Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating small animate or inanimate objects which employs at least one fiber optic bundle disposed on a selected area of a diffusion dome illuminated by a dual light source comprising, for example, an annular shaped light source having disposed along its central axis a linear-shaped source or a point light source relative to the size of the annular light source. The invention also relates to a method for accurately illuminating small animate or inanimate objects for observation or to be photographed.

Abstract: The invention provides an advantageous shape of discharge tube and a discharge lamp including such a tube which is particularly beneficial for use in dimensions intended to replace general lighting service lamps but can readily be adapted to other sizes. The discharge tube is shaped to define a substantial part of the boundary of a substantially planar zone. The part of the tube defining the boundary includes at least one straight portion. In one embodiment it defines three sides of a square with the ends of the tube being re-entrant into the fourth side. In a preferred embodiment a support housing central to the zone holds the ends of the tube thereby supporting it. Preferably one or more arms extending from the support housing grip the tube between its ends for further support. The support housing may include some circuit elements and provides electrical connection to the lamp as well as providing a convenient point to handle the lamp.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lighting fixture which is primarily adapted for removable attachment to modular office furniture and for adjustable, substantially glare-free illumination of a work surface. The lighting fixture has a substantially elongated housing for a ballast, and a pair of holders for fluorescent tubes which are pivotably attached to a lower surface of the housing. A fastening device is attached to the housing which enables removable attachment of the lighting fixture to the underside of a shelf or the like, preferably without physically altering or changing the shelf. A channel shaped member having an upwardly open face is attached to and is disposed substantially along the entire length of the housing in order to unobtrusively accommodate at least a portion of a cable which connects the lighting fixture with an electric outlet. A user may adjust the positioning of each tube holder relative to the housing in order to obtain an optimal lighting effect on the work surface.

Abstract: A circular fluorescent lamp unit having a central screw-in hub containing lamp ballast means, a plurality of support arms extending from the hub to support a circular lamp, and an elongated flexible electrical connector member locked to and extending from the hub substantially alongside one of said support arms and having socket means for connection to a base member of the lamp. The connector member contains electrical connection wires and has a rectangular cross-section shape to facilitate its bending for connecting its socket means to, or disconnecting it from, the lamp base member.

Abstract: The invention provides a lantern for an area light, particularly one having a cut-off light distribution. A central area of a transparent or transluscent bowl of the lantern has in alternation externally facing reflecting prisms and flats. There are sufficient flats to transmit at least one third of the vertical light and sufficient proportion of prisms to provide a completely flashed prism bank at the direction of peak intensity which is preferably 60.degree.-65.degree. from the vertical. The prism bank controls the vertical light, so that the intensity in a vertical 60.degree. cone does not exceed 80% of peak intensity, more efficiently than internal prisms. The flats have the additional advantage of facilitating ease of cleaning.

Abstract: A circular fluorescent lamp unit having a central screw-in hub containing lamp ballast means, and a plurality of support arms extending from the hub and having curved outer ends to support a circular lamp. The support arms are metal or plastic strips which enter through slots of the hub and are bent at substantially right angles within the hub so as to be held in place while having limited radial movement with respect to the hub to enable them to accommodate and support circular lamp bulbs of varying dimensions such as due to manufacturing tolerance variations.

Abstract: A free standing outdoor telephone booth is provided with a photo voltaic (PV) array, one or more rechargeable storage batteries and electrical control circuit which includes a temperature compensated control for limiting the supply of electrical energy from the PV array to the rechargeable battery to avoid over charging the battery, an ambient light (solar insolation) sensing circuit for controlling the electrical lamp load, to turn the lamp ON during dark ambient and OFF during light ambient conditions. In addition, the total discharge limit of the storage battery is controlled to a safe operating limit and a means is disclosed to power a fluorescent lamp at energy conserving intensities with energy derived from the rechargeable storage battery. The lamp control circuitry is preferably constituted by a high frequency power inverter with regulated output power to energize a low wattage fluorescent lamp and to dim the fluorescent lamp when the telephone is not in use.

Abstract: A light-gathering device for transmitting through fiber optic bundles, the light emitted by an electronic flash along with the light from a continuous light source so that relatively small objects may be lit so as to photograph them. A first housing (8) is provided, designed to receive a flash tube (1) of an electronic flash unit, and a "model"(3) emitting continuous light, the first housing (8) being enclosed within a second housing in which there are several openings for inserting the ends of fiber optic bundles (2) whose opposite ends are used for illuminating the object to be photographed. Manual shutters (5, 6, 7) are provided for varying the light intensity from the flash tube to the fiber optics (2). This light gathering device is suitable for taking top-quality color photographs which have the desired lighting effects.

Abstract: A discharge lamp comprising an elongated bulb shaped so that its ends are substantially closer together than if the bulb were straight and containing electrodes respectively near the ends thereof, and a starting aid comprising conductive means respectively adjacent to said bulb in the vicinity of said electrodes, and means electrically interconnecting said conductive means.

Abstract: A circular gas discharge reflector lamp has a ballast supporting structure enclosing a ballast and having a male screw shell extending therefrom. Lamp engaging arms extend from the structure and hold a circular gas discharge lamp which is electrically connected to the ballast and screw shell in an operative circuit. A concave reflector partially enclosing the lamp and attached to the ballast supporting structure near the male screw shell. A lens attached at its perimeter to the perimeter of the reflector, which transmits the direct light emitted by the lamp and also transmits the reflected light from the reflector. The screw shell, ballast supporting structure, reflector and lens are joined together with continuously sealed seams whereby the reflector lamp is water tight.

Abstract: A free standing outdoor telephone booth is provided with a photo voltaic (PV) array, one or more rechargeable storage batteries and electrical control circuit which includes a temperature compensated control for limiting the supply of electrical energy from the PV array to the rechargeable battery to avoid over charging the battery, an ambient light (solar insolation) sensing circuit for controlling the electrical lamp load, to turn the lamp ON during dark ambient and OFF during light ambient conditions. In addition, the total discharge limit of the storage battery is controlled to a safe operating limit and a means is disclosed to power a fluorescent lamp at energy conserving intensities with energy derived from the rechargeable storage battery. The lamp control circuitry is preferably constituted by a high frequency power inverter with regulated output power to energize a low wattage fluorescent lamp and to dim the fluorescent lamp when the telephone is not in use.

Abstract: A circular fluorescent lamp unit comprises a circular tubular fluorescent mp; a housing secured inside the space formed by the circular fluorescent lamp, the housing containing the ballast and starting device; and a base for connection to a supply voltage, the base being connected to the housing concentrically with the circular fluorescent lamp. The improvement resides in that the housing is an elongate hollow body which extends diametrically across the space defined by the circular fluorescent lamp; the housing having one end for enclosing the ends of the circular fluorescent lamp and another end for taking support against the wall of the circular fluorescent lamp which is diametrically opposite to the ends of the circular fluorescent lamp. In a preferred embodiment, the housing comprises two interconnected form locking housing cup-shaped members.

Abstract: This invention relates to an illuminating device for mounting on a cap such as a hard hat.

Abstract: A precise lamp positioner for moving a lamp relative to a lens. The lamp is carried at one end of an L-shaped pivot plate which is pivoted at its corner to the free end of a pivot arm. The pivot arm is pivoted at its other end to a base. The pivot plate is pivoted about its pivotal connection at its corner by a plate position adjustment means. The pivot arm is pivoted about its pivotal connection to the base by an arm position adjustment means. By adjusting both adjustment means, the lamp position relative to the lens can be precisely set. The pivot plate also pivots about the pivotal connection at its corner so it can swing relative to the base to allow replacing the lamp if it fails.

Abstract: A task lighting apparatus produces glare-free illumination of a work area. The apparatus includes a light source, a reflector and light-directing louvers to provide a controlled light pattern of high illumination levels and high efficiency. The apparatus has a compact size and shape which enables it to be used in confined quarters.

Abstract: A task lighting fixture is provided for concentrating illumination on a work area beneath and offset to the side of the fixture. To accomplish this, an open reflector having a specular surface is mounted above and off to one side of the area to be illuminated. Transverse parallel vertical cross sections of the fixture are identical and comprise short and long compound curves joined together to form a cusp. The long compound curve extends toward the work area on which the illumination is to be concentrated. A U-shaped fluorescent bulb has each leg parallel to the cusp and the axes of the legs each are located on lines dissecting the cusp of the reflector.

Abstract: A rigid assembly of hollow tubes is caused to rotate simultaneously about vertical and horizontal axes while illuminated from below by a stationary light source. Balls confined within the tubes travel within said tubes during the rotational motion.

Abstract: An internally illuminated optical display comprises a hollow interior containing therein a light source and in which the internal surface of said display is coated with a highly light reflective coating, the display including light holes and/or transparent or translucent bulbs which emit the light reflected in the interior of the display to the exterior thereof. The display can be in the form of a Christmas tree in which the trunk of the tree is hollow and contains a light source connected to an electrical outlet or electrical storage battery, the branches of the tree being inserted into the trunk and including a hollow portion, the hollow interior of the trunk and branches being coated with the light reflective coating and including light emitting holes and/or bulbs thereon. The internally lighted optical display can also be in the form of a wreath which utilizes the principles of decorative lighting disclosed in the invention.

Abstract: A screw-based incandescent lamp type fluorescent lamp comprises a luminous tube bent to define a vacant space therein, a ballast for said luminous tube disposed in said vacant space, a holder having an opening facing said ballast at a given distance therefrom and holding said luminous tube and ballast, a basal body supporting said holder, in which upper ventilation slits are formed, and a light transmitting bottomed envelope attached to said basal body to form an outer tube and having a lower ventilation opening with an opening area smaller than the total area of said upper ventilation holes, whereby air introduced from said lower ventilation opening into said bottomed envelope will flow along the outer peripheral surfaces of said ballast and said luminous tube and be discharged from said upper ventilation slits to the outside via the opening of said holder.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a latest modern fan device and, more particularly, to a fan device with novel simple construction which may be hung under ceiling for being used as fan and lamp.

Abstract: A plastic, translucent lampshade comprises a tube with radially inwardly extending flanges at each end. A lens rests upon the lower flange, while a mounting bracket connects to two slots defined in the upper flange to support the lampshade from the ceiling. The surface of the tube is smooth so that decorative self-adhesive paper can be attached.

Abstract: An aircraft instrument lighting fixture is described as having a bezel top or covering for the instrument. The bezel top has a cylindrical opening through which the face or dial of the instrument can be viewed, and an inner cylindrical wall which is adjacent the opening and around which is located an electroluminescent lamp which, in turn, is covered by a micro-louver type material that is designed to prevent an observer of the instrument from seeing the light ring created by the electroluminescent lamp. A film of light polarizing material is placed between the electroluminescent lamp and the louver material to eliminate any objectionable reflection and glare normally created when unpolarized light strikes the instrument.

Abstract: An adjustable-length light fixture having a standard fitting for connection to an incandescent light socket and providing for convenient conversion of a light fixture from incandescent use to use with another type of light source, such as fluorescent. The adjustable-length fixture includes an extensible member with two telescopically engaging portions and a positive action latch to inhibit further extension of the member once a desired length has been selected. The latch includes a resilient latch member on one telescopically engaging portion, and a number of rachet-like recesses on the other of the telescopically engaging portions, the recesses being so shaped as to inhibit further extension of the length of the fixture, but to facilitate shortening of the length as needed for installation purposes.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp conversion unit for use in combination with the residential incandescent-type lamp fixture. The fixture is of the type intended for operation with a lamp shade of predetermined dimensions. The fluorescent lamp conversion unit includes lamp and lamp shade supporting means including a rigid hollow elongated member for supporting a fluorescent lamp of the compact type having an elongated envelope which has a double-U-bend to present a compact design thereby enabling the lamp to be enclosed by the lamp shade.

Abstract: A circular fluorescent lamp unit having a compact central hub containing a ballast reactor and provided with a screw base. A replaceable circular lamp assembly is positioned around and attached to the hub.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp unit according to this invention has a structure wherein a circular fluorescent tube is fixed merely by the engagement between an upper cover having a screw base and a lower cover. A starting circuit of the fluorescent lamp unit uses a ballast resistor as a stabilizer.Accordingly, the fluorescent lamp unit is small in size, light in weight and low in price and can be conveniently attached to a socket.

Abstract: An improved operating room surgical lamp having a concave reflector housing, an inverted conical reflector disposed therein and one or more circular fluorescent lamps disposed within the concave reflector and about the inverted conical reflector. The surgical lamp of the present invention provides an evenly illuminated light field having a centrally illuminated portion of even greater illumination.

Abstract: A circular fluorescent lamp unit having a central hub containing a ballast reactor and provided with a screw base. A replaceable circular lamp assembly is positioned around the hub and has a slide connector for electrically and mechanically connecting the lamp assembly to the hub.

Abstract: A hub for a circular fluorescent lamp unit, containing a ballast reactor and provided with a screw base. The hub housing comprises two housing members fitted together at their rims by means of a ridge on one member and a groove in the other member. An outwardly extending flange is provided on one of the housing members at the rim thereof, for seating a circular light assembly positioned around the hub.

Abstract: A task lighting system for home, office or industry utilizes pairs of U-shaped fluorescent tubes at diagonal angles in a shielding enclosure supported a predetermined distance above a work surface. Veiling reflections are reduced by reducing the light output in the central region. The task lighting system may be integrated into furniture.

Abstract: A lamp holder that compensates for thermally induced expansion of an arcuate lamp is disclosed. Each end of the arcuate lamp is secured to a relatively flexable lamp support. In the preferred embodiment the lamp support at one end is moveable generally in a plane containing the arcuate lamp, while the lamp support at the other end is moveable generally in a plane that intersects the plane of the lamp. The resulting horizontal and vertical freedom of movement compensates for thermal expansion of the lamp during lamp operation. Both lamp supports are mounted on a lamp holder base, having a plurality of locator pin apertures therein that are cooperatively operative with locator pins positioned on the base of a lamp holder housing. The locator pins and locator pin apertures accurately position the arcuate lamp with respect to an optical system. Forced fluid cooling of the lamp is provided through the lamp holder housing.

Abstract: A screw-in circular fluorescent light unit having a circular light source, a hub having a screw-in base at the axis of the annular light source, and a plurality of symmetrically arranged support spokes extending radially from the hub to the circular light source. The support spokes are positioned and dimensioned so that the unit provides uniform illumination over the surface of a lamp shade.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp adapter for use in combination with a residential incandescent-type lamp fixture wherein the fixture includes an elongated fixture body supported in generally vertical disposition and having electrical conductors associated therewith. The fixture also includes an incandescent-lamp-type socket vertically projecting from the upper portion of the fixture body and operatively receiving the electrical conductors and a lampshade-supporting harp. The fluorescent lamp adapter comprises a housing conformed to fit into the space defined by the harp above the socket, supporting means adapted for affixing the housing to the harp, lamp mounting means affixed to the housing for engaging and supporting two annular-shaped tubular fluorescent lamps within a lampshade and on opposite sides of the vertical plane defined by the harp. The axes of the lamps as mounted are secured substantially horizontal and substantially colinear.

Abstract: A fluorescent light fixture having a cover assembly and base for insertion into an incandescent lamp socket. The cover assembly consists of two cover members, one of which is detachable for replacement of a fluorescent lamp supported within the cover assembly or for exchange of one of the cover members.

Abstract: Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp comprising an U-shaped discharge tube of which at least the legs are accommodated in recesses of a cylindrical body.

Abstract: A lamp for use in subterranean galleries such as mines in which the cold-cathode discharge tube is received in a housing which, in turn, is removably mounted in a receptacle and is held in place by a ring clamping a flange of the housing against a flange of the receptacle. The housing may be provided with a translucent cover so that the housing can be removed and replaced as a unit. A reed switch on the receptacle cooperates with a magnet on the housing to deenergize the terminals of the housing upon its removal. The terminals of the discharge tube are embedded in an insulating potting mass within the housing.

Abstract: A lampholder-socket is attached to a housing having a smaller cross section than a circline lamp. The housing is preferably block-shaped, having four edges parallel to the axis of the circline lamp when installed. The diagonal distance between the edges is almost as large as the diameter of the circline lamp. The lampholder-socket extends partially inside the housing and partially outside the housing. Its terminals are adapted at one end to engage the circline lamp pins outside the housing when the circline lamp surrounds the housing and are adapted at the other end to receive connecting wires of components inside the housing, preferably with a poke home connection. A support, preferably a pair of stationary fingers extending from the housing at points spaced from each other and from the lampholder-socket, hold the circline lamp in place together with the lampholder-socket when the pins of the circline lamp engage the terminals.

Abstract: A lighting fixture of square, rectangular or triangular shape consisting of a completely enclosed metal box within which the wiring and ballast transformers are contained, with integral portions of the box providing supports for one or more fluorescent lamps and thereby completely eliminating the need to secure to the body of the fixture separate support clips for the lamps. Reductions in material and manufacturing costs as well as shipping costs are realized because of reductions in material used, assembly time and physical size. The closed box configuration permits open suspension mounting, and the geometry is such that heat to which the ballasts are subjected is reduced.

Abstract: The cover for the fixture comprises an opaque base having a cylindrical outer wall formed with a slightly lesser-diameter neck terminating in an outward-extending bead. Fitting on the base is a translucent cover having a truncated conical top and a cylindrical wall of the same diameter as the base. The rim of the cover wall has an inward extending bead and a groove inward of the bead. The beads of cover and base interfit to prevent separation except at one location where the base bead is interrupted and there is a slot in the outer wall for a blade or coin to be inserted to pry the cover off. The cover and base are of impact-resistant, slightly flexible plastic. Within the base is a metal mounting for a ring-type fluorescent lamp and its ballast and starter and also a fitting for mounting the base on a wall or ceiling or on an adapter to fit on a pole.

Abstract: A lighting installation for interior lighting of structures with pneumatic supporting members, comprising a hollow slotted light guide in the form of a supporting and shaping element of the structure. The hollow slotted light guide is of elastic film with a mirror light-reflecting coating provided on a portion of the interior surface over the entire length thereof. The other portion, which faces the interior being lighted, is a light-permeable slot. The luminous flux from one or more light sources arranged in an optical input device, which is mounted at least on one side of the light guide, is directed into the light guide, multiply reflected from the internal surface which has a light-reflecting coating and escapes through the optical slot into the interior of the structure to be lighted.

Abstract: A fluorescent light fixture accommodates a circular type fluorescent light element, or alternatively, a plurality of concentrically disposed circular type fluorescent light elements which may be readily mounted upon the fixture in order to alter the wattage rating of the same as desired. A translucent, substantially rigid, yet somewhat flexible, flat mounting plate has a conventional electrical ballast member mounted upon one side or surface thereof and similarly has a conventional, incandescent type lamp plug mounted upon the other side or surface thereof, the plug being electrically connected to the ballast member which is, in turn, electrically connected to the fluorescent light elements. The mounting plate has a substantially square-type configuration the corners of which are permanently deformed so as to integrally form flexible and resilient clip or clamping members for removably retaining the fluorescent elements upon the fixture, the elements being snapped thereinto.

Abstract: A light fixture for florescent tubes designed to be mounted in incandescent light bulb sockets. This fixture is particularly adapted for replacing incandescent down-lights mounted in ceilings. A standard plug is positioned at one end of an extensible member while a transformer box and backing plate are attached at the other end of the extensible member. The extensible member includes telescoping tubes of square cross-section.