Patents by Inventor Neal R. Verfuerth

Neal R. Verfuerth 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).

  • Publication number: 20140078308
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to an outdoor lighting fixture that includes a ballast for controlling the amount of current provided to a lamp. The lighting fixture also includes a fixture housing at least partially surrounding the ballast and the lamp and a mounting system for holding the fixture housing to at least one of a wall and a pole. The lighting fixture yet further includes a camera coupled to the housing and a control circuit wired to the camera. The lighting fixture also includes a radio frequency transceiver wired to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to cause information from the camera to be wirelessly transmitted by the radio frequency transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Neal R. Verfuerth
  • Patent number: 8666559
    Abstract: A method of reducing electricity usage during peak demand periods includes the steps of establishing predetermined load reduction criteria representative of a desire by a power provider to reduce loading on an electricity supply grid, and coordinating with a facility having lighting equipment to permit the power provider to turn-off one or more of the lighting equipment by sending instructions to a master controller at the facility in response to the predetermined load reduction criteria, and establishing a list of lighting equipment to be turned-off in response to the instructions, and configuring the master controller to send an override control signal to the lighting equipment to implement the instructions, and configuring the lighting equipment to send a response signal to the master controller providing a status of the lighting equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Michael J. Potts, Jun Wang
  • Patent number: 8626643
    Abstract: A utility financial model involves the setting of a new utility rate after the introduction of a new utility technology that provides immediate capacity relief, reducing the base load capacity and the peak load capacity to electric power providers. The new utility rate is not based solely on performance of the new utility technology but rather based on fixed and variable costs to introduce the new utility technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Michael H. Potts
  • Patent number: 8604701
    Abstract: A lighting fixture for aisle lighting in a building includes processing electronics. The processing electronics are configured to cause the lighting fixture to provide increasing levels of illumination in response to state changes associated with sensed motion in the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Tony Freeman, Jason Rasner
  • Publication number: 20130308325
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for attaching a lighting fixture to an overhead structure. The mounting assembly includes at least a first member and a second member. The first member is configured to be coupled to the overhead structure and includes a base with an opening provided therein. The second member is configured to be coupled to the fixture and includes a body and an catch extending from the body. The catch is configured to engage the opening to pivotally connect the second member to the first member, such that the base is substantially parallel to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Matthew S. Tlachac
  • Patent number: 8586902
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to an outdoor lighting fixture that includes a ballast for controlling the amount of current provided to a lamp. The lighting fixture also includes a fixture housing at least partially surrounding the ballast and the lamp and a mounting system for holding the fixture housing to at least one of a wall and a pole. The lighting fixture yet further includes a camera coupled to the housing and a control circuit wired to the camera. The lighting fixture also includes a radio frequency transceiver wired to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to cause information from the camera to be wirelessly transmitted by the radio frequency transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Neal R. Verfuerth
  • Publication number: 20130293117
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a system for operating a plurality of streetlights in response to motion from a vehicle. The system includes a sensor associated with at least one of the streetlights and configured to detect the presence of a moving vehicle and to provide a signal representative of the moving vehicle. The system further includes a radio frequency transceiver associated with each of the streetlights. The system yet further includes processing electronics configured to receive the signal representative of the moving vehicle from the sensor and to cause the radio frequency transceiver to transmit a command to one or more of the plurality of the streetlights to change lighting states along a pathway for the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Neal R. Verfuerth
  • Publication number: 20130257292
    Abstract: A lighting fixture system for fluorescent lamps includes one or more fluorescent lamps and one or more ballasts configured to provide controlled power to the one or more fluorescent lamps. The lighting fixture further includes a controller wired to the fluorescent lighting fixture. The controller includes one or more relays configured to turn power provided to the one or more ballasts on and off such that the one or more fluorescent lamps turn on and off with the switching of the one or more relays. The controller further includes a logic circuit configured to control the switching of the one or more relays, wherein the logic circuit is configured to log usage information for the fluorescent lighting fixture in memory. The controller yet further includes communications electronics configured to output the logged usage information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Daniel J. Czaja,, JR., Michael J. Potts, Ryan M. Franzen, Eric A. Smasal
  • Publication number: 20130229795
    Abstract: A lighting and energy conservation system for low temperature applications includes LEDs as a light source. The LEDs are provided in a modular LED light fixture. The fixture includes a frame supporting a reflector having a plurality of elongated channels. Mounting strips are removably installed in each of the elongated channels, and LEDs are mounted on each of the mounting strips. Interchangeable lenses are provided over the LEDs and are removably coupled to the mounting strip by a quick-connect device. A separate multi-position power control device is associated with each of the mounting strips, so that a total light output intensity and profile of the fixture can be individually customized by any one or more of: interchanging lenses on the LEDs, interchanging mounting strips within the elongated channels, and selectively adjusting the multi-position power control device for each of the mounting strips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Wang, Neal R. Verfuerth, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp, Matthew S. Tlachac
  • Patent number: 8476565
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a system for operating a plurality of streetlights in response to motion from a vehicle. The system includes a sensor associated with at least one of the streetlights and configured to detect the presence of a moving vehicle and to provide a signal representative of the moving vehicle. The system further includes a radio frequency transceiver associated with each of the streetlights. The system yet further includes processing electronics configured to receive the signal representative of the moving vehicle from the sensor and to cause the radio frequency transceiver to transmit a command to one or more of the plurality of the streetlights to change lighting states along a pathway for the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Neal R. Verfuerth
  • Patent number: 8450670
    Abstract: A lighting fixture system for fluorescent lamps includes one or more fluorescent lamps and one or more ballasts configured to provide controlled power to the one or more fluorescent lamps. The lighting fixture further includes a controller wired to the fluorescent lighting fixture. The controller includes one or more relays configured to turn power provided to the one or more ballasts on and off such that the one or more fluorescent lamps turn on and off with the switching of the one or more relays. The controller further includes a logic circuit configured to control the switching of the one or more relays, wherein the logic circuit is configured to log usage information for the fluorescent lighting fixture in memory. The controller yet further includes communications electronics configured to output the logged usage information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Daniel J. Czaja, Jr., Michael J. Potts, Ryan M. Franzen, Eric A. Smasal
  • Patent number: 8445826
    Abstract: An outdoor lighting fixture includes at least a first ballast for controllably providing power to at least one lamp for illuminating an outdoor area. The outdoor lighting fixture further includes a housing and a radio frequency transceiver. The outdoor lighting fixture yet further includes an antenna coupled to the radio frequency transceiver and extending away from the housing. The outdoor lighting fixture also includes a control circuit that operates the radio frequency transceiver as a wireless router for wireless network communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Neal R. Verfuerth
  • Publication number: 20130094230
    Abstract: A system for supporting and leveling a light fixture having a fixture body supporting one or more light sources, and connectors on the fixture body, and a pair of V-shaped hanger rods, where each hanger rod has an apex area and first and second ends, and the first and second ends are each configured to be coupled to one of the connectors. A pair of suspension rods are each configured to engage an overhead structure. A pair of spring clip brackets each having a slot and an aperture are releasably and adjustably secured along the length of one of the suspension rods, and also have a receptacle with a locking tab that receives and retains the apex area of one of the hanger rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp
  • Patent number: 8406937
    Abstract: A method of reducing electricity usage during peak demand periods includes the steps of establishing predetermined load reduction criteria representative of a desire by a power provider to reduce loading on an electricity supply grid, and coordinating with a facility having HIF lighting equipment to permit the power provider to turn-off one or more of the HIF lighting equipment by sending instructions to a master controller at the facility in response to the predetermined load reduction criteria, and establishing a list of HIF lighting equipment to be turned-off in response to the instructions, and configuring the master controller to send an override control signal to the HIF lighting equipment to implement the instructions, and configuring the HIF lighting equipment to send a response signal to the master controller providing a status of the HIF lighting equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Michael J. Potts, Jun Wang
  • Patent number: 8376583
    Abstract: A lighting and energy conservation system for low temperature applications includes LEDs as a light source. The LEDs are provided in a modular LED light fixture. The fixture includes a frame supporting a reflector having a plurality of elongated channels. Mounting strips are removably installed in each of the elongated channels, and LEDs are mounted on each of the mounting strips. Interchangeable lenses are provided over the LEDs and are removably coupled to the mounting strip by a quick-connect device. A separate multi-position power control device is associated with each of the mounting strips, so that a total light output intensity and profile of the fixture can be individually customized by any one or more of: interchanging lenses on the LEDs, interchanging mounting strips within the elongated channels, and selectively adjusting the multi-position power control device for each of the mounting strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Wang, Neal R. Verfuerth, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp, Matthew S. Tlachac
  • Patent number: 8376600
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a substantially cylindrical tube defining an interior and an exterior, and a longitudinal axis extending between a first end and a second end. The first end of the tube defines a substantially cylindrical opening disposed in a plane at a first angle that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the second end of the tube defines a substantially elliptical opening disposed in a plane at a second angle that is substantially non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A reflective surface is provided on the interior of the tube, and a substantially cylindrical flashing is provided about the exterior of the tube. A substantially transparent dome is coupled to the tube proximate the first end, and a diffuser is coupled to the tube proximate the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Bartol, Neal R. Verfuerth, Jun Wang, Brandon J. King
  • Publication number: 20130006437
    Abstract: A method of reducing electricity usage during peak demand periods includes the steps of establishing predetermined load reduction criteria representative of a desire by a power provider to reduce loading on an electricity supply grid, and coordinating with a facility having lighting equipment to permit the power provider to turn-off one or more of the lighting equipment by sending instructions to a master controller at the facility in response to the predetermined load reduction criteria, and establishing a list of lighting equipment to be turned-off in response to the instructions, and configuring the master controller to send an override control signal to the lighting equipment to implement the instructions, and configuring the lighting equipment to send a response signal to the master controller providing a status of the lighting equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Michael J. Potts, Jun Wang
  • Patent number: 8344665
    Abstract: A controller for controlling a plurality of devices configured for wireless communications in a facility includes a data communications interface communicating with at least one of the devices. The controller further includes a control module configured to provide a control signal to the data communications interface for communicating to a transceiver associated with the device and for turning off the device according to an algorithm wherein the control signal is provided based on a time of day and/or a sensed condition relating to use of the facility. The transceiver reports device data to the control module to quantify a reduction in power obtained by controlling the devices according to the algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Michael J. Potts, Jun Wang, Anthony J. Bartol
  • Patent number: 8337043
    Abstract: A light fixture includes a first raceway disposed at a first end of the light fixture, a second raceway disposed at a second end of the light fixture, and a detachable cover that is removably coupled to the first raceway and to the second raceway. A ballast and power input wiring is coupled to the detachable cover, and an elongated lamp electrically coupled to the ballast. The light fixture also includes a power input connector having a socket portion and a plug portion, one of the socket portion and the plug portion coupled to the detachable cover and electrically connected to the power input wiring, and the other of the socket portion and the plug portion connectable to a power supply line to provide electrical power to the light fixture from a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Ronald E. Ernst, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp
  • Publication number: 20120274222
    Abstract: A lighting fixture for aisle lighting in a building includes processing electronics. The processing electronics are configured to cause the lighting fixture to provide increasing levels of illumination in response to state changes associated with sensed motion in the building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Tony Freeman, Jason Rasner