Abstract:
A motion detector based on mirrored optics for use in decorative lighting fixtures. The motion detector includes a mirror assembly that may be disposed within decorative elements such as saucers and chimneys that are common elements of lighting fixtures. Apertures are defined in the decorative element to admit infra-red radiation, which impinges on the mirror assembly. The mirror assembly comprises a plurality of opaque elongate members that are azimuthally spaced about a central longitudinal axis in such a way as to define an alternating sequence of open elongate slots and opaque elongate members. Each elongate member is formed with a mirror face on its inner surface which is generally facing the central longitudinal axis, and a PIR sensor is also disposed at the longitudinal axis. The elongate members and mirror faces define a plurality of detection zones in the motion detector field of view at two different vertical levels of view, each vertical level of view having a characteristic optical path associated with it. In a first optical path for monitoring the field of view in the far zones, infra-red radiation passes from an associated zone through one of the slots between two elongate members and is reflected from one of the mirror faces and concentrated onto the sensor. In the second characteristic optical path for monitoring the field of view in the near zones, infra-red radiation passes from an associated zone through one of the slots and on to the sensor without being deflected by any of the mirror faces. These two types of optical paths may be achieved in a full 360 degree zonal pattern for both the far zone and the near zone. The mirror assembly avoids the need for Fresnel lens optics.
Abstract:
A snap-fit plastic ball joint that may be molded using a plurality of shutoffs on inner and outer mold pieces without the need for a solid or collapsible ball-shaped core. The ball joint includes a socket and a plurality of molded plastic retaining fingers disposed around the perimeter of the socket and extending away from the socket. The retaining fingers extend longitudinally along a ball seated in the socket and are formed to engage the ball and retain it in its seated position. The socket itself is formed by a plurality of seating fingers that are disposed around the socket alternating with a plurality of web members. The web members form extensions of the retaining fingers. The alternating seating fingers and web members are joined at their neighboring edges to define the socket. The seating fingers are shaped at their distal ends to define a concave seat for seating the ball of the ball joint and the web members provide support for the seating fingers.
Abstract:
A simple, low-cost method and apparatus for supporting a lighting fixture, motion detector or the like while it is being electrically connected and mounted on a junction box in a side wall or ceiling. A disposable support link is provided for supporting the weight of the fixture during installation. The support link is easily attachable to the junction box and to the fixture without the need for tools, and can even be attached with only one hand. When the electrical connections are completed and the fixture is ready to be mounted on the junction box, the support link may simply be left in place in the junction box or in one embodiment may be removed with one hand as easily as it was attached. The support link is secured to the back side of the fixture in a position that will face the junction box when the fixture is in its installed configuration on the junction box. The other end of the support link is formed to be attachable to the junction box, either directly or through additional mounting hardware such as a cross bar across the face of the junction box. The junction box or cross bar is an otherwise conventional junction box or cross bar that has been provided with an apparatus by which the support link may be readily attached at the time of installation with a simple hand motion without any tools. With this apparatus an installer begins installing a fixture first by attaching the support link so that the fixture hangs from the junction box firmly supported by the support link. The installer then has both hands free to make the electrical connections. The support link may then be removed or, since it is flexible and occupies almost no space, may be stuffed into the junction box along with the electrical leads from the fixture as the fixture is mounted on the junction box.
Abstract:
A rotatable sample disk configured for samples of biological material. The sample disk may include a fill chamber for storing a first biological material, a plurality of first sample chambers positioned in the sample disk farther from the rotational axis of the sample disk than the fill chamber, a plurality of second sample chambers, and a plurality of circumferential fill channels. Each of the second sample chambers may be configured to permit fluid communication with a respective first sample chamber. The plurality of circumferential fill conduits may be configured to permit transfer of the first biological material from the fill chamber to the plurality of first sample chambers upon a first rotation of the sample disk about the rotational axis. Methods of loading a plurality of sample chambers in a sample disk are also provided.
Abstract:
A sample substrate configured for samples of biological material is provided. The sample substrate has a dual chambered sample well separated by a wall that may be punctured or otherwise breached to allow mixing of material contained in the two initially separate chambers. The chambers are connected by channels to fluid reservoirs, wherein the channels can be staked to prevent further fluid flow into and out of the chambers. Methods of loading a sample substrate are also provided.
Abstract:
A motion-activated light fixture having an aimable motion detector with a zonal configuration providing improved monitoring of the region behind the motion detector. In one embodiment the motion detector defines a first plurality of generally forward-looking detection zones for monitoring the region in front of and to the sides of the motion detector, the forward-looking detection zones having a side-to-side coverage angle of at most 180 degrees and having forward zones for monitoring the far region in front of the motion detector. A second plurality of detection zones for monitoring the region behind the motion detector forms a zonal pattern angulated with respect to the zones of the first plurality monitoring the far region. At least some of the detection zones of the second plurality extend generally in the backward direction although in some embodiments the motion detector head must be tilted down through a pre-established offset angle before the angulated zonal pattern begins to look backward. The motion detector may also have other detection zones forming zonal patterns monitoring intermediate regions. The backward looking detection zones are defined so as to look sufficiently downward that the amount they are shifted to angle upwards as the motion detector housing is angled downward is limited to a useful range so that individual detection zones are not rendered useless or detrimental by being aimed too high. Configurations of zonal patterns are provided for improved monitoring of the region behind the motion detector without compromising the ability to aim the motion detector's forward-looking far zones.