KR101577571B1 - Apparatus, method, and system for independent aiming and cutoff steps in illuminating a target area - Google Patents

Abstract

A lighting fixture is presented that includes a plurality of modular devices each comprising one or more light sources and one or more light directing or light redirecting devices. There are proposed methods of adjusting one or more components of said bridging mechanism around one, two, or three axes, whereby lighting requirements of the target area (even one of the composite features) are achieved without sacrificing the transmission efficiency of the light sources Can be processed in a manner that promotes a concise instrument design with low effective projected area (EPA).

Description

[0001] APPARATUS, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR INDEPENDENT AIMING AND CUTOFF STEPS IN ILLUMINATING A TARGET AREA FOR INDIRECT BORDERING AND CUT-

Cross-references to related applications

The present application claims priority under 35 USC § 119, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 492,426, filed June 2, 2011, whereby the foregoing provisional application is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present invention generally relates to means and methods in which a target area is fully illuminated by one or more lighting fixtures. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for illuminating a target of light projected from a luminaire to obtain better flexibility in handling illumination requirements of a particular application without adversely affecting the size, effective projected area, and to improvements in the design and use of lighting fixtures allowing the aiming and cutoff steps to be separated.

It is well known that a combination of light directing (e.g. collimating, aiming, collimating) and light redirecting (e.g. blocking, reflecting) efforts is required to sufficiently illuminate the target area - specifically the target area of a complex shape For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,458,700, which is incorporated herein by reference. This concept is illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1C for an example of a sports field generally illuminated by a plurality of elevated flood-type instruments. As can be seen from FIG. 1A, in the non-collimated state, the mechanism 4 is configured to move a portion of the target area 5 (typically a horizontal plane including the sports field, as well as a finite space above and near the field) Illuminated); This illumination is schematically illustrated by the projected beam pattern 7, where the negatively-illuminated portion of the beam pattern 7 is deemed desirable. Adjusting the mechanism 4 relative to the pawl 6 (e.g., by pivoting about its attachment point) may aim the beam pattern 7 towards the leftmost portion of the target area 5 (see FIG. 1B) Of course, will result in illumination of undesired areas, such as outsiders 515. [ This light, often referred to as a spill light, is wasteful and potentially cumbersome (e.g., to the audience in outline seat 515) or dangerous (e.g., to drivers on the road near the target area 5) . To adequately remove the blur, a visor or similar device may be added to the instrument 4 (see FIG. 1C) to provide the desired cutoff. Some visors, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,789,540, which is incorporated herein by reference, are mounted on internal reflective surfaces to cut off the light and redirect the light back to the target area 5 so that light is not absorbed Otherwise, it is not wasted.

There are limitations to the approaches illustrated in Figs. 1A-1C. For example, the adjustment of the instrument 4 to the pawl 6 and the addition of the visor can adversely affect the effective projected area (EPA) of the instrument which can increase wind loading. Increased EPA may require more robust pawls or more robust means of attaching the implement to the pawl, both of which may add cost. If a typical wide area or sport lighting application utilizes multiple poles with multiple instruments per pole (see, for example, U. S. Patent No. 7,458, 700, supra), even the added costs from a slight change to the EPA can do.

As another example, the approach in FIGS. 1A-1C is most appropriate for instruments comprising a single light source, such as the high wattage HID lamps used in the above U.S. Patent Nos. 7,458,700 and 7,789,540 Do. More efficient lighting devices in terms of obtaining more light from the instrument housing and onto the target area and in a more concise manner with the light sources themselves showing comparable or higher efficacy It is well known that there is a need in the industry to create these. This is because when a number of smaller light sources (e. G., LEDs) are housed in the instrument 4, a single visor can sufficiently redirect all of the random light back to the target area 5 or provide a unique cutoff There is no problem; This can result in uneven lighting, shadowing effects, or glare that can be annoying or potentially dangerous (e.g., affecting performance on the field).

Thereby, the benefits of a number of smaller light sources such as LEDs (e.g., long lifetime, high epicure, multiple points (e.g., low EPA, high utilization factor, etc.) (E.g., non-uniform illumination, shadowing effects, glare, etc.), which can achieve a greater degree of flexibility in creating light uniformity, etc.) There is a need in the art for a method of operating to process illumination requirements of a target area while preventing it.

A complicated target area with increased glare control, reduced EPA, and increased illumination uniformity compared to at least most conventional floodlight-type instruments for concise lighting and sports lighting applications designed to accommodate multiple light sources Means and methods for independent light directing and light redirecting are envisioned to be sufficiently illuminated.

It is therefore the intention, features, advantages or aspects of the present invention to improve upon the state of the art and / or to address problems, issues or deficiencies in the art.

According to an aspect of the invention, a modular apparatus includes a plurality of light sources (with associated optical elements) included in a housing with a visor. The modular arrangement is designed such that the plurality of light sources and visors pivot about one, two, or three axes and are independently pivotable about at least one of the axes, if desired.

According to another aspect of the invention, a luminaire comprising a plurality of said modular arrangements is adjusted relative to its elevation point above the target area to provide some aim of the projected light therefrom. Each modular device can then be adjusted for its connection point to the luminaire to provide additional aiming of the projected light therefrom. Subsequently or additionally, each light source and each visor of each modular device can be selectively and independently adjusted to provide the desired aim and cutoff. In this manner, the light projected from each modular device contributes to the portion of the overall illumination of the target area; This allows flexibility in handling things such as glare prevention and illumination uniformity.

These and other objects, features, advantages or aspects of the present invention will become more apparent with reference to the accompanying specification and claims.

Sometimes reference will be made to the drawings identified by the drawing numbers in this description and summarized below.

Figures < RTI ID = 0.0 > 1A-1C < / RTI > illustrate schematically a general process in which a target area is illuminated by a luminaire. 1A illustrates a non-collimating luminaire, FIG. 1B illustrates that the mechanism from FIG. 1A is aimed, and FIG. 1C illustrates that the mechanism from FIG. 1A is illuminated and cut off.
2A-2F illustrate a number of views of a modular apparatus according to aspects of the present invention. Figs. 2A to 2D illustrate a perspective view, Fig. 2E illustrates a front view, and Fig. 2F illustrates a cross section along a tear line AA of Fig. 2E.
Figures 3a and 3b illustrate a number of exploded perspective views of the modular apparatus illustrated in Figures 2a-2f.
Figures 4A-4C illustrate section AA of the modular device of Figure 2F in a non-collimated state (Figure 4A) and after independent pivoting (Figures 4B and 4C).
Figures 5A-5D illustrate one possible pole and luminaire according to aspects of the present invention including a plurality of modular devices illustrated in Figures 2A-2F. Figures 5a and 5b are perspective views of the pawl and instrument, and Figures 5c and 5d are enlarged perspective views of the instrument.
Figures 6a to 6d schematically illustrate a typical process in which a target area is illuminated by a luminaire via 3-axis pivoting. Figure 6a illustrates a non-collimating luminaire, Figure 6b illustrates a mechanism from Figure 6a pivoted about a first axis, Figure 6c illustrates a mechanism from Figure 6b pivoted about a second axis, , Figure 6d illustrates the mechanism from Figure 6c pivoted about a third axis.
Figures 7A and 7B illustrate one possible way of providing a third pivot axis through modification of the structural components of the modular device of Figures 2A-2F; Figure 7A illustrates an assembled perspective view, and Figure 7B illustrates a partially exploded perspective view.
Figure 8 illustrates, in flow chart form, one possible way of handling illumination requirements of a particular application using a device 10 that includes a plurality of modular devices 12.
Figure 9 illustrates one possible design of an optical device for use with LEDs to prevent horizontal spreading.

A. Overview

For a further understanding of the present invention, certain illustrative embodiments in accordance with the present invention will be described in detail. References to the drawings in this description will often be made. Reference numerals will be used to indicate specific parts in the figures. Unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same parts throughout the figures.

Certain exemplary embodiments refer to transmissive-type mechanisms for sports lighting applications; This is done by way of example and not limitation. For example, lower overall light levels (e.g., 3 horizontal fc versus 50 horizontal fc), lower illumination uniformity (e.g., 10: 1 max / min vs. 2: 1 max / Other) wide area illumination applications requiring a reduced setback (e.g., several feet to tens of feet) may still be advantageous from at least some aspects in accordance with the present invention. As another example, downlight-type fixtures (e.g., those that are typically not inclined or pivoted relative to their poles) may still be advantageous from at least some aspects in accordance with the present invention. As yet another example, light-emitting-type instruments that are not elevated and not used for sports lighting (e.g., ground-mounted light-emitting-type instruments used for exterior illumination) may still be advantageous from at least some aspects in accordance with the present invention have.

B. Exemplary Methods and Apparatus Example 1

Specific examples of the modular apparatus described above are illustrated in Figures 2A-B. 2a-2f, the modular device 12 will be understood to include a housing 22 generally configured to accommodate both the visor 23 and the enclosure 24, of which the enclosure 24 Is adapted to house a plurality of light sources 27 (e.g., LEDs) having an associated optical system 28 (e.g., see FIG. 3A). The outer lens 29 is sealed (e.g., by gluing or taping) with respect to the opening of the enclosure 24 to protect the light sources against dust, vandalism, or other undesirable ones (see Figure 2f) , And, if desired, an antireflective coating to preserve the transmission efficiency.

The visor 23 is formed from a highly reflective material (e.g., aluminum treated with a high reflectivity) and attached to the inner surface (i.e., non-finned surface) of the housing 22; See Figure 2f. The visor 23 may be bolted, glued, or otherwise attached directly to the interior surface of the housing 22, or bolted to a frame that is further attached to the interior surface of the housing 22 , Adhered, or otherwise adhered thereto; An example of a reflective material that is attached to a frame that is additionally attached to a housing for use as a visor is discussed in U. S. Patent No. 7,789, Alternatively, the inner surface of the housing 22 may be metallized (e.g., via dipping, painting, chemical vapor deposition, sputtering, etc.) to achieve the desired finish. The exact shape of the visor 23 may vary depending on the needs of the application and the material may be processed (e.g., to create diffuse reflections in contrast to specular reflections) peened) or otherwise modified (e.g., wiped).

In this embodiment, the enclosure 24 comprises nine multi-chip LEDs with nine associated optical systems or lenses, such as those discussed in U. S. Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 539,166, incorporated herein by reference, Quot; quad "shape illustrated in FIG. 6 of the above-referenced application, but this is done by way of example and not limitation. For example, the enclosure 24 may include nine model XM-L LEDs and nine narrow beam lenses available from Cree, Inc. of Durham, NC, USA (e.g., Model FC available from Fraen Corporation of Reading, -N2-XR79-0R). ≪ / RTI > Of course, LEDs of different models, different types of light sources, and a different number of light sources are possible and envisioned. Likewise, optical system 28 may include lenses designed to project light in any dispensing fashion (e.g., media, ellipses, side luminescence, bubbles, etc.) and may be of sufficient light directivity and / or light redirection (E. G., Reflectors) or to provide additional provision (e. G., Diffusers, color gels, etc.) The optical system 28 may be glued, bolted, or otherwise secured to the circuit boards of the light sources 27; Alternatively, the optical system 28 may be fixed by compression as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 751,519, issued on May 28, 2013, as U.S. Patent No. 8,449,144, incorporated herein by reference May be affixed in place through a holder (such as is commonly provided by the manufacturer). Ultimately, the cost and size of each modular device 12 must be balanced against the required light level and uniformity in the target area; For sports lighting applications that require a higher overall light level than other wide area lighting applications, the multi-chip LEDs (with associated optics) may be used with more conventional light sources such as the high wattage HID lamps described above To be a competitive alternative to the

The housing 22 is configured to pivot the enclosure 24 (and thus the LEDs), and the housing 22 (and hence the visor 23) independently of one another about the pivot axis 26 Hooked to the yoke 21 (see Fig. 2E); One possible method of configuring a modular device to accomplish this is illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B. Enclosure 24 rests on its groove in housing 22 but is attached to pivot shaft 26 (see Figure 2f and 3b) Through the plate 30 and the associated threaded fasteners 101 in a manner that does not prevent the pivoting of the enclosure 24 through the elongate, The portion 34 that is inserted through the yoke 21 and the housing 22 into the complementary end of the enclosure 24 has a degree of independent pivoting of the enclosure 24 by the length of the arcuate aperture of the portion 34 Define; In this example, this allows rotation from 0 to 45 degrees, but this is done by way of example and not limitation. The complementary end of the enclosure 24 is a cylindrical blind bore with mostly corresponding planes. Thus, when the portion 34 slides on the complementary end of the enclosure 24, they are fixed together (into the threaded bore within the complementary end of the enclosure 24) by the fastener 101 and rotate together. When the desired rotational position (i.e., aiming angle) of the enclosure 24 is achieved, additional rotation may be achieved by setting the threaded fastener 101 in the arcuate aperture and moving the threaded bore into the threaded bore at the side of the yoke 21. [ Can be prevented by tightening the fastener. In a similar manner, the housing 22 is configured to receive the portion 34 and the bushing (not shown) in a manner that does not prevent pivoting of the housing 22 through the pivot axis 26 (extending across the housing 22) 32 between the arms of the yoke 21 in place. The bushing 32 has a flat outer lateral side mating with a side opening having a flat side of the wall of the housing 22; Whereby the bushing 32 rotates together with the housing 22. The independent pivoting of the housing 22 is defined by the length of the arched aperture of the yoke 21 (see left side in Figure 3a); Threaded fasteners 101 are tightened into the threaded bores in the left side of the housing 22 through the arcuate aperture of the yoke 21 to clamp the housing 22 to its rotational position. In this example, rotation of the housing 22 from 0 to 45 degrees is allowed, but this is done by way of example and not limitation.

Independent pivoting of the enclosure 24 and the housing 22 to achieve independent light directing and light redirecting steps is schematically illustrated in Figures 4A-4C; For clarity, FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate modular device 12 as taken along section line A-A in FIG. 2E. Figure 4a shows a schematic representation of a beam forming system in which the synthesis of light projected from each LED in enclosure 24 is generally focused around a major axis 31 coinciding with the principal axis 33 of the housing 22. [ 1 < / RTI > state, the main axis of which is perpendicular to the pivot axis 25. Assuming that the total length of the visor 23 is approximately a few inches and the angle offset from the main axis 33 is approximately a few degrees, the cutoff angle in this first state is approximately 6 degrees; The cutoff angle as described herein is defined as the angle between the main axis 31 and the visor 23. Pivoting of the enclosure 24 about the pivot axis 26 causes rotation of the main axis 31 (see Figure 4b); This results in an increase in the cutoff angle (e.g., up to about 35 degrees) and the movement of the composite beam over the target area (i.e., light directivity). Pivoting of the housing 22 about the pivot axis 26 causes rotation of the main axis 33 (see Fig. 4C); This causes cut-off and redirection of the light projected from the LEDs and a change in the shape of the beam pattern in the target area (i. E., Light redirection). The aspect of the pivoting of both the enclosure 24 and the housing 22 about the same point remains compact and the EPA remains low regardless of the degree to which light is directed or redirected or the cutoff angle, To remain. Also, the use of reflective visor 23 allows to provide a unique cut-off without sacrificing efficiency (because the light is reflected rather than absorbed).

Both the enclosure 24 and the housing 22 are connected to the second shaft 25 through the pivoting of the yoke 21 about its connecting point with respect to the further projected optical device 10 (see Figs. 5A-5D) (See FIG. 2E); Means for securing the access point and the modular device therefrom may be as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 910,443, which is incorporated herein by reference. In this embodiment, the instrument 10 includes a centrally-mounted tubular portion 11 that slip-fits over the pawl 6 or other raised structure; The structural members 13 help stabilize and center the instrument 10 on the pawl 6. The wiring from the LEDs extends from the enclosure 24 into the bushing 32 into the yoke 21 along the channel outside the yoke 21 (see Figure 3A) Can be routed into the instrument 10 through the upper central circular aperture (see FIG. The protective cover 20 helps shield the wiring from external effects. The wiring from each modular device is then routed along the interior of the arms 14, the tubular portion 11 and the pawl 6 (both of which are generally a beam) until they are terminated in the electrical enclosure 1. In a similar manner, heat from the LEDs is dissipated through the enclosure 24, the housing 22, the yoke 21, and the arm 14, all of which are thermally conductive (e.g., of aluminum or aluminum alloy construction) . One aspect of the design of the modular device 12 is that the wiring is shielded from environmental effects and the heat dissipation path is maintained irrespective of aim and cutoff; Other designs of the modular device 12 are possible and envisioned. Since it is well known that the epicure and life span of LEDs are adversely affected by increasing the junction temperature, if it is desired to provide a more substantial heat sink for the LEDs, then the device 10 is actively air- Be liquid-cooled; The methods of the active cooling mechanism 10 may be as described in U. S. Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 645,870, which is incorporated herein by reference.

If desired, a third pivot axis may be provided; This allows for greater flexibility to handle unwanted stretching or placement of the projected beam that may arise from pivoting about the pivot axes 25 and 26 and to handle lighting requirements of a particular application. Consider again the field illuminated by the one or more mechanisms 10 (see FIG. 6A); In this example, it is assumed that the projected beam pattern 7 is intended to illuminate the uppermost right corner of the somewhat broad and shallow (e.g., 30 x 10) field (the preferred portions of the beam pattern 7 are again shaded . Pivoting the modular device 12 about the pivot axis 25 to about 40 degrees shifts the beam pattern 7 toward the desired corner (see FIG. 6B), but does not sufficiently illuminate the area 580 (E.g., relative bleacher 515). Pivoting the housing 22 and / or the enclosure 24 about the pivot axis 26 to about 20 degrees extends the beam pattern 7 (see Figure 6c) and allows the desired corner of the target area 5 The illumination generates a misfire 510, however. Rotation about the third pivot axis at about 20 degrees is essentially equivalent to rotation of the beam pattern 7, as opposed to simply rotating the beam pattern as in Figure 6b or changing the dimensions of the beam pattern as in Figure 6c. Changes the shape and generates a beam pattern that sufficiently illuminates the desired corner of the target area 5 with little or no mis-light (see Fig. 6D). It is mentioned that additional pivoting about the pivot axes 25 and 26 shines much more light on the field and further reduces the amount of light.

As envisioned, pivoting about the third axis can be accomplished through the modification of structural components or optical components of the modular device 12, but any approach has its own advantages and considerations. For example, pivoting about a third axis through modification of optical components can be simple by rotating the lens or applying a filter or diffuser to the lens, And the type of lens used should be taken into account (rotating the lens will change the beam pattern to only recognize the beam pattern if it is elliptical or otherwise asymmetric about the axis). Pivoting about a third axis through modification of the structural components of the modular device (see FIGS. 7a and 7b) may not limit the choice of lens type and may also allow for pivoting of the visor 23 Which may or may not be assumed to be desirable), weight and cost may be added to the instrument 10. 7A and 7B, the pivot joint 120 includes a modular device mounting portion 121 and a device mounting portion 122, each of which includes associated threaded fasteners 101 and, if desired, 102). In either case (modification of the optical system or structural components), the pivoting about the pivot axes 25 and 26 can be performed in a manner that does not significantly affect the size or EPA of the instrument 10, A rotation about the center axis 35 is provided.

A mechanism 10 utilizing a plurality of modular devices 12 as illustrated in Figures 5A-5D may be implemented as a one, two, or three-dimensional array to process lighting requirements of a particular application according to a method 2000 (see Figure 8) Although it can be adjusted around three axes, other methods are possible and envisioned. According to method 2000, a first step 2001 is for defining a lighting scheme for an application; (E.g., total illumination uniformity, minimum light level, required setback, size and shape of target area, etc.) and desired features (e.g., number of modular devices per instrument, color temperature of LEDs, etc.) ), And to develop an appropriate illumination scheme (also referred to as an illumination design plan or an aiming diagram). The illumination scheme can then be decomposed into individual beam patterns, each of which can be assigned to one or more of the modular devices 12. The next step 2002 is to install the instruments in and / or around the identified target area according to the illumination scheme. The benefit of the instrument 10 is that the modular devices 12 are aimed in almost all directions and that the pawl 6 is positioned in the center of the pawl 6 because it is centrally mounted (note the position of the tubular portion 11 in Figures 5A- Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > a < / RTI > This may be advantageous in determining where to place the fixtures relative to the target area.

The next step 2003 is aiming at the installed lighting fixtures so that each modular device 12 of the luminaire defined to produce the individual beam patterns assigned thereto is aimed. Substantially step 2003 may be performed by rotating one or more components of each modular device 12 about one or more of the pivot axes 25/26/35 by rotating the mechanism 10 about the pawl 6 and / Lt; / RTI > If desired, portions of the modular device 12 may be labeled with degree indications or other indications well known in the art, so that the lighting designer or other users can be set to more accurately aim the angle. The final step 2004 is to evaluate the capabilities and illumination of the instruments 10 to satisfy the illumination scheme. Often, the lighting designer can determine that something has not been taken into account (e.g., a tree that blocks light from the apparatus) or that the customer is insufficient in lighting (e.g., the appearance of the lighting is too bad or too light); In these situations, it will be found that it may be necessary to adjust one or more characteristics of the instruments (see optional step 2005). Substantially optional step 2005 includes adding optical components such as optical system 28 to one or more modular devices 12 and changing the degree of pivoting of one or more components of the instrument 10 Modifies the shape and / or size of the visor 23, adds the modular devices 12 to the instrument 10, and adjusts the operating power for the LEDs to produce more or less light Modifying the number or types of light sources in the modular devices 12, and so on.

C. Options and alternatives

The present invention can take a number of forms and embodiments. The above examples are just some of them. In order to provide some meanings of some options and alternatives, a few examples are given below.

Various means and methods of attaching a component to another component are discussed in the light of the most frequently threaded fasteners. It should be noted that such devices should not be construed as bolts or screws but should be considered to encompass various means of joining parts (e.g., bonding, welding, clamping, etc.). Also discussed is the collection of modular devices referred to herein as mechanisms. It should be noted that the term "fixture" is often used interchangeably with "luminaire " and is not intended to claim any limitation that is not explicitly mentioned herein.

As contemplated, most of the components of both instrument 10 and modular device 12 are machined, punched, stamped, or otherwise formed from aluminum or aluminum alloys. As mentioned, this allows specific and uninterrupted heat paths to dissipate heat from the LEDs. However, it is possible not to deviate from the inventive aspects described herein, without the components being formed from other materials and even realizing the benefits of heat dissipation. Likewise, most of the components in the pawl 6, the instrument 10 and the modular apparatus 12 are formed with internal channels so that the wiring is not exposed to the pawl 6 from the LEDs without exposing the wires to moisture or other adverse effects. As shown in FIG. However, it is possible that the components are formed without these internal channels and do not deviate from the inventive aspects described herein; Interior lighting applications, for example, may not require environmental protection for wiring.

For the modular device 12, some examples of devices used for light directing and light redirecting are given; This is done by way of example and not limitation. Modular device 12 can be any particular of the parts, although any of these devices (e.g., lenses, diffusers, reflectors, visors, etc.) can be used individually or in combination for specific applications It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the method of combination, design, or installation, and may include additional devices not previously described where appropriate in generating the desired illumination scheme. For example, if the target area includes a finite space over the sports field, any number of modular devices 12 may be mounted upside down to provide upward illumination, or the arcuate upper Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > pivots. ≪ / RTI > As another example, if the illumination designer finds that horizontal spreading of the composite beam pattern is unacceptable, a new lens may be used, or a conventional lens (assuming an asymmetrical lens) may be rotated about the pivot axis 35 , But another solution may be to install the rails (not reflective or non-reflective) on the periphery of the visor 23 or otherwise modify the visor 23 to reduce horizontal spreading. Alternatively, the one or more light sources 27 may each include a partially-surround individual reflector 3000 (see Fig. 9), each of the light source (s); As envisioned, at least the surface partially surrounding the light source 27 will be reflected, but this is done by way of example and not limitation. Through this alternative, the inner chamber of the enclosure 24 may need to be extended to provide sufficient clearance between the outer lens 29 and the distal tip of the reflectors 3000; This can limit the extent to which the enclosure 24 can be pivoted. Individual reflectors 3000 may be glued, bolted, or otherwise attached to circuit boards of light sources 27; Alternatively, the individual reflectors 3000 may be maintained in a pressure state as described in the above-referenced U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 751,519 (issued May 28, 2013 as U.S. Patent No. 8,449,144) Lt; / RTI >

Regarding the illumination system including one or more mechanisms 10, power regulating components (e.g., actuators, controllers, etc.) may be remotely located from the instrument 10, May be housed in an electrical enclosure 1 that is fixed to a lifting device such as, for example, as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,059,572, incorporated herein by reference, or may be located somewhere in the appliance 10. Control of power for the light sources 27 included in the instrument 10 may also be accomplished remotely or locally, as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,209,958, which is incorporated herein by reference. Various approaches can be taken to provide power to an illumination system incorporating modular devices 12 that do not deviate from the inventive aspects described herein.

Claims (20)

As a lighting device,
a. An enclosure comprising a body having an interior and an opening into the interior, the body being pivotable about a first pivot axis extending along the length of the body, the enclosure having therein at least one Adapted to receive and fix the light sources in place, the one or more light sources generally projecting light along a first principal axis;
b. A housing including a first portion adapted to receive the enclosure and a second portion adapted to receive a reflective surface, the reflective surface being angled relative to the first major axis when received by the second portion, angle, the second portion being pivotable about the first pivot axis independently of the body of the enclosure; And
c. A yoke comprising a first portion adapted to receive said housing and a second portion adapted for connection to a mounting structure,
Lt; / RTI >
The yoke being pivotable about a second rotational axis extending through the attachment point of the yoke to the mounting structure,
d. Wherein a spread of light projected from the one or more light sources in one direction relative to the first major axis is limited by the degree to which the reflective surface is pivoted relative to the body,
Lighting device. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a light transmissive material adapted to seal against an opening in the body of the enclosure,
Lighting device. 3. The method of claim 2,
Further comprising an internal wiring path from the enclosure to a second portion of the yoke,
Lighting device. The method of claim 3,
Further comprising a hollow pole operatively connected to the mounting structure,
Wherein the internal wiring path is formed by the mounting structure and the pole,
Lighting device. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising one or more optical devices associated with each of the one or more light sources,
Lighting device. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the one or more optical devices are pivotable about a third pivot axis coinciding with the first major axis,
Lighting device. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a structure adapted to limit diffusion of light projected from the one or more light sources in a different direction relative to the first major axis.
Lighting device. A method of providing independent light directing and light redirecting steps in a luminaire,
a. Positioning a luminaire on a support structure, the support structure being located at a predetermined position relative to a target area,
i. A first subassembly comprising one or more light sources having one or more associated light directing devices;
ii. A second subassembly comprising a light redirecting device;
iii. A first mounting interface that allows attachment and independent adjustment of the first and second subassemblies; And
iv. And a second mounting interface that allows attachment and adjustment of the luminaire to the support structure;
b. Adjusting the position of one or more of the first and second subassemblies independently via the first mounting interface
Lt; / RTI >
c. Whereby a portion of the light projected from the at least one light source is directed to the target region and a portion of the light projected from the at least one light sources is redirected to the target region,
A method for providing independent light directing and light redirecting steps in a luminaire. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the light redirecting device comprises a visor,
A method for providing independent light directing and light redirecting steps in a luminaire. 10. The method of claim 9,
The visor includes a reflective surface,
A method for providing independent light directing and light redirecting steps in a luminaire. 9. The method of claim 8,
The method comprises the steps of applying to a plurality of luminaires located on a support structure,
Independent light directing and light redirecting steps. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the support structure is raised above the target area,
Independent light directing and light redirecting steps. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein said plurality of illuminators located on said support structure have an effective projected area and wherein step (b) of claim 8 does not substantially increase said effective projected area,
Independent light directing and light redirecting steps. As an illumination system,
a. An elevating structure;
b. A mechanism frame attached to the lift structure with respect to the target area;
c. A plurality of optical modules each attached to the mechanism frame by an adjustable mechanism frame mount that allows each module to be adjusted and to be fixed in one of a range of panning positions with respect to the target area
/ RTI >
Each optical module includes:
i. The enclosure assembly being attached to the module by an adjustable enclosure assembly mount that allows the enclosure assembly to be adjusted and fixed to one of a range of positions tilted relative to the target area,
ii. The visor assembly is adjusted independently of the enclosure assembly at least partially within at least a portion of the light outputs from the light sources when the enclosure assembly is tilted to certain positions and in a range of positions along the side of the enclosure assembly, And a visor assembly attached to the module by an adjustable visor assembly mount that allows the module to be fixed,
The enclosure assembly includes:
1. A three-elongated enclosure body including a light transmission window,
2. A linear array of solid state light sources mounted on the enclosure body, each having a light output generally aimed outside the window,
d. Thus, for the target area, the light outputs of each of the optical modules of the mechanism can be independently panned, tilted and cut-off for flexible illumination from the illumination system if necessary,
Lighting system. 15. The method of claim 14,
When installed, the optical module is substantially flat and horizontal, substantially smaller than the instrument frame,
Lighting system. 15. The method of claim 14,
The elongated enclosure body having a longitudinal axis, the linear array of solid state light sources and the window extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis,
Lighting system. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the adjustable enclosure assembly mount of the enclosure assembly includes rotational joints substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the enclosure body or at opposite ends of the enclosure body, Wherein the housing is configured to permit rotation of the enclosure assembly thereby allowing tilting of the light outputs from the enclosure assembly relative to the target area.
Lighting system. 17. The method of claim 16,
The visor assembly comprising:
a. A generally planar housing at least substantially as long as the length of the window of the enclosure assembly;
b. A proximal portion at or near the enclosure assembly;
c. A distal end extending away from the proximal portion; And
d. And a light-shielding side that can be translated relative to the enclosure assembly.
Lighting system. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the solid state light sources, the enclosure assembly, and the visor assembly comprise a thermally conductive material and are thermally conductively contacted to facilitate dissipation of heat from the solid state light sources during operation,
Lighting system. CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A method of illuminating a far-off target area using a plurality of solid state light sources,
a. Raising the plurality of solid state light sources for the target area;
b. Independently aiming the plurality of solid state light sources for the horizontal and vertical planes and the target area, each subset producing a light distribution output pattern along a common subset collimation direction; And
c. Adjusting the visor individually for one or more of the subsets to change the light distribution output pattern from the subset
Lt; / RTI >
d. Thereby, the aggregate optical power distribution from the plurality of solid-state light sources can be varied as needed or demanded,
A method for illuminating a broad target area.

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