Modular light fixtures
US8201965B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 19, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 20, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF21Y2103/00
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A modular light fixture having a construction that enables the same fixture to be used for standard on/off operation under control of a wall-mounted switch in a circuit by itself and/or with other fixtures and to be upgraded in “plug and play” fashion to operate independently of other fixtures in the same circuit and/or for stepped dimming. The modular construction of the fixture also allows for safety and ease of maintenance in that ballasts can be replaced without quickly and conveniently without exposing an electrician or maintenance worker to the internal wires of the fixture. The construction of the fixture also provides temperature management by isolating the temperature-sensitive components of the fixture from high temperatures while placing the lamps of the fixture in an enclosure, or shroud, in which temperature is contained so that the lamps operate efficiently. In the event the passive thermal management provided by the construction of the fixture is not enough to maximize the operating efficiency of the fixture and/or the service life of its components, the fixture is upgradeable, again in plug and play fashion, to provide active thermal management.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.