Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for illumination of a target includes a lighting assembly comprising plural LED sources each having individual light output patterns of preselected color or CCT. A single shared optical component or lens, which captures and controls light output from each of the plurality of light sources; at least partially mixes the individual patterns in a composite light output distribution. Optionally a light blocking member or structure such as a deflector, baffle, or reflector can be positioned between adjacent light sources in their individual light output distribution patterns to alter their contributions to the composite light output pattern.
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:
Grant
Filed:
March 14, 2012
Date of Patent:
June 3, 2014
Assignee:
Musco Corporation
Inventors:
Myron Gordin, David L. Barker, Gabriel P. Gromotka, Gregory N. Kubbe
Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for a novel approach to on-site evaluation and demonstration of illumination schemes to fit the unique needs of a defined area or object. The system provides a versatile method of producing a wide range of illumination schemes from a limited number of components and allows for optional add-on features or replaceable modules to simulate various lighting characteristics from various types of lighting fixtures, including commercially available fixtures or custom fixtures. Methods of wireless control described herein help to achieve the purpose of the mobile lighting evaluation system in that a system operator may evaluate and/or demonstrate illumination schemes from a convenient remote location.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 23, 2009
Date of Patent:
May 27, 2014
Assignee:
Musco Corporation
Inventors:
Myron Gordin, Matthew D. Drost, Joel D. Rozendaal, Brian P. Wan, Ross A. McCombs, Bradley W. Lepley, Andrew J. Schembs
Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided that can be utilized for accurate pre-aiming and installation of devices. The devices are pre-set to an aiming orientation relative to a universal reference plane. The reference plane is then correlated to a feature of a pole, tower, or other structure that will be used to elevate or suspend the devices. A position sensing subsystem is utilized to inform a worker when each device is correctly angularly oriented to the reference plane. The worker simply moves the mounting structure for the device to the correct three-dimensional angular orientation, uses the position sensor to confirm the correct orientation to within a highly accurate margin of error, and either locks the device in that orientation or marks the orientation. The pole, tower, or other elevating structure is preliminarily erected at its pre-designed location and pre-designed rotational orientation with the pre-aimed devices.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 14, 2012
Date of Patent:
May 6, 2014
Assignee:
Musco Corporation
Inventors:
Myron Gordin, David L. Barker, Timothy J. Boyle, Christopher T. Chantos, Philip D. Hol, Darrell D. Rogers, Kenneth G. Lewis, Timothy D. McGill
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: A design of lighting fixture is presented whereby the outer glass lens—flat in prior art lighting fixtures—is bowed outward. The design of lighting fixture permits a plurality of LED modules to be contained therein, each with their own visor, without constraining the aiming angle of each due to interference between the outer lens and each individual visor. In this manner, an external visor may be omitted thereby obviating undesirable lighting effects such as uneven lighting while still maintaining a reduced effective projected area (EPA) as compared to prior art lighting fixtures with no external visor and a flat outer glass lens.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 20, 2013
Publication date:
April 3, 2014
Applicant:
MUSCO CORPORATION
Inventors:
Myron Gordin, Timothy J. Boyle, Philip D. Hol, Luke C. McKee
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:
Grant
Filed:
December 6, 2012
Date of Patent:
March 18, 2014
Assignee:
Musco Corporation
Inventors:
Myron Gordin, Lawrence H. Boxler, Garrett J. Young, Matthew D. Drost, Luke C. McKee
Abstract: Systems and methods for solid-state light source heat management are provided. A solid-state light source, e.g. having one or more LEDs, can be mounted within an enclosure. In some embodiments, a heat sink associated with semiconductor material and/or power electronics can be placed on a separate side of the enclosure that is thermally insulated or separated from the state-light source. The enclosure can include a first side or portion that allows light from the solid-state-light source (e.g., LEDs) to pass through to a target area. A fluid transfer conduit may be connected to the second side or portion of the enclosure for passing a fluid (e.g., air, water, coolant, etc.) across the heat sink to transport heat generated by the power electronics and/or semiconductor material away. The heated fluid can then be routed to, as examples, an HVAC system, a vent, water heating systems, heat exchanger systems, and/or storage systems (e.g., batteries).
Abstract: An apparatus, method, or system of lighting units comprising a plurality of individually positionable lighting elements, such as one or more LEDs, each element optionally having an associated optic. 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:
Grant
Filed:
July 16, 2010
Date of Patent:
January 7, 2014
Assignee:
Musco Corporation
Inventors:
Joe P. Crookham, Thomas A. Stone, Matthew D. Drost
Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for providing ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-type functionality for electrical systems that may experience leakage current, such as those used in outdoor sports lighting applications, and may benefit from mitigation of electrical shock hazards. The resulting system is such that an equipment-grounded electrical system, where the grounding system is actively monitored, in conjunction with the envisioned GFCI functionality, may comprise an electrical protection system whereby personal injury is minimized.
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:
December 19, 2013
Applicant:
MUSCO CORPORATION
Inventors:
MYRON GORDIN, LAWRENCE H. BOXLER, MATTHEW D. DROST, LUKE C. MCKEE, CHRIS P. LICKISS
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:
Grant
Filed:
December 16, 2009
Date of Patent:
December 10, 2013
Assignee:
Musco Corporation
Inventors:
Myron Gordin, Lawrence H. Boxler, Matthew D. Drost, Luke C. McKee, Chris P. Lickiss
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.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 9, 2010
Date of Patent:
December 10, 2013
Assignee:
Musco Corporation
Inventors:
Joe P. Crookham, Myron Gordin, Darrell N. Chelcun
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: 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:
December 21, 2007
Date of Patent:
November 5, 2013
Assignee:
Musco Corporation
Inventors:
Myron K. Gordin, Timothy J. Boyle, Philip D. Hol, Jeffrey A. Jacobson
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 12, 2012
Date of Patent:
November 5, 2013
Assignee:
Musco Corporation
Inventors:
Myron Gordin, Garrett J. Young, Timothy J. Boyle