MUSCO CORPORATION Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140340889 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHODS FOR GLARE REDUCTION AND UPLIGHTING FOR GOLF COURSE, SPORTS FIELDS AND LARGE AREA LIGHTING - An apparatus, system and method for glare reduction and effective lighting, including uplighting for such things as sports fields including golf courses or for other large area projects. A set of solid state light sources having an original perceived intensity from viewers and an original light output, are altered to be perceived by a viewer as a larger light source to reduce glare to the viewer. This alteration can occur when a number of techniques including diffusive or reflective surfaces in the original output of the light sources. Altered light output is further modified by either cutting portions of it off or redirecting portions of it for more effective use. For example, a visor with reflective surface can redirect light either to a target area or for uplighting. This allows concurrent benefits of glare reduction for viewers of the sources or effective use of light. | 11-20-2014 |
20140292197 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR EVENT AND BACKUP LIGHTING - An apparatus, system, and method for solid state lighting is envisioned which, according to aspects of the invention, provides primary event and/or utility lighting during normal power conditions, and which, during periods of interrupted power, provides uninterrupted event lighting for a desired duration, provides a gradual transition from event lighting levels to utility lighting levels, and provides a gradual transition from utility lighting levels to emergency lighting levels. | 10-02-2014 |
20140168963 | MULTI-LED LENS WITH LIGHT PATTERN OPTIMIZATION - An apparatus, method, and system for illumination of a target includes a lighting assembly comprising plural LED sources each having individual light output patterns of preselected color or CCT. A single shared optical component or lens, which captures and controls light output from each of the plurality of light sources; at least partially mixes the individual patterns in a composite light output distribution. Optionally a light blocking member or structure such as a deflector, baffle, or reflector can be positioned between adjacent light sources in their individual light output distribution patterns to alter their contributions to the composite light output pattern. | 06-19-2014 |
20140092593 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR REDUCING THE EFFECTIVE PROJECTED AREA (EPA) OF AN ELEVATED LIGHTING FIXTURE WITHOUT THE USE OF AN EXTERNAL VISOR - A design of lighting fixture is presented whereby the outer glass lens—flat in prior art lighting fixtures—is bowed outward. The design of lighting fixture permits a plurality of LED modules to be contained therein, each with their own visor, without constraining the aiming angle of each due to interference between the outer lens and each individual visor. In this manner, an external visor may be omitted thereby obviating undesirable lighting effects such as uneven lighting while still maintaining a reduced effective projected area (EPA) as compared to prior art lighting fixtures with no external visor and a flat outer glass lens. | 04-03-2014 |
20130335960 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS FOR HIGHLY CONTROLLED LIGHT DISTRIBUTION FROM LIGHT FIXTURE USING MULTIPLE LIGHT SOURCES (LEDS) - Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for deriving composite beams from a plurality of light sources such as LEDs. Optical units comprising a plurality of light sources, each source having an associated optic which is individually positionable, are developed using optimization techniques that allow for lighting different target areas in an effective manner by rotating or otherwise positioning the reflectors, refractive lenses, TIR lenses, or other lens types to create a composite beam. The apparatus, methods, and systems of lighting herein make it possible to widely vary the types of beams from an available fixture using a small number of optics and fixtures. In some cases, by using a combination of individual beam patterns from the same or different types of light sources, a small set of individual optics may be sufficient to create a majority of the typical and specialized composite beams needed to meet the needs of most lighting projects and target areas. | 12-19-2013 |
20130300295 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR BYPASSING FAILED LEDS IN LIGHTING ARRAYS - An apparatus, method and system for controlling one or multiple lighting sources such as those powered by driver circuits or voltage splitting methods, to provide an alternative current path around a failed lighting source when one or more individual lighting sources fail. | 11-14-2013 |
20130268246 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS FOR AIMING LED LIGHTING - A system and method for assisting in aiming, designing, and demonstrating a lighting scheme for a target space. Aiming points in the actual physical space can be described either with descriptive terms, relative to a coordinate system, or otherwise. Those descriptions can be stored or recorded. The can then be recalled at another time to supply information relevant to aiming lighting fixtures, designing lighting systems for that target space, or demonstrating (either real or simulated) illumination of the target area. In one aspect, the foregoing method can be assisted with an apparatus or system which mounts an aiming module with a fixture or lighting modules or sources on a fixture or both. The aiming module can also project or guide a user as to superposing the light output distribution pattern of a fixture or light source to the target to help locate parts of the beam in the target. | 10-10-2013 |
20130250556 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR INDEPENDENT AIMING AND CUTOFF STEPS IN ILLUMINATING A TARGET AREA - Presented is a design of modular LED lighting fixture whereby the steps of light directing and light redirecting are independent, but cooperative, so to promote a compact fixture design with low effective projected area (EPA), good thermal properties, and a selectable degree of glare control. A lighting system employing a plurality of said fixtures is highly customizable yet has the potential to be pre-aimed and pre-assembled prior to shipping, which reduces the potential for installation error while preserving the customized nature of the fixtures. | 09-26-2013 |
20130141588 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRACKING SUBJECT WITH STILL OR VIDEO CAMERA - An apparatus, method, and system for controlling camera aiming and operation through a convenient and intuitive interface using correlative touch and feel, which allows a camera operator to primarily pay attention to a game or event, while simultaneously controlling a still or video camera in three control dimensions, with a high degree of accuracy or quality. | 06-06-2013 |
20130077304 | LIGHTING SYSTEM HAVING A MULTI-LIGHT SOURCE COLLIMATOR AND METHOD OF OPERATING SUCH - A lens is provided which is elongated along an axis so to accommodate a linear array of LEDs, the elongation of the lens resulting in a corresponding elongation of the beam output pattern; in practice, the axis of elongation may be oriented so to suit a target area or some portion thereof. A methodology is provided for use with said lens so to evaluate various factors such as droop, heat management, and light output for a given combination of light sources and luminaire design. Alternative designs of lens, as well as alternative optical devices, are also presented for use with said methodology. | 03-28-2013 |
20130044481 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR HIGHLY CONTROLLED LIGHT DISTRIBUTION USING MULTIPLE LIGHT SOURCES - Disclosed herein are apparatus, method, and system for producing a customizable composite beam from a plurality of solid state light sources. Each light source is associated with individually adjustable fixture components which allow for a variety of lighting needs to be addressed. The composite beam is a collective of the beam projected from each adjustable component/light source combination; each individual beam being of customized shape or standard shape. | 02-21-2013 |
20120307486 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR INDEPENDENT AIMING AND CUTOFF STEPS IN ILLUMINATING A TARGET AREA - A lighting fixture is presented comprising a plurality of modular apparatuses wherein each modular apparatus comprises one or more light sources and one or more light directing or light redirecting devices. Methods of adjusting one or more components of said lighting fixture about one, two, or three axes are presented whereby the lighting needs of a target area—even one of complex shape—may be addressed and in a manner that promotes compact fixture design with low effective projected area (EPA) without sacrificing transmission efficiency of the light sources. | 12-06-2012 |
20120281399 | LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH COMBINED DIRECTLY VIEWABLE LUMINOUS OR TRANSMISSIVE SURFACE AND CONTROLLED AREA ILLUMINATION - An apparatus, system and method for lighting an area, for example, an outdoors pedestrian area or building façade or an auto traffic area, or an indoor large area, which provides indicator/guide light, reference light for structures, and task lighting for a target area. The method uses first lighting sources that are directly viewable by observers and which can be historical, architectural, or aesthetically selected sources, but which produce a relatively low level of light or luminance insufficient to effectively light the area but sufficient to act as an indicator or guide, as well as to provide reference illumination on buildings or structures. Second lighting sources are configured to produce directional light to light the area but hide the light sources from most conventional observer viewing angles and may be enclosed within the general outlines of the globe or transmissive surface area of the fixture. | 11-08-2012 |
20120217897 | COMPACT AND ADJUSTABLE LED LIGHTING APPARATUS, AND METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING SUCH LONG-TERM - A lighting system is provided whereby long operating life can be reasonably ensured by taking into account requirements of the application, characteristics of the LEDs, characteristics of the fixture containing said LEDs, the desired number of operating hours, and—via developed relationships—taking an iterative approach to supplying power to the LEDs. Through the envisioned compensation methodology and effective luminaire design, a relatively constant light level can be assured for a predetermined number of operating hours (possibly longer); this is true even if operating conditions change, known behavior of LEDs proves untrue over untested period of time, or some other condition occurs which would otherwise cause end-of-life prematurely and prevent the system from meeting the desired number of operating hours. | 08-30-2012 |
20120168195 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR GROUNDING SUPPORT STRUCTURES USING AN INTEGRATED GROUNDING ELECTRODE - Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for grounding outdoor light poles, as well as other structures, which may be exposed to lightning or other adverse electrical effects and may require a low impedance path to ground. Inventive aspects include a combination of apparatus integral to the pole or other structure and installation considerations whereby the ease of installation, reduction of onsite installation error, and reduction of impedance may be tailored to each installation. An apparatus can include a pre-installed earth grounding electrode at the lower end of the pole or structure to be inserted into the earth. A method can include installing an earth grounding electrode to/on/in a lower end of a pole or structure prior to insertion into the earth. | 07-05-2012 |
20120153828 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR EVENT AND BACKUP LIGHTING - An apparatus, system, and method for solid state lighting is envisioned which, according to aspects of the invention, provides primary event and/or utility lighting during normal power conditions, and which, during periods of interrupted power, provides uninterrupted event lighting for a desired duration, provides a gradual transition from event lighting levels to utility lighting levels, and provides a gradual transition from utility lighting levels to emergency lighting levels. | 06-21-2012 |
20120081014 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR LED FIXTURE TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT, CONTROL, AND CALIBRATION - The present invention generally relates to the field of large area lighting, such as lighting for sport venues. More specifically, some embodiments of the present invention relate to controlling solid state illumination for various applications including sports lighting, architectural lighting, security lighting, parking, general area, interior, larger area and others. Embodiments according to aspects of the current invention monitor lighting circuits with regard to voltage and current, compare readings with stored models, characterize lighting circuits with regard to stored models for voltage and current, and control lighting circuits in accordance with desirable outcomes. | 04-05-2012 |
20110296670 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ELIMINATING OUTGASSING OF SPORTS LIGHTING FIXTURES - An apparatus and method for reducing lumen depreciation caused by other than lamp lumen depreciation. In one aspect, manufacturing and assembly of the fixture uses clean-room light techniques. In another aspect of the invention, materials that have a propensity to outgas are shielded from direct exposure to light energy. Other aspects of the invention include other methodologies to eliminate causes for lumen depreciation. | 12-08-2011 |
20110267824 | SPORTS LIGHTING FIXTURE HAVING DIE-CAST FRAME IN HIGH-REFLECTANCE MATERIAL - An apparatus and method for a high intensity lighting fixture. In one aspect, instead of a spun aluminum bowl-shaped reflector, a die cast metal reflector frame, somewhat simulating a bowl shape, includes an inner surface with mounting structure. A high reflectance sheet or plurality of high reflectance inserts are placed onto the mounting structure to create a reflecting surface. This allows high customability of the reflecting surface and minimizes light loss. | 11-03-2011 |
20110245939 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR DEMONSTRATING CUSTOMER-DEFINED LIGHTING SPECIFICATIONS AND EVALUATING PERMANENT LIGHTING SYSTEMS THEREFROM - Envisioned are apparatus, methods, and systems whereby a customer and an initial provider work cooperatively to develop quantifiable lighting specifications for the customer's application. Said specifications are developed as a result of the customer's feedback to a lighting demonstration. The developed lighting specifications may then be used by the customer in evaluating potential lighting suppliers (which may include the initial provider) to ensure the desired lighting scheme can be duplicated by a permanent lighting system. | 10-06-2011 |
20110194294 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSEMBLY OF LIGHTING FIXTURES - An apparatus, method and system for assembling lighting fixtures where reflective inserts are installed into a reflector frame to create a reflective surface for the fixture. According to one aspect of the method, some type of worker-perceivable indication prompts a worker as to which reflective insert should be installed at which mounting location on the reflector frame. The worker does not have to guess or translate written instructions. The method can be used sequentially to provide such assistance for each of a plurality of reflective inserts for a plurality of mounting locations. The method is particularly helpful if the reflective inserts are not identical for each mounting location. According to one aspect of an apparatus according to the invention, a reflector frame is removably mounted to a machine that holds the reflector frame in an indexed position. A controller generates a signal that produces the worker-perceivable indication that correlates for the worker the assigned reflective insert for each mounting position. This can be done with LEDs or other types of lights. | 08-11-2011 |
20110149582 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTABLY AFFIXING LIGHTING FIXTURES TO STRUCTURES - Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for adjustably affixing an object to a structure via an armature which includes a pivotable knuckle. The armature comprises two assembly components with a set of friction plates compressed therebetween. Said armature is designed to be lightweight (compared to the object), low cost (compared to state of the art adjustable armatures), suitable for outdoor use, and adaptable so to accommodate objects of varying weights, sizes, and form factors without adding significant weight or cost to the overall system. | 06-23-2011 |
20110090051 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFICATION OF MULTIPLE POINTS LOCATED THROUGHOUT AN AREA - Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for determining point locations with respect to an origin point. Aspects described herein provide for a cost-effective and easy to use way in which a limited number of persons may map out point locations over a relatively large area with a high degree of accuracy. | 04-21-2011 |
20110074313 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR ROADWAY LIGHTING USING SOLID-STATE LIGHT SOURCES - Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for illuminating roadways, paths, tunnels, bridges, and areas adjacent to such in a manner which minimizes glare and/or other adverse lighting effects commonly experienced by night-time drivers. According to aspects of the invention, horizontal and vertical aiming of a plurality of solid-state light sources permits projected light from a fixture to be tailored to roadway features (e.g., bends in the road) and in some cases, permits the mounting height of fixtures to be reduced which can make the envisioned system a cost-effective alternative to traditional roadway lighting. | 03-31-2011 |
20110044054 | MODIFIED REFLECTOR SURFACE TO REDIRECT OFF-FIELD SIDE LIGHT ONTO FIELD - An apparatus and method for high intensity lighting includes, in one aspect, a reflector frame having a main portion generally following a surface of revolution of the type that produces a converging beam and a second portion following a surface of revolution of the type that produces a different shape beam. Placement of the second portion in the reflector frame allows shifting of parts of the light beam in desired directions. | 02-24-2011 |
20110025231 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RETROFITTING HID LAMPS WITH SYSTEM TO PERIODICALLY ADJUST OPERATING WATTAGE - A method, apparatus, and system for increasing usable light from a high intensity lighting fixture to a target area without an increase in energy use. In one aspect, the circuit is retrofitted into an existing lamp circuit that allows selective change in operating power or wattage to the lamp, over a substantial period of operation time, to save energy. In one aspect operating wattage of the lamp would be reduced. In another aspect of the invention, reduction in operating wattage is accomplished by a switchable capacitance in electrical communication with the lamp circuit. | 02-03-2011 |
20110013401 | SPORTS LIGHTING FIXTURE HAVING DIE-CAST FRAME IN HIGH-REFLECTANCE MATERIAL - An apparatus and method for a high intensity lighting fixture. In one aspect, instead of a spun aluminum bowl-shaped reflector, a die cast metal reflector frame, somewhat simulating a bowl shape, includes an inner surface with mounting structure. A high reflectance sheet or plurality of high reflectance inserts are placed onto the mounting structure to create a reflecting surface. This allows high customability of the reflecting surface and minimizes light loss. | 01-20-2011 |
20110007443 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING LEAKAGE CURRENT AND DETECTING FAULT CONDITIONS IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS - Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for monitoring and detection of conditions indicative of an electrical fault for an electrical circuit or system. In one aspect, a central control can simultaneously monitor a plurality of geographically distributed electrical circuits or systems for conditions that have been predetermined to be indicative of an electrical fault or concern, and provide either some communication (e.g., a warning) or instruction (e.g., to terminate power) back to the monitored circuit/system, the owner/operator/user of the circuit/system, or both. The central control can collect, store, mine, and analyze data from the diverse monitoring of plural systems. A knowledge base can be built up over time and used to establish monitoring of the same, other circuits and systems, develop more accurate monitoring and communication of faults or concerns, and account for factors related to normal operation of a circuit or system. | 01-13-2011 |
20110006689 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR BYPASSING FAILED LEDS IN LIGHTING ARRAYS - An apparatus, method and system for controlling one or multiple lighting sources such as those powered by driver circuits or voltage splitting methods, to provide an alternative current path around a failed lighting source when one or more individual lighting sources fail. | 01-13-2011 |
20100320694 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR SEALING AN OBJECT OR A PLURALITY OF OBJECTS IN AN ASSEMBLY AND SEALING SAID ASSEMBLY AROUND AN APERTURE - An apparatus, method, and system for sealing around an aperture in an enclosure; the aperture through which a plurality of wires, wire harness, or other objects, must pass. Injection of sealant into an assembly secured to the enclosure and about the wires, wire harness, or other objects ensures the components housed in the enclosure may be sealed against adverse effects while not limiting useful connection of the wires contained within the assembly to the enclosed components. | 12-23-2010 |
20100277924 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY OF LIGHTING - A method and apparatus to increase efficiency of wide area lighting fixtures having a lamp mounting opening in a reflector or reflector frame, which results in gap(s) or spaces that do not control incident light to the intended target. The gap(s) or spaces(s) are covered with reflecting surfaces which do control incident light to increase efficiency of the fixture. | 11-04-2010 |
20100277109 | MEANS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROL OF REMOTE ELECTRONIC DEVICES - An apparatus to control remote devices or equipment via existing cellular telephone networks. The apparatus receives information from a customer concerning a specific function, which the customer wants to perform at the remote equipment. A Central Control receives this information from the customer and correlates the function to a specific cellular telephone MIN number, which has been pre-programmed in a computer at the Central Control. The MIN number is then sent to a cellular provider. The cellular provider then transmits the MIN number to an antenna, which transmits the MIN number to a remote equipment controller at the remotely located equipment. The remote equipment controller then takes the a part of the MIN and gives these numbers to a PLC at the remote equipment controller. The PLC then memory maps the part of the MIN to a specific function to be carried out by the remote equipment controller. Then the remote equipment controller carriers out specified functions at the remote equipment. | 11-04-2010 |
20100275454 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM OF PRECISE IDENTIFICATION OF MULTIPLE POINTS DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT AN AREA - A method of laying out a grid of points across an area comprises designating a starting reference point; projecting with the laser beam a first reference line intersecting the first reference point and extending in a first direction relative to the area; designating the set of first line reference points along the first reference line; projecting with a laser beam a second reference line from each of the set of first reference line points in a direction at least partially across the area; designating a set of second line reference points at or near the area along each of the second reference lines, so that a grid of points across the area correlated to at least one laser beam projection is created. In this manner, the laser provides a quick and accurate straight line for referencing points in the grid. The method could be used to just lay out a grid of lines. An apparatus according to one aspect of the invention comprises a portable base, a laser on the base adapted to project a laser beam in a plane, and a means to identify measured points from the base. The measured points can be relative to the projected plane from the laser. The portable base can be moved to different reference points relative to the area to quickly set up a grid of accurate lines or points in the area. | 11-04-2010 |
20100224385 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR GROUNDING SUPPORT STRUCTURES USING AN INTEGRATED GROUNDING ELECTRODE - Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for grounding outdoor light poles, as well as other structures, which may be exposed to lightning or other adverse electrical effects and may require a low impedance path to ground. Inventive aspects include a combination of apparatus integral to the pole or other structure and installation considerations whereby the ease of installation, reduction of onsite installation error, and reduction of impedance may be tailored to each installation. An apparatus can include a pre-installed earth grounding electrode at the lower end of the pole or structure to be inserted into the earth. A method can include installing an earth grounding electrode to/on/in a lower end of a pole or structure prior to insertion into the earth. | 09-09-2010 |
20100195326 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR HIGHLY CONTROLLED LIGHT DISTRIBUTION USING MULTIPLE LIGHT SOURCES - Disclosed herein are apparatus, method, and system for producing a customizable composite beam from a plurality of solid state light sources. Each light source is associated with individually adjustable fixture components which allow for a variety of lighting needs to be addressed. The composite beam is a collective of the beam projected from each adjustable component/light source combination; each individual beam being of customized shape or standard shape. | 08-05-2010 |
20100110671 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS FOR HIGHLY CONTROLLED LIGHT DISTRIBUTION FROM LIGHT FIXTURE USING MULTIPLE LIGHT SOURCES (LEDS) - Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for deriving composite beams from a plurality of light sources such as LEDs. Optical units comprising a plurality of light sources, each source having an associated optic which is individually positionable, are developed using optimization techniques that allow for lighting different target areas in an effective manner by rotating or otherwise positioning the reflectors, refractive lenses, TIR lenses, or other lens types to create a composite beam. The apparatus, methods, and systems of lighting herein make it possible to widely vary the types of beams from an available fixture using a small number of optics and fixtures. In some cases, by using a combination of individual beam patterns from the same or different types of light sources, a small set of individual optics may be sufficient to create a majority of the typical and specialized composite beams needed to meet the needs of most lighting projects and target areas. | 05-06-2010 |
20090323330 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR HIGHLY CONTROLLED LIGHT DISTRIBUTION FROM LIGHT FIXTURE USING MULTIPLE LIGHT SOURCES (LED'S) - An apparatus, method, or system of lighting units comprising a plurality of lighting elements, such as one or more LEDs, each element having an associated optic which is individually positionable. In embodiments of the present invention, one or more optics are developed using optimization techniques that allow for lighting different target areas in an effective manner by rotating or otherwise positioning the reflectors, refractive lenses, TIR lenses, or other lens types to create a composite beam. The apparatus, method, or system of lighting herein makes it possible to widely vary the types of beams from an available fixture using a small number of inventoried optics and fixtures. In some cases, by using a combination of individual beam patterns, a small set of individual optics would be sufficient to create a majority of the typical and specialized composite beams needed to meet the needs of most lighting projects and target areas. | 12-31-2009 |
20090284966 | LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH COMBINED DIRECTLY VIEWABLE LUMINOUS OR TRANSMISSIVE SURFACE AND CONTROLLED AREA ILLUMINATION - An apparatus, system and method for lighting an area, for example, an outdoors pedestrian area or building facade or an auto traffic area, or an indoor large area, which provides indicator/guide light, reference light for structures, and task lighting for a target area. The method uses first lighting sources that are directly viewable by observers and which can be historical, architectural, or aesthetically selected sources, but which produce a relatively low level of light or luminance insufficient to effectively light the area but sufficient to act as an indicator or guide, as well as to provide reference illumination on buildings or structures. Second lighting sources are configured to produce directional light to light the area but hide the light sources from most conventional observer viewing angles and may be enclosed within the general outlines of the globe or transmissive surface area of the fixture. Additionally, the fixture may appear to the average observer that the two sources are one historic or architectural source. Use of low-level directly viewable sources allows lower levels of light from the second sources to effectively light the area. This produces benefits regarding light pollution, such as reducing sky glow, glare, and spill light, as well as reducing energy usage. | 11-19-2009 |
20090188207 | POLE COVER OR SLEEVE - An apparatus, method and system for covering and protecting substantially tall poles. The apparatus includes a covering layer positionable over at least a portion of the exterior of a pole. The covering layer is non-corrosive and preferably impact and tear resistant. In one aspect of the invention, the covering layer is a sheet of material dimensioned to wrap around a corresponding part of the pole. A bracket can be used to secure the opposite adjacent edges of the wrap. Hardware can be used to secure the wrap from longitudinal movement along the pole. The wrap can be colored, textured, or patterned. | 07-30-2009 |
20090161363 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ELIMINATING OUTGASSING OF SPORTS LIGHTING FIXTURES - An apparatus and method for reducing lumen depreciation caused by other than lamp lumen depreciation. In one aspect, manufacturing and assembly of the fixture uses clean-room light techniques. In another aspect of the invention, materials that have a propensity to outgas are shielded from direct exposure to light energy. Other aspects of the invention include other methodologies to eliminate causes for lumen depreciation. | 06-25-2009 |
20090135596 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM OF AIMING LIGHTING FIXTURES - An apparatus, method, and system of aiming lighting fixtures. One aspect of the invention mounts a substantially collimated light source on a lighting fixture. The direction of the substantially collimated light source is fixed in a known relationship to the aiming direction of the lighting fixture. By finding the substantially collimated light source either by direct viewing or in a mirror, the aiming direction of the lighting fixture can be derived by using the known the relationship between the substantially collimated light source and the aiming direction of the fixture. Thus, the aiming direction of the fixture can be derived without operating the lighting fixture and can be derived even at relatively remote locations from the lighting fixture. The apparatus and method can be used on one fixture or a plurality of fixtures. It can also be used on one fixture of an array of fixtures to aim the entire array. | 05-28-2009 |
20090135411 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM OF AIMING FIXTURES OR DEVICES - An apparatus, method, and system of aiming devices such as antennas, free-space optical communication transmitters and lighting fixtures. One aspect of the invention mounts a substantially collimated light source on a device or lighting fixture. The direction of the substantially collimated light source is fixed in a known relationship to the aiming direction of the fixture or device. By finding the substantially collimated light source either by direct viewing, in a mirror, or with a light sensor, the aiming direction of the fixture or device can be derived by using the known the relationship between the substantially collimated light source and the aiming direction of the fixture or device. Thus, the aiming direction of the fixture or device can be derived without operating the fixture or device and can be derived even at relatively remote locations from the fixture or device. The apparatus and method can be used on one fixture or a plurality of fixtures or devices. It can also be used on one fixture of an array of fixtures or devices to aim the entire array. | 05-28-2009 |
20090129081 | ELECTIVE LIGHTING FIXTURE VISORS TO REDUCE OFF-TARGET GLARE AND SPILL LIGHT - A method, apparatus and system for illuminating a large area with plural high power lighting fixtures. The method includes identifying fixtures having a likelihood of affecting playability or glare or spill light relative to a point of view on or off the large area. The method includes steps to identify such fixtures for the purpose of adding a component which improves lighting or decreases glare or spill light for the point of view. A further method does so for multiple points of view relative to the large area, whether on or off the large area. One component is a long visor that would be added only to identify fixtures. | 05-21-2009 |
20090122550 | GEARED TILT MECHANISM FOR ENSURING HORIZONTAL OPERATION OF ARC LAMP - An apparatus and method for adjusting a high intensity discharge arc tube to a predetermined (e.g., relatively horizontal) operating position in a light fixture regardless of aiming orientation of the light fixture towards a target. In one aspect, the light source is mounted in an independently pivotal yoke in the light fixture. A mechanical linkage proportionally pivots the light source relative to any pivoting motion of the fixture over a range of positions such that a selected light source orientation can be approximately maintained regardless of aiming orientation of the fixture. | 05-14-2009 |
20090056153 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM OF PRECISE IDENTIFICATION OF MULTIPLE POINTS DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT AN AREA - A method of laying out a grid of points across an area comprises designating a starting reference point; projecting with the laser beam a first reference line intersecting the first reference point and extending in a first direction relative to the area; designating the set of first line reference points along the first reference line; projecting with a laser beam a second reference line from each of the set of first reference line points in a direction at least partially across the area; designating a set of second line reference points at or near the area along each of the second reference lines, so that a grid of points across the area correlated to at least one laser beam projection is created. In this manner, the laser provides a quick and accurate straight line for referencing points in the grid. The method could be used to just lay out a grid of lines. An apparatus according to one aspect of the invention comprises a portable base, a laser on the base adapted to project a laser beam in a plane, and a means to identify measured points from the base. The measured points can be relative to the projected plane from the laser. The portable base can be moved to different reference points relative to the area to quickly set up a grid of accurate lines or points in the area. | 03-05-2009 |
20090051299 | LINEAR REACTOR BALLAST FOR SPORTS LIGHTING FIXTURES - A means and method for increasing use of a light from a high intensity lighting fixture to a target area without an increase in energy use. One aspect increases the electrical efficiency of transmission of electrical power from an electrical power source to the lamp such that for the same cost of electrical energy, more electrical energy is available for production of light. Conversely less electrical energy could be purchased to produce the same amount of light. In another aspect electrical components along the electrical service path can be utilized with increased electrical efficiency towards the same end. | 02-26-2009 |
20090002993 | GEARED TILT MECHANISM FOR ENSURING HORIZONTAL OPERATION OF ARC LAMP - An apparatus and method for keeping a high intensity discharge arc tube relatively horizontal in a light fixture regardless of aiming orientation of the light fixture towards a target. In one aspect, the light source is mounted in an independently pivotal yoke in the light fixture. A gearing arrangement automatically proportionally pivots the light source relative to any pivoting motion of the fixture over a range of motion such that a selected light source orientation can be approximately maintained regardless of aiming orientation of the fixture. | 01-01-2009 |
20080273335 | FULL OR NEAR-FULL CUT-OFF VISOR FOR LIGHT FIXTURE - A wide area lighting fixture includes a relatively large visor extending from a bowl shaped fixture reflector. The distal portion of the visor extends relatively far outwardly and downwardly and around the fixture opening. In operating position, the visor blocks most or all off field direct view of the light source in the fixture. Optionally a light absorbing surface or insert can be placed at the very bottom of the bowl shaped reflector to absorb or otherwise stop light that otherwise might go off-field to further control spill light, glare, and sky glow or uplight. | 11-06-2008 |
20080273333 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PATHWAY OR SIMILAR LIGHTING - An apparatus, method, and system for lighting target areas with bollard or pagoda style or type lights in a controlled and efficient manner. The apparatus includes a housing with a light source, optic system, and a control circuit. The light source and optic system are configured to produce a highly controlled output beam pattern and shield from normal viewing angles direct sight of the source. This enables control of glare and spill light which can improve effectiveness, efficiency, and energy usage. | 11-06-2008 |
20080266870 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY OF LIGHTING - A method and apparatus to increase efficiency of wide area lighting fixtures having a lamp mounting opening in a reflector or reflector frame, which results in gap(s) or spaces that do not control incident light to the intended target. The gap(s) or spaces(s) are covered with reflecting surfaces which do control incident light to increase efficiency of the fixture. | 10-30-2008 |