Fluorescent Type Patents (Class 362/260)
  • Patent number: 6390654
    Abstract: The luminaire comprises a roof (20) and a transparent cover (30) as well as a plate (10) which supports internal functional elements (15, 45, 25) of the luminaire. The roof and the cover each have edges which correspond to one another, thus rendering possible an assembly by the edges with a joint (5). The plate (10) is held in place by clamping between the roof and the cover. The lateral walls of the roof have an inclined portion (3), and the edge of the plate is provided with a folded and inclined portion (2) which is pressed against the corresponding inclined portion of the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: José Diaz, Thierry Fleury, Serge Lavergne
  • Patent number: 6390638
    Abstract: A device for illuminating a flat panel display. The illuminating device has a flat light guide with light input edges and a light output surface, and light sources disposed at the light input edges. A layer of expanded PTFE is wrapped closely around the light sources, conforming to their exterior surface, and is spread across a back surface of the flat light guide. Reflector film layers (white and metallized) are wrapped over the layer of expanded PTFE. Preferably copper tape is then layered over the reflector film layers. Light is emitted from the light output surface when the light sources are energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: IDE, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Miller, Kim Holcomb, Bruce L. Davies
  • Patent number: 6390646
    Abstract: The present invention relates primarily to a modular replaceable ballast as used in a table or floor lamp using a circular fluorescent lamp as the primary source of illumination. Circular fluorescent lamps have been in use for many years to provide superior operating and lighting efficiency. These lamps can provide many years of trouble free performance, obviating the need for frequent replacement that is needed by comparable wattage incandescent bulbs. The ballasts, on the other hand, have not enjoyed the same degree of success of having similar reduced failure rates. The present invention utilizes a plug-in replaceable electronic ballast which can easily be replaced by a novice person. Because this ballast is plugged into a compatible adapter receptacle, the need for dismantling or disassembling the fixture is thereby obviated. The plug-in electronic ballast has two centrally located pins that insert into the newly designed modular receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Technical Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ellis Yan
  • Patent number: 6390652
    Abstract: A portable mounting light unit with provision for unit-to-unit interconnection comprising a housing having a mounting surface, at least two insulation displacement connectors mounted at diametrically opposite portions of the housing adjacent to the mounting surface, a lamp assembly, a diffuser cover for attachment over the lamp assembly, and at least one fastener access for attaching the housing to the supporting structure. The insulation displacement connectors allow for unit-to-unit interconnection with the ability to custom fit each interconnecting cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Westek Assocaites, Inc.
    Inventor: Cory Echito
  • Patent number: 6386736
    Abstract: A fluorescent work light having a cover with restraining elements for restricting the movement of the fluorescent lamp. The restraining elements are inwardly projecting integral portions of the cover and restrict the lateral, rotational and axial movement of the fluorescent lamp. The work light also includes a rotatable socket with permits the cover to be threadingly engaged to the handle while rotationally engaging the fluorescent lamp. The distal end of the cover may consist entirely of transparent material to thereby permit light to be emitted from the distal end of the cover in all outward directions. The handle is provided with a removable end cover which is interchangeable with a plurality of different end covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: General Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Reiff, David L. Reiff
  • 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: 6371627
    Abstract: A cold cathode tube having a fluorescent material coated along the inner wall thereof and the tube being filled with a small amount of gas, characterized in that the inner wall of the tube is coated with a ultra-violet ray reflective film capable of reflecting ultra-violet light, and the light emission surface at the inner side of the ultra-violet light reflective film does not coat with a fluorescent material, and the remaining region of the light emission surface at the outer wall is coated with a visible light-reflective layer. In addition, the length of the parallel section of the tube can be extended to increase lighting area, and thus the efficiency of light energy output is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Radiant Opto-Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Hsiu-Wen Chen, Kazuhiro Miyashita
  • Patent number: 6367947
    Abstract: An arc tube is a connected bulb composed of three U-shaped bulbs set annularly and connected by a bridge connector to include one discharge path. A reflector is set in a space enclosed by the three U-shaped bulbs, the bottom end of the reflector being fixed to a holder. The reflector has a conical part, and a cylindrical part whose height is greater than a height of a clearance between the pair of legs of each U-shaped bulb, and smaller than a height of the U-shaped bulb. At least within the height of the clearance between the pair of legs, a diameter of the reflector is greater than both a width of the clearance between the pair of legs and a width of each clearance between neighboring U-shaped bulbs, improving light distribution of the arc tube. A reflector may have a reflective body and a restrictive member integrally formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Itaya, Takeshi Matsumura, Shiro Iida, Nobuharu Hata
  • Patent number: 6364505
    Abstract: An x-ray illuminator achieves uniform illumination intensity across the front glass diffuser screen. The reflectance of the reflector is varied over its surface, the transmissivity of the screen can be varied over its extent, or both. The internal reflector can have a reflectance that is reduced at positions directly behind centers of the fluorescent tubes and which gradually increases to maximum reflectance at positions at ends of the tubes and at positions away from centerlines of the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: S & S X-Ray Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman A. Shoenfeld
  • Patent number: 6364498
    Abstract: An illuminated display that is susceptible to interruption or termination of active lighting capability and provides passive lighting capability in such circumstances. The illuminated display features an active illumination source providing active lighting capability and a display member (i) arranged in light-receiving relationship to the active illumination source and (ii) containing photoluminescent pigment incorporated therein in sufficient amount and distribution to illuminate the display during the interruption or termination of active lighting capability, to provide passive lighting capability. The illuminated display may further include a fluorescent pigment arranged in photoluminescent light-receiving relationship to the display member containing the photoluminescent pigment, whereby the fluorescent pigment down-converts photoluminescent light from the display member during the interruption or termination of active lighting capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Astronics Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Burbank
  • Patent number: 6357889
    Abstract: A color tunable light source (10) includes multiple light emitting components (32, 34, 36), such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) or laser diodes (LDs) with different emission wavelengths, and multiple phosphors (24) with different excitation and emission wavelengths. The emission wavelengths of the different light emitting components are chosen to match the excitation wavelengths of the different phosphors. The light emitting components are powered by an electrical circuit (42, 44, 46), which allows separate control of the optical power output of the different wavelength LEDs/LDs. The light from the light emitting components is arranged to impinge on the combination of phosphors such that the phosphors are excited and emit light at their characteristic wavelengths. By separately adjusting the power to each LED/LD, the amount of light emitted by each phosphor, and hence, through color mixing, the color of the light emitted, is varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Anil R. Duggal, Alok M. Srivastava, Lionel M. Levinson, Steven J. Duclos
  • Patent number: 6357894
    Abstract: A lighting fixture utilizing a housing surrounding a fluorescent light source. The housing has an aperture defining an edge portion for determining the cutoff angle of light emanating from the source. A first upper reflector is formed on the inner surface of the housing directing light from the source at angles ranging between the cutoff angle and angles less than the cutoff angle. The second reflector, located adjacent first reflector in the housing between the housing aperture and the first reflector, directs light from the source ranging between a selected angle, which is less than the cutoff angle, and at angles less than the selected angle. The result is a lighting fixture which possesses an optical delay in the activation in the second reflector as one approaches the optical axis from a peripheral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Prescolite, Inc.
    Inventors: Wai-Lam Chu, Chris Latsis
  • Publication number: 20020027774
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display having a liquid crystal display panel for modulating light to form an image and a back light unit having a plurality of lamp tubes without inside electrodes and which are discharged by outside electrodes disposed along an outer surface of the at least one lamp tube, the back light unit being disposed behind the liquid crystal display panel. One outside electrode disposed at one lamp tube is electrically connected with another outside electrode disposed at an another adjacent lamp tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Seiichi Nishiyama, Shigetake Takaku, Yoshiharu Takeda, Shigeo Mikoshiba, Tomokazu Shiga, Koji Hashimoto
  • 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: 20020024814
    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: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Tetsuo Matsuba, Makoto Inoue
  • Publication number: 20020021564
    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: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Applicant: GUANG-SUP CHO
    Inventors: Guang-Sup Cho, Eun-Ha Choi
  • Publication number: 20020008971
    Abstract: A lamp assembly for providing a safer means for handling of cold cathode fluorescent lamps wherein said lamp assembly comprises: (i) a cold cathode fluorescent lamp; (ii) a housing into which said cold cathode fluorescent lamp is placed; (iii) at least one end cap. In particular the present invention provides a lamp assembly for use with “EXIT” signage manufactured in accordance with recognized international codes or standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: John McKenna
  • Patent number: 6336728
    Abstract: A luminaire for back lighting a flat panel display in accordance with the present invention includes a fluorescent lamp having multiple lamp sections and a stack of optical components. A light guide is positioned between the fluorescent lamp and the stack of optical components. The light guide includes a first section extending across a width of the luminaire which separates the multiple lamp sections from the stack of optical components and which is adapted to substantially uniformly distribute light from the multiple lamp sections toward the stack of optical components. The light guide also includes multiple leg sections each adapted to protrude from the first section of the light guide to positions between adjacent lamp sections or to positions between one of the lamp sections and a side wall. The multiple leg sections of the light guide redirect light from the lamp sections into the first section of the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc
    Inventor: Christian T. Deloy
  • Publication number: 20010055208
    Abstract: An optical element comprises a fluorescence luminous element that emits fluorescent light when excited and a cholesteric filter disposed at the incident side of the fluorescence luminous element at which excitation light enters the fluorescence luminous element. The cholesteric filter comprises a cholesteric layer operative to transmit the excitation light and to reflect backward scattered fluorescent light traveling thereto so as to be integrated with fluorescent light directly coming out of the cholesteric filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventor: Koichi Kimura
  • Patent number: 6331064
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display is formed by a liquid crystal display panel for modulating light to form an image, and a back light unit including a lamp tube which is discharged by an electrode and is disposed behind said liquid crystal display panel, wherein said electrode is formed outside of said lamp tube. In this way, the liquid crystal display unit has a life span which can be increased without the need to replace the lamp tube or the back light unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Electronic Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichi Nishiyama, Shigetake Takaku, Yoshiharu Takeda, Shigeo Mikoshiba, Tomokazu Shiga, Koji Hashimoto
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6318884
    Abstract: A worklight string employing compact fluorescent lamps is suitable to be hung in a work area, such as in a building under construction. The worklight string has a power cord and a multiplicity of sockets, e.g., up to thirty or more, at intervals along the power cord. For each socket there is a compact fluorescent lamp of the type that has a standard Edison screw-in medium base. Each compact fluorescent lamp has a plastic globe covering its fluorescent tube. Because the fluorescent lamp is more efficient, three to four times as many lamps can be used on a single string as an incandescent string. The fluorescent lamps avoid safety problems in changing bulbs on the job. Furthermore, the plastic globe protects the workmen from the glass fluorescent tube, and there is no need for the cage that has to be used with incandescent lamps. If the string of lamps falls when it has been turned on, the lamps do not break or go out, and can just be re-strung in the workplace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Patricia Electric, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark P. Hibbard, Carl W. Hibbard, Terry J. Hibbard, Daniel J. Hibbard
  • Publication number: 20010040805
    Abstract: A plurality of spaced ceiling mounted fixtures or other controllable electrical appliances have radiation detectors mounted within each fixture and wired internally of the fixture to a dimming circuit or to a ballast. The radiation detectors have sensitivity over a wide angle and have elongated plastic radiation conduction rods which extend to or beyond the plane of the lens of the fixture to be located free of shadow effects of reflections of the fixture lens. A flexible end light fiber optics can be used in place of the acrylic rods. A narrow beam radiation transmitter selectively illuminates one of the rods or end light fiber optics without illuminating the others. The dimming circuits or ballasts within the fixtures can be further controlled by external dimmers, occupancy sensors, timeclocks, photosensors and other types of input devices. The radiation detector and ballast can occupy a common housing and share the same power supply and circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Applicant: Lutron Electronics, Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Adam T. Lansing, Russell L. MacAdam, Noel Mayo, Scott C. Miller, Robert A. Reiss, Ian Rowbottom, Joel S. Spira
  • Publication number: 20010036076
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp comprises a light-transmitting glass tube having a softening temperature of about 685 degrees centigrade or less, which is formed into a predetermined shape from a straight glass tube with the straight glass tube being heated after a phosphor layer has been coated on its inner surface. The light-transmitting glass tube does not substantially include lead (Pb) but does include: about 1 to about 11 weight % sodium oxide (Na2O), about 1 to about 10 weight % potassium oxide (K2O), 0 to about 3 weight % lithium oxide (Li2O), wherein the total amount of sodium oxide (Na2O), potassium oxide (K2O), and lithium oxide (Li2O) is about 5 to about 20 weight %, and about 0.1 to about 0.5 weight % antimony oxide (Sb2O3). A stem, having an electrode, is arranged at each end of the light-transmitting glass tube. The fluorescent lamp may be used in a lighting fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Yuichi Sakakibara
  • Publication number: 20010033483
    Abstract: The present disclosure teaches using at least one array of linear glass structures that contain at least one wire electrode running the length of the glass structure to fabricate a fluorescent lamp. At least one of the linear glass structures has a cross-section that forms a channel which supports a plasma gas. The array of glass structures can be composed flat to form a fluorescent lamp or in a cylindrical or conical shaped fluorescent lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Chad Byron Moore
  • Patent number: 6299327
    Abstract: A lighting system for installation on a mounting surface employs a lighting fixture having a housing with a lamp therein, a roof, and sides. Each side is provided with an integrally formed receiver that defines a receiver aperture. A coupler has a mounting portion for coupling with a mounting surface and an engagement portion that resiliently engages with the receiver aperture. The mounting portion of the coupler mounts directly onto a mounting surface and engages with a metal bar of the type used in metal furniture, or mounts on a track that is interposed between the roof of the lighting fixture and the mounting surface. Track-mounted embodiments use a threaded fastener engaged with the coupler to exert a locking force on the inside surface of the mounting track. In a dual-mount arrangement, a fixture mounting arrangement formed of substantially planar portions offset from one another permits engagement with a track, or facilitates mounting on a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: ITC, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Camarota
  • Patent number: 6296375
    Abstract: A compact fluorescent lamp including a housing for enclosing a ballast and, optionally, a starter; a fluorescent light tube attached to the housing and electrically connected to the ballast; and a base electrically connected to the ballast and physically attached to the housing for connecting the lamp to an electrical receptacle. The housing is provided at an upper edge thereof with male or female mating elements, for example, threads, tabs, or slots. The lamp further includes a translucent cover or shroud for surrounding the fluorescent tube, having a closed form and being open at an end thereof, and being provided at the open end with male or female mating elements cooperative with the mating elements on the housing to directly, positively, and detachably attach the cover to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Maxlite-SK America, Inc.
    Inventors: Yon W. Sung, Fumin Guan
  • Patent number: 6286971
    Abstract: A back-light unit for a liquid crystal display is provided with a fluorescent lamp having a pole lamp body, electrodes inserted from a side near both ends of the pole lamp body for emitting thermoelectrons, and lead connectors fitted to said pole lamp body. The fluorescent lamp is stored in a lamp storing part formed at a side of a light-introducing plate having a display area on a plate surface. With this arrangement, it is possible to provide a back-light unit capable of equalizing the whole display area without changing a liquid crystal display frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Masaharu Hori
  • Patent number: 6264348
    Abstract: A mounting mechanism is provided for attaching a diffuser to a fluorescent lighting fixture. The mounting mechanism is coupled to the diffuser and includes an elongated latch member and an elongated second member. Each member of the mechanism is pivotally coupled to an end of the diffuser in a spaced apart relationship. The members are coupled to each other via a spring connected to each member below the member's pivotal point. The second member may also be a latch member of may be a hinge member. Each latch member penetrates a notch formed through the housing socket plate and latches on an upper surface of the socket plate. Each hinge member includes a hook portion having a tip. The hook portion penetrates a first notch formed on the socket plate in a first direction while the tip portion penetrates a second opening adjacent the first opening in a second direction opposite the first direction thereby hooking on the socket plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Prudential Lighting Corporation
    Inventor: Elliot J. Ellis
  • Patent number: 6257735
    Abstract: An elongated light fixture configured to create patterns of light saturation which is free of shadows and spots and provides a more uniform light distribution while effecting a substantial saving in energy costs when a plurality thereof are disposed at prescribed locations and elevations. In addition, such a plurality of light fixtures will produce a higher ratio of vertical to horizontal illuminance where vertical surfaces are needed to be amply lighted. The elongated fixture is characterized by its U-shaped cross-sectional configuration which has an interior light-reflective surface comprised of a plurality of elongated parallel panels which are interconnected and extend at a prescribed angle to each other. The fixtures are also claimed in combination with a hybrid magnetic-electronic ballast to provide the above advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Smartlite, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond P. Baar
  • Patent number: 6255782
    Abstract: A flat type fluorescent lamp, obtaining an improvement in efficiency of brightness and being adjustable in an emitted light amount thereof, while maintaining a uniform light emission across the surface thereof, and illuminating with no use of mercury therein, comprising a sealed container being defined between a front glass substrate and a rear glass substrate which are hermetically bonded to each other, so as to enclose a rare gas as discharge gas therein, edge electrodes, having width from 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasunao Kuroda, Kenichiro Matsumoto, Mitsuya Ozaki
  • Patent number: 6254254
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus to control the light exposure of the skin. One objective is to increase the exposure during periods of common deficient exposure such as for dark skin persons on winter days in areas far from the equator. Another objective is to decrease the exposure during periods of common overexposure such as for light skin persons during spring and summer days in bright environments. A novel feature of the invention is the use of lamps for whole body irradiation while showering or bathing during dark seasons. The whole body exposure enables the use of very low irradiance levels to provide an enhanced probability of beneficial effects and to reduce the possibility of harmful effects of the ultraviolet light. Another novel feature is the use of an adjustable ultraviolet light transmitting building window or automobile sunroof to increase the sunlight exposure on cold days when a deficiency in exposure due to closed windows is common.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventors: Charles R. Chubb, Lisa C Rottler
  • Patent number: 6244729
    Abstract: A lamp assembly comprising at least one elongated fluorescent tube and an elongated reflector of trough-like shape having a longitudinal center plane coincident with the longitudinal axis of the fluorescent tube. The shape of the reflector (10) is variable. Adjusting devices (34, 36) at least at one end of the reflector (10) changes the position of the free longitudinal edges (32) of the reflector (10), which forces the shape of the reflector (10) to change also.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Herbert Waldmann GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Gerhard Waldmann
  • Patent number: 6241365
    Abstract: A light support and clothes hanger device for combining a light with a clothes hanger bar. The light support and clothes hanger device includes an elongate housing having a top wall and end walls for securely mounting to a ceiling in a building structure; and also includes a light-emitting member securely and removably mounted in the housing; and further includes a plurality of hanger support mounting members securely fastened to the top wall of the elongate housing; and also includes a hanger support member securely mounted to the hanger support mounting members and to the end walls of the elongate housing; and further includes an on/off switch mounted to the elongate housing for energizing the light-emitting member, at least one ballast connected to the on/off switch, and a power cord connected to the on/off switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: Mark C. Cook, Stephen C. Cook
  • Patent number: 6234643
    Abstract: A lighting fixture for reducing glare and darkspots on ceilings and walls. The lighting fixture includes a louver housing for supporting a plurality of fluorescent or high intensity discharge lamps. The lighting fixture further includes a first set of elongated, parallel, and spaced-apart reflectors; and a second set of elongated, parallel, and spaced-apart reflectors intersecting the first set of reflectors at a 90° degree angle for forming an open reflector grid therein. The open reflector grid includes four outer side walls. The open reflector grid is attached to the louver housing. The open parabolic reflector grid extends at least two inches (2″) below the ceiling level. The lighting fixture also includes a plurality of indirect reflectors connected to the four outer side walls of the open reflector grid for reducing glare and darkspots on ceiling and walls caused by the plurality of fluorescent lamps in the louver housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph F. Lichon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6231209
    Abstract: In a long field lighting fixture or lighting fixture with a linear lighting field, which is capable of forming a light screen or row of light fixtures that is reduced to its functionally critical parts, the lamp housing is composed of a single-piece reflector arrangement that is fashioned mirror-symmetrically with reference to a vertical middle lamp plane. This is composed of a thin-walled material whose surface is finely structured in a stiffening fashion by surface shaping at least in sub-areas. Facing away from its light exit opening, the reflector arrangement also comprises a pair of outwardly salient, mutually spaced legs, which are spaced apart by a cover surface, for the acceptance of electrical and/or mechanical lighting fixture component parts. Connector elements for a screen arrangement are formed either by end face parts or plates of the lighting fixture itself or by individual elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Siteco Beleuchtungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Leibig, Helmut Zahnbrecher, Jürgen Brüggemann, Hermann-Reinhard Segers, Peter Balk
  • Patent number: 6231202
    Abstract: A lighting unit includes a housing, a light-conductive-panel and a fluorescent lamp, and has a space between the panel and a side wall of the housing. The lamp has electrodes on both its ends and a curved-corner. The space has different widths at sections where the electrodes are rested and at a section where the curved-corner is rested, and accommodates the lamp therein. The lighting unit is compact in size and has better shock resistance, as well as vibration resistance. The lighting unit and an LCD are integrated into a compact and highly reliable LCD device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Kozaka, Mitsuo Nomura
  • Patent number: 6224240
    Abstract: A light source for categorical color perception has major light emitting bands in ranges from 530 to 580 [nm] and from 600 to 650 [nm], with correlated color temperature of the lamp light color in a range from 1700 to 6500 [K] and with DUV (distance from perfect radiator locus on UV coordinates) in a range from 0 to 70, and allows categorical perception of at least red, green, blue, yellow and white of surface colors of an illuminated object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Shimizu, Yasuhiko Yamanaka, Syouetsu Sakamoto, Tetsuji Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 6222312
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp includes a discharge tube with an ionizable filling which emits ultraviolet light when a discharge occurs, and an inside surface coated with a mixture of three phosphors which emit light in blue-green, green, and red wavelength ranges when exposed to the ultraviolet light. The green and red phosphors are conventional, for example LAP and YOX, while the blue-green phosphor is barium magnesium aluminate activated by europium and manganese (BBG). The BBG has spectra which are similar to those of conventional blue phosphors such as BAM or SCAP, but also emits in the green range from 500-540 nm and augments the LAP which is relatively low in this range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Philips Electronics North America Corp.
    Inventors: Snehasish Ghosh, Charles Trushell, Manuel Oomen
  • 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: 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: 6210018
    Abstract: An alternative lighting system luminaire to conventional fluorescent light fixtures includes an angled mounting bracket with a plurality of fluorescent lamps to provide both greater illumination of a linearly extending visual display aisle. The obliquely placed lamps are secured and powered by sockets fastened to the angled mounting bracket which is mounted to the ballasts of the fixture. Ballasts are located in the area between the reflector and the top of the fixture. The light emitted ends of the fixture are angled downward to illuminate areas not immediately below the lighting fixture itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventors: Charles Kassay, Suzanne Kassay, J. Peter Kassay, Marc Kassay
  • Patent number: 6206545
    Abstract: An enhanced safety system for the conversion of luminaria that uses halogen lighting technology to a safe and efficient fluorescent lighting system. Quartz halogen bulbs operate at elevated temperatures and pressures. Fires have been known to have been started when a lighting fixture is accidentally toppled where some combustible material is in close proximity. This novel retrofit system provides for the safe and efficient operation of torchiere uplighted lighting systems. By retrofitting a lighting fixture to a fluorescent lamp using this adapter, there is an immediate benefit in reduced operating cost. For the equivalent light output, there can be a cost savings reduction by a factor of six or seven to one. In addition, the retrofit components can be used in the fabrication and assembly of newly designed and manufactured torchiere uplighted lighting systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Ellis Yan
  • Patent number: 6203172
    Abstract: A low-temperature theatrical lighting system consists of a rectangular frame structure having a pair of opposing tubular frame members; and a number of fluorescent lamps extending in parallel to each other between the frame members. Each frame member includes a number of fluorescent lamp sockets, and each fluorescent lamp is connected to an opposing pair of lamp sockets. The lighting system also includes a fluorescent lamp ballast assembly disposed within at least one of the frame members. The lamp ballast assembly is electrically connected to the lamp sockets and controls the intensity of light emitted from the fluorescent lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: PS Production Services Ltd.
    Inventors: Arthur Paul Wanuch, Larry Stan Mosicki
  • Patent number: 6204602
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp and ballast assembly is designed to thermally isolate a ballast circuit from the illuminated lamp and thereby reduce the heat surrounding the ballast circuit. The fluorescent lamp of the assembly is attached to a housing that reduces the heat transferred to the ballast circuit. The housing includes a bowl-shaped member, a shield, and a thermal isolation member connected between the bowl-shaped member and the shield. The bowl-shaped member is designed to hold and encircle the electronic ballast circuit, and the shield is designed to engage and secure the fluorescent lamp and attached cathode lead wires of the invention. The thermal isolation member is connected between the bowl-shaped member and the shield, and provides an air gap between the lamp and the ballast circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: MagneTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Yang, Gang Wang, Zheng Zhi Zhao, Xin Li Xu
  • Patent number: 6193390
    Abstract: A circular fluorescent lamp unit comprises a circular glass bulb having a circular outer diameter set within a range of 285 to 310 mm or thereabout. The circular fluorescent lamp unit comprises a tube outer diameter set within a range of 15 to 18 mm or thereabout and an inner surface onto which a fluorescent substance is applied. A discharge medium including a rare gas and a mercury is sealed up in the circular glass bulb. A pair of electrode means is fitted in both end portions of the circular glass bulb so as to be sealed therein. So that discharge occurs in the circular glass bulb by providing the pair of electrode means with a lamp power so that the circular glass bulb lights. The lamp power has a high frequency which is not less than 10 kHz and the lamp power is set within a range of 20 to 40 W or thereabout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Sakakibara, Toshiharu Yagi, Akinori Yasuhara, Ichiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 6193394
    Abstract: A direct-indirect luminaire has a housing and down light passage areas in the bottom of the housing through which the direct lighting component of the luminaire is produced. Lamps mounted in the housing in proximity to the down light passage areas are shielded from any line of sight exposure by means of a laterally extending shielding element positioned between the down light passage area and the lamps. Preferably, the laterally extending shielding element extends a distance sufficient only to prevent lamp sight exposure of the lamps through the down light passage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: NSI Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Herst, Peter Y. Y. Ngai
  • Patent number: 6186642
    Abstract: A linear ambient lighting system is adapted for on-site fabrication in open building plans and the like. The lighting system includes a plurality of elongated lighting elements having electrical power sockets at the opposite ends thereof to physically support the lighting elements and electrically connect the same with electrical connectors to supply electrical power to the lighting elements. Fixture supports are connected with and support the electrical power sockets and are configured to be spaced longitudinally along the length of the associated lighting fixture. Fixture hangers are provided with first portions connected with an overhead support portion of an associated building, and second portions connected with and supporting the fixture supports. Structural supports extend between and connect the fixture supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Sean M. Corcorran, Angela R.M. Nahikian, David M. Webster
  • Patent number: RE37310
    Abstract: An arrangement for two side-by-side elongated lamps in a lighting fixture in which lampholders are alternately mounted on opposite sideplates or brackets of the lighting fixture. The lighting fixture has an inside dimension that is longer than the length of each lamp/lampholder combination by a length sufficient to prevent the distal end of each lamp from overlapping the exposed plug portion and the lampholder of any of the adjacent lamps. The lamps are tightly gathered, and are close enough together to simulate a hairline light source having an optical centerline coincident with the optical centerline of the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Sylvan R. Shemitz Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Sylvan R. Shemitz