This application relates to a remotely controlled, weather resistant, high intensity parabolic lighting system that provides multiple axes of rotation with position feedback and adjustable focus.
Lighting systems used in the film, concert, stage, theatrical, architectural, trade show, advertising towers, and construction industries are generally mounted on trusses. Trusses are lightweight metal (e.g., steel, aluminum) scaffolds fastened together in various geometries to frame a set.
Known remotely operated lighting systems lack sufficient intensity for large scale lighting applications. Currently available high intensity lighting setups require several pieces of equipment to obtain similar results.
Therefore, lighting systems are needed that are lightweight, flexible, transportable, and easily installable. These fixtures must provide remote tilt (vertical motion), pan (horizontal motion), and focus (linear lamp motion) and should accommodate several lamp wattages and types (daylight or tungsten).
The present disclosure relates to a single unit parabolic lighting system. The system may include a lamp housing having a bell shape that opens at its largest circumference. The lamp housing may include an outside surface, an inside surface containing a parabolic reflector, and a lamp mounting. The lamp mounting may be located on the centermost part of the inside surface and may include a locking lamp support. The locking lamp support may be configured to accommodate either a 38 mm or a 51 mm power pin spacing, allowing several lamp types (daylight or tungsten) and wattages. In some embodiments, the lamp housing includes an adjustable focus with position feedback and a quick connection and disconnection mounting system. The single unit parabolic lighting system may include a molded composite yoke having a base and two arms that extend in a parallel direction away from the base. Each arm may include an arm connector having a motorized drive with inductive position feedback that may mechanically connect to the outside surface of the lamp housing and may be configured to tilt the lamp housing with respect to each arm connector of the yoke about a 120° range. The single unit parabolic lighting system may include a truss attachment base having two truss connectors and a yoke connector having a motorized drive with inductive position feedback that may mechanically connect to an outside surface of the base of the molded composite yoke and may be configured to pan the yoke with respect to the truss attachment at a 320° range. The single unit parabolic lighting system may include a cooling system having a plurality of fans, pressure sensors, and temperature sensors, where the plurality of fans may operate independently of each other and in response to feedback provided by each of the pressure sensors and the temperature sensors. The single unit parabolic lighting system may include a method to derive control power from the multi voltage/frequency lamp power supply and may be configured to withstand high voltage (60 KV) pulses during lamp ignition.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a single unit parabolic lighting system. The single unit parabolic lighting system may include a lamp housing that opens at its largest circumference and includes an outside surface; an inside surface; a lamp mounting located on the centermost part of the inside surface and comprising a locking lamp support configured to accommodate a plurality of pin spacings; and a quick connection and disconnection mounting system. The single unit parabolic lighting system may include a molded composite yoke comprising a base and an arm that extends away from the base, wherein the arm includes an arm connector having a motorized drive with inductive position feedback that mechanically connects to the outside surface of the lamp housing and may be configured to tilt the lamp housing with respect to the arm connector of the yoke about a 120° range. The single unit parabolic lighting system may include a truss attachment base comprising a truss connector and a yoke connector having a motorized drive with inductive position feedback that mechanically connects to an outside surface of the base of the molded composite yoke.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a single unit parabolic lighting system. The single unit parabolic lighting system may include a lamp housing that opens at its largest circumference. The lamp housing may include an outside surface, an inside surface, a lamp mounting located on the centermost part of the inside surface and comprising a locking lamp support configured to accommodate a plurality of pin spacings, and a quick connection and disconnection mounting system. The single unit parabolic lighting system may include a molded composite yoke having a base and two arms that extend in a parallel direction away from the base. Each arm may include an arm connector having a motorized drive with inductive position feedback that mechanically connects to the outside surface of the lamp housing. The single unit parabolic lighting system may include a truss attachment base having a truss connector and a yoke connector having a motorized drive with inductive position feedback that mechanically connects to the outside surface of the base of the molded composite yoke and may be configured to pan the yoke with respect to the truss attachment at a 3200 range.
A lamp housing may include a bell shape. An inside surface includes a parabolic reflector. A locking lamp support may be configured to accommodate at least one of a 38 mm power pin spacing and a 51 mm power pin spacing. The locking lamp support may be configured to accommodate daylight lamp types and tungsten lamp types. The lamp housing further includes an adjustable focus with position feedback. In some embodiments, a molded composite yoke may further include a second arm so that both arms extend in a parallel direction away from the base. The second arm may include a second arm connector having a motorized drive with inductive position feedback that mechanically connects to the outside surface of the lamp housing and may be configured to tilt the lamp housing with respect to each arm connector of the yoke about a 120° range.
A truss attachment base may include a second truss connector. The single unit parabolic lighting system may include a cooling system having a plurality of fans, pressure sensors, and temperature sensors. The plurality of fans may operate independently of each other and in response to feedback provided by each of the pressure sensors and the temperature sensors. The single unit parabolic lighting system may include a device control power from the multi voltage/frequency lamp power supply and configured to withstand high voltage (60 KV) pulses during lamp ignition. The truss attachment base may be configured to pan the yoke with respect to the truss attachment at a 320° range.
The disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals are used to refer to similar elements. It is emphasized that various features may not be drawn to scale, and the dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.
The present disclosure relates to a lightweight, weather-resistant, multi-wattage, multi-source, single unit parabolic lighting system (or “lighting system”), having built-in motorized drives with positional feedback that enable the lighting system to pan (i.e., horizontal motion), tilt (i.e., vertical motion), and focus (i.e., linear lamp motion). The disclosed single unit lighting system may include a quick connection and disconnection mounting system and will accommodate several wattages and lamp types (e.g., daylight or tungsten). The disclosed single unit lighting system may be able to derive control power from a multi voltage/frequency lamp power supply and may be configured to withstand high voltage pulses during lamp ignition. The disclosed lighting system may be configured to attach to any truss, aerial lift, rooftop, grid, pipe, or mounting structure.
A disclosed single unit parabolic lighting system may also be readily transportable in a shipping case and may be quickly and safely secured to a truss or other light mounting structures. In some embodiments, the disclosed lighting system may automatically maintain optimal operating temperature to prevent overheating while also being configurable to use multiple power sources to run.
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Disclosed hooks, bolts, and straps may each be made of any known polymer, metal, or composite thereof. For example, the single unit parabolic lighting system 101 may include a high-density polyethylene hook, a steel bolt, and a nylon strap. A polymer may include a nylon, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyethylene, a polypropylene, a polystyrene, a polyethylene terephthalate, a silicone, mixtures thereof, and copolymers thereof. In alternative embodiments, disclosed hooks, bolts, and straps may each be made of a metal, which may include a steel, an aluminum, an iron, a tin, a titanium, a tungsten, a lead, a silver, alloys thereof, and combinations thereof.
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A yoke 208 may be made from a metal, a polymer, or a mixture thereof. For example, the yoke 208 may be made from a molded composite polymer. In some embodiments, the yoke 208 may be made of any known metal (e.g., steel) or polymer (e.g., high density polyethylene). For example, the yoke 208 may be made of a metal including a steel, a titanium, a brass, a copper, a lead, an iron, a bronze, an aluminum, a carbon steel, mixtures thereof, and alloys thereof. The yoke 208 may be made of a polymer including a polyethylene, a polystyrene, a polyurethane, a nylon, a polypropylene, a polyethylene terephthalate, a polymethylmethacrylate, a polyacrylonitrile, a polyvinyl chloride, a polycarbonate, a silicone, a polyester, mixtures thereof, and copolymers thereof.
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Disclosed lamp mounts 630 may include a locking lamp support 631 configured to accommodate and secure lamp bases having various diameters. For example, the locking lamp support 631 may accommodate and secure a lamp base with a diameter of about 38 mm or about 51 mm. Additionally, the locking lamp support may accommodate and secure a lamp base with a diameter of about 10 mm, or about 15 mm, or about 20 mm, or about 25 mm, or about 30 mm, or about 35 mm, or about 40 mm, or about 45 mm, or about 50 mm, or about 55 mm, or about 60 mm, where about includes plus or minus 5 mm. Once a lamp 632 is inserted into the lamp mount 630, the locking lamp support 631 may support a weight of the lamp 632. The locking lamp support 631 may be a spring-loaded support bracket that presses against the lamp 632 while supporting the lamp's weight, which may reduce stress on contact points between the lamp 632 and the lamp mount 630. When a lamp 632 is locked into place, the now positioned locking lamp support 631 is mechanically locked into position. In some embodiments, the disclosed locking lamp support 631 removes a problem of spring tension having to accommodate several different lamp diameters and weights.
A disclosed lighting system may accommodate various lamp types, including, but not limited to, tungsten and daylight lamps of various shapes, sizes, and power ratings. For example, the lighting system may accommodate lamps including an HMI (daylight lamps) from 6-18 Kw as well as a tungsten lamp having a power rating of from about 10 Kw to about 12 Kw 10-12 Kw. The lighting system may accommodate a lamp having a power rating of about 1 Kw, or about 2 Kw, or about 4 Kw, or about 6 Kw, or about 8 Kw, or about 10 Kw, or about 12 Kw, or about 14 Kw, or about 16 Kw, or about 18 Kw, or about 20 Kw, or more, where about includes plus or minus 1 Kw. In some embodiments, the disclosed lighting system may be configured to derive control power from the multi voltage/frequency lamp power supply and may be configured to withstand high voltage (60 KV) pulses during lamp ignition.
A disclosed single unit parabolic lighting system may include a cooling system including a plurality of fans; pressure sensors; and temperature sensors, wherein the plurality of fans operate independently of each other and in response to feedback provided by each of the pressure sensors and the temperature sensors. For example, when the air is cold and low air flow rates are needed, a fan may run more slowly, reducing noise levels while saving power. If a cooling system detects a sudden pressure loss, the cooling system may signal that the lens has broken and shut down the lighting system until it can be repaired. In some embodiments, when power to the lighting system is turned off, the power system (e.g., battery) may continue to power the cooling system until the lighting system cools to an appropriate temperature, 60° C. or less. The cooling system may cool the lighting system to a temperature of about 100° C., or about 90° C., or about 80° C., or about 70° C., or about 60° C., or about 50° C., or about 40° C., or about 30° C., or about 20° C., or about 10° C., where about includes plus or minus 5° C.
In some embodiments, a disclosed single unit parabolic lighting system may include various power configurations for powering the lighting system. Power sources may include a battery (recharged during operation), U-ground or house power, and ballast supported power. For ballast supported power, the lighting system may draw a small amount of power from the lamp circuit to operate disclosed lighting systems and recharge the battery. If no power source is connected, the lighting system may use battery power to determine if a ballast is connected. When a ballast is connected, battery power may enable a safety loop found within the lighting system. The safety loop may include a 220-volt AC circuit used to disable the external lamp power supply to prevent electrocution or overheating. Triggering events may include fan failure or open access doors. In the event that lamp power is not available for an electronic control system auxiliary; power may be supplied via an about 60 vac input to an about 240 vac input. In some embodiments, the power may be supplied via an about 60 vac input, or about 80 vac input, or about 100 vac input, or about 120 vac input, or about 140 vac input, or about 160 vac input, or about 180 vac input, or about 200 vac input, or about 220 vac input, or about 240 vac input, where about includes plus or minus 10 vac.
The figures and descriptions provided herein may have been simplified to illustrate aspects that are relevant for a clear understanding of the herein described devices, systems, and methods, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity, other aspects that may be found in typical similar devices, systems, and methods. Those of ordinary skill may recognize that other elements and/or operations may be desirable and/or necessary to implement the devices, systems, and methods described herein. But because such elements and operations are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present disclosure, a discussion of such elements and operations may not be provided herein. However, the present disclosure is deemed to inherently include all such elements, variations, and modifications to the described aspects that would be known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. That is, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms, when used herein, do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Reference in the specification to “one implementation” or “an implementation” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation is included in at least one implementation of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one implementation,” “in some implementations,” “in one instance,” “in some instances,” “in one case,” “in some cases,” “in one embodiment,” or “in some embodiments” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation or embodiment.
Finally, the above descriptions of the implementations of the present disclosure have been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims of this application. As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the present disclosure, which is set forth in the following claims.
This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/461,190, filed on Apr. 21, 2023, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63461190 | Apr 2023 | US |