Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for covering and protecting substantially tall poles. The apparatus includes a covering layer positionable over at least a portion of the exterior of a pole. The covering layer is non-corrosive and preferably impact and tear resistant. In one aspect of the invention, the covering layer is a sheet of material dimensioned to wrap around a corresponding part of the pole. A bracket can be used to secure the opposite adjacent edges of the wrap. Hardware can be used to secure the wrap from longitudinal movement along the pole. The wrap can be colored, textured, or patterned.

Abstract: A method for compensating for warpage or other variations in a cross arm on a pole adopted for the mounting of lighting fixtures at predetermined aiming angles relative to a target space on an adjustable mounting structure comprises designing an angular orientation of the fixture relative to a cross arm based on pre-determined assumptions of the geometry of the cross arm; after installation of the lighting fixture on the cross arm, checking for any variation from the assumed geometry; compensating for any variation in actual geometry when finally aiming the fixture to its target location.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for covering and protecting substantially tall poles. The apparatus includes a covering layer positionable over at least a portion of the exterior of a pole. The covering layer is non-corrosive and preferably impact and tear resistant. In one aspect of the invention, the covering layer is a sheet of material dimensioned to wrap around a corresponding part of the pole. A bracket can be used to secure the opposite adjacent edges of the wrap. Hardware can be used to secure the wrap from longitudinal movement along the pole. The wrap can be colored, textured, or patterned.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing lumen depreciation caused by other than lamp lumen depreciation. In one aspect, manufacturing and assembly of the fixture uses clean-room light techniques. In another aspect of the invention, materials that have a propensity to outgas are shielded from direct exposure to light energy. Other aspects of the invention include other methodologies to eliminate causes for lumen depreciation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for allowing rotational adjustment of a thread-in HID light source to a lighting fixture when in operative position in the fixture. In one aspect of the invention, a conventional thread-in arc lamp is threadably insertable into a socket that is mounted in the light fixture. A mounting interface is adapted to allow some rotation of the socket over a range.

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: An apparatus, method, and system of aiming devices such as antennas, free-space optical communication transmitters and lighting fixtures. One aspect of the invention mounts a substantially collimated light source on a device or lighting fixture. The direction of the substantially collimated light source is fixed in a known relationship to the aiming direction of the fixture or device. By finding the substantially collimated light source either by direct viewing, in a mirror, or with a light sensor, the aiming direction of the fixture or device can be derived by using the known the relationship between the substantially collimated light source and the aiming direction of the fixture or device. Thus, the aiming direction of the fixture or device can be derived without operating the fixture or device and can be derived even at relatively remote locations from the fixture or device. The apparatus and method can be used on one fixture or a plurality of fixtures or devices.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for illuminating a large area with plural high power lighting fixtures. The method includes identifying fixtures having a likelihood of affecting playability or glare or spill light relative to a point of view on or off the large area. The method includes steps to identify such fixtures for the purpose of adding a component which improves lighting or decreases glare or spill light for the point of view. A further method does so for multiple points of view relative to the large area, whether on or off the large area. One component is a long visor that would be added only to identify fixtures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting a high intensity discharge arc tube to a predetermined (e.g., relatively horizontal) operating position in a light fixture regardless of aiming orientation of the light fixture towards a target. In one aspect, the light source is mounted in an independently pivotal yoke in the light fixture. A mechanical linkage proportionally pivots the light source relative to any pivoting motion of the fixture over a range of positions such that a selected light source orientation can be approximately maintained regardless of aiming orientation of the fixture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing lumen depreciation caused by other than lamp lumen depreciation. In one aspect, manufacturing and assembly of the fixture uses clean-room light techniques. In another aspect of the invention, materials that have a propensity to outgas are shielded from direct exposure to light energy. Other aspects of the invention include other methodologies to eliminate causes for lumen depreciation.

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: 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: A means and method for increasing use of a light from a high intensity lighting fixture to a target area without an increase in energy use. One aspect increases the electrical efficiency of transmission of electrical power from an electrical power source to the lamp such that for the same cost of electrical energy, more electrical energy is available for production of light. Conversely less electrical energy could be purchased to produce the same amount of light. In another aspect electrical components along the electrical service path can be utilized with increased electrical efficiency towards the same end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for keeping a high intensity discharge arc tube relatively horizontal in a light fixture regardless of aiming orientation of the light fixture towards a target. In one aspect, the light source is mounted in an independently pivotal yoke in the light fixture. A gearing arrangement automatically proportionally pivots the light source relative to any pivoting motion of the fixture over a range of motion such that a selected light source orientation can be approximately maintained regardless of aiming orientation of the fixture.