Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Stone

Thomas A. Stone 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: 10584855
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for a flexible approach to lighting design is discussed including temporary lighting designs, target areas with changing requirements, or tamper- and environmentally-resistant ground-mounted lighting fixtures for architectural or aesthetic lighting. Envisioned are fixtures typically comprising multiple compact LED modules mounted in one or more rows in a compact frame, capable of independent adjustment about at least two axes, having a wide range of aiming angles from a common pivotable joint, and preserving a thermal dissipation path regardless of aiming angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew D. Drost, Thomas A. Stone
  • Patent number: 9581303
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron Gordin, Timothy J. Boyle, Thomas A. Stone
  • 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: 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140168963
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Stone, Myron Gordin
  • Patent number: 8622569
    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
  • Patent number: 8490267
    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: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventor: 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
  • Publication number: 20120217897
    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
  • Publication number: 20110194294
    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: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: MUSCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas A. Stone
  • 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: 20110035926
    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: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: MUSCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas A. Stone
  • Patent number: 7874055
    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: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventor: 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