Method and Kit For Retrofitting Fluorescent Light Fixtures

Abstract

Retrofit lighting kits allow for the reuse of fluorescent lighting fixture housings, already in place, while retrofitting new assemblies that increase efficiency, reduce energy consumption and demand, and reduce ongoing maintenance costs. A new fixture cover design(s) allows for the direct mounting of T5 4 foot bulbs to the original fixture housing still in place. This assembly provides a similar, or increased light level, to the previous twin 8 foot bulb and ballast installation, which is removed and recycled. The replacement product involves the installation of new custom fixture covers, mounted with one T5 high output nominal 4 foot lamp per cover, referred to as operative panels.

1 . A replacement kit to convert common fluorescent lamp strip lighting fixtures with higher efficiency lamps comprising:
 a plurality of panels adapted to be positioned on empty strip lighting fixtures, the panels being designed to be affixed to the lighting fixture at any position and to bridge across the empty fixtures that are mounted contiguously;   a pair of dual pin sockets mounted on each panel to allow the placement of high efficiency lamps on each operative panel;   a plurality of spacer panels adopted to be positioned on empty commercial strip lighting fixtures, the spacer panels being positioned adjacent panels to allow the increase or decrease of light levels at a user surface, the spacer panels, are designed to bridge across empty lighting fixtures mounted contiguously.   a high efficiency ballast positioned on the back of any chosen panel for powering two high efficiency lamps on any one fixture, as well as two or more lamps on panels on adjacent strip fixtures;   a wiring harness designed to allow one high efficiency ballast to power multiple panels with high efficiency lamps bridging multiple fixtures and spacer panels.   
     
     
         2 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein the panels are from about 36 inches to about 60 inches in length. 
     
     
         3 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein the spacer panels are from about 6 inches to about 24 inches in length. 
     
     
         4 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein the panels and spacer panels have an outer flange that extends over the sides of the lighting fixtures. 
     
     
         5 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein the panels are curvilinear to improve the reflectivity of light from the high efficiency lamps. 
     
     
         6 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein the panels have a mirror finish to improve the reflectivity of light from the high efficiency lamps. 
     
     
         7 . The kit of  claim 1  wherein a reflector is mounted on the panels, the reflector being positioned between the light fixture and the high efficiency lamp. 
     
     
         8 - 14 . (canceled)