Including Circuit Arrangement Patents (Class 362/265)
  • Publication number: 20030099106
    Abstract: A lighting fixture includes a socket that operatively receives a light bulb, lamp, or light source. A means for receiving electrical power is provided. A cylindrical capacitor is at least partially secured to the lighting fixture by at least one wire tie via a plurality of holes arranged in a mounting surface of the lighting fixture. Preferably, the cylindrical capacitor includes a rim. The mounting surface includes a retaining tab arranged thereon and a slot formed therein. The retaining tab cooperates with the slot to partially secure at least a portion of the capacitor rim. The secured rim portion further cooperates with the at least one wire tie to operatively secure the capacitor to the mounting surface of the lighting fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Lee J. Belknap
  • Publication number: 20030090902
    Abstract: An arc lamp suitable for use as a high intensity light source in a projection system is described. A reflector is arranged to reflect the light produced by the arc into a directional light beam, secondary reflection means being arranged to direct part of the reflected beam so as to compensate for regions which are obscured by the electrodes. Means are provided within the light source to dissipate heat generated by the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Martin Kavanagh
  • Patent number: 6561676
    Abstract: A luminaire assembly includes a ballast housing, a wiring box mounted on an upper end of the ballast housing, and an optical assembly mounted on a lower end of the ballast housing. The ballast housing preferably includes a pair of identically configured ballast housing members that are integrally formed from sheet metal and folded by hand prior to final assembly of the ballast housing. The wiring box includes bent tabs that pivotally support the ballast housing between operative and inoperative positions to simplify installation of the luminaire assembly at a site. A hook and rotatable connector are provided to support the wiring box from a luminaire support member. An optional spacer box is provided to space the ballast housing from the wiring box as may be required in certain high wattage applications. The optical assembly is supported below the ballast housing by a pair of support arms that depend from the ballast housing and releasably engage with the optical assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: LSI Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry F. Fischer, John Boyer
  • Publication number: 20030076677
    Abstract: A light fixture including a lamp and a replaceable light cartridge that is removably interconnected to the lamp. The lamp includes a base, an arm extending outwardly from the base, and a lamp housing coupled to the arm at the end of the arm opposite the base. The replaceable cartridge is connected to the lamp housing, and comprises a bulb and a bulb housing. The bulb is a fluorescent tube that is the light source for the light fixture. A ballast that is separate and independent from the bulb, and steps up the low voltage from a power source to the high voltage current required by the bulb. The ballast is disposed within the base and is interconnected to the replaceable cartridge with a quick disconnect plug. The separate ballast and bulb allow the bulb to be replaced independently of the ballast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Ferenc Mohacsi, Robert D. Mathson, Harry M. Pyne
  • Publication number: 20030076668
    Abstract: A high lumen output illumination device includes a light source secured on a ballast housing and a reflector. At least one reflective element redirects light emanating from the source along a direction of interest. At least one support element gives the reflective element a useful optical shape and aids in the retention of the optical shape. The reflector is capable of being transitioned between two orientations, an open orientation, where the reflector is functional, and a collapsed orientation, where the reflector occupies a greatly reduced amount of space. The reflector includes a fastening means that allows the reflector to be removed from the ballast housing, and re-attached to the ballast housing when desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Kovach, Gary A. Steinberg
  • Patent number: 6550935
    Abstract: A luminaire includes a discharge lamp, a lighting device supplying a power for lighting the discharge lamp, and a lamp body for housing the discharge lamp and an igniter for starting the discharge lamp, the lighting device and igniter being provided separately, while the lighting device being disposed in the lamp body, whereby such parts employed in the lighting device as harness or the like to which a high voltage is applied can be shortened in the length to be able to improve the safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Ueno, Hisao Kataoka
  • Patent number: 6536920
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp including a lamp body, a front cover that covers the front of the lamp body, a reflector disposed in the lamp body, a discharge bulb supported by the reflector, a lighting circuit assembly formed by housing a ballast circuit for lighting the discharge bulb and a starting circuit in a casing, and a power feeding connector connected to the lighting circuit assembly by a cord and removably coupled to the connector portion of the discharge bulb. A lighting circuit case that houses the lighting circuit assembly is integrally disposed on the lamp body with a connecting portion in between, the lighting circuit case is provided on the side of the lamp body, and the connecting portion is in a shape of a lateral U in vertical cross-section so as to allow the power feeding connector to pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsumasa Imachi, Masahiro Masuda, Tutomu Naito
  • Patent number: 6536919
    Abstract: A light fixture assembly (100) having an electrical component module (110) which may be mounted to the fixture housing (120) without tools and without requiring additional hardware or space upon the electrical component module (110). The electrical component module (110) is capable of being held in a substantially stationary position by at least one bracket (255), at least one stop (270), and a releasable catch (265).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David M. Johnson, Lee Belknap, Reed A. Bradford, James H. Toney, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030026097
    Abstract: A light fixture with a submersible enclosure for an electric lamp (e.g, HID lamp) is disclosed. The fixture includes a ballast for supplying power to a high intensity discharge lamp. A submersible enclosure seals the lamp from water in normal operation. The fixture includes a water-sensitive circuit having a conductance that increases in response to water that leaks into the enclosure for conducting current from the ballast and limiting the ballast voltage. Alternatively, the submersible enclosure may contain a power lead for supplying power to an electrical load such as a lamp ballast, a non-ballasted lamp, or a color wheel. The power lead includes a fuse region that corrosively reacts in the presence of leaked water in the container, so as to sufficiently wither away the fuse region and terminate power to the load. The foregoing alternative versions may advantageously be combined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: John M. Davenport, Roger F. Buelow, David Y. Lin, Ray A. Buchina, Gregory P. Frankiewicz
  • Patent number: 6505958
    Abstract: An electric lamp/reflector unit has a molded reflector body that includes a hollow neck-shaped portion. The electric lamp further includes a lamp vessel, having a space in which an electric element is arranged, and is provided with a first and a second, opposed end portion which is fixed at its end portion within-the neck-shaped portion. Outer current conductors extending from the electric element are connected each to a respective contact member provided on the outer surface of the molded reflector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Leo Frans Maria Ooms, Marcus Petrus Anna Jozef Van Opstal
  • Patent number: 6497499
    Abstract: The present invention provides a luminaire component housing which has at least two upwardly opening pockets substantially equal to the heights of the components to be fitted therein. The component housing has a cover which cinches the components into their respective pockets, thereby eliminating the need for metal straps, screws or other traditional hardware to secure components into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: LSI Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry F. Fischer, William R. Wedding, Michael D. Wyatt
  • Patent number: 6494605
    Abstract: An elongate light source (1) having at least one elongate lamp (3) with two ends, which has a light-guiding element (2; 4; 5) at at least one end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fuer Elektrische Gluehlampen mbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Doell
  • Publication number: 20020186569
    Abstract: A motor vehicle lamp assembly having a lamp bulb for emitting light and a bulb housing having a light transmissive portion for transmitting light from the lamp bulb to an illumination zone. The housing is coated with a coating material which covers a selected region of the light transmissive portion of the housing. The coating material is electrically energized to alter an amount of light transmitted from the bulb to the illumination zone. A drive circuit electrically coupled to the coating material energizes the coating material to control a light output from the lamp assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: Illume, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael Strazzanti
  • Patent number: 6481867
    Abstract: A modular mounting-arm assembly for use with a luminaire, the modular mounting assembly including a housing and a removable access door hingedly affixable to the housing for receiving and supporting an electrical assembly. The electrical assembly comprises electrical components having electrical connections which terminate in a mounting arm quick disconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Ewing
  • Patent number: 6478441
    Abstract: A hand held light apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a handle portion, a central portion, and a cap portion for mounting a lamp. An electric circuit, preferably located in the central portion, connects the lamp with a power source, preferably batteries in the handle portion, to activate the lamp in different selectable modes. The modes include at least a continuous on mode and an intermittent flashing mode. The apparatus is arranged to allow a member in an audience to show his or her appreciation of a performance by raising the apparatus and activating it in one or its operational modes. With its different operational modes, the apparatus also functions as an emergency signal indicator, and further can be made to serve in the way of a conventional flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Sky City International Limited
    Inventor: Man Kuen Lam
  • Patent number: 6471369
    Abstract: An outdoor light fixture for use with a specifically selected gas discharge lamp which emits a predetermined light of wavelengths that are least visible to sea turtles but visible to humans which adequately illuminates outdoor human living spaces for safety without harming sea turtle nesting activity. The light fixture includes an illumination tube having a specifically selected gas discharge tube, power supply circuitry having a first and second transformer and bridge rectifier for low and high voltage control, and a lamp housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Lighting the Way Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: John Valella, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6467941
    Abstract: A vehicle discharge lighting unit can include a bulb mounting slot provided in a resin base. The mounting slot has a channel diameter that fits with an outer bulb of a lamp. A flange can be provided for mounting the resin base to a reflector. A burner band mounting section of the base can extend towards the lamp along a discharge chamber direction and project within the reflector. The driver case can also be separated into a front case and a rear case. The resin base and the driver case can therefore be most appropriately shaped while also having improved dielectric strength. When either of the base or the driver case is defective, only the part that is defective needs to be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Miyata, Hisao Hirata, Yasuhisa Yaguchi, Kunio Iwaki, Isamu Satoh
  • Patent number: 6467927
    Abstract: An overhead industrial light fixture of the type including a housing, power-related components and a lamp-mounting socket. The housing has top and bottom walls and sidewalls together forming a substantially enclosed space, and the bottom wall defines a socket location. The bottom wall includes a plurality of downward projections around the socket location, and a reflector is secured to the housing by attachment at the downward projections, creating an air flow gap for cooling purposes between the reflector and the housing. In some preferred embodiments, the bottom wall defines a socket window, and the socket is in the enclosed space with its lamp-receiving end aligned with the socket window. In some preferred embodiments, the bottom wall is formed of sheet metal and the projections are stampings therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Ruud Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Haugaard, Kurt Wilcox
  • Patent number: 6465971
    Abstract: A fluorescent lighting system having a low-cost nonconductive plastic housing and a plurality of fluorescent lighting tubes carried in sockets in the housing and a square-wave alternating current source connected to drive the fluorescent lighting tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Jorge M. Parra
  • Patent number: 6464372
    Abstract: A lamp assembly is provided which includes a low pressure discharge lamp disposed between a light bar and a housing. The light bar provides internal reflection of light reflected by the lamp from an input surface to an output surface. The light bar and the housing collect electro-magnetic interference generated by the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Dudek, Howard B. Eng, Rolland B. Hall
  • Patent number: 6462476
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting system with a high-pressure discharge lamp and a control unit (W, FS, C1, W) for the high-pressure discharge lamp (1), where the lamp base (10) has at least two housing parts (10a, 10b) which are connected to one another by a releasable closure (22). The first housing part (10a) has fastening means (24) for the at least one lamp vessel (11). The high-voltage part (TR) of the ignition device (TR, FS, C1) is accommodated in the first housing part (10a), whilst the second housing part (10b) is provided with the electrical connections (20) for the high-pressure discharge lamp (1) and preferably contains the remaining components (FS, C1) of the ignition device and the voltage converter (W) of the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fuer elektrische Gluehlampen mbH
    Inventors: Guenther Hirschmann, Bontcho Gotchev, Arnulf Rupp
  • Patent number: 6454450
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp includes a lamp body formed with a hole, and an annular wall surrounding a peripheral of said hole. The lamp body is formed with a boss and a hook in the vicinity of the annular wall to regulate the position of power supply cords in order not to deviate apart from the annular wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutami Oishi, Yu Shinomiya, Hideaki Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 6454436
    Abstract: A lamp securing device for securing a lamp (120) to a housing (110) including a retainer (130) including a peripheral portion that bounds an opening (300) of sufficient size for receiving a neck (170) of the lamp (120). The retainer (130) includes a plurality of flanges (310, 320) along the opening (300) which engage the neck (170) of the lamp (120) to securely attach the retainer (130) to the lamp (120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Laszlo S. Ilyes, Robert S. McFeely
  • Patent number: 6445133
    Abstract: An incandescent lamp is designed to operate at lower than the AC line voltage and includes a voltage conversion circuit for lowering the line voltage to the operating voltage of the lamp. The circuit includes an output transformer which is disposed in the screw base of the lamp, the remainder of the circuit, which is high-temperature-intolerant, being disposed outside the base and the envelope of the lamp. In a reflectorized embodiment of the lamp, the high-temperature-intolerant portion of the circuit is disposed adjacent to the mouth of the reflector envelope on the outer surface thereof and, in a non-reflectorized bulb embodiment, the high-temperature-intolerant portion is disposed between the envelope and a skirt which is connected to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Litetronics International, Inc.
    Inventors: Lin Lin, Thomas S. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 6439740
    Abstract: A fluorescent lighting fixture having a novel attachment and engaging means, thereby reducing the number of components needed for the manufacture of the lighting fixture, concomitantly reducing the assembly time and assembly costs. The attachment means is comprised of a ballast housing having a threaded portion that engages the mating threaded indentations found the base of the lighting fixture. The ballast housing is rotatably drawn flat, abutting the surface of the fixture base into a binding frictional engagement. A lamp support bracket, securely attached to the end of the ballast housing opposite its mounting base, is bat-winged shaped to allow the fluorescent lamp to be positioned close to the base of the lighting fixture to permit a stylized dome-shaped cover to be snap-fitted to the base of the fixture. The dome-shaped cover, having a circumferential ridge on its skirt, is securely held in place by snapping the cover past three nibs in the base plate, spaced preferably 120 degrees apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Technical Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ellis Yan
  • Patent number: 6439752
    Abstract: A method for replacing non-HID landing and taxi lights in an aircraft wing housing that originally was designed to contain the non-HID landing and taxi lights in side-by-side relationship, is accomplished by installing an HID landing light, an HID taxi light and a power control device in the space originally designed to accommodate the non-HID landing and taxi lights. A single ballast provides power to both lamps which each comprise a housing, an HID bulb supported within the housing, a lens for passage of light from the HID bulb out of the housing, a primary reflector surface disposed behind the HID bulb, and a secondary reflector surface disposed in front of the bulb for reflecting light from the bulb back through the bulb for further forward reflection from the primary reflector surface through the lens. The lens may have a lenticular array including a plurality of cylindrical surface elements for spreading the light beam emitted by the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: John T. Petrick
  • Patent number: 6435693
    Abstract: A troffer which can be shipped to the retailer or job site in several pieces and assembled on site. The reflector portion of the troffer is shaped, such that, one reflector can be shipped within another. This allows any number of reflectors to be nested together to increase the packing density for shipping and warehousing. Thus, a dozen troffers can be packaged together in a volume only slightly greater than a. single conventional troffer. The assembly of the troffer is accomplished by merely clipping one or more ballasted-sockets into the troffer's reflector and the inserting lamps into the ballasted-socket. The assembly is then set into the ceiling grid and connected to the power source. If a diffuser or lens is desired, it is merely placed into the ceiling grid prior to the rest of the troffer's reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Dale E Fiene
  • Patent number: 6428186
    Abstract: A headlamp for a vehicle is disclosed that includes a reflector for supporting a discharge bulb in a lamp chamber formed by a lamp body and a front lens, and a lighting circuit unit for lighting the discharge bulb attached to an outer surface of a lower wall of the lamp body. The headlamp includes a unit cover attached to the outer surface of the lower wall covering the lighting circuit unit and an upright wall formed on the lamp body in front of the unit cover. The upright wall projects downwardly to a position lower than a surface of a front end portion of the unit cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Masatoshi Yoneyama
  • Patent number: 6429591
    Abstract: A lamp socket and a discharge lamp lighting device are enabled to be dimensionally minimized by forming a socket body of the lamp socket with an integral synthetic resin molding of a case housing therein a starting circuit section and socket and connector sections, disposing a plurality of lead frames in the case, connecting the lead frames to primary and secondary windings of a pulse transformer, thereafter housing in the case electronic parts with their terminals placed in recessed grooves of the lead frames, and connecting the lead frames and terminals to constitute the starting circuit section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Takamatsu, Takaaki Chuzawa, Takao Miyai, Kazuhiko Kinutani
  • Patent number: 6404132
    Abstract: A neon cruising lighting system for use with a motor vehicle battery includes a motor vehicle headlight having a reflector, a cutout in the reflector, an inert gas discharge lamp capable of irradiating various light colors, disposed in the cutout, a plug assembly adapted to cooperate with a motor vehicle cigarette lighter power receptacle, a transformer electrically coupled to both the plug assembly and the inert gas discharge lamp, so that the plug assembly conducts electrical power from the battery to the transformer to the inert gas discharge lamp, in order to illuminate the inert gas discharge lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Liteglow Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Spencer Krumholz
  • Patent number: 6398392
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for quick and easy attachment of ballast boxes to a pole by easy mounting brackets, and which also communication with the interior of the pole to allow easy electrical connection of its components. A mounting bracket allows connection of the ballast box to the pole but also allows the box to be adjusted in multiple directions relative to the pole to align openings in the box and pole. The entire assembly can be shipped on sight and quickly and easily assembled without intensive labor, equipment, or cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron K. Gordin, James L. Drost
  • Patent number: 6390657
    Abstract: A motor vehicle headlight includes a reflector on which a lamp holder is fixed for mounting a discharge lamp, and a high tension connector adapted to be engaged on the lamp mounted in the lamp holder to ensure the electrical power supply of the said lamp. The invention provides that the reflector has an electrically conductive layer, that the lamp holder has a metallic portion fixed on the reflector in such a way as to be in electrical contact with the said layer, that the connector has a metallic screening envelope, and that the said portion of the lamp holder and/or the connector has at least one elastically deformable conductive tongue for providing electrical continuity between the said portion of the lamp holder and the connector during fitting of the said connector. Applicable to the electromagnetic compatibility of headlights with discharge lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Gérard Billot
  • Patent number: 6390655
    Abstract: An overhead light fixture including a housing with a top wall, power-related components, a lamp-mounting socket, and usually a reflector. The top wall defines a pair of side-by-side hanger-member apertures, and a hanger member extends through a chosen aperture in a chosen orientation, thus providing multiple positions for the hanger vis-a-vis the housing to accommodate different centers of gravity as determined by the particular choice and positioning of power-related and other components within and on the housing. Preferably, the apertures are slots and the hanger member is a flat plate with right-angle bends. A junction box with another pair of hanger-member apertures gives more mounting options, as does differing hangers. The invention also includes a top wall with a hanger-member aperture between a pair of securing devices, such as a fastener apertures, allowing attachment of the hanger member to the housing in a selected one of two orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Ruud Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Haugaard, Kurt Wilcox
  • Patent number: 6382823
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp of a type having a lighting circuit unit mounted on an outer surface of a bottom wall of the lamp body in which failure of the seal between the lamp body and a front lens mounted thereon is prevented. A bottom wall extension portion is formed at a rear end portion of a bottom wall of the lamp body, extending rearward beyond a bulb replacement opening formed in a rear wall of the lamp body. This structure provides sufficient rigidity for the rear end portion of the bottom wall, which otherwise would have insufficient rigidity because of its location adjacent the bulb replace opening. Therefore, the bottom wall is protected from deflection deformation due to the weight of the lighting circuit unit. As a result, the front end opening of the lamp body is protected from deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michinobu Kibayashi
  • Patent number: 6364515
    Abstract: A device for receiving a gas discharge lamp of an automotive headlight has a housing (1) in which an igniting apparatus is arranged. This housing (1) also has an insertion opening (2) with recesses (4) at an edge in an outer wall (3) of the housing for receiving a lamp base with radially projecting bayonet lugs (18) on the base, said lugs axially securing the lamp base (17) in the insertion opening (2) when the lamp base is turned into a locked rotational position. A box (9) is also provided on the housing (1) for a feeder plug (11) which provides an electric power supply. With such a device having an integrated igniting apparatus, mechanical locking is provided for the box arranged on the housing to prevent insertion of the feeder plug as long as a bayonet connection of a base of gas discharge lamp is not in the locked rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Hella KG Hueck & Co.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Daub, Stefan Moeller, Detlef Niggemann, Gerhard Rotgeri, Gerhard Stumpe, Torsten Tamcke
  • Patent number: 6361189
    Abstract: An operating theater luminaire having at least two discharge lamps, which can be switched on and off, can be started and alternatively can be switched on by means of a starting device, and illuminate an operating area via optical means, in particular at least one reflector. A plurality of, in particular two discharge lamps, equipped with individual starting devices, of different powers are provided, as a result of which the intensity of illumination in the operating area can be varied when switching over from one discharge lamp to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Gebrueder Berchtold GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Manfred Scholz
  • Publication number: 20020024810
    Abstract: A structure that ensures air tightness and waterproof performance of a cord insertion hole in a back cover of a lamp body. The arrangement allows a reduction of man hours for fixing a power supply cord to the back cover. In an implementation, a cylindrical outer wall 702 is provided that surrounds cord insertion holes 704a, 704b through which power supply cords 6a, 6b are inserted for sending current to light source bulbs 1a, 1b. A resin mold portion filled inside the outer wall fixes and integrates the power supply cords 6a, 6b in the cord insertion holes 704a, 704b. The resin mold portion includes a lower mold layer 9a on the side of the cord insertion holes 704a, 704b that adheres well to the back cover 7, and an upper mold layer 9b laminated over the lower mold layer 9a and having good heat resistance properties. The upper mold layer 9b prevents creep in the lower mold layer 9a, and the lower mold layer maintains air tightness and waterproof performance at the cord insertion hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Akira Nagakura
  • Publication number: 20020018344
    Abstract: An overhead luminaire includes an externally accessible plug-in starter module that is electrically connectable to a starter receptacle located within a luminaire housing without having to open the housing and without the need for tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International
    Inventors: Johnny L. Sears, David Henderson, Rick W. Kauffmann, John DeCandia
  • Patent number: 6322239
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp is provided with a feeder device for simplifying the labor of disposing feeder cords while improving accuracy. The vehicle lamp has a movable reflector tiltably supported by a lamp body via an aiming mechanism. A back cover is detachably fitted in an opening formed in the rear of the lamp body. The back cover includes a terminal for conducting the terminal of a feeder cord connected to a light source provided in the lamp body, and the terminal of a power supply cord connected to a power supply for supplying power to the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuto Nitta, Hironori Tsukamoto, Masatoshi Yoneyama
  • Patent number: 6309090
    Abstract: A dual security system (10) includes one or more motion activated floodlights (12) installed about a premises. Motion sensors (18) are also located about the property. When the system is “armed”, intruder or animal motion sensed by a motion sensor produces a sensor output which causes the floodlights to be turned “on” and illuminate the premises. An audible alarm (14) is wired in parallel with the floodlights so that when the floodlights are turned “on”, a buzzer (20) sounds. Preferably, while the floodlights may remain “on” for an extended period of time, the buzzer alarm is connected to a buzzer time delay (22) which shuts the audible alarm “off” after a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Gess Tukin
  • Patent number: 6309089
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp comprising a reflector, a discharge bulb, a connector, and a electrically-conductive cover. The reflector includes an electrically-conductive film on a surface of the reflector and a contact terminal portion electrically connected to the electrically-conductive film. The discharge bulb is supported in the reflector. The connector is detachably connected to the discharge bulb, and the electrically-conductive cover covers the connector. In the vehicle lamp, the electrically-conductive cover is in contact with the contact terminal portion of the reflector when the connector is connected to the discharge bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Yoneyama, Hironori Tsukamoto, Toru Nakayama
  • Patent number: 6302564
    Abstract: A roadway luminaire is provided which includes a mast mount docking sation securable to an end of a pole mast. The mast mount docking station includes a power plug electrically coupled to the power conductors. The luminaire includes a corresponding power plug which is electrically and mechanically coupled to the mast mount docking station via a twist-lock feature including mating keys and keyways in the docking station and luminaire, respectively. The luminaire includes several plug-in components such as a plug-in photoelectric cell, a plug-in starter and a capacitor press-fit into a molded cavity in the luminaire. The power plug of the luminaire is adaptable to be used with all international voltages. The twist-lock feature provides for a fool-proof mechanical and electrical connection to ensure that the correctly rated luminaire is connected to the supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Wedell, Timothy D. Cathey, Margaret A. Self, John DeCandia, Greg Marik, Thomas A. Zimmerman, Edward B. Bilson, R. W. Kauffman (Rick)
  • Publication number: 20010015897
    Abstract: In a mounting structure for mounting a discharge lamp lighting device, a holder provided as a holding member for holding a discharge lamp is separated from securing portions that secure a discharge lamp lighting device to a reflector. The discharge lamp lighting device includes a connector to which a discharge lamp is directly connected. The connector includes a connector housing that receives the discharge lamp. A space can be formed between an inner wall surface of the connector housing and an outer wall surface of the discharge lamp. Another space can be formed around the connector housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Kenji Aida, Hiroaki Okuchi, Masamichi Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20010014022
    Abstract: An automotive headlight with a high-pressure gas discharge lamp (6) arranged inside a reflector contains an electronic ballast (8) in a housing for operation of the high-pressure gas discharge lamp. The housing (1) is designed to dissipate heat and provide electromagnetic shielding, so as to dissipate the heat generated by the electronic unit (8) in particular and possibly also by the high-pressure gas discharge lamp (6) and to provide a shield against the resulting electronic radiation. Cooling ribs (11) may be provided on the housing (1). The invention makes available an electromagnetically compatible ballast for high-pressure gas discharge lamps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventors: MARTIN FREY, INGO GORILLE
  • Patent number: 6268699
    Abstract: An electrodeless gas discharge lamp includes a light-transmissive envelope having opposite ends and a midsection about which an induction coil is disposed. The envelope and coil are mounted transversely on a base with the ends of the envelope exposed such that light emitted from the envelope is transmitted through both ends of the envelope substantially unobstructed by either the base or coil to generate a high total light output of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald O. Woodward, Jack D. Bodem, Robert L. Kohne
  • Patent number: 6264344
    Abstract: A luminaire assembly comprises a lower portion for receiving a light emitting source and an upper housing that stores the electrical components of the luminaire. The lower portion has a base portion disposed against the canopy with a latch attachment portion, a lens secured to the base portion by a hinge mechanism that permits the lens to open with respect to the base portion, and a latch connected to the base portion and having a connecting portion for connecting the base portion to the lens. The upper housing is disposed above the canopy. A bracket is attached to the base portion and extends up through the aperture in the canopy and connects to an inner wall of an apertured portion of the upper housing to secure the lower portion to the upper housing. The upper housing may have extending deck supports to support the weight of the upper housing on the ribs of the canopy. A locking cam is provided to secure the bracket to the upper housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Spaulding Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Honesto D. Quiogue, Thomas E. Kuhlmann, Norman Schuler, Chris Cicenas
  • Patent number: 6260992
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp device is designed to provide the feeling that sufficient light quantity exists in the high beam (H-beam) mode despite the use of a single discharge light source. The headlamp can be produced at low cost and by simple construction without the need for installing an auxiliary reflective part on the reflective member. The vehicle headlamp device can include a discharge lamp light source, a switching device for switching between the high beam and low beam, and a lighting device which supplies electric power to the discharge lamp. The lighting device can be controlled such that the electric power supplied to the discharge lamp is increased only when the beam is switched to the H-beam mode by the switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., LTD
    Inventors: Toru Tanabe, Shinji Fukuwa
  • Patent number: 6260981
    Abstract: A luminaire design for suspended ceilings, which permits improved packing density for the warehousing and shipping. The assembled luminaire comprises three or four parts: a reflector, a ballasted-socket, a lamp, and an optional diffuser or lens. The tapered design of the reflector allows the reflectors to be stored and transported with one reflector nested within another; therefore, a stack of a dozen luminaires take up only slightly more volume than one conventional luminaire. When the luminaires are installed at the job site, a ballasted-socket is clipped into a mounting hole in the reflector, a lamp is inserted into the socket of the ballasted-socket, this assembly is placed into the ceiling grid, and the ballasted-socket is connected to a power source. If a diffuser or lens is desired, it is merely placed in the ceiling grid before the rest of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Dale E Fiene
  • Patent number: 6242871
    Abstract: A low pollution, low energy consumption, high field effect neon lamp with scanning point selectable, the neon lamp includes a glass tube having at least one section of the outside wall thereof coated with a transparent conductive layer, a pulse width modulation and scanning control circuit connected to the transparent conductive layer, the pulse width modulation and scanning control circuit being controlled to give a high frequency high voltage pulse width variable pulse signal to the transparent conductive coating layer, causing a linearity-variable static electric field to be produced in the glass tube, so that an inert gas in the glass tube is ionized to strike a fluorescent material on the inside wall of the glass tube, causing it to emit light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Rui Ihu Ge
  • 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