LED retrofit method and kit for converting fluorescent luminaries
AssigneeUltimate Presentation Sytems, Inc.
InventorCondon “Sparky” Hulgan
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Abstract
The present invention is a method of converting fluorescent luminaires, or luminaries, into LED luminaires. The most preferred method retrofits a commercial fluorescent light fixture, especially one that uses T12 lamps or T8 lamps, without requiring removal of the fixture housing. The fluorescent luminaire is stripped of its lamps, wireway cover, ballast(s) and tombstones. A novel LED retro-reflector is mounted within the fixture housing to conceal an LED power supply and to provide an ideal surface for mounting LED (Light Emitting Diode) light strips. Any existing diffuser or louver that was part of the fluorescent luminaire may be replaced after the LED retrofit has been completed.
Claims14
A method for retrofitting a fluorescent luminaire into an LED luminaire that uses LED (light emitting diode) lamps, comprising the steps of:
- fabricating an LED retro-reflector using a thin sheet of substantially rigid material that is substantially impervious to fracturing, yet capable of being flexed by an applied hand pressure;
- mounting a first multiple LED lamp assembly to a lighted surface of the LED retro-reflector;
- substantially removing any louvers or diffusers of the fluorescent luminaire;
- stripping the fluorescent luminaire to expose a fixture housing having opposing endplates, the volume inside the fixture housing substantially defining a fixture cavity;
- mounting an LED power supply to the fixture housing;
- electrically connecting the LED power supply to an A/C power supply;
- manipulating the LED retro-reflector so it fits within the fixture cavity;
- electrically connecting the first multiple LED lamp assembly to the LED power supply;
- and
- fastening the LED retro-reflector to the fixture housing such that the LED retro-reflector substantially fits inside the fixture cavity and conceals the LED power supply;
- replacing any louvers or diffusers.
A retrofit kit, for converting a fluorescent luminaire into an LED luminaire that uses white LED (light emitting diode) lamps, comprising:
- a first multiple LED lamp assembly;
- an LED retro-reflector made from a thin sheet of substantially rigid material that is substantially impervious to fracturing, yet flexible by an applied hand pressure, the LED retro-reflector having a lighted surface that substantially displays the LED lamps;
- an LED power supply;
- a means for electrically connecting the LED power supply to an A/C power supply;
- a means for electrically connecting the first multiple LED lamp assembly to the LED power supply;
- a means for mounting the LED power supply to the fluorescent luminaire being converted;
- and
- a means for mounting the LED retro-reflector to the fluorescent luminaire being converted.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.