Patents Assigned to High End Systems, Inc.
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Patent number: 7210798Abstract: The methods and apparatus for lighting systems provide a camera integral to a particular image projection lighting device (IPLD) to capture the projected image from the particular IPLD. The captured image can then be sent over a communication system to the operator for viewing on a visual display device such as a computer monitor on a central controller. Using the captured image of the projected image as viewed upon the display device, the operator may then command using the central controller the focusing, position or other parameters of the projected image upon the stage or projection surface to the desired value. The captured image may also be used, such as by a central control system, to automatically, and without operator intervention, adjust parameters of the IPLD to desired values.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: High End Systems Inc.Inventors: Richard S. Belliveau, Vickie Lynn Claiborne, Timothy G. Grivas, Brian Emerson Jurek, Jeffrey K. Washburn
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Patent number: 6796683Abstract: A color changing apparatus adapted to be installed between the reflector assembly and front barrel assembly of a theatrical ellipsoidal spotlight. The color changing apparatus includes a housing for connecting to the spotlight components. Contained within the housing are a plurality of color filters, preferably dichroic color filters, serially arranged perpendicular to the light path. The color filters may include constant or variable density patterns of any desirable color and are transported into the light path to effect a change in lighting conditions. The color changing apparatus is also preferably equipped with a control system enabling remote actuation and control of the system.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael W. Wood, Thomas Shaw Cavness, Glenn Lee Fields, Douglas K. Franklin, Mary Alice D. Goewey, Lynwood J. Norrgard, Jesse Dale Trevino
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Publication number: 20040142103Abstract: The methods and apparatus for lighting systems provide a camera integral to a particular image projection lighting device (IPLD) to capture the projected image from the particular IPLD. The captured image can then be sent over a communication system to the operator for viewing on a visual display device such as a computer monitor on a central controller. Using the captured image of the projected image as viewed upon the display device, the operator may then command using the central controller the focusing, position or other parameters of the projected image upon the stage or projection surface to the desired value. The captured image may also be used, such as by a central control system, to automatically, and without operator intervention, adjust parameters of the IPLD to desired values.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Applicant: High End Systems, Inc.Inventors: Richard S. Belliveau, Vickie Lynn Claiborne, Timothy G. Grivas, Brian Emerson Jurek, Jeffrey K. Washburn
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Patent number: 6327103Abstract: A lens holder includes which a bottom cover, a top cover, sliding means and clipping means for holding lens assemblies in an optical lighting system. The bottom and top covers have a plurality of slot extensions lining the interior of the two covers. The top cover clips to the bottom cover by a set of clips on each side of the top cover to a set of clip slots on each side of the bottom cover. Lens assemblies can consist of lenses assembled in a holder along with individual lenses which can slide into between slot extensions.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.Inventors: Richard S. Belliveau, Thomas S. Cavness, Mikhail Dubinovskiy, Michael K. Rafalko, Mark A. Stultz, Terry L. Wilmoth
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Patent number: 6255787Abstract: An energy emission system is provided having both multiple laser outputs and multiple light or lamp outputs. The laser outputs may be aligned so that once they are active, they are directed to strike targets located distal from the lamps and lasers. By configuring the lasers at known positions relative to the lights, the lights can subsequently be activated so that their outputs are aligned with the laser beams. The laser beams therefore serve to aim the lights and specifically, the light outputs upon an isolated target area. Using the lasers to align the lights avoids having to activate the lights to effectuate their alignment, resulting in increased light longevity and providing more accurate alignments in lighted ambient conditions. A controller can be used to control multiple lasers and lights. Data from the lasers can be used to control colors, shapes, and positions of lights using a memory coupled to the controller.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1997Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.Inventor: Richard S. Belleveau
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Patent number: 6241366Abstract: A diffusing dimmer includes an arm formed of non-transparent material and having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a mounting attachment. An extension portion of light diffusing material is connected to the second end and extends outwardly from the second end to a terminal edge formed in the light diffusing material. A pair of diffusing dimmer arms may be mounted in a light fixture movable toward each other in overlapping relationship to gradually diffuse and eventually block a light beam which projects lighting effects from the fixture. Also, rapid movement of the arms provides a strobing effect.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1997Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brian P. Roman, Mikhail A. Dubinovskiy
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Patent number: 6172822Abstract: A lens holder includes which a bottom cover, a top cover, sliding means and clipping means for holding lens assemblies in an optical lighting system. The bottom and top covers have a plurality of slot extensions lining the interior of the two covers. The top cover clips to the bottom cover by a set of clips on each side of the top cover to a set of clip slots on each side of the bottom cover. Lens assemblies can consist of lenses assembled in a holder along with individual lenses which can slide into between slot extensions.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1998Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.Inventors: Richard S. Belliveau, Thomas S. Cavness, Mikhail Dubinovskiy, Michael K. Rafalko, Mark A. Stultz, Terry L. Wilmoth
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Patent number: 6054816Abstract: A snubbing network is provided for reducing electromagnetic ("EM") radiation from and power dissipation of a lamp discharge ballast. The snubbing network employs at least one active device. That device being a switch coupled in parallel with the modulating switch within a converter of the ballast. The snubbing switch, in conjunction with a current limiting inductor, and a voltage change rate limiting capacitor serve to substantially eliminate reverse recovery current within a freewheeling diode of the converter prior to closing the larger (modulating) switch. Reducing the reverse recovery current before closing the modulating switch helps minimize power dissipation during switch closure. A benefit of reduced power dissipation is a reduction in EM radiation from the lamp ballast to noise sensitive electronic components placed nearby.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1997Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brian E. Jurek, Mark A. Stultz
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Patent number: 6048080Abstract: A lens for use in a light fixture provided to project a beam of light in a first light pattern having a first cross-sectional geometry. A lenticular lens element is supported in the fixture and movable into a position to interrupt the beam of light for selecting beam shape by altering the first projected light pattern from the first cross-sectional geometry to a second cross-sectional geometry different from the first geometry and for moving the second pattern to a desired orientation. The lens element may be carried by a disc rotatably mounted in the fixture. The disc may carry a plurality of lens elements which can also change the orientation of the projected light patterns.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1997Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
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Patent number: 5980066Abstract: Overlapping lenses for use in a light fixture provided to project a beam of light in a first beam shape having a first cross-sectional geometry. A first lens device is supported in the fixture and movable into a position to interrupt the beam of light for selecting beam shape by altering the first projected beam shape from the first cross-sectional geometry to a second cross-sectional geometry different from the first geometry. The first lens device includes at least one lenticular lens element having lens lenticules oriented in a first direction. A second lens device, separate from the first device, is supported in the fixture and movable into a position to interrupt the beam of light for selecting beam shape by altering the second projected beam shape from the second cross-sectional geometry to a third cross-sectional geometry different from the first and second geometries.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.Inventors: Richard S. Belliveau, John W. Lane, II
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Patent number: 5945786Abstract: A gas discharge lamp is provided having a ballast control element and suppressible igniter. The igniter is chosen to superimpose an ignition pulse onto the initial AC ballast cycle or cycles provided to the lamp. The secondary coil of the igniter transformer is initially shorted until sufficient voltage is applied to the igniter. This causes a switch arranged across the secondary coil to open. A voltage detector coupled to a primary winding of the igniter transformer senses the amount of voltage applied from the ballast. Once that amount has been detected, the secondary winding is no longer shorted and the igniter can initially ignite the lamp during a peak of the initial cycle or cycles from the ballast. After the lamp has been initially ionized/discharged, or after a pre-defined set of discharges, the switch remains closed for the duration of each and every ballast cycle. Thus, the igniter is suppressed from the ballast output, and the ballast alone provides lamp discharge.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.Inventor: Brian E. Jurek
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Patent number: 5857768Abstract: Apparatus for cooling a light beam used to project an image on a projection surface. The apparatus includes a light beam source and a gas cooling circuit. A cooling chamber is connected to conduct gas through the circuit. An image projection device is mounted in the chamber. The chamber has a thermally protected environment. A driving device is provided in the circuit. A heat conducting gas is moved by the driving device to circulate within the circuit. The thermally protected environment may include an atmosphere of atomized, heat conducting fluid. A heat extracting filter may be mounted in the light beam adjacent the cooling chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.Inventors: Byron J. Ziegler, Richard S. Belliveau
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Patent number: 5823661Abstract: A fused glass light pattern generator in the form of a disc-shaped gobo including fused glass particles of various size and shape. The fused particles have an uneven, multi-level surface sufficient to distort light in response to a light beam being passed through the gobo. The particles may include color producing substances or color may be added to the light beam. The result is an enhanced artistic effect when the images, which are also movable, are projected onto a projection surface which may be a solid surface or theatrical fog.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1994Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.Inventors: Steven T. Mahanay, Byron J. Ziegler
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Patent number: 5806951Abstract: An acid etched gobo for producing a predetermined, multi-colored light pattern which is formed by first and second substrates having abutting planar surfaces secured together. Each of the planar surfaces includes a complimentary portion of the predetermined, multi-colored light pattern, acid etched in a coating deposited on the planar surfaces. At least one of the coatings is a dichroic coating.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1996Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brian P. Roman, Rebecca A. Kittrell
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Patent number: 5758955Abstract: A lens for use in a light fixture provided to project a beam of light in a first light pattern having a first cross-sectional geometry. A lenticular lens element is supported in the fixture and movable into a position to interrupt the beam of light for selecting beam shape by altering the first projected light pattern from the first cross-sectional geometry to a second cross-sectional geometry different from the first geometry and for moving the second pattern to a desired orientation. The lens element may be carried by a disc rotatably mounted in the fixture. The disc may carry a plurality of lens elements which can also change the orientation of the projected light patterns.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1995Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
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Patent number: 5580164Abstract: A power lens for use in an automated color mixing wash luminaire is formed of a disc of cast transparent material. The disc includes a plurality of lens elements in a honeycomb pattern. Each element has a convex surface. The convex surfaces form an arcuate band extending around a surface of the disc. The convex surfaces have various radii. A plurality of lens elements having the same radius are grouped together in abutting relationship. Six different radii are represented in the lens so that six groups of elements are formed around the band.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1995Date of Patent: December 3, 1996Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey T. Maddox, Carroll W. Smith
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Patent number: 5545951Abstract: A high power strobe lamp has a multi-pin base, an elongated gas-filled tube having a loop formed therein, an anode in one end of the tube and a cathode in the other end of the tube, and the ends of the gas-filled tube being mounted in the base and connected to the pins. A heat dissipating member extends through the loop and a conductive wire, having opposite ends connected to the pins, is spirally wrapped around the tube ends adjacent to the base and extends through the heat dissipating member.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1995Date of Patent: August 13, 1996Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.Inventors: Byron J. Ziegler, Mark E. Scurrah
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Patent number: D370080Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1994Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.Inventor: Mark A. Stultz
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Patent number: D372550Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1995Date of Patent: August 6, 1996Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.Inventor: Mark A. Stultz
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Patent number: D409771Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: High End Systems, Inc.Inventor: Mark Stultz