Abstract: An electrical connector for use in completing at least one electrical circuit is provided which includes a first half-connector body having an inner and outer flange structure which upon insertion into a housing comprising an orifice is effective to substantially envelop edge portions of the orifice to provide a substantially continuous seal between at least side and bottom edge portions of the orifice and connector. The first half-connector body also includes at least one opening for making electrical connection between electrical power-providing components and electrical power-receiving components. In especially preferred embodiments, the inner and outer flange structure define a substantially continuous groove about the periphery of the side and bottom edge portions and the connector includes an upper wall portion having a groove for containing a complementary tongue portion.

Abstract: An electrical connecting device is provided which includes a housing comprising at least one orifice having disposed therein a connector for making electrical connection between electrical power-providing components and electrical power-receiving components. The connector includes inner and outer flange structures which substantially envelop edge portions of the orifice to provide a substantially continuous seal between at least side and bottom edge portions of the orifice and connect. In especially preferred embodiments, the edge portions of the orifice are contained in a groove formed between the inner and outer flange structures.

Abstract: An electrical connector for use in completing at least one electrical circuit is provided which includes a first half-connector body having an inner and outer flange structure which upon insertion into a housing comprising an orifice is effective to substantially envelop edge portions of the orifice to provide a substantially continuous seal between at least side and bottom edge portions of the orifice and connector. The first half-connector body also includes at least one opening for making electrical connection between electrical power-providing components and electrical power-receiving components. In especially preferred embodiments, the inner and outer flange structure define a substantially continuous groove about the periphery of the side and bottom edge portions and the connector includes an upper wall portion having a groove for containing a complementary tongue portion.

Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp adapter for compact fluorescent lamp includes a ballast case which has a lower plate having a compact fluorescent lamp socket and an upper plate having an incandescent lamp base, the upper plate being coupled to the lower plate. The compact fluorescent lamp socket formed in the lower plate has a plug retaining portion for receiving a compact fluorescent lamp plug, a PCB having a plug through hole for accommodating a plug retaining portion of the compact fluorescent lamp socket, and having a fluorescent lamp ballast circuit. The compact fluorescent lamp socket comprises at least two terminals having ring contact portion to be contacted fluorescent lamp plug pin and elastic contact portion to be contacted with contact pad formed on the PCB, and a terminal settling plate for settling said terminals onto pin through holes respectively formed in said lower plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved system of interconnecting ballasts and fluorescent lights; more specifically, for a ballast whose circuit is duly insulated and housed in a casing, is fitted with prongs which are connected to the coil and capacitor by means of wires. One or more receptacles are provided into which the prongs are inserted. A protective cover over the receptacle(s) has a catch at one end into which is inserted a retaining clip to secure the cover in place. The ballast circuit has cable wires running from the receptacles,firmly mounted inside the casing , to the fluorescent lights.

Abstract: A stabilizer casing for a fluorescent light fixture includes an open lower case, a printed circuit board mounted in the open lower case, a connector connected to a portion of the printed circuit board and having connection terminals, and a cap connected to the open lower case so that the connection terminals of the connector are exposed externally at one end of the cap. The stabilizer can be easily automated and cost reduction can be accomplished accordingly due to the simplified production steps.

Abstract: A transformer housing includes a main compartment enclosing the transformer and an auxiliary compartment. The power source is connected to the primary windings in the auxiliary compartment and the electrical load is connected to the secondary windings in the main compartment. Insulating bushings mounted to the walls of the main compartment support the connections between the secondary windings and the load, maintaining these electrical connections a sufficient distance away from the walls of the housing, and each other, to substantially prevent electrical leakage from the connections to the housing or each other.

Abstract: A housing for use with a ballast for powering one or more fluorescent lamps. In a preferred embodiment, the housing includes a cover (48) and a base (10). The cover (48) has at least two fingers (80), where each finger (80) includes a mating portion (86). The base (10) has at least two corresponding finger ports (100), each with a guide-lock structure (102) for guiding insertion of the mating portion (86) of the finger (80) into the finger port (100) and for securely locking the finger (80) in place when the mating portion (86) is inserted into the finger port (100).

Abstract: A means and method for rigidly elevating a structure includes a base member securable in the ground and which has a portion extending above the ground. A pole section, having a bore inside a lower end, and an upper end, can be stacked upon the base means upwardly by slip fitting the pole section onto the base end and securing it in place. A flexible, easily transportable and durable system is thereby created for elevating structures.An integrated pole for elevating light fixtures and all other necessary components such as electrical components, can be predesigned, shipped, and easily installed at a desired location. Pole top member, including rigidly secured cross arms, can be inserted on the top of a pole. All wiring for both the pole top cross arms, and the pole itself can be preconfigured and require simple connection of plugs between wiring segments.

Abstract: Disclosed is an AC electrical apparatus including a vibrating device and a mounting structure supporting the device. In the improvement, a resilient insulator is interposed between the device and the mounting structure so that vibrations are isolated from the mounting structure. In a highly preferred embodiment, the insulator has a disc-like component between a standoff spacer and the mounting structure. Another such component is between the mounting structure and the head of the bolt which attaching the device to the structure. And a tube-like component of the insulator is between the bolt and such structure.

Abstract: A leadless type ballast transformer having a connector at one end of the housing for accepting a mating connector which supplies voltage to the ballast and provides the operating voltage to the lamps controlled by the ballast. Uninsulated connection leads extending inwardly of the housing from the connector terminals to contact the lugs of a terminal board adjacent a transformer coil with the magnet wires of the transformer coils also being in contact with the terminal board lugs. The connection leads and magnet wires are permanently electrically connected to the terminal board lugs by ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: A ballast case for electronic fluorescent lamp. The ballast case makes good a deficiency of potting compound even when deficient amount of potting compound is charged in the ballast enclosure, thus to facilitate the potting compound charging work and to effectively prevent generation of noise caused by overvoltage of ballast, and to effectively protect the ballast and varieties of parts. The ballast case comprises a rectangular box type ballast enclosure charged with potting compound and having the ballast and the varieties of parts therein, and a rectangular plate type cover covering the ballast enclosure. The cover has an embossed section for making good the deficiency of potting compound. The embossed section is formed by embossing an area of flat surface of the cover so that the embossed section corresponds to sizes and arrangement of the ballast and the varieties of parts.

Abstract: A ballast circuit enclosure and grounding structure for electrically grounding a ballast circuit to a housing and for capturing transmitted RFI and EMI therefrom. The ballast circuit enclosure includes an elongate housing for receiving and surrounding the ballast circuit. End caps are attached to the housing opposite open ends in closing engagement with the housing. The end caps are fastened to the housing with fastening members extending through holes in the end caps and into elongate channels formed on the inside of the housing. The ballast circuit board rests on elongate abutment shoulders within the housing and is sandwiched between the abutment shoulders and longitudinal walls forming the elongate channels. A grounding wire on the edge of the circuit board is coupled to the ballast circuit and is in electrical contact with the fastening member and/or the channel forming elongate wall of the housing.

Abstract: A process for fabrication of a filler for a ballast container used with frescent lighting employs a mixture of a high-density polyethylene in powdered form (derived from recycled milk containers) and dry sand. After loading the specified mixture into a ballast container to fill the unfilled volume remaining after the ballast container has electrical components installed, a closure means is placed on the loaded and filled ballast container, subsequently heated for a predetermined time period to achieve melting of the specified high-density polyethylene and dry sand mixture. After cooling the melted, high-density polyethylene, the high-density polyethylene and dry sand mixture fuses into a solid mass. A preferred mixture is comprised of a 50/50 weight percent ratio of the specified high-density polyethylene and dry sand.

Abstract: Apparatus for modifying an existing fluorescent light fixture having a base, the apparatus including a panel for attaching to the base. The panel was opposed electrical sockets for receiving terminal pins of a fluorescent tube. An opening is provided in the panel sized to receive an electronic ballast. Over the opening and attached to the panel is a cradle for support the ballast. The panel, with the cradle and ballast, is attachable to a base of an original fluorescent light fixture.

Abstract: A ballast holder which can be fabricated from a single piece of bent sheet metal material, includes a gusseted riser structure, a base portion extending rearwardly from the foot of the riser structure, and a top flange portion extending in a forwardly direction from the top end of the riser structure for securing one of the mounting flanges of a ballast. The height of the rigid riser structure is chosen to be at least as great as the maximum height of a standard ballast to be held thereby. The ballast holder is used to install a ballast in an inverted position within a lighting fixture housing and can accommodate different sized ballasts. The ballast holder also reduces the amount of structure between the ballast and the overlying reflector element of the lighting fixture and thereby reduces the tendency of the ballast holding structure to bow or distort the lighting fixture's reflector where space is limited.

Abstract: A half-connector body has lateral ears that fit in small notches in the ends of the side walls of a ballast can, preferably at the top. An end wall, if present, traps the ears longitudinally in the notches; resilience of that wall, and of its attachment to the can bottom, enhance tight longitudinal fit. The half connector (a receptacle) presses against, and partly protrudes through an orifice in, the end wall (if present). Outside the ballast, in a new fixture, a jack slides freely in the receptacle to make wiring-harness connections. The jack has a ratchet-like manually operable hook to secure the jack until manually released. Each contact or lead in either half connector is preferably provided with individual strain relief by permanent deformation (as for example using a die punch, without heating or plastic flow) of the connector wall inward, to displace material irreversibly around the wires.

Abstract: A half-connector body has lateral ears that fit in small notches in the ends of the side walls of a ballast can, preferably at the top. An end wall, if present, traps the ears longitudinally in the notches; resilience of that wall, and of its attachment to the can bottom, enhance tight longitudinal fit. The half connector (a receptacle) presses against, and partly protrudes through an orifice in, the end wall (if present). Outside the ballast, in a new fixture, a jack slides freely in the receptacle to make wiring-harness connections. The jack has a ratchet-like manually operable hook to secure the jack until manually released. Each contact or lead in either half connector is preferably provided with individual strain relief by permanent deformation (as for example using a die punch, without heating or plastic flow) of the connector wall inward, to displace material irreversibly around the wires.

Abstract: A ballast enclosure made of metal and including a rectangular enclosure body having mounting bosses integrally formed in the side walls thereof. Preferably, the bosses are formed by stamping the bosses into the sidewalls and are so constructed and arranged that they can receive self-tapping screws to attach the enclosure to an adjoining wall. Mounting flanges are also provided.

Abstract: A neon or luminous tube transformer is provided having a primary coil located between a pair of secondary coils. Each of the coils comprises a plurality of windings and is associated with a laminated magnetic core. A secondary terminal extends vertically from each secondary coil and is provided with a threaded upper end. The primary and secondary coils are disposed in a housing defining an enclosed first compartment and the compartment is filled with asphalt to a level so that only the upwardly projecting secondary terminals are exposed. A pair of primary input conductors are connected to the transformer primary coil and pass through one of the walls defining the first compartment into a smaller second compartment adjacent the first compartment. One wall of the second compartment is provided with a knockout to permit the conductors extending from a low voltage power supply to be connected to the primary input conductors within the housing thereby allowing the primary coil to be energized.

Abstract: A lamp power transformer circuit which is packaged in a module housing having the same size, shape and cross section as a linear lighting fixture to which it is attached. The transformer circuit is designed to rectify input 60 Hz power and to switch the DC at a high frequency through a small stepdown magnetic transformer, to produce a lamp supply voltage of 12 volts, 30 KHz. The invention produces a light weigth lamp transformer, having a high operating efficiency, and sized for attaching to a previous invention, linear lighting fixture which incorporates low voltage halogen lamps.

Abstract: An electrical packaging system, preferably a fluorescent lamp assembly, includes an assembly (10) having a housing (12) with a planar base (14) carrying affixed thereto a flat, flexible circuit (50) with holes (52) exposing conductors (56). Spacially disposed components (28, 40) are affixed to the housing with terminals extending to bear against a resilient conductive member (38, 44) to interconnect components to the circuit. The conductive medium may be bonded to either the terminals or to the circuit to facilitate handling.

Abstract: A starting and operating circuit for a discharge lamp in which the ballast reactance includes first, second and third coil segments with the third coil segment comprising part of the ignitor circuit and being electrically connected between the first and second coil segments.

Abstract: A discharge-lamp operating apparatus used for operating a discharge lamp includes an outer case having high thermal conductivity and a printed circuit board housed in the case and provided with a discharge-lamp operating circuit including an electromagnetic equipment with a core and a switching element. The electromagnetic equipment is inserted into an opening formed in a part of the circuit board so that the equipment is attached to the circuit board, and the switching element is arranged on the circuit board with it being separated from the equipment so that it is prevented from being influenced by heat generated from the equipment and has a heat radiating member being in face-contact with at least one of the inner surfaces of the case.

Abstract: A ballast connector is described by a ballast having windings, resistors, capacitors, etc. mounted therein. An internal connector housing is positioned in one end of the ballast case and has the various leads from the windings, resistors, capacitors, etc. extend outwardly through sockets provided in the internal connector housing. An external connector housing is selectively removably mounted on the ballast case and has its inner end adapted to be received by the outer end of the internal connector housing. A plurality of insulation displacement connectors are positioned in the external connector housing and have one end thereof connected to predetermined leads which extend through the socket in the internal connector housing. Outer ends of the insulation displacement connectors are electrically connected to service leads.

Abstract: An enclosure for and/or enclosure containing a ballast circuit is substantially rectangular in shape and is subdivided into sections arranged in the following order: a first transformer section; a thermal protector section; a second transfer section; and a printed circuit board section, the thermal protector section comprising a pair of upstanding U-shaped channel members designed to securely receive thermal protectors and which serve as a barrier between the first and second transformer sections. The printed circuit board section and second transformer section are separated by means of an upstanding wedge-shaped rib employed to secure a printed circuit board in the circuit board sections.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp ballast includes a generally flat base upon which a core and coil subassembly is mounted and covered by a ballast case. A connector bar is mounted in the forward end of the ballast case and includes a plurality of sockets having terminal pins mounted therein for selectively receiving a wiring harness. The opposing ends of the terminal pins are electrically connected to a terminal strip which is mounted to the core and coil subassembly. The terminal strips have conductors electrically connected thereto which extend to termination points on the core and coil subassembly. A second series of terminal strips is mounted to the opposite end of the core and coil subassembly, and is electrically connected to a resistor and capacitor combination. A second embodiment of the ballast augments the first embodiment with an end connector bar mounted in the rearward end of the ballast case.

Abstract: An improved ballast for a fluorescent lamp comprising a base having a core mounted thereon with a plurality of coils operatively electrically associated with the core with each of the coils having at least one conductor extending therefrom. An electrical connector is positioned adjacent the coils and has a plurality of connectors associated therewith which are electrically connected to predetermined conductors. A component subassembly is electrically connected to predetermined connectors. A case is positioned over the core, coils, connectors and the component subassembly. The case is provided with an access opening formed therein for providing access to at least a portion of the connectors so at least a portion of a wiring harness may be inserted therethrough for selective connection to predetermined connectors.

Abstract: A fluorescent ballast assembly has a primary coil wound on a primary coil bobbin and a lag coil wound on a lag coil bobbin, each coil having wire starts, taps and finishes. A strip circuit board including a plurality of pin receiving holes and a plurality of wire insertion holes corresponding to the wire starts, tabs and finishes, is attached substantially perpendicular to and in contact with the bobbins. The strip circuit board has an insulating support with conductive strips attached thereto, preferably manufactured using automated equipment. Substituting a mechanically constructed and assembled strip circuit board for a printed circuit board eliminates the need for chemical plating or etching operations, reducing costs and easing assembly.

Abstract: Coil bobbins are disclosed having flanged coil support portions provided with outboard terminal housings projecting beyond the flange rim and defining inwardly extending terminal-receiving cavities. The end walls of the housings are slotted to allow a wire to pass through the cavity in a circumferential direction relative to the winding axis in similar fashion to a turn of coiling. Bifurcated terminals pressed into the cavities in straddling relationship to the wire provide connections to the coil.A double bobbin has twin flanged coil support portions with bridging sections maintaining their physical separation. Terminal housings are provided on the bridging sections allowing wire to be first wound into a coil on one support portion, guided across the bridging section and passed through the cavity in a terminal housing, and then wound into a coil on the other support portion, all without interruption.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp ballast is provided which is uniquely suited to automated manufacture and assembly. The versatile ballast construction includes primary and lag coil bobbins each having substantially planar flanges at their respective ends, with a magnetic core having portions disposed inside and on opposite sides of the bobbins. A primary coil is wound on the primary coil bobbin, and a lag coil is wound on the lag coil bobbin, the coils having starts, taps and finishes. Each bobbin flange has a plurality of holes extending inwardly from an outer flange edge, with conductive pins partially inserted into a number of the flange end holes, each of the pins being electrically coupled to one of the coil starts, taps and finishes. A planar elongated printed circuit board whose length and width dimensions are approximately the same as that of the bobbins positioned end-to-end, is part of the ballast assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a starter circuit case assembly having a starter section and a cap assembly. The starter section includes a starter circuit mounted on a circuit board and is securely engaged by the cap assembly. The cap assembly is mounted to and electrically connected to the light fixture.

Abstract: A unitized electrical component mounting device and no more than three fasteners quickly secures a capacitor, a starter and a ballast in their preferred positions within a housing. Versatility is provided by providing for detachable appendages of different sizes for securing ballasts of different sizes in place within the housing.

Abstract: A ballast removably insertable into an enclosure of a fluorescent light fixture casing. The ballast utilizes electrical contact tabs for engagement with corresponding tabs within the housing.

Abstract: An ultrahighlight fluorescent light mounting system for filming, particularly in color. A head carries the fluorescent tubes and a removable light shield while the ballast is positioned in a container remote from the head. The head is set upon and swivable about an upper post, which is rotatably connected to a lower post, which in turn is set upon and swivable about a swivel piece extending from a standard stand. The head, light shield, first post, second post, stand, and ballast can all be dissembled from one another and placed in carrying cases.

Abstract: An inductive stabilization ballast including a connecting plate (1) which, at the side facing an electric coil (2) of the stabilization ballast is provided with an insulating plastic material layer (5) which, by means of conical feet 5a which cooperate with similar conical holes (8 to 23, inclusive) in the connecting plate (1), is bonded to the connecting plate.

Abstract: An electrical component and housing module for an electrical appliance circuit, adapted to be plugged into a conventional wall outlet. The module has a base plate and a recessed cover formed of dielectric material and assembled to define a protective enclosure. The base plate has a relatively small, rectangular opening and the cover has walls including at least two opposed walls with ventilation slots. The base plate also has resilient means that cooperates with the slots to anchor the cover to the base. The electrical circuit component is secured in the enclosure, and is connected to the electrical appliance by a conventional power cord that extends through the cover. A wall-plug-type connector with an insulating body and contact prongs is electrically connected to the circuit component and has its contact prongs extending through the opening in the base plate for insertion into a wall outlet.

Abstract: A ballast coil, transformer, and power factor capacitor are plug-in mounted on a PC-board which is mounted into a frame being covered to provide a complete, unpotted enclosure. The transformer and the coil are additionally fastened to the enclosure and the board, and additional heat dissipation is provided for. Several different examples are enclosed for toroidal and laminated core structures and different capacitor positions. The capacitor is retained additionally by a strap which is screwed to one or both of the inductive elements. Additional fastening and heat dissipation is combined in toroidal inductances, by using a central post traversing the board and screw, and being fastened to a cover wall.

Abstract: A plurality of hooks, which are of one-piece construction with a casing substantially enclosing a transformer or choke, are engaged by a suspension means which allows the casing, exclusive of the hooks, to be immersed in an impregnating agent. After impregnation, the casing and enclosed choke or transformer are removed from the impregnant and air dried. The hooks and suspension means are not immersed in the impregnating agent.

Abstract: There is disclosed a light fixture having a ballast therein comprising a substantially enclosed steel case which is mounted on a wall of the steel housing of the fixture and substantially filled with a potting compound in which a magnetic core and coil device is embedded.