Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a non-electronic method of controlling the power provided to the lamp through use of multiple secondary taps off the secondary side of the HID ballast. This allows for a base capacitor to be used, along with the multiple secondary taps of the ballast, to vary the power to the lamp for purposes of providing constant light output, dimming capabilities, or to hold the power constant, or any combination of such.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system to provide, as one example, up-light for aerial viewing from downwardly aimed wide area, high intensity, lighting fixtures. The method controls a small percentage of light from the fixture to pass up and away for up-light, with the remainder used to produce a controlled, concentrated beam to a target. Some embodiments include a substantial amount of glare and spill light control. An apparatus can include a lamp and fixture with a visor length that is shorter than most conventional spill and glare control visors. The visor allows a controlled, relatively small percentage of direct light from the fixture for a desired or needed level of aerial illumination, but efficiently directs other light to the target. Optionally, a reflective plate is positioned inside the visor to reflect a small percentage of light from the fixture upwardly for up-light. Another embodiment can shift a fraction of light in direction(s) different than the main light output of the fixture.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for compensating for lamp lumen depreciation. The method includes operating the lamp under rated wattage for a period towards the first part of operating life of the lamp. Operating wattage is increased at one or more later times. Energy savings are realized. The increases also restore at least some light lost by lamp lumen depreciation. The apparatus uses a timer to track operating time of the lamp. A few wattage changes made at spaced apart times can be made in a number of ways, including changing capacitance to the lamp, or using different taps on the lamp ballast. In one aspect the invention pertains to solid state sources. The invention can pertain to a variety of applications including wide area lighting, indoor lighting, pathway lighting, parking lot lighting, street lighting, under-counter or -cabinet lighting, and others.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for compensating for lamp lumen depreciation and providing selective discretionary lamp power adjustment, e.g., for lamp dimming. The method includes operating the lamp under rated wattage for a period towards the first part of operating life of the lamp. Operating wattage is increased at one or more later times. Energy savings are realized. The increases also restore at least some light lost by lamp lumen depreciation. The apparatus uses a timer to track operating time of the lamp. A few wattage changes made at spaced apart times can be made in a number of ways, including changing capacitance to the lamp, or using different taps on the lamp ballast. A component allows selective discretionary adjustment of electrical power or some other controlling factor to adjust light output (e.g. dim) the lamp.

Abstract: 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.

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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

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.

Abstract: 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.