Patents by Inventor Daniel F. Francis

Daniel F. Francis has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6632006
    Abstract: A finishing section of a recessed wall wash light fixture has a heat conducting side wall. The inner surface of the side wall has a reflective finish. A lamp is non-centrally aligned within the finishing section. The reflective sides cooperate with the off axis location of the lamp to operate as a kick reflector to kick a portion of the light emitted outward from the fixture at high angles to illuminate a nearby wall close to the ceiling line. The finishing section functions as a lamp support, heat shield and kick reflector reducing the number of parts and complexity of assembly typical of wall wash light fixtures. The finishing section is mounted substantially within a rough-in section housing. An aperture cone section, lens, hinge and bias mechanism, and rotatable collar improve performance and functionality of the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Graham M. Rippel, Daniel F. Francis, Brian Roberge, Erik B. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6471374
    Abstract: The present invention provides a support assembly for a lighting fixture and two adjustment mechanisms that provide for a significant range of adjustment of the lamp within the lighting fixture. The support assembly includes a first and a second support member. The first support member may be an arcuate support brace or yoke, including at least one first leg extending therefrom. The second support member may be an annular base brace or yoke, including at least a second leg extending therefrom. The first adjustment mechanism provides for the repositioning of the lamp support about a horizontal axis and includes a travel arm and two biasing means. The second adjustment mechanism provides for the rotation of the base yoke 360° about a vertical axis that runs through the center of the annular portion of the yoke and then secured in position within the lighting fixture by a locking means, such as the adjustable locking clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Eric P. Thomas, Orlando S. Rodrigues, Daniel F. Francis
  • Patent number: 6447145
    Abstract: A luminiferous trim plate for a recessed lighting fixture includes a frustoconical cup, or similar shape, with an open bottom with a laterally extending primary flange. Sealing material is disposed on an upper surface of the primary flange. A lip extends upwardly around an outer periphery of the primary flange thereby preventing outward lateral movement of the sealing material when the plate is installed in the lighting fixture. The cup is formed of a non-conductive material so as to allow use in a moisture rich environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Eric P. Thomas, Daniel F. Francis
  • Patent number: 6402112
    Abstract: The present invention provides a support assembly for a lighting fixture that allows for the adjustment and positioning of a lamp about both a horizontal and a vertical axis using only one locking mechanism. The support assembly includes a first support member that is pivotably attached to a second support member. The support assembly also includes a cylindrical sleeve to which the second support member is adjustably engaged. Both support members include at least one leg extending therefrom. The locking mechanism includes a pivoting brake shoe that can engage the cylindrical sleeve so as to secure the lamp into position about a vertical axis. The locking mechanism also includes a thumbscrew that is housed within a slot defined within a leg of the first support member, and that engages both the brake shoe and a leg on the second support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Eric P. Thomas, Daniel F. Francis, Orlando S. Rodrigues