Patents Assigned to Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9016892
    Abstract: A light fixture includes a housing with a channel configured to contain a driver for driving one or more light emitting diodes located outside the channel. The housing includes slots configured to receive and secure a lens. The light fixture further includes a removable channel cover, tabs located along the length of the channel and adjacent to the channel on the housing, and a lens bar having a first flange configured to secure the lens and a second flange configured to be inserted underneath the tabs. The lens bar is secured in place with the second flange underneath the tabs by the channel cover which prevents the lens bar from moving laterally with respect to the tabs. The slots, the first flange, and a flange running the length of the light fixture perpendicular to the slots are configured to cover the edges of the lens when installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Scribante, Matthew S. Tlachac, Zachary Kurtz
  • Publication number: 20150061507
    Abstract: A lighting system for displacing energy is provided. The lighting system includes a light sensor to measure an amount of light provided from the natural lighting fixture to a building environment. The lighting system further includes processing electronics to receive information from the light sensor and to use the received information to determine when the amount of light provided from the natural lighting fixture is sufficient to allow one or more electric lighting fixtures to be turned off or dimmed, the processing electronics causing the one or more electric lighting fixtures to turn off or dim in response to the determination. The processing electronics are further configured to calculate the energy saved from turning off or dimming the one or more lighting fixtures. The lighting system further includes a communications interface configured to transmit the results of the calculation of energy saved from the processing electronics to a second party.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: ORION ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Michael J. Potts
  • Publication number: 20150028770
    Abstract: A light fixture including a support structure and a plurality of LEDs coupled to the structure and spaced apart along at least a portion of a length of the structure. The light fixture further includes a power pack, the power pack including a driver configured to be electrically coupled to the plurality of LEDs, power input wiring that is configured to receive power for the light fixture, and a cover provided substantially over the driver and the power input wiring. A modular power input connector is accessible without removing the cover, wherein the modular power input connector is coupled to the power input wiring, and wherein the modular power input connector is configured to accept a power cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Ronald E. Ernst, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp
  • Patent number: 8921751
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a system for operating a plurality of streetlights in response to motion from a vehicle. The system includes a sensor associated with at least one of the streetlights and configured to detect the presence of a moving vehicle and to provide a signal representative of the moving vehicle. The system further includes a radio frequency transceiver associated with each of the streetlights. The system yet further includes processing electronics configured to receive the signal representative of the moving vehicle from the sensor and to cause the radio frequency transceiver to transmit a command to one or more of the plurality of the streetlights to change lighting states along a pathway for the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Neal R. Verfuerth
  • Patent number: 8884203
    Abstract: A lighting system for displacing energy is provided. The lighting system includes a light sensor to measure an amount of light provided from the natural lighting fixture to a building environment. The lighting system further includes processing electronics to receive information from the light sensor and to use the received information to determine when the amount of light provided from the natural lighting fixture is sufficient to allow one or more electric lighting fixtures to be turned off or dimmed, the processing electronics causing the one or more electric lighting fixtures to turn off or dim in response to the determination. The processing electronics are further configured to calculate the energy saved from turning off or dimming the one or more lighting fixtures. The lighting system further includes a communications interface configured to transmit the results of the calculation of energy saved from the processing electronics to a second party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Michael J. Potts
  • Patent number: 8866582
    Abstract: A system for mounting an outdoor fluorescent lamp lighting fixture to a pole includes a compression sleeve configured to receive and tighten around the pole, a pivot base fixed to the compression sleeve, a mount configured for securing to the fluorescent lamp lighting fixture and for pivotally coupling to the pivot base, where the mount includes multiple adjustment points configured to allow the mount to be fixed at varying angles relative to the pivot base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp
  • Patent number: 8858018
    Abstract: A light fixture including first and second raceways, and at least one support structure extending between and coupled to the raceways. A plurality of LEDs are coupled to the structure and spaced apart along at least a portion of a length of the structure between the first and second ends of the light fixture. A power pack extends between the raceways, and the power pack includes at least one driver configured to be electrically coupled to the plurality of LEDs, power input wiring that is configured to receive power for the light fixture, and a detachable cover provided substantially over the at least one driver and the power input wiring. A modular power input connector is coupled to the power pack, and is configured to allow a power cord to supply power to the light fixture without removing the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Ronald E. Ernst, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp
  • Patent number: 8794804
    Abstract: A system for supporting and leveling a light fixture having a fixture body supporting one or more light sources, and connectors on the fixture body, and a pair of V-shaped hanger rods, where each hanger rod has an apex area and first and second ends, and the first and second ends are each configured to be coupled to one of the connectors. A pair of suspension rods are each configured to engage an overhead structure. A pair of spring clip brackets each having a slot and an aperture are releasably and adjustably secured along the length of one of the suspension rods, and also have a receptacle with a locking tab that receives and retains the apex area of one of the hanger rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp
  • Patent number: 8779340
    Abstract: A lighting fixture system for fluorescent lamps includes one or more fluorescent lamps and one or more ballasts configured to provide controlled power to the one or more fluorescent lamps. The lighting fixture further includes a controller wired to the fluorescent lighting fixture. The controller includes one or more relays configured to turn power provided to the one or more ballasts on and off such that the one or more fluorescent lamps turn on and off with the switching of the one or more relays. The controller further includes a logic circuit configured to control the switching of the one or more relays, wherein the logic circuit is configured to log usage information for the fluorescent lighting fixture in memory. The controller yet further includes communications electronics configured to output the logged usage information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Daniel J. Czaja, Jr., Michael J. Potts, Ryan M. Franzen, Eric A. Smasal
  • Publication number: 20140195405
    Abstract: A method includes obtaining, at a metering device, power usage information associated with operation of a second technology; calculating, at a processor and based on the power usage information obtained from the metering device, a power base load capacity relief of an electrical system to a utility provider resulting from change from a first technology to the second technology; receiving, at the processor, a technology cost including fixed and variable costs to install and maintain the second technology; calculating, at the processor, a return needed for repayment of the technology cost; determining, by the processor, a new utility rate by apportioning the return needed for repayment of the technology cost as a function of the power base load capacity relief and calculating; and providing a utility invoice to the utility consumer for a power reduction over time at the new utility rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Michael J. Potts
  • Patent number: 8764237
    Abstract: A lighting and energy conservation system for low temperature applications includes LEDs as a light source. The LEDs are provided in a modular LED light fixture. The fixture includes a frame supporting a reflector having a plurality of elongated channels. Mounting strips are removably installed in each of the elongated channels, and LEDs are mounted on each of the mounting strips. Interchangeable lenses are provided over the LEDs and are removably coupled to the mounting strip by a quick-connect device. A separate multi-position power control device is associated with each of the mounting strips, so that a total light output intensity and profile of the fixture can be individually customized by any one or more of: interchanging lenses on the LEDs, interchanging mounting strips within the elongated channels, and selectively adjusting the multi-position power control device for each of the mounting strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Wang, Neal R. Verfuerth, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp, Matthew S. Tlachac
  • Publication number: 20140180491
    Abstract: A method of reducing electricity usage during peak demand periods includes the steps of establishing predetermined load reduction criteria representative of a desire by a power provider to reduce loading on an electricity supply grid, and coordinating with a facility having lighting equipment to permit the power provider to turn-off one or more of the lighting equipment by sending instructions to a master controller at the facility in response to the predetermined load reduction criteria, and establishing a list of lighting equipment to be turned-off in response to the instructions, and configuring the master controller to send an override control signal to the lighting equipment to implement the instructions, and configuring the lighting equipment to send a response signal to the master controller providing a status of the lighting equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Michael J. Potts, Jun Wang
  • Patent number: 8729446
    Abstract: An outdoor lighting fixture for communicating with a traffic light system is shown and described. The outdoor lighting fixture includes a ballast for providing current to at least one lamp and a fixture housing at least partially surrounding the ballast and the at least one lamp. The outdoor lighting fixture further includes a mount configured to hold the fixture housing to a pole and a control circuit wired to the ballast. A sensor and a radio frequency transceiver are wired to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to process inputs from the sensor to determine whether to send a light change instruction to the traffic system via the radio frequency transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Neal R. Verfuerth
  • Publication number: 20140078308
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to an outdoor lighting fixture that includes a ballast for controlling the amount of current provided to a lamp. The lighting fixture also includes a fixture housing at least partially surrounding the ballast and the lamp and a mounting system for holding the fixture housing to at least one of a wall and a pole. The lighting fixture yet further includes a camera coupled to the housing and a control circuit wired to the camera. The lighting fixture also includes a radio frequency transceiver wired to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to cause information from the camera to be wirelessly transmitted by the radio frequency transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Neal R. Verfuerth
  • Patent number: 8666559
    Abstract: A method of reducing electricity usage during peak demand periods includes the steps of establishing predetermined load reduction criteria representative of a desire by a power provider to reduce loading on an electricity supply grid, and coordinating with a facility having lighting equipment to permit the power provider to turn-off one or more of the lighting equipment by sending instructions to a master controller at the facility in response to the predetermined load reduction criteria, and establishing a list of lighting equipment to be turned-off in response to the instructions, and configuring the master controller to send an override control signal to the lighting equipment to implement the instructions, and configuring the lighting equipment to send a response signal to the master controller providing a status of the lighting equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Michael J. Potts, Jun Wang
  • Patent number: 8626643
    Abstract: A utility financial model involves the setting of a new utility rate after the introduction of a new utility technology that provides immediate capacity relief, reducing the base load capacity and the peak load capacity to electric power providers. The new utility rate is not based solely on performance of the new utility technology but rather based on fixed and variable costs to introduce the new utility technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Michael H. Potts
  • Publication number: 20130342911
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a substantially cylindrical tube defining an interior and an exterior, and a longitudinal axis extending between a first end and a second end. The first end of the tube defines a substantially cylindrical opening disposed in a plane at a first angle that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the second end of the tube defines a substantially elliptical opening disposed in a plane at a second angle that is substantially non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A reflective surface is provided on the interior of the tube, and a substantially cylindrical flashing is provided about the exterior of the tube. A substantially transparent dome is coupled to the tube proximate the first end, and a diffuser is coupled to the tube proximate the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8586902
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to an outdoor lighting fixture that includes a ballast for controlling the amount of current provided to a lamp. The lighting fixture also includes a fixture housing at least partially surrounding the ballast and the lamp and a mounting system for holding the fixture housing to at least one of a wall and a pole. The lighting fixture yet further includes a camera coupled to the housing and a control circuit wired to the camera. The lighting fixture also includes a radio frequency transceiver wired to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to cause information from the camera to be wirelessly transmitted by the radio frequency transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Neal R. Verfuerth
  • Publication number: 20130257292
    Abstract: A lighting fixture system for fluorescent lamps includes one or more fluorescent lamps and one or more ballasts configured to provide controlled power to the one or more fluorescent lamps. The lighting fixture further includes a controller wired to the fluorescent lighting fixture. The controller includes one or more relays configured to turn power provided to the one or more ballasts on and off such that the one or more fluorescent lamps turn on and off with the switching of the one or more relays. The controller further includes a logic circuit configured to control the switching of the one or more relays, wherein the logic circuit is configured to log usage information for the fluorescent lighting fixture in memory. The controller yet further includes communications electronics configured to output the logged usage information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Daniel J. Czaja,, JR., Michael J. Potts, Ryan M. Franzen, Eric A. Smasal
  • Patent number: D719106
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Neal R. Verfuerth