Horticultural Patents (Class 362/805)
  • Patent number: 11666006
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the radiant artificial lunar light system that contains effective elements for the growth of plants. To explain more specifically, the radiant artificial lunar light system emits lights containing the main mineral materials distributed on the oceanic region of the moon, such as Si, Ti, Fe, Mg, Ca, Na, K, P, Mn, Cr, etc. each doped with a doner by the plural PN bond-type semiconductors' photon device modules; and plural PN bond-type semiconductors' photon device modules; and plural PN bond-type semiconductors' LED modules emitting lights of certain intensity, in order to form the radiant artificial lunar light system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Inventor: Jeom Doo Kim
  • Patent number: 8998473
    Abstract: A light reflector frame has an upper wire frame and a lower wire frame each of generally rectangular form that are spaced apart and attached at an upper peripheral edge and a lower peripheral edge by a plurality of transverse brackets. At least four of the transverse brackets have a hook formed at a top end and a bottom end such that each of the hooks opens inwardly of the upper wire frame and the lower wire frame. At least one reflective panel is disposed inwardly of at least four transverse brackets to engage the hooks with a reflective surface of each reflective panel oriented inwardly of the transverse brackets. At least two pairs of opposed transverse brackets have an extended member at the top end positioned to extend upwardly over a cover of a horticultural lamp enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Terry W Anderson
  • Patent number: 8974071
    Abstract: A lighted accessory for a planter includes a flexible split ring that has first and second adjustably spaceable ends that define a ring of variable diameter. The flexible split ring has a curved cross-sectional shape and is fittable on an upper edge of a planter. A light source is mounted on the annular ring providing illumination of the planter. The lighted accessory is fittable on a range of sizes of planters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Sammie J. Sanford, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8858012
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of lighting a marine habitat for growth utilizing an LED light system. The light system includes an LED light source, a power supply for such light source and a controller for controlling the activation status and the intensity of the LED light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Orbital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Crabb, Robert C. Morrow, Jeffrey C. Emmerich, Marty Gustafson
  • Patent number: 8764215
    Abstract: A solar-powered light includes a body having an opening formed through the center from an upper side of the body to a bottom side of the body, at least one solar panel on the upper side of the body, and at least one light source on the bottom side of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Rory Colby
  • Patent number: 8579465
    Abstract: A plant growing system of the present invention includes: a first light source for irradiating red light to a plant; a second light source for irradiating far-red light to the plant; a control part that controls irradiation operations of the first light source and the second light source; and a time setting part that sets a time zone in which the control part operates the irradiation of the first light source and the second light source. The time setting part is designed such that the first light source starts red light irradiation before sunset; and the second light source starts far-red light irradiation after the red light irradiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Yamada, Masaki Ishiwata
  • Patent number: 8568009
    Abstract: A compact high-brightness LED aquarium light fixture is described for use in illuminating aquarium tanks artificial light. (18) The LED aquarium light uses a densely-packed array of high-brightness light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are not individually packaged, where the array behaves similarly to a point source of light. The LED chips are distributed laterally over an area, where the LED chips have light emitting surfaces for emitting light in directions transverse to said area, wherein the dimensions of the area do not exceed 25 mm. Adjacent chips of the array are preferably separated by less than about 0.2 mm. The extended point source LED array, with its lens and associated reflector, result in a concentrated light source that attractively illuminates the contents of the aquarium, and creates a desirable shimmering effect within the aquarium. A clamp-on, flexible gooseneck mounting arrangement allows for use with aquarium tanks of various sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Dicon Fiberoptics Inc.
    Inventors: Brian I-Yuan Chiang, Junying Jonathan Lu, Ho-Shang Lee
  • Patent number: 8523385
    Abstract: The LED grow light fixture uses a densely-packed array of high-brightness LEDs that are not individually packaged where the array behaves similarly to a point source of light. The extended point source LED array, with its lens and associated reflector, result in a concentrated, partially-collimated light source, such that the intensity of the light does not diminish rapidly as distance from the light source increases. The LED array contains a plurality of LED strings that may be separately controlled, thereby allowing the spectral content of the LED grow light to be varied, to facilitate desired plant growth at various stages of plant life. The light emitted at each of the multiple different wavelengths from the array is evenly distributed, when the objects being illuminated by the array are at a distance of less than about 6 feet or even less than 1 foot from the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: DiCon Fibêroptics Inc.
    Inventors: Junying Jonathan Lu, Brian I-Yuan Chiang, Ho-Shang Lee
  • Patent number: 8458954
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus for controlling a plant disease is provided to reliably inhibit a spore formation and a hyphal growth of a filamentous fungi, reliably induce a disease resistance, prevent a leaf scorch, and promote a growth of a plant. A UV light source repeats a light irradiation which has an irradiation pattern of combining a light irradiation, in which UV-C and UV-B and a visible light are superimposed, with a visible light irradiation alone at least twice a day. The emission of UV-B and UV-C enables the reliable inhibition of the spore formation of the filamentous fungi, for example. Its intermittent emission prevents a plant from getting too used to ultraviolet rays, promotes a generation of an antibacterial substance, for example, and prevents a leaf scorch. The continuous emission of the visible light enables a promotion of a growth of the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Yamada, Masaki Ishiwata, Akinobu Oichi, Kanetake Furihata, Takashi Omi
  • Patent number: 8454209
    Abstract: A hanging basket lighting system is disclosed. The system may include a light source and a clip device attachable to the light source providing a manner to hang the light source over a basket so as to shine unobstructed light on the contents of the basket. Additionally, the light source may be solar powered providing an energy conserving mechanism for illuminating the contents of hanging baskets at night.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Rory Gene Colby
  • Patent number: 8333487
    Abstract: A light system for growing plants indoors comprising a light source mounted on a single, two sided FR4 based PCB board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Modern Woodworks, Inc.
    Inventor: George Mekhtarian
  • Patent number: 8322011
    Abstract: A method for integrating at least one very high output (VHO) fluorescent lamp and at least one ballast within at least one fluorescent lamp fixture sealed from the growing environment is disclosed. The at least one ballast is secured within an upper fixture structure between a first cooling duct and a second cooling duct. At least one mid-plate reflector is mounted within the at least one upper fixture structure enclosing the at least one ballast thereby defining an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The at least one fluorescent lamp is installed in the lower chamber that is sealed from the growing environment by a transparent glass sheet, mounted to either or both the endplates or upper fixture structure. At least one fan is installed to the first cooling duct or the second cooling duct to provide the forced air cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Craig Hargreaves
  • Patent number: 8308332
    Abstract: A system for illuminating a sports field covered with turf. The system includes: a plurality of light arrays configured to be positioned in a spaced-apart manner under a portion of the turf and oriented to emit light upwards through the turf; and a control system for selectively controlling activation of the light arrays to provide illuminated markers on the sports field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Lyle Suhr
  • Patent number: 8299445
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lighting device for use in the control of a plant disease, which has a light source capable of emitting light containing ultraviolet ray. The light source can emit both of UV-B having a wavelength component with a wavelength of about 280 to 340 um and UV-C in which a wavelength component with a wavelength of about 255 nm or less is cut off from wavelength components with wavelengths of about 100 to 280 nm to plant in a superimposed manner. The irradiation of a plant with the UV-C and the UV-B ensures to further inhibit the spore formation or the hypha growth of a filamentous fungus that causes a disease or the like, and to induce a resistance against a disease in the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Yamada, Osamu Kuramitsu, Masaki Ishiwata
  • Patent number: 8201972
    Abstract: A decorative tree has a trunk, a plurality of double limbs and individual limbs connected to the trunk, and controlling electronics. Each double limb includes two individual limbs joined at a branch joint. Each individual limb has a plurality of flexible lamp stems and a molded branch formed around a structural rod. The lamp stem has two insulated wires, has a stiffening rod wrapped in a smooth sheath, and terminates in a molded lamp holder that supports an LED. Each lateral lamp stem connects to the molded branch at a molded branch fork and the tip lamp stem connects to an end of the stiffening rod. The controlling electronics provide an operating signal to the LED, which preferably causes the LED to sequentially emit more than one color in a repeated sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Exhart Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Isaac Weiser, Margaret Weiser
  • Patent number: 7954982
    Abstract: An air-cooled light reflector apparatus for high intensity light sources typically used in indoor horticultural and agriculture applications. The reflector apparatus includes an internal reflector fixed to a curved assembly of hinged extruded sections, a unique adjustable light source mounting fixture bracket, a double-paned insulating glass window and an insulating cover enclosing the apparatus. Forced air is provided to the apparatus for cooling the light source, while the heated air is ducted externally to minimize any rise in ambient air temperature. The double-paned insulating glass and enclosing insulating cover further minimize rise in ambient air temperature. The curvature of the internal reflector provides optimal photometric characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen B Keen
  • Patent number: 7699487
    Abstract: A telescopic light base couples decorative light fixtures to a flower pot or other similar container. The decorative light fixture may then be used to illuminate the contents of the pot. The telescopic light base has a ground-engaging pad upon which the pot rests. The weight of the pot then serves to anchor the telescopic light base in place. A telescopic pole support of variable length is coupled at a first end to the ground-engaging pad. At an end of the telescopic pole support distal to the ground-engaging pad, a pot upper rim retention arm is provided which operatively passes within the pot sidewalls. Adjacent to the pot upper rim retention arm is a lamppost connector. The telescopic pole support may be contracted to capture a pot between the ground-engaging pad and pot upper rim retention arm, and then later expanded and separated from the pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Steven R. Schafer
  • Patent number: 7559666
    Abstract: An illuminating imitation plant, comprising a stem, twigs and leaves. Said stem is made as the pattern of a real plant stem and stem light circles and light bands are arranged outside or inside the stem at intervals; the elastic supporting rod is installed in the middle of said stem and interposes pin said stem; meanwhile, the illuminant bodies are installed inside twigs on which multiple leaves are distributed; said leaves imitate the natural leaves and colors and show natural flexible patterns and are also inserted with elastic strips and with distributed light bands made of illuminant bodies and photo conducting materials. The twigs and leaves are ideally elastic and flexible especially can wobble vividly when it is breezy. They also glow more evenly and dimly and the effects of night illuming and decorating are excellent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Li Min Liu
  • Patent number: 7524090
    Abstract: A horticultural light system integrating a grow lamp and lamp ballast within a single fixture. The grow lamp is enclosed by the lower exterior structure and benefits from cooling atmosphere that is forced through the lower exterior structure to regulate the grow lamp temperature. The lamp ballast is mounted to a ballast plate above the lower exterior structure. The ballast plate shields the lamp ballast from the heated atmosphere as it rises off the top of the lower exterior structure. Stand offs or other separation means keep the ballast plate at a distance from the top of the lower exterior structure to create an air gap that thermally isolates the lamp ballast from the heat generated by the grow lamp, thereby increasing the reliability and life of the lamp ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: IP Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Craig Hargreaves
  • Patent number: 7473008
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of lighting a marine habitat for growth utilizing an LED light system. The light system includes an LED light source, a power supply for such light source and a controller for controlling the activation status and the intensity of the LED light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Orbital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Crabb, Robert C. Morrow, Jeffrey C. Emmerich, Marty Gustafson
  • Patent number: 7441915
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to an water cooled horticultural growing light and a method of using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a water cooled horticultural growing light and method wherein water flows through outer glass tubes to cool the light source which sits inside an inner chamber of the invention. This invention allows for the light source to be placed in close proximity to the plants. This invention can be used in nurseries and other growing facilities to increase productivity by allowing plants to receive increased solar rays without the damaging effects of heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventors: Levi Shouse, William Reck
  • Patent number: 7278752
    Abstract: A small light source for internally illuminating live flowers and other products is formed in the shape of a pin with a battery case operatively connected to the light source. A sharp penetrating tip surrounds the light source and is fixed to a rigid tube for manipulating the device to insert the light source within the structure of the plant. The device is of such a size that it can be supported by a plant without deformation of the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Chemical Light Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Palmer, Stephen L. Palmer, Robert N. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6921182
    Abstract: A first set of orange LEDs with a peak wavelength emission of about 612 nanometers, a second set of red light emitting LEDs with a peak wavelength of about 660 nanometers, and blue light LEDs. Two beam spreads, 15° and 30°, were provided for both the 660 nm LEDs and 612 nm LEDs. When directed perpendicularly upon tops of the plant leaves, 10% light transmission occurred through the leaves for the 30° LEDs, and 80% light transmission for the 15° LEDs. Thus, fully 50% of the orange/red spectrum primarily used for photosynthesis was transmitted through the upper leaf canopy, making it available to support photosynthesis in leaves below. LED lamps are positioned at varying distances from the growing plants for controlling plant growth rates that vary with these distances, thereby to control plant inventory, because growth of plants can be greatly slowed to preserve them during periods of slow sales.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: SolarOasis
    Inventors: William Grant Anderson, Jr., Larry Stephen Capen
  • Patent number: 6890088
    Abstract: A novel illumination apparatus that may be formed from any object of choice, such as a natural rock or the like. The apparatus is of simple construction and allows a user to easily adjust the amount of light to be emitted there from. Or the user may direct the light in a preferred direction, and optional accessories are also provided, such as the apparatus may include, a motion detector, speakers, a cup-holder, a secret compartment, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventors: Cathy D. Santa Cruz, Erik Miller
  • Publication number: 20040130895
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dynamically sensitized decorative lighting equipment wherein a plurality of lighting elements such as miniature decorative lamps or LEDs is divided in several individual groups which are hung on a structural framework and configurated into special patterns of variety of artistic contours to exhibit a unique and dynamical sensitization lighting effect by partially constantly turning on and partially alternatively glittering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Jeng-shyong Wu
  • Patent number: 6688759
    Abstract: A plant growth-enhancing lamp device for enhancing the growth of indoor grown plants. The plant growth-enhancing lamp device includes a chandelier structure including a bracket member for mounting the chandelier structure to a wall structure, and also including an elongate tubular member being attached to the bracket member, and further including a housing member being attached to the elongate tubular member, and also including a plurality of branch members being hingedly attached to the housing member, and further including a plurality of light-emitting members being attached to the housing member and to the branch members, and also including a power cord being connected to the light-emitting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew Hadjimichael
  • Publication number: 20030086257
    Abstract: A portable reading light device utilizing an LEDs as the source of light mounted in a housing having a single lens through which light from the LEDs is projected, the power to the LEDs being controlled by Pulse Width Modulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Robert A. Lehrer
  • Patent number: 6554450
    Abstract: An artificial lighting apparatus for young plants that includes at least one electric track and a plurality of lamps. The lamps are detachably mounted on the electric track. Each of the lamps includes a box and a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on the box. The electric track supplies the lamps with power to light the light emitting diodes. The driver provides the controlling capability on light quantity, quality, frequency and duty ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventors: Wei Fang, Rueychi Jao, Den Hua Lee
  • Patent number: 6474838
    Abstract: An artificial lighting apparatus for young plants that includes at least one electric track and a plurality of lamps. The lamps are detachably mounted on the electric track. Each of the lamps includes a plurality of first light emitting diodes, a plurality of second light emitting diodes and a mounting box. The first and second light emitting diodes are alternately arranged. The electric track supplies the lamps with power to light the first and second light emitting diodes. The driver provides the controlling capability on light quantity, quality, frequency and duty ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventors: Wei Fang, Rueychi Jao, Den Hua Lee
  • Publication number: 20010048598
    Abstract: An artificial lighting apparatus for young plants that includes at least one electric track and a plurality of lamps. The lamps are detachably mounted on the electric track. Each of the lamps includes a plurality of first light emitting diodes, a plurality of second light emitting diodes and a mounting box. The first and second light emitting diodes are alternately arranged. The electric track supplies the lamps with power to light the first and second light emitting diodes. The driver provides the controlling capability on light quantity, quality, frequency and duty ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Wei Fang, Rueychi Jao, Den Hua Lee
  • Patent number: 6250770
    Abstract: A planter and light assembly for providing light from a suspended planter. The planter and light assembly includes a planter. The planter comprises a generally hollow housing having an open top side and an open bottom side. The planter has a top edge, a bottom edge and a peripheral wall, which is integrally coupled with and extends between the top and bottom edges. A dividing wall divides the planter into a top portion and a bottom portion. The dividing wall extends across an interior portion of the planter. A light socket for receiving a light bulb is fixedly coupled to a bottom side of the dividing wall. A hanging means hangs the planter from the ceiling, post or other elevated structure. A power supply is operationally coupled to the light socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventors: Frederick L. Countryman, Belva M. Countryman
  • Patent number: 6217198
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for converting a hollow receptacle into an electric lamp are disclosed. The receptacle may be converted into a lamp on its own, or may be further filled with an artificial or live plant. In a preferred embodiment, the lamp fixture of the present invention comprises a central section a plurality of resilient spokes extending from the central section in a lamp apparatus connected to the base. The base is inserted into the receptacle and the spokes engage one or more wall portions of the receptacle in order to secure the base. Preferably, additional wall bands are supplied in order to enhance the frictional engagement of the spokes with the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Paul Midiri, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6168290
    Abstract: An outdoor lighting device composed of suitable natural rock wherein the rock itself provides a suitable housing for a light source, and the rock is also used to function as a reflector-diffuser to provide a “soft” light for illuminating outdoor gardens, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Carl Christiansen
  • Patent number: 6042250
    Abstract: A horticulture lighting system reflector hood having a plurality of reflective flutes formed at the intersections of essentially identical side panels and corner panels to reflect radiation emitted from the focal point of the reflector hood downwardly in a way that provides a highly uniform pattern of radiation. Light sources within the reflector hood may be easily changed between several different types of commercially available bulbs without sacrificing the uniformity or desired level of illumination of the exposed plant area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Steven Vincent Stragnola
  • Patent number: 6017142
    Abstract: A decorative fiber optic tree formed of a plurality of light conducting optical fibers, each having a first end and a second end. The fiber optic tree includes a base unit having an interior chamber to house a light source. The light source is arranged to produce light that is directed through an opening on an upper surface of the base unit. An elongated and perforated center tube may be included having a top end and a bottom end, and is substantially vertically oriented. The center tube, which is removeably mounted on the base unit, is positioned at least in part over the opening in the upper surface of the base. The optical fibers are disposed partially within the center tube with the first end of each fiber located near the bottom end of the center tube and suitably positioned to enable light from the light source passing through the opening to be coupled into each respective optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventor: Wilson Harris, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5951154
    Abstract: A lighted planter includes a lighting assembly removably supported on the upper rim of a planter box. The planter box is sized to contain a flower or plant pot. The lighting assembly provides nested inner and outer frames, separated by an array of stained glass panels, defining a channel containing a wrap-around lighting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventors: Judith M Carel, Robert B. Siperly
  • Patent number: 5946852
    Abstract: A system for simulating the lighting cycle of the sun comprising: means for obtaining a set of inflection points on a solar lighting cycle and obtaining the annual minimum sunlight value for a location at a predetermined latitude; means for reconstructing the daily and yearly solar cycle based about said set of inflection point and said minimum yearly value; means for determining the lighting period based upon said daily and yearly cycles; and means for activating a lighting device for the determined lighting period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Glentronics, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Oram, Alan M Schulman
  • Patent number: 5879071
    Abstract: A lighted planter includes a container having a bottom and side walls and an opening formed by the walls and spaced from the bottom wall. The side walls include a generally horizontally extending edge portion adjacent the opening and a light source integral with the edge portion providing upwardly projecting illumination to directly light a plant planted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Sammie J. Sanford, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5806966
    Abstract: A grate body contains a plurality of open slot areas receiving translucent inserts, and a lighting unit is arranged below the grate for illuminating the inserts. The lighting unit includes a sealed hollow housing having a transparent upper surface, and at least one lighting device mounted in the housing. The housing electrically insulates the components contained therein while allowing sufficient heat transfer to cool the neon tube. A circular grate embodiment is also disclosed having a lighting unit contained therein for illuminating the circumference of the grate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: McKinley Tree Grate Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Judith M. Crowder, DeAnn McKinley
  • Patent number: 5803594
    Abstract: A method for enhancing the appearance of landscape lighting, includes providing a shell having a size and shape adapted to cover an outdoor light fixture of predetermined size. The is composed at least partially of a translucent material and it has an exterior with a stone-like appearance. The method proceeds by covering the outdoor light fixture with the shell in order to conceal the outdoor light fixture with a decorative cover while still enabling light to pass outwardly through the shell. In line with the above method, an outdoor light accessory for enhancing the appearance of landscape lighting, includes a shell of translucent material having a size and shape and stone-like appearance as described above. One embodiment of the shell is composed of a translucent polystyrene material molded in a desired configuration to include three flanges through which plastic ground stakes can be driven to secure the shell in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventors: Linda L. Fredrickson, Ann Hoch
  • Patent number: 5741061
    Abstract: A planter which includes at least one light source such that light emitted by the light source may illuminate a plant contained within the planter and also illuminates the floor on which the planter rests. The light illuminating the plant is directed at an upward angle to efficiently illuminate the plant in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventors: Roger W. Lehmann, Michael I. Satten
  • Patent number: 5725297
    Abstract: A grate having at least one open slot area includes a translucent insert arranged in the open area and an electroluminescent lighting strip directing light through the translucent insert, thereby decoratively lighting the open area. The translucent insert, electroluminescent lighting strip, and various electrical connections are contained in a housing resiliently mounted beneath the grate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: McKinley Tree Grate Co., Inc
    Inventors: Judith M. Crowder, DeAnn McKinley
  • Patent number: 5641223
    Abstract: A compact portable horticultural lamp that is easily assembled and disassembled. The lamp consists of a stand, lamp assembly, including a lamp housing and reflector shade, and a lamp assembly adjuster for raising and lowering the lamp assembly. The base of the stand forms an area in which a plant growth environment can be placed. The plant growth environment suitably includes seeds, a growing medium, plant containers, and a watering system, including a water reservoir and wicking mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Tetrad, Inc.
    Inventor: Susan K. Rustebakke
  • Patent number: 5406466
    Abstract: A garden light in which the base is a segment of natural bamboo, the globe surrounding the incandescent lamp is a transparent food jar, and the shade includes an inverted rice bowl and an inverted wooden salad plate both of which are cemented to the bottom flange of the food jar. The lamp is mounted in a garden by burying or driving its butt into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Dana A. Stokes
  • Patent number: 5331527
    Abstract: A garden light in which the base is a segment of natural bamboo, the globe surrounding the incandescent lamp is a transparent food jar, and the shade includes an inverted rice bowl and an inverted wooden salad plate both of which are cemented to the bottom flange of the food jar. The lamp is mounted in a garden by burying or driving its butt into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Dana A. Stokes
  • Patent number: 5232855
    Abstract: The present invention provides an axenic mass culture apparatus comprising a light source for illuminating an entire surface of a culture liquid in a culture tank. According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve a light-illuminating type high-speed axenic mass culture of biotic cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: National Institute for Environmental Studies
    Inventors: Masataka Watanabe, Kunio Kohata
  • Patent number: 5226721
    Abstract: A garden light in which the base is a segment of natural bamboo, the globe surrounding the incandescent lamp is a transparent food jar, and the shade includes an inverted rice bowl and an inverted wooden salad plate both of which are cemented to the bottom flange of the food jar. The lamp is mounted in a garden by burying or driving its butt into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Inventor: Dana A. Stokes
  • Patent number: 5199784
    Abstract: A series of compact, interchangeable, sloping heat exchangers (22), (48, (54), and (58) which when combined with various floodlight fixtures eliminate radiated heat from the floodlight fixture, in combination with drip accumulators (44) which collect condensed water from the atmosphere that collects on the cooling surfaces of heat exchangers (22) (48), (54) and (58). Drip accumulator nozzles (46) discharge the condensed water to a desired location and prevent water damage from occurring to vulnerable floodlight fixture components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Inventor: Charles R. Hempleman
  • Patent number: 5178450
    Abstract: A selectively illuminated jar which truly exemplifies the happy mood associated with sunshine by operation of an illumination system within the jar. A clear plastic jar is connected at its top with screw-on cap. An illumination system located at the top of the jar includes a substantially semicircular lens which simulates a sun-like surface. Within the lens is a light bulb, a battery and a switch which selectively electrically connects the battery with the light bulb as the cap is screwed on with respect to the jar. Optionally, the bottom of the jar may have a reflective surface to increment the lighting effect of the jar. Further, the bottom portion of the jar may include a cup upon which selected writing may be placed, such as "Sunshine in a Jar". Alternatively, the writing may be placed directly upon the jar itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Inventors: Marilyn E. Zelensky, Brian E. Zelensky
  • Patent number: 5162051
    Abstract: A photobioreactor for the cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms is disclosed wherein a plurality of baffles are mounted in the photobioreactor tank forming hollow cavities which enable the insertion of light sources through openings in the tank wall. The baffles shield the light sources housed therein from the liquid photosynthetic culture contained in the tank thus facilitating electrical connections with the light sources and the maintenance thereof as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Martek Corporation
    Inventor: Scot D. Hoeksema