Fluorescent Type Patents (Class 362/260)
  • Patent number: 6749315
    Abstract: A direct type back light device includes a plurality of luminescent lamps, upper and lower lamp holders formed to receive upper and lower opposite ends of the luminescent lamps, a lower support having lower lamp holder recesses for fixing the lower lamp holders, conductive layers formed upon an area of the lower lamp holders and lower support for receiving the lower opposite ends of the luminescent lamps to supply power to the luminescent lamps, an upper support having upper lamp holder recesses for fixing the upper lamp holders, and conductive layers formed upon an area of the upper lamp holders and upper support for receiving the upper opposite ends of the luminescent lamps to supply the power to the luminescent lamps, wherein the lower and upper supports assemble together to fix the lower and upper opposite ends of the luminescent lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: LG. Philips LCD Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong Min Moon, Ju Young Bang
  • Publication number: 20040109317
    Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp package is devised to have the same appearance and dimensions as a conventional incandescent light bulb. The compact fluorescent lamp package includes a base, a fluorescent lamp, a ballast circuit contained entirely in the base, and a diffuser cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas J. Ribarich
  • Publication number: 20040105259
    Abstract: Disclose is a master-satellite assembly for retrofitting a first existing recessed strip light fixture and a second existing recessed strip light fixture in a grid ceiling, where the existing fixtures are arranged end to end and are separated by a T-bar support member. The assembly has a master retrofit fixture, a satellite retrofit fixture and a wire cover bracket. The master retrofit fixture is received within the first existing recessed strip fixture and the satellite retrofit fixture is received within the second existing recessed strip fixture with wiring running under the T-bar support. The wire cover bracket extends from the master retrofit fixture, under the T-bar support member, and to the satellite retrofit fixture in order to cover the wiring. Also disclosed is a method of retrofitting utilizing the master-satellite assembly, and a retrofit reflector configuration utilizing hanger tabs extending from the ends of the retrofit reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Carlton B. Plunk
  • Patent number: 6739737
    Abstract: A lamp body of the compact spot and flood light type suitable for use with a compact fluorescent light source, wherein the lamp body includes a lamp head, a lampshade for reflecting the light emitted from the light source, and an adapter connected to the lamp head, wherein the lampshade is formed by the integration of at least two coaxial conical surfaces with different vertex angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: William Yu
  • Patent number: 6741018
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-pressure discharge lamp (1) including a discharge tube (20) and a base (5) providing for mechanical and electrical connection of the discharge lamp (1). The discharge tube (20) sealed in a gas-tight manner at its both ends is bent substantially in one plane so that the discharge tube (20) has straight (2) and arc-shaped portions (3), and the base (5) connected to the ends of the discharge tube (20) includes at least cathode leads of the discharge tube (20) and electrical connectors (15) connected to said leads. At least one component ensuring mechanical connection to a lampholder is formed on the base (5). The components of the discharge lamp (1) ensuring mechanical connection to the lampholder (16) are placed in a space bordered by the discharge tube (20). A lampholder (16) of the discharge lamp (1) includes components ensuring electrical and mechanical connection to the discharge lamp (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: László Bánkuti, József Fülöp, Sándor Lukács, Barnabás Nagy, Viktória Schmidt, Zoltán Vámos, István Würsching
  • Patent number: 6736526
    Abstract: To provide a bulb-type lamp in which a globe is fixed to a case without a tilt, and a manufacturing method for the bulb-type lamp. The globe is bonded to a connector using a thermosetting resin, in a state where a neck part of the globe is inserted in a groove of the connector without contacting the bottom of the groove. The connector is then fixed to the case by means of a fitting construction. This makes it unnecessary to perform a heating process to cure an adhesive after an envelope is formed by the globe and the case. Hence the tilting of the globe caused by the thermal expansion of air in the envelope can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Matsuba, Yoshinori Kakuno
  • Publication number: 20040090778
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fluorescent lamp frame capable of varying its length. The fluorescent lamp frame includes: a first frame having an inner space, both ends perforated, and a number of fixing holes formed in at least one side and separated from one another at predetermined intervals; a second frame inserted into the inner space of the first frame in a back and forth movable manner; a frame header mounted at an end of the second frame, inserted into the inner space of the first frame together with the second frame in the back and forth movable manner, and fixed to the inside of the first frame; a power supply wire mounted between a side of the frame header and a socket located at an end of the first frame; and lamp supporters fixed on both ends of the first frame and the second frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: FEELUX Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shi Youl Noh
  • Publication number: 20040085767
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp lighting device includes a fluorescent light bulb having an electrode filament and an electronic lighting circuit substrate for lighting the fluorescent light bulb, wherein a capacitor connected in parallel with the fluorescent light bulb, a positive characteristic thermistor connected in parallel with the capacitor, and a negative characteristic thermistor connected in parallel with the electrode filament are mounted on the electronic lighting circuit substrate, and wherein the negative characteristic thermistor, having a mounting surface, is mounted in such a manner that the mounting surface is in abutment with the electronic lighting circuit substrate. The positive characteristic thermistor and the negative characteristic thermistor are preferably mounted on mutually different mounting surfaces among the two mounting surfaces of the obverse and reverse surfaces of the electronic lighting circuit substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Yamashita, Kingo Ohmura, Atsuo Yokota, Masahiko Kawase, Shuji Tsubaki
  • Patent number: 6726343
    Abstract: An illuminating system for emitting a uniform amount of intense scattered light. The illumination system comprises an integrated chamber having a cavity large enough to contain at least two florescent lamps and a reflective interior surface. The chamber is further comprised of a front surface and rear surface. The front surface of the elongated chamber has an elongated opening (i.e. front opening) for emitting the light directed from the florescent lamps and the rear surface has a corresponding elongated opening (i.e. rear opening) aligned with the front opening. This rear opening allows a scanning mechanism, such as a camera, to read any information being illuminated through the front opening of the illuminating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Bell & Howell Postal Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Woolston, Jimmy Ogles, Walter Hosiner
  • Patent number: 6727664
    Abstract: A hand-held fluorescent lamp assembly powered by typical line supply of 120 VAC, 60 Hz via an attached power cord and employing multiple commonly available fluorescent lamps. The assembly includes switches to independently control the multiple fluorescent lamps. The assembly includes lightweight solid state power regulation components. The power regulation circuit employs a self-oscillating circuit that is approximately matched in frequency of oscillation to the natural frequency of the fluorescent lamp load to automatically ignite the fluorescent lamps. The power regulation circuit includes circuit elements to automatically protect the ballast circuit and lamps from overdrawing in the run state and from abnormal load conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: TMC Enterprises, a division of Tasco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Miller, Zhou Dong Yue
  • Patent number: 6726496
    Abstract: An adapter (1) for a discharge lamp which comprises a socket portion (3) and a plug portion (5). The socket portion is suitable for receiving electrical contacts of a first discharge lamp which includes a discharge tube disposed substantially in a planar zone having a principal plane. The socket portion has an associated socket contacting plane where the socket contacting plane is defined as the principal plane of the discharge tube of the first discharge lamp when the latter is inserted into the socket portion. The plug portion is insertable into an external female socket which is suitable for receiving a second discharge lamp including a planar tube configuration. The plug portion also has an associated plug contacting plane. This plug contacting plane is defined as the principal plane of the tube configuration of the second discharge lamp when this latter is inserted into the external female socket. The adapter further comprises a connecting portion for connecting the socket portion and the plug portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lajos Reich, Zsolt Vincze, Zoltán Nagy
  • Publication number: 20040076001
    Abstract: A leadless ballast and a mounting assembly therefor comprises a ballast housing having a length and a width, and including a top face, a bottom face, left and right side faces, and first and second end faces. The first end face has a plurality of male electrical connectors extending outwardly therefrom with the electrical connectors being electrically coupled to a conventional-ballast component within the ballast housing. The ballast housing is receive in a mounting bracket configured for complementary engagement with the ballast housing. The mounting bracket has a width and length approximately equal to the length and width of the ballast housing. The mounting bracket includes left and right side walls and a front wall which are contiguous and normal to the base. The front wall includes a plurality of female sockets adapted for mated engagement with the male connectors which terminate in jacks extending through the front walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Arthur L. Lutes
  • Publication number: 20040070968
    Abstract: The present invention provides a scanning device including a lamp, an object, and a transparency (or a reflector). The present invention changes the optical path by varying the shape of tube wall of lamp, the transparency or the reflector to compensate the light in the boundary regions of the lamp. Moreover, the present invention is capable of reducing the dimension of the scanning device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Hsin-Tang Chien
  • Patent number: 6715905
    Abstract: Lighting apparatus includes a self righting base to return the apparatus to an upright condition when tipped therefrom. The apparatus also includes a lighting assembly mountable on the base. The lighting assembly includes an upwardly extending elongate light transmitting means, which has a light transmitting region through which light can be transmitted. The length of the light transmitting region is greater than the height of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Birchwood Products Limited
    Inventor: Anthony Edward Smith
  • Publication number: 20040062042
    Abstract: A light source device includes a discharge tube, a reflector for reflecting a light radiated from the discharge tube, and support members for supporting the discharge tube to the reflector. The support member or the discharge tube is formed of a heat insulating structure so as to prevent a temperature drop of a portion of the discharge tube near electrodes thereof. By this arrangement, it is possible to prolong the operational life of the discharge tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Akio Sotokawa, Seiji Hachisuka
  • Patent number: 6711841
    Abstract: A display device has a support, a tubular light source, and a cover. The light source is interconnected to the support, and the cover is placed over the light source. The cover is an arc-shaped partially translucent elongated member. The cover is colored to create a glowing effect when light emitted from the light source passes through the cover in a forward direction. Light emitted from the light source in a rearward direction reflects off of the support. The cover allows the light source to create both a glowing effect and a back-lit effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Everbrite, Inc.
    Inventors: John Glueckstein, Stephen E. Porter
  • Patent number: 6709133
    Abstract: An anti-slip fluorescent electronic energy-saving lamp comprises a fluorescent tube or bulb and a lamp cabinet within which the electronic parts are installed. The outer shell of the lamp cabinet is of a surface of revolution, on which an anti-slip ring is mounted. The anti-slip ring is made of anti-slip materials and the ring sectional plane of the anti-slip ring is in parallel with the circular sectional plane of the outer shell of the lamp cabinet. Thanks to the anti-slip ring mounted outside the outer shell of the lamp cabinet, the fluorescent electronic energy-saving lamp of the present invention is easy to grasp and will not be easily to fall to the ground and break into pieces in installation and usage. Since the anti-slip ring is made of rubber or plastic, it can be made into various colors, which is helpful for identification and decoration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Guangdong Weixiong Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-xiong Lin, Jian-xiong Peng
  • Patent number: 6709131
    Abstract: A luminaire has a brightness reduction cover element below and in proximity to the active light source of the luminaire to simulate a larger light source having a lower surface brightness which is exposed through the luminaire's down light opening. For example, where the luminaire has a high output T5 lamp, the brightness reduction cover element can be in the form of a substantially semi-cylindrical opal diffuser cover strip sized to simulate a T8 or T12 lamp. An opal diffuser cover strip having two side-by-side arcuate portions joined at opaque interior edges can be positioned under two side-by-side T5 lamps to simulate side-by-side T8 or T12 lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Herst, Peter Y. Y. Ngai, Hue Ly
  • Publication number: 20040047149
    Abstract: A lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of sockets 22 made of a soft and elastic conductor and arranged facing each other, with which electric power is supplied to EEFL lamps 21. A plurality of lamp inserting holes 220 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the socket 22. External electrodes 214 at the both ends of EEFL lamps 21 are pressed into each of the lamp inserting holes. These sockets 22 are supported and coated by socket holders 23 made of an insulator having higher rigidity than the sockets 22 respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: HARISON TOSHIBA LIGHTING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mamoru Amano, Shuho Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 6690113
    Abstract: A retrofit kit, including a fluorescent lighting assembly for replacing an incandescent light assembly, includes a housing having a ballast receiving section and a fluorescent lamp receiving section. A ballast is disposed within the ballast receiving section and a socket assembly, generally adjustable, is disposed within the lamp receiving section and is in electrical communication with the ballast. The socket assembly includes a socket cup with an opening to receive a fluorescent lamp in a vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventor: Sherman Ng
  • Patent number: 6685341
    Abstract: A light-emitting apparatus includes a light source, such as a fluorescent lamp, and a multilayer mirror wrapped partially around the light source. The multilayer mirror includes alternating layers of at least a first layer type containing a first polymeric material and a second layer type containing a second polymeric material, the layers having refractive index properties the differences of which satisfy a predetermined relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael F. Weber
  • Patent number: 6682662
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp cover which comprises a transparent resin containing a fluorescent brightening agent so as to cut off 90% or more of the rays of 410 nm or less, wherein the fluorescent brightening agent is represented by the following formula (I): wherein R1 and R4 each represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an alkoxyl group; R2 and R3 each represents an alkyl group; and [A] represents a substituted aryl or substituted ethenyl group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Usami, Teruo Nagano, Tadahisa Sato, Katsuyoshi Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 6676276
    Abstract: A black light display device is provided which utilizes a black light source in combination with fluorescent/phosphorescent display elements which can be thread, strings, monofilaments, disks or sculptured material. The display elements are formed about a spindle which is secure by fixed in a housing which houses the black light source and the fluorescent/phosphorescent elements. One form of housing comprises selectively removable transparent barrier which is transparent to the visible light radiating from the fluorescent display elements but opaque to the ultraviolet light radiating from the black light illumination source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Stephens
  • Patent number: 6674250
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a backlight including external electrode fluorescent lamps and a method for driving the backlight. The backlight includes fluorescent lamps having external electrodes made of an electrically conductive material for wrapping the outer peripheral surfaces including edge cross-sections on both ends of a glass tube with a layer of fluorescent substance applied thereon. The backlight is constructed in a manner that a plurality of such fluorescent lamps are installed at the outer portions of a plastic light guide, and an alternating current type power source is applied from the outside to the fluorescent lamps by installing a plurality of the fluorescent lamps between a reflecting plate and a diffusing plate and electrically connecting them with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Guang-Sup Cho
    Inventors: Guang-Sup Cho, Eun-Ha Choi
  • Publication number: 20040001341
    Abstract: A light-emitting apparatus able to dynamically produce lights of different wavelengths comprises a light source, a lamp holder surrounding the light source and having a notch, and a light-transmitting structure surrounding the lamp holder, wherein the light-transmitting structure can rotate around the lamp holder and includes a first section through which only a light in a first wavelength range is sent out, and a second section through which only a light in a second wavelength range is sent out. The first section and the second section can be rotated in turn to face the notch of the lamp holder, following the rotation of the light-transmitting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Applicant: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Che-Chih Chang, Chin-Kun Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20030231512
    Abstract: A backlight device includes a plurality of fluorescent lamps each having a tube and lamp electrodes formed at opposing ends of the tube arranged parallel with each other along a first direction, a lower lamp fixing assembly of a first height having a first plurality of grooves disposed along a second direction for holding the ends of the plurality of fluorescent lamps, and an upper lamp fixing assembly of a second height, the upper lamp fixing assembly having a second plurality of grooves, a first end portion have a first width facing the lower lamp fixing assembly, and a second end portion having a second width smaller than the first width, wherein portions of the ends of each of the tubes are exposed at an exterior of the lower and upper lamp fixing assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: LG, PHILIPS LCD CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ju Young Bang, Jong Hyun Choi
  • Publication number: 20030223230
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a compact fluorescent lamp comprises a spiral compact fluorescent tube comprising a plurality of loops, at least one of the plurality of loops having a different cross-sectional width than a cross-sectional width of at least another one of the plurality of loops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Qingsong Li
  • Patent number: 6652119
    Abstract: A multi-lamp fluorescent light fixture which includes provision for mounting a linear fluorescent lamp on each of its for sides. A single ballast, contained inside the fixture reflector housing, is rated to start and supply four lamps and is wired for connection to up to four sets of bracket-mounted lamp sockets. The light fixture may be mounted in any of three orthogonal illumination directions using one to four installed lamps. A single invention light fixture can replace at least five presently available individual light fixtures, and provides new field installation options for contractors and customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Bina M Barton
  • Patent number: 6648691
    Abstract: A lampholder has a socket having an inner end and formed with an outwardly open lamp seat defining an axis and adapted to fit with a base of a high-voltage lamp and with a pair of inwardly open blind contact holes. A base fitted against the inner end and formed at the contact holes with respective contact seats has a floor formed in line with each contact hole with an axially throughgoing aperture. Respective contacts in the contact seats are each formed with an abutment arm extending along a wall of the respective contact hole and a spring arm extending into the respective contact hole and elastically deformable from a rest position closely juxtaposed with the respective abutment arm to a holding position spaced therefrom. Thus a conductor pushed through one of the apertures into the respective contact hole will wedge between the contact arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: BJB GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Henrici, Herbert Beleke
  • Publication number: 20030210550
    Abstract: To provide a bulb-type lamp in which a globe is fixed to a case without a tilt, and a manufacturing method for the bulb-type lamp. The globe is bonded to a connector using a thermosetting resin, in a state where a neck part of the globe is inserted in a groove of the connector without contacting the bottom of the groove. The connector is then fixed to the case by means of a fitting construction. This makes it unnecessary to perform a heating process to cure an adhesive after an envelope is formed by the globe and the case. Hence the tilting of the globe caused by the thermal expansion of air in the envelope can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Tetsuo Matsuba, Yoshinori Kakuno
  • Patent number: 6641278
    Abstract: Apparatus, and a method for its use, that addresses the installation and maintenance of wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted light fixtures that otherwise would be partially assembled on-site during installation and use the industry-standard fixture bar, threaded nipple, lock nut(s), push nuts, and multiple screws. The present invention provides a factory assembled lighting fixture that includes a clutch ring, and is installed using a fixture bar, two screws, and a probe with a slotted distal end. Once the fixture bar and probe are attached to a junction box, and wiring terminations are made, the clutch ring attached to the fully assembled lighting fixture is simply pushed over the distal end of the probe to achieve secure and immediate installation. Thus, in commercial and industrial applications, although not limited thereto, use of the present invention would substantially reduce the time required for lighting fixture installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Lee Guritz
  • Publication number: 20030202347
    Abstract: A lighting fixture in which a subhousing for a ballast circuit is disposed between two spaced portions of a bottom plate and a top plate. Sockets are connected to the respective ends of the plates for receiving at least one bulb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: General Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Bentley Chelf, Wang Liang Chou
  • Patent number: 6639349
    Abstract: A light system is disclosed that may be used as a dual-mode LCD backlight. The light system includes a fluorescent lamp and a secondary light source that is attached to or formed upon an outer surface of the fluorescent lamp. The fluorescent lamp diffuses the light of the secondary light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Birendra Bahadur
  • Patent number: 6634772
    Abstract: Disclosed is a suspension system for suspending linear fixtures from an overhead structure which permits temporary suspension of adjacent fixtures prior to final locking connection of the fixtures. The system has a hanger member comprising a bridge member, an elongated alignment member, and at least one clamping member supported from the bridge member for relative vertical movement therewith. Additionally, the clamping member has two spaced apart wings each adapted to be inserted loosely adjacent a corresponding one of a pair of adjacent clamping surfaces when tongue insert positions are inserted into alignment receiving slots. The clamping member may be moved vertically to bring the wing members into clamping engagement with the clamping surfaces and move end portions of the linear fixtures toward each other into locking engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Canlyte Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Yaphe, Pascal Toupin, Robert Katz, Sylvain Duchesne
  • Publication number: 20030189838
    Abstract: Lenses and bezels for lamps provide an appealing aesthetic look in the form of a colored glow at the edges of the lens or bezel by incorportation of an photoluminescent material in a molded polycarbonate body. The lenses are particularly suitable for use as an automotive outer lens, and can also improve the quality of the light emitted through this outer lens by interacting with the light bulb. The emitted beam is of a legal color and intensity as defined per the SAE J578 standard. The lighting performance may also be improved in such manner as reducing glare, increasing brightness or producing a beam that enhances road visibility at night to the human eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Philippe Schottland, David S. Bryce, Thomas Bouchard
  • Publication number: 20030185002
    Abstract: A lightweight steel frame lamp assembly comprises a rack, a lamp, and a composite shell. The rack has a circuit member including ballast and lamp sockets. The lamp are assembled between two opposite sockets and powered through the circuit member. The composite shell is detachably assembled to the rack. Therefore, the lightweight steel frame lamp assembly can be disassembled into smaller components for the convenience of transportation and storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Frank Chen
  • Patent number: 6626562
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that provides back light for liquid crystal displays (“LCD”). The apparatus includes an electrodeless lamp disposed in a cabinet for generating light; and a reflector disposed on one side of the electrodeless lamp for directing light from the lamp in the direction of the LCD. The reflector further includes a surface profile that provides a uniform distribution of light intensity into the LCD. The reflector further is adjacent and in near contact with the lamp to provide a minimum depth behind the lamp. An alternate embodiment of the invention includes an IR reflector disposed between the electrodeless lamp and a diffuser, which is located adjacent the LCD screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Randall D. Blanchard
  • Publication number: 20030179577
    Abstract: Cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), associated devices and methods of use, and more specifically, exit signs, traffic signals, informational and other signage and lighting devices utilizing CCFL-type devices are provided with novel connectors, mounting brackets, housings, associated electronics and other accessories to provide new and unique lighting devices and methods of using them, all of which offer significant savings in cost, operating expense, power consumption and retrofit convenience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Brent Marsh
  • Publication number: 20030174498
    Abstract: An adaptor (2) for fitting a fluorescent tube (80) to a fluorescent tube housing. The adaptor includes a body portion (6) for attachment to an end of the fluorescent tube (80), a pair of contact and arm assemblies and a lid portion (8). Each contact (10, 12) in the pair of assemblies is electrically connectable to a power source. Each arm (14, 16) in the pair of assemblies is adapted for electrical connection to a respective contact (76, 78) of the fluorescent tube (80) so as to provide power from the power source to a fluorescent tube (80).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Peter Giannopoulos, Brett Andrew McGinnes
  • Patent number: 6616307
    Abstract: The luminaire has a lamp housing (1) in which lamps L1, L2 of different color aspect can be accommodated, surrounded by a reflector (11) and a non-transparent, light-transmitting window (10). The window (10) gives access to a reflector housing (3) which is provided with means (31, 32; 33) for screening and directing light. In the lamp housing, light of different color or color temperature is efficiently and effectively mixed. The luminaire may have a compact shape and is suitable for illuminating rooms efficiently with light of a chosen color aspect through dimming of the lamps in relation to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Ludovicus Johannes Lambertus Haenen, Franciscus Guillaume Peter Sools
  • Publication number: 20030161148
    Abstract: A thin profile task light includes a housing having a longitudinally extending and downwardly opening window, an elongated lighting element located within the housing and including electrical connectors located at opposite ends thereof, and a plurality of electrical power sockets shaped to receive the opposite ends of the lighting element therein. The task light also includes a reflector located between the lighting element and the housing, a lens covering the window of the housing, and a power supply assembly that includes an electrical switch controlling the supply of electrical power to the lighting element, a ballast regulating the supply of electrical power to the lighting element, and a circuit board, wherein the electrical switch in the ballast mounted on the circuit board. The task light has an overall thickness of within the range of from about 0.5 inches to about 1.0 inches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Armas D. Soorus, Daniel E. Waugh, Jeffrey T. Charon, Scott A. Williamson, Douglas D. Buyce
  • Publication number: 20030161149
    Abstract: A light fixture extender adapted to be interposed a base and a diffuser of a light fixture. The light fixture extender includes a first coupling region adapted to removably couple the extender with the base of the light fixture and a second coupling region adapted to removably couple the extender with the diffuser of the light fixture. The light fixture extender further includes an extension region extending between the first coupling region and the second coupling region configured to enable an extended-length light bulb to be contained within the diffuser. The extension region may include a plurality of vents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Glenn A. Eaton
  • Patent number: 6607290
    Abstract: A tubular light bulb device includes an arc tube, a lighting circuit for lighting the arc tube, a case housing the lighting circuit and having a base at one end, and a heat-transferring member disposed in the case for conducting heat from a space formed in the case to the base. This allows the tubular light bulb device to discharge heat in the space formed in the case to the outside to reduce temperature of a phosphor film and electronic parts of the lighting circuit, whereby increased life can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Matsuba, Makoto Inoue
  • Publication number: 20030151909
    Abstract: A controller for a lighting system is integrated with a light or other device. The controller operates in a local mode to control the integrated light only and in a remote mode to function as a serial network protocol controller for a series of connected devices. In remote mode, an IR/RF remote control is used to change settings for any device connected to the controller. The controller generates a fast serial network protocol instruction sequence, such as a DMX-512 protocol instruction sequence, from the commands received relatively slowly from the IR/RF remote control. The controller can include an hours of operation counter for the integrated light and a global setting function for changing all connected devices simultaneously to a single setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: LOWEL-LIGHT MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: Alberto Sid
  • Patent number: 6601970
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a linear lighting system with a linear light source. According to the invention, all the effective light around the optical axis emitted from the linear light source is introduced to a concave reflector so that the illumination is carried out only with the reflected light. The reflected light is controlled to be a converging or parallel beam of light so that a desired area is illuminated and the luminance is increased. In a mode of the invention, a cylindrical concave reflector 2 whose section taken vertical to a linear light source 1 is a part of an ellipse 2e having a first focus F1 at the linear light source 1 and a second focus F2 at an irradiation plane 3 (irradiation target point). The part of the ellipse covers an effective emission angle 2&thgr; of the linear light source 1, and a reflected light produced at the part from a light within the effective emission angle 2&thgr; is free of obstruction by the linear light source 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Kyoto Denkiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ueda, Kunio Kuroda, Yuzo Nakayama
  • Patent number: 6588915
    Abstract: A hanging device comprises a support member, two fixtures, two adjustment units and a hanging rod. The hanging rod includes a cover and a lampshade that enclose a fluorescent tube and the support member. The adjustment units are detachably engaged with the lampshade for easily replacing the fluorescent tube. More than one of the hanging devices can be electrically connected in series by providing each hanging device with a socket and an electrical plug on ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Chia-Teh Chen
  • Publication number: 20030123250
    Abstract: An illumination device mainly comprises a front housing, rear housing, illumination set and light-unification lamp shield. A front and a rear lamp holder are disposed on a top edge of the front and the rear housing respectively, and a white-ray fluorescent tube is connected to the front end of the illumination set, which is located between the front and the rear housing. The fluorescent tube in the illumination set is extendedly buried between the front and the rear lamp holder for emanating light onto a screen of the game machine without reflection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Chun-Chi Liao
  • Patent number: 6585396
    Abstract: Disclosure is made of a fluorescent light fixture having longitudinal light reflectors and each end of the light reflectors attached to socket mount/wire raceway arms attached to ends of ballast channel assembly and sockets for fluorescent light tubes mounted on socket mount/wire raceway arms at each end of the longitudinal light reflectors on the concave side, and fluorescent light tubes inserted into fluorescent light tube sockets on the concave side of the light reflectors. The geometry of the cross section parabola of the reflectors is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Neal R. Verfuerth
  • Publication number: 20030117801
    Abstract: An anti-slip fluorescent electronic energy-saving lamp comprises a fluorescent tube or bulb and a lamp cabinet within which the electronic parts are installed. The outer shell of the lamp cabinet is of a surface of revolution, on which an anti-slip ring is mounted. The anti-slip ring is made of anti-slip materials and the ring sectional plane of the anti-slip ring is in parallel with the circular sectional plane of the outer shell of the lamp cabinet. Thanks to the anti-slip ring mounted outside the outer shell of the lamp cabinet, the fluorescent electronic energy-saving lamp of the present invention is easy to grasp and will not be easily to fall to the ground and break into pieces in installation and usage. Since the anti-slip ring is made of rubber or plastic, it can be made into various colors, which is helpful for identification and decoration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Wei-Xiong Lin, Jian-Xiong Peng
  • Patent number: 6582102
    Abstract: An electronically combined fluorescent light structure including two connecting seats with respective light tube sockets and terminals disposed at the front and the rear end of the connecting seats, an electronic starting circuit mounted inside the connecting seat, and a hollow reflecting plate inserted at the upper aspect of the two connecting seats to enable the connection among the electronic circuits by a guide wire disposed through the hollow reflecting plate. After the respective connections with the light tube sockets and the terminals, a fluorescent light unit is comprised. The terminals on the two sides of the fluorescent light unit are inserted into the traditional fluorescent light seat thereby achieving the function of turning on the light by electronic starting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Lee-Cheng Lin