Louvered Or Grid Type Modifier Patents (Class 362/290)
  • Patent number: 6179450
    Abstract: A halogen lamp assembly comprising a housing, a halogen bulb installed in the housing, and a light exit shield removably mounted in the light exit opening of the housing, a support ring with a radially inward-projecting ring land, a first ring-shaped groove on inside radial surface of said support ring, a first O-ring mounted in said groove, said ring land being in front of the forward of the first O-ring, a first shield disk resting against the rear surface of the ring land, and a shield grid removably mounted in the support ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Herbert Waldmarin GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Gerhard Waldmann
  • Patent number: 6179451
    Abstract: An indirect fluorescent lighting fixture arrangement for a suspended grid ceiling that includes elements that combine with the ceiling grid to form a fixture. A panel frame element engages the grid from below and simultaneously acts as part of the ceiling and part of the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darryl C. Bodine, William C. Dorsey
  • Patent number: 6161939
    Abstract: A low-contrast interior lighting fixture for illuminating a room is disclosed. The interior lighting fixture includes an elongated housing, an elongated horizontally-extending light source supported by said housing, and a first and a second horizontally-extending light guiding reflector assemblies. Each of the reflector assemblies has a top reflective surface, a bottom light-emitting surface, and an edge surface disposed between the top reflective surface and the bottom light-emitting surface. Each edge surface is disposed along opposite longitudinal sides of the elongated light source. A plurality of space-apart louvers extends below the light source and between the first and second reflector assemblies. The reflector assemblies are sized and disposed below the housing so that when the interior lighting fixture is viewed from below, the housing is substantially obscured by the bottom light-emitting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Semperlux AG
    Inventor: Udo Bansbach
  • Patent number: 6152580
    Abstract: The present invention features an apparatus and method for collimating light for use with a tiled, flat-panel display having a seamless appearance (i.e., having visually imperceptible seams). A novel, multi-cell, collimation lattice is placed behind the bottom mask of the tiled, flat-panel display assembly, but in front of an illumination source. The lattice is formed from a thin, non-reflective material, so that the acceptable light passing through the lattice is not "blocked", but the unwanted (off-axis) light impinges upon the lattice cell walls and is absorbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Rainbow Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Babuka, Jennifer M. Cohen, Raymond G. Greene, Dean W. Skinner, Boris Yost
  • Patent number: 6149289
    Abstract: An angled illumination tube is capable of reducing a dark spot behind the reflector, while illuminating the tube uniformly over the length of the tube. The tube is used in combination with a light source providing a light beam and comprises an angled transparent tubular conduit having a first end and a second end on opposite longitudinal ends of the conduit. The conduit has a bend between the first and second longitudinal ends, and is used with the first end receiving the light beam from the light source in order to guide the light beam along the length of the conduit. A reflector is disposed within the bend to reflect the light beam from the first end to direct a reflected light beam towards the second end. The reflector defines an incident light axis along which the light beam is guided to the reflector, and a reflected light axis along which the reflected light beam is directed to said second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Kuramitsu, Tadashi Murakami, Keiji Sakamoto, Makoto Yamada
  • Patent number: 5944411
    Abstract: The luminaire for a tubular electric lamp (3) has, in a housing (1) with a light emission window (2) in plane P, reflectors (5) at either side of the lamp (3) and a number of slats (10) transverse to the reflectors (5) below the lamp (3). The slats (10) are V-shaped in cross-section and have an inner surface (11) facing the lamp (3). The inner surface (11) has a central zone (12) and flanks (13) which extend at an angle away from plane P. The inner surface (11) has end zones (14) near the reflectors (5) which are in a plane Q parallel to plane P. The longitudinal axis (4) of the lamp (3) is situated in a region extending from plane Q towards plane P. Although the slats are relatively small, bright spots within the shielding angle of the luminaire are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Petrus A. J. Holten, Corinne Lac
  • Patent number: 5938317
    Abstract: A lighting fixture for lighting a large area such as a sporting field. The lighting fixture has a bowl-shaped reflector with an internal glare and spill control assembly for aiming and controlling the light emitted therefrom. The glare and spill control assembly is located within the bowl-shaped reflector and behind the lens cover of the lighting fixture so that the glare and spill control assembly is substantially isolated from the effects of weather. The glare and spill control assembly preferably has a plurality of arc-shaped louvers located substantially in the upper half of the reflector for controlling glare and spill of the light from the lamp. The lower half of the reflector preferably has either a reflector insert for redirecting light more parallel to the central aiming axis, or a light absorbing baffle for reducing glare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Gerry F. Thornton
  • Patent number: 5908234
    Abstract: The luminaire has a housing (1) with a light emission window (2), and side reflectors (5) and lamellae (7), which may constitute a louver (8), in the housing (1). The light emission plane (2) is closed during transport by means of a shaped plastic sheet (10), which has a base plane (11) and opposed walls (12) connected thereto. The shaped plastic sheet (10) enters the housing with its walls (12) and thereby keeps its position fixed. The shaped sheet (10) can easily be removed when there is no longer a risk of the louver (8) becoming polluted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Hendrik K. Kreeft
  • Patent number: 5892621
    Abstract: The present invention relates to surfaces used to reflect light, and particularly to highly light reflectant surfaces that provide even diffusion of light for the purpose of maximizing light efficiency and/or uniformity in a luminaire. By employing an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) comprising a microstructure of polymeric nodes and fibrils, the material of the present invention demonstrates exceptional diffuse reflectivity across a wide spectrum of visible light. Additionally, the material of the present invention provides many properties that have been previously unavailable in highly diffuse reflective material, including a high degree of malleability, moldability and flexibility, and effective reflectivity even at relatively thin cross-sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon L. McGregor, Raymond B. Minor, Gregory E. Hannon
  • Patent number: 5806972
    Abstract: An improved light trap and louver mounting assembly particularly intended to be used as a component of a fluorescent troffer lighting fixture, the invention comprises a light trap structure formed with integral fastening elements which attach component parts of the light trap together, which attach the light trap to the louver and which releasably mount the light trap and louver mounting assembly to a housing assembly of the lighting fixture. The integral fastening elements of the invention act to provide the aforesaid functions without the use of separate fastening elements such as screws, hinges, latches and the like. The light trap and louver mounting assembly of the invention is structurally rigid and imparts desirable rigidity to the louver and to the lighting fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: National Service Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Wayne Kaiser, Peter Michael Schmidt, Roger Erle Norris
  • Patent number: 5758954
    Abstract: A luminaire has a housing with a light emission window (2), a tubular lamp supported in the housing facing the window (2) and having a center line extending in a plane P perpendicular to the window (2), side reflectors (5), and three-dimensional lamellae (10) which each have an outer edge (11) and a pair of inner edges (12). The outer edge of each lamellae is concave in a direction transverse to the window. The luminaire thus provides an optimized cut-off angle, screening light which would otherwise be dazzling but permitting non-dazzling light to pass. Each of the lamellae has a concave curvature in a direction parallel to the plane P but which flattens out going from plane P towards the side-reflectors (5). That enlarges the aperture through which light emanates and makes the illumination provided by the luminaire more uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Petrus A.J. Holten, Corinne Lac
  • Patent number: 5685633
    Abstract: A lamp for elongate lighting means in which the respective lighting means is arranged in the inner space of a flat, trough-like housing and an anti-dazzle unit is associated with the lighting means which consists of several mutually spaced apart grid surfaces of light permeable material which are likewise largely located in the inner space of the trough-like housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: Hartmut S. Engel
  • Patent number: 5678922
    Abstract: An electric lighting fixture for mounting relative to a ceiling is disclosed. An enhanced light deflecting louver system is also disclosed in which the louvers provide enhanced light deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: H. E. Williams, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Kevin Robertson
  • Patent number: 5664878
    Abstract: An internally illuminated sign in which a luminaire mounted on the border or periphery of the sign uniformly illuminates the face and/or faces of the sign thereby eliminating any necessity for providing human access to the interior of the sign for maintenance and relamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Holophane Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Subisak, Douglas Scott Hammond
  • Patent number: 5658071
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a lighting fixture having a wall having an opening therein, the opening being defined by edges of the wall. The lighting system further includes one or more louvers. Each louver includes a louver body having a first and a second end and grips for gripping the edges of the wall disposed at the first and second ends of the louver body to suspend the louver body across the opening. The grips are slidably movable to different points along the edges of the wall. A method of making a lighting system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Kelpin
  • Patent number: 5647152
    Abstract: A displaying apparatus includes a display screen, and a light-shielding grating member having a plurality of light-shielding plates which are assembled in a matrix form in vertical and horizontal directions, the light-shielding grating member being disposed in front of the display screen. In the displaying apparatus, the respective light-shielding plates in the vertical and horizontal directions are inclined in directions to pass a predetermined visual point range when the respective light-shielding plates are virtually extended frontward, or the light-shielding grating member is inclined frontward and backward with respect to the display screen within a predetermined angle range. According to such a structure, external light obliquely injected into the display screen from the left, right, upper and lower sides can be shielded so as to improve a display contrast and visibility to prevent difficulties in seeing the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Takiron Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanobu Miura
  • Patent number: 5613762
    Abstract: A light assembly having a housing for retaining two conductive strips with a succession of tabs placed at predetermined distances apart so as to form pairs of electric contacts for electrically feeding a succession of bulbs arranged between two adjacent contacts. A reflector having a parabolic shape in section is arranged within the housing in the direction of its length. The focus of the reflector is arranged in the vicinity of the center of the bulbs so as to constitute a linear reflector distributing a narrow beam of light all along the light assembly. At least one diffusion screen adapted to direct and deflect the beam of light in a preferred direction is provided in the housing. Several striplights may be used for illuminating large surfaces. The striplights are placed end to end with screens provided so as to conceal the sources of light from view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Branka Agabekov
  • Patent number: 5595438
    Abstract: Multiple compact fluorescent annular lamps are arranged in complementary concentric fashion about a miniature tungsten-halogen light source. All lamping is combined with appropriate reflectors in a single assembly with internal controls so as to provide dimmable light, focused center light, and frigid weather illumination capability. Light output of high efficacy is produced by combining fluorescent technology and the versatility inherent in halogen incandescent technology. The annular fluorescent lamps are triangular or igloo-shaped in cross section and the associated reflector serves to redirect light from the base of the lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: David M. Burd
  • Patent number: 5587699
    Abstract: A mirror with an information display includes a mirror glass having a display section. In one embodiment, the mirror glass has a pyrolitic coating on a front surface and an opaque backmasking on the rear surface. Semi-transparent material, such as light control film, is disposed on the rear surface of the mirror glass at the display section. The display section is normally highly reflective of ambient light, but transmits light from a light source disposed behind the mirror glass when the light source is activated. In an alternate embodiment, light is directed from a light source onto the mirror glass at an angle, such that the light can be viewed by an adjacent vehicle, but the light does not interfere with the driver's reflective view in the mirror glass. Light from a light source is directed toward the outboard side of the mirror apparatus but is not visible when viewed from the inboard side of the mirror apparatus by the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Faloon, William Perry, Arthur Hess
  • Patent number: 5570239
    Abstract: A directional light screen and method of making the same are provided. The directional screen includes a plurality of transparent carrier members having opposing sides, the carrier members being arranged in a side-by-side manner. Thin lamellae can be placed between the carrier members, or the carrier members can be spaced by an air gap. The screen is mountable proximal to a light source. The screen directs light from the source in a direction generally parallel to the sides and lamellae. The sides can be smooth, roughened or contoured. Also, the lamellae can desirably be tinted, absorbing or reflective. Furthermore, the directional screen can be shaped to fully or partially surround a light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignees: Enrico Raimondi, Olgo Raimondi-Stauble, Bruno Raimondi
    Inventor: Rinaldo Raimondi
  • Patent number: 5556186
    Abstract: A grid for a photographer's soft box or like device is made from flexible fabric. The grid is formed by intersecting and interlocking strips of fabric, formed in two sets, strips of one set intersecting the strips of the other set. The strips of intersecting sets are slotted in a complimentary manner. A wire may be used to keep the grid taut if necessary. In some instances, strips of one set may be omitted, such that the grid is formed only of strips extending in one direction. Reflecting material may be placed on inside edges of peripheral strips to guide the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Stephen E. Pilby
  • Patent number: 5528478
    Abstract: The lighting fixture according to the invention includes a fixture housing having a longitudinal axis and supporting a fluorescent lamp in the housing. Side reflectors are provided which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing on either side of the lamp. A plurality of cross vanes and two end vanes are positioned below and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lamp. Each cross vane has a top surface of a generally V-shaped configuration and reflector surfaces extending from the top surface. The reflector surfaces are concavely curved with a radius of curvature which varies along the width of the cross vane. The end vanes also include a generally V-shaped top surface and one reflector surface with is concavely curved with a radius of curvature which varies along the width of the end vane. The cross vanes and end vanes according to the invention confine substantially all of the light to within the preferred RP-24 cut-off zone and prevent unnecessary reflections which lower efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul G. Degelmann
  • Patent number: 5526244
    Abstract: A fluorescent luminaire, of the suspended overhead type, is constructed with the lamps of the "U" type having both electrical connections at the same end so that the lamp forms a cantilever suspension from a central housing. The ballast means is formed perpendicular to the lamps and placed in the central housing to concentrate the weight there and separate the heat-generated there from that generated by the lamps. Translucent/reflector sections and baffle means extending from the central housing are made of a lightweight plastic material. To assist in starting the lamps and for support, a metallic reflector or support extends adjacent to and parallel to the lamps and is grounded at or within the central housing. The reflector/translucent means and lamps are arranged so as to eliminate bright and/or dark spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Vernon R. Bishop
  • Patent number: 5526179
    Abstract: A sealed compartment of compartments being all or partially constructed of light transmitting materials with light reflecting surfaces in different designs. The compartments are substantially filled with a diffusing light transmitting medium. When the filled compartments are placed over lighting sources they reduce the high glare and blinding effects of the light sources. Increasing the light output of lighting sources when used with compartments can maintain the lighting level while reducing glare. When used for automotive usage alternative automotive headlights are used. The combined usage of the alternative headlights and the compartments provides roadway and side of the roadway lighting without high glare to oncoming vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians and animals. The existing automotive headlight system can be maintained so that the high beam headlights can be used if necessary or desirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Charles A. Keech
  • Patent number: 5526241
    Abstract: An interior or courtesy light for a motor vehicle which provides general diffused light for the passenger compartment and which also provides directed concentrated light in selected areas of the passenger compartment. The lamp includes a fluorescent bulb defining a linear series of light sources and a plurality of louvers positioned beneath the bulb and selectively positioned to deliver concentrated light to selected areas of the passenger compartment. In a first embodiment, the louvers are fixed and are arranged in a first series directing light to the front passenger area and a second series directing light to the driver's area. In a second embodiment, the louvers are movable and may be selectively positioned by an occupant to provide directed concentrated light to a selected area of the passenger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Richard Ferrell
  • Patent number: 5506471
    Abstract: Glare or stray light from a lamp is controlled by determining the location of a filament relative to a major axis of the ellipsoidal portion of a lamp envelope. Once the maximum deviation of the filament from the major axis has been determined, the lamp may be marked with indicia, or immediately secured to a base to assure the location of the filament in the final assembly of the headlamp. Any stray or glare light is then controlled or directed in a predetermined manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Walter J. Kosmatka, Gustino J. Lanese
  • Patent number: 5481442
    Abstract: A night light integral with a low profile cover plate assembly for electrical wall outlets utilizes two parts, a wall plate and a cover plate. The wall plate has a flat rear panel which is attached to the wall outlet, lies against the wall and includes peripheral lips holding a plurality of detent ridges. The cover plate includes the night light assembly which, in turn, includes power blades engaging the slots of the wall outlet to energize a night light bulb. Light escapes from underneath the cover plate through clear plastic lenses filling openings in the cover plate. Snap action projections on the inner surfaces of the cover plate periphery engage the retention ridges on the outer surfaces of the wall plate to ensure that the cover plate night light is attached to the wall plate by forces other than simply the friction of the power blades in the outlet slots. The cover plate may simultaneously used to cover a low profile plug in the other outlet slots of a standard duplex wall outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Paige Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Dickie, Larry W. Gatien, Suzanne J. Wiltshire
  • Patent number: 5479322
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for lighting optical fibers as well as surrounding regions includes a generally vertically oriented housing including a light source positioned near the upper end of the housing for directing radiant flux toward the ends of a plurality of optical fibers and for reflecting remaining portions of the radiant flux from the light source in a lateral direction into the surrounding regions. A light reflector is positioned in the housing for laterally reflecting a portion of the radiant flux, and includes a central aperture in the reflector to pass the central portion of the radiant flux therethrough to the ends of the optical fibers. The same reflector serves as a baffle on the lower side thereof to deflect moving air within the housing around the ends of the optical fibers and through the aperture in the reflector toward the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Fiberstars, Inc.
    Inventor: Nilesh P. Kacheria
  • Patent number: 5432683
    Abstract: A photographic lighting system provides both direct and modified light to a target from a single light source. The light source itself comprises an electrical bulb having an electrical connection inner end, a light emitting outer end and a light emitting sidewall between the inner end and the outer end of the bulb. The system further includes a mounting assembly which mounts the bulb in the system and the system includes a light modifying material fitting region which receives material positioned to modify light emitted from the side wall while allowing direct light to be emitted from the outer end of the bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Inventor: Douglas Brown
  • Patent number: 5412551
    Abstract: A luminaire fixture is provided which evenly illuminates shelves positioned along an aisle. The luminaire fixture includes a reflector generally having the shape of a flattened, elongated V. The outer edges of the V are bent to extend horizontal for a distance and then bend down forming a 270.degree. angle with the horizontal portion forming two end walls. Positioned below the reflector, near the end walls, are fluorescent lamps. Positioned directly above the point of the V is another light source for providing upward to provide an upward illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Mark Lighting Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Alan A. Newell
  • Patent number: 5390092
    Abstract: A receptacle for light emitting diodes includes a housing defining an opening at one end and having a bottom at another end; a circuit board from which a plurality of light emitting diodes extend being adapted to be received in substantially a middle inner periphery of the housing; a hole being defined in a periphery of the housing; a ridge being longitudinally formed along an inner periphery of the housing; a stop being formed beside the ridge substantially in a same longitudinal level with respect to the hole; a light-resistant device including a ring frame across which a plurality of louvers are connected, a groove defined at an outer periphery of the ring frame, a snapping member being formed on the outer periphery of the ring frame diametrically opposite to the groove; whereby the light-resistant device is positioned at substantially the opening of the housing, with the groove of the light-resistant device receiving the ridge of the housing and the snapping member of the light-resistant device being reta
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Formosa Industrial Computing Inc.
    Inventor: Sharming Lin
  • Patent number: 5383102
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved light devices, such as illumination or signal devices used on vehicles for managing the light reflections from reflective surfaces of such devices. In one exemplary embodiment thereof, a light device includes an array of tubular elements partially embedded in a reflective surface, such as a surface of a lens of said device, which lens focuses, directs or disperses light from the device. The use of such an embedded array of tubular elements causes the light source to appear as a substantially opaque surface when the light device is not operative and permits an effective amount of light to be projected from the light device when the device is operative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Tenebraex Corporation
    Inventor: Peter W. J. Jones
  • Patent number: 5373431
    Abstract: A ring/baffle element for a trim of a recessed lighting fixture comprises ring and baffle portions formed of one piece. The ring portion includes a flat trim ring. The baffle portion includes an upstanding flange, a sleeve, and a connector wall. The flange forms a socket to receive the lower end of a reflector. The sleeve is situated within a space formed by an inner periphery of the trim ring. The connector wall connects the sleeve to the ring portion. The sleeve has an inner surface forming a central main light passage. The baffle portion includes a plurality of secondary light passages spaced around a vertical axis defined by the sleeve for emitting a secondary light pattern around the outer perimeter of the main light passage. The secondary light passages can be formed in the connector wall or the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Hayman, Giacinto C. D'Ercoli
  • Patent number: 5309329
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flash device, preferably for transferring a dye matrix which by means of a high-energy light flash is transferred from a radiation-absorbing carrier film by interleaving a mask onto a receiver element. This requires substantially perpendicular irradiation of the transfer plane with a high-energy radiation and a high uniformity of irradiance distribution of the light flash. To achieve this, one or two linearly extending plasma discharge tubes are provided which to concentrate radiation are enclosed by two separate aspheric-cylindrical reflectors, the concentrated radiation being directed through a lamellar louver element arranged downstream of the reflector and impinging on the predetermined transfer plane in a substantially parallel and perpendicular manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Reinhold Thiel, Ulrich Staiger, Olaf Kosanke, Volker Gericke
  • Patent number: 5299111
    Abstract: A device for directing a beam of light from a light source to a predetermined view range. The device is particularly suitable for installation inside the visor of a traffic signal, although other applications will be apparent. Two or more baffles are selectively positioned within a hollow housing. The baffles are uniformly formed and each has a plurality of apertures. The baffles are thin plates and are aligned so that each set of corresponding apertures creates a tunnel for a portion of a beam of light from the light source. Due to the thinness of the baffles, the "tunnels" have no walls and no substantial surface area to deflect light rays outside the selected view range. This provides a sharp on-off effect at the periphery of the view range. Yet, a "full ball" effect is provided within the view range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventors: A. Philip Parduhn, Michael N. Fiske, John D. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5293305
    Abstract: A light guidance system for the illumination of an interior area with a light deflection device which reflects daylight coming from outside of the interior area as well as artificial light coming from inside of the interior area. The light deflection device comprises several elements disposed parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another such that light from outside of the interior area can penetrate through the space into the interior area, and each of said several elements has at least one reflector surface and is impervious to light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventor: Helmut Koster
  • Patent number: 5276601
    Abstract: A lamp shade including a plurality of light deflectors. The light deflectors are mounted so as to be independently moveable with respect to the frame and one another. Most preferably the lamp shade is defined by two or more spaced arrays of light deflectors. In one embodiment the light deflectors are mounted end to end to allow vertical variation in light intensity and direction. In another embodiment the light deflectors are both horizontally and vertically disposed to increase versatility in both appearance and lighting effect. Thus, the lamp shade advantageously allows the light to be directed in accordance with the particular area in which the light fixture is placed, both to shield the user's eyes and to direct light where it is most needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventor: Albert Holzhacker
  • Patent number: 5226720
    Abstract: An adapter for facilitating mounting of lighting louvers in "T" rail lighting fixtures is provided. The adapter includes an elongated bar including a first flange extending laterally from an upright web portion and a second flange extending in an opposite direction of the first flange from the web. The bar is formed of a relatively flat, thin sheet metal material that is bent into the configuration such that one portion defines the first flange, another portion defines the upright web, and another portion defines the second flange. The first flange is of sufficient dimension to be received between the lighting fixture frame and the "T" rail. The fixture frame therefore secures the bar in place within the fixture opening. The upright web section includes means for receiving and mounting the lighting louver. The second flange functions to overlap a portion of the lighting louver and act as a light screen between the "T" rail and the peripheral edges of the lighting louver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Ecolite Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald N. Caferro
  • Patent number: 5215370
    Abstract: A linear light source for a film scanner is disclosed which includes an elongated light integrating cavity having diffusely reflective walls. Light is introduced into the cavity through an input port, and an output beam of diffuse illumination is produced through a slot which is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the integrating cavity. In order to provide a light source which can produce a beam of a desired angular distribution, plates are positioned adjacent the exit slot of the cavity to form channels through which the light exits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Martin C. Kaplan
  • Patent number: 5207492
    Abstract: A mirror assembly including an enclosure having an aperture, and defining a cavity, a light source or lamp for emitting light in predetermined wavelengths or an instrument for emitting or receiving light having predetermined characteristics, borne by the enclosure and positioned in the cavity; and a dichroic mirror borne by the enclosure and disposed in substantially occluding relation relative to the aperture, the dichroic mirror reflecting ambient visible light and being substantially transparent to the light emitted by the light source and instrument, or received by the instrument as the case may be.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: K. W. Muth Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John K. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5165787
    Abstract: A lamp shade including a plurality of light deflecting elements. The light deflecting elements are rotatably mounted so as to be independently rotated with respect to the frame and one another. In one embodiment the light deflecting elements are mounted end to end to allow vertical variation in light intensity and direction. In another embodiment the light deflecting elements are both horizontally and vertically disposed to increase versatility in both appearance and lighting effect. Thus, the lamp shade which advantageously allows the light to be directed in accordance with the particular area in which the light fixture is placed, both to shield the user's eyes and to direct light where it is most needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Albert Holzhacker
  • Patent number: 5163749
    Abstract: A wall lamp comprised of a base having a vertical top side wall vertically raising from a peripheral top edge thereof at one side to hold a lamp socket and lamp bulb, a lamp shade made in the shape of a triangular bridge and covered over said lamp socket and lamp bulb, said lamp shade having two opposite rows of parallel slots on two opposite side faces thereof, and refraction lenses secured in two transverse channels on said base at two opposite ends by tightening up screws to refract the light of said lamp bulb passed through said parallel slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventor: Wen-Chon Wu
  • Patent number: 5149191
    Abstract: A louver/lens assembly for placement in the light-emitting opening of a fluorescent light luminaire has a louver assembly mounted in the light-emitting opening of the luminaire. On top of the louver assembly, and between it and the fluorescent tubes, a prism lens, typically formed from a sheet of extruded transparent acrylic material, is placed. The lens sheet is flat on the surface facing the fluorescent tubes in the fixture, and has parallel longitudinal prisms formed in the surface overlying the louver assembly. The prisms are selected to direct light rays passing through the lens assembly downwardly through the openings between the longitudinal and transverse louvers of the louver assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Inventors: Ian Lewin, Joe Greer
  • Patent number: 5117342
    Abstract: An improved louver assembly to be used in conjunction with a strip lighting fixture is disclosed. Louver assemblies can be used in series with rows of strip lighting fixtures to form an improved louvered lighting system. The louver assembly is comprised of two longerons which are parallel to and adjacent the lighting fixture. Two brackets mounted over the lighting fixture support the longerons and align them with longerons of adjacent assemblies. A set of louvers is attached to and between opposite longerons. The set of louvers has a stringer fin running transversely through the louver centers and two side baffles running transversely along the louvers' inside corners. The assembly can be swung open easily for access to the lighting fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: John A. Vlah
  • Patent number: 5029059
    Abstract: A screen light comprises a substantially box-shaped housing having a light outlet opening, a fluorescent lamp arranged in the housing centrally in its upper region, and elements for subdividing the light outlet opening into substantially three fields including a central field and two lateral fields, so that a part of a light flux produced by the fluorescent lamp exits primarily directly in the central field, while two parts of the light flux exit from the lateral fields secondarily by reflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Firma Thorn Licht GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Grimm
  • Patent number: 5014167
    Abstract: A visual signaling apparatus including an enclosure having an aperture, and defining a cavity, a light source for emitting light in predetermined wavelengths borne by the enclosure and positioned in the cavity; and a semi-transparent dichroic mirror borne by the enclosure and disposed in substantially occluding relation relative to the aperture, the semi-transparent dichroic mirror adapted to selectively reflect ambient light and transmit the predetermined wavelengths of light emitted by the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: K. W. Muth Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John K. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5008791
    Abstract: A lighting system for room lighting includes a light grid comprised of intersecting first and second sets of parallel elongated parabolic louvers. The louvers of at least one of the first or second sets are angularly oriented to nadir and spaced apart to confine light passing downwardly therethrough to an asymmetrical candlepower distribution curve. One quadrant of the curve, termed a "wall washing quadrant" is on one side of the curve and a "low direct glare quadrant" is oriented to an opposite side of the curve. The light and light grid are placed adjacent the wall such that the wall washing quadrant is oriented toward the wall to illuminate the wall and the low direct glare distribution quadrant is oriented toward the interior of the room. The wall washing quadrant eliminates the "cave effect" at the juncture of the adjacent wall and the ceiling while the low direct glare quadrant provides desired illumination directed into the adjacent room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventor: Ronald N. Caferro
  • Patent number: 4980807
    Abstract: An illuminating system for projecting light upwardly from a light chamber without being directly visible to nearby observers. The system has a cavity disposed above the light chamber forming a vertical passageway for light. The cavity has a light blocker in the passageway for restricting the upward passage of light such that the restricted light beam passing through the cavity does not substantially impinge upon the inner surface of the cavity walls near their upper ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Inventor: Henry Von Kohorn
  • Patent number: 4959762
    Abstract: Containment means for a luminaire that captures hot particles created by the unlikely event of a pressurized lamp rupture is disclosed. In one embodiment, the containment means comprises a mesh interposed between the lamp and a refractor of the luminaire typically formed of an acrylic material. The mesh captures hot particles having a sufficient heat capacity and temperature to create excess heat damage to the refractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Trasimond A. Soileau
  • Patent number: 4947307
    Abstract: A light fixture assembly positionable in a recess in the ground, includes a lamp housing, a light-transparent lens, a lamp and a directional louver assembly. The directional louver assembly is mounted within the lamp housing on annular ledge between the lamp and the lens, and includes a plurality of interconnected rectangular louver members having ends lying on a single circle to form a circular lateral periphery. Rotation of louver assembly on the ledge adjusts the direction of the light emitted from the light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Honesto D. Quiogue