MXPA99009758A

MXPA99009758A - Lighting circuit, lighting system method and apparatus, socket assembly, lamp insulator assembly and components thereof

Info

Publication number: MXPA99009758A
Application number: MXPA/A/1999/009758A
Authority: MX
Inventors: J Richardson Richard
Original assignee: Anthony Inc
Priority date: 1997-04-23
Filing date: 1999-10-22
Publication date: 2000-08-01

Abstract

A lighting system and components are described for a lighting assembly (36), including a socket (44) having a socket body and an electrical connector with a seal in the socket to seal around a light source. The socket is preferably configured to be independent of the mounting arrangement for the lighting assembly. An insulator (90) is also disclosed for a lamp (42) such as a fluorescent lamp having a body which protects the contact (54) on the lamp so as to form a recessed lamp conductor. The combination of a socket and lamp insulator is also disclosed for providing a socket and insulator assembly for reducing the possibility of injury or damage due to high open circuit voltage, environmental effects and the like. Additionally, a lighting assembly is disclosed incorporating the insulator, socket and mounting arrangements.

Description

LIGHTING CIRCUIT, METHOD AND APPARATUS OF LIGHTING SYSTEM, SOQUET ASSEMBLY, BULB INSULATION ASSEMBLY, AND COMPONENTS OF THE SAME I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A. Field of the Invention This invention relates to lighting systems, and components and assemblies for lighting systems, such as socket assemblies and bulb insulator assemblies, used in lighting systems. One aspect of one embodiment of the invention relates to fluorescent bulb sockets and mounting configurations for these sockets, while another aspect relates to fluorescent light bulb insulators and other aspects relate to lighting systems for refrigeration systems. B. Related Technique The use and operation of fluorescent lighting systems are affected by several factors. One factor is safety, with the purpose of minimizing the possibility of electric shock to personnel, including customers, maintenance personnel and the like. Another factor is the dimensions of the lighting system, including the size of the bulb, the size of the electrical contacts, and the placement of the electrical contacts. Another factor includes environmental considerations, such as operating temperature, and the surrounding temperature. Environmental considerations also include moisture, especially where the surrounding temperature can result in moisture condensation or icing. Another consideration under the environmental category includes operating conditions such as vibration, impact, and protection from other mechanical factors. Another factor includes ease of installation, repair and replacement, including interchangeability or variability of parts and bulbs in the lighting system. Another configuration is how the lighting system behaves electrically. Each of these factors will be discussed more fully later. Most current lighting systems are electrically activated. Standards have been established for the design, certification and approval of most lighting systems for the protection of personnel, such as building occupants, customers, installation and repair personnel, as well as others. These standards include ensuring that personnel are not exposed to high voltage or electrical shock during installation or replacement of lighting elements such as bulbs or bulbs. For example, most incandescent bulbs in homes have contacts with electrical and neutral current placed relatively close to each other and the installation of the bulb does not produce exposed contact with current. The risk of shock is minimized to the user by making the glass portion of the bulb relatively low in conductivity, and the contacts recover current only after the bulb is substantially screwed into the socket. A common design for fluorescent lighting minimizes the possibility of electric shock by causing each end of the bulb to be inserted into respective sockets and to settle or rotate a given amount before electrical contact occurs. This minimizes the possibility of having a contact with exposed current. Another fluorescent base design has a loaded base spring so that the base can be pressed with one end of the linear bulb inserted in the base to allow enough space for the opposite end to be inserted into its respective base. However, there is still a possibility that the opposite end of the bulb might be running before it is inserted into its corresponding socket. U-shaped fluorescent light bulbs and bulbs that have other shapes significantly different from the traditional linear shapes are comparable in some way to the incandescent bulbs of traditional homes because the electrode contacts are closer together. As a result, the probability that the shock can occur is somewhat reduced. Although incandescent bulbs usually draw line voltage, fluorescent bulbs typically require a fluorescent lighting reactor to start the bulb and regulate the energy applied to the bulb. The voltage required to start the bulbs depends on the length of the bulb and its diameter, requiring larger bulbs for higher voltages. The fluorescent lighting reactor is designed to provide the proper initiation and operating voltage required by the particular bulb. The fluorescent lighting reactor provides the proper voltage to light the bulb and regulates the electrical current flowing through the bulb to ensure a stable light output. The fluorescent lighting reactor also supplies a correct voltage for the desired operation of the bulb and adjustments for voltage variations. Traditionally, the fluorescent lighting reactors were of a type of electromagnetic solid core that had a large transformer to provide the desired voltage and current. The voltage was typically provided to the bulb at or near the operating line voltage of 120 volts or 240 volts and frequency of 60 Hertz or 50 Hertz, respectively. Occasionally the bulb is activated at a higher current in order to reach the light output, but this overshoot of the bulb typically results in a shorter bulb life.

Electronic or solid-state fluorescent lighting reactors provide greater energy efficiency by converting energy into light more efficiently than electromagnetic fluorescent lighting reactors. Therefore, it is possible that an electronic fluorescent lighting reactor can provide a higher light output than an electromagnetic fluorescent lighting reactor with the same power consumption. The greater efficiency and production of light is achieved by operating at a frequency greater than the line frequency, and sometimes operating at a higher voltage. As a result, it is possible for a fluorescent lighting reactor to acquire a high open-circuit voltage, as high as 750 volts, such as after a failure in the bulb, a fluorescent lighting reactor or other component, or some other electrical fault. in the lighting system, which consequently could lead to injury or damage. For example, an improperly connected light bulb in its respective socket could lead to high open circuit voltage, which in turn could cause arcing, overheating, possible bulb failure and possible fluorescent lighting reactor failure. Due to the higher induction voltages, the connection between the fluorescent lighting reactor and the bulb or bulb is important. Typically, fluorescent bulbs have two-pin contacts or double-hole contacts at each end of the fluorescent tube. The pins are separated by a separation distance from center to center of the predetermined pins, which may vary according to the size of the bulb. For bulbs of larger diameters, the separation may be greater for double-hollow contact bulbs such as the TÍO and T12 bulbs, but otherwise it will be the same for the two-pin bulbs T8, UNCLE and T12. For example, a double-hollow contact bulb T12 will have a center-to-center gap longer than a two-pin T8 bulb. The number 12 and the number 10 refer to the size, in eighths of an inch (0.3175 centimeters), of the diameter of the bulb. Much of the hardware used with the T12 and UNION bulbs has been relatively standardized. In a form of a baseball, commonly known as a tombstone baseball (Figure 23), the pins on each end of the bulb are inserted into the sides of the baseball until the bulb is centered on each base. After being centered, the bulb is rotated with respect to its longitudinal axis, allowing the pins to come into contact after rotation with the contacts in each basket. This base minimizes the possibility that one end of the bulb is inserted into a socket with the subsequent energization of the bulb and that the free end opposite is current. A shock could result from the free end with current from the bulb.

In the style of tombstone baseball, the contact and the lighting of the bulb is carried out by the electrical contact between part of the external surface of each pin and a portion of the contact surface. However, the electrical contact of each pin is presented only on a relatively small surface area, estimated in some circumstances to be approximately 0.0225 to 0.0231 square centimeters. As a result, any high current through the bulb results in a relatively higher current density at the pegs, than the baseball for which the baseball may not be designed. Another conventional basketball for bullets TÍO and T12 is a double contact socket with hollowed out springs, by means of which one end of the bulb is inserted in the spring-loaded base, pressing the elastic portion of the baseball. When pressing the socket the insertion of the opposite end of the bulb in the stationary stand on the lighting apparatus is allowed. However, nothing prevents the free end of the bulb from being energized and with potential for electric shock. Although this configuration of the basketball can take into account the expansion and contraction due to thermal cycling and extreme environmental conditions, the electric shock potential persists. The size of the bulb also affects the safety and effectiveness of lighting systems. The longer the fluorescent bulb, for example, the greater the current required to start and maintain the bulb with the desired output. The main current must pass through the basketball, through the drivers of the basketball and into the pins of the bulb. With some designs of sockets, the density of the current can be relatively high between the socket and the pegs for longer bulbs. As a result, overheating or other effects may occur. Longer bulbs also require a greater distance from center to center between the sockets. In conventional lighting fixtures, the sockets are rigidly mounted to a fixed substrate that can shrink or expand with changing environmental conditions. For example, in very low temperature situations such as outdoors or in freezer environments, shrinkage can be a matter of millimeters. For fixed sockets, such as a tombstone-style baseball, the contraction at a long center-to-center distance between the sockets could force the sockets to bend away from the bulb (shown by arrow 23A in Figure 23), reducing the contact surface area between the baseball and the bulb plugs, as well as possibly disconnecting the bulb from the baseball. In other lighting apparatuses where the sockets are mounted on a plastic substrate, the portions of the plastic can be flexed or bent, allowing the socket to be bent towards or away from the bulb, possibly also reducing the contact surface area between the socket and the pegs of the bulb. Separation or disconnection of the baseball bulb may cause toning, overheating, or possible electric shock. Conventional sockets leave portions of the end of the bulb exposed to environmental conditions. These sockets usually join the pegs of the bulb through contacts embedded behind a flat surface that hits the flat end face of the bulb, from which the pegs of the bulb extend. The flat faces that meet leave a space, allowing pollutants, humidity and cold air to enter the space. Contaminants and moisture from cleaning or use or maintenance can contaminate or corrupt the connection and moisture can condense or freeze over the contacts of the connection. Additionally cold air around the electrode area of the bulb will decrease the operating efficiency of the bulb, as well as possibly shorten the life of the bulb. Environmental conditions affect the operation of lighting systems, for example, by reducing operating efficiency, exposing the lighting apparatus to humidity, and extreme temperatures. These conditions exist in illuminated signs on the outside, outdoor lighting fixtures, unheated storage areas, refrigeration freezer containers and chests, and cold storage rooms. Some systems see temperatures as low as -60 ° C and as high as 7 ° C. Therefore, expansion and contraction can cause lighting system failure in many applications. Fixed central baseball systems or spring-loaded baseball systems often do not accommodate these changes in center-to-center distances from the baseball caused by the expansion and contraction of the substrate to which they are mounted. The extremes in temperature affect the operation of the bulb, decreasing the efficiency of operation. For example, some fluorescent bulbs have peak operating efficiency at about 40 BC. Significant deviations from that temperature significantly decrease the operating efficiency and light output of the bulb. Higher temperatures can also contribute to overheating the connection between the baseball and the bulb. High humidity can subject the connection of the basketball-light bulb to moisture condensation around the connection, and possibly to icing around the connection of the baseball and the bulb. Consequently the possibility of tonnage or short can be increased. The increased humidity around the baseball and the bulb can also corrode the metal of the contacts between bulb and socket, affecting the integrity of the connection between the bulb and the socket, for example, increasing the resistance in the connection, causing tonnage to may cause more corrosion or oxidation. Additionally, operating conditions such as vibration and other physical forces, such as impact, affect the operation of the lighting system. Vibration can cause the bulb and socket to disconnect, which can also cause premature failure of the fluorescent lighting bulb or reactor. Frequently, fluorescent lighting reactors will fail immediately after disconnection. Disconnection can also cause overheating, tonnage, or more serious damage. Vibration is often caused by air, close operation of engines or compressors, impact, such as maintenance crews, tremors and, in the case of refrigeration units, slamming doors, rearrangement of shelves, and heavy traffic . Vibration can cause vibration or rotation of the bulb in a baseball, leading to disconnection, especially when there is nothing to inhibit disconnection. During the manufacture of lighting fixtures, the sockets are not always placed precisely to ensure the optimal connection of the bulbs and sockets pins. For example, in the tombstone-style baseball, the fixed mounting of the baseball on the substrate several millimeters too close or too far away could lead to an inadequate connection. If the sockets are too close together, installing the bulbs between the sockets will force one or both of the sockets to bend away from the bulb. The bend will cause either a bad connection or an incomplete connection to the bulb, especially when there is nothing in the tombstone design that inhibits the disconnection in a longitudinal direction of the bulb. If a basketball has a good connection, but the other basketball has a bad connection or no connection, the end of the bulb affected will be current and subject to arcing, overheating and possible damage or injury. Therefore, the replacement of bulbs will result in another loss of baseball and a possible failure of the lighting apparatus. In addition to the fact that the sockets are not always properly positioned or separated, an inadequate connection or failure may result when the lengths of the bulb vary from one bulb to the next or between batches. The length of a bulb may vary by a millimeter and a half or more than the length of another bulb of the same type only due to manufacturing tolerances that are too large. Variations in the nominal length of the bulb may cause the suitably positioned sockets to bow outward after the installation of the bulb. Shorter bulbs can lead to improper connection.

A poor socket-to-bulb connection can also result from poor alignment contact of the bulbs for two-pin fluorescent bulbs, for example, a pair of separate contact pins is placed on each end of the bulb. For the proper connection of the bulb, each pair of pins must be properly coupled to the associated sockets. Since these sockets are mounted on a substrate with support surface, the alignment of the contacts in each pool is relatively fixed. However, if the alignment of the plug of a pair is not identical to the pin alignment of the pair of pins at the opposite end of the bulb, it may result in an incomplete connection at one end or the other of the bulb. The failure to make contact or an incomplete contact can result in a possible failure of the lighting apparatus. The repair or replacement of lighting fixtures is often difficult in cases where the sockets are fixed to the substrate. Frequently, the substrate is not designed for easy removal and replacement of lighting systems, further exacerbating any connection problems that may e between light bulbs and sockets. Similar comments may be applied in situations where the bulbs are first installed or replaced, and when the canopies get stuck or hit during the removal or replacement of the bulb. Loose or bent sockets increase the probability of connection failure. Similar problems may e during cleaning or maintenance of equipment surrounding the lighting fixture. For example, in refrigeration units, the bulb apparatus could get stuck or damaged during cleaning, rearrangement of the shelves, and at other times. Additionally, the sockets can get stuck or damaged, when they are first installed in the support structure, when the bulbs are first installed in the apparatus, or when the bulbs are removed and replaced. In these circumstances, it is possible that the connection between the socket and the bulb is no longer adequate, resulting in or leading to an inadequate or incomplete connection or a failed connection. It is also believed that inadequate connections and reduced conductivity in the lighting circuit can lead to lighting inefficiencies and possible failure of the fluorescent lighting reactor even before the complete failure of an electrical connection, such as a failure of the connection between the light bulb and his basketball. It is believed that the effect on the fluorescent lighting reactor of an inadequate connection is a result of a combination of the characteristics of the fluorescent lighting reactor and the characteristics of the lighting circuit. These characteristics will be discussed more fully below. The electronic fluorescent lighting reactors used to activate fluorescent bulbs are constant current devices. The bulbs they intend to activate are designed to operate at a relatively constant current to ensure the desired production of electrons and photons in the bulb. If for some reason the impedance of the bulb increases, the current will decrease unless the fluorescent lighting reactor maintains the constant current. Any increased resistance or increased impedance in the circuit of the bulb seen by the fluorescent lighting reactor will typically result in a higher voltage across the output terminals of the fluorescent lighting reactor. Therefore, the differences (or vtions) in the lighting circuit of the optimum design will also affect the fluorescent lighting reactor and the operation of the fluorescent lighting reactor, in addition to affecting the other components of the circuit. These changes can occur during the time, such as during the wear of the bulb, by changes in the connection of the baseball-bulb, such as corrosion, contact separation, contact ice formation or corrosion and the like. These differences can also be inadvertently incorporated into the lighting circuit from the beginning. For example, differences may arise such as through an inadequate bulb connection resulting from a larger sized bulb, unsuitable socket placement, damage to the baseboard during installation, as well as other reasons. For example, if high voltage is applied through an inadequate connection, arcing may occur. Resulting in higher oxidation and contact resistance and lower conductivity. The higher resistance produces a larger impedance in the circuit seen by the fluorescent lighting reactor, which would then cause the fluorescent lighting reactor to adjust accordingly. The lower conductivity, as well as other differences or changes in the circuit of the optimal design, can lead to overheating of the fluorescent lighting reactor, as well as to overheating other components of the circuit, and possibly to the failure of the fluorescent lighting reactor or other circuits. Many conventional light bulbs use sockets with dimensions only for UNCLE and T12 bulbs. However, the new T8 and T5 bulbs are not interchangeable with the TÍO and T12 Bulbs, nor between them. Therefore, the interchangeability of the baseball becomes more difficult and the interchangeability of sizes of bulbs for a given baseball arrangement is not available. Consequently, the disadvantages discussed above, in relation to the replacement of sockets, also apply to exchanging a size of baseball or type of baseball for another. For example, fluorescent bulbs T8 and T5 use different lighting devices under conventional designs. Some of these devices may have marginal terminal connections from plug to bulb plug to socket which can cause premature failure of the bulb, burn the fluorescent lighting reactor, and the like. Additionally, the differences in the length of the bulb between the T8 and T5 bulbs make conventional devices difficult to use and prevent the interchangeability of the bulbs having to replace the appliances. The nominal lengths for the T8 bulbs are 182.8 centimeters, 152.4 centimeters, 121.9 centimeters, 91.4 centimeters and 60.9 centimeters. The nominal lengths for the T5 bulbs are in standard metric lengths, corresponding to 145 centimeters, 115 centimeters, 85 centimeters, and 55 centimeters. Therefore, changing bulbs T8 to T5 requires a change of appliances. Additionally, the center-to-center separation of light bulbs is different, being 1.24 centimeters for the T8 bulb and 0.47 centimeters for the T5 bulbs.

II. COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTIONS There are described modalities of a lighting system and its components which minimize the possibility of electric shock due to incomplete connection of light bulb and socket, or due to the complete electrical disconnection between a light bulb and socket connection, possibly causing a open circuit high voltage and / or overheating or failure of the fluorescent lighting reactor and components. Also described are modalities that minimize the possibility of contamination due to cleaning procedures in the equipment surrounding the lighting apparatus, maintenance procedures, representation and replacement procedures, and the like. Also described are elements that provide increased thermal protection for more efficient operation and regulation of the bulbs, and protect the bulb and socket connection from environmental factors, such as extremes of temperature, humidity, condensation, freezing and vibration. Another aspect of a lighting system and components described herein improves the construction and procedures used in the installation, repair and replacement of lighting apparatus, and provides greater flexibility and interchangeability of lighting elements. Another aspect of the lighting systems described herein improves the operating characteristics of the lighting system, for example, by lowering the operating temperature of the fluorescent lighting reactor and / or the associated components in some cases, reducing the occurrence of reactor failure. of fluorescent lighting, bulb failure, component failure or other problems in the components or improving the production of light. Also described are elements that provide a better coupled lighting circuit which is less likely to lead to circuit failure or damage. These benefits can be achieved even with higher voltages provided by some fluorescent lighting reactors. In an embodiment of the invention described, a base is provided that allows the connection between the base and the bulb that is less dependent on the specific mounting arrangement or fastener, or on its placement. Preferably, the basketball and its connection to the lighting element are movable relative to the particular mounting arrangement. The sockets described herein can be placed on one or both ends of the lighting element, such as a fluorescent bulb. In one aspect, it is intended that a part of the bulb be considered more than the substrate from which the baseball is attached, because the socket-bulb configuration is believed to be more significant than the particular shape of the socket connection. substratum. The modalities of the lighting system described allow variants of alignments of pegs and lengths of light bulbs, interchangeability of light bulbs and provide better support for the light bulb. Some design modalities also allow the installation of at least two bulbs of different sizes, both in terms of diameter and length of the bulb. The embodiments of the invention described are also particularly suitable for use with solid-state fluorescent lighting reactors. For example, in a preferred aspect of the present invention, a basketball includes a housing with at least one cylindrical, notched, or female-type connector and a cavity or housing for accepting a bulb in the baseball. This configuration can be used with the current two-pin bulbs where the bulb is inserted into the socket, and allows for other different benefits, such as being able to protect the bulb, providing support for the bulb and making an electrical bulb connection more stable. Preferably, the connector extends to the cavity or housing a distance less than the full length of the housing and may still exit the housing bottom., for example, to allow a greater insertion of the bulb into the pool if desired, on the one hand, or to reduce the size of the housing, on the other hand. Preferably the connector is such that it engages, surrounds and contacts all or a significant portion of the plug it connects to ensure the maximum possible surface area of connection and improve conductivity. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a baseball for a lighting system wherein the baseball has a baseball body and an electrical connector, and also includes protection for the lighting element such as a bulb. The protection can take the form of electrical insulator, thermal insulator, vibration protection, contamination, and the like. In one form of the invention the protection is provided by a cover for the conductive portion of the bulb. In another form of the invention, the protection is provided by a cover extending over the conductive end of the bulb, and in still another form, the protection is provided by a seal between the socket and the bulb. For example, in accordance with a preferred aspect of the present inventions, a basketball was described for a lighting system wherein the basketball includes an element for forming a seal between the body of the basketball and the lighting element. The seal may be formed by an O-ring or by another convenient seal element. The seal can provide protection from the effects of the environment, including humidity, temperature extremes, as well as particles and other contamination. A seal can also protect the lighting system from effects of vibration, impact, and other external forces. In a preferred form of the invention, the basketball covers and seals a portion of the bulb, for example to provide thermal insulator to the electrode area of the bulb. In another form of the invention the contact includes a plurality of contacts in a base of the basketball. For example, the contacts can be configured in a diamond or cross configuration where two contacts accommodate the pegs of a bulb size, and where two other contacts accommodate the pegs of a different sized bulb. This arrangement could accommodate a T8-sized bulb, as well as a T5-sized bulb, a T8 and a TIO or T12, or any combination of known bulb configurations. The particular contact arrangement provides optimal isolation between adjacent contacts and between neutral and current contacts. In another form of one aspect of the inventions, the baseball, such as the outer surface of the baseball body, may include one or more slots or other elements to accept a removable latch or mounting accessory, to mount the baseball on a substrate or other support. In one embodiment, the slot would be approximately the same size as the mounting element at one end of the bulb, and larger than the corresponding dimension of the mounting element at the other end of the bulb. This arrangement allows the expansion and contraction of the apparatus in relation to the fixed length of the bulb. Alignment indicators may also be included to indicate the desired alignment of the bulb plugs in relation to the socket. In a further aspect of another aspect of the inventions, a basketball includes an electrical connector and a body that extends beyond the length of the connector contact and wherein the connector or other portion of the basketball includes a structure for attaching an insulator or protector in the bulb. The structure may include tabs, tips, or other elements to establish an interference contact with the insulator. For example, the connection between the bulb and socket pins can be achieved by a notched terminal with a split sleeve made of spring material in the socket. The notched terminal has an internal diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the plug of the male bulb, providing a pressure adjustment, wherein the pressure setting provides protection against accidental disconnection caused by vibrations and the like. To further protect against this disconnection, preferably two pointed tabs extend outwardly from the external surface of the notched terminal and mate with the inner surface of the opposing recesses of the insulators of the bulb. In addition, the ring seal at 0 of the basketball provides grip on the outer surface of the bulb that serves as added protection against disconnection. In another form of the inventions, there is provided a base for a lighting assembly having a base body and at least one electrical connector, and a base for the body of the base which is movable, at least rotatably or slidably, in relation to the body of the basketball, to allow the expansion or contraction of the assembly of the apparatus relative to the dimension of the fixed bulb. Preferably, the fastener is removable from the pool. In another form of the invention, the fastener is spring-loaded and the mounting surface for mounting the fastener to the substrate includes a track for adjusting the position of the fastener relative to the socket. In another aspect of the inventions, a protector is provided in the form of an insulator for lighting elements such as fluorescent bulbs, wherein the insulator protects at least one of the conductors on the bulb and couples the conductor so that removal is inhibited of the insulator. For example, with a two-pin fluorescent bulb, the insulator may include two openings corresponding to the pins and sized such that it provides an interference fit between each pin and the opening in the insulator. In a preferred form of the invention, the height of the insulator is greater than or equal to the length of the pins to protect the pins. In another form, the insulator also covers a portion of the body of the bulb in order to help protect or insulate the end of the bulb. In another aspect of the invention, a bulb assembly is provided that includes a bulb with at least one contact extending from a surface of the bulb to receive and deliver electrical energy to the bulb and a contact shield extending substantially around of the contact so that the contact is still accessible for the electrical contact. In one form of the invention, the bulb is a two-pin bulb where the two plug contacts are preferably cylindrical and the contact protector extends around both pins while leaving enough space to be accessible to the electrical connection . The protector is preferably an insulator that extends beyond the ends of the pins so that the pins are embedded within the insulator. In yet another form of the invention, pin extenders are placed on the respective pins in the bulb and hold the insulator in place. The pin extenders may also increase the capacity to make a reliable connection with the socket of the type described herein. In another form of the invention, the bulb and the conductive contacts are separated by an insulator between the contacts so that the shortest distance, without obstruction between the contacts is not less than 1.5 centimeters. In another form of the invention, a connector is provided for connecting the contacts of a fluorescent light source to a source of electrical energy that includes an input conductor for receiving electrical energy from a fluorescent lighting reactor and an output conductor adapted for accept a contact from a fluorescent light source. An electrical circuit is provided between the input and output conductors to pass current from the formed input conductor so as to improve the conductivity in the circuit. It is preferred that the use of a connector having one or more of these characteristics can be used in a refrigeration system, such as a display refrigerator where any contact resistance or contact surface area between the connector and the fluorescent light source remains substantially the same over a wide temperature range, for example from -6.66 ° C to 21.1 or 37.7 ° C and under the conditions found in display refrigerators. These exhibitors face extremes of temperature and humidity, and vibration, impact and other environmental conditions. They also experience various electrical influences, such as noise from other equipment such as compressors, and the like, line excursions and other variations. The lighting system of the present inventions and the components thereof can withstand many and preferably all of these conditions, and allow the lighting circuit to have a wider range of tolerance under the conditions in which it can operate. In another form of the invention, a connector is provided having contacts for coupling to a fluorescent bulb wherein the contacts of the connector corresponding to the contacts of the bulb are separated from each other by an unobstructed surface path of not less than 1.5 centimeters. Preferably, a substantially non-conductive barrier extends between the contacts in the connector to provide part of the separation. In one configuration, the contacts are cylindrical groove contacts for accepting double-pin plugs or bulbs, and the contacts are wrapped by plastic sleeves to inhibit arching between the contacts. Preferably, the contacts are recessed below the open ends of the respective sleeves. In a further form of the invention, there is provided a circuit for illuminating a bulb that includes an electronic fluorescent lighting reactor, a bulb socket for supplying electrical energy to a bulb through contacts in a baseball and at least one electrical conductor for Attach the fluorescent lighting reactor to the basketball. A junction between the conductor and the contact of the bulb has a contact surface area of at least 0.032 cm2 and preferably at least 0.0516 cm2 and 0.0645 cm2 or 0.645 cm2 or more, to ensure improved conductivity, both electrical and thermal, through of the Union. These and other aspects of the invention will be better understood after consideration of the drawings, of which a brief description is given, and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a lighting assembly according to an aspect of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a basketball according to various aspects of the present inventions. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an insulator taken through two of the holes of the insulator according to another aspect of the present inventions. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective and partial cross-sectional view of a basketball, insulator and bulb according to various aspects of the present inventions. Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-section of a basketball and insulator according to various aspects of the present inventions. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a basketball according to other aspects of the present inventions and including an end cap. Figure 7 is an end view of the sockets of the present inventions without the end cap.

Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of another form of baseball with a bulb and an insulator according to various aspects of the present inventions. Figure 9 is an exploded view and partial sectional view of the socket, insulator and bulb of Figure 10 according to other aspects of the present inventions. Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a basketball according to other aspects of the present inventions. Figure 11 is a detailed cross-sectional view of an electrical connection made with the socket and the bulb and the insulator according to other aspects of the present inventions. Figure 12 is a side elevational view of a latch according to one aspect of the present inventions. Figure 13 is an elevation end view of a latch on a mounting track according to another aspect of the present inventions. Figure 14 is a perspective view of a display refrigerator as an example of an application of the lighting system, which is subject to environmental extremes and vibration and other effects. Figure 15 is a partial partial and horizontal schematic view of a part of the display refrigerator showing the lighting system mounted thereon. Figure 16 is a partial schematic front plane view of a bare frame assembly showing an electrical circuit for activating lights (not shown) in an application of aspects of the present inventions. Figure 17 is a partial schematic front plane view of a bare frame assembly showing a lighting circuit for providing electric power to lights (not shown) according to an application of the invention similar to that of Figure 16. Figure 18 is a perspective view of a portion of the lighting circuit and the bulb according to another aspect of the present inventions. Figure 19 is an exploded perspective and partial cross-sectional view of a basketball, insulator and light bulb according to various aspects of the present inventions. Figure 20 is a perspective view of a base of a basketball for use with a bulb according to another aspect of one of the present inventions. Figure 21 is a perspective view of a basketball according to another aspect of one of the present inventions. Figure 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a basketball according to other aspects of any of the present inventions.

Figure 23 is a perspective view of a conventional tombstone type mounted on a substrate. Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of a bulb and a bulb guard according to other aspects of several of the present inventions. Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative way of connecting the base and bulb for a lighting system. Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of a manufactured receptacle and a plug for connecting electrical power to a bulb. Figure 27 is a plan view of a driver for a basketball such as that of Figure 25 for connecting receptacle contacts in the contacts of the basketball.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES OF THE INVENTIONS A lighting system and components are described which help to minimize the possibility of electric shock, protect the connection of the socket and the bulb from the environment and from vibration and from other external forces, improve the conductivity in the connection, provide a more reliable connection between the socket and the bulb, and which are substantially independent of the mounting arrangement of the particular lighting apparatus and allow variations in designs and dimensions of the bulb. The lighting system and the components also adapt to environmental elements such as extremes of temperature and humidity, and accommodate different dimensions of the bulbs. The lighting system and components can also be used with common solid-state fluorescent lighting reactors. The components of the lighting system also contribute to improving and better coupling the lighting circuit having better operating characteristics and reducing the possibility of overheating of the fluorescent lighting reactor and other components, the failure of the fluorescent lighting reactor or other circuits, providing through this a safer and more reliable lighting circuit. Lighting systems and their components have numerous applications and the embodiments of the present inventions can be used to advantage in a variety of lighting systems. They find particular significance in the area of fluorescent lighting, where there are particular needs met by the present inventions. Preferred embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative of the inventions but the inventions are not limited to these embodiments. For example, some of the different modalities are discussed with examples of the aspects of refrigeration units, especially related to lighting systems in harsh environments. Cooling systems experience various extreme conditions such as very low temperatures, high humidity, significant vibration and high voltage and current conditions, and there are other situations where the lighting systems are also subjected to these conditions. However, the present inventions are not limited to refrigeration applications. The inventions are discussed in greater detail in their preferred embodiments below along with the drawings. A lighting assembly 36 is generally shown in Figure 1, mounted on a base or substrate 38. In the context of a cooling unit, the base 38 could be a mullion, structure element, wall or other structural support to support the Lighting system. The lighting system can be mounted or supported in any orientation, including horizontally, vertically, or at an angle, and can be supported from any direction relative to the objective of the illumination. The lighting system is assembled, attached, or otherwise supported by the base 38 through mounting latches 40, some of which are shown in greater detail in Figures 12 and 13, for mounting the sockets and the bulb to the base 38. A lighting system typically includes a lighting element, which in the present preferred embodiment is a fluorescent bulb 42, and one or more connectors, which in the currently preferred embodiment includes a first basketball 44 and a second basketball 46. In the preferred embodiment, the first basketball 44 is a fixed baseball that would be placed on the bottom of a vertical lighting apparatus arrangement, and the second baseball 46 is an expansion base mounted on top of the fixed baseball 44. The term "fixed" is used here as a term relative to the other sóquet which is not as mobile as the other sóquet. The first sóquet does not necessarily pretend to be rigidly fixed, but it is not as freely mobile as the second sóquet. This same arrangement would preferably be applied where the expansion bunker 46 is mounted at a level greater than the fixed basketball 44, although not necessarily exactly vertical, so that the fixed base can reliably support the combination of bulb and socket as desired. The particular configuration of the lighting system shown in Figure 1 corresponds to a combination which would accept bulbs of two different lengths, and the configuration in Figure 1 accommodates the longer of the two bulbs. The configuration is for the longer of the two bulbs because the mounting latch is mounted on the fixed base 44 in a position closer to the bulb, as described more fully below. Considering a preferred embodiment of the fixed base in more detail in relation to Figures 2, 4, 5, 9, and 10, the fixed base 44 includes a rigid body 48, which defines a gap, and further includes a plurality of driving connectors. 50 preferably oriented parallel to the center axis of the socket to make contact with complementary connectors in the bulb 42. In the case of lighting apparatus using fluorescent bulbs, the socket serves to connect and supply current from the fluorescent lighting reactor on conductors 52 to through particular electrical contacts 50 and through two pins 54 of the bulb bulb to the bulb 42. The bulb typically includes the pegs 54 mounted up to abutted from the end cap which in turn is mounted to the body of the bulb 42A . The bunker preferably is substantially cylindrical in the external shape to minimize the space occupied by the bunker in the lighting apparatus. It is also substantially cylindrical in the internal shape of the gap, except as noted below, to conform to the external shape of the bulb 42. The cavity or enclosure defined by the body of the socket allows the necessary access by the bulb for contacts with notches Suitable for energizing the bulb, and the body provides the desired protection for the connection of the socket and the bulb. The body also protects users by minimizing the potential for shock from a failed connection or a compromised garage. The body of the basketball is made to the size longitudinally so as to allow the convenient voltage of the connectors 50 in the first wall or base 56 of the basketball and allow the connection of the conductors 52 to the connectors 50 in the base of the basketball. The body of the basketball is preferably made of the longitudinal size so that the second wall or the wall of the housing 58 defining the enclosure with the base 56 surrounds a portion of the bulb to preferably provide not only thermal insulation but also protection from other environmental effects such as humidity. The thermal insulation helps maintain the temperature of the bulb electrode within a limited range relatively compared to the surrounding temperature. Humidity protection is preferred in order to protect the contacts and other metal portions of the bulb and its connection from corrosion and possible condensation or icing. The length of the wall 58 also helps to stabilize and support the bulb relative to the rest of the lighting assembly. The wall 58 of the basketball also serves to cover not only the pins in the bulb, but also the base to which the pins are mounted. This protection helps to minimize the possibility of electric shock due to open circuit voltage. Preferably, the wall of the housing is a unitary wall integral with the base 58 to provide structural integrity to the pool. The wall of the housing is preferably at least twice the length of the connectors 50 extending from the wall of the base 56 so that they are embedded from the edge and provide sufficient space for the base to support the bulb. More particularly, the housing preferably extends sufficiently past the connectors 50 to cover the metal end cap of the bulb as well as the electrode area of a T8 bulb., for example, approximately 2.86 centimeters from the ends of the connectors 50 to the edge. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the basketball includes a seal to form a substantially closed environment around the connection of the baseball and the bulb. The closed environment helps to thermally insulate the contacts and the socket-bulb connection. The seal also provides the desired protection against other environmental factors such as moisture and the consequent formation of ice or condensation of water on the contact surfaces or on the surfaces around the connection between the socket and the bulb. The seal also has additional benefits such as structural integrity and helps inhibit the removal of the baseball bulb under normal operating conditions. Moreover, the seal can also help maintain linear stability in the light bulb connection, and keep the components centered. The seal is formed in the bulb when there is a reliable sealing surface, such as a smooth glass surface of conventional fluorescent bulbs. Preferably the seal is provided in the form of a ring seal at 0 60 to provide an air and moisture seal for the socket and the bulb. The O-ring seal 60 is preferably placed in the groove of the O-ring 62 formed near the edge or open end 64 of the socket. The 0-ring and the groove are made to size to provide a good friction fit between the O-ring and the glass or other surface of the bulb, thereby providing the desired seal there. The seal provides structural support and inhibits lateral or longitudinal movement as well as rotating of the bulb inside the baseball. The seal of the O-ring helps to cushion or eliminate the effects of any vibration, impact or other external forces, thereby providing additional protection to the electrical contact between the bulb and the socket. The O-ring seal also helps keep the components centered, especially when they are being assembled. The O-ring seal also helps minimize the possibility of the baseball and bulb separating longitudinally, which helps maintain the proper electrical connection between the base and the bulb. Consequently, the O-ring seal also helps minimize the possibility of tonnage, exposure to open circuit voltages, and high potentials in the baseball. In the preferred embodiment, the ring at 0 sits in its ring groove at 0 on the inside of the socket and extends sufficiently outwardly in the gap to form a good mechanical seal. Alternatively, the 0-ring seal can also be placed intermediate or in a part of the way along the inner surface of the socket and still provide a moisture, thermal and environmental seal for the electrodes and the extreme face of the bulb. However, the thermal insulation of the electrodes could be reduced and the potential for contamination by particles or other elements could be presented between an intermediate 0-ring seal and the end face 64 of the basketball unless an O-ring was placed. additional near the edge 64. Considering the fixed basketball 44 in more detail, particularly with respect to Figures 4 and 5, the basketball includes a first mounting groove 66 for releasably accepting a portion of the bondage 68 of a fastener, mounting bracket or device such as a lock 40 (Figures 1 and 12). The first mounting slot 66 preferably extends around the entire perimeter of the fixed basketball 44, and preferably is only slightly wider than the longitudinal length of the lock portion 68 of the lock. This space allows a convenient embedding of the insurance with the fixed chair and allows the rotation of the pool within the safety, but minimizes the amount of longitudinal movement of the pool in relation to the insurance. Although the longitudinal movement of the basketball in relation to the insurance is possible, it is preferred that there is little longitudinal movement so that the bulb can be reliably positioned in relation to the base 38. The fixed stand also preferably includes a second mounting slot 70 similar to the first mounting slot 66 but placed between the first slot 66 and the open end 64 of the basketball. The second mounting groove 70 is separated from the first mounting groove 66 by an edge 71. The second mounting groove 70 has the same structure and function as the first mounting groove 66, but gives greater flexibility in positioning the assembly of the assembly. light bulb and the basketball. The second groove is preferably used to conveniently place the sockets with a longer bulb than is used by placing a light bulb using the first mounting groove 66. For a given safe space, assemble a light bulb using the second mounting groove 70 places the electrical contacts 50 beyond the latch and contacts the expansion socket 46 to accommodate a longer bulb. For example, the second mounting slot 70 can be used to place a T8 bulb while the first mounting slot 66 can be used to place a T5 bulb approximately 5 centimeters shorter. Because the T5 bulb is slightly shorter than the T8 bulb, the sockets are placed closer together than the position of the socket to mount a T8 bulb. The base 56 of the pool includes recesses 72 for accepting the respective connectors 50. The connectors 50 are placed separately at the base in points of an elongated, cross or "X" diamond to accommodate the double pins of a T8 bulb in a configuration and the Double pins of one T5 bulb in the other configuration. The pair of connectors 50 for a T8 bulb are designated 50A and are shown more clearly in Figure 5 connected to the pins 54 of a T8 bulb. The space with respect to the center of the base between the connectors 50A represents the separation of pins found in a T8 bulb. The pair of connectors 50 for a bulb T5 are designated 50B, it is seen more clearly in Figure 10, representing the separation of pins for a T5 bulb. The basketball 44 of Figure 4 is shown in an orientation in Figure 5 and shown rotated 90 degrees in Figure 10. Although the orientation is preferably 90 degrees, other relative orientations are possible, such as 80 degrees of separation but still being in lines that are intercepted in the center of the base. Other pin orientations with pin spacings that are significantly different are possible. The opposite connectors in a pair are the neutral and current connectors for a given bulb. As shown in Figure 5, a connector in each pair is coupled to a conductor 74 in the wire tracks 76 (Figure 7) to provide current from conductors 52 to connectors 50. Similar or related connector configurations can be used. to accommodate other pin configurations for other sizes and configurations of bulbs. The baseball could also be configured to accommodate only a pair of connectors if the flexibility of accommodating two spacing distances of different bulb plugs is not necessary. The connectors are preferably hollow or cylindrical connectors, preferably of the compression or notched type, and may have a cross section in the form of a triangle, square, rectangle, oval, ellipse, or other convenient shape, and some are conventionally referred to as female connectors. . The connectors are preferably circular cylinders. Although other shapes and configurations are possible, forms of complementary coupling are preferred, especially curved shapes. The connectors are referred to herein as cylindrical connectors, the term of which intends to include connectors in this way as well as others having the described characteristics., such as including a plug-type connector to produce a relatively high contact surface area. The cylindrical connectors are pressure-adjusted in gaps of the same size in the base 56 in their proper positions with the conductors 74 welded or otherwise coupled to both (one conductor of the two connectors with current and one conductor of the two neutral connectors) of their respective connectors to pass current to the connectors. Alternatively, each connector 50 can be connected to a respective conductor 74, with the current conductors 74 extending in the cable path for the current conductor 52 and the neutral conductors 74 extending in their respective cable path to be electrically coupled to the neutral conductor. 52. The respective conductors 52 can be welded in the respective cable tracks 76 to achieve the desired connection having the desired conductivity and the desired current density. It has been found that maximizing the conductivity in the connection and through the conductors 52, 74, the connectors 50 and in the plugs 54 provides a lighting circuit that operates more oplly. It is believed that having a higher conductivity than previously existed in the fluorescent lighting reactor circuit, especially in the basketball, allows a cooler electronic fluorescent lighting operation and reactor circuit, a more uniform bulb wall temperature, it is less likely to produce tonnage with the expected complications such as increased oxidation and resistance, increases light outputs, and provides a more reliable and safe baseball as a component of the lighting circuit. It is believed that having a higher conductivity, such as that provided by high cross-section contact area, the resistance and voltage drop across the basketball is reduced, thereby reducing any impedance created by the basketball, and improving the electrical and thermal conductivity. The baseball operates at a lower temperature and is less likely to fail. In the preferred embodiment, the surface area of the actual contact, for the improved conductivity, is approximately 0.312 square centers, and preferably is even greater than 0.437 square centers or more. Preferably a joint between the conductor and the contact of the bulb has a contact surface area of at least 0.0312 square centers and preferably at least 0.05 square centers and in best cases 0.0625 or 0.625 square centers or more, to ensure improved conductivity, both electrical as thermal, through the union. It is believed that doubling the contact surface area for a standard gravestone basement could have a remarkable improvement in conductivity. These are preferred features, and can be varied while taking advantage of various aspects of the present invention. It can be varied even to the extent of having a higher impedance, lower conductivity, or being less reliable, while still incorporating the beneficial aspects of the present inventions. Some tombstone-style sockets can have a real surface contact area of approximately 0.018 to 0.025 square centers. In addition to improving the conductivity characteristics of the baseball in the initial design, the structural characteristics of the basketball help to maintain the electrical characteristics during the life of the basketball. For example, the protection provided by the body of the basketball and the O-ring 60 produces the possibility of dirt or contamination of the connection to the bulb, and reduces the possibility of adverse climatic solutions that affect the electrical connection to the bulb. The possibility of incomplete or failed connection due to vibration or other environmental forces, including impact, is also reduced. The connectors 50 preferably include one or more tabs 78 to minimize the possibility of removing the connectors from the base 56, and also for fitting insulators in the bulbs, as described more fully below with respect to Figure 11. The connectors 50 have a length that fully seats the pins 54 in the bulbs sufficiently to provide the desired electrical connection. They can have a diameter that will provide a good electrical connection of sliding contact with the plugs of the bulb when the socket is placed in the bulb. The combination of a slot connector with a plug contact from a bulb increases the surface area of the electrical contact, possibly as much as twenty times or more, and increases the current density for a given current level, relative to other sockets . The increase in the surface area of the electrical contact between the connectors 50 and the pins of the bulb 54 also serves to reduce the impedance developed in the connection of the bulb and socket, and reduces the voltage drop across the socket. In combination, the highest current density allowed in the driver's socket 52 through the connectors 50 to the pins 54 reduces the impedance seen by the electronic fluorescent lighting reactor and provides a better and more reliable electrical connection between the reactor of fluorescent lighting and the bulb. The length of the housing beyond the connectors is preferably sufficient to provide protection for the users and to provide protection to the bulb-socket connection. The ends of the connector must be sufficiently embedded in the housing from the edge to minimize the possibility of personnel touching a contact with current. This added length in the baseball should be balanced with the desire for maximum exposure to light from the bulb, minimizing the amount of usable bulb space that is covered. Additionally, the housing of the pool is preferably long enough to firmly fit the bulb and form a reliable seal between the socket and the bulb with the ring at 0. Therefore, the housing of the pool is preferably long enough so that The 0-ring seal makes contact with a portion of the bulb surface that is uniform, that is, without transitioning from the body of the bulb to the metal end cap. The greater the lodging, the more stable the connection of the baseball-bulb. Additionally, with a longer housing, additional 0-ring seals may be provided if desired. The end of the bunker is preferably sealed with a socket end cap 80, which may include a 0 82 ring seal placed in the O-ring slot in the end cap 80 to provide a convenient seal between the end cap 80 and a slot 84 at the end of the basketball. The conductors 52 then pass through the end cap through a seal and strain relief 86. Preferably, a seal for moisture and air tightness is provided by suitable elements in the strain relief 86, such as by molding the cap. and the relief of tension around the drivers. Alternatively to the ring at 0 82, the end layer can be sealed and attached to the body of the socket through ultrasonic welding or other convenient means. The wires can be attached to the base at any desired entry point, from the end of the basketball, the side or the like. The connectors 50 extend through and beyond the base surface 88 a sufficient distance to accommodate the insulator for the bulbs of the bulbs, described more fully below. The base wall 88 forms the end or bottom of the cylindrical wall 58 of the socket, opposite the open end 64. The wall 58 preferably includes a relatively smooth inner surface wall 90 (except as will be noted below) between the ring groove. in O 62 and the base wall 88 to minimize the possibility that the insertion of the bulb into the hole of the socket es any problem or obstruction. In the preferred mode, the reference surfaces 92 (FIGS. 4 and 10) are formed 180 degrees apart by extending longitudinally along the internal surface 90 of the socket starting from the base wall 88 part of the way to the open end 64. Preferably they are coplanar with a connector set 50 to indicate its location, in the present case those for the T5 bulb (see Figures 4 and 10). These reference surfaces 92 fit and place a bulb adapter, described more fully below. The reference surfaces can also be used to help properly position the bulbs so that the double pins of each bulb end fit properly with the appropriate connectors 50 in the base of the socket. When using reference surfaces, the insulators would also include reference paths in order to couple the reference surfaces formed in the hole of the pool. The reference paths are not shown on the insulators (described in more detail below) but it should be understood that they would be included when the reference surfaces are used for alignment or for part embedding. The expansion socket 46, shown more in detail in Figure 8, accommodates the contraction and expansion of the base 38 due to environmental factors as well as accommodates differences in the tolerances of various components and also variations in mounting arrangements for the locks 40. The expansion deck helps provide a light bulb and socket assembly that has electrical connections that are relatively independent of the particular mounting arrangement used to support the bulb. The expansion base 46 is essentially identical to the fixed base station 44 except that the first and second mounting grooves 66 and 70, respectively, are replaced by a continuous slot 93 and not divided by any edge 71. The base is supported by the safety 40 so that the expansion socket 46 can still rotate within the latch and also move longitudinally relative to the latch to accommodate expansion and contraction and other effects such as vibration. In addition to the fixed and expansion sockets have different mounting slots, otherwise they are identical in structure, function and in the preferred mode. Other alternatives are available to join drivers 52 to the basketball. For example, the baseball may include insurances similar to those of gravestone-style sockets to accept and hold solid wire conductors. These latches are also electrically coupled to the notched connectors 50. Another alternative includes conductors 52 terminating in a connector 52A (Figure 1), such as a Molex connector, for connecting the leads 52 to a Molex connector or other coupled from fluorescent lighting reactor. Alternatively, the conductors 52 can be connected to the socket through a socket mounted or integrated into the socket. For example, the plug can be a Molex type connector in the baseball. A Molex type connector also provides a form of low impedance connection, relatively high current density, thereby ensuring a reduced impedance as seen by the electronic fluorescent lighting reactor. Using a Molex or comparable connection contributes to the entire lighting circuit having a relatively higher conductivity and one which is believed to be more closely coupled with the electronic fluorescent lighting reactor. Other alternatives are available to support the baseball and the bulb. For example, the baseball may have indentations or grooves extending longitudinally along the surface of the body to allow the movement of the baseball during expansion or contraction, for example. Although the notches could limit the complete rotational movement of the basketball, the resulting expansion and contraction of environmental conditions occurs most noticeably in the longitudinal direction. The notches in a pool would still allow longitudinal movement. The sockets described herein provide independent support means and provide electrical connection to the bulb. The sockets are rotatably and / or longitudinally movable relative to the base or substrate by which the bulb and socket assembly is supported, and could also be mobile in other directions, while still maintaining the desired electrical connection and the desired protection for the connection. This allows the socket and the electrical connection to move relative to the mounting substrate so that the socket becomes more a part of the bulb than the mounting structure. The baseball also provides universal placement of the bulb independent of the length of the bulb or the center-to-center distances of the sockets. The sockets also provide lower labor and material costs and allow for easier installation and repair and replacement of the lighting elements. The light arrangements can be mounted in any physical orientation and can accommodate a variety of support hardware, such as locks, hangers and the like. The sockets allow variants in the alignment of plugs, length of bulb, length of pin and differences in other characteristics of the lighting elements. The described sockets also provide linear socket and electrical pin contact and a greater surface area of electrical contact than that which existed in some other pre-existing designs. The sockets described herein also provide protection for the environment such as humidity, especially in cold environments where moisture may condense or freeze at the connection between the bulb and the socket providing a closed environment around the electrical connection. The sockets also provide thermal insulation to improve the operating efficiency of the bulb or other lighting element, and reduce the impact of vibration and other mechanical forces. The sockets fluctuate with expansion and contraction of the substrate or base material, thereby producing the bending or tilting effects that occur in conventional basketball designs. The sockets also maximize the conductivity and electrical connection between the bulb plugs and the socket connectors, and provide mechanical support for the bulb. They can also include indicators, references, or other signs to help assemble and connect the various components of the lighting system. The sockets can be used with fluorescent lighting reactors, bulbs and the like, both new and conventional, especially those with higher voltages, frequencies and currents. An illumination element, in the preferred embodiment shown, is a longitudinally extending fluorescent bulb, preferably includes insulators 94 (Figures 4, 5, 8 and 10) that isolate the conductive pins to minimize the possibility of electric shock if the pins are energized. conductive If one end of the bulb is connected to a live wire, the other end could be charged, resulting in electric shock, injury or damage, if the other end comes into contact with a person or hardware. The insulator 94 is intended to minimize the possibility of electric shock or damage. The insulator can also protect the pins from contact with the environment and damage to the contact pins during the handling and shipping of the bulbs. In the preferred embodiment, an insulator covers each end of the bulb as well as the conductors at each end. In this manner, the pin conductors are embedded in the insulator so that they are inaccessible except through a suitable connection, such as that shown in the sockets with the connectors described herein. The insulator is also preferably formed to provide an interference fit with the pins on the bulbs to inhibit the removal of the bulb insulator. The insulator 94 (Figures 3, 4, and 8) preferably includes an upper surface of insulator 96 and a lower surface of insulator 98 for engaging the relatively flat surface of the end of the bulb. The height or thickness of the insulator is preferably large enough to cover and incorporate the pins of the bulb under the insulator surface by at least 0.158 centimeters. The insulator is preferably cylindrical in cross section to mate with the external configuration of the bulb to which it is attached. The desired diameter of the insulator depends on the particular design and the relative dimensions of the O-ring and other components that make up the combination of socket and bulb. The diameter of the insulator is preferably large enough to conveniently align the bulb as it is being inserted into the socket, but still allow the removal of the bulb with the insulator passing the O-ring during the change of bulb without leaving the insulator behind the hole in the socket. Preferably it has approximately the same diameter as the metal end cap of the bulb. The insulator 94 shown in Figures 3, 4, and 8 is a configuration intended to be used with a T8 bulb and to be used with convenient sockets for T8 and T5 bulbs.However, other configurations are possible to accommodate other bulb configurations. The insulator does not need to be a dual bulb design. The insulator includes first recesses 100 which extend completely through the insulator from the upper surface 96 to the lower surface 98. The diameter of the first recesses 100 is preferably smaller than the outer diameter of the sockets in the T8 bulbs, and preferably with enough to make it difficult to remove the insulator under normal conditions without some effort. For example, for an external diameter of plug in the T8 bulbs of 0.228 centimeters, the internal diameter of the first holes 100 preferably is approximately 0.193 centimeters or of a sufficient diameter to ensure a reliable interference fit between the insulator and the bulb. The reduced diameter ensures an interference fit between the pins and the insulator to inhibit the removal of the bulb insulator, and to ensure that the pins remain embedded in the insulator and protected from ambient conditions. The insulator 94 also includes first counter-ridges 102 (Figures 3 and 8) that extend almost the entire length of the insulator but not completely, leaving enough material to form a membrane 104 (Figure 3) which serves to grip the pegs on the bulb. The first counter-bushes 102 are made of a dimension that provides sufficient space for the notched connectors 50 when the socket is placed on the bulb while still providing an interference fit sufficient to push the tabs toward the insulating material. The insulator, when used with a base that accommodates two bulbs of different sizes, may have second recesses 106 and second recesses 108 (Figures 3 and 8) that provide space for inserting the isolator into the socket having four notched connectors 50. second counterbores 108 will fit over the notched connectors 50 included in the preferred embodiment for the T5 bulb so that the notched connectors 50 for the T8 bulb can fit the pins in the T8 bulb. It should be understood that the second recesses 106 need not form all the way through the insulator, but may be a blind hole that ends in the membrane, since there are no corresponding pegs or projections in the T8 bulb that need to be accommodated. The blind holes may have the same diameter as the second counterbores 108, and may be replaced by the second counterbores 108 to accept the connectors 50B that will not be used when a T8 bulb is in place. Similar configurations can be incorporated into an insulator so that the bulb can be used with a base that accommodates other bulbs, such as T-10 and T-12. In the preferred embodiment, the insulator T8 is adjusted downstream against the end face of the bulb T8, as shown in Figure 5. Preferably, the membrane 104 fits down on and around the widened base of each pin 54. Additionally, if the basketball does not extend over the neck or the glass portions of the bulb, the insulator 94 could include a skirt (not shown) that defines a hollow inside of which the neck portion 110 of the bulb T8 is adjusted. A skirt in the insulator would fit over the neck portion and could also fit over a portion of the glass surface of the bulb to provide thermal insulation and additional electrical insulation from the end of the bulb. The skirt could extend over the glass portion of the bulb to further insulate the end of the bulb, so as to insulate the electrode portions of the bulb. This skirt could increase the operating efficiency of the bulb by thermally insulating the electrodes and keeping the electrodes within a narrower temperature range. If the skirt was included in the insulator that extends over a part of the glass of the bulb and the sóquet were coextensive with the skirt, some dimensional changes would be made in adjacent parts of the pool to accommodate the larger external diameter of the insulator. The insulator or cover reduces or eliminates the possibility of shock due to a failed or compromised connection by providing means to protect personnel and equipment from electrical shock in the event that the contacts turn on. The insulator or cover can carry out one or more of the following: Embed the contact pins of the bulb, cover or surround the contacts, either individually or as a group, as well as the end face of the bulb, cover and / or protect the ends of the bulb, provide structural support for the end of the bulb, provide thermal insulation for the electrode area of the bulb, and provide a moisture barrier to the ends of the bulb. One or more of these elements provide thermal protection and other environmental protection, mechanical and electrical protection for the bulb as well as structural support for the bulb. The insulator or cover can also provide an electrical connection for bare wires, a connector such as a Molex connector, or simply provide an interface for a separate base. When the insulator or cover provides the primary structural support and enclosure for the end of the bulb, the insulator or cover can provide the means for mounting a latch or other support to support the end of the bulb. In the preferred embodiment, the insulator 94 is placed over the ends of the fluorescent bulbs before shipment. The bulbs are then installed in new or pre-existing appliances that have the sockets described herein by removing the sockets from their respective insurance. The bulb and the insulator are then aligned with a baseball, either in view or by aligning a mark on the bulb with a convenient indicator mark on the baseboard so that the pins 54 of the bulb fit with the connectors with appropriate notches 50 in the base. sóquet for the particular bulb. The bulb and the insulator are then inserted into the socket of the base cabinet by passing the O-ring seal 60 until the connectors engage with the pins 54 and the internal surfaces of the first counter-struts 102. The bulb is also inserted into the socket in a way that the notched connectors 50 slide over the pins 54, ensuring convenient electrical conduction through sliding contact action. When the bulb is fully inserted into the socket, the upper surface 96 of the insulator abuts the base wall 88 of the socket, the pins 54 are fully seated in the notched connectors 50 and the O-ring seal 60 is compressed slightly to form a convenient seal completely around the glass or other surface of the bulb 42 as part of a closed environment defined by the baseball. This procedure is followed both for the fixed base 44 and for the expansion base 46, after which the two sockets are fitted with the locks 40, which have been conveniently placed on the base 38 so that the bulb and socket assembly can be supported on the base 38. After assembly, the fixed base 44 (Figure 5) and the expansion socket 46 (Figure 8) form a combination of base and bulb where the insulator covers the end of the bulb and the pins conductive in a way that inhibits the removal of the insulator from the bulb. The baseball has a baseball body 48 that includes electrical connectors 50 to make contact with the conductors in the bulb. The body of the basketball preferably extends beyond the base of the pins in the bulb to provide thermal and environmental protection for the bulb and for the bulb-socket connection. Also in the preferred embodiment, the baseball provides protection against moisture and thermal protection for the bulb, such as through the ring seal at 0 60, and also provides protection against vibration and other impact forces. In the embodiment shown in Figures 4, 5 and 8, the socket and the 0-ring seal provide structural support for the bulb as well. The support slots 66, 70 and 93 provide expansion and contraction support for the socket and bulb assembly, particularly where the base 38 can undergo significant shrinkage and expansion due to environmental effects. For example, a 183 cm bulb, the base 38 can contract or expand several millimeters between the latches that hold the socket and bulb assembly, causing conventional sockets to bend and possibly break or compromise the connection between the bulb and the bulb. the socket so that there could be a high open circuit voltage or cause arcing or overheating of the bulb or the baseball. Any expansion or contraction in the lighting assembly shown in Figure 1 is accommodated by the expansion socket 46 and the relatively long slot 93 engaged by the lock 40. The fixed pool is preferably positioned so as to allow predictable contraction as well as the foreseeable expansion by placing the fastener holding the expansion socket in a manner that allows both contraction and expansion. The slots also help absorb some of the effects of vibration. The O-ring seal and the basketball also help minimize any relative movement between the bulb and the basketball. The bulb and insulator assembly as well as the bulb and socket assembly provide increased safety for staff, customers, and technicians, and is more compatible with electronic fluorescent lighting reactors. The assembly is not affected relatively by longitudinal dimensional changes or variations either in installation, assembly or during operation, maintaining an improved connection between the conductors and the bulb. The assembly is less likely to be affected by the contamination that accompanies cleaning, water moisture or other environmental elements and changes in temperature. The sockets can be mounted on either or both ends, but it is conceivable that a traditional base can be used at one end of the bulb while the expansion base, for example, at the other end. In many aspects, the baseball can be considered as part of the bulb, with very little movement, if any, between the baseball and the bulb under many circumstances. Depending on the methods of joining the locks to the base, the universal placement of the bulbs of many sizes and configurations with the arrangement of the base and bulb of the present invention can be accommodated. This assembly can accommodate different center to center distances. The design also allows lower labor and material costs and easier repair and replacement less prone to error or damage. The placement of the sockets does not need to be in a fixed center dictated by the length of the bulb, and the sockets can use locks, hangers, or other mounting elements to place the sockets on the bulbs and support them in a suitable base structure. The sockets also allow variations in the alignment of the plugs or in the length of the bulb while providing good electrical contact between the pins of the bulb and the connectors with notches in the socket. The electrical contact is preferably created by linear sliding contact and plug connection, producing, after complete connection, a good peripheral contact around the pins. Additionally, the use of a linear connection arrangement between the bulbs pins and the notched connectors provides greater electrical contact surface area, thereby reducing the density of the current flowing between the plugs and the bulbs pins. Therefore for longer and longer bulbs of higher bulbs, the connection is subjected less to overheating, failure or other effects due to the higher current. The sockets can also be accommodated to bulbs of different sizes, such as bulbs T8, T5 and T3, as described more fully below, and the same features described with respect to the sockets can be used to make a canopy that can be accommodated both bulbs of UNCLE and T8 sizes, bulbs of size UNCLE and T12, or other combinations of sizes and characteristics of bulbs. Additionally, the use of insulators minimizes the possibility of a bulb contact with exposed current, even if the other end of the bulb is connected to a power socket. This minimizes the possibility of electric shock due to high open circuit voltage. In an alternative embodiment, the insulator 94 may include metal or other spring-type disks or plates embedded in the membrane 104 to inhibit the removal of the insulator from the bulb. The plates include walls that extend into first recesses 100 in order to make contact with the pins of the bulb as they extend toward the first counter-noses 102. The plates or disks are preferably separated and not connected together to ensure that no short is present between the two pegs in the bulb. The discs intend to enter the metal of the pins as the pins are inserted through the openings in the discs. The internal diameter of the openings in the discs is preferably smaller than the outer diameter of the pins in the bulbs so that the material of the discs widens upwards in the direction of insertion of the pins. The flared portions will be introduced into the material of the pins and will substantially inhibit the removal of the insulator 94 from the bulb. In a preferred embodiment, each disk in the insulator completely surrounds the first recess 100. Alternatively, each plate could be a semicircle or square plate placed on the outer side of each first recess 100 so that the two plates are separated yes as much as possible, minimizing by this any possible short between the two plates. The plates could be included in the membranes during the molding or other production of the insulator. The insulator is preferably formed of a suitable plastic insulating material with sufficient structural integrity to withstand the environmental conditions experienced in these lighting apparatuses and to withstand the currents and voltages that occur in these apparatuses. The insulator can be formed of the same material as the sockets. The sockets are preferably formed of suitable plastics or other materials commonly found in conventional sockets, for example those of fluorescent light bulbs. For example, rigid thermoplastics are preferred for the body material of the body, particularly to ensure the strength, dielectric strength and mechanical integrity of the socket and that it would take advantage of the properties of conventional thermoplastics suitable for the design of sockets. Preferably, the socket is made of a material as rigid as conventional sockets, such as phenolics and urea and thermoplastics designed to withstand high temperatures, such as, for example, from 315 degrees centigrade to 371 degrees centigrade. The material known as Ertalyte can be suitable material for the basketball and for the insulator and Lexan 500 and Ultem 1000 are also preferred materials. The O-rings are preferably selected from a suitable material able to withstand the extremes of temperature found in these lighting systems, for example, silicone or 0 teflon rings are available and hold very large temperature extremes. You can also use reference guides, if desired, to help insert the bulb and isolator into the sockets. For example, the inner surface of the wall of the pool can include a reference surface and the insulator can include a reference slot for coupling the insertion of the bulb and the insulator. Brands or indicator lines can also be included in the pool to facilitate the proper union of the base and the bulb. The alignment and coupling of the different parts can also be made easier by providing inclined, oblique or ramp surfaces. For example, the counter-lugs 101 and 108 may diverge towards their respective openings to make alignment easier with the connectors of sockets. The fixed basketball 44 and the expansion deck 46 can accommodate different bulbs of different sizes, such as a T5 bulb in addition to a T8 bulb. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the fixed stand accepts an adapter having a cylindrical sleeve 114 and a flanged edge 116 for fitting and seating in the stationary basketball pit 44. The sleeve includes an inwardly extending rim. 118 to guide and support the neck 120 of a T5 bulb (Figures 9 and 10). A seal and an airtight fit is formed on the inner surface of the rim 116, through an O-ring 122, which extends into a ring groove at 0 124 to provide a support and seal for the T5 bulb 126 The sleeve 114 and the O-ring seal 122 have functions similar to the wall 58 and the ring seal at 0 60 relative to the T8 bulb 42 described with respect to Figure 5. The adapter 112 is reliably held in place. by the seal of the 0 60 ring compressed between the groove of the O-ring 62 and the complementary O-ring groove 128 formed in the outer surface of the sleeve 114, below the edge 116. The adapter 112 also includes one or more guides reference 130 for matching the reference surfaces 92 on the inner surface of the hole in the pool. The reference guides 130 and the reference surfaces 92 ensure proper orientation of the pins in the T5 bulb with the connectors with suitable notches in the socket. The connectors with suitable notches in the socket are the second set of connectors with different notches of the first set of notched connectors used by the pins in the T8 bulb. The notched connectors for the T5 bulb are closer to each other and have a center-to-center distance smaller than the spacing of the notched connectors for the T8 bulb. The T5 bulb 126 (Figures 9 and 10) is combined with a T5 isolator 132 having a pair of first holes 134 for slipping and fitting with the corresponding pins at the end of the T5 bulb. The internal diameter of the first gap is preferably approximately 0.193 centimeters for a pin diameter of approximately 0.228 centimeters to ensure a good friction fit. The insulator T5 132 also includes first coaxial counter-pockets with the first recesses 134 having similar internal diameters and lengths relative to the counter-poles in the insulator T8 96. The counter-poles are formed to accommodate the diameter of the notched connectors in the socket. The insulator T5 132 also includes second grooves 136 and second counterbores 138 to accommodate the notched connectors corresponding to the connection of the T8 bulb. The second slots 136 and the second counterbores 138 are included to allow the T5 bulb 126 and the T5 bulb isolator 132 to be fitted with the socket without causing the notched connectors corresponding to the T8 bulbs to interfere with the connection between the connectors with notches T5 and pins T5 during the settling of the bulb in the baseball. The second slots 136 can be omitted completely because there is no corresponding pin extending along the slot. The dimensions and separations of the first gaps and the first counter-barriers 134 in the insulator T5 are substantially equal to the second recesses 106 and to the second counterbends 108 in the insulator of the bulb T8 96. The same comments apply with respect to the grooves 136 and 138 in relation to the recesses 100 and 102 in the T8 isolator. The external diameter of the insulator T5 132 is smaller to allow the insertion of the insulator and the bulb T5 in the adapter 112 to be sealed by the ring in 0 122 to fit the socket as shown in Figure 10. The adapter for the bulb T5 can be replaced by the T8 isolator, attached to the T5 bulb to insulate and protect the plugs and the end of the bulb. The T8 insulator and the T5 bulb can also be inserted into the base and make the connection. As long as the ring at 0 does not come into contact with the bulb and therefore seal the interior of the baseball, the T5 bulb would still have an insulator that would minimize the possibility of voltage shock per open circuit and still allow the connection of the T5 bulb to the sóquet. The other benefits of using the insulator and the sockets with a T5 bulb would be achieved then. Other arrays of reference or indicator guides can be provided to minimize any chance of mismatching between two different lamp designs or two different lighting arrangements. For example, alternative embodiments could include a reference mechanism between the inner surface and the socket of the base and the outer surface of the insulator of the plug of the T8 bulb. Additionally, a reference arrangement similar to that described above for the T5 adapter could be provided when inserted into the socket of the baseball. An additional reference arrangement can be provided between the insulator for the T5 bulb and the T5 adapter to ensure the reliability of the fit between the T5 adapter and the bulb. An indicator or reference on the outside of the T5 adapter can also be provided so that the pins of the T5 bulb can be properly placed in the socket so that a suitable electrical connection can be made. For example, an indicator may be placed around the perimeter of the edge 116 on the adapter T5 to coincide with an indicator on the end face 64 of the basketball. In a preferred embodiment, the embedding of a bulb plug 54 with a notched connector 50 expands the diameter of the notched connector 50 so that the tabs 78 press and engage with the wall of the insulator 94. (See Figure 11) . Embedding of the tabs with the insulator wall increases the integrity of the electrical connection and the light bulb-socket connection. The tabs inhibit the removal of the connector with notches from the insulator, and therefore inhibit the disconnection of the bulb from the socket. The combination of the tabs and the interference fit between the insulators and the bulb plugs provide another obstacle to disconnect the bulb from the socket. The tabs inhibit the removal of the bulb and isolator from the socket, the sliding contact action of the pins and the slot connectors inhibit the removal of the pins from the notched connectors, and the interference fit inhibits movement between the pins and the insulator. Above all, the use and dimensions of the insulator, the pins and connectors and the use of the tabs combine to make disconnection more difficult. Moreover, the lateral support provided to the electrical connection by the embedding of the socket and the bulb, and the longitudinal support provided by the pins, the slit connectors, the tabs and the insulator and the ring seal at 0 all contribute to a stable connection that is more difficult to break or compromise. It should be noted that other configurations of a bulb and socket insulator are possible. For example, the insulator may be included with a sleeve and a 0-ring seal that extends over a portion of the glass or other portion of the body of the bulb to provide the environmental seal for the pins and the contact portion of the bulb. light bulb. Preferably, the bulb plug contacts are still embedded within the insulator to minimize the possibility of electrical shock from contact with current, for example when two ends are connected to a running socket. A basketball that has notched connectors can be attached to the portion of the insulator that is bolted to the contact pins of the bulb, although preferably they also form a seal to the humidity between the socket and the body of the insulator. For example, the seal may be formed by a ring seal at 0 or an interference fit between plastic surfaces of the portion of the insulator and in the portion of the coupling that is engageable. The diameters of larger components for the baseball and / or the insulator may be necessarily in a configuration such as the one just described. In another insulator and socket arrangement alternative, the insulator can cover the end face and a portion of the sides of the bulb to provide the thermal and moisture barrier described above, while also including an electrical transmission or interface connector between the plugs and a socket in the insulator to accept an electrical plug coupling the connectors 52. In another form of an insulator, for example when it could cover at least the end of the bulb, the insulator could include an electric connection socket , fixer or receptacle to which the solid wires that typically are used in many lighting systems are attached. With this arrangement, the bulb can be assembled with the combined insulating receptacle and sold, shipped, and then installed as a unit by simply connecting the solid wires to the appropriate receptacles. This is not as desirable as other configurations because the change out of the bulb would require removing the exposed wires from the receptacles, leaving exposed wires. Considering insurance 40 in greater detail (Figure 12), the latch includes a mounting surface or secure base 140 to be supported by, embossed or mounted to the base 38, preferably so as to be fixed relative to the substrate. The latch further includes a membrane or bridge 142 that extends from the base of the latch 140 to the bondage arms of the socket 68 so that the bulb and the sockets can be supported apart from the base 38 while allowing longitudinal movement. and / or rotating the sockets and the bulb together. The bridge 142 can be attached or rotatable relative to the base of the safety 140 so that the orientation of the bulb can be set independent of the position of the base of the safety 140 in the base 38. The safety 40 also preferably includes the wings 144 at the terminal ends of the connecting arms 68 to allow grasping and extending the arms 68 for insertion or removal of the bulb and socket assembly. The link arms may have several different orientations, and the opening therebetween may be aligned with the direction of the bridge 142, or it may be directed to an angle thereof. For example, the arms can be opened 90 degrees from the direction of the bridge 142 to allow insertion on the sides of a light bulb and socket assembly. The latch 40 shown in Fig. 12 can be formed of any convenient material capable of elastically holding a bulb and socket assembly while still allowing the rotational and / or longitudinal movement of the socket / bulb in the intended environment for the lighting system. illumination. For example, the material could be a thermoplastic or metal strong enough but elastic to support releasably the sockets and the bulb and other hardware that could be included. The lock 40 can be mounted to the base 38 on a track such as that shown in Figure 13, and held in place by locks, fasteners, or blocks to limit movement of the lock within the track during normal operations. The positioning of the latch 40 and of the track 146 essentially allows the universal adjustment of the latch 40 relative to the base 38 to accommodate different lengths of bulbs and also to more closely place the light source in relation to the article or articles that are being illuminated. The track 146 in a preferred embodiment is a longitudinally extending track mounted to the base 38 and preferably extending in a direction parallel to the direction in which the bulb extends. The track can be continuous to run the entire length of the bulb, plus some additional distance for adjustment, or segmented to have two units, a first to support an insurance, and a second to support the other insurance. The placement of the latches on a longitudinally extending track allows for almost universal positioning and variation in the position of the latches 40. Alternatively, the latches 40 can be mounted on one of a plurality of transversely extending tracks (not shown) whose length in the transverse direction is approximately equal to the width of the base of the safety 140 as shown in Figure 12. This would allow the safety to move laterally along the track and be repositioned on an adjacent track or other oriented equally in one direction or another of the original track. The safety would then move laterally along the new track and center on the base 38 so that the locks are again realigned to properly position the socket and bulb assembly. This track arrangement could provide a more discrete than continuous placement of the insurance. In a further embodiment of the lock and track combination, Figure 13, the track 146 preferably extends longitudinally in the same direction as the bulb. The latch 150 is preferably formed of a relatively strong elastic material, such as steel spring and is made elastic so that base portion 152 fits track 146 when the bulb and socket assembly is held in place so that latch 150 remains stationary on track 146. The base 152 includes a flat portion 154 that contacts the base of the track 146 and extends laterally to the respective bent portions 156 on the side edges of the track, which then bend back and in toward the center of the track .

Before the folded portions 156 meet, they are bent back and forth in the respective curved portions 158 that are embossed and curved around the grooves of the basketball. The curved portions end in circular end portions 160 used to grab and hold the curved portions 158 so that the socket and bulb assembly can be inserted and removed. The portions 160 also allow the relocation of the lock when the socket and bulb assembly is removed. This insurance configuration allows easy adjustment of the bulb centers. After the baseball and socket assembly is removed, the open ends of the safety catch are depressed at the same time as they are pushed down slightly toward the track. The safety can slide along the track to the desired position, after which the baseball and bulb assembly is reinstalled. This configuration can be used beneficially to optimize the illumination of objects based on the position of the bulb. The latches 40 and 150 form resilient spring clips mountable on a mounting surface such as the track. The locks allow the body of the basketball and the contacts to align with the bulb and maintain the sockets through elastic arms fitting the bodies of the sockets, preferably through slots in the bodies of the sockets.

In the preferred embodiment, the internal diameter of the latch 40 is approximately one and a half millimeters smaller than the external diameter of the first and second slots in the fixed base, to ensure a secure fit. For the expansion base, the internal diameter of the upper lock is preferably made to the size to allow a sliding fit between the slot and the lock, to allow adequate movement between the expansion jack and its corresponding lock, while maintaining the Basketball surely in its place. It should be understood that the drawings are sized to adequately show the characteristics of the invention. However, the relative dimensions of the parts can be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, a feature of the invention can be modified or its benefit reduced in order to accommodate other goals or functions of another feature of the invention. For example, the mechanical support of the bulb by the socket and the ring at 0 can be somewhat reduced by decreasing the overall length of the socket so that the ring at 0 seals around the bulb closer to the portion of the metal neck 110. Preferably, The baseball still provides some thermal insulation around the electrode portion of the bulb. Reducing the overall length of the basketball would ensure that the maximum amount of lighting of the bulb is achieved.

Preferably, the length of the recess in which the bulb is inserted is sufficient to cover the pins and the end face of the bulb as well as to cover part of the electrode area of the bulb for thermal insulation. Additionally, the material of the pool could be of a type, such as an acrylic, a polycarbonate or Lexan material, which allows the light to pass through from the bulb outwards, to help illuminate the target surface. Alternatively, only that portion of the pool covering the illuminated part of the bulb could be made of this translucent or clear material. The bulbs, sockets, combinations of light bulbs and sockets, and lighting devices described herein contribute to reducing or eliminating the problems caused by contamination from cleaning, repair, replacement and installation procedures and operations, and conditions environmental during the operation. It is believed that the inventions described herein reduce the possibility of high voltage shock from open circuit or damage and can be used with equipment having higher operating voltages., higher frequencies and higher currents. It is also believed that the inventions described herein are particularly applicable to extreme environmental conditions, such as outdoor, outdoor applications, freezing and storage, and the like. The expansion and contraction of the fitting and the folding of sockets by the thermal expansion and contraction or by damage of the installation or repair or by simple miscalculation in placement is easily accommodated by the present inventions. Environmental conditions such as high humidity and icing are also minimized by the present inventions. The described inventions also accommodate different lighting elements, different sizes of lighting elements and other variations in lighting systems. They also take into account vibration and other mechanical effects, such as those that can be caused by wind, heavy traffic, repair and cleaning replacement, storage and the like, where in the past these vibrations and mechanical impacts may have caused disconnection or removal of the light bulb plugs partially from the sockets. It is believed that the present inventions maintain good electrical contact integrity and dampen vibration effects. As a result it is believed that the effects of these problems on conventional systems such as arcing, potential electric shock and the like, are reduced or eliminated. To assemble a lighting system such as that described herein, mounting latches 40 (or 150) are attached or mounted to a substrate 38 either fixedly or adjustably, such as in track 146 such as that shown in Figure 13. A bulb of the appropriate size and the corresponding insulator and the socket are assembled by placing an insulator on each end of the bulb and ensuring that the insulator is relatively fixed at each end of the bulb. A first end of the bulb is then inserted into the socket of the pool, using any indicators or guides that can be provided on the pins of the bulb fitting with the connectors with notches in the base of the baseball. A good sliding contact action is achieved as the pins enter the leads 50 and the tabs 78 are pushed out to fit the insulator material, as shown in Figure 11. Similar steps are followed with respect to the socket and insulator for the other end of the bulb. The socket and bulb assembly is then assembled through an embossing with the 40 (or 150) so that the expansion socket that is latched to its latch has enough room to move to accommodate any expansion or contraction of the substrate or base material 38. The method can be modified in accordance if the insulator is designed to also cover portions of the end of the bulb and a simple connector is to be used to connect the conductors 52 with the pins 54. To adapt a bulb of a different size or small, such as the T5 bulb, the insulators are placed in or on the ends of the bulb and the respective sockets adjusted with suitable adapters. Fitting the adapters to the sockets can be made easier by using appropriate references, indicators or other signs for proper alignment. The sockets and bulbs are assembled and mounted on a suitable substrate in a manner similar to that described above. The length of the adapter is preferably sufficient to provide guidance for the T5 bulb as well as for the structural support of the end of the bulb. In a lighting system for a refrigeration unit, it is an application of the embodiments of the present inventions, and although it is representative of extreme conditions in which a lighting system frequently operates, it is not the exclusive application for the present invention. The present inventions can find application in lighting systems for exterior lighting, storage boxes, underground lighting systems, as well as cold storage rooms and other refrigeration units. However, the description herein will be directed primarily to refrigeration units. Although the lighting system is not limited in its use to display refrigerators, the discussion herein will be directed to lighting circuits in these displays due to the many relevant considerations of the lighting circuits that are demonstrated by reference to these displays. Simply by way of illustration, these considerations include low temperature, use of fluorescent bulbs, use of electronic fluorescent lighting reactors, humid environments, vibration, impact and shaking, as well as others. It should also be noted that, as mentioned above, the inventions can be combined together or used separately to achieve their respective results. Many and not all are independently useful and do not necessarily depend for their usefulness and value in other aspects of the inventions, but they are also combinable to provide results that have greater benefit than any single one. However, the combination of several of the inventions has particular application in the area of display refrigerators. Thus, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the lighting system can be used in a display refrigerator 170, which typically includes doors 172 placed in a surrounding frame 174 to enclose the product (not shown) displayed on shelves. 176. These displays are commonly found in grocery stores, supermarkets, and the like. As shown in Figure 15, the display would include a lighting system 178 for illuminating the products stored on the shelves 176 for display. Customers can access and remove the product through the doors 172 (shown schematically in Figure 15). The lighting system typically includes a light source 180, such as a fluorescent bulb having a cathode and anode and a discharge gas contained in the tube between the cathode and the anode. The fluorescent lighting reactor 182 can be placed inside a mullion 184 or anywhere in the display to activate the fluorescent bulbs. The fluorescent lighting reactor may be wired in a conventional manner, as is known to those skilled in the art. In one form of the invention, the lighting system would include a baseball and an insulator to help protect the bulb and socket connection during the life of the apparatus. In another preferred form of the invention, the invention would include a component and structure selected to be matched relatively to the characteristics of the fluorescent lighting reactor, and / or components that meet or exceed the operation levels of the circuit. More specifically, a lighting system can be incorporated into a display 200 (Figure 16) to illuminate an area, such as a display refrigerator that includes shelves or other product display areas. The display 200 could be identical or similar to the display 170 shown in Figure 14 with any number of applications, or it could have several different configurations. The display 200 shown in Figure 16 shows the metal elements or other structure elements 202 that would be placed in a network opening or in an exhibit structure. The frame may include a upper horizontal frame member 204, a lower horizontal frame member 206, a left vertical frame member 208 and a right vertical frame member 210. The frame shown in Figure 16 corresponds to a two-door frame and includes a mullion 212, which provides a portion of the frame for the doors and provides support for a portion of a lighting circuit. The number of doors in an exhibitor is usually determined by the size of the exhibitor and likewise, the number of light bulbs is also determined by the size of the display. However, a given lighting circuit could have only one bulb or two or more bulbs, depending on the configuration of the circuit. In addition, each lighting circuit has its associated components, the number of these will depend on the circuit and the design. For the purposes of the present discussion, the description herein will be directed to a lighting circuit having three bulbs. The lighting circuit is typically energized from a voltage line provided by a standard electrical source represented by the socket 214 from which electrical power is obtained by a conventional cord or cable 216. The voltage of the source of the line may be of 120 volts or 240 volts, depending on the local standard, operating at 60 or 50 hertz, respectively, and extracting conventional currents. The frame in the display can include a positive bus 218 to which the cable is connected with current from the power supply and a negative bus 220 to which the neutral cable is coupled. A ground strap 222 is also included for grounding. The bus bars and ground strip can be placed in any conventional place in the frame or anywhere on the display. In addition to supplying electrical power to other components in the merchandiser, the busbars are the source of electrical power for one or more fluorescent lighting reactors 182 mounted on a merchandiser. In the frame shown in Figure 16, the fluorescent lighting reactors are mounted in a recess embedded in the lower horizontal frame member 206 with recessed conductors 224 connecting the fluorescent lighting reactors to the respective bus bars 218 and 220. The reactor fluorescent lighting or fluorescent lighting reactors preferably are electronic fluorescent lighting reactors such as those that activate fluorescent bulbs T8 and T5. Fluorescent lighting reactors typically operate by producing high voltage high frequency output from the line voltage at the input. For example, the fluorescent lighting reactor can produce an oscillating output signal as high as 60 or 160 kilohertz or more with an open circuit voltage as high as 600 or 800 volts. The current drawn from the busbars could be as high as one or two amperes, and the output current depends on the design of the fluorescent lighting reactor, which is a function of the wattage of the bulb and the number of bulbs that go to be energized by the luorescent lighting reactor. It should be understood that other fluorescent lighting reactors, including electronic fluorescent lighting reactors, can be used in these lighting circuits, but their use is typically limited to TÍO and T12 bulbs. In the case of electronic fluorescent lighting reactors, the fluorescent lighting reactor operates as a constant current component to activate the fluorescent bulbs in order to maintain a constant current through the bulb under a variety of operating conditions. For example, in low temperature applications, the bulb exhibits a higher impedance, requiring a higher voltage to activate a current through the bulb to produce the desired amount of light. Additionally, as time passes, the light output gradually decreases and the impedance of the bulb may increase so that the fluorescent lighting reactor tries to maintain the same current flow, thereby resulting in an increased voltage at the output of the lamp. fluorescent lighting reactor. Consequently, it is believed that it is important to reduce other possible sources of circuit variation so that the bulb is the only component that changes over time. AdditionallyIt is also believed that it is important to match as much as possible the components in the circuit to the design of the fluorescent lighting reactor so that the fluorescent lighting reactor does not overwork trying to activate the bulb. Additionally, because some fluorescent lighting reactors operate at relatively high voltages under some circumstances, it is desirable to ensure that the components of the lighting circuit are properly classified. Each fluorescent lighting reactor includes a plurality of output conductors, preferably solid wire of 16 or 14 gauge or better, at least one of which is a live conductor and the other of which is a neutral conductor. The output conductors are generally designated 226. The fluorescent lighting reactor wires 226 preferably terminate in one or more Molex 228 type connectors to provide high, reliable conductivity, low impedance, low resistance and high density current capable connection to supply electrical energy to the rest of the lighting circuit. Molex type connectors are preferred for their improved electrical connection. However, other connections can be made to supply electrical power to the rest of the lighting circuit. Molex or other type connectors are preferably rated for the desired voltage, current and impedance or resistance that best matches the circuit for the fluorescent lighting reactor and also for minimizing any adverse electrical effects in the lighting circuit due to these components. One coupling half of the Molex connector 228 is coupled with the conductors of the fluorescent lighting reactor 226 and the other coupling half engages with the mullion conductors or frame 230 that form part of the lighting circuit and for carrying electrical power between the reactors of respective fluorescent lighting and a respective bulb, described more fully below. The conductors are preferably rated for the desired voltage, current and resistance. The frame conductors 230 in turn are connected, in the preferred embodiment, to the respective Molex type connectors 232, preferably having the same characteristics as the connectors 228. Although not necessary, each bulb preferably includes a connector mounted on a panel 232 adjacent to each end of the bulb (See Figure 18) to facilitate the isolation and removal of the bulb and the assembly of the basketball. As shown in Figure 18, a half of the connector 232 is mounted through an opening 234 formed in a wall or panel 236 to which it is mounted relatively rigidly, secured or secured in another manner. Alternatively, the connector 232 may be free floating. The cup latches 40 are also preferably mounted to the wall 236. The connectors 232 form an electrical bridge between the frame conductors, the fluorescent lighting reactor conductors, and the contacts in the sockets in the bulb. Connectors 232 preferably have the same electrical and physical characteristics as connectors 228. The stationary portion of connector 232 is identified as 232A.

The other half of the connector, identified as 232B, is coupled to the conductors 52 so that electrical power can be supplied to the socket 234 to energize the bulbs 42. The fluorescent lighting reactor 182, the fluorescent lighting reactor conductor 226, the fluorescent lighting reactor connector 228, the frame conductor 230, the frame conductor 232, the socket driver 52, the socket 234 and the bulb 42, together with the complementary components that start at the other end of the bulb they form a lighting circuit to activate and illuminate the bulb. Although two connectors 228 and 232 are included on each side of the circuit, it is conceivable and possible to eliminate one or more of the connectors and still have an operating circuit. However, if all the connectors are removed, the lighting circuit would essentially be permanently wired and the failure of the fluorescent lighting reactor or the failure of the bulb socket in a theoretical circuit without any connector would require the complete replacement of the entire circuit or the installation of suitable connectors after the replacement of a fluorescent lighting reactor or a basketball. The fluorescent lighting reactor connector is preferred since the fluorescent lighting reactors can be exchanged or replaced, and the frame connector 232 is preferred since the bulb assembly of the bulb 42 and the socket 234 can be easily installed, removed or removed. replace or modify without affecting the balance of the lighting circuit. The fewer additional components there are, the more likely the circuit will operate as intended and without adverse electrical effects in the operation of the fluorescent lighting reactor or bulb, but when additional components are added, they are preferably configured and designed to add as much conductivity as little impedance, resistance and voltage decrease to the circuit as possible. The result would be a circuit that has improved fluorescent lighting reactor performance, improved bulb performance, longer fluorescent lighting reactor life, longer bulb life, lower component temperatures (such as for the fluorescent lighting reactor), and / or a better coupled circuit. It is possible that any number of connectors may be used in the lighting circuit, but preferably they do not appreciably affect the impedance of the circuit as seen by the fluorescent lighting reactor, resulting in minimal voltage drop and reliable circuit components. It should be noted that the terminology used for these components and parts of the circuit, such as "fluorescent lighting reactor" driver and "frame" conductor are chosen for ease of description and clarity, but do not indicate any functional or design or restriction requirements. . The sockets 234 and the bulbs 42 are shown in dotted lines in Figures 16 and 17 as they are on the inner sides of the frames. The frames shown in Figures 16 and 17 are schematic, like the doors 172, and are intended to show the environment in which the lighting circuits are placed and operated. Typical frames have additional hardware, surfaces and the like to be retained in the opening of an exhibitor and for other purposes. In addition to the sockets 234, described more fully below, the circuit between the respective fluorescent lighting reactor and its bulb preferably has a low impedance, a low voltage drop, and relatively high conductivity and high current density. Any number of elements can be used to carry out this purpose in the conductors and connectors between the fluorescent lighting reactor and the bulb. With regard to conductors, solid 16 gauge wire is convenient and acceptable for this purpose. The frame assembly schematically shown in the Figure 17 includes an upper horizontal frame member 240, a lower horizontal frame member 242 and a left vertical frame member 244 and a right vertical frame member 246. The fluorescent lighting reactors 182 are mounted to the mullion member 248 and provide electrical power to the bulbs 42 in the end portions of the frame and in the mullion 248. In order to improve the conductivity and electrical characteristics of the connection between the fluorescent lighting reactor circuit and the bulb, the conductors 52 (Figs. 21 and 22) are electrically coupled to the bulb connectors with a high contact surface area, low impedance and low resistance coupling, so that the fluorescent lighting reactor does not see an appreciable impedance relative to the bulb. To this end, conductors 52 are preferably coupled to intermediate conductors 250 and 252 in Figure 21 and 254 and 256 in Figure 22 through preferably mechanical contact and / or through weld 258/259. Although the electrical coupling can be done in other ways, this configuration of the conductors and welding is believed to provide a relatively high conductivity and relatively high current density capacity, low impedance, and low voltage decrease between the conductors 52 and the bulb . The higher conductivity reduces the likelihood of heating of the pool, and problems of the fluorescent lighting reactor. In a preferred embodiment, the conductors 52 extend downwardly through the opening in the end cap 80, and a conductor 52A is bent to extend inwardly and rest in one of the cable tracks 76 (see Figure 7) and the other conductor 52B also bends to extend towards and rest on the other cable track 76. The conductor 250 also bends, and a leg of the conductor 250 preferably contacts and extends along the exposed metal conductor of the conductor 52A , both of which are surrounded by the weld 258. The other leg of the conductor 250 extends towards and is fixed or otherwise grasped or contacted by the contact 260 to maximize the contact surface area and the conductivity of the connection . The exposed conductor 52A also preferably contacts and electrically couples to the conductor 254, which bends and has a leg resting on and extending along the same cable track as the conductor 250. The first driver leg 254 it also preferably contacts the conductor 52A and is surrounded by the weld 258.

The exposed conductor 52B also bends and extends to and rests on the opposite cable track 76. The conductor 252 preferably bends on two legs, one of which extends towards the other cable track 76 (Figure 20) making contact and electrically coupling with the exposed conductor 52B as well as being surrounded by the weld 259. Similarly, the conductor 256 is bent towards the first leg portion extending towards and along the same cable track as the conductor 252 and preferably it contacts and electrically couples with the exposed conductor 52B and is surrounded by the weld 259. The second leg of the conductor 252 preferably contacts and is fixed, gripped, or otherwise held in the connector 262 to maximize the surface area of contact between the conductor 252 and the contact 262 to maximize the surface area of contact between the elements and the conductivity of the connection. The second leg of conductor 254 is also gripped, or otherwise held in contact 264 also to maximize contact surface area and conductivity. The second leg of the conductor 256 is also fixed, gripped or otherwise held in contact 266, also to maximize the contact surface area and conductivity. It is desired to maximize the contact surface area between the conductors 52 and their respective contacts in order to increase the conductivity in the connection and to minimize any impedance that might arise due to a small contact surface area., to maximize the current density capacity of the connection and to provide a more reliable electrical connection between the conductors 52 and the bunker 234. It is believed that the greater contact surface area between the conductors and the bunker contributes to a lower temperature of the baseboard during the operation and at a lower fluorescent lighting reactor temperature as well. It is believed that a better electrical connection between the conductors and the socket produces any apparent impedance as seen by the fluorescent lighting reactor, whether it occurs at the start or after the extended operation. The conductors 250 and 254 and the conductors 252 and 256, respectively, can be the same conductors bent into a square U-shaped configuration, the legs of which extend towards the respective contacts and the bases of which rest on the respective cable tracks. . An alternative connection arrangement for conductors 52 may include the exposed conductor portion of conductor 52A extending toward one of the contacts, such as contact 260, and is grasped. The conductor 254 in the other equal polarity portion of the socket would be gripped in contact 264 and would have its leg extended outwardly and along the cable track 76. Preferably the leg of the conductor 254 would contact the exposed conductor 52A and be surrounded by welding 258 to ensure proper electrical coupling between conductor 52A and conductor 254. For opposite polarity, exposed conductor 52B extends toward and is grasped by contact 262. Lead 256 extends toward and is grasped by the contact 266, the other contact leg extending towards and along the other cable path 76, preferably making contact with the exposed conductor 52B and being surrounded by the weld 259. Other arrangements of electrical coupling between the conductors 52 and other are possible. the bunker 234 to increase the contact surface area and the conductivity but the extended longitudinal electrical contact is preferred and c ircunferencial or arched. To maintain high conductivity in the bunker conductors between the conductors 52 and the bulb plugs 54, the contacts 260, 262, 264 and 266 extend to contact longitudinally and circumferentially with the respective bulb plug extensions 268, 270, 272 and 274. The contacts 260, 262, 264 and 266 are preferably identical to the contacts 50 of Figures 2, 4-6, 10 and 11, except for possibly the length thereof. When connectors 260-266 are cylindrical but slit connectors, the contact is not 360 degrees around the circumference of the plug extensions. However, it is preferred that the maximum contact surface area be achieved to increase the conductivity and the current density capacity of the connection, to minimize any contribution of the socket to some impedance as seen by the fluorescent lighting reactor, and to provide an acceptable linear sliding contact action in regard to the connection made between the bulb and socket assembly. It should be noted that similar benefits can be achieved by omitting the pin extensions 268-274 and connecting the pins of the bulb 54 directly to the contacts 260-266, as represented by the connections shown in Figures 5, 10 and 11. However , the use of plug extensions provides components and an assembly with a higher voltage rating, as discussed more fully below. In a preferred embodiment, the pin extensions 268-274 are mounted on and completely wrap the pins 54 over the bulb. As with the connection between contacts 260-266 and pin extensions 268-274, the contact surface area and the tightness of the contact between the pin extensions and the pins of the bulb are preferably maximized in order to maximize the conductivity, the capacity of current density, reduce any impedance seen by the fluorescent lighting reactor, and increase the connection capacity to keep it under operating conditions. Preferably, electrical coupling is conducted between the leads 52 and the pins of the bulb 54 so that the contact surface area, the conductivity and the current density capacity are maximized, the voltage decrease is minimized and / or the Resistance through the bunker is minimized, preferably resulting in a minimum impedance attributable to the bunker seen by the fluorescent lighting reactor. It is believed that one or more of these functions and purposes are achieved in the suites 44 and 234. In the bunker 234, the contacts 260, 262, 264 and 266 are preferably comparable to the contacts 50A and 50B in the basketball 44, having a substantial grip area shown at 276 of Figure 1 to ensure a relatively high contact surface area extending both circumferentially and longitudinally. The contacts 260-266 are placed in the base 56 of the socket and extend outwardly past the end wall 88 in the manner shown in Figures 21 and 22. Whether the contacts extend outwardly from the end wall 88 will depend on the dimensions of the base 56, the lengths of the contacts, and the relative dimensions of the pins 54, the plug extensions 268, the bulb insulator, described more fully below, and the existence or non-existence of contact barriers , also described more fully below.

The plug extensions 268, 270, 272 and 274 are included in order to ensure good electrical contact between the socket and the pins of the bulb 54 when a higher voltage rating is desired. The plug extensions perform this electrical coupling by forming a circumferentially and longitudinally extending contact surface area between the pin extensions and the respective contacts 260-266, as well as a similar form of contact between the pin extensions and the pins. of the bulb 54. It is believed that it is the material of the contacts and the pins as well as the extension of the contact surface area that will determine the quality of the contact, the conductivity and the voltage drop along the connection, and the impedance seen by the fluorescent lighting reactor attributable to the connection. It should be understood, however, that the pin extensions can be eliminated or reduced in size at the same time that the socket can still have an electrical connection having the desired characteristics, for example by increasing the length of the pins of the bulb, or somehow increasing the length of the contacts 260-266. Additionally, the plug extensions can be eliminated, while the lengths of the bulb plugs and the contacts 260-266 are left substantially unchanged and still reach the electrical contact which is improved over the contacts of the conventional bulbs .

As seen in Figures 19, 21 and 22, the pin extenders preferably have a bullet-shaped portion 278 for matching the internal surface area of the respective contact, such as contact 260. The forward portion of the extension of the contact. The plug preferably includes a rounded tip to facilitate embedding between the extension of the pin and the corresponding contact 260. The forward section terminates in the other direction in a base section 280 (Figure 21) from the bottom of which extends a cylindrical sleeve 282 for wrapping and contacting a respective bulb plug, such as the bulb plug 54 (Figure 21) in a larger sized bulb. The cylindrical portion 282 preferably extends completely around and makes contact with the entire circumferential surface of the pin 54 therefore as the longitudinal length of the pin in contact with the extension of the pin. It is believed that the high contact surface area achieved by the circumferential contact or at least widespread or substantially arcuate between the extensions of the pins and the pins of the bulb, as well as between the arcuate surfaces of the pin extensions and the contacts 260 -266, increase the conductivity and current density capacity of the basketball, reduce the decrease in voltage throughout and the resistance of the basketball as well as the impedance of the basketball as seen by the fluorescent lighting reactor. The arcuate contact between the grasped portions 276 of the contacts and the leads 250-256 also contribute to this result. Other configurations of the contacts between the leads 52 and the pins 54 are possible in order to achieve high conductivity, contact surface area, and current density capability, and low resistance, low voltage decrease and low impedance. For example, the plug extensions can take the form of a double-ended cylindrical sleeve, one end for fitting with the plug of the bulb and the other cylindrical sleeve for fitting a plug in a complementary form electrically coupled to a respective conductor 52. However , preferably, one or more of the benefits is achieved in order to provide a more reliable baseball for fluorescent bulbs, especially those used with electronic fluorescent lighting reactors. In the preferred mode, the base 234 also includes a small pin hole 284 preferably just large enough to allow air to pass out of the interior of the baseball barrel as the bulb is being inserted into the barrel. The housing of the pool is sealed well enough and the O-ring seal closes sufficiently to limit or completely prevent the passage of air out of the pool. After the insertion of the bulb, enough pressure could accumulate inside the pool to inhibit the complete connection or which can divert the bulb out of the pool. The plug hole 284 can be placed in several different places, and can be placed in one of the slots 66 or 70 so that the latch covers the hole after the socket is inserted into the latch. Additionally, the plug hole can be placed in the groove of the O-ring so that the 0-ring can serve as a slight impediment to the passage of particles and moisture. The pin hole can be positioned adjacent the corner 286 of the slot furthest from the edge of the socket. The bunker 234 shown in Figure 21 is connected to a larger sized bulb, such as a T8 bulb mentioned above. The socket 234 is shown in Figure 22 connected to a smaller bulb, such as a T5 bulb using an adapter 288. The embodiment of the adapter 288 shown in Figure 22 includes a first external O-ring 290 in a ring slot in 0 292 and a second O-ring 294 in a respective O-ring slot 296. The dimensions of the O-rings and the 0-ring grooves can be identical, or the second ring-groove in 0 296 can be slightly less where the end cap of the bulb 298 has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the glass envelope 300 of the bulb. As with the basketball 44, the basketball 234 shown in Figures 19, 21 and 22 can be formed or assembled in various ways. The basketball can be molded or machined in three parts, as shown in Figures 19, 21 and 22, or the base and barrel can be molded or machined as one piece and the end cap can be assembled, held or glued to the rest of the sóquet in another step. The entire baseball can also be molded as a single part, and the adapter molded separately. As with the basketball 44, the basketball 234 may also have various shapes and at the same time achieve one or more of the intended results. The plugs of the bulb 54 are protected by an insulator 302 which generally has the same characteristics as the insulator 94 shown in Figure 4, but which has slightly longer dimensions as discussed more fully below. The insulator includes a first opening 304 (Figure 19) and a second opening 306 for accepting the pins 54 in a larger bulb, such as a T8 bulb. The insulator also includes the aperture 308 and the aperture 310 to accept the pins 54 'of a smaller bulb such as the T5 bulb. See Figures 21 and 22. Openings 304-310 pass through a membrane 312 (Figure 21) to counterfoils 314 and 316 to accept contacts 260 and 262, and their respective protectors (described more fully below) of the basketball . The openings 308 and 310 extend to an oval-shaped counter-hole 318 (FIG. 20) to accept the contacts 264 and 266 and their respective protector (described more fully below) of the socket. The openings 304-310 are preferably made to size to form an interference fit around the respective bulb pegs. When an adapter such as 288 is used with a T5 bulb, the openings 308 and 310 can be omitted since the insulator 302 would not be used with a T5 bulb. Instead, a smaller isolator 320 (Figure 22) would be used to protect the plugs 54 'of the T5 bulb. The respective apertures in the membrane 322 of the bulb protector T5 320 are also preferably made in size to provide an interference fit with the pins of the bulb 54 '. The external shape of the insulator T5 320 is approximately equal to that of the insulator T5 132 shown in Figure 9, but a little longer. The bases 324 (FIG. 19) of the pin extenders 278 preferably sink and settle against the membrane 312 in order to hold the insulator 302 in place in the bulb T8. Frictional engagement between the sleeves 282 of the pin extenders with respect to the pins 54 helps to keep the bulb guard 302 in place. The bases 326 of the pin extenders for the T5 bulb sink and seat against the membrane 322 of the T5 bulb guard 320 to hold the bulb guard 320 in place in the T5 bulb. Frictional embedding between the sleeve portions 228 of the T5 bulb extenders help to hold the T5 bulb guard in place. In a preferred embodiment, a bulb and a contact shield, such as shield 302 or 320, form a bulb assembly. The bulb includes a surface, such as the surface 328 (Figure 21) from which the pins 54 extend. As with conventional two-pin bulbs, the surface of the plug for electrical contact extends substantially completely around of an axis 330, thereby providing a large surface area for electrical contact. The contact shield 302 shown in Figure 21 and the shield 320 shown in Figure 22 extend completely around the pins 54 and 54 ', respectively, and extend from the base of the bulb. The contact protectors extend at a distance from the base parallel to the axis 330, preferably, and in such a manner that the contact is accessible for electrical coupling substantially completely around the entire circumference of the contact. For guard 302, such as that shown in FIG. 20, the internal diameters of the counterfoots 314 and 316 are preferably large enough to accommodate both the contacts 260 and 262, and also their respective protectors, described more fully below. Preferably, the pins 54 are circular cylindrical and the portions of the contacts 260 and 262 which engage the pin extenders are also circular cylindrical. Although other shapes and configurations are possible, the shapes that are complementary are preferred. In order to improve a lighting circuit, such as can be used in a display refrigerator, especially those for use with fluorescent bulbs and / or electronic fluorescent lighting reactors, the components in the circuit are preferably designed to operate under the ends of predictable circuit conditions that are expected for the circuit. Preferably, the components such as the sockets 44 and 234 are capable of operating at the currents, voltages and frequencies of the circuits in which they are placed. In ordinary circuits of electromagnetic fluorescent lighting reactors and fluorescent bulbs, currents are in the range of milliamperes and amperes, voltages in the range of 120 or 240 and frequencies are line frequencies such as 60 or 50 hertz. With fluorescent bulbs that use electronic fluorescent lighting reactors, the circuit connected to the output of the fluorescent lighting reactor perceives voltages as high as 600 and 800 volts, currents as high as one or more amperes, and frequencies as high as of 130 or 160 kilohertz. The shields 302 and 320 are preferably formed and sized to be rated for 1,000 volts. Additionally, plugs 54 and 54 'and / or pin extensions 268-274, to the extent they are used, are embedded enough to protect personnel from shock or other damage if the end of the bulb is powered . Therefore, the length of each guard 302 and 320, along the longitudinal axis, is preferably sufficient to cause the pin extenders to be embedded approximately 0.625 centimeters below the respective surfaces of the insulators. The contacts are embedded in sufficient quantities to avoid contact by a probe of 0.52 centimeters in diameter. The protectors are preferably molded from an insulating material, and it may be the same material that the basketball is made of. The pin extenders in Figures 19, 21, and 22 are preferably embedded 0.625 centimeters below the surface of the protector for both the T8 and T5 pin extenders. If the pins of the bulb were longer, so that the pin extenders were removed, the same embedding distance is preferably incorporated in the dimensions of the protector. The amount of embedment is determined by the distance of depth over the desired surface (at least 1.27 centimeters for a rating of 1000 volts) that an electric arc would have to travel to reach an opposite terminal. In the described baseball, the shortest distance will be between the tips of the T5 contacts in the baseball and through the surface of the protector material between them. The pin shields 302 and 320 shown in the drawings are relatively substantially cylindrical masses. However, the protector or insulator of each pin can be separate insulator such as the sleeves placed or formed around the pins. Additionally, other configurations of guards may be considered, but it is still preferred to provide full circumferential contact around the pegs of the bulbs in order to have a relatively large surface area of contact between the pegs and the socket. The protector of the plug can be a plastic sleeve, a column, a tube or another shape, and can be circular, oval cylindrical or can have other shapes. The embedment of 0.625 centimeters of the pins below the surface of the protector provides, especially for the separation of pins of the T5 bulb, the minimum distance that an arc would have to travel to go from one pin of the T5 bulb to the other. The distance is preferably large to minimize the possibility of tonnage. For the assembly of the T5 bulb and protector, the distance would extend from the tip of a pin or plug extender, if used, to the surface of the insulator, through the surface of the insulator to the counter hole for the other pin, or Pin extender and then down toward the tip of the plug or plug extender, if used. The distance would be the shortest distance between the contacts in the T5 bulb. The same path would also define the shortest distance between the pins or pin extenders for a T8 bulb, but the shortest distance to a plug of opposite polarity would be to the nearest adjacent T5 pin of opposite polarity. The preferred distance of 1.27 centimeters of total surface distance and 0.625 centimeters of embedment is applied to a rating of 1000 volts, and other distances can be applied for classifications of different voltages. The bunker 234 also preferably includes contact protectors to reduce the possibility of electric shock or other damage to personnel or property. As shown in FIGS. 19, 21, and 22, the base 56 includes a contact sleeve 332 to encircle and extend beyond the respective contact 260, and a shield, sleeve, tube or other enclosure 334 to protect the respective contact 262. When the respective contacts 260 and 262 are separate hollow sleeve contacts, the protectors preferably fit snugly around the outer surfaces of the contacts, since no space is needed between the contacts and the connectors. In the case where the basketball is designed to accommodate bulbs of different sizes, or in any case when other contacts are included, additional protectors are included as necessary. In the base 234, designed to accommodate two bulbs of different sizes, an additional protector 336 extends around and beyond the contacts 264 and 266. The baseball contact shields can take any number of shapes and configurations, but preferably they accommodate the shapes of the contacts within and accommodate the shapes of the equipment or components with which they are embossed. For example, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, the external configurations of the protectors 332, 334 and 336 complement the shapes of the counterfoils 314, 316 and 318 in the insulator 302. The protectors 332-336 extend from the surface 88 of the base, a sufficient distance to provide the desired gap for the contacts. When the desired gap is 0.625 centimeters, in the configuration of the sockets shown in Figures 19, 21 and 22, the number of holes is determined by the distance between the two contacts T5. Since contacts T5 are closer to each other, compared to contacts T8, the desired voltage rating will determine the embedment amount of contacts T5. The embedding amount of the contacts T8 is preferably the same so that the amount of electrical contact between the contacts 260 and 262 with the plug pegs or extenders in the bulb is the same as the amount of electric contact surface area for the contacts. connectors and plugs T5. The shields provide a barrier between the contacts so that they are separated by an unobstructed path no less than the defined path length of the arch. The bunker 234 also preferably includes a barrier wall 338 (Figures 19-22) to increase the length of the arch path between opposing connectors in the base 56. The wall preferably includes a plurality of channels 340 to accommodate the dimensions of the bows. insulated conductors 52 on each side of the wall 338. The wall preferably extends a distance above the cable guide 76 to define the minimum arc path length desired for the given voltage rating. An opening 342 in the end cap 80 is made in size and shape sufficient to accommodate the barrier wall 338 and the conductors 52, while still maintaining tension relief for the conductors 52 and while still allowing a sufficient seal or lock for the end of the basketball. Each of these barriers contributes to a more reliable and more durable component when used in the environment for which it is designed. For a rating of 1000 volts, where the illumination of the fluorescent lighting reactor circuit does not exceed 1000 volts, there is little likelihood that the socket will be arcing or short due to the high voltage potential between relatively closely adjacent adjacent contacts. Although the barriers around the contacts in the stand are preferably cylindrical, they could also be semi-cylindrical or have other shapes when the length of the shortest path for an arch is still maintained in accordance with the requirements. For example, protectors 332 and 334 could each form a half cylinder facing the other with the open sides moving away from each other, as long as the shorter arc path length is still maintained, depending on the voltage rating. The baseball and protector material, including the bulb, can be made of the same material as the basketball 44 and the protectors described with respect to Figures 1-10, one example being Ertalyte. The material could also be Hytrel, Ultem-GE, a polycarbonate, Lexan such as Lexan 500, urea, or other materials that preferably have the same rate and machinability for molding. The contacts and other metal components are preferably formed of a material suitable for having the desired conductivity, current density and low impedance such as gold-plated brass phosphate or the like. Molex type connectors are commercially available, and also high quality conductive materials are commercially available. The surface contact area of the connectors could be in the range of 0.56 square centimeters for each pin, but the actual surface area of contact may vary according to the lengths and diameters of the pins, contacts and other components. The barrier wall 338 preferably has an approximate height of 0.635 centimeters and approximately 0.158 centimeters in thickness. For a rating of 1000 volts, the barrier wall must have a minimum of 0.66 centimeters above the level of the weld. Figure 25 shows an alternative socket configuration having many of the same characteristics of the sockets 44 and 234 previously described, but having a shorter profile and having a busbar arrangement for supplying electrical power to the cylindrical connectors. The bunker 344 includes a laterally extended receptacle housing 346 that extends to one side of the bunker 344 to accommodate and cover a pair of cylindrical contacts 348. Only one contact 348 is shown in Figure 25. The housing 346 is assembled, formed integrally with, or otherwise placed adjacent to the outer surface of the baseball barrel so that the cylindrical contacts 348 extend longitudinally of the socket, whereby a relatively low profile connection is provided for a complementary coupling socket 350 for coupling electrical power from the fluorescent lighting reactor to the socket through the receptacle 346. The housing 346 is preferably formed of the same material as the body of the socket and accepts a cylindrical shield 352 in the socket 350 while the cylindrical contact 348 accepts the plug 354. The shield 352 and the plug 350 can be formed from the Same material as the basketball. Electric power is provided to the socket connectors by a busbar 356 (Figure 27) having a first arm 358 coupled to the cylindrical connector 348, a common arm 360 for transferring power from the arm 358 to a second arm 362 for one of the contacts T8 and T5 in the pool, a third arm 364 to make contact with the other contacts T5 or T8 that have the same polarity. A comparable busbar 356 is also used to connect the remaining contacts of contacts T8 and T5 of the other polarity to their respective contacts. Preferably, the contacts are mounted on the respective arms of the bus bar 356 by convenient gripping, gluing or other reliable contact for maximum conductivity. The contacts and the busbar are preferably metallic, the busbar preferably being formed by lamination of bronze and gold plated phosphate. The baseball, including the receptacle and plug may be formed of the same material as the sockets as described above. Because the sockets are no longer radially symmetrical, due to the laterally extending receptacle 346, the sockets for the opposite ends of the bulbs are preferably mirror images with each other so that the connectors align with the positions of the pins in the light bulb. The sockets can be molded, manufactured or formed in any other conventional manner. The sockets 344, as well as the sockets 44 and 234 are preferably formed to be substantially and relatively rigid and non-elastic, except to the extent of the use of an elastic O-ring for sealing, in order to ensure that the sockets remain in the Light bulb as originally placed. A relatively rigid and non-elastic structure also reduces the possibility of misalignment between the bulb and the baseball, incomplete plug connection of the bulb and the like. In order to provide adequate separation for a rating of 1,000 volts, the ends of the common element 360 of the busbar adjacent the first arm 358 preferably bend outward relative to the adjacent busbar so that the adjacent ends of collector bars diverge in relation to each other. The common arm of the bar 360 is accommodated in the base in a part made of grooves formed in the layer 366 and at the end of the baseball. The fluorescent lighting reactor circuit, the components of the fluorescent lighting reactor circuit, the bulb assembly and its components described herein include elements, one or more of which contribute to improving the components and systems. The basketball reduces the effects of vibration during boarding, use and service, reduces the possibility of inadvertent disconnection or incomplete connection, as well as the effects of differences in manufacturing tolerances and dimensions on components such as the length of the bulb, the alignment of light bulb plug, the mounting arrangement of baseball, and the like. As a result, bulbs from different manufacturers that have different dimensions or tolerances can be used interchangeably. The effects of different installation procedures from one technician to another and the effects of changes in the connection and in the circuit over the life of a bulb are also reduced. The impedance of the circuit as perceived by the fluorescent lighting reactor is reduced and the operating temperatures of one or more components, such as the fluorescent lighting reactor, are reduced. The output of the bulb also increases. Higher conductivity and higher current densities can be achieved, and the circuit components are more reliable and easy to use. The components maintain good electrical contact and are safer and easier to manufacture. It is believed that the life of the component and the life of the bulb can be extended, including the lifetime of the fluorescent lighting reactor. It will be understood that the embodiments of the invention described herein are illustrative of the principles of the invention and that these modifications that may be employed are still within the scope of the invention. In accordance with the above, the present invention is not limited to the modalities shown and described precisely in the specification.

Claims

1. A bulb assembly comprising: a bulb for producing light, the bulb having a surface and at least one contact extending from the surface to supply electrical energy to the bulb, the contact having a surface for electrical contact extending substantially complete around an axis; and a contact shield extending substantially around the contact and from approximately adjacent the base a distance from the surface along the contact such that the contact is accessible for electrical contact substantially completely around the contact surface.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the bulb is a two-pin bulb and wherein the surface of the bulb is the base of a two-pin bulb and the contact is at least one of the pins and the plug is cylindrical .

3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the contact protector extends around two pins.

The assembly of claim 2 wherein the contact shield extends adjacent the base to a point beyond the ends of the contacts.

5. The bulb assembly of claim 1 wherein the contact shield is formed from an electrical insulator material.

The assembly of claim 5 wherein the contact guard includes a gap and a counter-hole to surround a contact.

The assembly of claim 6 wherein the contrahueco defines a wall that surrounds the recess, wherein the recess makes contact with a portion of the contact, wherein the wall has a thickness and the peg has a length, wherein the thickness of the wall is less than the length of the plug.

The assembly of claim 7 wherein a portion of the contact extends outwardly on the wall so that the wall is between the extended portion of the contact and the surface on the bulb.

The assembly of claim 5 wherein the contacts are pins and where the protector surrounds the pins.

The assembly of claim 9 wherein the guard includes at least one recess for enclosing at least one pin and wherein the recess includes a wall surrounding the pin so that the wall is separated from the pin.

The assembly of claim 6 wherein the contacts include at least two pins, the contact shield extends to an end surface spaced from the surface of the bulb, wherein the pins extend from the surface of the bulb to the ends of the bulb. ends of the pins and where the ends of the pins are embedded below the surface of the pin protector.

The assembly of claim 1 wherein the contact of the bulb is separated into at least two components, including a plug extending from the base of the bulb and a plug extender that contacts and extends around at least a portion of the bulb plug.

The assembly of claim 12 wherein the plug extender holds the contact shield in place with respect to the pins.

The assembly of claim 12 wherein the pin extenders completely encircle a surface of the plug.

15. A fluorescent bulb combination comprising: a fluorescent bulb having a bulb portion and having two ends, each end being defined by a base mounted at a respective end of the bulb portion, each base having an end face and respective plug connectors extending from the end face for connection to a bulb socket; and a bulb insulator on at least one end of the bulb to isolate the connector from the plug.

16. The combination of claim 15 wherein the plug has a diameter and wherein the insulator includes a wall having a diameter and defining a recess for accepting the pin connector and wherein the recess is smaller in diameter than the diameter of the pin.

The combination of claim 15 wherein the insulator has a height and the plug connectors have a height and wherein the height of the plug connectors is less than the height of the insulator.

18. The combination of claim 15 wherein the insulator includes a second wall defining a contrahueco to accept a connector for a socket connection wherein the contrahueco includes a diameter greater than the diameter of the gap.

The combination of claim 18 wherein the insulator further comprises additional walls defining additional recesses to accept connectors of a corresponding socket to other connectors in a bulb.

20. A combination bulb and insulator comprising: a fluorescent bulb having a bulb body and at least one end including at least one exposed conductor, - and an insulator having a surface and covering at least one end and also surrounding the at least one conductor and coupling to the bulb in a manner that inhibits the removal of the insulator from the bulb so that the conductor is recessed below of the insulator surface.

21. A combination of a bulb, the combination comprising: a bulb having a surface and an electrical contact extending along an axis from the surface of the bulb; a contact protector having a protective surface adjacent to the contact; and a contact protector holder in the contact to hold the surface of the contact protector adjacent to the contact so that the connector can supply electrical power to the electrical contact making contact with the contact along the axis.

22. The combination of claim 21 wherein the guard fastener surrounds part of the contact.

23. The combination of claim 22 wherein the contact fastener is an extension placed on the plug.

24. The combination of claim 23 wherein the extension of the plug holds the contact protector in place.

25. The combination of claim 21 wherein the contact shield has a second surface separated from the surface of the bulb and wherein the contact has a separate end below the second surface of the contact shield.

26. The combination of claim 25 wherein the contact guard fastener is a contact extender that holds the guard in place.

27. The combination of claim 21 wherein the protector is formed from an electrically insulating material.

The combination of claim 27 wherein the contact guard extends a longitudinal distance, wherein the electrical contact extends a longitudinal distance from the surface of the bulb, wherein the longitudinal distance of the contact shield is greater than the longitudinal distance of the electrical contact.

The combination of claim 28 wherein the bulb has at least two electrical contacts, wherein the contact shield includes surfaces adjacent to each of at least two electrical contacts, wherein the contact shield extends a greater longitudinal distance that the longitudinal distance of each contact, and where the shortest unobstructed distance from one contact to another contact is not less than 0.625 centimeters.

30. The combination of claim 21 wherein the surface of the contact protector adjacent to the contact is a circular wall around the contact.

The combination of claim 30 wherein the circular wall forms a recess extending from a point near the surface of the bulb passing one end of the contact so that the contact is embedded at an intermediate point of the ends of the recess .

32. A bulb assembly comprising: a bulb having a surface and at least two conductive contacts for supplying electrical energy to the bulb; and an insulator between at least two conductive contacts so that the shortest distance between the at least two conductive contacts is not less than 0.625 centimeters.

33. A circuit for illuminating a light bulb, the circuit comprising: an electronic fluorescent lighting reactor for operating at a frequency above 100 cycles per second and above 200 volts, - at least one bulb socket having contacts for supplying power electrical to a bulb through the contacts, wherein the contacts have a surface area available for electrical contact of at least 0.05 square centimeters, - at least one electrical conductor for electrically coupling the fluorescent lighting reactor to the socket, where the driver has a surface area available for electrical contact of at least 0.05 square centimeters, and a junction between at least one electrical conductor and the contacts of at least one bulb socket to form an electrical bridge between the at least one electrical conductor and the contacts where the bridge has a surface area available for co electrical contact of at least 0.05 square centimeters.

34. The circuit of claim 33 wherein the contacts for at least one bulb socket are when less partially cylindrical to accept a plug for electrical contact.

35. The circuit of claim 33 wherein the contacts for at least one bulb socket have an arcuate shape over a substantial surface area for contact with a mating electrical contact.

36. The circuit of claim 33 wherein the contact of at least one bulb socket is adapted to contact a mating contact through a longitudinal connection movement.

37. The circuit of claim 33 wherein the contacts for at least one bulb socket are at least partially hollow cylinders for accepting a complementary plug contact, wherein the at least one electrical conductor includes wires having a size not less than 16 gauge. , and wherein the joint includes a connector having a plug connector portion and a complementary engageable hollow cylindrical connection portion, and further include a bulb with plugs that make electrical contact with the contacts of at least one bulb socket.

38. The combination of claim 37 wherein the contacts of at least one bulb socket engage the bulb pins at least 180 degrees from the circumferential surface of the bulb pins.

39. The circuit of claim 38 wherein the contacts of at least one bulb socket engage the pins of the bulb on at least 50% of the length of the pins in the bulb.

40. The circuit of claim 33 further comprising a display refrigerator frame wherein the electronic fluorescent lighting reactor is mounted in the frame and wherein at least one bulb socket is supported by a portion of the frame.

41. The circuit of claim 40 further including a fluorescent bulb connected to two bulb sockets, wherein each bulb socket includes hollow cylindrical contacts to fit the pins in the bulb.

42. The circuit of claim 33 further comprising a first electrical conductor for supplying electrical power to a first contact in at least one bulb socket, a second electrical conductor for supplying electrical power to a second contact in at least one bulb socket , and where the first conductor is welded to the first contact and where the second conductor is welded to the second contact.

43. The circuit of claim 33 wherein the joint includes at least one plug connector and at least one hollow cylindrical plug connector and wherein the connectors are wrapped in a plastic housing.

44. The circuit of claim 33 wherein the contacts for at least one bulb socket are substantially circular in cross section.

45. The circuit of claim 44 wherein the contacts are split sleeve contacts.

46. A circuit for illuminating a light bulb, the circuit comprising: an electronic fluorescent lighting reactor for operating at a frequency above 100 cycles per second and above 200 volts; at least one bulb connector that contacts to supply electrical energy to a bulb through the contacts, wherein the contacts have a surface area available for electrical contact of at least 0.05 square centimeters, - a fluorescent bulb coupled to at least one Bulb connector to produce light when energized with electrical power from the bulb connector; at least one electrical conductor for electrically coupling the fluorescent lighting reactor to at least one bulb connector, wherein the conductor has a terminal with a surface area available for electrical contact of at least 0.05 square centimeters; and a fluorescent lighting reactor connector for connecting between the conductor and the conductor of the bulb wherein the fluorescent lighting reactor connector has a surface area available for electrical contact of at least 0.05 square centimeters.

47. The circuit of claim 46 wherein the contacts in the bulb connector are substantially hollow circular contacts and wherein the bulb includes plugs to provide electrical energy to the bulb and wherein the pins are connected to the contacts in the connector of the bulb.

48 The circuit of claim 47 wherein the contacts in the bulb connector are embossed with the bulb pins over a substantial arcuate surface area and wherein the connection extends a longitudinal distance.

49. The circuit of claim 41 wherein the bulb is a fluorescent light source and wherein the connector contacts of the bulb for the fluorescent bulb include a surface area for contacting with contacts in the fluorescent bulb having at least one surface area of 0.0625 square centimeters available for electrical contact with the contacts in the fluorescent bulb.

50. A connector for connecting contacts from a fluorescent light source to a power source, the connector comprising: an input conductor having a terminal for receiving electric power from a fluorescent lighting reactor; an output conductor having a terminal adapted and sized to accept a cylindrical conductive plug of a fluorescent light source to be illuminated; and an electrical circuit between the input conductor and the output conductor to pass current from the input conductor and where the input and output terminals are formed so that they have a surface area available for electrical contact of at least 0.05 square centimeters.

51. The connector of claim 50 wherein the output conductor is formed by a partially hollow cylindrical conductor.

52. The connector of claim 51 wherein the available surface area for electrical contact with the bulb is at least 0.315 square centimeters.

53. The connector of claim 51 wherein the electrical circuit is formed so that the available surface area for electrical contact with the bulb is approximately 0.437 square centimeters.

54. The connector of claim 50 wherein the connector includes two output conductors formed as separate sleeve conductors for connecting two respective plugs of a fluorescent light source.

55. The connector of claim 54 wherein the electrical circuit between the input conductor and the output conductor includes a first wire wound to the first output conductor and a second wire wound to the second output conductor and wherein the first wire is connects to the first input conductor by welding and wherein the second wire is connected to the second input conductor by welding.

56. The connector of claim 55 wherein the input conductor includes a connection for connecting to a conductor carrying electrical power from a fluorescent lighting reactor wherein the joint includes pin conductors that are embossed to hollow cylindrical engageable conductors surrounded by plastic.

57. The conductor of claim 50 wherein the input conductor is formed of copper.

58. The connector of claim 57 wherein the input conductor is connected to a joint formed of a plug conductor surrounded by plastic that is fitted to a hollow cylindrical conductor.

59. The conductor of claim 50 wherein the input conductor has a first end coupled to the input conductor terminal and a second end which is fixed to the output conductor.

60. The connector of claim 50 wherein the input conductor is soldered and the connector includes an intermediate conductor coupled to the output conductor.

61. The conductor of claim 45 wherein the input conductor is not less than a 16 gauge cable.

62. The connector of claim 50 wherein the input conductor is electrically coupled to an electronic fluorescent lighting reactor.

63. The connector of claim 50 wherein the output conductor is formed as a cylindrical connector.

64. The conductor of claim 63 wherein the output conductor is formed of plated brass in gold.

65. The connector of claim 50 that further includes a contact protector that protects the output conductor.

66. The connector of claim 65 wherein the protector includes an end surface wherein the outlet conductor is embedded below the end surface.

67. The connector of claim 50 wherein the output conductor is embasteable to pass electric current through the linear contact with a bulb connector.

68. The connector of claim 50 wherein the output conductor forms an electrical contact on an arcuate surface.

69. The connector of claim 68 wherein the output conductor arches at least 180 degrees.

70. The connector of claim 50 further including a second output conductor for contacting the respective pins of a two-pin bulb.

71. The connector of claim 50 further including a second output conductor for electrically connecting two pins of a two-pin bulb and third and fourth output conductors for electrically connecting two pins of a two-pin bulb.

72. A conductor for connecting electrical power from a fluorescent lighting reactor to supply a fluorescent light source, the connector comprising: an input circuit for receiving electric power, - a connector body for supporting the input circuit and having a base, - a first output contact supported by the body in the base to be coupled to a first contact connected with a fluorescent light source and a second output contact supported by the body in the base to be coupled with a second contact connected to the source of light; and a substantially non-conductive barrier between the first and second outlet contacts where the contacts are separated from the barrier by an unobstructed path of not less than 0.625 centimeters.

73. The connector of claim 72 wherein the first and second outlet contacts are substantially cylindrical outlet contacts.

74. The connector of claim 72 wherein the non-conductive barrier includes at least one cylindrical insulating sleeve around a portion of the first outlet contact.

75. The conductor of claim 74 wherein the barrier completely surrounds the first outlet contact.

76. The connector of claim 74 wherein the non-conductive barrier surrounds only a portion of the first outlet contact.

77. The connector of claim 72 wherein the first and second output contacts are separated, and wherein the barrier includes the first and second sleeves around the respective first and second outlet contacts.

78. The connector of claim 77 wherein the first and second outlet contacts include respective ends and wherein the contact ends are separated below the ends of the barriers.

79. The connector of claim 78 wherein the first and second outlet contacts are separated from their respective sleeves.

80. The connector of claim 79 wherein the first and second outlet contacts are substantially hollow cylindrical contacts.

81. The connector of claim 72 further comprising third and fourth output contacts wherein the first and second output contacts are configured to make contact with double pins of a T8 size bulb and where the third and fourth output contacts are made of size to make contact with the plugs of a T5 bulb.

82. The connector of claim 72 wherein the non-conductive barrier includes cylindrical walls around the respective first and second outlet contacts.

83. The connector of claim 72 further comprising a two-pin bulb connected to the connector wherein the first output contact is connected to a plug of the two-pin bulb and the second output contact is connected to the second of the pegs of the two-pin bulb.

84. The connector of claim 72 wherein the input circuit includes a first and second conductors wherein the connector includes a non-conductive barrier separating the first and second conductors.

85. A combination of bulb socket and insulator, the combination comprising: a bulb having a body and at least one end with a plug connector having a first diameter at the end of the bulb, - an insulator covering the end of the bulb and the plug connector and having a wall defining an opening in at least one surface of the insulator having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the plug to provide an interference fit; and a baseball having a baseball body and including at least one longitudinally extending electrical connector of the baseball to connect the plug connector to the bulb, and wherein the body of the baseball extends over a bulb so that the connector The electric socket is connected to the plug connector and the insulator and where the base encloses a portion of the body of the bulb.

86. The combination of claim 85 wherein the electrical connector includes embossing means for fitting the insulator in the bulb.

87. The combination of claim 86 wherein the embedding means includes a tongue.

88. A light assembly, comprising the assembly: a first basement body with a base wall and a second wall extending a first distance from the base wall to define an enclosure and an edge at the end of the enclosure in a manner that a lighting element with a pin contact can be extended by passing the edge towards the enclosure; and at least one cylindrical electrical connector separated from the second wall and extending a second distance smaller than the first distance of the base wall to contact a connector in a lighting element where the second wall extends past the end of the second wall. cylindrical connector; a second baseball having a second baseball body, a fastener for a first baseball body and movable at least one rotatably and slidably relative to the body of the baseball and the fastener further includes a mounting element for mounting the fastener to a mounting surface; a bra for the second body of the basketball; a light bulb having first and second ends and respective electrical contacts in the first and second ends, the first end inserted in the first base and having contacts connected to the contacts in the base and the second end inserted in the second base and which It has contacts connected to contacts in the second socket and where the sockets are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the bulb.

89. The assembly of claim 88 wherein the socket further comprises a seal for sealing around the bulb.

90. The baseball and the bulb of claim 89 wherein the second wall includes an O-ring groove adjacent the edge to seal between the bulb and the wall of the socket.

91. The assembly of claim 88 wherein the second wall includes an outer surface and wherein the outer surface includes at least one embossing surface to accept a support to support the socket.

92. The assembly of claim 91 wherein the embossing surface is a groove extending around a circumference of the second wall.

93. The assembly of claim 91 wherein the slot has a longitudinal width and wherein the socket further includes a support for supporting the socket including a support element having a longitudinal width approximately equal to the longitudinal width of the slot.

94. The assembly of claim 91 wherein the groove has a longitudinal width and wherein the base also includes a support to support the base including a support element having a longitudinal width less than the longitudinal width of the groove.

95. The assembly of claim 91 wherein the groove in the baseball has a shape and wherein the baseball further includes a support for supporting the base including a support element having a configuration that is at least in part conformed to the shape of the slot.

96. The assembly of claim 91 wherein the embossing surface is at least two slots longitudinally spaced apart from one another.

97. The assembly and bulb of claim 96 wherein the bulb further includes an isolator wherein the electrical connector in the socket includes a projection on the elastic connector outward toward the isolator.

98. The assembly and bulb of claim 97 wherein the basketball includes four connectors, each of which includes a projection in the form of a tongue that is fitted to the insulator.

99. The assembly of claim 88 wherein the edge defines an opening in the socket having a first diameter and further comprising an adapter for reducing the size of the opening in the base to accept a bulb having a smaller diameter.

100. The assembly of claim 99 wherein the adapter includes a sealing element on an internal surface to form a seal between the bulb and the adapter.

101. The assembly of claim 100 wherein the base includes a reference surface and wherein the adapter further includes a reference track for fitting the reference surface in the base.

102. A basketball for a lighting assembly, comprising the basketball: a rigid baseball body with a base wall and a second unitary wall extending a first distance from the base wall to define an enclosure and an edge at the end of the second wall so that a lighting element with a pin contact can be extended by passing the edge towards the enclosure and wherein the second wall includes a sealing element for sealing between the second wall and a bulb, - and at least a cylindrical electrical connector having a portion extending from the second wall to contact a connector in the lighting element.

103. The chair of claim 102 wherein the connector extends from the base wall toward the enclosure to a point where the enclosure is separated from the edge.

104. The chair of claim 102 wherein the seal is an O-ring seal element positioned adjacent to the edge.

105. The chair of claim 104 wherein the second wall includes an interior surface and wherein the 0-ring seal is placed on the interior surface of the wall.

106. The baseball of claim 104 further comprising a bulb having a bulb body, a bulb end and an end of the body having a base and at least one plug connector extending away from the base of the bulb and wherein the illumination element extends towards the socket so that the O-ring seal fits and seals between the second wall and the body of the bulb.

107. The chair of claim 106 wherein the base wall is a substantially flat wall and wherein at least one connector includes two separate cylindrical electrical connectors extending from the base wall spaced apart from the second wall and wherein the second wall extends beyond the ends of the cylindrical connectors and wherein the 0-ring seal is placed on a second wall between the ends of the cylindrical connectors and the edge.

108. The baseball of claim 102 wherein the second wall includes an external surface and wherein the outer surface includes at least one embossing surface to accept a support to support the base.

109. The chair of claim 108 wherein the embossing surface is a groove extending around a circumference of the second wall.

110. The chair of claim 109 wherein the slot has a longitudinal width and wherein the chair further includes a support for supporting the pool including a support element having a longitudinal width approximately equal to the longitudinal width of the slot.

111. The chair of claim 109 wherein the slot has a longitudinal width and wherein the chair further includes a support for supporting the pool including a support element having a longitudinal width less than the longitudinal width of the slot.

112. The baseball of claim 109 wherein the groove in the baseball has a shape and wherein the baseball further includes a support for supporting the base including a support element having a configuration at least in part conforming to the shape of the slot.

113. The chair of claim 108 wherein the embossing surface is at least two slots longitudinally spaced apart from one another.

114. A basketball for a lighting assembly, the pool comprising: a baseball body with a base wall and a second support wall extending a first distance from the base wall to define an enclosure for receiving one end of a lighting element and an edge at the end of the enclosure so that a lighting element having a pin contact can be extended by passing the edge towards the enclosure, and at least one cylindrical electrical connector separated from the second wall and extending towards the enclosure from the base wall only part of the path of the edge of the enclosure to make contact with a connector in a lighting element where the second wall extends past the end of the cylindrical connector.

115. The chair of claim 114 wherein the housing is at least twice the length of the connector so that the enclosure surrounds at least part of the illumination element in addition to the plug contact.

116. The chair of claim 114 wherein the at least one cylindrical connector includes two cylindrical connectors spaced apart from each other and extending from the base wall of the socket, wherein the second wall defines an interior surface that is substantially circular to accept a lighting element and the second wall extends from the base wall a distance at least twice the second distance and further includes a bulb having a bulb body, a bulb end from the end of the body having a base and two plug connectors extending away from the base of the bulb where the lighting element extends towards the socket so that the plug connectors electrically make contact with the cylindrical connectors and where the second wall extends around the the plug connectors on the bulb passed the base of the bulb to wrap the base and at least part of the RPO of the bulb.

117. The baseball and bulb of claim 116 wherein the socket is a rigid baseboard and wherein the cylindrical connectors are aligned substantially parallel to the axis of the baseball.

118. The baseball and bulb of claim 117 further comprising a seal for sealing around the bulb.

119. The baseball and the bulb of claim 118 wherein the second wall includes a ring groove at 0 adjacent the edge to seal between the bulb and the wall of the socket.

120. The baseball and socket of claim 119 wherein the baseball further includes conductors for supplying power to the connectors and a wall defining an opening for the conductors and which further comprises a seal for the conductors so that the connection of the baseball It is sealed inside the basketball.

121. The chair of claim 114 wherein the second wall includes a seal element for sealing between the second wall and a bulb.

122. The chair of claim 121 wherein the seal member includes a 0-ring seal placed on the second wall.

123. A basketball for a lighting assembly, comprising the basketball: a baseball body with a base wall and a second wall extending a first distance from the base wall to define an enclosure and an edge at the end of the enclosure so that a lighting element with a pin contact can extend past the edge towards the enclosure; and at least one cylindrical electrical connector separated from the second wall for connecting a connector in a lighting element; and a clamp for the body of the baseball and movable at least one of rotatably and slidably in relation to the body of the baseball and the fastener further includes a mounting element for mounting the fastener on a mounting surface.

124. The base of claim 123 wherein the baseball further includes a groove extending with respect to a circumference of the second wall to accept the fastener.

125. The baseball of claim 123 wherein the fastener includes a socket fitting element having a length and wherein the slot in the socket is made the size to have a longitudinal length greater than the length of the socket fitting element. .

126. The baseball of claim 123 further comprising a second slot separated from the first slot for accepting a fastener.

127. The baseball of claim 123 wherein the socket is detachable from the fastener.

128. The baseball of claim 127 wherein the fastener includes an elastic fastener for releasably fastening and attaching the socket.

129. The chair of claim 128 which further includes a mounting surface to which the fastener is mounted and positioned to support the stand, wherein the fastener can be moved to another position in relation to the mounting surface.

130. The chair of claim 129 wherein the fastener mounting element is an elastic spring mounting element.

131. The baseball of claim 129 wherein the mounting surface includes a track.

132. The chair of claim 129 wherein the fastener mounting element is an elastic spring mounting element and wherein the mounting surface includes a track and the elastic spring mounting element is fitted to the track.

133. A basketball for a lighting assembly, comprising the basketball: a baseball body with a base wall having a center, and a second wall extending a first distance from the base wall to define an enclosure and an edge at the end of the enclosure so that a lighting element with a pin contact can extend past the edge towards the enclosure; and at least two pairs of cylindrical electrical connectors wherein each connector in each pair is positioned approximately equidistant from one center of the base wall relative to the other connector in the pair and wherein the spacing of a pair is different each spacing for the other pair.

134. The chair of claim 133 wherein at least two pairs of connectors are oriented in an approximate criss-crossing pattern.

135. The chair of claim 134 wherein the first pair of connectors accepts plugs of a fluorescent bulb of size T8 and wherein the second pair of connectors accepts plugs of a fluorescent bulb of size T5.

136. The baseball of claim 135 further comprising an indicator in the socket indicating the relative position in the socket of at least one of the cylindrical connectors.

137. The chair of claim 133 wherein the connectors are spaced from the second wall and extend a second distance less than the first distance from the base wall to contact the connectors in a lighting element.

138. A basketball for a lighting assembly, comprising the basketball: a baseball body including a base and at least one electrical connector for connecting a connector to a lighting element, - a bulb having an end and a contact in the end and a body to pass light outside the bulb, and where the bulb includes an insulator at the end of the bulb to protect the contact at the end of the bulb; and wherein the contact is coupled to the connector and wherein the connector includes a projection that fits the isolator.

139. The baseball and bulb of claim 138 wherein the projection includes a tongue on the elastic connector facing outward.

140. The basketball and the bulb of claim 139 wherein the basketball includes four connectors, each of which includes a tongue that fits with the insulator.

141. The baseball and bulb of claim 139 wherein the baseball also includes alignment indicators to indicate the location of the connectors.

142. A basketball for a lighting assembly, the deck comprising: a rigid baseball body with a base wall and a unitary seating wall extending from the base wall and an edge defining an enclosure so that an element of illumination with a pin contact can be extended past the edge towards the enclosure and wherein the second wall includes a seal wall and a seal element in the seal wall to seal between the housing wall and a bulb; and at least one cylindrical electrical connector separated from the second wall to make contact between a connector and a lighting element.

143. The chair of claim 142 wherein the seal element on the wall can be pressed against the wall of the basketball.

144. The chair of claim 142 wherein the seal is substantially circular.

145. The chair of claim 142 wherein the cylindrical connectors extend substantially parallel to the axis of the wall of the housing.

146. A method for creating a seal around the bulb between the bulb and a socket, the method comprising the steps of: providing a base with a base and a connector at the base and extending from the base, and having the wall of the housing a seal element in the wall of the housing; provide a bulb that has a connector at one end of it, - insert the bulb into the housing so that the connector on the bulb fits the connector into the socket and so that the sealing element seals between the socket and the bulb as the bulb is pushed towards the housing.

147. The method of claim 146 wherein the step of providing a basketball with a seal element includes the step of placing an O-ring seal in a slot in the wall of the basketball.

148. The method of claim 146 further comprising the step of placing an insulator on the end of the bulb.