Artificial Illumination Means Patents (Class 52/28)
  • Patent number: 5457925
    Abstract: An improved ceiling system to be assembled under an existing ceiling. The ceiling system is constructed of materials so as to simulate naturally occurring materials. The support members simulate such items as logs, wooden beams, and the like. Panels between the support member also simulate naturally occurring items like latillas and saguaro ribs. In the preferred embodiment, the support beams are constructed through a casting method and are composed of foam which is then painted to simulate the desired naturally occurring material. In the preferred embodiment of the panels, they are constructed of the same materials so that the resulting assemblage is not only extremely light and easy to install and transport, but, is also less expensive than naturally occurring materials which are becoming scarce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: The Larson Company
    Inventor: James A. Koedyker
  • Patent number: 5429340
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular security fence and, more particularly, to a plurality of interconnectable fence panels, each fabricated of weather proof recyclable materials. The fence panels can be produced in a variety of colors and sizes ranging from decorative landscaping fences to privacy fences. No staining or painting is required. These fence panels are formed to interconnect with one another and are secured together, preferably, through the use of threaded fasteners. Each successive panel conceals the unsightly fasteners which secure the preceding interconnected panel. The fence panels require virtually no maintenance. A number of panels can be interconnected prior to distribution, thus providing preassembled sections of fence. Optional panels may be formed to include utility boxes to accommodate electrical devices such as light fixtures, receptacles, and security devices. A fence of this type is durable, demanding little repair, and is not likely to fall prey to vandalism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventors: Anthony M. Young, Anthony J. Gary
  • Patent number: 5397093
    Abstract: A wall mounting bracket comprising a plastic body which includes a wall having an integral projection facing outwardly with a centering recess to receive the tip of a hole saw or the like. At least one opening is provided through the wall adjacent the projection. Preferably, a plurality of openings are provided at equally spaced radial locations adjacent the projection. In use, the body is mounted on the building and then siding is applied to the wall of the building and the edges of the siding or brought into closely adjacent relation with the plastic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Mid-America Building Products Corporation
    Inventors: Norman L. Chubb, Richard J. MacLeod, Charles E. Schiedegger
  • Patent number: 5375353
    Abstract: An illuminated sign assembly for use on a communications antenna tower. The sign assembly encloses the antenna tower. The sign assembly is mounted to the exterior of the antenna tower by paired support arms connected to the tower legs. The support arms provide an open area between the sign assembly and the tower face. A lighting panel is mounted to the exterior face of the tower within the open area. The sign assembly includes fabric side panels secured to side panel frames carried by the support arms and curved corner sections, which completely enclose the antenna tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventor: James M. Hulse
  • Patent number: 5375045
    Abstract: Improved lighting apparatus for illuminating roofs having characteristic disparate slopes. Such apparatus includes at least one housing secured along the top edge of such roof, preferably between adjacent pairs of decorative beams. The apparatus has an elongate light source therealong and a reflector to direct light toward two disparate-sloping roof sections for bright and even illumination. A shroud along the housing prevents glare beyond the lower edge of the roof. The housing is preferably movably mounted for easy servicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Ruud Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan J. Ruud, Eric J. Haugaard
  • Patent number: 5366190
    Abstract: A four-sided hollow post provides a mount for four repeater housings of the type used by the cable industry and protectively houses the cable so that cable guards are not needed. The post has a removable back panel so that backfill material is positioned within the hollow interior of the post during the backfill procedure; this stabilizes the post so that it remains upright. The base of the post is also flared outwardly to accomplish the same objective. A unistrut bracket is positioned in each of the four side walls to enable facile mounting of brackets that support the repeater housings, and a knock out panel is formed in each side wall so that the cable stubs depending from a repeater housing may extend into the interior of the post through a cable exit port that is created when the knock out panel is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventors: Charles C. Schaefer, Donald Christiansen, Charles G. Machledt
  • Patent number: 5345729
    Abstract: A support for tamper proof securing a light fixture including a housing having a peripheral mounting flange on a ceiling panel including a fixture receiving opening having spaced apart side and end margins surrounding the fixture receiving opening and having inner and outer surfaces. The support has a hanger bracket which bridges the opening at a location between the end margins. Each of a pair of spaced apart jacks adjustably mounted on the hanger bracket has an abutment which is movable into a backstop position relative to the outer surface of the respective fixture receiving opening side margin. A suspension device on the hanger bracket is connectable with the light fixture housing, after the fixture housing has been inserted through the opening, for moving the fixture into a finally installed position wherein the side margins are clamped between the mounting flange of the fixture and the abutments on the jacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Wildeck, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Prahst, Ralph H. Laird, Richard Kuchler, Lester G. Peterson, William D. Benning
  • Patent number: 5335471
    Abstract: A kit including a plurality of spaced parallel collar pairs are mounted about an associated column, wherein the column pairs are of a generally polygonal configuration having a predetermined number of walls, wherein the walls receive an individual cover plate of a plurality of cover plates to provide for securement of the cover plates to the collar pairs. Foot and crown molding is subsequently mounted to the upper and lowermost distal ends respectively of the cover plates to provide for enclosing of the associated column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: Daniel J. Kupiec
  • Patent number: 5323565
    Abstract: A clutter-eliminating head wall for a hospital bed has two horizontally-spaced modules with services and service outlets mounted in the modules. The recess between the modules is covered by a removable panel. The modules are covered by sliding tambour doors that slide behind the center panel to provide access to the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Kappers, Steven R. Westerfeld, Dennis J. Gallant
  • Patent number: 5287668
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of installing asbestos impermeable acoustical ceiling panels to an existing suspended ceiling system, and a bracket and asbestos impermeable ceiling panel therefor. This method utilizes existing light fixture supports so that existing light fixtures and any asbestos insulation need not be removed. The method generally comprises the following steps: a) providing a plurality of brackets having base and tee portions, a leg extending from the base, and a flange extending from the tee, b) aligning each bracket so that its flange engages the lips of the existing light fixtures, c) attaching the legs to the existing light fixture supports, and d) mounting the new ceiling panels on the tee portions of the brackets. The ceiling panel comprises a layer of acoustical material with an asbestos impermeable vinyl backing secured to its upper surface and an asbestos impermeable coating applied to its edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Capaul Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Dall, Jeff Limp
  • Patent number: 5241799
    Abstract: An open-cell lay-in panel for use in a suspended ceiling is formed by at least two strip members which are interconnected together and have at least a portion of each strip member supported on flanges of the runners adjacent opposite corners of the square opening. The strip members may be arranged to form an open-cube arrangement and they may have bent portions to give a different configuration to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Chicago Metallic Corporation
    Inventor: Martin D. Jahn
  • Patent number: 5239795
    Abstract: A combination pull-down stairs and lighting assembly with the lighting assembly attached to the underside of the stairs such that, when retracted, the lighting assembly provides both cover for concealing the stairs and illumination for the space below the stairs. The lighting assembly can include a frame with a grating or translucent panel, or the lighting assembly can include a light fixture attached to a base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: William J. Breaux
  • Patent number: 5207041
    Abstract: A service wall constructed from at least two mutually connectable and free-standing wall-sections. Each section includes at least two mutually separate cable channels which extend in the longitudinal direction of the section and which are intended to accommodate electric cables, telecommuncation cables and data communication cables. The wall-section also includes a ventilation channel which extends in the longitudinal direction of the section and which is separate from the cable channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Design Funktion Mobler AB
    Inventor: Tony Wills
  • Patent number: 5191748
    Abstract: An illuminated display for displaying logos, messages, pricing information and the like, utilizes the large glass surfaces of modern office buildings, banks, hotels and shade material adapted to be backlit from the building interior. The shade material may contain translucent and opaque portions configured to provide, when combined with adjacent shade portions, a representation of the information to be conveyed to an observer of the structure. In the most preferred embodiment the shades are coupled to a timer mechanism so they may be operated simultaneously, e.g. to close them at sunset or to open them at sunrise. Various degrees of transparency may be provided, as may color, to give the designer a large selection of options for carrying out the informational and artistic aspects of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventor: Daniel G. Baughman
  • Patent number: 5187641
    Abstract: A care management workstation unit which contains three basic elements. There is a cathode ray tube or CRT, a mount, and a system unit. The CRT is rotatably mounted on the mount. It is capable of any rotational position and is able to be balanced at all such positions. The CRT is unique in that it is integral to the system. The mount connects the CRT to the system unit. It is able to be mounted flush against a wall such that the entire unit is supported by the mount. The system unit is also flush with the wall and the wall mount so that the entire system may be placed for mounting against a wall. In all, these three devices combine into one system to provide for a powerful, compact and ergonomically successful device which enables one to use the system virtually anywhere within a hospital or industrial setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Critikon, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Muskatello, Darryl Parmet, George C. Lysy, Maynard R. Ramsey, III
  • Patent number: 5182883
    Abstract: A telephone enclosure including curved sidewalls each having an outer panel, an inner panel, an acoustic panel and a body rail assembly. The body rail assembly comprises a plurality of rails, each of which have depending legs to receive the inner panel, outer panel and acoustic insulation panel. The enclosure further includes a back panel having one end mounted to the sidewalls, which together horizontally cover at least 180.degree., leaving an open front access to the enclosure. A support base mounts to another end of the post and a device for receiving a telephone. Further, the enclosure includes a ceiling assembly mounted to the housing assembly. The ceiling assembly includes spaced apart ceiling plates, a ceiling rail arrangement having a plurality of legs defining ceiling panel receiving slots to receive a translucent panel. The ceiling includes a light source to illuminate the translucent panel and the interior of the panel assembly. A shelf mounts to the sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Armco Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Amberson, William C. Ehlert, George E. Olson
  • Patent number: 5175967
    Abstract: An elongate conduit directed from within a dwelling to position through a roof of the dwelling includes a mirrored interior surface, with its upper terminal end oriented orthogonally relative to the conduit, and a lower terminal end including a window portion directed through a forward wall of the conduit arranged substantially parallel to an axis of the conduit, with the mirror mounted to a lower terminal end of the conduit oriented at a relative forty-five degree relationship relative to the axis of the conduit to project light through the window. The conduit includes a mirrored surface therethrough. The invention further includes a transparent dome mounted over the upper terminal end of the conduit, and includes a rain trough positioned about a perimeter of the dome, with the rain trough including apertures directed therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventor: Harlow Greenwood
  • Patent number: 5150554
    Abstract: The post arrangement has a cross section which is substantially greater than the panel thickness, and is adapted to partially telescope over the end of one or more panels. The post arrangement defines therein an inwardly opening slot which is vertically elongate so as to permit an end edge portion of the panel to project therein. The slot can accommodate the end edge of a single panel or can be of sufficient angular extent to accommodate the end edge portions of two panels oriented in generally perpendicular relationship to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger J. Quinlan, Jr., Stephen J. Simpson
  • Patent number: 5109643
    Abstract: A roof channel member (12) for securing roof panels (16) in a channel-braced awning structure (10) is described. The roof channel member is formed from a bottom plate (20) which provides for a female securing post (24) and an upper plate (21) with a male arrow tab (27) for mating with the securing post. A plurality of roof channel members secure side-by-side roof panels in a frame formed from a first F-channel cross member or wall bracket (11), an opposed second F-channel cross member (14), and two parallel spaced apart F-channel side member (13) which join the wall bracket and the second F-channel cross member at the ends. Openings (32) at intervals along the length of the bottom plate provide for light bulbs (34) which mounts into light sockets (33) fitted through the openings. Spaced apart channels (28, 29) on opposed sides of the securing post provide for electrical wires (40) to power the light bulbs. The awning structure is supported off the ground by column members (15 a, 15b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Inventor: George A. Speers
  • Patent number: 5111370
    Abstract: A device and method for converting a fluorescent down-light into an up-light or combined up-down-light involves suspending a luminaire body from a ceiling below a pre-existing down-light. Ballast lead extenders connect lamp holders in the luminaire body to the lamp holders in the pre-existing down-light. A reflective panel is inserted above the luminaire body serving the dual purposes of hiding the down-light and downwardly reflecting the light which emanantes from the luminaire body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Inventor: Walter B. Clark
  • Patent number: 5107637
    Abstract: A shelter structure includes a photovoltaic illumination system. A pair of translucent, spaced-apart panels define an interior volume which houses and protects the lamps, batteries and illumination circuitry of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: B & E Energy Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Robbins
  • Patent number: 5081567
    Abstract: An improved flood lighting system for a roof wherein the lighting system is associated with roof beams and each segment of the roof is illuminated by means of light rays emanating from the roof beams to create a desired ambience with minimum scalloping. The invention also includes a method for installing the lighting system and beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Inventor: Harvey I. Weiss
  • Patent number: 5058353
    Abstract: A multifunctional frame element is proposed, which is usable as a picture frame and also in many other different ways as a frame. The frame element has a clip fastening for pictures, plates, object carriers and the like which is not visible from the outside, so that art objets and the like can be attractively presented. Coins can be presented in such a way that an observer can easily see both sides of the coin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventor: Ernst Gartner
  • Patent number: 5038539
    Abstract: A work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising a wall system having a rigid framework formed of rigid rectangular frames rigidly joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area, wire management elements secured to the frames for communication and power wiring and a plurality of selectively relocatable modular tiles removably hanging on the frames. Some of the wire management elements are secured to the bottom or baseline of the frames and some of the wire management elements are removably secured to a waistline or midportion of at least some of the frames. The frames can extend to a waist height, a seated height, to a standing or full floor to ceiling height in a modular stepped fashion. Decorative and functional modular tiles are sized to fit on the frames to substantially cover the frames, and are independently and removably mounted thereto. The tiles are of equal height and of variable modular width to cover the frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: James O. Kelley, William E. Stumpf
  • Patent number: 5031366
    Abstract: A telephone booth enclosure which has arcuate vertical walls which can contain advertising material. The arcuate vertical walls have an inside sidewall made of perforated stainless sheet, an outside sidewall made of transparent material and an interposed fiberglass material. The vertical walls have front, rear, top and bottom edge walls, the front edge wall being a removable aluminum extrusion. The advertising material is placed in the vertical wall by first removing the front edge wall and then sliding it underneath the transparent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: Robert J. Cameron
  • Patent number: 5020296
    Abstract: A method of fixedly securing an lighting fixture to a ceiling of a building structure, comprises a first securing step for securing an anchor grip at a prescribed position on a bottom face of a slab of the building structure, a flexible suspender being inserted through the anchor grip; a second securing step for securing a suspender grasping assembly temporarily to a lighting fixture support member; a suspending step for inserting the flexible suspender from the lower free end thereof through the suspender grasping assembly and then raising the suspender grasping assembly along the flexible suspender, while the lighting fixture support member is temporarily fixed to a temporary set position on the suspender; an adjusting step for adjusting height of the lighting fixture support member to fit into a ceiling finish board, by moving the suspender grasping assembly along the flexible suspender together with the lighting fixture member; and a fixing step for fixing the lighting fixture support member to the flexib
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Ultima Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Aoshika
  • Patent number: 5008967
    Abstract: A triangular truss walkout cantilever for displaying railroad warning signals above the individual lanes of a road or highway at a railroad grade crossing is disclosed. The cantilever includes a cantilever arm attached to a vertical roadside mast. The cantilever arm has three parallel truss members that form a triangular cross section. These members are reinforced by a system of struts and braces. A catwalk allows a worker access to the warning signals for maintenance and no braces interfere with such access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Modern Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Barrios, Philip A. Hayes
  • Patent number: 4980998
    Abstract: A wall system for partitioning floor space includes a framework comprising top and bottom horizontal rails interconnected by a plurality of vertical struts. The wall system further includes the use of diagonal support bars for open frame structures and the use of side and septum display panels for closed frame structures.Also, structural inserts may be inserted between adjacent struts to reinforce open framed structures. Such inserts are planar members with an irregular perimeter edge which defines an aesthetic design for use in assembling attractive displays. Additionally, such inserts may be used in conjunction with translucent panels and lighting fixtures to create a silhouette affect for the assembled display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Amstore Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas D. Amstutz, Adrienne Weiss
  • Patent number: 4974376
    Abstract: A temporary shelter including a support structure extending upwardly from a base and hollow compartment members mounted upon the support structure, the hollow compartment further including an opening and a liquid drain. A window formed within the compartment walls transmits light from a light box mounted adjacent thereto and electrically connected to a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Inventor: David R. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 4961294
    Abstract: A telephone booth enclosure which has arcuate vertical walls which can contain advertising material. The arcuate vertical walls have an inside sidewall made of perforated stainless sheet, an outside sidewall made of transparent material and an interposed fiberglass material. The vertical walls have front, rear, top and bottom edge walls, the front edge wall being a removable aluminum extrusion. The advertising material is placed in the vertical wall by first removing the front edge wall and then sliding it underneath the transparent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Inventor: Robert J. Cameron
  • Patent number: 4932170
    Abstract: A rigid ceiling system including a plurality of gridwork members supported solely from the walls of a room and further including a plurality of vaulted translucent diffusion panels. Notched rib members including indexing brackets align each panel to the formed gridwork. Wall mounted illumination sources provide desired lighting relative to the diffusion panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Inventor: Matthew L. Spear
  • Patent number: 4920708
    Abstract: A wall mounting bracket assembly comprising a one piece plastic body including a front wall, an integral peripheral wall extending from the front wall and an integral peripheral flange for attachment to a wall of a building. In use the body is mounted on the building and then siding is applied to the wall of the building and the edges of the siding are brought into closely adjacent relation to the peripheral wall of the body. A plastic flange member having an axial wall is telescoped over the peripheral wall of the body and until the flange engages the siding. The axial wall of the flange and the peripheral wall of the body having interengaging projections and recesses so that the flange is selectively locked in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Tapco Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. MacLeod, Charles E. Schiedegger
  • Patent number: 4918878
    Abstract: To provide for modular arrangements, a six-sided pay telephone housing is constructed using vertically oriented panels. The panels are connected to each other using fastenerless moldings that allow for rapid construction of the housing and easy replacement of the panels. Provision is also made in the housing for an electronic information display as well as replaceable advertising placards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: Electric Avenue, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Paschke, James A. Mosel, Charles H. Kratsch, Dean White, Travis H. Edinger
  • Patent number: 4912889
    Abstract: A framework which includes a plurality of angularly related elongated members interconnected by end connectors. At least one of the elongated members includes an elongated illumination device such as a noble gas discharge tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Neon Modular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Pacifico A. Palumbo
  • Patent number: 4894960
    Abstract: A canopy assembly has an openable panel in a top or bottom wall to allow access to the interior without disturbing the front face member. This may be required e.g. to maintain light fittings or to tension a flexible sheet of the front face member. There may be a pair of upright rear girders and an assembly at the top and/or the bottom comprising a rear transverse member that bridges the girders and has a hinge channel at the front. Brackets project forwardly from the girders and carry a front transverse member. A lid is hingedly engaged in the hinge channel and extends to the front transverse member, which also supports the front face member, a displaceable screen, and a support for light fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: Universal Components Limited
    Inventors: Roger W. Hill, Martin L. Hill
  • Patent number: 4882566
    Abstract: A safety control system for an electrically operated hospital bed utilizes a wireless disconnect signal from an above mounted safety light to an outlet below which supplies electrical power to the bed, thereby to interrupt power to the outlet upon the detection of physical contact with the safety light, as perhaps caused by an IV pole raising with the bed. In a preferred embodiment, a two-way transmission path is utilized to verify no blockage of the line of sight transmission path between the outlet and the light, with power to the outlet being disconnected upon contact with the light or blockage of the line of sight path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Clement J. Koerber, Sr., Dennis J. Gallant, L. Dale Foster
  • Patent number: 4876835
    Abstract: A work space management system for dividing a space into separate work areas comprising a wall system having a rigid framework formed of rigid rectangular frames rigidly joined together at the edges thereof to form at least one work area, wire management elements secured to the frames for communication and power wiring and a plurality of selectively relocatable modular tiles removably hanging on the frames. Some of the wire management elements are secured to the bottom or baseline of the frames and some of the wire management elements are removably secured to a waistline or midportion of at least some of the frames. The frames can extend to a waist height, a seated height, to a standing or full floor to ceiling height in a modular stepped fashion. Decorative and functional modular tiles are sized to fit on the frames to substantially cover the frames, and are independently and removably mounted thereto. The tiles are of equal height and of variable modular width to cover the frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: James O. Kelley, William E. Stumpf, Frank A. Friedman
  • Patent number: 4866583
    Abstract: Flanking structural shapes and mechanical connection means between shapes disposed two-by-two in flanking relationship and two-by-two in abutting relationship make up structures for mechanical support and electrical connection, at low voltage (for example at 24 Volt), between abutted shapes. The web of the shapes having transverse bars at the ends, is defined by shearings in the same web. The bars being able to cooperate with coupling means comprise a plate body made of insulating material, shaped according to the cross-section dimensions of the structure and forming support edges adapted to receive, on their sides, the bars of the shapes to be coupled. Clamps for mechanical and electrical connection are developed with U-shaped cross-section for embracing the bars brought near the abutted shapes and the body thickness along the support sides, and are secured to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Inventor: Giampaolo Targetti
  • Patent number: 4862336
    Abstract: A truss unit having an elongated frame and rows of lights suspended downwardly from the frame. The lights are mounted on rods for displacement in a sliding motion in a direction transverse to the elongated frame. A first rigid lateral member is pivotally connected to a first side of the frame at a hinge joint, while the second rigid lateral member is pivotally hinged to a second side opposite the first. The first and second lateral members each have a longitudinal extension at least as great as that of the rows of lights. The truss unit has an operation configuration in which the lateral members extend upwardly to display the rows of lights. In the operation configuration the lights are moved to an extreme spaced apart position and the lateral members are locked in place by diagonal braces. Prior to transport, the truss unit may be moved to a transportation configuration with the first and second lateral members extending downwardly to protect the rows of lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Morpheus Lights, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Richardson, John Richardson
  • Patent number: 4854093
    Abstract: A reversible fixture mount for use with siding for a building structure and comprising a pair of mating members, each member including a base having front and rear faces, side walls extending from the base and a flange extending outwardly from the margin of the side walls opposite the base. Each member is a mirror image of the other except for a groove on one member which engages a support on the other to define a lap joint. The support extends from the rear face of the base to a plane defined by the flanges to provide support for the central portion of the base when the flange has engaged the building structure, the front faces of the members defining a second plane parallel to the plane defined by the flanges and the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Inventor: Gary J. Kellom
  • Patent number: 4835916
    Abstract: A supporting frame is provided for a light-transmitting ceiling panel, which panel extends to a vertical wall or other surface. The supporting frame is particularly designed for lighted ceilings in which light transmitting panels extend from wall to wall in a room and have sources of light thereabove. The supporting frame includes a side frame member having a horizontal flange which supports an edge of the light-transmitting panel and a vertical flange extending along a surface of the wall or vertical surface. The frame member is affixed to the vertical wall by suitable means extending through the vertical flange and the vertical flange also has indentations and/or openings to aid in affixing joint compound or the like thereto. In a preferred form, the supporting frame member has a shoulder formed at the junction of the vertical and horizontal flanges to which the joint compound or the like is spread when it is applied to the vertical flange and over the adjacent vertical surface of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Inventor: Earl J. Steadman
  • Patent number: 4835915
    Abstract: An office wall partition includes a central electronic high-frequency power supply as well as a main fluorescent lamp. The power supply is removably comprised within the partition; and the main fluorescent lamp is inserted into and held by a pair of sockets connected with the power supply by way of a high frequency ballast and mounted within a long narrow compartment on top of the partition. The width of this compartment is only about 2.5", which is about the same as the thickness of a standard office partition; and its length is nearly 6', which is nearly the same as the width of a standard office partition. The fluoresent lamp emits the light upward in the form of a beam of approximately 120 degree spread, thereby providing for glare-free ambient illumination reflected off the ceiling. Power track means and receptacle means mounted on the partition are connected with the power supply and provide for the cost-effective operation of various incandescent and/or fluorescent task lighting modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Inventor: Ole K. Nilssen
  • Patent number: 4835914
    Abstract: A false ceiling comprises a stretched sheet made of a relatively elastic material which is hooked, along its edges, to a horizontal support frame constituted by abutting sections, fixed to the walls of a room. Above the sheet, i.e. in the space between this sheet and the ceiling of the room, means exert on the sheet at at least one point thereof, an adjustable effort provoking a deformation of the sheet. These means comprise a cable passing over a pulley fixed to the ceiling of the room, of which the vertical side acts, at its lower end, on the sheet, in order to exert thereon the adjustable vertical effort, and of which the other inclined or manoeuvring side is hooked on the wall, above the support frame, on this support frame itself or on the ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Inventor: Fernand Scherrer
  • Patent number: 4765102
    Abstract: A structural aluminum extrusion which supports glass, plastic or other building panels and is also specially formed to house a lighting system. The panels are clamped edge to edge on one edge portion of the extrusion and a channel is formed in the opposite edge portion. The channel houses an elongate glass tube filled with neon. A special clip inserted in the channel holds the tube and the high voltage wire which supplies power to the tube. A snap on diffuser lens covers the channel and encloses the components of the lighting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Inventor: Christopher L. Kuchem
  • Patent number: 4761716
    Abstract: Lighting by the sunlight is available in every space in a building, even those spaces which have been hardly utilized such as the basement and ground water pit. The sunlight is collected and guided by optical cables to light radiators which are located in intended spaces of a building. The basement has a cistern for water therein to afford a shelter in the case of emergency, while the ground water pit which is also lighted by the conducted sunshine is usable to cultivate fish, plants, and other foodstuffs. The building is annular except for its first floor so that a cylindrical open space is defined thereinside and also lighted by the sunlight, thereby introducing the sunlight even into the radially innermost spaces of the sunlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Inventor: Kei Mori
  • Patent number: 4754582
    Abstract: A telephone booth wherein the sidewalls are box-like enclosures each having one or more advertising displays. The displays are illuminated by a light source located in the interior of each enclosure and the same light source also serves to illuminate the interior of the booth. The sidewall enclosures have an openable panel which permits the advertising displays to be changed from time to time as well as permitting access to the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignees: Flour City Architectural Metals, Div. of E. G. Smith Construction Products, Inc., United Enclosures, Inc., O. M. Edwards Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Cameron
  • Patent number: 4753055
    Abstract: A headwall unit (10) adapted to be attached to a vertically extending wall (W) of a hospital room. The headwall unit (10) has a pair of side portions (12, 14) spaced to receive the end of a bed therebetween. Each side portion (12, 14) has an intermediate compartment (46) and an outer slidable panel (58) exposing a lower inset panel (56) having a plurality of outlets (57A-57D) thereon when raised to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: The Methodist Hospital System
    Inventor: Ira M. Durham, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4729074
    Abstract: A ceiling frame is provided for a lighting fixture. The ceiling is of the type made of plaster panels commonly known as dry wall, wallboard, plaster board, or gypsum board. A rectangular opening is made in the plaster panels between rafters and the lighting fixture is suitably mounted on the ceiling above the panels. The ceiling frame includes side frame members having vertical flanges positioned adjacent the edges of the ceiling panels at the rectangular opening and horizontal flanges extending outwardly from the opening along the lower surfaces of the panels. The horizontal flanges are affixed to the panels by pop rivets or the like which also extend through upper horizontal flanges or brackets adjacent the upper surfaces of the panels. The ceiling frame also includes two end frame members of similar design but affixed to the ceiling panels adjacent the end edges of the opening by rivets and brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: Earl J. Steadman
  • Patent number: 4726152
    Abstract: A bracket for mounting a fixture on a wall of a building. The bracket includes a hollow neck structure. At one end of the neck structure is flange means which is mounted on sheathing of the wall. The other end of the neck structure is closed by a main plate. An edge portion of the main plate extends outwardly of the neck structure spaced from the flange means to form an annular socket in which edge portions of siding of the wall terminate. The fixture can be mounted on the main plate, and access to the fixture can be had through an opening in the main plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: Vagedes Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Vagedes, Douglas R. Vagedes
  • Patent number: 4713916
    Abstract: A ceiling dome having a top frame and bottom frame connected together by an arched linking bracket. The top and bottom frame contain slotted tracks for receiving luminescent panels and decorative strips. The dome can be manufactured in a factory and installed at a work site in minutes by affixing integral dome supports to the inside surface of a soffit containing electrical light fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: Hardwood Lighting Designs Corp.
    Inventor: Raymond E. Brooks, Jr.