Abstract: A microwave oven is provided which can prolong a lifetime of the oven's lamp by elimination of heat resistant tape fitted to the lighting window, and by optimizing cooling of the lamp. A ventilation structure of the microwave oven includes an air inlet, which also functions as a lighting window, located in one side of the upper surface of the cooking cavity, with the lamp mounted proximate thereto. The ventilation structure includes a ventilation motor and an air duct where the air duct guides cooling air past the lamp and into the cooking space through the air inlet.

Abstract: A modular light is provided. The light has a housing having a first mating member. The first mating member is removably connectable to a second mating member of a light pod. The removable light pod has an illumination device, an independent internal power source located therein, and a manual switch electrically connected to the internal power source to control illumination of the illumination device.

Abstract: The invention describes an interior luminaire, in particular for the illumination of merchandise display surfaces, having a transparent luminaire shade (2) and an optical system (5, 6) with a light-emitting means (5), which is characterized in that the optical system (5, 6) is positioned in a light-emitting means space (3) provided above the luminaire shade (2) and radiates light into the luminaire shade through a light entry opening (2a) on the upper side thereof; and that an inwardly projecting, diffusely reflecting flange (9), which reflects at least a portion of the emerging light back into the luminaire shade (2), is provided at the lower rim of the luminaire shade (2).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a Showcase which is capable of enlarging a good housing space and which is provided with a lighting system that can be easily maintained, and the Showcase constitutes in a heat insulating wall a storeroom for displaying goods and provides a flat fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: A light assembly for mounting on the exterior of a vehicle such as a taillight, a stop light, or a turn signal is provided with a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's). These have distinct advantages over incandescent bulbs for longer life and reduced power. They have the disadvantage that they are so energy efficient that they do not heat up the external lens enough to melt snow and ice thereon. The invention overcomes this problem by providing an electrical heater in the assembly that is actuated by a thermal switch that is closed only when the temperature is below a preset value.

Abstract: A lighting system for low temperature environments includes a plurality of light emitting diodes attached to a support member mounted within a refrigeration unit or the like for illuminating contents thereof. A reflector is disclosed adjacent to the light emitting diodes for dispersing the light therefrom. A light transmitting cover overlies the light emitting diodes, and preferably includes non-planar surfaces for dispersing light onto objects within the refrigeration unit. A power supply converts alternating current voltage to a lower direct current voltage for powering the light emitting diodes in a safe manner.

Abstract: A lighting system for cold environments which comprises a source of DC voltage, a high-frequency, square-wave alternating current generator connected to the source of DC voltage, and one or more fluorescent lamps non-thermionically connected to the square-wave alternating current voltage generator.

Abstract: A barbecue is illuminated by a light integrated into a shelf. The shelf may be hinged so that it folds into the barbecue for storage. A barbecue as is known in the art has an enclosing lid or cover. The shelves provide flat surfaces upon which food, plates, or other items may be supported. This provides additional work space to the chef. The shelves may be stationary or may fold into the barbecue. One of the shelves may have a lamp that articulates upwardly to illuminate the grill in times of insufficient light. The lamp also conforms to an exterior-interior circumference or perimeter of one of the shelves in order to provide convenient and unobtrusive means by which illumination can be provided when needed.

Abstract: The illumination body (1) according to the invention consists of a U-shaped rod profile (16) which on the open side is provided with a transparent covering (20) and in which in a tight packing behind one another there are inserted several modules (3). The modules (3) consist of a plastic housing (4) with a base plate (5) on which carrier webs (6) are formed. The carrier webs (6) define rest surfaces which are inclined to one another and on which the circuitboard strips (7) lie. On the circuitboard strips (7) there are arranged a multitude of LEDs in series behind one another. The LEDs (2) have an angle of irradiation (&bgr;). Preferably the angle of irradiation (&bgr;) and the inclination (&agr;) of two neighboring circuitboard strips to one another correspond to one another.

Abstract: A refrigerated display case and process of illuminating the case is provided. The display case has a support mullion (22) positioned in proximity to a glass door. A fluorescent lamp (34) is located within a lateral opening along either side of the support mullion (22). A diffusing lens (32) is positioned within the lateral opening, opposite the lamps, scattering the light as it passes through from the side of the mullion and through the diffusing lens (32). The glass door provides a reflective surface which reflects a substantial portion of the scattered light towards the interior space of the display case.

Abstract: A mullion assembly for a refrigerator quick chill pan is provided. The mullion assembly includes a base comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, a first light element coupled to said base for producing light above said top surface, and a second light element coupled to said base for producing light below said bottom surface.

Abstract: A storage compartment is equipped with a light emitting diode (LED) light source for illuminating contents inside the compartment. The LED light source includes a LED light engine outside the compartment and a light guide inside the compartment. The light guide is optically coupled to be LED light engine to bring light from the LED light engine into the compartment for providing illumination inside the compartment. The LED light engine may include red, green, and blue LEDs that contribute to the illumination inside the compartment. Respective outputs of the red, green, and blue LEDs may be separately controllable to allow a variably controlled color point of illumination inside the compartment. Total output of the LED light engine may be controllable to vary intensity of illumination inside the compartment.

Abstract: A luminous device includes one or more line-shaped luminous units each including an elongated light guide, one or more light sources, and a reflective layer. The light guide has a generally flat luminous surface for emitting light and another surface disposed away from the luminous surface. The light source serves to provide light into the light guide. The reflective layer is disposed on the above-mentioned another surface of the light guide. The light guide may have a ring shape. Since the luminous device produces a continuous line-shaped luminous image, e.g., a ring-shaped luminous image, it may be used for clearly indicating a heating range of an induction heating cooker.

Abstract: The present invention provides a halogen lamp coupling structure for an electric heater allowing a fitting plate 2 of a halogen lamp 1 to be fitted into and coupled with a lamp fixing recess 150 of a base 6 serving as an insulation block. The halogen lamp coupling structure comprises a strap coupling type of elastic fixing member 100 having a fixing strap 120 fixed to the halogen lamp 1 to surround the halogen lamp 1 and an auxiliary fixing strap 130 supported by an inner wall of the lamp fixing recess 150 of the base 6. The fixing strap 120 and the auxiliary fixing strap 130 are connected with each other in a vertical direction by a bent piece 140. The base 6 serving as the insulation block is formed with the lamp fixing recess 150 which takes the shape of an elliptical recess and accommodates the elastic fixing member 100 therein and of which the bottom is provided with a fitting contact member 160 for causing a lamp terminal 3 of the halogen lamp 1 to be fitted into an elongated hole 162.

Abstract: A light column assembly including a hollow tube, a first endcap, a first optical lighting film, a second optical lighting film, and at least one light source is provided. The hollow tube includes a rear wall having an inner surface, a front wall extending opposite the rear wall, a first end, and a second end. The tube front wall also has an inner surface. The first endcap is coupled to the tube first end and includes a reflective inner surface. The first optical lighting film overlies the tube rear wall. The second optical lighting film overlies the tube front wall. The light source is coupled to the tube second end and positioned to direct a light beam having a predetermined beam spread angle toward the first endcap such that the light source light is substantially evenly emitted from the tube through the tube front wall.

Abstract: An oven light assembly includes a lens, a housing, a lamp base and a light bulb. The lens and housing protect the light bulb from the oven environment. The housing includes a rim having cantilever beams and louvers that engage flanged lips on an outer edge of the lens. Cantilever beams apply an upward force to maintain the flanged lips in the louvers. The housing maintains the lens properly positioned and allows removal of the lens without the use of tools.

Abstract: A display case lighting system having a lens positioned inside a display case adjacent a light source inside the case for directing light across a viewing plane within the case and reducing contrasting illumination of items displayed within the viewing plane.

Abstract: A display case lighting system having a lens positioned inside a display case adjacent a light source inside the case for directing light across a viewing plane within the case and reducing contrasting illumination of items displayed within the viewing plane.

Abstract: The illumination body (1) according to the invention consists of a U-shaped rod profile (16) which on the open side is provided with a transparent covering (20) and in which in a tight packing behind one another there are inserted several modules (3). The modules (3) consist of a plastic housing (4) with a base plate (5) on which carrier webs (6) are formed. The carrier webs (6) define rest surfaces which are inclined to one another and on which the circuitboard strips (7) lie. On the circuitboard strips (7) there are arranged a multitude of LEDs in series behind one another. The LEDs (2) have an angle of irradiation (&bgr;). Preferably the angle of irradiation (&bgr;) and the inclination (&agr;) of two neighboring circuitboard strips to one another correspond to one another.

Abstract: An appliance, such as an oven, including a cavity adapted to receive food items has an open frontal portion which can be closed off by means of a pivotable door. The door is provided with a transparent zone which enables viewing of the cavity when the door is closed. Mounted within the door is a lighting device which can be used to selectively illuminate the cavity. Preferably, the transparent zone is defined by a window pack assembly including a pair of spaced first and second transparent panels between which is arranged the lighting device such that the lighting device illuminates the cavity through one of the transparent panels. Wires are directed to the lighting device through the door, while entering a cabinet of the appliance adjacent a hinge axis area associated with the door.

Abstract: An electric heating element (4) designed for heating a fluorescent lamp (2) of an illuminating device for a display is arranged on a printed circuit board (5) at only a small spacing from the flourescent lamp (2). As a result, the fluorescent lamp (2) can be specifically heated in the predetermined regions, the production being simplified at the same time. At the same time, the mounting of the heating element (4) can be performed independently of the flourescent lamp (2), and an adaptation to fluorescent lamps (2) of arbitrary configuration can be undertaken without difficulty.

Abstract: Provided are lamp systems, such as ultraviolet light curing systems, having lamp modules, components of such lamp modules, and methods of manufacturing such components and of using such lamp systems. Each lamp module includes a housing for, e.g., a row of lamps, formed of parts formed by extrusion and having end plates on the extrusion parts. The extrusion parts provide supports for replaceable or changeable quartz plates, replaceable or changeable chill beds and/or heat shields, and replaceable or changeable lamps. The extrusion parts also form air intake and air exhaust structures for cooling the lamp modules; and vanes are provided in the air intake structure, and sinusoidal surfaces are provided at the inlet to and outlet from the housing for material to be treated (e.g., a web having a coating thereon), to act as light traps to at least reduce light leakage from the housing.

Abstract: A light source for illuminating an area includes a cold cathode light source, and input and an output, and a converter coupled to the light source. The converter changes the current from an input alternating current supply to a lamp alternating current supply suitable for operating the lamp, for example from utility line voltage and current and changing it to an oscillating direct current supply. A display case such as a refrigeration unit may include an alternating current supply and a light source for illuminating an area within the display case. A current converter is coupled between the alternating current supply and the light source for changing the current from the supply at one voltage and frequency to a second voltage and a second frequency. In one preferred form, the light source is a cold cathode lamp at about 8500 Kelvin to include more blue light.

Abstract: A display case lighting system having a lens positioned inside a display came adjacent a light source inside the case for directing light across a viewing plane within the case and reducing contrasting illumination of items displayed within the viewing plane.

Abstract: A barbecue grill includes a light mounted on the hood of the grill to illuminate not only the grilling area, but also storage areas located below or beside the grill. One storage area can include a glass front so that food stored in this storage area can be illuminated by the light. The light can be mounted on the grill hood handle or it can be clipped directly to the hood. The light can also be part of a replaceable handle assembly for use on existing grills. The light is preferable one that will not attract insects and can be a battery powered fluorescent light or a neon light that can be also added for decoration.

Abstract: A display case lighting system having a lens positioned inside a display case adjacent a light source inside the case for directing light across a viewing plane within the case and reducing contrasting illumination of items displayed within the viewing plane.

Abstract: A combined electroluminescent plug-in night light incorporates an air freshener in a single unit. The unit plugs into a standard wall outlet and provides a continuous, low wattage light source and the desired air freshening. It includes a low operating temperature, is highly energy efficient, and the compact, space saving design are desirable features.

Abstract: A combination bath fan, register box, air conditioning and heating boot requires one opening on the wall or the ceiling of the bathroom, thus reducing the installation and maintenance costs associated with the ventilation of the bathroom. The combination includes a trim kit or assembly which is adapted to be fitted into a rough-in kit or assembly. The rough-in kit or assembly, typically mounted onto a building stud during the early phases of the building construction, has an air outlet which is connected to the outside air and an Inlet for receiving conditioned air to be distributed within a confined space. The trim assembly or kit is installed in the rough-in assembly. Louvers are provided around the perimeter of the face plate of the trim assembly to dispense conditioned air from the air inlet to the confined space with the appropriate air gradient. Air flow through the louvers is controlled using one or more slidable dampers mounted above the louvers.

Abstract: A refrigerator capable of being internally illuminated wherein the illumination is provided by an edge-lit panel of a substantially transparent material having two opposed surfaces of which at least one is within the refrigerator and on which a matrix of dots is applied so as to produce a light piping effect internally in to the refrigerator and wherein the light source of the edge-lit panel is located within the enclosed space of the refrigerator. One or more edge-lit panels may be used, which may be shelf of the refrigerator, or its side panels, back panel or roof panel. The edge-lit panel may be form from a transparent acrylic sheet, preferably containing an optical brightner. Protective transparent or translucent layer and a light diffuser may be applied to the surface carrying the matrix of dots.

Abstract: An air duct in a multi-purpose microwave oven is disclosed, which prevents an oven lamp from being overheated. The air duct in a multi-purpose microwave oven includes a main body having an air inlet and an air outlet to communicate a cooking chamber with a component chamber, a partition provided on an inner space of the main body to guide air flow into a first path located at the air inlet and a second path communicated with the cooking chamber, an air discharge opening formed on a wall on the first path to communicate with the outside, an oven lamp provided in the first path, and a closing device provided between the first path and the second path, for selectively blocking air flow into the second path so that air flown into the main body is selectively discharged through the air outlet or the air discharge opening.

Abstract: A lighting system is provided which is utilized in lower temperature environments, such as refrigeration units and the like which uses specially constructed neon tubes to reduce the size of the lighting system while emitting sufficient white light to adequately light the refrigeration unit. The process of manufacturing the neon tube includes attaching electrodes to open ends of a glass tube having in interior phosphate coating. Current is applied until the glass tube is raised to a predetermined temperature, and the contents of the tube are evacuated. Cleaning gas is injected into the glass tube and the glass tube is again evacuated. The glass tube is then filled with mercury and a neon and argon gas mixture and sealed. The resulting white light-emitting neon tubes, which have a diameter of six to eight millimeters, are positioned within an elongated cavity of a frame of the lighting system.

Abstract: A handle assembly mountable to a barbecue lid and which includes an integral light positioned to shine upon the cooking surface of the barbecue when the barbecue lid has been so positioned as to expose the cooking surface.

Abstract: A lamp shade heater device for providing a heating source on a lamp shade. The lamp shade heater device includes a lamp shade with open top and bottom ends, and an inner surface defining an inner space. The lamp shade has a support frame designed for mounting the lamp shade on a lamp. A fan with an impeller is provided in the inner space of the lamp shade. A coiled heating element is coupled to the inner surface of the lamp shade.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a barbecue grill including a common gas supply, a grill pit, a grilling surface, and grill control means for regulating a flow of gas from the gas supply, the lighting apparatus including: a lighting enclosure including: a mounting bracket secured within the grill pit and extending outwardly therefrom, and, substantially transparent front closure means for sufficiently sealing a front of the lighting enclosure; and, lighting means positioned within the lighting enclosure and being responsive to the grill control means for illuminating the grilling surface.

Abstract: A barbecue grill having a cooking surface and a retractable light mounted to an upper portion of the lower grill housing and moveable between a first operable position and a second stored position. In the operable position the light is oriented to illuminate the cooking surface of the grill. In the stored position, the top surface of the light is substantially aligned with the cooking surface and the top surface of an auxiliary shelf attached to the grill. The light may also be supplied separately for retrofit on any existing grill.

Abstract: A see through refrigerator door construction 10 for use on both the freezer section 102 and the refrigerator section 103 of a refrigerator 100. The door construction 10 includes a framework member 20 having an outer transparent pane 22 and an inner two way mirror pane 24 which is surrounded by an illumination unit 12 for projecting light into the interior of the refrigerator 100 to render the two way mirror pane 24 transparent in response to the actuation of a pressure switch 40.

Abstract: A lighting fixture comprises a housing, an induction lamp inside the housing, a lens disposed to direct light away from the housing in a light pattern, and a light reflector inside the housing which reflects light in cooperation with the lens. The light pattern produced by the lighting fixture has a substantially uniform lateral illumination at a given radial distance from the center of the lens. The lighting fixture also provides a high level of directional illumination in the vertical direction when mounted to a ceiling. The lighting fixture can be surface or recess mounted. The lighting fixture can comprise a tee electrical conduit to allow through feed wiring from one fixture to another fixture. The lighting fixture is particularly suitable for use in conventional walk-in coolers and freezers used in supermarkets.

Abstract: A lighting fixture has (i) a base, (ii) a support on the base, the support electrically connecting to the fixture, (iii) a light-transmitting cover, removably supported by the base, (iv) end caps covering the open ends of the base, and (v) means for securing the end caps to the base so that the cover can be removed from the base without removing the end caps. This provides easy access to a light for replacement of the light without the need for any tools.

Abstract: A grill has horizontal shelves attached to its sidewalls for holding charcoal vertically along the sidewall in different compartments. Compartments are selected for cooking according to the amount of heat required and the size and configuration of the food. A mesh framework with screens attached hold the coals in position. Cooking progress is viewed through a window and a transparent dome cover. The positioning of the coals relative to the food allows cooking from all sides speed cooking. Cooking racks of various shapes accommodate all foods.

Abstract: A ballast can having at least one of an opening which faces in a direction other than toward the rear of the refrigeration unit in which it is mounted and a ballast mounted on the can's cover. The ballast can may include resilient members for attaching the can to a refrigeration unit frame.

Abstract: The illuminating sleeve has at least one fastening tongue which is extended towards its front collar portion, so as to pass through the aperture in the fixed wall to which the illuminating sleeve is fastened.

Abstract: Multiple lens component (10,110) includes a transverse body section (12,112) for mounting along a front panel surface and defining a plurality of lens sites (14;114,116). Each lens site includes a rear projection (16;124,126,128,130) extending rearwardly from the body section to extend through a corresponding panel aperture (18;120,122) and define a light transmission path to the lens site from rearwardly of the panel (20,118). The component includes panel-mounting latches (30,132) on the rear projections, and further includes additional latches (32,134) enabling mounting thereto of a lamp assembly (28).

Abstract: A combination bath fan, register box, air conditioning and heating boot requires one opening on the wall or the ceiling of the bathroom, thus reducing the installation and maintenance costs associated with the ventilation of the bathroom. The combination includes a trim kit or assembly which is adapted to be fitted into a rough-in kit or assembly. The rough-in kit or assembly, typically mounted onto a building stud during the early phases of the building construction, has an air outlet which is connected to the outside air and an inlet for receiving conditioned air to be distributed within a confined space. The trim assembly or kit is installed in the rough-in assembly. Louvers are provided around the perimeter of the face plate of the trim assembly to dispense conditioned air from the air inlet to the confined space with the appropriate air gradient. Air flow through the louvers is controlled using one or more slidable dampers mounted above the louvers.

Abstract: A microwave powered ultraviolet and/or visible light producing system comprising a housing defining a microwave cavity having a volume Vo, an inlet and exhaust ports which communicate with the microwave cavity. Disposed within the microwave cavity and uniformly distributed therewithin are a number N of ultraviolet and/or visible light producing lamps, each of which has an inner diameter D, a length L, and a nominal power p. Communicating with the microwave cavity is a microwave magnetron generator having a microwave power P and producing microwaves having a wavelength .lambda.. Electrically connected to the generator is a power supply. The optimal operating condition for the system to maximize the ultraviolet and/or visible light output and longevity of the lamps and minimize system power consumption is governed by the relationships:Vo.gtoreq.V min 1 wherein V min 1=8 .pi..lambda..sup.3 /3;Vo.gtoreq.V min 2 wherein V min 2=.pi.(D+1).sup.

Abstract: A portable electric heater which can be used with different power supplies and can also be used as a lamp. The heater includes a compact housing having a top panel and a bottom panel and at least two removable heating elements mounted within the housing. The heater may be connected to different electrical power supplies having different voltages. A switch is provided to connect one or the other of the two heating elements to the electrical power supply, depending on the voltage of the power supply. An adjustable thermostat is provided to turn off the heating elements to prevent the heater from overheating. The heating elements may be light bulbs in which case the heater also includes a sliding door which may be opened in order to use the heater as a lamp.

Abstract: A refrigerator door handle carries a contact sensor which, when touched by user, causes an interior lamp of the refrigerator to be illuminated. Thereafter, the illumination of the lamp is controlled by a conventional switch which senses when the door is open or closed, whereby the lamp remains on until the door is sensed to be closed.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp lighting control apparatus and method for use in a refrigerator is provided. Here, power is supplied according to opening of a refrigerator door and a fluorescent lamp is preheated for a predetermined time and is turned on by a counter-electromotive force supplied from a stabilizer after being preheated. The fluorescent lamp lighting control apparatus detects whether or not said fluorescent lamp is lit up, and repeats the lighting operation until said fluorescent lamp is lit up when it is detected that said fluorescent lamp is not lit up. Accordingly, the lighting operation of a fluorescent lamp installed in a refrigerator is secured.

Abstract: A lamp (34) for a refrigerator or freezer cabinet is located forwardly and above a horizontal edge (38) of an access opening (16) to a storage space (12) for goods in the cabinet. The lamp (34) illuminates the space (12) through the access opening by means of a reflector (36). The reflector (36) includes a cylindrical part (52) having a semi-elliptical cross-sectional shape. A concave side of the cylindrical part (52) faces the access opening (16). The lamp has a filament (42) which shines in the shape of a line (44) running parallel to the edge (38) and through one (42) of the focal points of the ellipse. The other focal point (58) of the ellipse is located quite close to and outside the edge (38), so that the light from the filament (42) first is reflected by the cylindrical part (52) of the reflector (36) and then passes through the other focal point (58) on its way into the space (12).

Abstract: A space at least partly enclosed by an appliance housing can be illuminated by utilizing at least one lamp outside that space and coupling a light pipe system to that lamp so that light can be conducted into the space by a light-transmission system. Within the space light is emitted from one or more light extractors optically coupled to the light-transmission system. The light extractors are in the form of wave guides provided along a surface with formations or the like from which light is emitted.

Abstract: The illuminating sleeve includes a rear face which is covered by an opaque mask.