Abstract: A solar powered lamp utilizing cold cathode fluoresecent illumination and means for facilitating same. The solar powered lamp is powered through the utilization of photovoltaic cells which charge a battery for providing power to a cold cathode fluorescent bulb in the absence of sunlight. The cold cathode fluorescent bulb provides increased illumination and a longer lamp life. The solar powered lamp comprises circuitry for converting the low power provided by the battery into an alternating current voltage sufficient to operate the cold cathode fluorescent bulb in order to facilitate a longer lamp life and provide increased illumination. In a preferred embodiment, a lens configured with vertically disposed ribs about its inner surface is disposed about the cold cathode fluorescent lamp, which is vertically disposed within the lamp, to further enhance illumination.

Abstract: The apparatus is a nestable fluorescent fixture housing of a truncated pyramid shape with "knock-out" apertures provided on the sloping walls thereof to engage the ends of fluorescent bulbs. A wedge-shaped separate ballast/socket assembly is provided for each fluorescent bulb, preferably a "biax" bulb. The slope of the wedge shape of the ballast/socket assembly is complementary to the slope of the walls of the fixture.

Abstract: An explosion proof fluorescent lamp fixture includes a pair of end housings having aligned openings which removably receive transparent lamp sleeves and a ballast housing. The lamp sleeves are fixed in first annular rings which matingly connect to second annular rings to form labyrinth seals. The second annular rings are removably inserted in the end housing openings. Thus, the fluorescent lamp is easily field reparable. A method of mounting a ballast in the ballast housing is also disclosed.

Abstract: To permit manufacture of totally enclosed "increased safety" light fixtures without requiring specific molds for light fixtures capable of accommodating lamps of different sizes, such as florescent lamps (39), the fixture is assembled of an elongated profiled extrusion structure (2, 9) to which end caps (11) are attached, the extrusion structure having upstanding side walls formed with a groove (24, 25) shaped to receive a piano hinge (4) which is located in a transparent cover (3), the cover and the trough-like portions (2, 9) with the end caps being formed with interengaging projection-and-recess means, with a sealing strip (56) located in the recess.

Abstract: A light fixture includes separate ballast and optical housings. The optical housing includes an open top, a hollow base depending from the open top and a wiring chamber extending laterally from the hollow base adjacent to the open top. A cover is releasably coupled to the housing, extends over the open top, and has an aperture extending through it receiving a lens. The lamp is mounted in the base of the optical housing for directing light through the lens. The ballast housing is releasably coupled to the optical housing at the wiring chamber. A ballast cover is coupled to the ballast housing. An electrical ballast assembly is mounted in the ballast housing. Wiring extends between the housings for electrically connecting the lamp and the electrical ballast assembly.

Abstract: An indicator lamp has a U-shaped fluorescent bulb having a pair of generally parallel legs and a driving circuit connected to the bulb for energizing same with an alternating-current voltage of a frequency greater than 40 kHz. When the driving frequency lies above 50 kHz and below 100 kHz, preferably between 80 kHz and 90 kHz, it has been found that the generation of spurious radio-frequency signals drops enormously, and in fact the system can normally be turned to generate no r-f interference at all. The driving circuit has an oscillator having a transistor, a trigger having an adjustable transformer and a transistor-controlled help stage connected to the transistor, and an electronic time-constant circuit connected to the trigger. The time-constant circuit includes a resistor and capacitor. The transformer has a primary connected to the oscillator and a secondary connected through the trigger to the bulb. This trigger has a resonance circuit connected to the transformer secondary.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp unit including an adapter which contains a ballast, a fluorescent lamp electrically coupled to the adapter, a compressible gasket member and a jacket. The jacket is adapted to be easily removed from the unit upon failure of the fluorescent lamp. An inwardly protruding ledge which extends radially around the interior of the jacket provides a bearing surface for contacting the gasket member. Preferable, the lower portion of the jacket member is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed grooves for engaging a pair of lugs formed in the housing of the adapter. Preferably, each of the grooves has an offset portion and a stop for locking the lugs in place and thereby preventing rotation of the jacket member with respect to the adapter until the gasket member is compressed.

Abstract: A light pattern generator is utilized to produce an image which is projected onto a stage or screen. The image is derived from a beam of light. The light pattern generator comprises a heat resistant glass plate having a reflective layer deposited on one surface thereof. A nonreflective layer is deposited on the surface of the reflective layer. Both of the layers are etched to produce an opening extending through the layers wherein the opening has the shape of the desired image. The beam of light is directed through the transparent plate and the portions not passed through the opening are reflected by the mirror surface of the reflective layer. This prevents the buildup of heat within the light pattern generator. Any extraneous light which is received at the nonreflective layer is absorbed to prevent the escape of unwanted light and its projection to the stage.

Abstract: A noble gas illumination device such as a neon tube in which the glass neon tube is clear and uncoated and is surrounded by a clear plastic tube. The clear plastic tube may be tinted or colorless. If it is tinted, it alters the color of the light emanating from the device. Whether tinted or untinted, the clear plastic tube makes the uncoated neon tube appear to have a larger diameter, thereby creating the illusion that the electric discharge beam in the neon tube is extremely thin and focused and has the appearance of a laser beam.

Abstract: An inexpensive, lightweight, overhead lighting system positions fluorescent tubes and their associated ballasts in slotted plastic pipes arranged in end to end relation and connected and supported by plastic pipe fittings, including ells, tees, angles and cross shaped sections which are in turn suspended beneath a ceiling or roof of a structure by appropriate support rods and tubes.

Abstract: A fluorescent lighting fixture including a channel-shaped housing formed with oppositely disposed elongated side walls projecting forwardly from a back wall and defining at their free extremities inwardly opening confronting grooves for receipt of the opposite sides of a lens. Mounted directed on the back wall at the opposite ends thereof are two pair of sockets for receiving the opposite ends of fluorescent tubes and arranged longitudinally between the confronting sockets are electrical components mounted from such back wall. Disposed on the lateral opposite sides of such components are shoulder rivets formed with rivet heads standing off from the back wall. A sheet metal way cover covers the electrical components and is hat shaped in cross-section and formed with outwardly turned flanges which clip under the respective rivet heads to releasably hold the way cover in its mounted position.

Abstract: Heat build up is reduced in x-ray film illuminator apparatus by transferring excess heat from the sources thereof to the exterior of the unit and then into the surrrounding environment. A heat dispersing surface contacts the hottest part of the ballast employed within the unit, with a back wall of the unit itself being spaced from an associated wall, on which the apparatus may be detachably mounted on a special hanger so as to permit a vertical air flow path between the back wall and associated mounting wall surface. A viewing area of the unit is formed by a translucent face plate retained in position along at least the top or upper peripheral portion thereof by a resilient element also capable of retaining in place the film transparency or other media that is being viewed.

Abstract: A lighting fixture in the form of a support frame having top and bottom walls that are interconnected with end support pieces and that have open sides through which the light is dispersed. A series of three elongated fluorescent lamps are mounted in the support frame supported between end support pieces, a translucent cover in two pieces is disposed about the support frame over the respective open sides. Mirrors are disposed in the support frame including a top mirror on the frame top wall and the bottom mirror on the frame bottom wall. The combination of properly positioned lamps and mirrors provides light output that is uniformly dispersed through the covers. In one embodiment, an exit sign is mounted under the fixture and a slot is provided for directing a light path directly to the side.

Abstract: A fluorescent tube (10) supported at both ends in a respective base (15, 16) is surrounded by a transparent guard tube (1), which is closed at one end by cap (2) having suspension hooks (3) and at the other by a handle (5) having a connection cable (7). A circuit board (24) having an ignition and feeder circuit arrangement is mechanically releasably connected with both the base (16 ) on the end toward the handle and with a closure element (28) disposed in the end area of the guard tube (1) toward the handle, this releasable connection being effected by holding devices (22, 26; 29). The closure element (28) is latched into the guard tube (1) by means of a detent spring (30). Contact pins (13, 14) and the connection cable (7) are connected to the circuit board (24) in a plug-insertable manner.

Abstract: The system for producing non-blinding light from a fluorescent tube comprises a discharge lamp of which the cross-section area has the shape of an equilateral triangle with round edges. Through the invention not only is energy saved, but glaring light is made impossible, thus minimizing dazzling.

Abstract: A lamp includes a housing in which a wiring and a switching circuit are accommodated. A linear light source, which can be a hot cathode lamp or a cold cathode lamp, is located outside the lamp and is at least partially accommodated in a recess provided in the lamp housing and opened outwardly.

Abstract: A lamp bulb mount for axially mounting two lamp bulbs into a light for selective operation in relation to a combination flood and spot light is disclosed. The mount includes a forward base and a rearward base selectively connectable to each other. The forward base is conformable to a reflector member of the light and has an opening formed therein which receives the lamp bulbs supported by the rear base. Interconnection of the forward and rearward base and placement of the forward base against the reflector member projects the light bulbs through the reflector member in a predetermined relationship. A socket of each base of the mount is convertible between flanged lamp bulbs and twin pin lamp bulbs through alternative spring mountings. A carrying case for the mount includes a fan adapted to maintain air flow throughout the light, cooling the battery, control circuitry and lamp bulbs.

Abstract: A multiple light device for the illumination of bicolored translucent self adhesive tape drawings, principally used in electronic circuit drafting, which through the principal of selective absorption highlights the contrast and or color difference between the two tapes.

Abstract: A work light comprising a housing, a gas discharge lamp of the fluorescent type positioned inside a portion of said housing, means defining a compartment which is an extension of said portion of said housing, and a smoothing choke and a rectifier including a voltage multiplier circuit mounted in the compartment. The compartment and the portion of the housing are aligned with each other along the longitudinal axis of the housing. An electrical power supply cable is connected to the housing in series with an electric switch, and a swivel arm is mounted on the housing, the power supply cable extending through the swivel arm.

Abstract: A lighting fixture emits a beam covering in excess of 180.degree. by employing a reflector of parabolic cross-section and placing a linear light source perpendicular to the parabolic axis at or slightly forward of the parabola ends. A mounting plate containing the lamp socket and lamp ballast is connected to the reflector by means of a single screw to facilitate installation and maintenance. End members for the reflector include projecting collars which rotatably receive annular flanges from junction boxes through which power supply leads pass to connect to the lamp socket and pass through a raceway located behind the reflector to other fixtures mounted in tandem. The collar and flange can be secured together in any rotational position within a range of 360.degree.. A swivel form of junction box includes two members which are mutually rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the collar/flange axis to increase the positional adjustability of the fixture.

Abstract: An indirect light-distributing ceiling structure having a plurality of light reflector members disposed in spaced horizontal relation near a light-reflective ceiling. The light reflector members have a triangular cross-sectional configuration, with alternate reflector members being oriented to provide a horizontal surface facing the ceiling, and with the intervening reflector members being inverted. A source of light is mounted on the horizontal surface of at least one of the alternate reflector members.

Abstract: An illuminator or light box having the ability to provide varying degrees of light intensity or illumination to the screen. At least two sets of bulbs are mounted within the light box. Each set is identical to the other set and is comprised of different light bulbs. There are control switches to energize the same light bulb of each set. Different colored light bulbs can comprise the sets thereby allowing the user to selectively energize the lamps available to supply various colors to illuminate the screen.

Abstract: A portable electronic safety flare including an elongate hollow tube, at least a portion of which is transparent; electronic strobe light circuit means in the tube; a strobe light mounted in the transparent portion of the tube and driven by the strobe light circuit means; a power supply disposed in the tube and interconnected with the strobe light circuit means; a push switch interconnected with the strobe light circuit means for actuating the strobe light; mounting means for supporting the push switch at a first end of the tube; first cap means for closing the first end of the tube; the first cap means having a flexible portion for permitting pressure to be applied through it to actuate the push switch; and second cap means for closing the second end of the tube.

Abstract: A lighting fixture comprising a housing having a pair of supporting members disposed longitudinally along the inner portion of the side walls of the housing to slidingly engage a circuitry and light carrying tray thereon.

Abstract: A light reflector for a light is disclosed which may be formed by progressive dies to form all electrical contacts from a coil or sheet of the electrically conductive metal. After formation of the contacts and buss work the last stage of the progressive die automatically inserts the buss work on the plastic reflector which is secured by tinnerman type locks formed by the progressive die or by heat staking. The reflector supports a printed circuit card which contains the circuit and switching means. The end result is the elimination of any wiring from the PC Card to the battery and fluorescent tube contacts. The angular mounds direct any misaligned battery contacts to the proper contact area. Trusses formed on their reflector are aligned to support the battery pick-up contacts to avoid contact deflection, and assure proper contact orientation. The switch protrudes from a preformed window in the lantern case after assembly.

Abstract: This light is designed for use in the welding industry, for checking joint preparations, by lighting the area to be welded, lighting the area of a weld, so as to enable the user effectively to clean or chip slag from it, etc. It consists primarily of a sleeve, in which a high voltage bulb is received, that includes a resistor across the leads, and it is mounted to any electrode holder, by a ball and socket swivel, for changing the light angle.

Abstract: Lamp having an elongated lighting assembly and a guard assembly therefor. The lighting assembly includes an elongated fluorescent bulb characterized by hot regions at the end portions of its luminous envelope. The guard assembly includes: a tubular light-transmitting housing of polycarbonate or glass; metal end housings; and closure members closing the open outer ends of the end housings. Heat conductive metal bushings are cemented to the end portions of the light-transmitting housing. These have cylindrical bearing surfaces telescopically assembled in contiguous, lapping, heat-conductive relationship with corresponding bearing surfaces on the end housings. The metal bushings function as heat sinks and heat conductors, cooling the portions of the light-transmitting housing which are subject to radiation from the hot regions of the bulb by conducting heat through the bushings into the metal end housings which dissipate it to the surroundings.

Abstract: A portable light having a U-shaped body and an elongated reflector supported on the body providing a space for batteries between the reflector and the body. Two lamps are supported on the reflector providing a flood light and a lens is supported on the body over the reflector and the lamps. Two cup-shaped end caps are supported on the ends of the light and one end cap has a frusto-conical shaped reflector integrally attached to it, and a lens closes the end of the cap having the reflector in it, and a lamp is supported on the reflector under the lens providing a spot light.

Abstract: In an illuminated rotary electric switch, for use in a motor vehicle to indicate the location of the switch, its condition of operation, and, if desired, its function, a manually rotatable switch member is provided with a central opening arranged so that light can be projected longitudinally therethrough from a single light source so as to indicate the location of the switch (and its function, if desired) and with a further opening which can be brought into and out of registration with an aperture in a fixed portion of the switch through which light from said source can be projected laterally, so as thereby to uncover or mask said aperture and thus indicate the condition of operation of the switch.

Abstract: A portable electric lamp comprising a tubular transparent housing, a fluorescent lamp in the housing, an arrangement of sockets and starter connected in a circuit for supplying electric current to the lamp, and a removable elongated reflector element in the housing to which the lamp and current supplying arrangement are fixed for removal as a unit from the housing. The housing is closed at one end by a cap element and has a hand grip element adjacent the other end which has an end closure, and the cap and hand grip are of aluminum alloy or like material having relatively high thermal conductivity. The cap and hand grip are held in place by a plurality of tension rods spaced circumferentially and outwardly around the housing. Impact-absorbing protector rings are provided on the end cap and hand grip and also on the tension rod assembly. The lamp ballast is connected in the electric power supply line in spaced relation to the lamp housing.