Patents Assigned to Musco Corporation
  • Patent number: 9068707
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus including a compact LED light source module comprising a base adapted to mount to a surface or in a fixture; one or more LEDs mounted to an LED mounting interface on the base, the LED mounting interface having a pre-designed geometry related to a pre-designed primary orientation of each LED relative the base; a light transmissive cover over the one or more LEDs, the light transmissive cover having the ability, if needed, to further alter or control the light output distribution of the one or more LEDs; to provide a compact LED light source that can be both substantially standardized but can produce a variety of light output distributions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence H. Boxler, Thomas A. Stone, Matthew D. Drost, Chris P. Lickiss, Joel D. Rozendaal
  • Patent number: 9066401
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron Gordin, Garrett J. Young, Timothy J. Boyle
  • Patent number: 9028115
    Abstract: A high-intensity LED lighting system is presented whereby one or more LED lighting fixtures are affixed to an elevating structure, the elevating structure having a substantially continuous internal pathway. Said pathway can be used as a conduit or duct for pressurized air which is introduced at or near the bottom of the elevating structure and forced upwardly toward the lighting fixtures so to provide cooling of one or more components of the lighting fixtures so to, ultimately, improve the efficacy of the LEDs contained therein. A method of designing lighting systems, including analysis of whether or not to add air cooling to increase light source efficiency is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventor: Myron Gordin
  • Patent number: 9026104
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems to control remote devices or equipment via existing cellular telephone networks wherein information from a customer concerning a specific function is communicated and performed at the remote equipment. To achieve this, a Central Control receives information from the customer and correlates it to a specific cellular telephone MIN number which has been pre-programmed. 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 a part of the MIN and gives these numbers to a PLC at the remote equipment controller. The PLC then memory maps part of the MIN to a specific function to be carried out by the remote equipment controller, and the specific function is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Joe P. Crookham, Antonio Rivera, Michael B. Foster, Ryan A. Marsh, Walter R. Tippett, Patrick K. Cooley
  • Patent number: 9000934
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for assessing the life span of a product and/or system—particularly with respect to end-of-life conditions which are defined by a customer, owner, operator, or other person(s) associated with the product and/or system—and communicating the assessment to said customer, owner, operator, or other person(s). According to one aspect, end-of-life conditions are defined in terms of product life (e.g., anything that relates to how well and how long the product/system operates) and/or economic life (e.g., anything that relates to the cost of deriving a benefit from the product/system). In one particular example, the products or systems relate to lighting systems, particularly those utilizing LED (or other solid-state) light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron Gordin, Timothy D. McGill
  • Patent number: 8992047
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence H. Boxler, Chris P. Lickiss, Luke C. McKee
  • Patent number: 8952628
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method, apparatus, and system of illuminating a target area and space by providing continuous substantially controlled, concentrated, and aimed light downwardly towards the target area from an elevated position and providing temporary uplight relative to the target area upon a triggering event or condition. The triggering event or condition can be automatically sensed or manually initiated. Examples of automatic sensing include but are not limited to evaluating a sound, an image, or movement of an object. The uplight can be supplied by solid state light sources driven at or above rated operating power for a limited periods of time (e.g. 5-10 seconds for a triggering event in a baseball or football game), to save energy as compared to operating them continuously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron Gordin, David L. Barker
  • Patent number: 8946991
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for solid state lighting is envisioned which, according to aspects of the invention, provides primary event and/or utility lighting during normal power conditions, and which, during periods of interrupted power, provides uninterrupted event lighting for a desired duration, provides a gradual transition from event lighting levels to utility lighting levels, and provides a gradual transition from utility lighting levels to emergency lighting levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventor: Myron Gordin
  • Patent number: 8944617
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for lighting an area, for example, an outdoors pedestrian area or building façade 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: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Joe P. Crookham, Thomas A. Stone, James J. Berns
  • Patent number: 8928662
    Abstract: A user interface is provided whereby a user may generate a virtual target area representative of an actual target area, regardless of whether the actual target area has been constructed. Having a generated virtual target area, the user—via the user interface—may generate virtual representations of light to project onto the virtual target area. The virtual representations of light correspond to photometric data from actual light sources. In this manner, the user renders a real-time image representative of what an actual target area would look like illuminated with an actual lighting system. This, in essence, permits a user to evaluate the effectiveness of a lighting system in real time without committing to the purchase of a lighting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron Gordin, Lance K. Livingston, Kevin J. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20140340889
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for glare reduction and effective lighting, including uplighting for such things as sports fields including golf courses or for other large area projects. A set of solid state light sources having an original perceived intensity from viewers and an original light output, are altered to be perceived by a viewer as a larger light source to reduce glare to the viewer. This alteration can occur when a number of techniques including diffusive or reflective surfaces in the original output of the light sources. Altered light output is further modified by either cutting portions of it off or redirecting portions of it for more effective use. For example, a visor with reflective surface can redirect light either to a target area or for uplighting. This allows concurrent benefits of glare reduction for viewers of the sources or effective use of light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Musco Corporation
    Inventor: Myron Gordin
  • Patent number: 8878437
    Abstract: A method of sensing magnitude of lumen depreciation not only of a lamp of a lighting fixture, but other factors, by sensing a relative light level external of the lighting fixture to derive not only lamp lumen depreciation but total lumen depreciation from the fixture. An apparatus of monitoring light level of one or more lighting fixtures comprises a sensor positioned external of the lighting fixture(s), a comparator adapted to compare a measured actual lumen output signal from the sensor to a pre-set reference or threshold lumen output value. An error signal is generated by the comparator if the comparison indicates actual lumen output to have dropped below the reference or threshold lumen output. An alarm or communication can be actuated by the error signal to instruct corrective action to ensure relatively constant light levels to be maintained for the lighting system over time, thus providing ongoing assurance to the end user of proper system operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron K. Gordin, Timothy J. Boyle, Philip D. Hol, Jeffrey A. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 8866406
    Abstract: A lens is provided which is elongated along an axis so to accommodate a linear array of LEDs, the elongation of the lens resulting in a corresponding elongation of the beam output pattern; in practice, the axis of elongation may be oriented so to suit a target area or some portion thereof. A methodology is provided for use with said lens so to evaluate various factors such as droop, heat management, and light output for a given combination of light sources and luminaire design. Alternative designs of lens, as well as alternative optical devices, are also presented for use with said methodology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron Gordin, Lawrence H. Boxler
  • Publication number: 20140292197
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for solid state lighting is envisioned which, according to aspects of the invention, provides primary event and/or utility lighting during normal power conditions, and which, during periods of interrupted power, provides uninterrupted event lighting for a desired duration, provides a gradual transition from event lighting levels to utility lighting levels, and provides a gradual transition from utility lighting levels to emergency lighting levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Musco Corporation
    Inventor: Myron Gordin
  • Patent number: 8789967
    Abstract: A lighting fixture is presented comprising a plurality of modular apparatuses wherein each modular apparatus comprises one or more light sources and one or more light directing or light redirecting devices. Methods of adjusting one or more components of said lighting fixture about one, two, or three axes are presented whereby the lighting needs of a target area—even one of complex shape—may be addressed and in a manner that promotes compact fixture design with low effective projected area (EPA) without sacrificing transmission efficiency of the light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron Gordin, Timothy J. Boyle
  • Patent number: 8793088
    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: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventor: Myron Gordin
  • Patent number: 8770801
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for lighting target areas with bollard or pagoda-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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Berns, Lawrence H. Boxler, Matthew D. Drost, Chris P. Lickiss, Joel D. Rozendaal, Thomas A. Stone
  • Patent number: 8770796
    Abstract: A high intensity discharge (HID) light fixture includes a reflector frame which supports an independent high reflectivity reflecting surface. The reflector frame supports a glass lens with anti-reflective coatings on its surfaces and a visor or extension that also supports an independent high reflectivity reflecting surface. The high reflectivity reflecting surface has various sections that adjust portions of the beam created by the fixture to better place light on a target area. The reflector frame is attachable to a lamp cone. An adjustable knuckle attaches between to a cross arm on a pole and the lamp cone. An HID lamp, when mounted in the lamp cone, has its arc tube substantially surrounded by the high reflectivity reflecting surfaces of the reflector frame and visor. A lamp positioning mechanism automatically adjusts orientation of the arc lamp over a range of pivot angles for the lamp cone relative the knuckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron K. Gordin, Timothy J. Boyle
  • Patent number: 8756782
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas A. Stone
  • Patent number: D734525
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron Gordin, Timothy J. Boyle, Chris P. Lickiss, Luke C. McKee