With Means To Accommodate Additional Circuit Element Patents (Class 362/221)
  • Publication number: 20020163809
    Abstract: A lighting fixture including a housing having an exterior wall with interior and exterior surfaces, a tray contained in the housing, at least one heat-sensitive component contained in the housing, and a mount secured to the tray supporting the heat-sensitive component. The mount maintains the heat-sensitive component in thermal contact with the interior surface of the exterior wall of the housing, thereby facilitating dissipation of heat from the heat-sensitive component through the exterior wall of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: David M. Johson, G. Frank Dye
  • Patent number: 6467927
    Abstract: An overhead industrial light fixture of the type including a housing, power-related components and a lamp-mounting socket. The housing has top and bottom walls and sidewalls together forming a substantially enclosed space, and the bottom wall defines a socket location. The bottom wall includes a plurality of downward projections around the socket location, and a reflector is secured to the housing by attachment at the downward projections, creating an air flow gap for cooling purposes between the reflector and the housing. In some preferred embodiments, the bottom wall defines a socket window, and the socket is in the enclosed space with its lamp-receiving end aligned with the socket window. In some preferred embodiments, the bottom wall is formed of sheet metal and the projections are stampings therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Ruud Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Haugaard, Kurt Wilcox
  • Publication number: 20020136001
    Abstract: A low-profile fluorescent luminaire for attachment to a suspended ceiling and methods for retrofitting the luminaire to an existing lighting system. The low-profile fluorescent luminaire has lightweight “I”-shaped framework comprising a pair of transversely-extending end plates attached adjacent to opposed longitudinal ends of a longitudinally-extending spine. The spine and the end plates have a substantially coplanar arrangement to provide a low-profile structure that closely conforms to the ceiling. The “I”-shaped framework supports a reflector positioned below the spine and end plates when the luminaire is in a supported functional position. The low-profile luminaire can be retrofitted to a suspended ceiling to replace the existing light fixtures or to supplement the light output of an existing lighting system without modifying or removing the existing lighting fixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: LSI Midwest Lighting Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Lefkovitz, William Floyd Nutt, Charles Leslie Coffey, Dennis Dale Oberling
  • Patent number: 6454431
    Abstract: A modular cove lighting system is formed of tubular fluorescent light fixtures connected together in parallel. The modular system is capable of providing uniform illumination along its length. The modular system advantageously may include straight lamps, curved lamps (including lamps forming 90° angles), and/or hinged lamp fixtures. The system may be constructed with lamps that are illuminated completely from end to end, which can then be lined up end-to-end to create the illusion of one continuous lamp. Through special matching of ballasts and appropriate lamps, the lamps will dim evenly with each other, regardless of the lengths and shapes of the lamps. Each lamp and ballast is completely contained in a casing to form a cove lighting module. Multicolor systems formed of one or more light fixtures are also disclosed. A recessed light fixture is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Cathode Lighting Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven H. Grossman, Richard E. Grossman
  • Patent number: 6450668
    Abstract: A luminaire-style lighting fixture having a central housing with a pair of lamp supporting reflector panels pivotally secured to opposite sides of the housing. The panels may be positioned in selected angular positions to vary the effective illuminated area and to provide access to the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the panels are secured in one of said selected positions by detent mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald F. Kotloff
  • Publication number: 20020126477
    Abstract: A modular mounting-arm assembly for use with a luminaire, the modular mounting assembly including a housing and a removable access door hingedly affixable to the housing for receiving and supporting an electrical assembly. The electrical assembly comprises electrical components having electrical connections which terminate in a mounting arm quick disconnect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: NSI ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Robert L. Ewing
  • Publication number: 20020118537
    Abstract: A lighting fixture is disclosed which comprises an elongated housing having a top wall and a bottom wall. The width of the top wall is greater than the width of the bottom wall, whereby the bottom wall has a free edge located below the top wall providing an opening for the emission of light from the housing, from at least one light bulb mounted therein and projecting beyond the free edge of the bottom wall. The reflector is mounted in the housing and has a reflector wall located between the top wall and the at least one bulb. The reflector has a plurality of air vents formed in it and the top wall of the housing also has a plurality of vents formed therein, offset from the air vents in the reflector wall, whereby air below the reflector wall heated by the bulb flows through the air vents in the reflector, out the air vents in the top wall, but the emission of light through the top wall is blocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Perry Segretto
  • Patent number: 6439741
    Abstract: A luminaire of elongate shape comprising a roof (1) and an elongate plate (4) which supports internal functional elements (7, 9, 10) of the luminaire. Each of the longitudinal edges of the plate (4) is provided with contact portions (3) which are turned towards the interior of the roof when the plate is in the normal operational position, while the roof is provided with hooks (8L, 8R) which face the contact portions (3) and which each have a support portion (6) which is designed to support the contact portion (3) when the plate is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: José Diaz, Thierry Fleury, Serge Lavergne
  • Publication number: 20020114156
    Abstract: A housing for a flourescent tube wherein the end caps are formed to interengage the end caps of an adjacent housing thereby enabling the formation of a variable length display panel. A large area advertisement can be removably secured to the panel which provides backlighting. Each end cap is provided with a removable section to permit access to the housing interior and replacement of the flourescent tube or ballast therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher Wendel, Lloyd Harris
  • Patent number: 6429593
    Abstract: A lighting device comprises a discharge lamp (7) which is connected to a ballast and starting device (1) either directly or via an electric cable (4). Alternatively said discharge lamp (7) can be mechanically and electrically coupled to an external starting device (5) and electrically connected to the ballast and starting device (1) via a connecting cable (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH & Co. Betriebs, KG DE
    Inventors: Klaus-Dieter Stegmaier, Wilfried Brauckmann
  • Patent number: 6411524
    Abstract: A printed wiring board assembly for a compact fluorescent lamp unit that has a lamp portion and a base portion includes a first generally planar wiring board containing a first group of electronic components electrically connected to the lamp portion and a second generally planar wiring board containing a second group of electronic components electrically connected to the base portion. The first board is attached generally perpendicular to the second board and is in electrical communication with the second board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Timothy Chen, James K. Skully
  • Patent number: 6400104
    Abstract: A compact lamp unit is described which functions both as a fluorescent lamp and as a nightlight. The lamp unit includes a housing, a fluorescent tube, a low power light source, a conductive base and first and second circuits. The housing is used to contain a number of components and to support the fluorescent tube and low power light source. The conductive base is attached to a neck portion of the housing and has contact terminals adapted for a three-way lamp socket. The first circuit is electrically connected between the fluorescent tube and two of the contact terminals to drive the fluorescent tube. The second circuit is electrically connected between the low power light source and two of the contact terminals to drive the low power light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Byung Il Ham
  • Patent number: 6376991
    Abstract: A compact circuit assembly is provided for containment within the end of a circular fluorescent lamp envelope. The circuit assembly includes a plurality of circular circuit boards arranged along the length of the envelope end and having respective peripheries contacting an inner surface of the envelope. The circuit boards are interconnected and held in spaced-apart positions by a plurality of longitudinally-extending conductors which also serve as electrical buses for making electrical connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Philips Electronics North America Corporation
    Inventors: Sridhar Sundaram, Juan Sabate, Jose Azevedo
  • Patent number: 6352356
    Abstract: An electric heating element (4) designed for heating a fluorescent lamp (2) of an illuminating device for a display is arranged on a printed circuit board (5) at only a small spacing from the flourescent lamp (2). As a result, the fluorescent lamp (2) can be specifically heated in the predetermined regions, the production being simplified at the same time. At the same time, the mounting of the heating element (4) can be performed independently of the flourescent lamp (2), and an adaptation to fluorescent lamps (2) of arbitrary configuration can be undertaken without difficulty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Heinrich Noll
  • Publication number: 20020018344
    Abstract: An overhead luminaire includes an externally accessible plug-in starter module that is electrically connectable to a starter receptacle located within a luminaire housing without having to open the housing and without the need for tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International
    Inventors: Johnny L. Sears, David Henderson, Rick W. Kauffmann, John DeCandia
  • Publication number: 20010050850
    Abstract: A retrofit fixture for installation into an existing recessed fluorescent strip fixture in an inverted T-bar grid ceiling. The retrofit fixture length is less than the length of the ceiling opening, except for hangar tabs which extend from a flange along a longitudinal edge. The fixture may be hung from the ceiling grid members by the tabs while wiring connections are made, and then swung into place. Lamps having a combined length greater than the length of the ceiling opening may be used by placing the lamp holders in a staggered arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventor: Carlton Plunk
  • Patent number: 6326731
    Abstract: A lamp socket is provided which contains a ballast, or lamp driver which remains in the socket when the tube is replaced and supports the gas discharge tube. The lamp socket includes connectors for attachment to the gas discharge tube, lamp driver circuitry including an oscillator, power semiconductors, and protective and filter circuitry, and a housing containing the lamp driver circuitry including an oscillator, power semiconductors, and protective and filter circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Logic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert L. Robinson, Robert C. Smallwood, David E. Bachschmid
  • Publication number: 20010022726
    Abstract: The electric lamp/reflector unit has a molded reflector body (1) comprising a hollow neck-shaped portion (5). An electric lamp (10) having a lamp vessel (1), having a space (12) in which an electric element (13) is arranged, and provided with a first (14) and a second, opposed end portion (15) is fixed at its end portion (14) within the neck-shaped portion (5). Outer current conductors (16, 17) extending from the electric element (13) are connected each to a respective contact member (9, 29) provided on the outer surface (23) of the molded reflector body (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Leo Frans Maria Ooms, Marcus Petrus Anna Jozef Van Opstal
  • Patent number: 6236162
    Abstract: A rare gas illumination system and method are configured to provide a sweeping illumination effect. In one embodiment, the rare gas illumination system includes a tube containing a gas and having a first electrode at a first end and a second electrode at a second end. A first boot having a first transformer is coupled to the first end of the tube. A second boot having a second transformer is coupled to the second end of the tube. The system includes a controller having a microcontroller, a memory, and an output power driver. The memory is configured to store a plurality of control codes corresponding to a plurality of illumination patterns. The microcontroller controls the illumination pattern of the tube by executing the corresponding control code to selectively activate the output driver to provide a voltage signal to at least one of the first boot and the second boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Fluis Light Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Ray Luz, Harry Friedman
  • Patent number: 6218782
    Abstract: A fluorescent lighting assembly includes an electrically conductive lighting fixture (10) having an electrical socket bar (20), a wireless ballast (30) having lamp circuitry, and lamp receiving sockets (28) mounted thereon. The assembly is adapted for lighting one or more fluorescent lamps (14). In operation, current driven through each fluorescent lamp is returned to the ballast via the fixture. The assembly includes ballast safety circuitry for preventing both electrical shock upon contact with the assembly and risk of fire due to a poor electrical joint within the lamp circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: John Mallalieu
  • Patent number: 6217190
    Abstract: A fluorescent lighting assembly (2) includes a ballast lampholder subassembly (4) located at one end of a troffer (80) and at least one lampholder connector (50) located at the opposite end. The ballast lampholder subassembly (4) includes ballast circuitry connected to fluorescent lamp terminals (17) all positioned within a ballast lampholder housing (6). A molded ballast lampholder cover (8) encloses three sides of the ballast lampholder subassembly and a stamped metal plate forms the ballast lampholder base (10), with the ballast circuitry located on a circuit board (27) positioned on the interior surface of the base. Integrally molded lampholders (15) extend from channels (14) on the cover (8) and are positioned between larger enclosure sections (12) which provide space for larger ballast components. Fluorescent lamp terminals (17) are inserted from the interior of the cover into cavities (16) in lampholders (15), and lead wires connect the terminals to the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Barry Eddington Altman, John Francis Turner, Kimberly Ann Ketelsleger
  • Patent number: 6215663
    Abstract: A printed circuit board assembly comprises a printed circuit board and a heat sink that has two surface planes. One surface plane of the heat sink is raised, and provides a surface area for contact with the printed circuit board. The other surface plane is lower than the raised surface plane. The printed circuit board extends over the lower surface plane. The distance between the raised surface plane and the lower surface plane provides space for through-hole pins that extend beneath the printed circuit board, because the underside of the printed circuit board lies on the raised surface plane. The multi-plane heat sink can be formed by an extrusion process, as well as a stamping or other process that allows for more complex patterns of surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Philips Electronics North America Corporation
    Inventor: Charles B. Mattas
  • Patent number: 6206544
    Abstract: A projection illumination fixture includes luminescent light tubes lined with an emulsion coating of titanium dioxide and phosphors for producing an appropriate mixture of highly scattered red, blue and green wavelengths of sustained luminescent light emission, a reflector housing for reflecting scattered rays of emitted luminescent light toward an aperture, a catadioptric lens for collecting and redirecting luminescent light rays reaching the aperture into and through a light snoot or barrel and a large area projection (magnifying) Fresnel lens at the end of the light snoot or barrel for directing and spreading the emitted light to fill an illumination field with directional divergent light ideal for dimensionally ‘painting’ talent and objects positioned and moving within the illumination field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Paul D. Costa
  • Patent number: 6193391
    Abstract: A modular lamp assembly and method of assembling same is provided. The modular lamp assembly includes a lamp/ballast subassembly and a reflector which is positioned in a space provided between the lamp and the ballast. The reflector is unassembled in relation to the lamp and the ballast so that if the lamp or ballast are defective, the reflector may be readily removed from the subassembly and placed between a lamp and ballast of a replacement subassembly. The lamp/ballast subassembly, including the reflector, are held in place within a housing by sandwiching the ballast and the reflector between interior surfaces of the housing and a housing cover which contains an opening aligned with the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Karl E. Ray, Rolland B. Hall, Scott M. Hardenstine, Peter A. Dudek
  • Patent number: 6168289
    Abstract: Fluorescent lighting tubes which incorporate an electronic ballast housed in the sleeves or sockets at each end of the lighting tube. The sockets electrically connect the pins at each end of the fluorescent tube to one another and contain a plurality of electrical contacts. A wiring harness is provided which connects the electrical contacts in one sleeve to electrical contacts in the other sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Suresh H. Shah
  • Patent number: 6164797
    Abstract: A fluorescent lighting fixture utilizing a printed circuit board as an electronic ballast. The printed circuit board ballast includes outlet pins which are directly mounted and connected to the lampholders, thereby to minimize or eliminate a number of wires running between the ballast and lampholders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Roy B. Crane, Paul T. Metcalf, II, William C. Fabbri
  • Patent number: 6155694
    Abstract: A multi-flash strobe light pattern is superimposed on each individual light pulse produced by an incandescent lamp to provide a warning signal of enhanced visibility in a particulate laden ambient environment. The first pulse of each multi-flash strobe pattern is delayed for a time period, subsequent to energization of the incandescent lamp, which is equal to at least 80% of the time required for the incandescent lamp to achieve its maximum light output intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Wayne Lyons, James L. Stopa
  • Patent number: 6149281
    Abstract: A neon lighting fixture has a first housing channel member that mounts to a building wall and has side walls terminating in rims on opposite sides of the open side of the member. A second inverted housing channel member has a neon tube supporting wall and side walls that are spaced apart to define an open side which interfaces with the open side of the first channel member. There are cooperating elements on the side walls of each member. An electric power supply assembly is mounted to the second nominally inverted channel member between its side walls and is supported on ledges in the side walls. A neon tube mounts on the second channel member's tube supporting wall on which wall there are spaced apart grooved rails that serve as slides. A light transmissive cover has slides shaped complementarily to the grooves in dove-tail fashion to provide for interlocking the cover to the second housing channel member by sliding the cover onto the member endwise of the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Everbrite, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J Harruff, Philip R Gross
  • Patent number: 6123432
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting assembly includes a lampshade member having a major wall that extend in a longitudinal direction and that forms a storing space in cooperation with a base plate disposed above the lampshade member and fixed on a wall structure. The major wall of the lampshade member defines a guiding slot therethrough in communication with the storing space such that two end seats for holding a fluorescent tube can be mounted on the major wall by inserting two fastener members through the end seats and the guiding slot for fastening on the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Tao-Tang Feng
  • Patent number: 6102550
    Abstract: A bracket system for fluorescent lighting fixtures using tubular bulbs and a ballast assembly for mounting on such brackets is provided. Each of a pair of opposing brackets includes a main bracket section and at least two bulb-mounting/connecting ends that receive tubular fluorescent light bulbs therein and that electrically connect the light bulbs with the ballast-generated, high-frequency driving current. The ballast housing is adapted for quick-connection to and disconnection from the main bracket section. Contact pads are provided to each of the main bracket section and the ballast housing. Conventional AC power is received through some of the contact pads for input to the ballast, and high-frequency driving current is transmitted from the ballast back to other contact pads for distribution to the underlying bracket bulb-mounting/connecting ends and to those of the opposing bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Photronix, LLC
    Inventor: Richard D. Edwards, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6083021
    Abstract: A lamp assembly mount is adapted to receive a specific commercially available fluorescent lamp known as the "2D" lamp, which is commercially produced in several different sizes and commensurate wattage ratings. By taking advantage of certain structure in the design of the 2D lamp that is specific to its wattage rating, the lamp assembly mount will only receive the correct lamp, eliminating the possibility of mounting under-or over-wattage fluorescent lamps of different base configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Kenneth Lau
  • Patent number: 6079851
    Abstract: A lighting fixture 12 for use with fluorescent lamps 2 can be mounted in an opening in a suspended ceiling 4 or it can be supported below a ceiling. An integral ballast subassembly 14 is mounted on one end of the lighting fixture 12 on a ballast end support 64. Commoning lamp sockets 62 are mounted on a separate end support 84 on the opposite end of the lighting fixture 12. A ballast capable of energizing fluorescent lamps 2 in series is used so that the ballast subassembly need not be connected directly to the commoning lamp sockets 62. The end supports 64 and 84 can be mounted on opposite ends of a suspended ceiling opening 10 and a thin bonnet or hood 98 can then be positioned above the end supports 64, 84 after the ballast subassembly 14 is mounted at one end. The ballast subassembly housing 16 includes two separate compartments, with the ballast circuitry being housed in one compartment 28 and with the power wiring being positioned in the other compartment 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Barry Altman, John Francis Turner, Robert Wayland Pitts
  • Patent number: 6059424
    Abstract: A fluorescent light fixture or luminaire having a housing which has hinge assemblies which pivotally support a mounting plate. The hinge assembly allows the mounting plate on which the lamps and ballasts are mounted to be pivoted to a generally vertical service position or latched by detents in a horizontal use position within the housing. The lens frame is also latched by detents and is pivotal to a vertical position for access to the housing interior. A selected number of lamp sockets can be selectively secured to the plate to receive the lamps. Reflectors and lamp stand-offs may be secured to the mounting plate at bendable tabs formed in the mounting plate. The light fixture is adapted for use with standard or high efficiency compact lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Ronald F. Kotloff
  • Patent number: 6050716
    Abstract: A lighting indicator assembly is provided that includes a main unit, a light plate and an outside frame. Inside the main unit a voltage transformer, circuits and other components are accommodated. The light plate includes a plate body, on which grooves are formed. The grooves outline alphanumeric characters. A plurality of light tubes are disposed in the grooves to form illuminated representations of the alphanumeric characters. At least two light tubes form each character. The light tubes are connected to each other by connecting wires and connectors. The light plate is accommodated at the front side of the main unit. The outside frame is fitted to the front of the main unit. The outside frame and main unit are joined as one unit by means of projections on the outside frame engaging openings formed in the main unit. The outside frame presses and fixes the plate body of the light plate to the main unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Chin Yung Hsu
  • Patent number: 6042243
    Abstract: A modular light box comprises a rectangular frame defining an enclosure and a front rectangular opening. The frame is formed of a pair of side panels, a bottom panel and a top panel, each of which is provided with a substantially flat, rectangular outer surface and an electrical wiring port extending from within the enclosure out through an opening in the outer surface of the panel. A translucent display panel bearing one or more decorative or informational images is mounted within the opening defined by the frame. Another such display panel may optionally mounted in the rear opening in the frame. One or more lamps are mounted within the enclosure to provide backlighting for the front, and optionally the rear, display panel. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one or more of the panels forming the frame of the modular light box is constructed with a rectangular core of foamed plastic having a rigid support frame about its periphery and a plastic layer adhered to each of the major surfaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Exhibit & Display Center, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Grill, Roger D. Crawford, Alfred G. Recknagel, Nicholas W. Hartzell, George B. Decker
  • Patent number: 6019481
    Abstract: A light fixture apparatus including a support frame, a light box coupled to the support frame and a hollow housing portion coupled to the support frame alongside the light box. An opening is provided in the housing and a horizontal electrical outlet is in the housing portion opposite the opening. The housing portion includes the first cover pivotally coupled to the support frame at a first end and spaced from the support frame at a second end to form the opening. A second cover is secured in the housing to enclose the wiring of the electrical outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Hill-Rom, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Ambach, Dale A. Nobbe
  • Patent number: 6010230
    Abstract: Extension brackets capable of being rapidly attached to standard lampholder brackets of conventional fluorescent lighting fixtures for retrofit of such fixtures to accommodate lamping, including metric lamping such as T5 lamping, of generally shorter lengths than conventional tubular fluorescent lamping. The extension brackets of the invention attach by interference fit to standard cutouts in standard lampholder brackets, which cutouts normally attach conventional "tombstone" T12 lampholders, the extension brackets further acting to mount conventional lampholders capable of mounting the metric lamping at locations disposed inwardly of the fixtures to accommodate the several conventional lengths of metric lamping or the like while locating the metric lamping on a plane no higher than that of the conventional lamping for which the lighting fixtures are originally configured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: NSI Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Michael Schmidt, Roger Erle Norris
  • Patent number: 5998915
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a reflector lamp. The mounting assembly comprises a 0.050" diameter stainless steel rod that has been formed into a three-turn spiral. The spiral surrounds the inner jacket mount assembly of the reflector lamp, and fits into the neck region of the reflector. The lower leg of the spiral either takes the place of, or augments a "dummy" lead presently used in the inner jacket press, so that one or both fit into the reflector eyelet opening in the neck of the reflector. The opposite end of the spiral piece extends upwardly, and is connected to the upper lead of the Model No. PAR30L inner jacket mount assembly of the Model No. MPD70 lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Scholz, Edward H. Nortrup, Kevin Provagna, James Gensert
  • Patent number: 5971564
    Abstract: The present invention of a PL lamp holder comprises a holder shell, a holder body, and a holder mount for connecting the holder shell to the holder body. The holder shell is formed of funneled shape having a conical body, the holder body has a PL lamp on an upper portion of a cylindrical body and a lower portion formed of an annular wall extended downwardly therefrom, and the holder mount comprises a short barrel having a lower barrel wall and a linging wall pan in a smaller outside diameter having an annular upward pan wall with an outward flange connected to the inner surface of the barrel and formed a narrow annular groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Powerone Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Feng Wang
  • Patent number: 5906427
    Abstract: A fluorescent light fixture that includes a lamp assembly having a circuit board therein where various components for the lamp's operation are provided; lamp fixing members for connecting the lamp by inserting them into both ends of the lamp assembly; an upper cover covering the top surface of the lamp assembly; a connector connected to the lamp fixing member through an installation groove at one end of the lamp assembly; and a coupler coupling a multiple connectors. Therefore, the lamp has an improved structure of the lamp assembly in order to allow the lamp itself to be replaced, and improved connections between the lamp assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Boam R & D Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shi Youl Noh
  • Patent number: 5907218
    Abstract: A lighting assembly 2 includes a ballast subassembly 4, fluorescent lamps 30 and connectors 50 for connecting the ends of two lamps forming an associated pair. The ballast subassembly 4 is connected to only one base of two lamps and the other ends are connected by commoning socket connectors 50 that are not attached to the ballast subassembly 4. The ballast subassembly 4 includes a power supply circuit 100 and a ballast circuit 102 that can energize two fluorescent lamps 30 with remote lamp bases 34 commoned. The ballast subassembly 4 is mounted on one end of the lighting subassembly, for example on one end of a troffer 80. No wires or other direct electrical connection are necessary with the other end of the lighting assembly 4, the lamps 30, or the troffer 80. The commoning connectors 50 can employ bus contacts 64 having integral cantilever terminals 74 extending from a central bus section 66.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Barry Eddington Altman, John Francis Turner, Jr., Albert David Willette
  • Patent number: 5905329
    Abstract: 050128487A lamp assembly is provided which includes a lamp, a lamp base attached to the lamp, and a lamp heater. One or more abutment regions of the lamp and the lamp base mate with one another to provide axial and rotational orientation of the lamp relative to the lamp base. The lamp heater conforms to the surface of the lamp and may be bonded thereto by an adhesive. The lamp heater may include a heater element and thermistor adjacent to a surface of the lamp. The lamp, lamp heater and thermistor are connected to a connector. A thermal breaker is connected to the heater. The thermal breaker provides a safety device to control maximum lamp temperature. The thermistor controls the operating temperature of the lamp. The lamp assembly may include a display device wherein the lamp is secured to the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Thomas, Michael J. Bonavita, Steven M. Boyd
  • Patent number: 5845988
    Abstract: An armored housing has resiliently supported therein the combined weight of a reflector structure, a lamp in the reflector structure and an electrical component, such as a ballast, mounted on the reflector structure. The reflector structure preferably comprises an extruded aluminum reflector support and a sheet metal reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Michael C. Mandall
  • Patent number: 5821681
    Abstract: Low voltage discharge lamp assembly which has a plug-in base and, in some embodiments, includes a power supply as an integral part of the assembly. The electrode leads pass through a base cap to form contact pins for engagement with a socket. By controlling the orientation of the pins relative to the electrodes and discharge path within the lamp, the lamp is easily removed and replaced without disturbing the direction and focusing of the light it produces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Wedgewood Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Wynn
  • Patent number: 5816837
    Abstract: A fluorescent-lamp socket assembly has a socket, a standard base, and a starter base. The socket has a nonconductive housing having an open end and a pair of conductors in the housing engageable with contact pins of a lamp fitted to the housing and exposed in the open housing end. The standard base is shaped to fit complementarily into and close the open housing end and is formed with throughgoing holes through which wires can be engaged with the conductors. The starter base has a one-piece nonconductive housing having a plug end shaped to fit complementarily into and close the open housing end and an opposite end adapted to hold a starter and a conductor inside the starter-base housing for connecting a starter in the opposite end with one of the conductors in the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Brokelmann, Jaeger & Busse, GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Dieter Henrici, Karl-Wilhelm Vogt, Hartmut Greschner
  • Patent number: 5803589
    Abstract: A ceiling lighting fixture, including a rectangular bottom-open casing having a plurality of parallel partition frames and an electric connector connected to external power supply, a plurality of lamp tubes respectively mounted in the casing and separated by the partition frames and electrically connected to the electric connector, and a cylindrical sensor-controlled switch adapted for detecting the presence of persons and switching on/off the electric connector subject to its detection result, one of the partition frames having a rounded switch mounting hole and a plurality of bendable locating strips respectively projecting into the switch mounting hole at different angles, the cylindrical sensor-controlled switch being mounted in the rounded switch mounting hole and connected to the electric connector, having a plurality of recessed holes spaced around the periphery and forced into engagement with the locating strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Chi-Hsiang Lee
  • Patent number: 5743625
    Abstract: A longitudinally curved, modular housing assembly for the protective support of illuminated glass tubing, such as neon lights, characterized by interconnected base, central, and cover sections which are all curved and have equal radii of curvature. The configuration of the housing assembly is such that it permits combination thereof with other, similar, housing assemblies to provide continuous lighting systems having various shapes and outlines. The housing assembly preferably contains a transformer and wiring for connection to a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Fallon Luminous Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Keisler Tanner
  • Patent number: 5743627
    Abstract: A low profile damage resistant lighting fixture which has a substantially rigid extruded housing base with an elongated back plate and a spaced pair of longitudinally extending legs that depend from an inside surface of the back plate and thereby provide a ballast channel between the legs and a pair of lamp channels on opposite sides of the ballast channel to receive elongated florescent lamps. An elongated cover is removably secured with snap connections to the legs for covering the ballast channel. Cast or molded end caps enclose opposite ends of the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph M. Casteel
  • Patent number: 5731663
    Abstract: A variable power lamp control adapter is provided having a novel, different, and a lower cost construction method than that used in prior art lamp control devices. The circuit construction is achieved by utilization of the Surface Mount Technology disciplines of Polymer Thick Film and Chip on Board technologies. The adapter circuitry is constructed and held on a uniquely dissimilar type of substrate than that used in prior art, and assembled into housings that contain unique interengaging mating parts for a more rapid assembly process than the assembly processes used in prior art construction. In the present invention an overall improvement in the organization, arrangement of all componets, housings and assembly is achieved for a reliable power control operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Ralph K. Davis
  • Patent number: RE36961
    Abstract: First and second light fixtures, each mounting a fluorescent lamp, are interconnected by a flexible conduit which conducts electrical interconnections between the lamps and a ballast located in one of the fixtures. The flexible conduit permits orienting the respective fixtures to accommodate positioning along a variety of curved paths at the installation site. A three-part lamp support structure featuring a pair of resiliently-biased receptacle arms for receiving a twin tube fluorescent lamp is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Tivoli Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas T. Nagano