U.S. patent application number 13/819828 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-20 for lighting apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to STRAY LIGHT OPTICAL TECHNOLOGIES. The applicant listed for this patent is Robert A. Drake, Gerald W. Rea. Invention is credited to Robert A. Drake, Gerald W. Rea.
Application Number | 20130155702 13/819828 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45773297 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130155702 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rea; Gerald W. ; et
al. |
June 20, 2013 |
LIGHTING APPARATUS
Abstract
A lighting apparatus is disclosed. The lighting apparatus
includes an emitter having a plasma bulb and a driver which
provides an RF signal to the emitter to drive the plasma bulb. The
lighting apparatus may be used for various applications including
illuminating plants and organisms in an aquatic environment,
growing plants, facility lighting, and other applications.
Inventors: |
Rea; Gerald W.; (Scottsburg,
IN) ; Drake; Robert A.; (Nashville, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rea; Gerald W.
Drake; Robert A. |
Scottsburg
Nashville |
IN
IN |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
STRAY LIGHT OPTICAL
TECHNOLOGIES
Scottsburg
IN
|
Family ID: |
45773297 |
Appl. No.: |
13/819828 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
September 3, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US11/50461 |
371 Date: |
February 28, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61379969 |
Sep 3, 2010 |
|
|
|
61412327 |
Nov 10, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/391 ;
362/382; 47/58.1LS |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21S 8/085 20130101;
Y02B 20/00 20130101; H05B 41/2806 20130101; Y02B 20/22 20130101;
F21V 21/14 20130101; Y02P 60/14 20151101; F21V 29/70 20150115; H01J
65/042 20130101; A01G 7/045 20130101; A01K 63/06 20130101; Y02P
60/146 20151101; H01J 61/523 20130101; F21V 21/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/391 ;
362/382; 47/58.1LS |
International
Class: |
F21V 21/008 20060101
F21V021/008; A01G 7/04 20060101 A01G007/04; F21S 8/08 20060101
F21S008/08; F21V 29/00 20060101 F21V029/00; F21V 21/14 20060101
F21V021/14 |
Claims
1. A lighting apparatus, comprising: a driver unit which generates
a radio frequency (RF) signal; an emitter unit coupled to the
driver unit through a cable, the emitter unit configured to
generate light energy with a plasma bulb from the received radio
frequency signal; a window positioned below the plasma bulb, light
produced by the plasma bulb passing through the window; and a
mounting structure which is coupled to the driver unit, the emitter
unit, and the window, wherein the driver unit, the emitter unit,
and the window are suspended from the mounting structure.
2. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a housing,
the driver unit being positioned in an interior of the housing, a
lower surface of the housing being below the plasma bulb and an
upper surface of the housing being above the plasma bulb, the
mounting structure extending above the housing.
3. The lighting apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a power
supply positioned within the housing, the power supply provides DC
power to the driver unit.
4. The lighting apparatus of claim 2, wherein the lighting
apparatus is suspended over water in an aquarium.
5. The lighting apparatus of claim 2, wherein the lighting
apparatus is suspended over plants.
6. A method of growing plants, the method comprising the steps of:
providing an artificial light source which produces light having a
micromoles/lumen value of greater than about 2.0; positioning the
artificial light source over the plants; and illuminating the
plants with light produced by the artificial light source.
7. A method of illuminating water of an aquarium, the method
comprising the steps of: providing an artificial light source which
produces light having a coloring rendering index value of about 95;
positioning the artificial light source over the water of the
aquarium; and illuminating the aquarium with light produced by the
artificial light source.
8. A lighting apparatus, comprising: a first unit including a power
supply which provides DC power; and a driver unit which receives
the DC power and generates a radio frequency (RF) signal; and a
second unit including an emitter unit coupled to the driver unit
through a cable, the emitter unit configured to generate light
energy with a plasma bulb from the received radio frequency signal;
wherein the first unit is spaced apart from the second unit and the
first unit is coupled to the second unit.
9. The lighting apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first unit
includes a first heat sink associated with the driver unit and the
second unit includes a second heat sink associated with the emitter
unit.
10. The lighting apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second unit is
pivotably coupled to the first unit.
11. The lighting apparatus of claim 10, the second unit further
comprising a housing having an interior in which the driver unit is
positioned.
12. The lighting apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a pole
mounting portion provided within the housing, the housing including
an aperture adapted to receive a street pole which is to be coupled
to the pole mounting portion.
13. The lighting apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a pole
mounting portion coupled to the housing and extending from a first
end of the housing, the first unit extending from a second end of
the housing opposite the first end, the pole mounting portion
adapted to receive a street pole which is to be coupled to the pole
mounting portion.
14. The lighting apparatus of claim 8, the second unit further
comprising a housing having an interior in which the driver unit
and the power supply are positioned, the housing having a first
housing member and a second housing member rotatably coupled to the
first housing member.
15. The lighting apparatus of claim 14, wherein the driver unit is
coupled to the first housing member and the power supply is coupled
to the second housing member and rotates therewith relative to the
first housing member.
16. The lighting apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first housing
member is cast and includes at least one heat sink associated with
the driver unit.
17. The lighting apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a pole
mounting portion provided within the housing, the housing including
an aperture adapted to receive a street pole which is to be coupled
to the pole mounting portion.
18. The lighting apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a pole
mounting portion coupled to the housing and extending from a first
end of the housing, the first unit extending from a second end of
the housing opposite the first end, the pole mounting portion
adapted to receive a street pole which is to be coupled to the pole
mounting portion.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/379,969, filed on Sep. 3, 2010, titled
AQUARIUM LIGHTING APPARATUS, docket SLOT-P0004 and claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/412,327, filed
on Nov. 10, 2010, titled LIGHTING APPARATUS, docket SLOT-P0005, the
disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a lighting apparatus. More
particularly, the present disclosure relates to an energy efficient
lighting apparatus having a compact design and effective heat
management characteristics. An embodiment of the present disclosure
is designed for lighting aquariums.
[0003] Light is important to the life of an aquarium. Aquatic
plants and coral reefs need specific light to survive and flourish.
Vibrant colors of marine animals need full spectrum light to
optimize viewing. The lighting apparatus of the present disclosure
provides light having a high color quality and intensity which is
particularly useful for aquariums, other aquatic environments,
horticulture applications, facility lighting, and other lighting
applications. The lighting apparatus of the present disclosure
promotes growth of aquatic plants and organisms compared to other
lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus of the present
disclosure provides light promotes the growth of zooplankton.
[0004] A lighting apparatus of an illustrated embodiment of the
present disclosure includes one or more of the following
features:
[0005] (1) Higher Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR)--Provides
180% higher PAR values than a 10,000 K, 400 W metal halide aquarium
light and up to 500% higher PAR than standard metal halide
lights.
[0006] (2) True Colors--The illustrated lighting apparatus shows
the lush colors evident in marine life the way they would appear in
sunlight (95 Color Rendering Index).
[0007] (3) Controllable--The illustrated lighting apparatus is
dimmable over a wide range, for example, 20% to 100%. At power
levels below 50%, the light has a pleasant blue hue which is useful
for aquariums.
[0008] (4) Energy Efficient--The illustrated lighting apparatus
uses LiFi plasma technology and which uses only 290 Watts of power,
compared to 450 Watts for most metal halide lighting systems of
equivalent output.
[0009] (5) Cost Effective Over Life--The illustrated lighting
apparatus has about a six year life span (assuming 12 hrs/day),
compared to metal halide bulbs with recommended replacement cycles
of six to nine months.
[0010] (6) Cool Lighting--The illustrated lighting apparatus
generates less heat and near infrared radiation compared to metal
halide bulbs, thereby decreasing cooling costs for the
aquariums.
[0011] (7) Fast Start-Up--The illustrated lighting apparatus
achieves full brightness in about 40 seconds.
[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a
lighting apparatus is provided. The lighting apparatus comprising a
power source which provides DC power; a driver unit which receives
the DC power and generates a radio frequency (RF) signal; and an
emitter unit coupled to the driver unit through a cable, the
emitter unit configured to generate light energy with a plasma bulb
from the received radio frequency signal, wherein the emitter unit
is pivotably coupled to the driver unit. The lighting apparatus may
be used to illuminate aquatic environments, plants in a
horticulture environment, a facility, and other applications.
[0013] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a
lighting apparatus is provided. The lighting apparatus comprising a
first unit and a second unit. The first unit including a power
source which provides DC power; a driver unit which receives the DC
power and generates a radio frequency (RF) signal; and a first heat
sink associated with the driver unit. The second unit including an
emitter unit coupled to the driver unit through a cable and a
second heat sink associated with the emitter unit. The emitter unit
configured to generate light energy with a plasma bulb from the
received radio frequency signal. The first unit is spaced apart
from the second unit and the first unit is coupled to the second
unit.
[0014] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,
a lighting apparatus is provided. The lighting apparatus comprising
a driver unit which generates a radio frequency (RF) signal; an
emitter unit coupled to the driver unit through a cable, the
emitter unit configured to generate light energy with a plasma bulb
from the received radio frequency signal; a window positioned below
the plasma bulb, light produced by the plasma bulb passing through
the window; and a mounting structure which is coupled to the driver
unit, the emitter unit, and the window. The driver unit, the
emitter unit, and the window are suspended from the mounting
structure. In one example, the lighting apparatus further
comprising a housing. The driver unit being positioned in an
interior of the housing. A lower surface of the housing being below
the plasma bulb and an upper surface of the housing being above the
plasma bulb. The mounting structure extending above the housing. In
a variation thereof, the lighting apparatus further comprising a
power supply positioned within the housing, the power supply
provides DC power to the driver unit. In another variation thereof,
the lighting apparatus is suspended over water in an aquarium. In
yet another variation thereof, lighting apparatus is suspended over
plants.
[0015] In still a further exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, a method of growing plants is provided. The method
comprising the steps of providing an artificial light source which
produces light having a micromoles/lumen value of greater than
about 2.0; positioning the artificial light source over the plants;
and illuminating the plants with light produced by the artificial
light source.
[0016] In still another exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, a method of illuminating water of an aquarium I
provided. The method comprising the steps of providing an
artificial light source which produces light having a coloring
rendering index value of about 95; positioning the artificial light
source over the water of the aquarium; and illuminating the
aquarium with light produced by the artificial light source.
[0017] In yet still another exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, a lighting apparatus is provided. The lighting
apparatus comprising a first unit and a second unit. The first unit
including a power supply which provides DC power; and a driver unit
which receives the DC power and generates a radio frequency (RF)
signal. The second unit including an emitter unit coupled to the
driver unit through a cable. The emitter unit configured to
generate light energy with a plasma bulb from the received radio
frequency signal. The first unit is spaced apart from the second
unit and the first unit is coupled to the second unit. In one
example, the first unit includes a first heat sink associated with
the driver unit and the second unit includes a second heat sink
associated with the emitter unit. In another example, the second
unit is pivotably coupled to the first unit. In a further example,
the second unit further comprises a housing having an interior in
which the driver unit is positioned. In yet a further example, the
lighting apparatus further comprises a pole mounting portion
provided within the housing, the housing including an aperture
adapted to receive a street pole which is to be coupled to the pole
mounting portion. In still a further example, the lighting
apparatus further comprises a pole mounting portion coupled to the
housing and extending from a first end of the housing, the first
unit extending from a second end of the housing opposite the first
end, the pole mounting portion adapted to receive a street pole
which is to be coupled to the pole mounting portion. In yet another
example, the second unit further comprises a housing having an
interior in which the driver unit and the power supply are
positioned, the housing having a first housing member and a second
housing member rotatably coupled to the first housing member. In a
variation thereof, the driver unit is coupled to the first housing
member and the power supply is coupled to the second housing member
and rotates therewith relative to the first housing member. In
another variation thereof, the first housing member is cast and
includes at least one heat sink associated with the driver
unit.
[0018] The above and other features of the present disclosure,
which alone or in any combination may comprise patentable subject
matter, will become apparent from the following description and the
attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of
this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more
apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by
reference to the following description of embodiments of the
invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an aquarium including a lighting
apparatus;
[0021] FIG. 1A illustrates a plant growing apparatus including a
lighting apparatus;
[0022] FIG. 1B illustrates a facility including a lighting
apparatus;
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a top, perspective view of an exemplary
lighting apparatus for use with the systems of FIGS. 1-1B;
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a left side view of the lighting
apparatus of FIG. 2;
[0025] FIG. 3A illustrates a sectional view of the lighting
apparatus of FIG. 2 along the lines 3A-3A shown in FIG. 4;
[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the lighting apparatus of
FIG. 2;
[0027] FIG. 4A illustrates a sectional view of the lighting
apparatus of FIG. 2 along the lines 4A-4A shown in FIG. 3;
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the lighting apparatus
of FIG. 2;
[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the lighting apparatus of
FIG. 2;
[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of the lighting apparatus of
FIG. 2;
[0031] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate perspective views of the lighting
apparatus of FIG. 2 with the emitter housing in a raised
position;
[0032] FIG. 10 illustrates a left side view of the raised
configuration of FIG. 8;
[0033] FIG. 11 illustrates a top perspective view of another
exemplary lighting apparatus of the present disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the
lighting apparatus of FIG. 11;
[0035] FIG. 13 illustrates a left side view of the lighting
apparatus of FIG. 11;
[0036] FIG. 14 illustrates a right side perspective view of the
lighting apparatus of FIG. 11 having fins on the emitter
housing;
[0037] FIG. 15 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the
lighting apparatus of FIG. 11;
[0038] FIG. 16 illustrates a left side view of the lighting
apparatus of FIG. 11;
[0039] FIG. 17 illustrates a graph illustrating a comparison of
photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) power distribution for the
lighting apparatus of the present disclosure compared to a 450 W
metal halide light;
[0040] FIG. 18 illustrates a graph illustrating PAR power
distribution of the lighting apparatus of the present disclosure
taken at different depths within a salt water aquarium;
[0041] FIG. 19 illustrates a graph comparing a zooplankton
production efficiency for different lighting units;
[0042] FIG. 20 illustrates a top perspective view of another
exemplary lighting apparatus of the present disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 21 illustrates a top view of the lighting apparatus of
FIG. 20;
[0044] FIG. 22 illustrates a right side view of the lighting
apparatus of FIG. 20;
[0045] FIG. 23 illustrates a bottom view of the lighting apparatus
of FIG. 20;
[0046] FIG. 24 illustrates a top perspective view of another
exemplary lighting apparatus of the present disclosure;
[0047] FIG. 25 illustrates a front perspective view of the lighting
apparatus of FIG. 24;
[0048] FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate exploded views of the lighting
apparatus of FIG. 24;
[0049] FIG. 28 illustrates a sectional view of the lighting
apparatus of FIG. 24 along the lines 28-28 shown in FIG. 24;
[0050] FIG. 29 illustrates a sectional view of the lighting
apparatus of FIG. 24 along the lines 29-29 shown in FIG. 28;
[0051] FIG. 30 illustrates a top perspective view of another
exemplary lighting apparatus of the present disclosure;
[0052] FIG. 31 illustrates exploded views of the lighting apparatus
of FIG. 30;
[0053] FIG. 32 illustrates a sectional view of the lighting
apparatus of FIG. 30 along the lines 32-32 shown in FIG. 30;
[0054] FIG. 33 illustrates an exemplary street light including a
plurality of lighting apparatus;
[0055] FIG. 34 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a lighting
apparatus of FIG. 33;
[0056] FIG. 35 illustrates a top perspective view of a lighting
apparatus of FIG. 34;
[0057] FIG. 36 illustrates a bottom view of the lighting apparatus
of FIG. 34;
[0058] FIG. 37 illustrates a top view of the lighting apparatus of
FIG. 34;
[0059] FIG. 38 illustrates a left side view of the lighting
apparatus of FIG. 34;
[0060] FIG. 39 illustrates a right side view of the lighting
apparatus of FIG. 34;
[0061] FIG. 40 illustrates a front view of the lighting apparatus
of FIG. 34;
[0062] FIG. 41 illustrates a rear view of the lighting apparatus of
FIG. 34;
[0063] FIG. 42 illustrates a sectional view taken through the
lighting apparatus of FIG. 37 along lines 42-42;
[0064] FIG. 43 illustrates an exemplary billboard including a
plurality of the lighting apparatus of FIGS. 34-42 reconfigured to
light a face of the billboard;
[0065] FIG. 44 illustrates a top perspective view of one lighting
apparatus of FIG. 43 further illustrating the billboard lighting
configuration of the lighting apparatus;
[0066] FIG. 45 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a lighting
apparatus of another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0067] FIG. 46 illustrates a top perspective view of a lighting
apparatus of FIG. 45;
[0068] FIG. 47 illustrates a bottom view of the lighting apparatus
of FIG. 45;
[0069] FIG. 48 illustrates a top view of the lighting apparatus of
FIG. 45;
[0070] FIG. 49 illustrates a left side view of the lighting
apparatus of FIG. 45;
[0071] FIG. 50 illustrates a right side view of the lighting
apparatus of FIG. 45;
[0072] FIG. 51 illustrates a side view of a lighting apparatus of
another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0073] FIG. 52 illustrates the lighting apparatus of FIG. 51
coupled to a mounting pole of a street lamp pole;
[0074] FIG. 53 illustrates a bottom view of the lighting apparatus
of FIG. 51;
[0075] FIG. 54 illustrates a top view of the lighting apparatus of
FIG. 51;
[0076] FIG. 55 illustrates an end view of the lighting apparatus of
FIG. 51;
[0077] FIG. 56 illustrates an interior of a driver assembly of the
lighting apparatus of FIG. 51;
[0078] FIG. 57 illustrates a cover of the housing of the lighting
apparatus of FIG. 51; and
[0079] FIG. 58 illustrates a main housing of the lighting apparatus
of FIG. 51 and the cover of FIG. 57 with the cover in an open
position.
[0080] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out
herein illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and such
exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of
the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0081] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to
the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described
below. The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be
exhaustive or limit the present lighting system to the precise form
disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the
embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the
art may utilize their teachings. Therefore, no limitation of the
scope of the lighting system is intended. The present lighting
system includes any alterations and further modifications of the
illustrated devices, systems and described methods and further
applications of the principles of the present disclosure which
would normally occur to one skilled in the art. Corresponding
reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the
several views.
[0082] In an illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure a
lighting apparatus 10 shown. Referring to FIG. 1, one or more of
lighting apparatus 10 may be used to illuminate an aquarium 12.
Referring to FIG. 1A, one or more of lighting apparatus 10 may be
used to illuminate one or more plants 150 which are being grown in
a horticultural facility. Exemplary horticultural facilities
include greenhouses and other plant growth structures. Referring to
FIG. 1B, one or more of lighting apparatus 10 may be used to
illuminate one or more areas of a facility 152. Exemplary
facilities include high bay warehouses, other high bay facilities,
office space, retail space, and other suitable facilities.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 2A, the lighting apparatus 10 includes an
emitter 32 which receives a radio frequency (RF) signal from a
power amplifier or driver 50. The RF signal is input into a
resonant cavity or puck 34 having a sealed quartz bulb 38. The puck
34 driven by the power amplifier 50 creates a standing wave
confined within its walls. The electric field of the standing wave
is strongest at the center of the bulb 38 resulting in the
ionization of the gasses inside the bulb 38. The ionized gas
vaporizes contents of the bulb 38 into a plasma state at the center
of bulb 38 to generate an intense source of light. An exemplary
emitter is model number STA 41-02 light emitting plasma emitter
available from Luxim.RTM. located in Sunnyvale, Calif.
[0084] Driver 50 receives DC power from a power source or converter
80. Power source 80 receives AC power from an AC power supply 83,
such as the grid, and rectifies the AC power to produce a DC power
signal for power source 80.
[0085] Returning to FIG. 1, in the illustrated embodiment, the
lighting apparatus 10 is suspended over the aquarium 12 with a
suitable mounting structure 14. Mounting structure 14 may include,
for example, a cable, a mounting bracket, a hood or other suitable
structure located over the aquarium 12 for supporting the lighting
apparatus 10. In illustrated embodiments, the lighting apparatus 10
is suspended about one foot over the water in an open top aquarium
12. Each lighting apparatus 10 illuminates an area of about
3'.times.3' to a depth of roughly 3' within the aquarium 12. Of
course, as illustrated in FIG. 18, lighting apparatus 10 may
illuminate through deeper depths of aquarium water.
[0086] The illustrated lighting apparatus 10 includes an emitter
assembly 16 pivotably coupled to a driver assembly 18 by a hinge
assembly 20. As discussed below, the hinge assembly 20 structurally
and thermally separates the emitter assembly 16 from the driver
assembly 18 to provide an energy efficient lighting apparatus 10
having a compact design with effective heat management
characteristics.
[0087] The lighting apparatus 10 may be coupled to a conventional
aquarium controller 22, if desired, which controls turning the
lighting apparatus 10 on and off and selectively dimming the light
emitted by the lighting apparatus 10. Aquarium controller 22 also
typically controls heating and cooling of the aquarium, a pump,
and/or a wave generator. Alternatively, the lighting apparatus 10
includes manual controls for turning the lighting apparatus 10 on
and off and dimming the light as discussed below.
[0088] In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus 10 is controlled
to simulate environmental characteristics. A first environmental
characteristic is sunrise and sunset. An intensity of the lighting
apparatus 10 may slowly be raised in the morning to simulate
sunrise and in the evening slowly dimmed to simulate a sunset. A
second environmental characteristic is the lunar cycles. The
intensity output of lighting apparatus 10 may be altered during
nighttime hours to simulate different stages of the moon, such as a
full moon or crescent moon.
[0089] Lighting apparatus provides light for promoting the growth
of aquatic plants and organisms. Referring to FIG. 19, a comparison
of the production efficiency of zooplankton for different lighting
technologies is illustrated. Lighting apparatus 10 is used to grow
microorganisms (zooplankton) in food generation tanks The measure
used in FIG. 19 is the number of zooplankton per milliliter per
watt (#zp/mL/W). Lighting apparatus 10 produced 34% more #zp/mL/W
than induction lighting systems and 240% more #zp/mL/W than metal
halide lighting systems. In addition to increased zooplankton
production, the aquarium tank illuminated with lighting apparatus
10 had less "pond scum" formation on the top. Pond scum reduces
further food formation because it blocks light at the surface. One
potential explanation for the reduction in pond scum is that the
full spectrum profile of lighting apparatus 10 causes the nutrients
to be consumed in a better/healthier way which reduces the scum
formation.
[0090] Returning to FIG. 1A, in the illustrated embodiment, the
lighting apparatus 10 is suspended over plants 150 with a suitable
mounting structure 14. Mounting structure 14 may include, for
example, a cable, a mounting bracket, a hood or other suitable
structure located over the plants 150 for supporting the lighting
apparatus 10. In one embodiment, plants 150 are housed in a
greenhouse 154.
[0091] The lighting apparatus 10 is used to supplement natural
lighting to facilitate the growth of plants 150. In one embodiment,
lighting apparatus is the primary source of light for plants 150.
As mentioned herein, the illustrated lighting apparatus 10 includes
an emitter assembly 16 pivotably coupled to a driver assembly 18 by
a hinge assembly 20. As discussed below, the hinge assembly 20
structurally and thermally separates the emitter assembly 16 from
the driver assembly 18 to provide an energy efficient lighting
apparatus 10 having a compact design with effective heat management
characteristics.
[0092] The lighting apparatus 10 may be coupled to a horticultural
controller 156, if desired, which controls turning the lighting
apparatus 10 on and off and selectively dimming the light emitted
by the lighting apparatus 10. Horticultural controller 156 also may
control heating and cooling of the greenhouse 154, watering of
plants 200, and providing fertilizers to the plants 200.
Alternatively, the lighting apparatus 10 includes manual controls
for turning the lighting apparatus 10 on and off and dimming the
light as discussed below.
[0093] In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus 10 is controlled
to provide supplemental lighting to plants 200. In one embodiment,
lighting apparatus are used to provide supplemental lighting to
simulate a longer day. In one example, the lighting apparatus 10 is
at a higher power level early in the morning, decreasing as the
amount of natural light increases, and then increasing again as the
amount of natural light decreases. In one embodiment, lighting
apparatus 10 includes a photocell 610 (see FIG. 35) which may
provide an input of the level of natural light. Based on the
reading from the photocell 610, lighting apparatus 10 or
horticultural controller 156 may control the on/off state of
lighting apparatus 10 and/or the dim level of lighting apparatus
10.
[0094] Lighting apparatus 10 has been used to provide lighting to
cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers all of which have shown good
production. For example cucumber plants grown indoor for about two
weeks using lighting apparatus 10 achieved a dry weight more than 2
times greater than plants grown under fluorescent tubes and more
than 1.5 times greater than plants grown under high-pressure sodium
lamps.
[0095] Lighting apparatus 10 are full spectrum thus offering energy
to chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids. Micromoles is a
measure of the number of photons emitted by a light source that are
usable to plants. Table 1 provides a comparison the Micromoles/per
lumen for various light sources.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I Light Source Micromoles/lumen high pressure
sodium (HPS) 0.13 metal halide 0.15 sunlight 0.2 lighting apparatus
10 (plasma) 0.23
[0096] Returning to FIG. 1B, in the illustrated embodiment, the
lighting apparatus 10 is suspended over a floor 160 of facility 152
with a suitable mounting structure 14. Mounting structure 14 may
include, for example, a cable, a mounting bracket, a hood or other
suitable structure located over the floor 160 for supporting the
lighting apparatus 10.
[0097] The lighting apparatus 10 is used to supplement natural
lighting of the facility 152. In one embodiment, lighting apparatus
is the primary source of light for facility 152. As mentioned
herein, the illustrated lighting apparatus 10 includes an emitter
assembly 16 pivotably coupled to a driver assembly 18 by a hinge
assembly 20. As discussed below, the hinge assembly 20 structurally
and thermally separates the emitter assembly 16 from the driver
assembly 18 to provide an energy efficient lighting apparatus 10
having a compact design with effective heat management
characteristics.
[0098] The lighting apparatus 10 may be coupled to a facility
controller 162, if desired, which controls turning the lighting
apparatus 10 on and off and selectively dimming the light emitted
by the lighting apparatus 10.
[0099] Lighting apparatus 10 has superior color index rendering
(CRI) compared to other light sources. The improved CRI assists
workers to see better and provide better quality checks on
painting/coatings such as the identification of locations on a part
where the coating was thin. Further, lighting apparatus 10 are
robust under vibration.
[0100] In another embodiment, a wireless controller 24 is used to
control the lighting apparatus 10 in one or more of the
environments illustrated in FIGS. 1-1B. Illustratively, the
wireless controller 24 includes a graphical user interface (GUI) 26
on a remote commuting device such as a laptop computer, phone, PDA
or other suitable device. In one illustrated embodiment, a smart
phone application is used to control turning the lighting apparatus
10 on and off and selectively dimming the light. In one embodiment,
the lighting apparatus 10 includes a receiver to receive command
signals from wireless controller 24 and processing sequences
executed by a controller to alter the state of lighting apparatus
10. In one embodiment, the respective aquarium controller 22,
horticultural controller 156, and facility controller 162 includes
a receiver to receive command signals from wireless controller 24
and processing sequences executed to alter the state of lighting
apparatus 10.
[0101] Additional details of the lighting apparatus 10 are
illustrated in FIGS. 2-10. The emitter assembly 16 includes a
housing 30 and emitter 32. As best shown, for example, in FIG. 3A,
the emitter 32 includes a central puck 34 and a plurality of heat
sink fins 36 extending away from the housing 30 to dissipate
heat.
[0102] Emitter 32 is illustratively a model number STA 41-02 light
emitting plasma emitter available from Luxim.RTM. located in
Sunnyvale, Calif. The emitter 32 illustratively includes a bulb 38
located within a dielectric material of the puck 34. The puck 34 is
mounted within a body portion of emitter 32. A coaxial cable
connector 33 (not shown in FIGS. 1-10) is coupled to the emitter
32. The coaxial connector 33 of the emitter 32 is illustratively
coupled to a radio frequency (RF) driver 50 by a coaxial cable (not
shown in FIGS. 1-10) also coupled to a coaxial connector 52 of the
driver 50. The cable enters the driver housing 54 through opening
55 in top panel 56. The driver 50 generates a radio frequency (RF)
signal which is guided through the coaxial cable and the puck 34
into an energy field around the bulb 38. The high concentration of
energy in the electric field vaporizes contents of the bulb 38 into
a plasma state at the center of bulb 38 to generate an intense
source of light. FIGS. 14-16 illustrate the coaxial cable and
connector 33 of emitter 32 in another embodiment of the light
apparatus. See also, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/775,030
which is incorporated by reference herein.
[0103] Emitter assembly 16 further includes a reflector 40 located
within an interior region 42 of housing 30. The standard reflector
is 60.times.60 degrees. Other reflector options include a
110.times.110 degree flood, a 30.times.30 degree deep, and a
110.times.60 degree rectangular reflector. Custom shaped reflectors
may also be used. A window 44 is coupled to an opening of housing
30. Window 44 is made from glass or other suitable material which
allows light to pass therethrough.
[0104] The driver 50 is located within the driver assembly 18. More
particularly, the driver 50 is mounted in a driver housing 54
having a top panel 56, a bottom panel 58, a first end panel 60, a
second end panel 62, and a side panel 64. A heat sink block 66 is
mounted to a side of driver housing 54 opposite from the side panel
64.
[0105] The heat sink block 66 includes a body portion 68 and a
plurality of heat sink fins 70 extending away from the body portion
68 to dissipate heat as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A, for example.
The body portion 68 of heat sink block 66 is coupled to the end
panels 60 and 62 of driver housing 54 by suitable fasteners 72
which pass through the end panels 60, 62 and into the body portion
68.
[0106] The driver 50 is illustratively coupled to the body portion
68 of heat sink block 66 by fasteners 74 as shown in FIGS. 3A and
4A. The driver 50 is spaced apart from the opposite side panel 64
of driver housing 54 to provide an air gap 76 therebetween. A power
supply 80 including a plurality of heat sink fins 82 is mounted to
the side panel 64 of driver housing 54 by suitable fasteners 84.
Power supply 80 is illustratively an Inventronics Model
EUV300S028ST-SLB4. The power supply is illustratively an IP67
(Ingess Protection) rated, 300 W, 28V constant voltage supply,
although any suitable power supply may be used. Inventronics is
located in Hangzhou, China. A power chord (not shown) extends from
the power supply 80 through an aperture 81 formed in end panel 62
as shown in FIG. 7. The dimension of air gap 76 may be adjusted
during the manufacturing process depending upon the particularly
driver 50 and power supply 80 specifications. The driver 50 has an
internal temperature sensor which is monitored by a system
controller. The heat sink fins 70 and 82 are sized and configured
to maintain a temperature of the driver 50 at less than 75.degree.
C. in a 45.degree. C. max ambient temperature.
[0107] As best shown in FIGS. 3, 7, 9 and 10, an on/off switch 90
and manual dimmer control knob 92 are coupled to the driver housing
54. Switch 90 turns the light apparatus 10 on and off manually.
Knob 92 is rotatable to control a potentiometer 93 to adjust the
intensity of light emitted from the emitter 16 from full power
(100%) to about 20% of full power.
[0108] Certain embodiments of the lighting apparatus 10 may also
include an input connector (commonly called the Terminal Block) 94
which receives inputs from wires of the aquarium controller 22 to
control operation of the lighting apparatus 10. In an illustrated
embodiment, the connector 92 receives inputs from the aquarium
controller 22 which provide a 1-10V input to control dimming of the
light from 20% to 100% of full power (maximum intensity). As
discussed above, lighting apparatus 10 may also be controlled via
the wireless controller 24. In one embodiment, the manual dimmer
knob 92 is set at 100 percent.
[0109] The emitter assembly 16 is coupled to the driver assembly 18
by a hinge assembly 20. Hinge assembly 20 illustratively includes a
formed bracket 90 having a first arm 92 connected to a first hinge
portion 94 by suitable fasteners 96. A second hinge portion 98 is
coupled to emitter housing 30 by suitable fasteners 100. First and
second hinge portions 94 and 98 are connected to pivot about an
axis 102. A handle 104 is illustratively movable from a first
position to permit pivotal movement of the first and second hinge
portions 94 and 98 about axis 102 to a second locked position in
which the first and second hinge portions 94 and 98 are held in a
fixed position relative to each other. Therefore, an operator can
move the handle 104 to the first position and then pivot the
emitter housing 30 to a desired location such as shown in FIGS. 9
and 10, for example. Once the emitter housing 30 is located in the
desired position, the handle 104 can be moved to its second locked
position to hold the emitter housing 30 in the desired position
relative to the driver housing 54. The handle can also be pulled to
disengage the handle from the tightening mechanism so once the
hinge is tight you can position the hinge handle where you want it
without loosening the hinge.
[0110] A second arm 106 of formed bracket 90 is coupled to a
downwardly extending mounting bracket 108. A mounting bolt 109 is
provided to secure the bracket 90 to the mounting structure 14.
Mounting bracket 108 may be integrally formed with the bracket 90,
welded to the bracket 90, or otherwise coupled by fasteners to the
second arm 106 of bracket 90. Mounting bracket 108 is
illustratively secured to the body portion 68 of heat sink block 66
by suitable fasteners 110 as best shown in FIG. 4A. Alternatively,
the mounting bracket 108 may be welded or otherwise secured to a
more rigid top panel 56 of driver housing 54.
[0111] The dimensions of bracket 90 are selected so that the
emitter housing 30 is spaced apart from the driver housing 54 by a
selected distance illustrated by dimension 112 in FIG. 4, for
example. In one embodiment, distance 112 is about 10 mm. In one
embodiment, distance 112 is at least about 2-4 inches depending on
angle of head. The size and shape of the bracket 90 or other
suitable mounting structure may be adjusted during the
manufacturing process to maintain efficient cooling of the emitter
32, driver 50, and power supply 80 during operation of the lighting
apparatus 10. The hinge assembly 20 of the lighting apparatus 10
structurally and thermally divides the emitter assembly 16 from the
driver assembly 18. In other words, the heat sink 36 of the emitter
32 is separated from the heat sink block 66 of the driver 50 and
the heat sink fins 82 of the power supply 80 structurally and
thermally by the hinge assembly 20.
[0112] In one example, lighting apparatus 10 is set to full power
and receives AC power from AC power supply 83. Of the received
electrical power, about 7 percent of the power is dissipated as
heat from the power supply 80, about 23 percent of the power is
dissipated as heat from the driver 50, and about 32 percent of the
power is dissipated as heat from the emitter 32. Emitter 32
operates at a higher temperature than the driver 50 or the power
supply 80. By thermally separating emitter 32 from driver 50, by an
air gap, an insulator coupling, or a metal coupling having a high
thermal resistance (generally due to limited cross sectional area
along heat flow path), the amount of heat transferred from the
emitter to the driver is reduced.
[0113] The vertical orientation of the driver heat sink block fins
70 is designed to ensure good heat transfer from the heat sink 66
via natural convection of the surrounding air. The thin sheet metal
driver cover provides a gap between the side of the driver 50 which
is not mounted to the heat sink block 66 and the mounted side of
the power supply 80. In addition the thin sheet metal hinders
conduction of heat from the driver heat sink block 66 to the power
supply 80. The ability to keep good air flow via natural convection
over the power supply 80 is maintained by keeping it mounted
outside of the sheet metal driver enclosure, although this result
may also be achieved with a well perforated cover that allows
sufficient airflow.
[0114] Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated
in FIGS. 13-16. The lighting apparatus 110 is similar to the
lighting apparatus 10 discussed above. Components with the same
reference numbers perform the same or similar function. In this
illustrated embodiment, a coaxial connector 33 is shown coupled to
the emitter as discussed above but not shown in FIGS. 1-10. The
hinge assembly 120 in the embodiment of FIGS. 11-16 includes a
U-shaped bracket 122 having a first leg 124 coupled to the first
hinge portion 94. A second leg 126 of U-shaped mounting bracket 122
is coupled to body portion 68 of heat sink block 66 in a manner
similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-10 discussed above.
Alternatively, the second leg 126 may be welded or otherwise
attached to a more rigid top panel 56 of driver housing 54. In the
embodiment of FIGS. 11-16, the power supply 80 is separate from the
driver housing 54. The power supply is coupled to the driver 50 by
a cable as shown, for example, in FIG. 15. The power supply can be
mounting to the driver cover via two L brackets. Also in both
designs the hinge can be eliminated and the reflector housing
attached directly to the brackets for lights that only need to
shine in a static direction.
[0115] As discussed above, in the illustrated embodiment, the
lighting apparatus includes energy efficient lights such as the
plasma lighting. Illustrative features of one embodiment of the
plasma lighting apparatus include:
TABLE-US-00002 Weight 17 lbs Source Lumens 23,000 Fixture Lumens
15,000 + with a ~17,000 typical Energy Efficiency 58 lumens/watt
Rated Average Life 25,000 hours Typical Turn-on Time 40 seconds
Dimming Range 20-100% Voltage 100-277 V Power Consumption 290 W
correlated color temperature (CCT) 5,300 K color rendering index
(CRI) 95
[0116] The lighting apparatus 10 of the present disclosure provides
a more efficient lighting option than traditional metal halide
lighting systems. In an illustrated embodiment, present lighting
apparatus provides 180-percent higher PAR value than that of a
10,000K, 400 W metal halide fixture while using just 290 W light
emitter 32. See the graph in FIG. 17. The light also achieves full
brightness in about 40 seconds. With a Correlated Color Temperature
(CCT) of 5,300K at 100 percent, the present lighting apparatus
provides a wide spectrum of lighting possibilities. When dimmed
below 50 percent, the present lighting apparatus 10 emits a
pleasant blue hue desirable in aquarium lighting with the benefits
of simulating natural sunlight at full power. FIG. 18 is a graph of
PAR power distribution taken at different depths in a salt water
aquarium.
[0117] Referring to FIGS. 20-23, another embodiment of the
arrangement of the components of lighting apparatus 10 is
illustrated. Referring to FIG. 21, driver 50 and power supply 80
are housed within a housing 200. Driver 50 is coupled to a heat
sink 202 having a plurality of fins 204. Housing 200 includes a
central passageway 210 through which air may enter through either a
top wall 212 (FIG. 21) or a bottom wall 214 (see FIG. 23) of
housing 200 and exit the other of top wall 212 (FIG. 21) or a
bottom wall 214 (see FIG. 23) of housing 200. The fins 204 of heat
sink 202 are positioned in central passageway 210 and interacts
with the air passing therethrough. Housing 200 having the central
passageway 210 produces a chimney effect and thus may provide
enhanced cooling in situations having low external air
movement.
[0118] Referring to FIGS. 24-29, another embodiment of the
arrangement of the components of lighting apparatus 10 is
illustrated. Referring to FIG. 26, a housing 300 is provided.
Housing 300 includes a first face 302 onto which power supply 80 is
coupled with fasteners 304. Face 302 is oriented towards emitter
assembly 16 (see FIG. 24).
[0119] Driver 50 is housed within housing 300. Driver 50 is further
secured to a heat sink 310 with fasteners 312. Heat sink 310
includes a plurality of fins 34 which extend from a base member 316
to which driver 50 is coupled. Base member 316 is coupled to
housing 300 through a plurality of fasteners 318 (see FIGS. 24 and
25).
[0120] Referring to FIG. 28, hinge assembly 20 is coupled to
bracket 106 which is coupled to base member 316 of heat sink 310
through fasteners 330. A separate bracket 332 is coupled to bracket
106. Bracket 332 is one example of a mounting structure 14.
[0121] Referring to FIGS. 30-32, another embodiment of the
arrangement of the components of lighting apparatus 10 is
illustrated. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 30-32 is the same
as the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 24-29, except that hinge
assembly 20 is removed and bracket 106 is directly coupled to
emitter assembly 16.
[0122] Referring to FIGS. 33-42 an energy efficient street light
514 is shown. Street light 514 includes a pair of lighting
apparatus 510. In one embodiment, street light 514 includes a
single lighting apparatus 510. Two of lighting apparatus 510
outshine three traditional street lights. The light produced by
lighting apparatus 510 is generally equivalent to daylight,
providing optimal illumination for drivers and pedestrians.
[0123] An illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure, the
light is used in a different configuration to light billboards,
buildings or other similar areas. The light produced by lighting
apparatus 510 is generally equivalent to daylight, making
billboards easier to read.
[0124] The lighting apparatus illustratively uses a LEP (Light
Emitting Plasma) light source. The lights are highly efficient,
saving about 35-55% in energy costs over equivalent output metal
halide fixtures. With a life span of about 50,000 hours, the LEP
lights extend lifetimes and reduce maintenance costs. The lights
are dimmable for additional energy savings. Each fixture is
available with an optional photocell control or with an advanced
city-wide networking control so an operator can monitor and adjust
the status and power level of multiple lights throughout a city
from any computer, PDA device or other controller using an Internet
browser or other communication network.
[0125] FIG. 33 illustrates a first embodiment of a lighting
apparatus 510 of the present disclosure. In FIG. 33, two lighting
apparatuses 510 are coupled to mounting poles 512 of a street light
514. Electrical power is supplied to lighting apparatus 510 through
the main vertical pole 515 and mounting poles 512 in a conventional
manner. In another embodiment, a single lighting apparatus 510 is
coupled to each pole 515.
[0126] Each lighting apparatus 510 includes an emitter assembly 516
pivotably coupled to a driver assembly 518 by a hinge assembly 520.
As discussed below, the hinge assembly 520 structurally and
thermally separates the emitter assembly 516 from the driver
assembly 518 to provide an energy efficient lighting apparatus 510
with effective heat management characteristics.
[0127] The lighting apparatus 510 is illustratively coupled to a
controller 522 which controls turning the lighting apparatus 510 on
and off and selectively dimming the light emitted by the lighting
apparatus 510. The controller 522 may be located inside or outside
of the lighting apparatus. Alternatively, the lighting apparatus
510 includes manual controls for turning the lighting apparatus 510
on and off and dimming the light.
[0128] In another embodiment, a wireless controller 524 is used to
control the lighting apparatus 510. Illustratively, the wireless
controller 524 includes a graphical user interface (GUI) 526 on a
remote computing device such as a computer, phone, PDA or other
suitable device. In one illustrated embodiment, an smartphone
application is used to control turning the lighting apparatus 510
on and off and selectively dim the light.
[0129] Additional details of the lighting apparatus 510 are
illustrated in FIGS. 34-44. The emitter assembly 516 includes a
housing 530 and emitter 532. As best shown, for example, in FIG.
42, the emitter 532 includes a central puck 534 and a plurality of
heat sink fins 536 extending away from the housing 530 to dissipate
heat.
[0130] Emitter 532 is illustratively a model number STA 41-01 light
emitting plasma emitter available from Luxim.RTM. located in
Sunnyvale, Calif. The emitter 532 illustratively includes a bulb
538 located within a dielectric material of the puck 534. The puck
534 is mounted within a body portion of emitter 532. A coaxial
cable connector 533 (shown in FIG. 39) is coupled to the emitter
532. The coaxial connector 533 of the emitter 532 is illustratively
coupled to a radio frequency (RF) driver 550 (shown in FIG. 42) by
a coaxial cable 551 also coupled to a coaxial connector of the
driver 550. The cable enters a housing 554 of driver assembly 18
through an opening 555 in an end panel 560. The driver 550
generates a radio frequency (RF) signal which is guided through the
coaxial cable and the puck 534 into an energy field around the bulb
538. The high concentration of energy in the electric field
vaporizes contents of the bulb 538 into a plasma state at the
center of bulb 538 to generate an intense source of light. See
also, U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/775,030 and 61/379,969
which are incorporated by reference herein.
[0131] Emitter assembly 516 further includes a reflector 540
located within an interior region 542 of housing 530. A window 544
is coupled to an opening of housing 530. Window 544 is made from
glass or other suitable material which allows light to pass
therethrough. A bottom portion of housing 530 which holds the
window 544 is pivotably relative to the rest of the housing 530
about hinges 546.
[0132] The driver 550 is located within the driver assembly 518.
More particularly, the driver 550 is mounted in an interior region
553 of a driver housing 554 having a top panel 556, a bottom panel
558, a first end panel 560, a second end panel 562, a first side
panel 564 and a second side panel 565. Top panel 556 and first and
second side panels 564 and 565 provide a heat sink 566 of driver
housing 554. Bottom panel 558 is coupled to the housing 554 by a
hinge 559 shown in FIG. 42. Bottom panel 558 is held in position by
latches 557. Therefore, bottom panel 558 can be pivoted about hinge
559 to provide access to the interior region 553 of driver housing
554.
[0133] The heat sink 566 includes a plurality of heat sink fins 570
to dissipate heat. The driver 550 is illustratively coupled to the
top panel 556 of heat sink block 566 by fasteners 574 as shown in
FIG. 42. The driver 550 is spaced apart from the bottom panel 558
of driver housing 554 to provide an air gap therebetween. A power
supply 580 is mounted to the bottom panel 558 of driver housing 554
by suitable fasteners 584. Power supply 580 is illustratively an
Inventronics Model EUV300S028ST-SLB4. The power supply is
illustratively an IP67 (Ingess Protection) rated, 300 W, 28V
constant voltage supply, although any suitable power supply may be
used. Inventronics is located in Hangzhou, China. A power chord
(not shown) extends from the power supply 580 through an aperture
581 formed in end panel 562 as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42 and is
coupled to the electrical power supply (not shown) of the street
light 514. The dimension of air gap may be adjusted during the
manufacturing process depending upon the particularly driver 550
and power supply 580 specifications. The driver 550 has an internal
temperature sensor which is monitored by a system controller. The
heat sink fins 570 are sized and configured to maintain a
temperature of the driver 550 at less than 75.degree. C. in a
45.degree. C. max ambient temperature.
[0134] In an illustrated embodiment, the controller 522 provides a
1-10V input to control dimming of the light from 20% to 100% of
full power (maximum intensity). As discussed above, lighting
apparatus 510 may also be controlled via the wireless controller
524. The controller 522 or 524 may be used by an operator to
monitor and control a plurality of lights throughout an area such
as a city. The controller can monitor the status of each lighting
apparatus 510 including power settings, remaining life, or other
operational features of the lighting apparatus 510.
[0135] The emitter assembly 516 is coupled to the driver assembly
518 by hinge assembly 520. Hinge assembly 520 comprises of a first
pair of arms 590 coupled to end panel 560 of driver housing 554. A
second pair of arms 592 is coupled to emitter housing 530. Arms 592
nest within arms 590 to provide the hinge assembly 520. As best
shown in FIG. 38, the hinge pivots about axis 594 to move the
emitter housing 530 relative to the driver housing 554. A fastener
596 and spacer 598 are coupled to arms 590 and 592 to provide the
pivot connection about pivot axis 594. A locking fastener 600 is
selectively coupled to one of a plurality of apertures 602 and 603
formed in arms 590 and 592, respectively, as best shown in FIGS.
38, 39, 42 and 44 so that the angle of the emitter housing 530 may
be adjusted relative to the angle of driver housing 554 depending
upon the particular application.
[0136] The dimensions of hinge assembly 520 are selected so that
the emitter housing 530 is spaced apart from the driver housing 554
by a selected distance. In one embodiment, the emitter housing 530
is about 4 inches from the driver housing 554. The size and shape
of the hinge assembly 520 or other suitable mounting structure may
be adjusted during the manufacturing process to maintain efficient
cooling of the emitter 532, driver 550, and power supply 580 during
operation of the lighting apparatus 510. The hinge assembly 520 of
the lighting apparatus 510 structurally and thermally divides the
emitter assembly 516 from the driver assembly 518. In other words,
the heat sink 536 of the emitter 532 is separated from the heat
sink block 566 of the driver housing 554 structurally and thermally
by the hinge assembly 520.
[0137] The orientation of the of the driver heat sink fins 570 is
designed to ensure good heat transfer from the heat sink 566 via
natural convection of the surrounding air. The thin sheet metal
bottom panel 558 provides a gap between the side of the driver 550
which is not mounted to the heat sink block 566 and the power
supply 580.
[0138] As discussed above, in the illustrated embodiment, the
lighting apparatus includes energy efficient lights such as the
plasma lighting. Illustrative features of one embodiment of the
plasma lighting apparatus include:
TABLE-US-00003 Weight 30 lbs Source Lumens 23,000 Fixture Lumens
19,300 Energy Efficiency 58 lumens/watt Rated Average Life 50,000
hours Typical Turn-on Time 45 seconds Dimming Range 20-100% Nominal
AC Power at 220 v 290 watts Voltage 200-277 V Power Consumption 290
W CCT 5,500 K CRI 75
[0139] The lighting apparatus 510 of the present disclosure
provides a more efficient lighting option than traditional metal
halide lighting systems. Additional details of the lighting
apparatus are in the attached two Appendices which are incorporated
herein by reference.
[0140] In the illustrative embodiment, a photocell 610 is coupled
to the driver housing 554. The photocell 610 automatically turns
the lighting apparatus 510 on and off based upon detected ambient
light levels. The photocell 610 is optional. In other embodiments,
the lighting apparatus 510 is controlled by a conventional timer or
controlled by controllers 520 or 522 as discussed above.
[0141] Lighting apparatus 510 illustratively includes a pole
mounting portion 612 having a generally U-shaped top clamping
portion 614 and a bottom clamping plate 616 coupled to the top
clamping portion 614 by suitable fasteners 618. The position of
bottom clamping plate 616 is adjustable relative to the top
clamping portion 614 to accommodate and secure mounting poles
having various diameters.
[0142] A lighting apparatus 510 of the present disclosure may be
used in an alternative configuration shown in FIGS. 43 and 44 to
light other items such as a billboard 620. In the FIG. 43
embodiment, three separate lighting apparatuses 510 are mounted to
separate mounting poles 622 to illuminate the billboard 620. The
lighting apparatus 510 may be used in the orientation of FIGS. 43
and 44 to light other desired items such as buildings, artwork,
landscape, or the like. As best shown in FIG. 44, in the billboard
configuration, the emitter housing 530 is rotated 180.degree.
relative to the driver housing 554. Again, the tilt orientation of
the emitter housing 530 is adjustable relative to the driver
housing 554 to align the light emitter housing 530 in the desired
position for aiming the light source. The lighting apparatus 510
therefore provides improved, energy efficient lighting for streets,
parking lots, billboards, buildings, artwork or other high
illuminance applications.
[0143] Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated
in FIGS. 45-50. Elements numbered the same as FIGS. 33-44 perform
the same or similar functions as described above. In the embodiment
of FIGS. 45 and 46, the hinge assembly includes arms 630 and 632 on
opposite sides of the emitter housing 530. Fasteners 634 and 636
extend through arms 630 and 632, respectively, and into receiving
portions 638 and 640 of driver housing 554. Fasteners 634 and 636
define a pivot axis 642 for the emitter housing 530 relative to
driver housing 554. Fasteners 644 and 646 extend through elongated
slots 648 and 650, respectively, and into mounting portions 638 and
640. Fasteners 644 and 646 may be loosened to permit the emitter
housing 530 to be tilted relative to the driver housing 554 to a
desired orientation. The fasteners 644 and 646 are then secured to
hold the emitter housing 530 in the desired position.
[0144] Referring to FIGS. 51-58, another embodiment of lighting
apparatus 510 is shown. Lighting apparatus 510 includes a different
driver assembly 718. Driver assembly 718 is hinged like driver
assembly 518, except that mounting pole 512 is coupled to driver
assembly 718 on an interior of driver assembly 718. This also
provides a larger aperture 704 (see FIG. 55) in driver assembly for
wiring to be routed. The cast housing also includes bosses to which
zip ties or other fasteners may be coupled to assist with wire
management.
[0145] Driver assembly 718 includes a two piece housing 720 having
an interior 722 (see FIG. 56). In one embodiment, a main housing
724 is a cast piece having a first heat sink 726 and a second heat
sink 728. Each of heat sinks 726 and 728 include a plurality of
fins.
[0146] Housing 720 further includes a cover 732 which is rotatably
coupled to main housing 724. Cover 732 is rotatable between a
closed position (see FIG. 55) and an open position (see FIG. 58).
Cover 732 is coupled to the housing 724 by a hinge 740 shown in
FIG. 55. Cover 732 is held in position by latches 742.
[0147] Power supply 580 is coupled to the inside of cover 732.
Cover 732 includes a plurality of fins to assist in cooling power
supply 580. Driver 550 is coupled to the inside of housing 724. The
heat sinks 726 and 728 of housing 724 assist in cooling driver
550.
[0148] Referring to FIG. 56, a mounting clamp 750 is provided
within the interior 722 of driver assembly 718. The mounting pole
512 is inserted through aperture 704 in housing 724 and is
positioned below mounting clamp 750. Mounting pole 512 is captured
by mounting claim 750 by tightening bolts 752 which are received in
corresponding bosses of housing 724. Since bolts 752 are in the
interior 722 of driver assembly 718 they are not exposed to the
weather.
[0149] While this disclosure has been described as having exemplary
designs and embodiments, the present system may be further modified
within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is
therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of
the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this
application is intended to cover such departures from the present
disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to
which this disclosure pertains.
* * * * *