Patents Assigned to Musco Corporation
  • Publication number: 20100320694
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: MUSCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: GABRIEL P. GROMOTKA
  • Patent number: 7848079
    Abstract: A capacitor assembly comprises a capacitor housing wherein a relatively larger main capacitor and at least one relatively smaller secondary capacitor can be enclosed and include an efficient and simple combination of electrical connections from the multiple capacitors to an external electrical connection interface. Another aspect includes a capacitor housing wherein volumetric efficiency is enhanced by the arrangement of the multi-capacitors within a given volume of a cavity of the housing. For a given size main capacitor and one or more secondary capacitors, the total volume of space occupied by those capacitors and the housing is minimized to take up minimum room in an electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron K. Gordin, Gregory N. Kubbe, Kurt Charles Herr, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7843144
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron K. Gordin, Timothy J. Boyle
  • Publication number: 20100275454
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: MUSCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: NICHOLAS A. TIPPETT, DAVID L. BARKER, STEVEN T. HEATON
  • Publication number: 20100277924
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: MUSCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: MYRON K. GORDIN
  • 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: 7798680
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventor: Myron K. Gordin
  • Patent number: 7797117
    Abstract: A method and system of classifying predicted performance of HID lamps or light sources. A characteristic of each lamp or light source is measured after a relatively short time of operation of the lamp or light source. The measurement is placed into one of a plurality of classifications based on its relative value to other similar measurements. Each class is correlated to long term predicted performance of the lamp or light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventor: Myron K. Gordin
  • Publication number: 20100224385
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: MUSCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: MYRON GORDIN, DAVID L. BARKER, GABRIEL P. GROMOTKA, GREGORY N. KUBBE
  • Patent number: 7789540
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for high intensity lighting with target area. One aspect includes extending a structure externally of a light fixture and utilizing a very high total reflectance reflecting surface on the structure to redirect incident light toward the target area in a highly efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron K. Gordin, Timothy J. Boyle
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100195326
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: MUSCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: LAWRENCE H. BOXLER, CHRIS P. LICKISS, LUKE C. MCKEE
  • Patent number: 7740381
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron K. Gordin, Timothy J. Boyle
  • Publication number: 20100110671
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: MUSCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: MYRON GORDIN, LAWRENCE H. BOXLER, MATTHEW D. DROST, LUKE C. MCKEE, CHRIS P. LICKISS
  • Patent number: 7688007
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for increasing life of a high intensity lighting fixture light source. In one aspect, the method involves installing a new HID lamp in the fixture in combination with retrofitting a circuit that operates the lamp at a reduced wattage over a substantial period of operation time to save energy. In another aspect, the circuit comprises switchable capacitants adopted to operate the lamp at a reduced wattage over a substantial period of operation time. In another aspect of the invention, instead of retrofitting, the entire lighting fixture could be replaced at the end of a predetermined operating period and replaced with a balasting system that includes switchable levels of capacitants to reduce operating wattage to the lamp for at least the first substantial operating period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron K. Gordin, Timothy J. Boyle
  • Patent number: 7675251
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron K. Gordin, Timothy J. Boyle
  • Publication number: 20090323330
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: MUSCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: MYRON GORDIN, LAWRENCE H. BOXLER, GARRETT J. YOUNG, MATTHEW D. DROST, LUKE C. McKEE
  • Publication number: 20090284966
    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: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: MUSCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: JOE P. CROOKHAM, THOMAS A. STONE, JAMES J. BERNS
  • Patent number: D606223
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventor: Myron Gordin
  • Patent number: D611635
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventor: Myron Gordin