Patents by Inventor James J. Berns

James J. Berns has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20120281399
    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
  • Patent number: 8256921
    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
  • Patent number: 7976199
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for lighting target areas with bollard or pagoda style or 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: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Berns, Thomas A. Stone
  • Publication number: 20090284966
    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: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: MUSCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: JOE P. CROOKHAM, THOMAS A. STONE, JAMES J. BERNS
  • Publication number: 20080273333
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for lighting target areas with bollard or pagoda style or 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: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: MUSCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: James J. Berns, Thomas A. Stone
  • Patent number: D571495
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Berns, Thomas A. Stone
  • Patent number: D589196
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Stone, James J. Berns