Abstract: An apparatus and method for a high intensity lighting fixture. One aspect, a knuckle for mounting the light fixture by its bulb cone to a cross arm is attached along the side of the bulb cone. This has various potential advantages including decreased effective projected area, protection of watering to the bulb cone, and decreased moment.
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.
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: 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:
Application
Filed:
June 25, 2012
Publication date:
November 8, 2012
Applicant:
MUSCO CORPORATION
Inventors:
Joe P. Crookham, Thomas A. Stone, James J. Berns
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 then preliminarily erected at its pre-designed location and pre-designed rotational orientation with the pre-aimed devices.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 3, 2009
Date of Patent:
October 30, 2012
Assignee:
Musco Corporation
Inventors:
Myron Gordin, David L. Barker, Timothy J. Boyle, Christopher T. Chantos, Philip D. Hol, Darrell D. Rogers, Kenneth G. Lewis, Jr., Timothy D. McGill
Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling power to relatively high power devices by adding or subtracting capacitance. A plurality of capacitors are connected in parallel. The plurality of capacitors are in series with the device. Operating power to the device can be adjusted by adding or subtracting capacitors in the device circuit. The high powered contactors are controlled by a small power control input from an electronic timer. In one embodiment the electronic timer comprises a digital timer/controller which is programmable to automatically actuate designated contactors at different pre-programmed times sensed to by the timer/controller based on accumulated operating time of the high powered device. The combination allows an easily adjustable yet small sized and relatively inexpensive set of components for adjusting high powered devices.
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:
Grant
Filed:
May 15, 2009
Date of Patent:
September 4, 2012
Assignee:
Musco Corporation
Inventors:
Joe P. Crookham, Thomas A. Stone, James J. Berns
Abstract: A lighting system is provided whereby long operating life can be reasonably ensured by taking into account requirements of the application, characteristics of the LEDs, characteristics of the fixture containing said LEDs, the desired number of operating hours, and—via developed relationships—taking an iterative approach to supplying power to the LEDs. Through the envisioned compensation methodology and effective luminaire design, a relatively constant light level can be assured for a predetermined number of operating hours (possibly longer); this is true even if operating conditions change, known behavior of LEDs proves untrue over untested period of time, or some other condition occurs which would otherwise cause end-of-life prematurely and prevent the system from meeting the desired number of operating hours.
Type:
Application
Filed:
February 17, 2012
Publication date:
August 30, 2012
Applicant:
Musco Corporation
Inventors:
Myron Gordin, Timothy J. Boyle, Thomas A. Stone
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 for switch control of power to light sources, particularly high power consumption light sources that may experience lumen depreciation, such that the power level to a light source may be increased or decreased as desired. Methods of switching utilizing robust mechanical components such as solenoids, coupled with accurate and rapid electronic control components such as microprocessors, may be combined with a combinational approach to capacitance changes to comprise a flexible method of power control to a light source or plurality of light sources. Power to a light source may be adjusted such that the amount of energy consumed and the quantity of light output may be adjusted, compensation may be made for lumen depreciation and other losses that occur during operational life of the light source, to maintain constant or near-constant light output, or otherwise.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 3, 2009
Date of Patent:
August 21, 2012
Assignee:
Musco Corporation
Inventors:
Myron Gordin, Timothy J. Boyle, Gregory N. Kubbe, Gabriel P. Gromotka
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:
March 14, 2012
Publication date:
July 5, 2012
Applicant:
MUSCO CORPORATION
Inventors:
Myron Gordin, David L. Barker, Gabriel P. Gromotka, Gregory N. Kubbe
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, 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.
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.
Abstract: A wide area lighting fixture including 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: 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:
February 22, 2010
Date of Patent:
April 24, 2012
Assignee:
Musco Corporation
Inventors:
Myron Gordin, David L. Barker, Gabriel P. Gromotka, Gregory N. Kubbe
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.