Patents by Inventor Joe P. Crookham

Joe P. Crookham has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11761223
    Abstract: There exists a number of youth development programs centered on sports programming. Some of these programs operate on a platform of revitalizing neighborhood spaces to improve community engagement by creating a space for youth to enjoy sports. Oftentimes these neighborhood spaces include restrictions or the surrounding community has needs (like lighting and seating) which are unmet or under-met. Envisioned is a system approach to addressing these needs wherein a wide variety of custom solutions can be produced from prefabricated, modular, and portable components that interface with existing amenities (if any) so to enrich the youth experience and better achieve program objectives. This modular approach provides a common infrastructure for different spaces, different sports, and different levels of play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventors: Joe P. Crookham, Jeffrey A. Rogers, Timothy J. Boyle, Nathan E. Herz
  • Publication number: 20210131129
    Abstract: There exists a number of youth development programs centered on sports programming. Some of these programs operate on a platform of revitalizing neighborhood spaces to improve community engagement by creating a space for youth to enjoy sports. Oftentimes these neighborhood spaces include restrictions or the surrounding community has needs (like lighting and seating) which are unmet or under-met. Envisioned is a system approach to addressing these needs wherein a wide variety of custom solutions can be produced from prefabricated, modular, and portable components that interface with existing amenities (if any) so to enrich the youth experience and better achieve program objectives. This modular approach provides a common infrastructure for different spaces, different sports, and different levels of play.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Joe P. Crookham, Jeffrey A. Rogers, Timothy J. Boyle, Nathan E. Herz
  • Patent number: 10920437
    Abstract: There exists a number of youth development programs centered on sports programming. Some of these programs operate on a platform of revitalizing neighborhood spaces to improve community engagement by creating a space for youth to enjoy sports. Oftentimes these neighborhood spaces include restrictions or the surrounding community has needs (like lighting and seating) which are unmet or under-met. Envisioned is a system approach to addressing these needs wherein a wide variety of custom solutions can be produced from prefabricated, modular, and portable components that interface with existing amenities (if any) so to enrich the youth experience and better achieve program objectives. This modular approach provides a common infrastructure for different spaces, different sports, and different levels of play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Joe P. Crookham, Jeffrey A. Rogers, Timothy J. Boyle, Nathan E. Herz
  • Publication number: 20200032534
    Abstract: There exists a number of youth development programs centered on sports programming. Some of these programs operate on a platform of revitalizing neighborhood spaces to improve community engagement by creating a space for youth to enjoy sports. Oftentimes these neighborhood spaces include restrictions or the surrounding community has needs (like lighting and seating) which are unmet or under-met. Envisioned is a system approach to addressing these needs wherein a wide variety of custom solutions can be produced from prefabricated, modular, and portable components that interface with existing amenities (if any) so to enrich the youth experience and better achieve program objectives. This modular approach provides a common infrastructure for different spaces, different sports, and different levels of play.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Joe P. Crookham, Jeffrey A. Rogers, Timothy J. Boyle, Nathan E. Herz
  • Patent number: 10536671
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Joe P. Crookham, Douglas L. Roorda
  • Patent number: 9363441
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Joe P. Crookham, Douglas L. Roorda
  • Patent number: 9026104
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems to control remote devices or equipment via existing cellular telephone networks wherein information from a customer concerning a specific function is communicated and performed at the remote equipment. To achieve this, a Central Control receives information from the customer and correlates it to a specific cellular telephone MIN number which has been pre-programmed. 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 a part of the MIN and gives these numbers to a PLC at the remote equipment controller. The PLC then memory maps part of the MIN to a specific function to be carried out by the remote equipment controller, and the specific function is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Joe P. Crookham, Antonio Rivera, Michael B. Foster, Ryan A. Marsh, Walter R. Tippett, Patrick K. Cooley
  • Patent number: 8944617
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Joe P. Crookham, Thomas A. Stone, James J. Berns
  • Patent number: 8651704
    Abstract: Systems and methods for solid-state light source heat management are provided. A solid-state light source, e.g. having one or more LEDs, can be mounted within an enclosure. In some embodiments, a heat sink associated with semiconductor material and/or power electronics can be placed on a separate side of the enclosure that is thermally insulated or separated from the state-light source. The enclosure can include a first side or portion that allows light from the solid-state-light source (e.g., LEDs) to pass through to a target area. A fluid transfer conduit may be connected to the second side or portion of the enclosure for passing a fluid (e.g., air, water, coolant, etc.) across the heat sink to transport heat generated by the power electronics and/or semiconductor material away. The heated fluid can then be routed to, as examples, an HVAC system, a vent, water heating systems, heat exchanger systems, and/or storage systems (e.g., batteries).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron Gordin, Joe P. Crookham
  • Patent number: 8622569
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, or system of lighting units comprising a plurality of individually positionable lighting elements, such as one or more LEDs, each element optionally having an associated optic. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Joe P. Crookham, Thomas A. Stone, Matthew D. Drost
  • Patent number: 8605394
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Joe P. Crookham, Myron Gordin, Darrell N. Chelcun
  • Publication number: 20120281399
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: MUSCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joe P. Crookham, Thomas A. Stone, James J. Berns
  • Patent number: 8256921
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Joe P. Crookham, Thomas A. Stone, James J. Berns
  • Patent number: 8162511
    Abstract: A wide area lighting fixture including 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron Gordin, Joe P. Crookham
  • Patent number: 8037630
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for holding a device along the side of a relatively tall pole. The apparatus includes, in one aspect, a hanger bracket adapted to removably mount to the pole. A frame to which the device can be mounted is attached to the hanger bracket. In one embodiment, the frame has first and second cross-arms and an elongated member spacing the cross-arms from each other. In another aspect, a second hanger bracket can be used to further connect the frame to a pole. A locking device can be used to lock at least one of the hanging brackets to the pole. In a further aspect of the invention, the device is a banner or sheet-like device. In another aspect of the invention, the bracket and/or banner is in combination with the pole and/or device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Joe P. Crookham, Jeffrey A. Rogers, Kevin R. Johnson, Darrin L. Guler, Douglas A. Witt
  • Publication number: 20110245939
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: MUSCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: JOE P. CROOKHAM, JEFFREY A. ROGERS
  • Patent number: 7918588
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron K. Gordin, Joe P. Crookham
  • Publication number: 20110007443
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: MUSCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: JOE P. CROOKHAM, MYRON GORDIN, DARRELL N. CHELCUN
  • Publication number: 20100277109
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: MUSCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: JOE P. CROOKHAM, ANTONIO RIVERA, MICHAEL B. FOSTER, RYAN A. MARSH, WALTER R. TIPPETT, PATRICK K. COOLEY
  • Patent number: 7778635
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Joe P. Crookham, Antonio Rivera, Michael B. Foster, Ryan A. Marsh, Walter R. Tippett, Patrick K. Cooley