Illumination – Light source and modifier – With sealing means or artificial atmosphere
Reexamination Certificate
2002-03-01
2003-09-02
Husar, Stephen (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Light source and modifier
With sealing means or artificial atmosphere
C362S328000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06612718
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an optical interface for coupling a refractor and a reflector in a luminaire assembly.
BACKGROUND ART
Enclosed luminaires, i.e. luminaires having a sealed housing and optical unit, are used in lighting applications which for performance, safety, or other reasons, including ease of cleanability, require a sealed fixture. Outdoor luminaires, for example, are often hermetically enclosed to protect and insulate the luminaire components from the effects of sunlight and inclement weather. Lighting systems in the food industry similarly require an effectively sealed luminaire so that the system can be hosed down under high pressure and cleaned easily without damaging the internal luminaire components. Additionally, the external surfaces of food luminaires must be free of crevasses and horizontal surfaces where particulates such as food and dirt can accumulate and become difficult to remove.
The above-mentioned enclosed luminaires often employ a reflector coupled with a refracting lense to segregate the light source, optical elements and electro-mechanical components from the surrounding environment and environmental conditions. In these systems, however, the optical performance of the refractor/reflector combination is often degraded because of a poor interface. For example, light impinging on the interface is often absorbed or misdirected due to the shape and types of materials at the interface. The presence of flanges, gaskets or the need to keep the external portion of the luminaire smooth at the interface contribute to degraded optical performance. Moreover, if the refractor is part of a door system that meets the reflector to enclose the luminaire, then optical performance is also often degraded by the design criteria of the door itself. In each of the foregoing situations, the interface is, at best, optically benign. More accurately, the interface is optically subtractive.
Consequently, a need exists for an optical interface for use in an enclosed luminaire which mitigates the light loss which typically results from coupling a refractor with a reflector. Such an optical interface should allow a refractor and a reflector to interface smoothly both optically and mechanically.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
It is a principle object of the present invention to provide an interface for use in a luminaire assembly such as an enclosed luminaire which allows a refractor component and a reflector component to interface both optically and mechanically without degrading the luminaire performance.
In carrying out the above object, there is provided an optical interface for coupling a refractor and a reflector in a luminaire assembly. The interface includes a flange having an inner surface and an outer surface. In keeping with the invention, the outer surface includes reflecting means such as, for example, a plurality of reflecting prisms or a metalized coating. The optical flange is disposed adjacent a gaseous gap such as, for example, an air gap, and comprises a shape suitable to work in concert with the reflector as an extension therof. The optical flange is adapted to be affixable to the reflector and the refractor.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent with reference to the following diagrams wherein like reference numerals correspond to like components.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5477441 (1995-12-01), Budnovitch et al.
patent: 5913447 (1999-06-01), Carpenter
Marron, III John T.
Packer Michael
Pacocha James M.
Acuity Brands Inc.
Darnell Kenneth E.
Husar Stephen
Lee Guiyoung
LandOfFree
Optical flange for maintaining luminaire performance and... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Optical flange for maintaining luminaire performance and..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Optical flange for maintaining luminaire performance and... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3062593