With Closure Patents (Class 362/375)
  • Patent number: 6454424
    Abstract: A service unit provided with a door having an evenly illuminated lens is disclosed. The service panel, typically containing at least one outlet, provided behind the door further preferably includes a socket for receiving a lamp. The lamp used in the present invention preferably directs light towards a bottom side of the unit, in a direction across the lens when the door is in a closed position, such that the light is evenly distributed across the lens. The door includes an opening for receiving the lens that is further preferably provided with an indented lip recessed from the front surface of the door such that the lens lies substantially flush with the front surface of the door. A plastic rivet may secure the lens to the lip, as may a bead of adhesive along the lip. The lip is preferably not present along the top side of the opening for allowing the top side of the opening to serve as a rain shed for the lens. The lens may include an alphanumeric symbol for identifying a particular camp site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Tobin, Darrel A. Holtz, Samir R. Gami, Marvin Menk, Adam Mongeau, David Bellig
  • Publication number: 20020109995
    Abstract: A work light cage attachment system which includes a cage that securely attaches over the glass opening on a work light. The cage includes opposite top and bottom frame members and opposite side frame members. Attached to the corners of the top and bottom frame members are rearward extending legs. Each extending leg includes a perpendicularly aligned foot that, during assembly, is placed inside the gap between the edge of the faceplate and the glass and extends outward to prevent disengagement of the cage from the faceplate. Attached to each foot on the top and bottom frame members is a C-shaped clip which engages a raised lip formed on the inside surface of the faceplate. The lips prevent the cage from being removed from the work light without a tool, thus meeting United Laboratories code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Frank Tsao
  • Patent number: 6428188
    Abstract: A light fixture is provided which is mountable to an overhead structure, such as a switch housing of a ceiling fan. The light fixture includes a base which may be attached to the switch housing and a globe which is removably secured to the base. The base includes a plate and an annular flange extending downwardly from the plate, with a plurality of circumferentially spaced and radially inwardly extending protuberances formed on the flange. A plurality of circumferentially spaced resilient members are attached to the plate proximate the flange. The globe includes a neck and a light-emitting enclosure integral with one another, with the neck having a substantially cylindrical portion and a plurality of circumferentially extending ridges, spaced apart by gaps, which protrude radially outwardly from an outer surface of the substantially cylindrical portion of the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventors: Jose Maria D. Magno, Jr., Patrick D. Szlachtowski
  • Patent number: 6425681
    Abstract: The invention concerns a light ramp (1) comprising a base section (2) with two side wings and including at least: a transparent plastic section (3) in the longitudinal direction with two edges co-operating with the base section (2) side wings so as to completely cover them by enclosing them; and two aluminium covers (4) located at the ramp (1) ends so as to enclose the transparent section (3) and the base section (2) wing ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: Branka Agabekov
  • Patent number: 6419378
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a roadway luminaire is provided which includes the steps of molding a two part upper housing from a composite material and applying a reflective substance directly to an inner surface of a domed portion of the housing to create a reflector. The luminaire further includes a lower housing hingedly attached to the upper housing which supports a lens therein and is pivotable into an open position and latched to the upper housing in a closed position. Means are provided for mounting the luminaire to a pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, 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)
  • Patent number: 6416206
    Abstract: A halogen work light with a spare bulb container integrally attached thereto is disclosed. The spare bulb container includes a tubular body and a support piece that fits inside the closed end of the tubular body and an end piece that friction fits into the open end of the tubular body. The support piece and end piece both include a longitudinal hole for receiving the ends of a spare halogen bulb and holding the bulb in a suspended position inside the tubular body. Both the support pieces are formed of a soft, resilient material, such as rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Monte A. Leen
  • Patent number: 6394628
    Abstract: A ballast housing has a bottom wall, a sidewall extending in a first direction from the bottom wall, and a first compartment that is defined between the bottom wall and the sidewall, with a first access opening remote from the bottom wall. The housing further includes an interior wall extending from its bottom wall in the first direction and is located completely within the first compartment, and a second compartment that is defined by the interior wall and is isolated from the first compartment by the interior wall. The second compartment includes a second access opening adjacent the bottom wall. A first component can be disposed in the first compartment and a second component can be disposed in the second compartment with the second compartment isolating the second component from the first component in the first compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: James P. Wang
  • 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: 6390647
    Abstract: A night light design which allows for improved functionality over those heretofore available. The basic design is flexible enough to be adapted for either indoor or outdoor use, and for various brightness levels. Particularly for outdoor use, bulbs of up to 15 watts can be used, providing an increased illumination level. All designs preferably include a light sensing element and a control circuit, wherein the light turns itself on when the ambient lighting levels fall low enough. Also, several preferred embodiments include a variable control, wherein the brightness of the night light can be continuously varied between very dim and full brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Louisa Shaefer
  • Patent number: 6386738
    Abstract: For changing a lamp in a lamphead, in particular a stage, studio, film and/or television lamphead, a cover component of the lamphead is opened by swivelling the cover component about a swivel axis. The swivel axis runs along a straight line which cuts the cover component in two points positioned at a distance apart from one another. In the case of a circular cover component, the two points are a secant of the cover component. The swivel axis preferably thereby runs near to the middle or even centrally or diametrically through the middle of the cover component. Preferably the straight line defining the swivel axis is vertical. The cover component does not have to be swivelled far to the side, upwards or downwards, but instead is swivelled partially into the case, whereby particularly in the case of limited space availability this leads to simplified handling of the lamphead, e.g. when the lamp is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH & Co. Betriebs KG
    Inventor: Peter Staudacher
  • Patent number: 6382818
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a reflector, and a lens attached to a front open portion of the reflector. Cantilever-type elastic legs are formed on those portions of the lens respectively opposed to engagement holes in the reflector, and extend in a direction of the circumference of the lens. Engagement projections, for engagement in respective engagement holes, are formed at respective distal end portions of the elastic legs. When the lens is formed into a thin design, the length of the elastic legs in the circumferential direction is not limited, and each elastic leg can have a length sufficient to enable it to be elastically deformed so as to fit the engagement projection into the engagement hole. Therefore, the engagement projection can be positively and easily engaged in the engagement hole. Even if one tried to forcibly engage the engagement projection in the engagement hole, the elastic leg will not break.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takafumi Iwama, Makoto Ito
  • Publication number: 20020024820
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp assembly comprises a lamp housing, a lens, and a closeout sub-assembly. The closeout sub-assembly comprises a closeout and a template attached to the closeout. The closeout sub-assembly is created by forming the closeout around the outer periphery of the template such that the outer portion of the closeout is located adjacent to and outside of the peripheral edge of the template. The vehicle lamp assembly is created by affixing the closeout sub-assembly to the outer periphery of the inner surface of the lens and attaching the lens to the housing such that the closeout sub-assembly is located between the lens and the housing and such that the outer portion of the closeout is located adjacent to and outside of the peripheral edge of the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Applicant: Guide Corporation
    Inventor: Paul E. Young
  • Patent number: 6338562
    Abstract: A light fitting unit in which the closure device includes a slider which can move on its base and is adapted to hook onto the diffuser, the slider is associated with releasable immobilizing means operated by the diffuser and adapted to oppose movement of the slider in the direction toward its closed position when the diffuser is in its open position and the safety switch for controlling the supply of electrical power to the unit is itself operated by the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: ATX S.A.
    Inventors: Eric Dumont, Jean-François Monteil
  • Patent number: 6336729
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a base, and a cover pivotally connected to the base. In one embodiment, a portable flashlight is supported within a holder fixed to the base. The flashlight includes a housing enclosing a light bulb, a battery, and an electrical circuit electrically interconnecting the light bulb and the battery. The circuit includes a pair of contacts, which are normally biased together to complete the circuit between the battery and light bulb. An insulating member is interposed between the contacts when the flashlight is primed, and becomes fixed to the cover when the cover is closed. When the cover is then opened, the insulating member is removed from between the contacts, which illuminates the flashlight. According to a further embodiment, a chemiluminescent stick is supported within the holder. A break bar pivotally connected to the cover is initially in a vertical orientation, and temporarily retained by a latch to allow insertion of the light stick in the holder and closure of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventors: Richard Pavelle, Sol Aisenberg, George Freedman, Hed A. Ze'ev
  • Patent number: 6337792
    Abstract: A new and improved outdoor luminaire and a method which provides for quick and easy installation of electrical components. The outdoor luminaire includes a housing; a terminal block; a unitized electrical components subassembly which is removably affixable to the housing; a seat area formed in the housing's interior; a stud affixed to the unitized components subassembly; and a cover for the housing. The cover requires no fasteners and thus, further eases the installation or replacement of electrical components. The method of securing electrical components includes: opening the housing's cover at the pry point; inserting the lower end of the electrical components subassembly in the housing; pivoting the top end of the electrical components subassembly into the housing; rotating the quarter turn fastener to secure the electrical components subassembly in the housing and snapping the cover onto the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Mark San George
  • Patent number: 6332700
    Abstract: A lighting assembly is detachably mounted in an opening in the wheel well panel of an vehicle. The lighting assembly has a base member with flexible sidewalls and end walls. The base member defines an opening near the first end wall forming a finger pull. A lamp holder is mounted on the base member near the second end wall. A clear lens covers a lamp in the lamp. An extensible power cable is attached to the lamp holder. The lighting assembly detaches from the wheel well to illuminate the wheel when changing a tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Albert L. Baines
  • Patent number: 6325526
    Abstract: Automotive internal lights have a molded housing defining an elongate recess and bus bars which integrally include lamp holders secured within the molded housing and adapted to hold a lamp therebetween. The lamp holders have a base exposed to irradiate heat from said lamp. Connector terminals and an earth terminal are secured within said molded housing. The bus bars also integrally have spaced-apart fixed contacts secured within the molded housing so as to establish respective surfaces flush with the housing but exposed to said elongate recess. A slide switch is moveable longitudinally within the recess between at least first and second positions, and carries a generally U-shaped movable contact member which is adapted to contact the exposed surfaces of the fixed contacts so as to turn the lamp held by the lamp holder on and off, respectively. The housing includes notches formed in the recess opposite to the exposed surfaces of the fixed contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha T AN T
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yabata, Kouji Mikami
  • Patent number: 6325527
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vanity mirror of a sun visor for an automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Seung-kun Lee
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20010030869
    Abstract: A globe lighting assembly comprises a metal cage, a plastic globe at least partially surrounded by the metal cage, a reflector reflecting light from a light source throughout the globe, and a socket clip disposable into the reflector. The socket clip includes legs having at least one position along each of the legs corresponding to settings for the light source in the reflector. The metal cage has lower and upper rings, and prongs which all surround and give structural support for at least one of an upper portion and a lower door of the globe. The upper portion is hingedly connected to the lower door. The lower door has a circular rim that fits into an inner surface of the lower ring when the globe is in the closed position. As a result, the circular rim of the lower portion is not viewable from the outside of the globe. The lower ring of the cage has an inner circular lip that aids in preventing moisture from entering an interior of the globe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Angel M. Orellana
  • Patent number: 6302568
    Abstract: A head lamp for a vehicle having a power supply includes a discharge bulb, a reflector for holding the discharge bulb, a lamp body for accommodating the reflector, the lamp body having an opening in the reflector for replacing the discharge bulb, a back cover coupled to the lamp body to close the opening, a starting circuit coupled to the discharge bulb for lighting the discharge bulb, a first connector coupled to the starting circuit, a second connector coupled to the power supply; and a detachable lock member fastening the back cover to the first and second connectors, wherein the lock member is covered by the first and second connectors when the connectors are coupled with each other, so that the back cover cannot be open before disengaging the lock member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sumito Ohtaki
  • Patent number: 6293510
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting luminaires (A) includes a lower mounting plate (30a) having a front face (32a) and a back face (34a) adapted for attachment to a luminaire. An upper mounting plate (30b), having a front face (32b) and a back face (34b), is adapted for attachment to an electrical assembly (20). The upper and lower mounting plates are identical in configuration. The upper mounting plate selectively engages the lower mounting plate so that the upper mounting plate and the lower mounting plate are in locking relation. A hinge (50) operatively connects the upper and lower mounting plates. The hinge is adapted to swing down and suspend the luminaire while the appropriate electrical connections are made and pivot to a substantially horizontal position once the upper and lower mounting plates have been placed in locking relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Reed A. Bradford, James H. Toney
  • Patent number: 6290381
    Abstract: A unique fiber optic light fixture is provided which has a unique right angle design for ease of installation. The light fixture includes a molded housing which is lightweight, durable and compact. The light fixture is particularly attractive for lighting applications where space is at a premium and weight is an important consideration, such as the typical suspended ceiling in an office environment. The inventive lighting fixture provides “safe” and “cold” light as opposed to conventional heat generating lamps and ballasts, and may be mounted into walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, and any other space where exterior or interior lighting would normally be placed. The fixture includes a housing, wherein the interior has been coated with a metallic finish for reflectivity, a bezel for holding a variety of lenses and other optical accessories, retaining springs, and a brass nut bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventors: Scott Mangum, Susan L. Ljungberg
  • Patent number: 6290375
    Abstract: A ballast housing having a uniform generally rectangular cross section is formed, preferably by extrusion, to accommodate any of a number of ballasts of varying sizes. Exterior sidewalls are formed with longitudinal grooves, one of which contains a pair of cylindrical members. A separate mounting plate carries screws which contact the cylindrical members and permit the cylindrical members to act as hinges permitting the housing to pivot away from the mounting plate. Closure plates are secured to each end of the housing and standard threaded ports may be formed in each closure plate as well as in the extruded member for mounting lighting fixtures or conduits carrying wires. Mating openings are formed on the backside of the housing member and the mounting plate for the passage of power leads to the ballast in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Craig LeVasseur
  • Patent number: 6283618
    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: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: LSI Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry F. Fischer, John Boyer
  • Patent number: 6276818
    Abstract: A luminaire housing has a frame with a securing member, a door panel releasably coupled to the frame and movable between open and closed positions. A latch assembly on the door panel releasably secures the door panel to the securing member of the frame. The latch assembly includes a fastening member received in a fastener slot of the door panel, a safety spring latch with a top camming portion, an intermediate body poron extending from the top camming portion, and a guide leg member extending from the intermediate body portion and attached to the door panel. A slide lock has a rail hole that slidably receives the guide leg member and has an aperture for receiving the fastener member. The slide lock is movable between a locked position engaged with the securing member to lock the door panel in the closed position and a release position disengaged and spaced from the securing member to allow the door panel to move toward the open position and to allow the safety spring latch to engage the securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: James P. Wang
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20010006463
    Abstract: A retrofit luminaire assembly for mounting in an existing canopy fixture housing and methods of installing same. The retrofit luminaire assembly includes a planar panel having electrical control elements mounted to an upper surface of the panel. A lamp is received in a lamp socket mounted to the panel with a light-emitting section of the lamp extending away from a lower surface of the panel. A lens is mounted to the lower surface of the panel for enclosing the light-emitting section of the lamp. The panel preferably has a pair of oppositely directed pivot members which are adapted to engage with inwardly directed flanges of the canopy fixture housing to removably and pivotally support the panel for movement between a vertical, inoperative position and a horizontal, operative position. Flange extension members are provided to engage the inwardly directed flanges of the fixture housing to reduce the size of the opening for larger fixture housings to a desired common size opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventors: Jerry F. Fischer, Robert E. Kaeser, Mark C. Reed, James P. Sferra, James G. Vanden Eynden
  • Patent number: 6250787
    Abstract: In a lamp fixture for a vehicle lamp comprising a lamp body and a lens that has an outer edge portion curved backward and is mounted on the lamp body, a hook is formed on the outside wall of an attaching grooved portion of the lamp body, and a hook engaging portion is formed on the attaching leg portion of the lens, the front end surface of the hook engaging portion being substantially parallel to the rear surface of the outer edge portion of the lens so that once the hook engaging portion of the lens is engaged with the hook of the lamp body they are not easily separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Matubara
  • Patent number: 6250781
    Abstract: An interchangeable outdoor luminaire includes a housing having a circular top rim and a circular bottom rim with a circumferential recess, a plurality of interchangeable tops, and a plurality of interchangeable light transmissive doors. Each top has a circular rim with a flange that corresponds to the top surface of the housing, and each door has a circular rim with a circular edge that corresponds to the bottom surface of the housing. Because the dimensions of the circular rims of the tops are the same, and the dimensions of the circular rims of the doors are the same, any of the tops for the housing can be used with in conjunction with any of the light transmissive doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: US Pole Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Straus, Angel M. Orellana
  • Patent number: 6231214
    Abstract: A recessed canopy light having a main body positionable above an opening in a canopy sheet, a rim member in contact with the lower surface of the canopy sheet such that the sheet is sandwiched between the main body and the rim member, a lens frame below the rim member and hinged thereto, each hinge including a first member secured to the rim member and having an upwardly-open substantially semi-cylindrical female portion with an outer edge spaced below the canopy sheet by a first distance and a second member secured to the lens frame and having a truncated-cylindrical male portion engaged in the female portion, the male portion having a flat therealong such that the vertical dimension of the male portion varies between a full diameter much greater than the first distance and a truncated diameter which is at most slightly greater than the first distance, such that the male portion is non-removable from the female portion except when the lens frame is pivoted to a fully-open position beyond a vertical hanging p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Ruud Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric J. Haugaard
  • Patent number: 6231213
    Abstract: A door frame hingeably mounted to a lensed fluorescent troffer lighting fixture and carrying a prismatic lens cover, the door frame also integrally provides a light trap function. Structural components of the door frame have fastening elements formed integrally therewith for attachment of said components together without the use of separate fastening elements. The door frame includes low profile latching structure which allows ready opening of the door frame for relamping or other maintenance functions, hinge elements acting not only to hold the door frame to the light fixture but also to hold the door frame in a fully open position. The door frame further acts to impart rigidity to the lighting fixture when in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: NSI Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Michael Schmidt, Roger Erle Norris, John Thomas Mayfield, III
  • Patent number: 6224241
    Abstract: A lighting device has a light holder positionable on a mounting support, the light holder also having an outer light holder edge. The light holder includes a centrally located light holder top that projects from the mounting support for fastening a light source. A light protector is detachably fastened on the light holder. The light protector covers the light source and any holder regions projecting from the mounting support in such a way that essentially only the light protector is visible. The light protector has a protector collar, which encircles the outer holder edge and limits a protector opening that is pointed toward the inside space defined by the light protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Willi Wolfgang Oswald
  • Patent number: 6210026
    Abstract: In order to easily install a light housing (1) in a simple and straightforward fashion into an installation opening, the light housing has an installation frame (2) having a frame opening (7) which can be installed from the front into the installation opening and with an insert member (3) which can be moved from a forward direction at least partially into the frame opening (7) and with at least one pivot element (4) born on the installation frame (2) which, in an outward pivot position, engages, with a seating surface (14), behind the wall of the installation opening and, in an inward pivot position, engages into the path of motion of the insert member (3) with an abutment surface (10) extending at an angle with respect to the seating surface (14). The entire light housing (1) is preferentially an injection-molded component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Sidler GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Heinz Hornung, Valère Logel
  • Patent number: 6206546
    Abstract: A light fixture for outdoor use comprises a housing defining an interior space therein and having an open end. The housing interior space is configured for containing a lamp bulb to shine a beam out of the open end of the housing, and the open end includes a sealing face. A radial groove is formed in the housing proximate the housing open end, and includes a cam surface configured to slope in an axial direction along the housing. A retention ring is configured for surrounding the housing open end and is axially movable along the housing. The retention ring includes a retention surface configured to oppose the sealing face. A lens is configured to fit over the open end of the housing to close the housing and has an outer edge positionable between the sealing face and the retention surface of the retention ring for securing the lens to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Greenlee Lighting
    Inventor: Mark J. Krogman
  • Patent number: 6186643
    Abstract: A modular ornamental luminaire assembly including a luminaire electrical chamber, an ornate cover, and an electrical assembly which is easily affixable or removable from the ornate cover. The luminaire electrical chamber houses an electrical terminal block and an electrical disconnect. The luminaire electrical chamber further includes at least one hollow support arm for supporting the luminaire's optical unit in spatial relation to the electrical components. The hollow support arm maintains and protects the electrical connection between the optical unit and electrical assembly. The electrical assembly is easily affixable to the underside of the cover and easily removable with the cover from the luminaire electrical chamber when the cover is removed from the chamber. The electrical assembly is removed by disconnecting the electrical assembly from the electrical disconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: NSI Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Lowell Ewing
  • Patent number: 6183104
    Abstract: A decorative lighting system which may be readily user-installed for surface-mounted display on a support structure includes a set of interconnectable modular component elements. The set of modular elements includes one or more pre-sized and formed light strip modules, and various other modules optionally employed as needed, including routing modules for effecting a multiple branching or angular change in course, and a power module for electrifying the lighting course. All modules are structurally suited for arrangement end-to-end, to create a continuous lightable track system which may be user-installed to follow a user determined lighting course, for example, in a manner accentuating architectural highlights. The light strip modules each includes a set electrically conductive pathways and a plurality of lights arranged along the length, variously connected in parallel across selected pairs of the set of conductive pathways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Dennis Ferrara
  • Patent number: 6183116
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in retaining a lamp in a housing include a member having a central opening, a first sidewall facing the central opening, a substantially opposing second sidewall facing away from the central opening, a front wall extending between the first and second sidewalls and a substantially opposing back wall extending between the first and second sidewalls. A plurality of spaced apart through holes passing through the member from the front wall to the back wall are provided. Each of these through holes include joined first and second openings. The first opening is located closer to the first sidewall and the second opening is located closer to the second sidewall. These members are particularly useful in combinations in which a lamp is located at least partially in a lamp housing. A member, as noted above, is provided in close proximity to the lamp face, for example, by fastener assemblies, to reduce the risk of the lamp falling from the housing, for example, during extreme storm conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: New Bedford Panoramex Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Harter, Antoine Kanaan
  • Patent number: 6183113
    Abstract: A halogen lamp assembly comprising a housing (12) having a light exit opening (14) and a halogen bulb (28) in the housing, means supporting the halogen bulb (28) so that it can slide axially in the housing (12) and spring means biasing the bulb in the direction of the light exit opening (14) by a clamping ring (18) removably attached to the forward edge (26) of the bulb for pushing the halogen bulb lamp (28) against the force of the spring means (42) into a rear position inside the housing (12), the halogen bulb (28) is pushed by said spring means (42) into a forward position by removal of the clamping ring (18) from the housing (12), wherein its front edge (26) projects out of the housing (12), a socket (30) holds the halogen bulb (28) attached to a socket clip (32), which is supported on two pins (28) so that it can slide in the axial direction of the housing; at least one pin (28) being surrounded by a helical spring means (42), which is held between a rear housing stop (40) and the rear surface of the soc
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Herbert Waldmann GmbH Co.
    Inventor: Gerhard Waldmann
  • Patent number: 6179435
    Abstract: A lighting assembly (10) which extends through the thickness of a wall (14) having a first side (16) and a second side (20) is described. The lighting assembly (10) comprises at least one light source (46) to illuminate an area on the first side (16) of said wall (14) and means being included to enable replacement of said light source from the second side (20) of said wall (14) wherein said means includes at least one duct (30) extending at least part of the way from the first side (16) of the wall (14) to the second side (20) of the wall (14); light source carrier means (50) on which said light source is mounted, said light source carrier means (50) and said light source (46) being movable through said at least one duct (30) from said second side (20) to said first side (16); moving means (80) to move said light source (46) and said carrier means (50) through said at least one duct (30); and, power supply means to said light source (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels PLC
    Inventor: Graham John Wilson
  • Patent number: 6168300
    Abstract: A retrofit luminaire assembly for mounting in an existing canopy fixture housing and methods of installing same. The retrofit luminaire assembly includes a planar panel having electrical control elements mounted to an upper surface of the panel. A lamp is received in a lamp socket mounted to the panel with a light-emitting section of the lamp extending away from a lower surface of the panel. A lens is mounted to the lower surface of the panel for enclosing the light-emitting section of the lamp. The panel preferably has a pair of oppositely directed pivot members which are adapted to engage with inwardly directed flanges of the canopy fixture housing to removably and pivotally support the panel for movement between a vertical, inoperative position and a horizontal, operative position. Methods of installing the retrofit luminaire assembly in the existing canopy fixture housing are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: LSI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry F. Fischer, Robert E. Kaeser, Mark C. Reed, James P. Sferra, James G. Vanden Eynden
  • Patent number: 6168295
    Abstract: A light fixture having a base for housing a light producing source and a flat plate disposed within the base. The plate has a well formed in it, the well having light reflecting walls. A lamp socket is located in a light reflecting bottom wall of the well. A plurality of light reflecting elements is attached to the plate and a pair of light reflecting assemblies, one on either side of the well, is fixed to the plate. Each light reflecting assembly includes a plurality of light reflecting fins affixed to the plate and projecting at an angle away from the plate. A frame having a convex lens affixed thereto is hingedly attached to the base. A light shield is fixed to the frame for reducing dispersion of unwanted light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventors: William A. Hein, Henry M. Avila, Peter C. Sara
  • Patent number: 6164802
    Abstract: A lighting fixture includes a first open end, a second end, a movable dividing plate positioned between the first and second ends, and a release mechanism. The dividing plate defines a light compartment extending from the open end to the plate and a wiring compartment extending from the plate to the second end. The release mechanism is designed to release the plate to move the plate to permit access to the wiring compartment from the first end. The lighting fixture may stacked with other lighting fixtures of the same type, with the second end of one fixture inserted into the first open end of an adjacent fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Gabriel P. Gromotka
  • Patent number: 6161951
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp including a discharge bulb which allows mounting of a lighting circuit case to a lamp body using a simple and inexpensive structure and which allows for easy removal of the lighting circuit case therefrom. Because it is disposed within the lamp body, the lighting circuit case need not have a full waterproof structure, and thus it can be formed as a simple, light-weight and inexpensive structure. The lamp body is composed of a main body having an opening and a cover for closing the opening. A mounting portion for the lighting circuit case is formed at a position closely adjacent the opening of the main body of the lamp body. As a result, the lighting circuit case can be easily removed through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing
    Inventors: Masatoshi Yoneyama, Hiroki Ikegaya, Kazuhito Iwaki, Shoichi Fukasawa
  • Patent number: 6161947
    Abstract: A light fixture assembly includes a mounting plate, a ballast housing, and an adapter ring for attaching the ballast housing to the mounting plate. The adapter ring includes an annular body having opposite upper and lower annular portions and opposite exterior and interior sides. The upper annular portion has a continuous upper annular surface located between the opposite exterior and interior sides and adapted for sealably engaging the mounting plate. The lower annular portion has a continuous lower annular surface located between the opposite exterior and interior sides and adapted for sealably engaging the ballast housing. Upper and lower exterior fastening arrangements are provided on the adapter ring for removably securing the ballast housing to the mounting plate. The upper fastening arrangement is disposed on the upper annular portion of the annular body at the exterior side thereof and spaced outwardly from the continuous upper annular surface of the annular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael J. Schinsky, Darrell F. Conrad, James J. Wojcicki
  • Patent number: 6152573
    Abstract: A light assembly has a translucent lens which is flexibly mounted to a mounting bracket containing a light source. The lens has a series of spaced-apart members located near its upper and lower edges. The members are mounted in holes in the lens and extend through both sides of the lens to form rigid protrusions. The mounting bracket is an extruded metal member with a retention joint on each end. Each retention joint has a pair of fingers which define a narrow recess with an internal lip. The width of the lens is greater than the distance between the retention joints so that the lens may be flexed into a bowed configuration. The light assembly is designed to be mounted as a sign which extends circumferencially around a structure or building. The mounting bracket is secured to the building. The lens is installed by first inserting its lower edge into the recess on the lower retention joint of the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Cary L. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6152574
    Abstract: A decorating lamp device comprises a body and a plurality of lamp sets. The body have a positioning seat and an upper cover being installed above the body. The top portion of the positioning seat projects from the top portion. A plurality of through holes with equal spaces are formed on the top cover; and a plurality of lamp sets spaced with each other are positioned on the periphery of the body. Each of the lamp set have the respective reflecting mask which is matched with the through holes of the upper cover. Each of the reflecting mask have a glass plate located thereabove and have a respective bulb seat. Each of the bulb seat is inserted with a bulb. Thereby, a container can be positioned on the decorating lamp device. The container is located on the top portion of the positioning seat and can be filled with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Jack Lin
  • Patent number: 6139169
    Abstract: A lighting louver mounting case is described for encasing and releasably mounting a lighting louver to an outdoor lighting housing. The case includes a light reflective panel receiving compartment formed by side walls of the case and by substantially transparent bottom and top cover members that enclose and substantially hermetically seal a light reflective panel. A mounting element on the case enables the case to be releasably secured to the outdoor lighting housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Ronald N. Caferro
  • Patent number: 6135613
    Abstract: A lighting fixture assembly includes a lighting fixture having a mounting member, a pair of end plates, an elongated lamp and an elongated lens, and a pair of dust covers fittable over opposite ends of the lighting fixture. Each end plate is mounted to one of the opposite end of the mounting member and is substantially comprised of a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The lamp is mounted adjacent to the mounting member and extends between the end plates and has opposite ends disposed adjacent to the end plates. The lens is mounted adjacent to the mounting member and extends between the end plates and has opposite ends disposed adjacent to the end plates. The lens together with the mounting member and end plates substantially encloses the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven W. Bodell, Stephen M. Stafford
  • Patent number: 6132065
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a roadway luminaire is provided which includes the steps of molding an upper housing from a composite material and applying a reflective substance directly to an inner surface of a domed portion of the housing to create a reflector. The luminaire further includes a lower housing hingedly attached to the upper housing which supports a lens therein and is pivotable into an open position and latched to the upper housing in a closed position. Means are provided for mounting the luminaire to a pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    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