Illumination – Light source and modifier – Adjustable or repositionable modifier
Utility Patent
1998-09-14
2001-01-02
Husar, Stephen (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Light source and modifier
Adjustable or repositionable modifier
C362S280000, C362S320000, C362S319000, C362S351000, C169S060000, C169S060000, C169S060000
Utility Patent
active
06168291
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a remotely operated, powered shade or douser device mounted to the face of a light fixture so it can be moved across a lens to cover it.
Lighting devices with incandescent or arc discharge lamps have been provided with reflectors for many years. It is often desired to have an electromagnetic radiation source (a lamp) that radiates electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum (light). This combination of the lamp and the reflector is used to provide the lighting for sports arenas, sports stadiums and other commercial and industrial application.
In many applications, the electromagnetic radiation is derived from a plasma arc formed within an electromagnetic transmissive envelope or arc tube. One form of such an arc discharge lamp is a metal halide lamp. In such lamps, the arc is ignited between two electrodes placed at opposite ends of the electromagnetic transmissive envelope. These electrodes define an envelope axis and are connected to a power supply, which supplies the proper voltage and current for starting and operating the lamp. When power is removed from an operating metal halide lamp, it requires approximately fifteen minutes to re-strike, using normal voltages, and an additional five minutes to reach a stable color temperature and light output.
In certain lighting venues, such as arenas or stadiums, it is desirable to have the entire lighted area go dark. Such instances are used for player introductions, half-time shows, and special events. Prior applications have used a special instant re-strike lamp and ignitor system, which hits the system with a large voltage pulse to re-ignite the lamp. Even though it is called an “instant” re-strike system, this system takes several minutes for the light to come back to a full luminous output and full color rendering.
Other prior applications have used a mechanical device consisting of motor driven metal louver blades or clam shell devices that are moved into position in front of the lamp and reflector system to effectively block the transmission of light. This type of application can interfere with the projected beam of light causing a depreciation in light output which requires a higher total connected load to provide effective lighting levels. This type of application may also require more clearance around the luminaire to effectively mount the luminaire and shutter device such that there is no interference with surrounding fixtures.
The present invention arises from the fact that the instant re-strike system is lacking in several areas and the realization that the motorized metal louver blades cause a depreciation in light levels and require more mounting space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes a reflector and typically an arc discharge lamp mounted in the reflector, a frame and a motorized shade or douser mechanism. The shade or douser material is rolled onto a top roller with a reversible motor to an open position, increasing the tension of a bottom spring loaded take-up roller via one or more cables. When the motor is reversed, the tension in the spring on the bottom roller causes the rolled or coiled shade or douser to unwind and thus, the bottom roller and cables pull the shade or douser material in front of the lens. The cable, preferably an aircraft cable, is rolled onto the bottom roller until the shade or douser is in the closed position. The bottom roller continues to provide tension on the shade or douser when it is in the closed position, to hold the material taut.
The design also includes a bottom to top or a side to side application. The fabric used is a heat resistent material with a bar sewn into the fabric to provide even distribution of the torque required to roll and unroll the material. The edge of the shade or douser material is attached to stainless steel aircraft cable at two separate locations to ensure that the material stays within its frame.
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Frensko Jim J.
Grunloah John B.
Rockey Noah N.
Toikka Johann A.
Husar Stephen
Negron Ismael
Sterner Lighting Systems Incorporated
Westman Champlin & Kelly P.A.
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