Lighting systems may have multiple applications, such as interior lighting and outdoor lighting. However, due to the nature of electricity dangerous or hazardous conditions may result if lighting systems are not properly installed, or installed in locations with conditions that may adversely impact the functioning of the lighting systems. In general, lighting systems include a power source, luminaires or lights, and a connection between the power source and the lights. The connection may include a device, such as a transformer, to adjust the voltage supplied from the power source depending upon the output of the lights. As discussed above, it is important that any connections between the power source and lights is properly installed and not subjected to adverse conditions that may impact the safety of the lighting system.
For example, Chapter 3 of the NFPA 70: National Electric Code (2005) by the National Fire Protection Association sets out the requirements for Class 1 wiring connections to be used in electrical systems, such as lighting systems. However, it is possible that connections between the power source and loads, such as lights may be improperly made, or subject to adverse conditions, such as weather, water or temperature. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a connection device that may be used in electrical systems, such as lighting systems, that facilitates the connection of power sources to loads in order to reduce the likelihood of improper connections, and is resistant to a variety of adverse conditions so that the connection device can be used for various applications, such as interior lighting, outdoor lighting and/or underwater lighting.
The present invention is related to power supply centers for use in lighting applications, including but not limited to low voltage lighting applications. It is understood that the power supply centers may also be used in other electrical applications in which they are suitable. The power supply centers may have between one or more primary taps to compensate for losses incurred due to low voltage or the like. The power supply centers may also have up one or more secondary taps to provide secondary voltages of 11-30V depending upon the secondary voltage of the power supply center. Loads may be connected to the one or more secondary taps up to the full watt rating of the power supply center. In accordance with the power supply centers of the present invention, it is possible that loads at varying distances from the power supply center can be connected to different taps to recover voltage drop and produce between 85% and 100% light output if the lighting system has been wired properly. The power supply centers are configured and constructed so that they may be modular and self-contained in design. For example, the power supply centers may be configured and constructed so that they are suitable for a variety of applications, such as indoor and/or outdoor applications or wet, submersed, damp or dry applications, and positioned at various locations within an electrical system.
According to a first aspect of the invention a power supply center is provided that may include a casing at least partially defining a bounded region, a first plate dimensioned to substantially cover a first opening of the bounded region, and a second plate dimensioned to substantially cover a second opening of the bounded region. The casing, the first plate and the second plate may at least partially define an interior region of the power supply center, and the interior region may be dimensioned for receipt of a transformer. The power supply center according to the first aspect of the invention may also include a primary side including at least one primary connector configured to connect at least one primary conductor of a primary feed line to the transformer, and a secondary side including at least one secondary connector configured to connect the transformer to at least one secondary conductor of a secondary output line.
In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the casing may be made from aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the power supply center may include at least one circuit breaker connected to the at least one secondary connector.
In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the power supply center may include at least one circuit breaker connected to the at least one primary connector.
In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the primary connector may include a connector conductor that may include a first end configured for connection to the transformer and a second end configured for connection to the at least one primary conductor of the primary feed line, and the first surface or the second surface of the power supply center may include an opening, and the connector conductor is dimensioned to pass through the opening.
In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the power supply center may also include a wire cover positioned on the casing, the wire cover may include at least one chamber dimensioned for receipt of the second end of the connector conductor.
In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the secondary connector may include a connector conductor comprising a first end configured for connection to the transformer and a second end configured for connection to the at least one secondary conductor of the secondary output line, and the first surface or the second surface may include an opening, and the connector conductor may be dimensioned to pass through the opening.
In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the power supply center may also include a wire cover positioned on the casing, and the wire cover may include at least one chamber dimensioned for receipt of the second end of the connector conductor.
In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the primary connector may include a terminal block, and the terminal block may include a tubular housing having a passage defined therein, the passage includes a first wall and a second wall parallel to the first wall, a third wall positioned perpendicular to the first wall and the second wall, and a concave surface opposite the third wall, and the passage is dimensioned for receipt of the at least one primary conductor of the primary feed line. The terminal block may also include a pair of holes in the third wall each dimensioned for receipt of a conductor fastening device, and a mounting post receiving opening positioned on a surface of the tubular housing opposite the pair of holes, a distance between the first wall and the second wall may be substantially equal to or slightly larger than a diameter of the conductor fastening device.
In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the secondary connector may include a terminal block, and the terminal block may include a tubular housing having a passage defined therein, the passage may include a first wall and a second wall parallel to the first wall, a third wall positioned perpendicular to the first wall and the second wall, and a concave surface opposite the third wall, and the passage may be dimensioned for receipt of the at least one secondary conductor of the secondary output line. The terminal block may also include a pair of holes in the third wall each dimensioned for receipt of a conductor fastening device, and a mounting post receiving opening positioned on a surface of the tubular housing opposite the pair of holes, and a distance between the first wall and the second wall may be substantially equal to or slightly larger than a diameter of the conductor fastening device.
In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the at least one primary connector of the primary side may include a first primary connector, a second primary connector and a third primary connector. The first primary connector may be configured for connection to a ground conductor, and the second primary connector may be configured for connection to a neutral conductor, and the third primary connector may be configured for connection a hot conductor.
In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the at least one primary connector of the primary side may also include a fourth primary connector configured for connection to the hot conductor, and connected to the transform so as to offset voltage drop.
In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the at least one secondary connector of the secondary side may include a first secondary connector and a second secondary connector, the first second connector may be connected to the transformer so as to provide a first output voltage, and the second secondary connector may be connected to the transformer so as to provide a second output voltage different from the first output voltage.
In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the at least one secondary connector of the secondary side may also include a third secondary connector, a fourth secondary connector, and a fifth secondary connector, the third secondary connector may be connected to the transformer so as to provide s a third output voltage different from the first output voltage and the second output voltage, the fourth secondary connector may be connected to the transformer so as to provide a fourth output voltage different from the first output voltage, the second output voltage and the third output voltage, and the fifth secondary connector may be connected to the transformer so as to provide a fifth output voltage different from the first output voltage, the second output voltage, the third output voltage and the fourth output voltage.
In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the power supply center may also include a third plate dimensioned to substantially cover a third opening of the bounded region, and the casing, the first plate, the second plate and the third plate at least partially define the interior region of the power supply center dimensioned for receipt of the transformer.
In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the at least one primary connector and/or the at least one secondary connector may each be mounted on the third plate by a threaded connection post, the threaded connection post may be connected to the transformer, and the threaded connection post may be made of a conductive material.
In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the interior region is at least partially filled with an epoxy resin.
In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the at least one primary connector and the at least one secondary connector may be made of a conductive material.
According to a second aspect of the invention a power supply center is provided that may include a casing defining a bounded region, a first plate dimensioned to substantially cover a first opening of the bounded region, and a second plate dimensioned to substantially cover a second opening of the bounded region. The casing, the first plate and the second plate define an interior region of the power supply center dimensioned for receipt of a transformer. The power supply center may also include a primary side that may include at least one primary connector configured to connect at least one primary conductor of a primary feed line to the transformer, and a secondary side that may include at least one secondary connector configured to connect the transformer to at least one secondary conductor of a secondary output line. The primary connector of the power supply center may include a connector conductor comprising a first end configured for connection to the transformer and a second end configured for connection to the at least one primary conductor of the primary feed line, and the first surface or the second surface may include an opening, and the connector conductor is dimensioned to pass through the opening.
In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the interior region is at least partially filled with an epoxy resin.
In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the casing may be made from aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the at least one primary connector and the at least one secondary connector may be made of a conductive material.
In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the power supply center may include at least one circuit breaker connected to the at least one secondary connector.
In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the power supply center may include at least one circuit breaker connected to the at least one primary connector.
In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the secondary connector may include a connector conductor comprising a first end configured for connection to the transformer and a second end configured for connection to the at least one secondary conductor of the secondary output line, and the first surface or the second surface may include an opening, and the connector conductor may be dimensioned to pass through the opening.
In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the power supply center may also include a wire cover positioned on the casing, and the wire cover may include at least one chamber dimensioned for receipt of the second end of the connector conductor.
In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the at least one primary connector of the primary side may include a first primary connector, a second primary connector and a third primary connector. The first primary connector may be configured for connection to a ground conductor, and the second primary connector may be configured for connection to a neutral conductor, and the third primary connector may be configured for connection a hot conductor.
In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the at least one primary connector of the primary side may also include a fourth primary connector configured for connection to the hot conductor, and connected to the transform so as to offset voltage drop.
In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the at least one secondary connector of the secondary side may include a first secondary connector and a second secondary connector, the first second connector may be connected to the transformer so as to provide a first output voltage, and the second secondary connector may be connected to the transformer so as to provide a second output voltage different from the first output voltage.
In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the at least one secondary connector of the secondary side may also include a third secondary connector, a fourth secondary connector, and a fifth secondary connector, the third secondary connector may be connected to the transformer so as to provide s a third output voltage different from the first output voltage and the second output voltage, the fourth secondary connector may be connected to the transformer so as to provide a fourth output voltage different from the first output voltage, the second output voltage and the third output voltage, and the fifth secondary connector may be connected to the transformer so as to provide a fifth output voltage different from the first output voltage, the second output voltage, the third output voltage and the fourth output voltage.
According to a third aspect of the invention, a power supply center is provided that may include a casing at least partially defining a bounded region, a first plate dimensioned to substantially cover a first opening of the bounded region, a second plate dimensioned to substantially cover a second opening of the bounded region, and a third plate dimensioned to substantially cover a third opening of the bounded region. The casing, the first plate, the second plate and the third plate define an interior region of the power supply center dimensioned for receipt of a transformer. The power supply center may also include a primary side that may include at least one primary connector configured to connect at least one primary conductor of a primary feed line to the transformer, and a secondary side that may include at least one secondary connector configured to connect the transformer to at least one secondary conductor of a secondary output line. The at least one primary connector or the at least one secondary connector may be mounted on the third plate by a threaded connection post, the threaded connection post may be connected to the transformer, and the threaded connection post may be made of a conductive material.
In accordance with the third aspect of the invention, the interior region is at least partially filled with an epoxy resin.
In accordance with the third aspect of the invention, the casing may be made from aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
In accordance with the third aspect of the invention, the at least one primary connector and the at least one secondary connector may be made of a conductive material.
Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, where:
a is a top view of an embodiment of a primary junction box cover that may be used with the present invention,
b is a side view of the primary junction box cover,
c is a bottom view of the primary junction box cover,
d is an isometric view of the primary junction box cover,
e is a close up view of a primary junction box of the power supply center of
a is an exploded view of the components for an exemplary connector that may be used with the present invention,
b is an assembled view of the components shown in
a is a bottom view of the components shown in
b is a longitudinal side view of the components shown in
c is a top view of the components shown in
d is a side view of the components shown in
e is a cross-sectional view of the components shown in
a is a top view of a terminal block that may be used with the present invention,
b is a front view of the terminal block that may be used with the present invention,
c is a bottom view of the terminal block that may be used with the present invention,
d is a side view of the terminal block that may be used with the present invention,
The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout increased by 100 when referring to different embodiments of the invention.
Referring to
As shown in
The power supply center 100 may also include a top cover 126 positioned on an upper opening of the interior region power supply center 100 defined by the casing 118 and side plates 111, 112. A top cover gasket 124 may be placed between the top cover 126 and the upper surfaces of the casing 118 and side plates 111, 112 to prevent leakage of epoxy during construction of the power supply center 100. The top cover gasket 124 may be made from ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber (EPDM) die cut shore A30 or equivalent. The top cover gasket 124 may also prevent water seepage into the power supply center 100 during use of the power supply center 100. The power supply center 100 may also include one or more flap wing supports 114 pivotably connected to the casing 118. The one or more flap wing supports 114 may be made from 60/63-T6 aluminum alloy or equivalent. The one or more flap wing supports 114 may be used to aid in the installation of the power supply center 100 by supporting the power supply center 100 at a desirable location within an enclosure (not shown) before the power supply center 100 is finally positioned within the enclosure. The power supply center 100 may also include one or more feet 110 positioned on a bottom surface of the side wall 118. The one or more feet 110 may be made from generic rubber or equivalent. The power supply center 100 may include a primary circuit breaker 165 and a secondary circuit breaker 164. The primary circuit breaker 165 and the secondary circuit breaker 164 may be 5A-25A circuit breakers. The primary circuit breaker 165 and/or the secondary circuit breaker 164 may be a hydraulic magnetic push/pull circuit breakers, such as a circuit breaker from AIRPAX . Each primary circuit breaker 165 and secondary circuit breaker 164 may include a circuit breaker bottom boot 122 to prevent epoxy leakage into the primary circuit breaker 165 and secondary circuit breaker 164 during construction of the power supply center 100. The circuit breaker bottom boot 122 may be made from frosted silicone or equivalent. The portion of the secondary circuit breaker 164 and primary circuit breaker 165 extending through the top cover 126 may be covered by a circuit breaker push/pull boot 156 made from silicon, such as platinum cure silicon A50 or equivalent.
The connection of the primary side and the secondary side of the power supply center 100 will now be described with reference to
As shown in
Although not shown in
The terminal block 154 of the connector 155 is shown in detail in
Still referring to
Still referring to
Referring now to
The each of the connectors 155 for the primary side of the power supply center 100 may be positioned within an enclosure 1200 on the top cover 126. As shown in Figure le, the enclosure 1200 may have one or more wire tie slots 1015 for managing feeds to the connectors 155 of the primary side. The enclosure 1200 may also have at least one primary line opening 127 dimensioned to receive a primary feed line. The enclosure 1200 may have a primary cover 138 made from polycarbonate resin thermoplastic, such as LEXAN® 940A or equivalent. As shown in
Referring again to
The secondary side of the power supply center 100 may include one or more connectors 155, and terminal block covers 146, 150, 152 positioned on the terminal blocks 154 of the connectors 155. The each of the connectors 155 of the secondary side may be connected to the transformer 116 so as to be used as secondary taps. The power supply center 100 shown in
The transformer (not shown) is positioned in an interior region of the power supply center 100. The interior region may be formed from two side plates 211, 212 positioned on each side of the transformer, and a U-shaped casing 218 or side wall positioned between to the two side plates 211, 212. The casing 218 at least defines a bounded region that includes at least the interior region of the power supply center 200. The casing 218 may be formed from two half U's joined together by a gasket (not shown) at the bottom-center of the casing 218. The casing 218 may be made from an aluminum alloy, such as 60/63-T6 aluminum alloy or equivalent. The use of aluminum alloy for the casing 218 aids in the dissipation of heat from the power supply center, however it is understood that the casing 218 may be made from other materials such as plastics or a polycarbonate resin thermoplastic. The side plates 211, 212 may be dimensioned to substantially cover a first and second side of the bounded region defined by the casing 218. The side plates 211, 212 may be made from polycarbonate resin thermoplastic, such as LEXAN® 221 or equivalent. Each side plate 211, 212 may contain one or more epoxy lock disks (not shown) positioned on the surface of the side plate 211, 212 facing the transformer (not shown) as discussed in relation to power supply center 100 shown in
Still referring to
Attorney Docket No. 800-083.023-1 The top cover gasket 224 may also prevent water seepage into the power supply center 200 during use of the power supply center 200. The top cover 226 may include an enclosure 1200 as shown in Figure le on the primary side to house the connectors of the primary side. Referring again to
Referring again to
The power supply center 200 also includes one or more connectors 155, as discussed above with respect to
It is understood that the primary side of the power supply center 200 may be similar to the primary side of the power supply center 100 discussed in
The transformer (not shown) is positioned in an interior region (not shown) of the power supply center 300. The interior region may be formed from two side plates 311, 312 positioned on each side of the transformer, and a U-shaped casing 318 or side wall positioned between to the two side plates 311, 312. The casing 318 at least defines a bounded region that includes at least the interior region of the power supply center 300. The casing 318 may be formed from two half U's joined together by a gasket (not shown) at the bottom-center of the casing 318. The casing 318 may be made from 60/63-T6 aluminum alloy or equivalent. The side plates 311, 312 may be dimensioned to substantially cover a first and second side of the bounded region defined by the casing 318. The side plates 311, 312 may be made from polycarbonate resin thermoplastic, such as LEXAN® 221 or equivalent. Each side plate 311, 312 may contain one or more epoxy lock disks (not shown) positioned on the surface of each the side plates 311, 312 facing the transformer (not shown) as discussed in relation to power supply center 100 shown in
Still referring to
The power supply center 300 may also include one or more flap wing supports 314 pivotably connected to the casing 318. The one or more flap wing supports 314 may be made from 60/63-T6 aluminum alloy or equivalent. The one or more flap wing supports 314 may be used to aid in the installation of the power supply center 300 by supporting the power supply center 300 at a desirable location within an enclosure (not shown) before the power supply center 300 is finally positioned within the enclosure. The power supply center 300 may also include one or more feet (not shown) positioned on a bottom surface of the side wall 318. The power supply center 300 may include a primary circuit breaker (not shown) and one or more secondary circuit breakers (not shown). Each primary circuit breaker (not shown) and each secondary circuit breaker (not shown) may be covered by a circuit breaker boot 356 on the exterior surface of the power supply center 300.
The power supply center 300 also includes one or more connectors 155, as discussed above with respect to
The power supply center 500 may also include a secondary circuit breaker 564. The secondary circuit breaker 564 may be a 5A-25A circuit breaker, and/or be a hydraulic magnetic push/pull circuit breaker. At least part of the secondary circuit breaker 564 and the transformer 516 are enclosed in an interior region of the power supply center 500 formed by a casing 518, a top plate 511 and a bottom plate 512. The casing 518 may be made from an aluminum alloy or equivalent, and the top plate 511 and bottom plate 512 may be made from polycarbonate resin thermoplastic, such as LEXAN® 221 or equivalent. The use of aluminum alloy for the casing 518 aids in the dissipation of heat from the power supply center, however it is understood that the casing 518 may be made from other materials such as plastics or a polycarbonate resin thermoplastic. A push/pull actuator 567 of the secondary circuit breaker 567 may be inserted through an opening in the top plate 511 to extend to the exterior of the power supply center 500. The push/pull actuator 567 may be covered by a push/pull boot 556, which may be made from platinum cure silicon shore A50 or equivalent. The push/pull boot 556 may form at least a substantially watertight seal with the push/pull actuator 567 and the top plate 511.
A gasket 566 may be positioned between the top plate 511 and the casing 518. The gasket 566 acts to prevent epoxy leakage from the interior region of the power supply center 500 during manufacture of the power supply center 500, and also helps to prevent water penetration into the interior region of the power supply center 500 while the power supply center 500 is in use. One or more lock posts 521 may be used to securely attach the top plate 511 to the power supply center 500 when epoxy is inserted into the interior region of the power supply center 500. The bottom plate 512 may be attached to the casing 518 and/or the power supply center 500 through use of one or more fasteners 523. The fasteners 523 may be thread forming screws or equivalent, and may be made from stainless steel or equivalent. An information panel 529 may slide to engage a side of the casing 518. The information panel 529 may contain information related to the type of transformer 516 used in the power supply center 500.
A connector cover 537 may also slide to engage another side of the casing 518. The connector cover 537 contains one or more cavities 595, each dimensioned for receipt of one connector 555. The cavities 595 of the connector cover 537 are configured to keep the connectors 555 separate. The connector cover 537 may be positioned to hold an end of the connectors 555 for both the primary side 590 and secondary side 575 of the power supply center 500. A connector management bar 521 may be positioned over the connectors 555 on the primary side 590 and/or the secondary side 575 to facilitate management of the connectors 555. The power supply center 500 may also include one or more handles 585, and one or more wire tie slots 580 in each handle 585.
The power supply center 500 may include one or more connectors 555 on the primary side 590. One connector 555 on the primary side 590 may be configured to connect a ground conductor to the power supply center 500. The transformer 516 may include a grounded isolation barrier configured for connection to the ground conductor. Another connector 555 may be configured to connect a neutral conductor to the power supply center 500. Another connector 555 may be configured to connect a hot conductor to the power supply center 500 and this connector may act as a primary tap. A fourth connector 555 may be configured to connect the hot conductor to the power supply center 500, so as to act as a second primary tap to compensate for losses that may be incurred due to connection to a dimmer (not shown). The connection of these connectors 555 to the appropriate wires (not shown) of the transformer 516 so that each connector 555 can be used as discussed above is understood to one of skill in the art. Furthermore, it is understood that the connectors 555 may be color coded.
The power supply center 500 may include five secondary taps on the secondary side 575 made from the connectors 555. The five secondary taps provides nominal secondary voltages between 11-30 voltages depending upon how the secondary taps are connected to the transformer (not shown). Loads may be connected to one or more of the secondary taps up to the full watt rating of the power supply center 500. Accordingly, loads at varying distances from the power supply center 500 may be connected to different secondary taps to recover voltage drop and produce between 85-100% light output.
It is understood that the embodiments of the power supply centers discussed above may be constructed in order to meet or exceed one or more Underwriters Laboratory (UL) standard. For example, for UL 1838, which is directed to low voltage landscape lighting systems, luminairies and power supplies must be listed as complimentary components for lighting garden, walkway, patio areas, trees and similar outdoor locations within ground and above ground fixtures, and for certain indoor locations such as atriums and shopping malls. The listing also covers luminaries submersed in or floating on ponds, rivers, water features and lakes or a portable self contained fountains per NEC Article 682 where immersed persons would not be present ad defined by luminaire installation instructions. The power supply centers discussed above may be constructed to meet or exceed the UL 1838 standard. In addition, the UL Pool & Spa standard is directed to lighting for a pool, spa, permanent fountain or other bodies of water intended to contain immersed persons, and all wirings must be Class 1 per NEC Chapter 3. The embodiments of the power supply centers discussed above may further be constructed to meet or exceed the UL Pool & Spa standard in addition to the UL 1838 standard, or independent of the UL 1838 standard. Furthermore, the UL 2108 standard covers exposed bare conductor systems comprised of cable, linear track or the like where the support structure is exposed and current carrying, and for wet locations luminaries with up to 30V input provided they are Class 1 wired per NEC Chapter 3. The embodiments of the power supply centers discussed above may further be constructed to meet or exceed the UL 2108 standard in addition to the UL 1838 and UL Pool & Spa standards, or independent of the UL 1838 and UL Pool & Spa standards. It is understood that the UL standards mentioned above are merely exemplary, and the embodiments of the power supply centers discussed above may also be constructed in a manner to meet or exceed other UL standards not specifically discussed herein.
It is to be understood that all of the present figures, and the accompanying narrative discussions of corresponding embodiments, do not purport to be completely rigorous treatments of the invention under consideration. It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.
This applicant claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/125,552 filed Apr. 25, 2008 under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61125552 | Apr 2008 | US |