Cabinet Patents (Class 362/133)
  • Publication number: 20090185366
    Abstract: The illuminated cabinet soffits and aprons each include at least one pocket formed therein for removably placing a panel capable of transmitting light therethrough. The pockets may be formed by cutting a saw kerf between the two opposite panel faces, by separating the front and rear sheets of the panel with spacers, or by adding spacers to the back of a front sheet and attaching a series of webs to the spacers. The front of each panel includes at least one light passage therein. The light passage may have any regular or irregular geometric shape, or may be in the outline of a caricature, an object or symbol relating to an occupation or hobby, etc. The light passage through the rear of the panel may be any desired shape. Various attachments may be provided for removably attaching the panels to the cabinets for interchanging the panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Beaulieu
  • Publication number: 20090091923
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lamp structure. The lamp structure is mainly installed inside a cabinet, and by opening the cabinet door will enable the electrical circuit of the lamp structure to be a close circuit; vise versa, closing the cabinet door will result in the open circuit of the electrical circuit of the lamp structure. When the electrical circuit is a close circuit, the light emitting part of the lamp structure will generate light to illuminate the internal space of the cabinet so as clearly view the objects location in the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: CHEN-HSIU WU, Chih Chun Li
  • Patent number: 7510309
    Abstract: A lighting assembly includes a base plate having a longitudinal axis and a pair of linear edges equidistantly spaced therefrom. The linear edges extend parallel to the axis and along a longitudinal length of the plate. The linear edges are provided with a flange portion formed therewith and extending along a length thereof. The flange portions terminate at a predetermined distance above a top surface of the plate. Light fixtures are adjustably positional along the plate, and each of the fixtures has an LED housed therein. Slots are formed within the plate, and each of the slots has first, second, third and fourth segments aligned along offset quadrants. A mechanism slides the light fixtures within the slots and another mechanism locks the light fixtures within corresponding ones of the slots. A mechanism under mounts the linear edges to a bottom surface of a support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventors: Dorothy J. Rizzo, Joseph W. Rizzo
  • Publication number: 20090067160
    Abstract: An electric light body (10) comprises a body element (12) for location within the depth of a shelf (46) and which has a cavity (22) for receiving one light emitting element, a first clamp element (14) which has a first flange (38) for contacting a first surface (52) of the shelf (46) and a first opening (36) and which is releasably engagable with the body element (12) at or adjacent to one end thereof, a second clamp element (16) which is independent of the first clamp element (14) and which has a second flange (38) for contacting a second surface (54) of the shelf (46) opposite the first surface (52) and a second opening (36) and which is releasably engagable with the body element (12) at or adjacent to another end of the body element (12) opposite the said one end, a first cover element (18) on the first clamp element (14) for covering the said one end of the body element (12), and a second cover element (20) on the second clamp element (16) for covering the said other end of the body element (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Bernard Cook
  • Patent number: 7497600
    Abstract: A booster optic is provided in an LED light assembly that includes a primary reflective surface to redirect light towards a desired location to form an illuminance pattern that when combined with a first illuminance pattern, which is formed by only the primary reflector, provides a combined illuminance pattern having a more uniform illuminance characteristic as compared to not having the booster optic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Lumination LLC
    Inventors: William Sekela, Alan Toot, Mark Mayer, Mathew Sommers
  • Publication number: 20080285260
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a light assembly (10) for connection to a shelf (16) having a top face (84), a front face (88), and a front edge (80) defined by the intersection of the top face (84) and the front face (88). The light assembly (10) includes an elongated housing (14) having an inner face (22), an outer face (30) formed opposite the inner face (22), and an upper face (26) extending between the inner face (22) and the outer face (30). The elongated housing (14) is adapted to receive a light source (34) therein. A mating portion (70) extends from the inner face (22) of the elongated housing (14) and is abuttable with a portion of a shelf (16) such that the upper face (26) of the elongated housing (14) is substantially flush with the top face (84) of the shelf (16) to form a continuous extension of the shelf (16). A clamp (96) extends from the mating portion (70) and is engageable with the shelf (16) to secure the elongated housing (14) to the shelf (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: OBFAB, LLC D/B/A INSIDE
    Inventor: Ryan T. Sherman
  • Publication number: 20080278932
    Abstract: Position adjustable self-illuminated panel units may be used in combination with conventional shelf supports. Preferred shelf-units include a light-transmissive panel, a shelf frame holding the panel and having an illumination element for providing a light source to illuminate the panel, and a magnetic connector electrically interconnected to the illumination element and adapted to being magnetically and electrically coupled to a source of electrical power. The illumination element most preferably includes an LED strip housed within one member of the frame and positioned adjacent to an edge of the panel. A magnetic connector includes a pair of electrically conductive side panels, an electrically non-conductive spacer sandwiched between the side panels, and a pair of magnet bars fixed to the spacer. The magnet bars define an air gap therebetween such that electrical contact may be established between the magnet bars and a respective one of the side panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: TRESCO INTERNATIONAL LTD. CO.
    Inventor: Christopher M. Tress
  • Patent number: 7445353
    Abstract: A low cost under-cabinet and display case lighting system that permits the highest degree of flexibility in the installation and location of luminaires for under-cabinet and display case lighting. The system consists of a high-frequency power source, an interconnection cord, and one or more high-frequency luminaires. The high-frequency power source is powered from a source of 50 or 60 Hertz power. The interconnection cord is connected to the high-frequency output of high-frequency power source. The high-frequency luminaires are mounted in the desired locations under the cabinets or display case shelves. Any number of high-frequency luminaires (within the capacity of the high-frequency power source) may be added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Dale E. Fiene
  • Patent number: 7434951
    Abstract: An illuminated shelf includes a tempered transparent glass panel having edges each housed in a slot of a housing defining a chamber through which and/or in which light is generated to illuminate the transparent panel. Each housing is preferably snap-secured together to access the chamber interior for purposes of replacement and/or repair. Each housing can be totally or partially encapsulated and the encapsulation includes conductors which are operative in any position of vertical adjustment or sliding adjustment of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Gemtron Corporation
    Inventor: Craig Bienick
  • Publication number: 20080205045
    Abstract: Illumination device (20) for box-like or chest-like items of furniture having a body, which is provided with at least one door or flap, which can be pivoted between a closed position and an open position in relation to the body or a withdrawable part, for example a drawer or the like, which can be displaced between a closed position in which it is pushed into the body and an open position in which it is withdrawn from the body. The illumination device (20) has a holder, which can be connected to an electrical current source, for an illumination means (40), wherein a switch, which interrupts or opens the electrical connection in the event of a predetermined position of the door or flap or withdrawable part in relation to the body, is provided in the electrical connection between the current source and the illuminations means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: MEPLA-WERKE LAUTENSCHLÄGER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Markus Herper, Tarek Utturkar, Martin Staude
  • Publication number: 20080198582
    Abstract: A shelf assembly incorporating a light fixture includes a shelf having a top surface, a downward extending front skirt with an inward extending front lip, a pair of downward extending sidewalls, and possibly a rib extending parallel to the lip between the sidewalls. The light fixture includes an elongate box section with power cords at opposite ends and a pair of sockets for engaging the terminals of a light tube. A pair of brackets are fixed to the box section, each bracket having a front tab extending laterally of the box section for engaging the front lip of the shelf. The brackets are fixed in place using screws which engage the rib, if present, or the sidewalls. The box section contains a ballast and may have compartments which receive the power cords through friction fittings so that excess cord can be stored out of sight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: George C. Cox, Bella Gutman
  • Patent number: 7411174
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively emitting light is provided. The apparatus has at least one light-emitting diode (LED) for emitting light. and a sensor that responds to the presence of a signal, such as infra-red light. The apparatus has a controller that controls the activation of the at least one LED based upon the sensor response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Brandon A. Eash
  • Publication number: 20080180942
    Abstract: The system of the present invention provides this advantage by providing an elongated cabinet light having walls which are joined at an edge which engages a corner, shelf, top surface, side surface, or bottom surface of the cabinet. An illumination source is positioned within the walls defining the lamp housing and a light transmissive cover is placed across the free ends of the walls with a portion thereof provided diagonally to maximize the light output. The light can be mounted in the inside corner of the front of a cabinet adjacent the door. The light may include a lens extrusion flange which prevents viewing the cut edge of a cabinet shelf when the lamp unit extends between one or more shelves of the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: David B. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20080165527
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a housing, at least one light source, and at least one light-altering device positioned relative to the light source for receiving and altering light from the light source. In some embodiments, a method may include transporting a portable illumination apparatus and positioning the portable illumination apparatus relative to another component such that at least a portion of the another component is within the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Carl R. VanderSchuit
  • Publication number: 20080151532
    Abstract: Under-cabinet lighting systems and methods include lighting fixtures are capable of being hidden from view by a decorative molding forming a part of the cabinetry. Such decorative molding also serves the dual purpose of a wiring raceway and a physical support for the lighting fixture. The lighting fixture includes a mounting clip which is especially adapted to be engaged removably with the wiring channel of the molding at a desired location along the length thereof. The mounting clip may be integrally provided with a component of the lighting fixture or may be provided as a separate structure which is removeably attached thereto. At the location of the lighting fixture the wiring may be extended into engagement with knife contacts of the fixture which pierce the insulation of the wiring and establish electrical contact with the bulb. In such a manner, hidden under-cabinet lighting fixtures may be provided which are relatively easy to install as a component part of the cabinetry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher M. TRESS, John J. TRESS
  • Patent number: 7384166
    Abstract: Under-cabinet lighting systems and methods include lighting fixtures are capable of being hidden from view by a decorative molding forming a part of the cabinetry. Such decorative molding also serves the dual purpose of a wiring raceway and a physical support for the lighting fixture. The lighting fixture includes a mounting clip which is especially adapted to be engaged removably with the wiring channel of the molding at a desired location along the length thereof. The mounting clip may be integrally provided with a component of the lighting fixture or may be provided as a separate structure which is removeably attached thereto. At the location of the lighting fixture, the wiring may be extended into engagement with knife contacts of the fixture which pierce the insulation of the wiring and establish electrical contact with the bulb. In such a manner, hidden under-cabinet lighting fixtures may be provided which are relatively easy to install as a component part of the cabinetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Tresco International Ltd. Co.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Tress, John J. Tress, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7367685
    Abstract: A lighted cabinet assembly includes a pair of spaced apart sidewalls and a top wall interconnecting the sidewalls. The sidewalls define an interior space therebetween and at least one shelf is supported between the sidewalls. The cabinet assembly further includes a base for supporting the cabinet assembly on a support surface. The base has an upper surface and a lower surface for facing the support surface. The sidewalls extend from the upper surface and are mounted to the base. In addition, each sidewall includes an elongate recess, which extends from the base up at least a portion of the sidewalls. At least one light strip is positioned in each of the recesses for illuminating at least a portion of the interior space of the cabinet assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Nexlite
    Inventor: Gregory R Moll
  • Patent number: 7360916
    Abstract: An under-cabinet lighting fixture includes at least one bulb of less than about 35 watts contained within a housing that is devoid of any dedicated heat dissipation back vents on the back or top of the lighting unit. The lighting fixture has a reflective coating applied to the interior of the housing unit itself, which acts as a mirrored surface to reflect the bulb's illumination. A glass lens is supported by a metal frame that runs around the periphery of such lens and the lens cover itself is connected to the housing by pivoting hinges and is held in place when closed by one or more securing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: American Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore R. Sanborn, Frank Tsao
  • Patent number: 7338180
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a vertically and/or laterally adjustable lighted shelf assembly. The shelf assembly is supported by a shelf support rail arranged in the refrigerator. First and second contact strips are mounted to the shelf support rail and electrically connected to a voltage source in the refrigerator. The shelf assembly includes a mounting member for attaching the shelf to the shelf support rail. The mounting member includes a first terminal strip and a second terminal strip. With this arrangement, when the shelf member is supported by the shelf support rail, the first and second terminal strips automatically engage with the first and second contact strips to complete an electrical circuit for powering the light unit. The electrical connection remains intact upon laterally shifting the shelf assembly on the shelf support rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Forrest F. Wing
  • Patent number: 7331696
    Abstract: A light fixture for mounting to the underside of a furniture element. The light fixture includes a housing with a first side and a second side opposed to and approximately parallel with the first side. The first side has a first spring latch at one end of the first side and the second side has a second spring latch at one end of the second side. A light source is carried by the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Pent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Rupert, Geza T. Lanczy, Tim Culbertson, Gregg Laukhuf
  • Patent number: 7287872
    Abstract: Upper support portions 4 are respectively provided at respective upper end sections of a pair of support columns 1, 1? such that the position of the upper support portions can be adjusted in an up-down direction. Lower support portions 5 are respectively provided at respective lower end sections of a pair of support columns 1, 1? such that the position of the lower support portions can be adjusted in an up-down direction. A pair of wires 13, 13 is provided to extend between the lower support portion 5 and the upper support portion 4 of the support column 1. Another pair of wires 13, 13 is provided to extend between the lower support portion 5 and the upper support portion 4 of the support column 1?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Harunobu Kubota
  • Patent number: 7222983
    Abstract: A front panel assembly is capable of being used with an electronic equipment rack configured to support electronic circuitry having multiple LEDs (e.g., a rack mount data storage system having a row of disk drives). The front panel assembly includes a cover portion configured to separate an external space in front of the electronic equipment rack and an internal space within the electronic equipment rack. The front panel assembly further includes an attachment portion configured to attach to the electronic equipment rack, and a reflective member configured to reflect light from the multiple LEDs simultaneously in a direction toward the external space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: C. Ilhan Gundogan, W. Brian Cunningham, Gerald J. Cote, Joseph P. King, Jr., Joseph P. DeYesso
  • Patent number: 7201487
    Abstract: A shelf assembly includes a panel having an edge and two opposed spaced apart sides extending from the edge. A light source positioned at or adjacent the edge of the panel, which selectively generates light and directs the light in an initial direction into the panel. In addition, the panel is adapted to redirect the light from the initial direction to an illumination direction through at least one of the sides of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Matt Pinter
  • Patent number: 7201488
    Abstract: A planar light source including a diffusing plate provided at an opening portion of a cabinet, a plurality of point light sources provided along a hollow region formed on a rear face side of the diffusing plate, a reflecting plate provided at inside of a cabinet relative to the diffusing plate by interposing the hollow region therebetween and arranging an end portion thereof on a side of the point light source to be inclined to a front side, and a flexible board provided with a wiring pattern for supplying power to the respective point light sources, in which an end portion of the flexible board is constituted to be arranged at inside of the cabinet by being flexed to a back side of the end portion of the reflecting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takuya Sakamoto, Seiji Sakai, Toshiyuki Yoneda
  • Patent number: 7192154
    Abstract: A task light for use in modular office furniture includes a housing having a peripheral frame defining a display area. The frame has a hollow chase. A plurality of circuit boards are mounted to the housing within the display area. Each circuit board has a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged to emit light from the display area. A plurality of electrical conductors are routed within the frame through the hollow chase. Each electrical conductor is connected with a corresponding circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Pent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent A. Becker
  • Patent number: 7163305
    Abstract: An illuminated shelf includes a tempered transparent glass panel having edges each housed in a slot of a housing defining a chamber through which and/or in which light is generated to illuminate the transparent panel. Each housing is preferably snap-secured together to access the chamber interior for purposes of replacement and/or repair. Each housing can be totally or partially encapsulated and the encapsulation includes conductors which are operative in any position of vertical adjustment or sliding adjustment of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Gemtron Corporation
    Inventor: Craig Bienick
  • Patent number: 7163310
    Abstract: An under-cabinet lighting fixture includes xenon bulbs and/or halogen bulbs of less than about 35 watts contained within a housing that is devoid of any dedicated heat dissipation back vents on the back or top of the lighting unit. A top cover is connected to a wire-containing channel of the unit, with such cover being removable during wiring and mounting operations by removing screws locking the cover into place. The unit is further devoid of any dedicated reflectors and instead relies upon the reflective coating applied to the interior of the housing unit itself, which acts as a mirrored surface to reflect the bulb's illumination. A single glass lens is supported by a metal frame that runs around the periphery of such lens and the lens cover itself is connected to the housing by pivoting hinges and is snap locked into place by flexible metal/plastic elements that are configured to lock into apertures within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: American Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore R. Sanborn, Frank Tsao
  • Patent number: 7147341
    Abstract: A light assembly for a refrigerator drawer includes a light source assembly, a reflector and a lens assembly keyed one to another for positioning, and secured to each other as a preassembled unit. The preassembled light assembly is snap fit into an opening in a panel of the drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: David R. Nowak, Richard R. Herzog
  • Patent number: 7131746
    Abstract: The shelf light is for fitting in a shelf of an article of furniture. It comprises a two part body and a light emitting diode assembly housed within the body. The part of the body has an integral cover plate which in use lies against one major surface of the shelf and the other part comprises a flange which is arranged in a plane parallel to, but spaced from, the plane of the cover plate and which in use lies against the other major surface of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Bernard Cook
  • Patent number: 7124991
    Abstract: A lighting and transport system includes a cabinet having an interior with an access panel that can be opened and closed for enabling a user to access the interior when the panel is open. The interior has a plurality of receptacles that include at least one vertically extending tall receptacle that is about as tall as the cabinet. A larger receptacle is provided that is shorter than the vertically extending tall receptacle and a plurality of smaller receptacles are provided that are each smaller in volume than the larger receptacle. At least one tripod is provided that is sized and shaped to be stored inside the cabinet within the tall receptacle. A plurality of electric lighting units are sized and shaped to be contained with the smaller receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: John P. Williamson
  • Patent number: 7097326
    Abstract: A lamp and storage combination assembly includes a housing that has a bottom wall, a top wall and peripheral wall that is attached to and extends between the top and bottom walls. The peripheral wall has a cavity extending therein that is bounded by a lower wall, an upper wall and a perimeter wall extending between the upper and lower walls. A door is hingedly coupled to the peripheral wall and is selectively positionable in a closed position closing the cavity or in an open position opening the cavity. A light socket is attached to the top wall of the housing. A power supply is electrically coupled to the light socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Marco Pipolo
  • Patent number: 6994447
    Abstract: An under-cabinet lighting fixture for permanent mounting having a housing suitable for recess or surface mounting and connected by a stem to a junction box mounted to an upper opposing surface for electrical wiring connections. The stem defines a distal threaded end that receives a fastener within the junction box and provides selective positioning of the fixture to accommodate a range of thickness of the shelf to which the fixture mounts. Further, the stems defines a passageway for the electrical wiring to route from the junction box to a lamp in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Lusa Lighting International, Inc.
    Inventor: Sanford H. Benensohn
  • Patent number: 6979107
    Abstract: A lighting fixture having a housing with a base and an opposing openable end, and a flange spaced-apart from an edge at the openable end that extends radially from an exterior surface of the housing. A reflector defines a dished cavity and seats on the edge of the housing, thereby defining a recess between an edge portion of the reflector and the flange. A light source is received within the housing. A light transmissive cover received on the housing has a tab received in the recess for guiding the rotation of the cover thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Lusa Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Sanford H. Benensohn
  • Patent number: 6964504
    Abstract: A lighting system for direct wiring a plurality of light fixtures is disclosed. The lighting system is particularly well suited for use with portable electric luminaires as classified by Underwriters Laboratories. The lighting system includes a wire modular box that is configured to receive a supply wire from the building or facility where the system is being installed. The wire modular box includes one or more output receptacles. Each light fixture in the system includes a first receptacle and a second receptacle. Cables are then used to electrically connect the wire modular box with the light fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Ron Newbold
  • Patent number: 6880949
    Abstract: A mullion assembly for a refrigerator quick chill pan is provided. The mullion assembly includes a base comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, a first light element coupled to said base for producing light above said top surface, and a second light element coupled to said base for producing light below said bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Debra Miozza, Scott Wayne Lange, Ravi Kumar Yellajosula, Asma Hamid Iqbal
  • Publication number: 20040264160
    Abstract: An illuminated shelf includes a tempered transparent glass panel having edges each housed in a slot of a housing defining a chamber through which and/or in which light is generated to illuminate the transparent panel. Each housing is preferably snap-secured together to access the chamber interior for purposes of replacement and/or repair. Each housing can be totally or partially encapsulated and the encapsulation includes conductors which are operative in any position of vertical adjustment or sliding adjustment of the shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Craig Bienick
  • Patent number: 6827465
    Abstract: A display lighting system is provided that assembles and installs easily. Luminaires of the system include a pair of arms and a wireway enclosure positioned between the arms at one end of the arms. The enclosure is dimensioned to enclose electrical wiring and at least one electrical component, such as a ballast or transformer. A lamp housing can be attached to the arms at the end opposite the enclosure. An uplight lamp housing is easily mounted to the arms anywhere between the wireway enclosure and lamp housing. Wiring between the enclosure and lamp housings is carried inconspicuously in a trough along the inside of one or both arms. Wiring between adjacent luminaires runs conveniently through nipple connectors connecting adjacent enclosures. Optional accent lighting is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Sylvan R. Shemitz Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Sylvan R. Shemitz, Paul R. Ford, David B. Miller
  • Patent number: 6814462
    Abstract: A low cost under-cabinet and display case lighting system that permits the highest degree of flexibility in the installation and location of luminaires for under-cabinet and display case lighting. The system consists of a high-frequency power source, an interconnection cord, and one or more high-frequency luminaires. The high-frequency power source is powered from a source of 50 or 60 Hertz power. The interconnection cord is connected to the high-frequency output of high-frequency power source. The high-frequency luminaires are mounted in the desired locations under the cabinets or display case shelves. The interconnecting cord is then routed to each of the high-frequency luminaires and placed over the input terminals. The protective cover is then forced over the interconnecting cord in the area of the input terminals forcing the input terminals to pierce and displace the insulation of the cord and make contact with the conductors within the interconnecting cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Dale E Fiene
  • Patent number: 6808285
    Abstract: Wireway enclosures are provided for use with lighting systems, particularly display lighting systems. The wireway enclosures are dimensioned to enclose luminaire wiring and preferably other types of wiring and at least one electrical component, such as a ballast or transformer. Wireway enclosures include preferably extruded first and second longitudinal portions hinged together to allow access to the inside of the enclosure. Wiring between adjacent luminaires can run conveniently and inconspicuously through nipple connectors connecting adjacent enclosures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Sylvan R. Shemitz Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Sylvan R. Shemitz, Paul R. Ford
  • Publication number: 20040196651
    Abstract: A lighting system for direct wiring a plurality of light fixtures is disclosed. The lighting system is particularly well suited for use with portable electric luminaires as classified by Underwriters Laboratories. The lighting system includes a wire modular box that is configured to receive a supply wire from the building or facility where the system is being installed. The wire modular box includes one or more output receptacles. Each light fixture in the system includes a first receptacle and a second receptacle. Cables are then used to electrically connect the wire modular box with the light fixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Ron Newbold
  • Publication number: 20040174701
    Abstract: A low cost under-cabinet and display case lighting system that permits the highest degree of flexibility in the installation and location of luminaires for under-cabinet and display case lighting. The system consists of a high-frequency power source, an interconnection cord, and one or more high-frequency luminaires. The high-frequency power source is powered from a source of 50 or 60 Hertz power. The interconnection cord is connected to the high-frequency output of high-frequency power source. The high-frequency luminaires are mounted in the desired locations under the cabinets or display case shelves. Any number of high-frequency luminaires (within the capacity of the high-frequency power source) may be added.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Dale E. Fiene
  • Patent number: 6758573
    Abstract: An apparatus (A) for improving the performance of undercabinet lighting includes a housing (10) that receives a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (28, 30, 32). The LEDs serve as the light source and an optical assembly focuses and disperses the LED output to a desired light contour. The undercabinet lighting assembly further includes a switch (44) formed from a variable resistor adapted to control the level of optical output. The switch is adapted to turn on and off any select number of LEDs. A battery pack (70) having a battery source is enclosed by the housing for providing back up power and emergency lighting. In a preferred embodiment, the battery source automatically provides power to the undercabinet lighting assembly upon primary power failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Edward J. Thomas, Wordell Nelson, Hesham M. Elghoroury
  • Patent number: 6726341
    Abstract: A storage compartment is equipped with a light emitting diode (LED) light source for illuminating contents inside the compartment. The LED light source includes a LED light engine outside the compartment and a light guide inside the compartment. The light guide is optically coupled to be LED light engine to bring light from the LED light engine into the compartment for providing illumination inside the compartment. The LED light engine may include red, green, and blue LEDs that contribute to the illumination inside the compartment. Respective outputs of the red, green, and blue LEDs may be separately controllable to allow a variably controlled color point of illumination inside the compartment. Total output of the LED light engine may be controllable to vary intensity of illumination inside the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Michael D. Pashley, Thomas M. Marshall, Ans Saalberg, Larry McColloch
  • Patent number: 6715910
    Abstract: A storage and/or retrieval system such as a Vertical Carousel (VC) or Vertical Lift Module (VLM), which has a common light source or light source grid, consists of LED's and the like incorporated into the body of the machine in proximity to the access point operator's workstation. When a storage carrier/tray is delivered to the access position, the common light source transmits light through one of a light transmitting element to an access face of the storage compartment position in relative proximity to the actual compartment's position. The light transmitting devices can be arranged in patterns dictated by the type of storage required (i.e., the number of compartments within the tray can vary in size and number) individually for different trays, and are delivered over a grid pattern of light sources for annunciation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Remstar International Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Robey
  • Publication number: 20040017681
    Abstract: An improved cabinet lamp has a switch located on one side of a lamp holder to facilitate user operation. The cabinet lamp consists of an upper lid and a lamp holder. The lamp holder has a pushbutton switch located on one side and an anchor lug located on the other side for engaging with a screw to fasten the lamp holder to a top surface of the cabinet. The cabinet lamp may be installed easily by users without removing the upper lid. The plug does not need to be removed or inserted frequently when in use, thus has a longer life span.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Lee
  • Publication number: 20040001335
    Abstract: The arched lamp case for a game machine is provided with a lamp frame in the shape of an arched frame, a lot of LED′ are mounted thereon, and is provided with a changeable external frame member of which the inner side can be fixedly connected to the lamp frame, a transparent internal lining frame member is provided between the external frame member and the lamp frame. The LED's can be exposed via through holes provided on the external frame member, and can flash in pursuance of digital signals generated according to the kinds of rewards of games or in pursuance of analog signals of sounds. Thereby, acoustic and video effects can be increased when the lamp case is installed on a game machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Applicant: Subsino Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: David Wu
  • Patent number: 6663273
    Abstract: A storage and/or retrieval system such as a horizontal carousel has a common light source array consisting of LED's and the like inside the system's rotating or movable carrier loop at a picking or storage access area behind the shelves of a selected carrier. When that carrier is at the desired access position, the common light source transmits light through light transmitting devices to an access face of the carrier at the picking or storing location in relative proximity to the actual compartment's position. The light transmitting devices can be flexible light pipes arranged in patterns dictated by the type of storage required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Bellheimer Metallwerk GmbH
    Inventor: Timothy Robey
  • Patent number: 6641283
    Abstract: A lighting assembly for improving the performance of undercabinet and stream-lined lighting includes a LED module onto which is mounted a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs serve as the light source for generating a light pattern. An optical assembly focuses and disperses the LED output to a desired light contour. The lighting assembly further includes a mounting base for attaching the LED module to an associated surface, such as the underside of a cabinet. A battery source is optionally enclosed in the module for providing primary or secondary power to the lighting assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the battery source is a rechargeable battery that can be recharged by means of an AC adapter that connects to the lighting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: GELcore, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher L. Bohler
  • Patent number: 6632001
    Abstract: A closet hanging rod structure with an illumination function is provided having a voltage-regulating device, two fixing units, two adjustment units, and a hanging rod. The voltage-regulating device is fixedly disposed at a predetermined position inside a closet or a wardrobe. The two fixing units are fixedly disposed on a partition board of the closet or the wardrobe. The adjustment units can be joined with the two fixing units. Two ends of the hanging rod are joined at one end of the two adjustment units. The adjustment units can be used to adjust the height of the hanging rod. The voltage-regulating device is used to provide a stable voltage for supplying required electricity for the lamp tube in the hanging rod, hence achieving an untrammeled and high-brightness illumination effect and avoiding the problem of insufficient light required for selecting or discriminating clothes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Chia-Teh Chen
  • Patent number: 6578978
    Abstract: A refrigerated display case and process of illuminating the case is provided. The display case has a support mullion (22) positioned in proximity to a glass door. A fluorescent lamp (34) is located within a lateral opening along either side of the support mullion (22). A diffusing lens (32) is positioned within the lateral opening, opposite the lamps, scattering the light as it passes through from the side of the mullion and through the diffusing lens (32). The glass door provides a reflective surface which reflects a substantial portion of the scattered light towards the interior space of the display case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Specialty Equipment Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Upton, Harry A. Brancheau