, and serially communicate the dimming level information to the dimmer modules. Dimmer modules and control modules are mounted in a rack which includes a backplane having a nonvolatile memory device that retains configuration data even if control modules are removed from the rack. An inactive control module can assume control of the rack when an active control module fails.

Abstract: A dimming control system includes dimmer modules which receive dimming level information from a control module. Each dimmer modules includes a microprocessor which provides internal intelligence for controlling power to a load in response to the dimming level information. The control module receives industry standard protocol dimming information from various sources, converts it to dimming level information, and communicates the dimming level information to the dimmer modules through serial communication lines. The dimmer modules and control module are mounted in a rack which includes a backplane having nonvolatile memory device that retains configuration data even if the control module is removed from the rack. The dimmer modules implement a zero cross prediction method which includes detecting an actual zero cross, calculating an error, and adding the error to the period of a line power signal.

Abstract: A decorative lamp fixture includes a housing with a generally rectangular cross-section formed of a pair of identical interlocking extruded members. An opening or window is formed on each side of the housing. The housing includes a plurality of internal grooves or channels for holding fasteners supporting a bracket which secures a glass block in position, such that its face surfaces are adjacent or protrude slightly from the openings. A lamp is positioned within the housing such that it directs light at an edge of the glass block. Other edges of the glass block are coated with a light reflecting coating, such as white paint. The housing includes a cover, and the lamp may be secured to the cover, or it may be positioned below the glass block.

Abstract: A decorative lamp fixture includes a housing with a generally rectangular cross-section formed of a pair of identical interlocking extruded members. An opening or window is formed on each side of the housing. The housing includes a plurality of internal grooves or channels for holding fasteners supporting a bracket which secures a glass block in position, such that its face surfaces are adjacent or protrude slightly from the openings. A lamp is positioned within the housing such that it directs light at an edge of the glass block. Other edges of the glass block are coated with a light reflecting coating, such as white paint. The housing includes a cover, and the lamp may be secured to the cover, or it may be positioned below the glass block.

Abstract: A dimming control system includes dimmer modules which receive dimming level information from a control module. Each dimmer modules includes a microprocessor which provides internal intelligence for controlling power to a load in response to the dimming level information. The control module receives industry standard protocol dimming information from various sources, converts it to dimming level information, and communicates the dimming level information to the dimmer modules through serial communication lines. The dimmer modules and control module are mounted in a rack which includes a backplane having nonvolatile memory device that retains configuration data even if the control module is removed from the rack. The dimmer modules implement a zero cross prediction method which includes detecting an actual zero cross, calculating an error, and adding the error to the period of a line power signal.

Abstract: A bollard style light fixture, which allows the user to vary the fixture's light distribution pattern, while also eliminating the fixture's emission of glare. The fixture of this invention is also designed to absorb a minor amount of shock without damage, and provides a mechanism whereby the fixture may be quickly and easily leveled and releveled even after installation. The fixture of this invention comprises a base; a compressible base pad upon which the base rests; a support sleeve vertically extending from the base; a light source located within the support sleeve; a light-emitting window located on the support sleeve opposite the base; and an adjustable cap assembly located atop the light-emitting window vertically adjustable for variably covering the light-emitting window, thus varying the light distribution pattern of the fixture and redirecting the light rays towards the ground, eliminating glare.

Abstract: A dimming control system includes a non-volatile memory mounted to a backplane in a rack having a control module slot for receiving a control module, and a plurality of dimmer module slots for receiving dimmer modules. The non-volatile memory stores operational information for the rack, and the control module can be removed from the rack without affecting the information stored in the nonvolatile memory. The non-volatile memory is adapted to store looks which can be invoked by the rack without external control. The rack includes a pull-out tray for receiving the control module, and the pull-out tray includes a back wall which functions as the backplane. The non-volatile memory can be programmed through the control module by a computer or a hand-held controller coupled to the control module. The hand-held controller includes a display and can provide local control of the rack.

Abstract: A ballast housing having a uniform generally rectangular cross section is formed, preferably by extrusion, to accommodate any of a number of ballasts of varying sizes. Exterior sidewalls are formed with longitudinal grooves, one of which contains a pair of cylindrical members. A separate mounting plate carries screws which contact the cylindrical members and permit the cylindrical members to act as hinges permitting the housing to pivot away from the mounting plate. Closure plates are secured to each end of the housing and standard threaded ports may be formed in each closure plate as well as in the extruded member for mounting lighting fixtures or conduits carrying wires. Mating openings are formed on the backside of the housing member and the mounting plate for the passage of power leads to the ballast in the housing.

Abstract: An image projector includes a generally cylindrical housing containing a slide or pattern holder, a fixed lens and an adjustable lens. A separate lamp house threadedly engaged with the housing contains a lamp and electrical connections to the lamp. A cylindrical forward housing or shroud is threadedly engaged with the housing at its opposite end and includes a window through which the light pattern is transmitted. Seals are incorporated adjacent to the threaded connections to assure weather tight operation. The housing is carried in a sleeve which is spaced to allow air circulation around the housing. The sleeve is carried in a yoke which permits elevational adjustment of the projector.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a lighting fixture on a tree includes a mounting plate having a flat mounting surface and angled flanges on opposite sides of said surface with slots in the flanges. A metal strap is secured to one of said flanges, passed through a clutch in two layers leaving a take-up loop on the opposite side of the clutch from the mounting plate. The free end of the strap is wrapped around the tree and passed through a slot on the opposite flange, being doubled over upon itself and clamped down with a screw and locking plate. The free end of the strap is then secured to the adjacent band with a clamp. The clutch consists of a housing carrying a pair of blocks between which two layers of the strap are passed to provide a take-up loop.

Abstract: A dimmer rack utilizes removable connector modules for interfacing the rack to various types of standard electrical connectors in pre-existing lighting systems. The dinner rack includes a front bay for receiving dimmer modules, a rear bay for receiving the connector modules, and a patch panel for routing electrical power from the dimmer modules to the connector modules. Each connector module includes a rear panel having a connector for connecting the module to the patch panel and a front panel having a standard electrical connector for connecting the module to a lighting system. The connector modules can be fabricated with various types of standard electrical connectors.

Abstract: A dimming control system includes dimmer modules which receive dimming level information from a control module. Each dimmer modules includes a microprocessor which provides internal intelligence for controlling power to a load in response to the dimming level information. The control module receives industry standard protocol dimming information from various sources, converts it to dimming level information, and communicates the dimming level information to the dimmer modules through serial communication lines. The dimmer modules and control module are mounted in a rack which includes a backplane having nonvolatile memory device that retains configuration data even if the control module is removed from the rack. The dimmer modules implement a zero cross prediction method which includes detecting an actual zero cross, calculating an error, and adding the error to the period of a line power signal.

Abstract: A high density dimmer module controls four separate lighting circuits and provides adequate cooling while maintaining a form factor identical to conventional dimmer modules. The module includes circuit breakers arranged in stacks located adjacent to the front of the module. The circuit breaker stacks are spaced apart to allow cooling air to flow between, and to each side of, the circuit breakers. The air then flows past a power device and four toroidal inductors which are arranged behind and between the stacks. In a preferred embodiment, the module includes an input power connector positioned adjacent the rear periphery of the module chassis, first and second stacks of circuit breakers positioned adjacent the front periphery, four inductors arranged in an arcuate pattern behind the circuit breaker stacks, a power device located adjacent a sidewall of the chassis, and four output load connectors positioned adjacent the rear periphery.

Abstract: A lens casting or housing provides a series of grooves for selective mounting of various lenses to achieve various beam spreads. By spacing lenses in the housing, it is possible to reduce the diameter and thickness of the lens nearer the light source with consequent improvement in thermal characteristics as well as efficiency in light transmission.

Abstract: A spotlight housing has a rear section in which a lamp socket is accommodated. The lamp projects forwardly through the back of a reflector. The lamp socket is mounted on a heat sink. A coil spring is interposed between the heat sink and the rear section of the follow spot housing. A screw threaded rod projects from the back of the heat sink, through the spring and through a large clearance opening in the rear section of the housing where it connects with a positioning knob. The knob is urged against the outside surface of the housing, which is spherically formed with a geometric center located near the access opening to the reflector. By shifting the knob along the surface, the lamp filament can be moved laterally in any direction relative to the reflector axis or focus. By rotating the knob, the rod length changes as the spring compresses and expands, thus moving the filament more or less into the reflector housing as the heat sink limits rotation.