HIGH INTENSITY LIGHT REFLECTOR APPARATUS

• US 20090279303A1
• Filed: 05/08/2009
• Published: 11/12/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/08/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Thomas E. Marek
• Original Assignee: Stephen B. Keen
• Inventors: Keen, Stephen B.
• Granted Patent: US 7,954,982 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/285
• CPC Class Codes: A01G 9/249 Lighting means with special arrangements for promoting growth A01G7/045
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/505 of reflectors
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 7/005 with an elongated shape to cooperate with linear light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 7/10 Construction
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 40/25 Greenhouse technology, e.g. cooling systems therefor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/805 Horticultural

Abstract

An air-cooled light reflector apparatus for high intensity light sources typically used in indoor horticultural and agriculture applications. The reflector apparatus includes an internal reflector fixed to a curved assembly of hinged extruded sections, a unique adjustable light source mounting fixture bracket, a double-paned insulating glass window and an insulating cover enclosing the apparatus. Forced air is provided to the apparatus for cooling the light source, while the heated air is ducted externally to minimize any rise in ambient air temperature. The double-paned insulating glass and enclosing insulating cover further minimize rise in ambient air temperature. The curvature of the internal reflector provides optimal photometric characteristics.

Claims

1. A high intensity light reflector apparatus for fully enclosing a high intensity light source, comprising:

a concave main body assembly including hinged segmented longitudinal members providing an adjustable main body assembly shape for optimizing radiant light distribution;

two flexible reflective inserts for being flexibly attached to adjustable interior surfaces of the main body assembly;

two concave-shaped end plates, each end plate being fastened to an end of the main body assembly for maintaining a desired concave shape of the main body assembly;

an insulated glass plate fastened to the bottom of the main body assembly and bottom of each end plate for providing illumination of vegetation;

an adjustable light source socket holder slidably-attached to an inner apex of the concave main body assembly; and

a radiant-barrier insulating cover for enclosing the main body assembly and the end plates.

2. The high intensity light reflector apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hinged segmented longitudinal members are connected together utilizing a longitudinal ball and socket hinge.

3. The high intensity light reflector apparatus of claim 1, wherein each end plate includes a flanged opening for servicing the high intensity light source and providing connection to ducting for cooling air into and from the interior of the reflector apparatus.

4. The high intensity light reflector apparatus of claim 1, wherein the insulated glass plate comprises two layers of low-e glass plate with an insulating air gap between the two layers.

5. The high intensity light reflector apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustable light source socket holder is longitudinally adjustable through an entire length of the longitudinal members in a socket holder slide channel at the inner apex of the concave main body assembly for centering a light source, the light source socket holder being adaptable to accommodate sockets for various light source sizes and shapes.

6. The high intensity light reflector apparatus of claim 1, wherein the radiant barrier insulating cover comprises a removable, two-layer insulating cover.

7. The high intensity light reflector apparatus of claim 6, wherein the radiant barrier insulating cover comprises a first inner insulating layer and a second outer radiant barrier.

8. The high intensity light reflector apparatus of claim 6, wherein the radiant barrier insulating cover is a sound-reducing insulating cover.

9. The high intensity light reflector apparatus of claim 1, wherein the end plates include slots for supporting the light reflector apparatus from an overhead structure.

10. The high intensity light reflector apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hinged segmented longitudinal members are extruded aluminum hinged segmented longitudinal members.