Illumination – Light source and modifier – Fluorescent type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-01
2001-02-13
Sember, Thomas M. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Light source and modifier
Fluorescent type
C362S253000, C362S217060, C362S223000, C057S308000, C139S00100C
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186647
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to lighting apparatus and method for use on operating machines and more particularly for use with textile weaving machines having an overhead air conditioning duct.
Overall machine efficiency of high-speed textile looms can be improved by the addition of direct air conditioning systems. These systems exhaust conditioned air directly to the harness area of the textile loom. Other air conditioning systems require that the entire room be conditioned in order to achieve the proper combination of humidity and temperature for optional loom operation. Systems delivering conditioned air directly to weaving machines typically require the installation of air ducts directly over the harness area. Exhaust air outlets direct the conditioned air from the duct into the area of the loom where the weaving operation takes place.
These overhead ducts produce shadows on the weaving machines due to their blockage of light from conventional ceiling mounted illumination sources. The installation of a traditional fluorescent fixture or luminaire with the usual symmetrical light distribution pattern alongside the duct, will illuminate one side of the machine, typically the weave side, at the expense of the other side of the machine, the warp side. Also, a portion of the light will fall onto aisle and floor areas, resulting in inefficiency by reason of lost light.
The prior art is exemplified by the LOOMSPHERE air conditioning system by Luwa Bahanson, Inc. of Zurich, Switzerland and Winston-Salem, N.C. Features of the air conditioning system are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,966 where it will be noted that the elongated horizontal ducts are supported by columns longitudinally spaced in aisles between looms. Conditioned air is directed downwardly on the looms from whence the air is received in exhaust ducts carried beneath the weaving machines under the floor of the mill for return to air conditioning apparatus. Thus, the areas between the columns is free of obstructions which may interfere with operation and servicing of the weaving machines.
The problem of shading of parts of the weaving machines from conventional fluorescent light by blockage by overhead ducts has persisted despite efforts to solve the problem. U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,966 illustrates an attempt to solve the problem by positioning a conventional lighting fixture directly beneath the air channel and positioning the outlet box to one side. This attempted solution has resulted in disadvantages including the extra expense of the ducts and air channels. Inefficiencies result because of pressure drops occurring in the more extensive duct work of the proposed system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an important object of the invention to provide an improved luminaire capable of by-passing obstructions for illuminating an entire operating machine evenly thereacross.
Another important object of the invention is to provide positioning devices carried by an air duct above a textile weaving machine between duct supports extending just below the duct so that a luminaire transmits light evenly across the operating machines below.
By positioning the supports for a lighting fixture on the duct as by the cantilevered supports or supports attached directly to the sides of the ducts for surface or pendant mounting, light blockage may be eliminated while maintaining full accessibility to the operating machines.
Another important object of the invention is to provide an improved luminaire having one or more fluorescent lamps utilizing cross-directional reflectors.
Another important object of the invention is to provide a luminaire utilizing a specular reflector providing a smooth reflective surface having a downturned leg between a ballast tray and a lamp for providing cross-directional light to evenly illuminate a machine which is asymmetrically positioned therebeneath.
Another important object of the invention is to utilize ray tracing techniques in conjunction with light meter checks to optimize specular reflectors having downturned legs for cross-directional reflection utilizing one or more fluorescent lamps.
Another important object of the invention is to provide a luminaire having a specular reflector providing a cusp formed by downwardly extending surfaces forming an inverted apex directly above a fluorescent lamp so as to avoid returning light which would otherwise be directly returned to the source with loss of light and thereby increase light output of the device.
Another important object of the invention is to provide a luminaire which may be positioned laterally of an overhead duct structure for evenly illuminating weaving machines therebelow while maintaining accessibility to the weaving machines for operators and service personnel.
This invention comprises an asymmetrical specular reflector installed inside a vapor-tight luminaire in order to illuminate entire weaving machines evenly. The light output of the luminaire is increased because the reflector has the capability of usefully reflecting the light that is usually lost within the luminaire housing.
By utilizing lighting apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention approximately one-half of the normally required light source is required to produce the same light output. Superior illumination results are obtained by apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention described when installed in the context of operating weaving machines where normal lighting would be obstructed by overhead ducts.
Some aspects of the invention are generally applicable where operating machines are otherwise obstructed such as spinning frames where overhanging parts obstruct light to operating areas of the machine. Specular reflectors designed to include downturned legs for cross-directional light distribution, together with the use of a cusp above the fluorescent lamp, make the use of a single lamp preferable to the use of multiple lamps because of the effectiveness achieved thereby.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3783648 (1974-01-01), Heinrichs
patent: 5125034 (1992-06-01), Hudson et al.
patent: 5666996 (1997-09-01), Bollier et al.
patent: 5902035 (1999-05-01), Mui
patent: 5910598 (1999-06-01), Shofner et al.
patent: 5934786 (1999-08-01), O'Keefe
Bailey, P.A. Ralph
Sember Thomas M.
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