Miscellaneous Attachments And Fittings Patents (Class 362/457)
  • Patent number: 6203169
    Abstract: A lamp assembly is provided which includes a lamp such as an arc tube sealed within a sleeve which is attached to a pair of retainer members which are coupled to a base component. The sleeve includes a circumferential groove and the retainer members include curved detents. The retainer members are attached to the sleeve by causing the detents to engage the surface of the groove and mate therewith, the two retainer members being welded together. Respective segments of the retainer members are tensioned relative to a mounting portion of the base component and attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Coushaine, Edward P. Otto
  • Patent number: 6186653
    Abstract: A courtesy light fixture for an automotive vehicle includes a housing having a base, a header wall and a supporting portion connecting the header wall to the base. The base includes a plurality of resilient clips which snap onto a support member of a door module. Resilient fingers of the base bear against the support member and urge the base inward to seat the clips against the support. The header wall mounts a lamp receptacle. A seal surrounding the receptacle engages a flange of a lens assembly on a trim panel of the door module so that a lamp in the receptacle is held in a fixed relation with the lens assembly for best illumination of the lighted area. The lens assembly is removable from the trim panel for changing the lamp without removing the trim panel from the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Zinovy Tyves, Joseph Frank Carnaghi, Gordon Leroy Cook
  • Patent number: 6152571
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable lamp which can be fitted into a wall such as the, wall of a swimming pool or other water tank the bulb of the lamp can be positioned so that it is parallel to the horizontal, or have with a downward slant, typically between about 3.degree. to about 8.degree.. The lamp can include an elbow duct for receiving electric cables to the lamp. The lamp can be directed in at least eight different angles relative to the point on the wall where these cables reach the lamp by positioning its lighting axis so that it is parallel to the horizontal, or with a downward slant, while the elbow duct for electric cables to the lamp, can be directed in eight different angles, towards the point on the wall where these cables reach the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Sacopa, S.A.
    Inventor: Robert Garrigos Ruiz
  • Patent number: 6138319
    Abstract: A device for externally covering a rear vehicle light for protection from obscuring snow or dirt is provided. The device comprises a support structure to position a transparent cylindrical cover over a rear vehicle light. The cover is rotated by an electric motor. Also affixed to the support structure are upper and lower wiper blades in contact with the surface of the cover. While the cover is rotating light diminishing dirt and slush is scraped off the cover surface by the wiper blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Robert J. Benoit
  • Patent number: 6135624
    Abstract: A mounting plate capable of mounting emergency unit fixtures or similar fixtures in an industrial environment, the mounting plate of the invention being securely attachable to a variety of support structures including horizontal and vertical wall surfaces, posts of differing cross-sectional shapes and dimensions and Unistrut components. The mounting plate is formed generally as a flat body having integral portions formed out of plane to provide particular mounting functions. The unit fixtures per se mount directly to the mounting plate through engagement of openings formed on rear walls of the unit fixtures with free legs of bayonet mounts extending from a face of the mounting plate, the plate being snap-locked in certain embodiments to the fixtures, a locking mechanism being actuated on full engagement of the bayonet mounts to positively hold the unit fixtures to the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: NSI Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Edward Masters, James Michael Lay
  • Patent number: 6116749
    Abstract: A luminaire assembly comprises a lower portion for receiving a light emitting source and an upper housing that stores the electrical components of the luminaire. The lower portion has a base portion disposed against the canopy with a latch attachment portion, a lens secured to the base portion by a hinge mechanism that permits the lens to open with respect to the base portion, and a latch connected to the base portion and having a connecting portion for connecting the base portion to the lens. The upper housing is disposed above the canopy. A bracket is attached to the base portion and extends up through the aperture in the canopy and connects to an inner wall of an apertured portion of the upper housing to secure the lower portion to the upper housing. The upper housing may have extending deck supports to support the weight of the upper housing on the ribs of the canopy. A locking cam is provided to secure the bracket to the upper housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Spaulding Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Honesto D. Quiogue, Thomas E. Kuhlmann, Norman Schuler, Chris Cicenas
  • Patent number: 6062712
    Abstract: A lighting fitting for an incandescent lighting arrangement with a pair of incandescent bulbs, includes a lampshade body and a mounting bracket. The lampshade body is formed from molding plastics, and has an upper wall that defines a central through hole, and a skirt portion that extends downwardly and divergently from the periphery defining the upper wall. The mounting bracket includes an elongated middle portion which is formed with a mounting hole aligned with the through hole, and which has a distal wide surface and a proximate wide surface relative to the upper wall, and first and second end portions which are in line with and disposed at opposite ends of the middle portion. The first and second end portions are bent to an acute angle relative to and toward the distal wide surface of the middle portion along two parallel lines which incline at a predetermined angle relative to a vertical line that crosses a longitudinal direction of the middle portion so as to form first and second anchoring surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Duan-Cheng Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6045879
    Abstract: An illuminatable decorative object made of a base of an optical material covered on at least one side with a layer of a malleable material displaying an image thereon. The invention also relates to a method of making an illuminatable decorative object by arranging a malleable material into an image bearing disk in which the image extends through the width of the disk; rolling the image bearing disk into a cane; cutting the cane into a second disk; and molding the second disk onto the surface of an optical material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Seventh Sense, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Lisiten, Geoffrey McCabe
  • Patent number: 6030095
    Abstract: A quartz halogen outdoor floodlight assembly, having an improved lamp, reflector, and housing therefor for increased adjustability and overall performance. The housing comprises a two component unit, having upper and lower separable housing members, interconnected through a quarter turn fastening system comprising at least one key extending from the lower housing member, a receiving keyway formed in the upper housing member, and a camming ramp formed internally in the upper housing member. A lens in secured to the face of the upper housing member by a sealing adhesive, which simultaneously retains a reflector within the upper housing. A lamp operatively secured within a socket disposed in the lower housing member is operatively positioned in the reflector upon assembly. The lamp preferably includes an internal reflector which aligns with the external reflector to increase longitudinal light output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Clyde R. Moore, William A. Fredrick, J. D. McIngvale, Mark T. Wedell
  • Patent number: 6000820
    Abstract: A low voltage light novelty decoration that includes a substantially hollow and decorative main portion, a generally circular-shaped base portion, and adjusting apparatus. The substantially hollow and decorative main portion has a shape that identifies a specific event and provides an optical recognition that associates the specific event in a mind of a viewer. The generally circular-shaped base portion is integrally formed and has an exposed outer surface, a substantially concealed inner surface, a center, and a centrally-disposed, inwardly-tapering, longitudinally-oriented, and generally circular-shaped throughbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Murray
  • Patent number: 6000824
    Abstract: The vehicular marker lamp constituted by integrally molding a lamp base body to which a light source is installed, a lens member coupled to a front end part of the lamp base body for controlling illumination light beam emitting from the light source and an integral hinge connecting the lens member to the lamp base body, using a mold material which is capable of forming lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobusuke Konagaya, Hiroshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5993029
    Abstract: An attachment ring for clamping a globe having a flanged neck to a lighting fixture. The attachment ring comprises an encircling member which is configured as a "C" in an open condition. The encircling member is L-shaped in cross section, the bottom of the "L" providing a ledge on which the flange of the flanged neck of the globe will come to rest. An actuator constricts the C-shaped encircling member until it is closed, thereby attaining configuration of an "O" in a closed condition. When moving to the closed condition, the encircling member frictionally engages a tubular member of the lighting fixture from the outside of the lighting fixture. Simultaneously, the ledge moves under the flange of the globe, so that the globe is constrained against falling downwardly. The actuator is operated by a manual lever, and includes a locking feature maintaining engagement of the globe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Charles F. Chambers
  • Patent number: 5967650
    Abstract: A collectible structure of delicate frangible hollow construction having a circular or other shaped opening in its rear wall is provided with a relatively axially short protective sleeve of tough composition fitting within the opening and retained therein, e. g. by frictional engagement with the opening edges. An illuminating unit having a light source for illuminating the collectible structure from its interior is placed within the sleeve with the light source disposed within the structure interior beyond the inner end of the sleeve. Attached to the unit are resilient spring supporting means therefor, preferably in the form of plural resilient outwardly-directed fingers, in engagement with an interior surface of the sleeve so that the sleeve surface bears the force of the supporting means. Preferably, the sleeve has a short arcuate segment removed from its perimeter to permit the sleeve to be compressed to fit different sized openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: William A. Laughlin
  • Patent number: 5941632
    Abstract: A roadway luminaire is provided which includes a mast mount docking sation securable to an end of a pole mast. The mast mount docking station includes a power plug electrically coupled to the power conductors. The luminaire includes a corresponding power plug which is electrically and mechanically coupled to the mast mount docking station via a twist-lock feature including mating keys and keyways in the docking station and luminaire, respectively. The luminaire includes several plug-in components such as a plug-in photoelectric cell, a plug-in starter and a capacitor pressfit into a molded cavity in the luminaire. The power plug of the luminaire is adaptable to be used with all international voltages. The twist-lock feature provides for a foolproof mechanical and electrical connection to ensure that the correctly rated luminaire is connected to the supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: Mark T. Wedell, Timothy D. Cathey, Margaret A Self, John DeCandia, Greg Marik, Thomas A. Zimmerman, Edward B. Bilson, R. W. Kauffman
  • Patent number: 5941628
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lamp-holder for decorative network light, in which a main body of lamp-holder with two pairs of T-shaped slots opposite for both T-shaped pegs of a U-shaped lug sliding in and locating to fasten the cords in. In practicing, sliding out the U-shaped lugs, then inserting the cord into the slot, final sliding back in the original position to fix the cord on the main body integrally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Chih-Chen Chang
  • Patent number: 5887802
    Abstract: A night light adaptor has threads for interchangeably receiving decorative finials and a plate mount for shielding a night light bulb from view and interchangeably receiving different artistic displays. The adaptor extends the aesthetic benefits of finials and surface-mountable materials into a night light environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Kamran Yousefzadeh
  • Patent number: 5884996
    Abstract: Disposable sterile handle covers for surgical lamps made up of a relatively thin flexible sheet bonded to and protruding through a semi-rigid resilient skirt. The skirt allows the cover to be affixed to the handle by friction alone, thus obviating the need for adhesives. The skirt also obviates the need for a baseplate on the handle and further provides insulation from the heat generated by the lamp. The cover is manufactured with a punch die which simultaneously bonds the sheet and the skirt to each other while cutting the elements into the desired shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventors: Anthony J. Cottone, Joseph R. Cottone, Sr., Thomas E. Cottone, John M. Cottone
  • Patent number: 5842780
    Abstract: A pull chain outlet box lampholder which is assembled at the factory and does not require the mating of parts of dissimilar material in the field. A body member has a recess in its rear face to accept a switch assembly. A bore in the neck of the body member receives a threaded screwshell. Fasteners extend from the screwshell to the switch assembly to assemble these parts and to clamp an annular ring in the bore between them whereby the switch assembly and the screwshell are held in assembly to each other and to the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard S. Causby, Donald C. Plaster, Jr., Rick L. Wyke
  • Patent number: 5813750
    Abstract: An indicating lamp includes a base, a lamp member with two fixed electrode pins which are respectively inserted into two pin holes in the base, and a sleeve which is sleeved on an upper end portion of the base. The lamp member is formed with an outwardly extending flange which has an upper end abutting against a shoulder of the sleeve, and a lower end abutting against an upper end of the base while leaving a lower end portion of the base outside the sleeve. The upper end portion of the base is press fitted within a uniform-inner-diameter lower end portion of the sleeve in such a manner that the upper end portion of base has at least one portion which is located within the sleeve and which has an outer diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the lower end portion of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Tien-Ming Chou
  • Patent number: 5765944
    Abstract: A lighting unit that reduces the effect of back lighting having a housing assembly containing an elongated bulb having a longitudinal axis which is horizontally aligned; a transparent and central section, the transparent portion containing the mounted bulb and having spaced apart tabs mounted on an inside surface thereof; and a sun shield attached to the housing assembly. The sun shield, which is positioned between a source of bright light independent of the housing assembly and the housing assembly, having a shield portion and a mounting portion, the mounting portion comprising a bracket portion perpendicular to the shield having a fastener receiving hole through which a fastener is passed to attach the sun shield to the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventors: Timothy Ross Fallon, Walter Keisler Tanner
  • Patent number: 5758850
    Abstract: Adaptors and devices for displaying decorative finials. The adaptors and devices of the invention include devices for engaging various table lamps and other utilitarian objects, including table lamps having clip-on lamp shades and European standard table lamps, to extend the visual benefits of decorative finials beyond the application of a single finial atop an American standard table lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Kamran Yousefzadeh
  • Patent number: 5758960
    Abstract: A joint apparatus, or joint hiding and framing assembly, secures tubular members, such as legs, to panel members. The joint is used for forming items of furniture, such as lamps, tables, aquariums, and vases. The seams between the panel members and the tubular members are decoratively hidden by the joint hiding and framing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Darren C. Rocque
  • Patent number: 5758953
    Abstract: A quartz halogen outdoor floodlight assembly, having an improved lamp, reflector, and housing therefor for increased adjustability and overall performance. The housing comprises a two component unit, having upper and lower separable housing members, interconnected through a quarter turn fastening system comprising at least one key extending from the lower housing member, a receiving keyway formed in the upper housing member, and a camming ramp formed internally in the upper housing member. A lens in secured to the face of the upper housing member by a sealing adhesive, which simultaneously retains a reflector within the upper housing. A lamp operatively secured within a socket disposed in the lower housing member is operatively positioned in the reflector upon assembly. The lamp preferably includes an internal reflector which aligns with the external reflector to increase longitudinal light output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: Clyde R. Moore, William A. Fredrick, J. D. McIngvale, Mark T. Wedell
  • Patent number: 5746508
    Abstract: A lighting fixture includes one or more corner structures for connecting adjacent panels at their adjacent corners or edges at predetermined angles to each other. The corner structures include sockets of which at least one includes a single flange member for adhering support on one side of lighting fixture panels with the other sockets each including at least a single flange member for adhering support on one side of lighting fixture panels. Adjacent ones of the sockets are attached to each other at cantilevered ends or at the bases of the flange limbs, or at combinations thereof. The corner structure can be fabricated from sheet metal by cutting and stamping the corner structure according to a predetermined pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Lite Corporation
    Inventor: Paul W. Chin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5730522
    Abstract: A lampholder mounting system includes a lampholder and a lampholder bracket. The lampholder includes a housing, electrical contacts supported by the housing and electrical conductors interconnected with the housing to the electrical contacts. The housing includes at least one stop-tab slot and at least one bend-tab slot upon an outer surface of the housing. A lampholder bracket includes a mounting plate with a receiving portion for receiving the lampholder. The receiving portion includes at least one upturned bend tab and at least one stop tab for complementing the outer surface of the lampholder housing, wherein the lampholder is snapped into the receiving portion and the at least one bend tab is bent up to lock the lampholder fixedly to the lampholder bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Rickie Wyke, Stanley S. Brenner
  • Patent number: 5711597
    Abstract: A lamp bulb securing structure which includes a set spring for urging a metal piece of a lamp bulb against a periphery member of a lamp bulb mounting hole to secure, wherein a tip end part of the set spring is hooked on an engagement member formed on the periphery member of the lamp bulb mounting opening, a part of the set spring urges against the metal piece of the lamp bulb under the condition where the tip end part is hooked on the engagement member, the tip end part is bent inward, and an end of the bent part is hooked on the engagement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayoshi Unno
  • Patent number: 5702176
    Abstract: A device for electrically connecting two modular light units respectively having free ends which include male and female double insulated connector plug means for electrically connecting the units together. The device includes an electrical cable having closed ends, male and female double insulated plug means respectively mounted on the opposite ends of the cable with the connector having a connector portion, a body portion rearward of the connector portion and being mounted on the cable end. The connector plug body includes a pair of laterally extending arms rearward of the connector portion. A removable cover is associated with each of the ends of the modular light units and at least two of the covers are associated with each of the connector plates. Those covers have removable knockout portions formed therein configured to define an opening in the cover generally complementary to the periphery of the body of the connector plug for receiving the body. The body is removably secured to its associated cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: JJI Lighting Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph D. Engle
  • Patent number: 5669703
    Abstract: A push-in bulb base for use in a bayonet-type bulb socket. The push-in base does not require turning of the bulb base to engage the retaining bayonets of the bulb base in the L-shaped retaining slot of the bulb socket. The push-in bulb base has integrally formed flexible retainers which flex inward during installation and then flex back to their normal position to engage the L-shaped retaining slots of the bulb socket. An integrally formed alignment rib prevents the bulb base from being inserted into the bulb socket in a position that would prohibit the engagement of the retainer with the L-shaped retaining slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Keith D. Wheeler, Robert Sehmer
  • Patent number: 5658066
    Abstract: Individual fixture sections of a continuous row lighting assembly are joined together with end panels of adjacent sections abutting one another. The abutting end panels include registered apertures which carry an L-shaped fastener. Each fastener includes a first leg which engages the inner face of one end panel and a second leg having a threaded aperture which carries a screw. The screw is tightened to bear against the inner face of the other end panel to secure the fixture sections together in a continuous row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Linear Lighting Corp.
    Inventor: William Hirsch
  • Patent number: 5653527
    Abstract: The power-saving lamps generally comprise a screw base with built-in electronics and a lamp body which is connected thereto, is mounted on a lamp stand and has one or more discharge lamps. The screw base (1) is designed with a prismatic body (11) which is connected in one piece to the screw part (2) and has two parallel walls (12, 13) situated opposite one another. In each case one groove (14, 15), which is directed toward the screw part (2) in an axially parallel direction from the top side opposite to the screw part (2) and has an end catch (16, 17), is located in the said parallel walls (12, 13). The lamp stand (3) is designed in the same way as the body (11) and with the same prismatic contour. It is provided with two axially parallel tabs (31, 32) which are congruent with the grooves (14, 15) and have a latching lug (33, 34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Daniel Muessli
  • Patent number: 5651603
    Abstract: An opening (3) in a reflector (2) of a vehicle headlight serves to receive a lamp (1). The lamp can be seated against a surface with three support points (4) facing a direction opposite to a mounting direction. The support points are at apexes of a triangle (30) surrounding a lamp axis (7). One of these support points corresponds to a positioning tab (8) extending radially outwardly from a lamp socket (5) which can be seated in a recess (9). A spring holding element (10) applies a force on the socket of the lamp between the positioning tab and the lamp axis in a mounting direction of the lamp as well as toward a fixing element (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Hella KG Hueck & Co.
    Inventor: Berthold Doring
  • Patent number: 5613770
    Abstract: A lighting fixture includes one or more corner structures for connecting adjacent panels at their adjacent real or virtual corners or edges at predetermined angles to each other. The corner structures include sockets of which at least one includes a single flange member for adhering support on one side of lighting fixture panels with the other sockets each including at least a single flange member for adhering support on one side of lighting fixture panels. Adjacent ones of the sockets are attached to each other at cantilevered ends or at the bases of the flange limbs, or at combinations thereof. The corner structure can be fabricated from sheet metal by cutting and stamping the corner structure according to a predetermined pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Lite Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Chin, Jr., Hsing M. Keng
  • Patent number: 5613772
    Abstract: A finial adapter is selectively fixable to the wire of a clip-on lamp shade to allow use of a finial on clip-on lamp shades. Centrally of the plate, feet automatically center the adapter into the appropriate position to attach to the wire. The adapter has a plate having an upwardly extending stud to receive the finial, and downwardly extending tabs to engage the wires on the shade. Wire spreaders separate the wires of the shade and urge the wires into locking contact with the tabs. Centrally of the plate, feet extending down to surround the washer of the clip for the shade to center the finial adapter on the shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Gerald F. Sawyer
  • Patent number: 5582475
    Abstract: A pedestal piece 20 is integrally projected from the back face of a lamp mounting apparatus body 1, and a pin 2 is integrally projected from the center of the rear face of the pedestal piece 20. The head 2B of the pin 2 is pressingly fitted into a fastener attached to a vehicle body, thereby positioning and fastening the lamp mounting apparatus body 1 to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Yagi
  • Patent number: 5577832
    Abstract: A multi-layer LED assembly which is used as a replacement light for equipment used in manufacturing environments. On each layer of the multi-layer assembly, there are multiple LEDs which are mounted perpendicular to a base. The base is used to provide electrical and mechanical connection to a socket. The LED assembly is constructed in a manner which allows the LED assembly to be inserted into a socket of a lighting fixture and then mechanical and electrical connections are provided without requiring rotation of the LED assembly. Electrical connection is by permanently attached wires between the base and the LEDs. The base is rotatable within a predetermined angular range which is sufficient to provide a proper mechanical and electrical connection without putting strain on the permanently attached electrical wires. The LED assembly may utilize multiple layers of LEDs, with each layer itself having multiple LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Pervaiz Lodhie
  • Patent number: 5568972
    Abstract: A lamp housing includes a board having a number of notches formed in the peripheral portion. The notches each includes a narrower opening portion. A number of attachment members each include a neck portion for engaging with the opening portions of the notches. Each attachment member includes an enlarged portion for engaging with the board so as to secure the attachment members to the board. The neck portions may include a cavity or a projection for engaging with the key or the recess of the board so as to prevent the attachment members from rotating relative to the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: Lyu-Shong Wang
  • Patent number: 5567046
    Abstract: A stretchable chandelier ornament string assembly provides a plurality of elongated spring elements joined by a common runner and formed from a continuous piece of flat spring material stock. The runner is attached to a chandelier frame and each of the spring elements engages a chandelier ornament string. Displacement of the spring elements generates tension in the ornament strings to maintain the ornament strings in substantial predetermined alignment. The spring assembly can be formed into a non-planar orientation by the chandelier frame to generate a variety of shapes and patterns of chandelier string attachment locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Schonbek Worldwide Lighting Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Lucas
  • Patent number: 5550724
    Abstract: A housing and cap assembly for insulating and making watertight the electrical connection between a neon tube electrode and its associated power cable in an inert gas or neon sign system having a housing member with cylinders for containing a power cable and a neon electrode integrally formed in a parallel, double back configuration within a unified structure and having an cap member through which the cable and electrode are inserted which is also coactive with the housing member to form a weatherproof, watertight seal about the electrical power cable, electrode connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: Herbert F. Moulton
  • Patent number: 5546288
    Abstract: An electrical vehicle accessory is directly mounted to an aperture in a supporting member base by providing a socket which includes a fastener which mechanically snaps the socket into the support member and, in turn, mechanically and electrically receives a plug of an electrical assembly for holding the assembly in a final installed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Kim L. Van Order, Nels R. Smith
  • Patent number: 5535109
    Abstract: A quartz halogen outdoor floodlight assembly, having an improved lamp, reflector, and housing therefor for increased adjustability and overall performance. The housing comprises a two component unit, having upper and lower separable housing members, interconnected through a quarter turn fastening system comprising at least one key extending from the lower housing member, a receiving keyway formed in the upper housing member, and a camming ramp formed internally in the upper housing member. A lens in secured to the face of the upper housing member by a sealing adhesive, which simultaneously retains a reflector within the upper housing. A lamp operatively secured within a socket disposed in the lower housing member is operatively positioned in the reflector upon assembly. The lamp preferably includes an internal reflector which aligns with the external reflector to increase longitudinal light output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: Clyde R. Moore, William A. Fredrick, J. D. McIngvale, Mark T. Wedell
  • Patent number: 5519592
    Abstract: An improved lobster measuring device comprising a pair of indicator tabs formed integral with or attachable to the front end of a flashlight and projecting forward from the front end of the flashlight and spaced apart a distance equal to the minimum legal length for lobsters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Peter M. Helms
  • Patent number: 5515252
    Abstract: A cover plate is designed for use in either wall mounting or ceiling mounting applications. The cover plate comprises a base forming a base plane for mounting said plate flush against a support surface. A main body is connected to the base and has a generally flat mounting surface disposed in the plane parallel to the base and a sloped mounting surface inclined with respect to the base plane. A pair of first mounting holes are formed in the flat mounting surface which have an axis substantially perpendicular to the base plane. A pair of second mounting holes are formed in the sloped mounting surface and have an axis disposed at an angle with respect to the base plane. In ceiling mounting applications, lighting fixtures are received in the first mounting holes. Conversely, in wall mounting applications, the lighting fixtures are received in the second mounting holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Regent Lighting Corporation
    Inventors: Mitchell M. Osteen, Suleyman O. Sumer
  • Patent number: 5497293
    Abstract: A surface illuminant device which is usable as a backlight for liquid crystal display units and does not allow a light diffusing sheet 2 or a reflecting sheet 4 to be slackened due to variations of temperature and humidity. Collars 6a and 6b of a holder 6 are disposed on surfaces of a light transmitter 1 opposed to each other so that a gap slightly larger than thickness of the light diffusing sheet 2 is formed between the collar 6a of the holder 6 and a surface of emergence 1a of the light transmitter 1, and a gap slightly larger than thickness of the reflecting sheet is formed between the surface 1b opposed to the surface of emergence 1a of the light transmitter 1 for allowing ends of the light diffusing sheet and the reflecting sheet to be freely movable within a predetermined range in the gaps, whereas the other ends of the light diffusing sheet and the reflecting sheet are fixed to the light transmitter 1 by fixing means 3, 5, 10 and 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuhisa Noguchi, Jun Tamaki
  • Patent number: 5455753
    Abstract: A plate-like support has a pair of opposite faces and is formed with a throughgoing opening. A synthetic-resin lamp holder having a longitudinally open socket is formed with a foot projecting generally perpendicularly of the socket through the opening and formed with respective longitudinally spaced front and back abutments bearing on one of the faces of the support and respective side retaining formations between the abutments. A plug engaged snugly against the other face of the support between the abutments of the foot is formed with a pair of retaining formations lookingly engageable with the formations of the foot. An electrical wire extends through the plug, through the opening, and between the abutments to the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Otto Vollmann GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Axel Vollmann, Ulrich Spintge
  • Patent number: 5452194
    Abstract: A cordless trouble light with a cage surrounding the light source comprising: a handle formed as a hollow generally cylindrical shaped member with an inboard end and an outboard end, the handle including a notch for placement of a switch, the inboard end including a light bulb socket with coupling devices, the outboard end consisting of an outlet ground plug with three prongs, an on/off switch system being positioned within the notch in the handle, three wires being operatively coupled to the switch, bulb socket, and outlet plug, the switch permitting electric flow to light source when in the on orientation; and a cage formed in a generally cylindrical configuration with a front segment and a rear segment, the rear segment being coupled to the inboard end of the handle, the front segment being rotatably affixed to the rear segment at one end, the segments being releasably coupled at the diametrically opposite edge, the segments consisting of a plurality of perpendicularly intersecting bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: John H. Phalen
  • Patent number: 5444813
    Abstract: In order to simplify mounting and rearrangement of the infra-red lamps, and to minimize the size of unheated zones, an assembly plate (1) is formed with a pattern of assembly apertures (3) having at least three-fold symmetry. The bases (2) of the lamps (6) are formed with electrical passages (4) and fastening holes (5) whose spacing is compatible with the assembly aperture pattern. The electrical terminals are formed as contact pins (17) which project perpendicular to the quartz glass tube axis, set back from the ends (8,9) thereof, and make contact with a power supply in the electrical passages (4) in the bases (2). Multiple infra-red lamps (6) can thus be mounted closely adjacent to each other on the assembly plate (1), and the mounting configuration can be changed, e.g. by 90.degree. rotation of a lamp, with minimal rewiring effort. The completed system is suitable for surface heating or drying of products passing by on a conveyor belt or other production line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Heraeus Noblelight GmbH
    Inventors: Ronald Stehling, Karl Schulke
  • Patent number: 5428519
    Abstract: An adjustment device for adjusting a moving portion of a motor vehicle headlight relative to a fixed portion, in particular a reflector relative to an intermediate part of the headlight, the device being of the type comprising a screw that includes a ball member received in a seat connected to one of the portions and a thread engaging in tapping connected to the other portion, wherein the ball seat and the tapping are respectively provided on two elements each including assembly means enabling it to be assembled to corresponding assembly means provided on said respective portions merely by relative displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Jean Salmon, Jean-Pierre Loiselet, Vincent Demarcq
  • Patent number: 5408400
    Abstract: A disposable sterile covering for the handle of a dental light or surgical light is provided for reducing the risk of contamination arising when treating patients. The sterile covering is sufficiently flexible to stretch over the entire handle of a dental light without slipping, while being sufficiently resilient to withstand gripping forces applied to its ends. One or more tear strips extend along the covering, and when the tear strips are removed, the covering will separate into two or more parts, which can then be easily removed from the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventor: Chester D. Gordon
  • Patent number: 5404286
    Abstract: A fitting adapter for standing floor lamps which include a C-shaped body having axially positioned threaded members. At the lower end of the C-shaped body there is provided a first female lower threaded member which screws into the the electrical socket of the lamp stand. A male upper threaded member of the lower end of the C-shaped body screws into the finial for holding the lamp shade therebetween. At the upper end of the C-shaped body there is provided a further female threaded portion engagable with a coupling attached to the lamp stand base. With the present invention, a lamp shade for a table lamp can be adapted to fit a standing floor lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventor: Claude M. J. Boutges
  • Patent number: 5394313
    Abstract: A lamp assembly that includes a lens with an integral bulb replacement tool. A replaceable lamp bulb will be contained within a lamp housing. The housing has an opening allowing light to emanate, that is enclosed by a removable transparent lens. Formed integrally with the lens is a tool member that, in conjunction with the lens portion operating as a handle, may be used for removal of the lamp bulb from the housing and replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Denise M. Dezelan, Edward L. Monroe