Patent US5282121A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5282121A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
High intensity lighting projectors
Assignee: Vari Lite Inc
•
Filing: 1991-04-30
•
Granted: 1994-01-25
•
Expires: 2011-04-30
Abstract
Abstract A high intensity light projector for stage, architectural and similar applications includes a controllable image quality projection gate providing advanced visual effects. The projection gate, capable of selectively scattering or transmitting incident light, may be constructed of an array of scattering liquid crystal material in combination with infrared and ultraviolet reduction means which provide in the high intensity beam, a stable thermal environment by minimizing the absorption of light by the projection gate. Additional thermal efficiency is provided by supplemental cooling means. Color control is also provided in the form of dichroic filter wheels forming cooperating adjustable low, high and band width filters including saturation control. A color measuring feedback sensor is also provided. An intensity measuring feedback sensor controls a spatially-modulated, variable-density, reflectively-coated dimming wheel. A programmable gobo system has provisions for gobo selection, orientation, and rotation.
Inventors
- 👤 James M. Bornhorst
- 👤 Timothy D. Stacy
- 👤 Richard W. Hutton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:07
CPC Classifications
F; F21; F21S; F21S10/00; F21S10/007; F21S45/00; F21S45/40; F21S45/42; F21S45/46; F21V; F21V14/00; F21V14/003; F21V29/00; F21V29/50; F21V29/56; F21V29/70; F21V9/00; F21V9/04; F21V9/40; G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/13; G02F1/133; G02F1/1333; G02F1/133382; G02F1/133385; G03; G03B; G03B21/00; G03B21/14; G03B21/16; H; H04; H04N; H04N5/00; H04N5/74; H04N5/7416; H04N5/7441; H04N9/00; H04N9/12; H04N9/31; H04N9/3102; H04N9/3111; H04N9/3114; H04N9/3141; H04N9/3144; H04N9/315; H04N9/3155; H04N9/3197; F21W; F21W2131/00; F21W2131/40; F21W2131/406; G02F1/1334; G02F1/1335; G02F1/133509
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 42
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
A light projection system for lighting applications having one or more light projectors which include image forming means, said one or more projectors comprising: (1) a light beam source for generating an unpolarized light beam having an intensity suitable for lighting applications; (2) a projection gate located to modulate said unpolarized light beam and having an addressable array of light scattering liquid crystal pixels in an essentially non-absorptive optical environment, said pixels being capable of assuming transparent and opaque states; (3) an active heat control system for protecting said array of liquid crystals from the heat generated by said beam; and (4) a source of image control signals connected to said array to control the states of said pixels to vary the image projected by said beam.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
A light projection system for lighting applications having one or more light projectors which include image forming means, said one or more projectors comprising: (1) a light beam source for generating an unpolarized light beam having an intensity suitable for lighting applications; (2) a projection gate located to modulate said unpolarized light beam and having an addressable array of light scattering liquid crystal pixels in an essentially non-absorptive optical environment, said pixels being capable of assuming transparent and opaque states; (3) an active heat control system for protecting said array of liquid crystals from the heat generated by said beam; and (4) a source of image control signals connected to said array to control the states of said pixels to vary the image projected by said beam.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system according to claim 1 including an essentially sealed housing enclosing said light projectors.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A light projection system according to claim 1 in which said active heat control system is thermostatically-controlled.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A light projection system according to claim 1 in which said light beam source has a power rating of about 1000 Watts.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A light projection system according to claim 1 in which said light beam source has a power rating greater than about 300 Watts.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
122 words
An image projection system comprising: (1) a high intensity light beam source for generating an unpolarized light beam; (2) a beam modulation system including an addressable array of light scattering liquid crystal pixels in an essentially non-absorptive optical environment, said pixels being capable of assuming transparent and opaque states and positioned to modulate said unpolarized light beam; (3) an active heat control system for protecting said array of liquid crystals from the heat generated by said beam, said heat control system including heat transfer means in a thermally conductive relationship with said array; and (4) a source of image control signals connected to said array to control the transmission states of said pixels to thereby vary the image projected by said beam.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
122 words
An image projection system comprising: (1) a high intensity light beam source for generating an unpolarized light beam; (2) a beam modulation system including an addressable array of light scattering liquid crystal pixels in an essentially non-absorptive optical environment, said pixels being capable of assuming transparent and opaque states and positioned to modulate said unpolarized light beam; (3) an active heat control system for protecting said array of liquid crystals from the heat generated by said beam, said heat control system including heat transfer means in a thermally conductive relationship with said array; and (4) a source of image control signals connected to said array to control the transmission states of said pixels to thereby vary the image projected by said beam.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
26 words
A system according to claims 1 or 6 including beam color control means for controlling the color of the beam modulated by said liquid crystal array.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
18 words
A system according to claims 1 or 6 in which said heat control system includes a liquid cell.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
29 words
A system according to claims 1 or 6 in which said system includes means for diverting radiant energy in the infrared range or the ultraviolet range from said array.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
29 words
A system according to claims 1 or 6 in which said system includes a dielectric interference filter having dichroic properties for protecting said array for potentially damaging radiant energy.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
20 words
A system according to claims 1 or 6 including a hot mirror positioned between said beam source and said array.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
28 words
A system according to claims 1 or 6 in which at least certain of said liquid crystal pixels comprise nematic liquid crystal materials dispersed in a polymer matrix.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
20 words
A system according to claims 1 or 6 including a folded optical system to reverse the direction of said beam.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
19 words
A system according to claims 1 or 6 in which said heat control means includes a liquid circulations system.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
42 words
A system according to claims 1 or 6 in which said liquid crystal pixels comprise liquid crystal material selected from the group comprising polymer dispersed liquid crystals, nematic curvilinear aligned phase liquid crystals, liquid crystal polymer composites, and polymer network liquid crystals.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
26 words
A system according to claims 1 or 6 in which said heat control system does not depend on forced air circulation whereby silent operation is achieved.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
21 words
A system according to claims 1 or 6 including a programmable gobo control system for imposing additional modulation of said beam.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
30 words
A system according to claims 1 or 6 in which the transparency of said liquid crystal pixels can be adjusted over a range of values to provide gray scale effects.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
67 words
A system according to claims 1 or 6 including: (1) a carrier for supporting a plurality of gobos; (2) means for controlling said carrier to position one of said gobos in said beam; and (3) means for varying the angular orientation, velocity, and direction of a selected gobo, whereby the generated beam pattern can be adjusted by both gobo pattern selection and orientation of the selected gobo.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
23 words
A system according to claims 1 or 6 which said array includes an active matrix coupled to said source of image control signals.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
17 words
An image projection system according to claim 6 in which said active heat control system is thermostatically-controlled.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
22 words
An image projection system according to claim 6 in which said light beam source has a power rating of about 1000 Watts.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
23 words
An image projection system according to claim 6 in which said light beam source has a power rating greater than about 300 Watts.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
183 words
A light projection system for lighting applications having one or more light projectors which include image forming means, said one or more projectors comprising: (1) a light beam source for generating a beam having an intensity suitable for lighting applications; (2) a projection gate located to modulate said beam and having an addressable array of light scattering liquid crystal pixels in an essentially non-absorptive optical environment, said pixels being capable of assuming transparent and opaque states; (3) a heat control system for protecting said array of liquid crystals from heat generated by said beam; (4) a source of image control signals connected to said array to control the states of said pixels to vary the image projected by said beam; (5) a primary color generator for filtering said beam to repetitively produce three primary colors in succession for illuminating said array; and (6) means for controlling said liquid crystal pixels to produce video images corresponding to each of said primary colors in synchronism with the illumination of said array with said primary colors, whereby said beam is modulated with said colored video images.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
183 words
A light projection system for lighting applications having one or more light projectors which include image forming means, said one or more projectors comprising: (1) a light beam source for generating a beam having an intensity suitable for lighting applications; (2) a projection gate located to modulate said beam and having an addressable array of light scattering liquid crystal pixels in an essentially non-absorptive optical environment, said pixels being capable of assuming transparent and opaque states; (3) a heat control system for protecting said array of liquid crystals from heat generated by said beam; (4) a source of image control signals connected to said array to control the states of said pixels to vary the image projected by said beam; (5) a primary color generator for filtering said beam to repetitively produce three primary colors in succession for illuminating said array; and (6) means for controlling said liquid crystal pixels to produce video images corresponding to each of said primary colors in synchronism with the illumination of said array with said primary colors, whereby said beam is modulated with said colored video images.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
158 words
An image projection system comprising: (1) a high intensity light beam source for generating a beam; (2) a beam modulation system including an addressable array of light scattering liquid crystal pixels capable of assuming transparent and opaque states and positioned to modulate unpolarized light transmitted in said beam; (3) a heat control system for protecting said array including a heat sink in thermally conductive relationship with said array; (4) a source of image control signals connected to said array to control the states of said pixels to thereby vary the image projected by said beam; (5) a primary color generator for filtering said beam to repetitively produce three primary colors in succession for illuminating said array; and (6) means for controlling said liquid crystal pixels to produce video images corresponding to each of said primary colors in synchronism with the illumination of said array with said primary colors, whereby said beam is modulated with said colored video images.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
158 words
An image projection system comprising: (1) a high intensity light beam source for generating a beam; (2) a beam modulation system including an addressable array of light scattering liquid crystal pixels capable of assuming transparent and opaque states and positioned to modulate unpolarized light transmitted in said beam; (3) a heat control system for protecting said array including a heat sink in thermally conductive relationship with said array; (4) a source of image control signals connected to said array to control the states of said pixels to thereby vary the image projected by said beam; (5) a primary color generator for filtering said beam to repetitively produce three primary colors in succession for illuminating said array; and (6) means for controlling said liquid crystal pixels to produce video images corresponding to each of said primary colors in synchronism with the illumination of said array with said primary colors, whereby said beam is modulated with said colored video images.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
160 words
A light projection system for lighting applications having one or more light projectors which include image forming means, said one or more projectors comprising: (1) a light beam source for generating a beam having an intensity suitable for lighting applications; (2) a projection gate located to modulate said beam and having an addressable array of light scattering liquid crystal pixels in an essentially non-absorptive optical environment, said pixels being capable of assuming transparent and opaque states; (3) a heat control system for protecting said array of liquid crystals from heat generated by said beam; (4) a source of image control signals connected to said array to control the states of said pixels to vary the image projected by said beam; and (5) a color control system for adjusting the color of said beam, said color control system including a plurality of cooperating dichroic filter elements, each of said elements having adjustable filter characteristics capable of selective positioning in said beam.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
160 words
A light projection system for lighting applications having one or more light projectors which include image forming means, said one or more projectors comprising: (1) a light beam source for generating a beam having an intensity suitable for lighting applications; (2) a projection gate located to modulate said beam and having an addressable array of light scattering liquid crystal pixels in an essentially non-absorptive optical environment, said pixels being capable of assuming transparent and opaque states; (3) a heat control system for protecting said array of liquid crystals from heat generated by said beam; (4) a source of image control signals connected to said array to control the states of said pixels to vary the image projected by said beam; and (5) a color control system for adjusting the color of said beam, said color control system including a plurality of cooperating dichroic filter elements, each of said elements having adjustable filter characteristics capable of selective positioning in said beam.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
135 words
An image projection system comprising: (1) a high intensity light beam source for generating a beam; (2) a beam modulation system including an addressable array of light scattering liquid crystal pixels capable of assuming transparent and opaque states and positioned to modulate unpolarized light transmitted in said beam; (3) a heat control system for protecting said array including a heat sink in thermally conductive relationship with said array; (4) a source of image control signals connected to said array to control the states of said pixels to thereby vary the image projected by said beam; and (5) a color control system for adjusting the color of said beam, said color control system including a plurality of cooperating dichroic filter elements, each of said elements having adjustable filter characteristics capable of selective positioning in said beam.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
135 words
An image projection system comprising: (1) a high intensity light beam source for generating a beam; (2) a beam modulation system including an addressable array of light scattering liquid crystal pixels capable of assuming transparent and opaque states and positioned to modulate unpolarized light transmitted in said beam; (3) a heat control system for protecting said array including a heat sink in thermally conductive relationship with said array; (4) a source of image control signals connected to said array to control the states of said pixels to thereby vary the image projected by said beam; and (5) a color control system for adjusting the color of said beam, said color control system including a plurality of cooperating dichroic filter elements, each of said elements having adjustable filter characteristics capable of selective positioning in said beam.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
148 words
A light projection system for lighting applications having one or more light projectors which include image forming means, said one or more projectors comprising: (1) a light beam source for generating a beam having an intensity suitable for lighting applications; (2) a projection gate located to modulate said beam and having an addressable array of light scattering liquid crystal pixels in an essentially non-absorptive optical environment, said pixels being capable of assuming transparent and opaque states; (3) a heat control system for protecting said array of liquid crystals from heat generated by said beam, said heat control system including a liquid cell having a flexible membrane separating a sealed inner chamber from an outer chamber through which fluid coolant is circulated; and (4) a source of image control signals connected to said array to control the states of said pixels to vary the image projected by said beam.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
148 words
A light projection system for lighting applications having one or more light projectors which include image forming means, said one or more projectors comprising: (1) a light beam source for generating a beam having an intensity suitable for lighting applications; (2) a projection gate located to modulate said beam and having an addressable array of light scattering liquid crystal pixels in an essentially non-absorptive optical environment, said pixels being capable of assuming transparent and opaque states; (3) a heat control system for protecting said array of liquid crystals from heat generated by said beam, said heat control system including a liquid cell having a flexible membrane separating a sealed inner chamber from an outer chamber through which fluid coolant is circulated; and (4) a source of image control signals connected to said array to control the states of said pixels to vary the image projected by said beam.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
108 words
An image projection system comprising: (1) a high intensity light beam source for generating a beam; (2) a beam modulation system including an addressable array of light scattering liquid crystal pixels capable of assuming transparent and opaque states and positioned to modulate unpolarized light transmitted in said beam; (3) a heat control system for protecting said array including a liquid cell having a flexible membrane separating a sealed inner chamber from an outer chamber through which fluid coolant is circulated; and (4) a source of image control signals connected to said array to control the states of said pixels to thereby vary the image projected by said beam.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
108 words
An image projection system comprising: (1) a high intensity light beam source for generating a beam; (2) a beam modulation system including an addressable array of light scattering liquid crystal pixels capable of assuming transparent and opaque states and positioned to modulate unpolarized light transmitted in said beam; (3) a heat control system for protecting said array including a liquid cell having a flexible membrane separating a sealed inner chamber from an outer chamber through which fluid coolant is circulated; and (4) a source of image control signals connected to said array to control the states of said pixels to thereby vary the image projected by said beam.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
196 words
A light projection system for lighting applications having one or more light projectors which include image forming means, said one or more projectors comprising: (1) a light beam source for generating an unpolarized light beam having an intensity suitable for lighting applications; (2) a projection gate located to modulate said unpolarized light beam and having an addressable array of light scattering liquid crystal pixels in an essentially non-absorptive optical environment, said pixels being capable of assuming transparent and opaque states; (3) a lamp enclosure for containing said light beam source and projection gate; (4) a heat control system for protecting said array of liquid crystals from heat generated by said beam, said heat control system including a liquid cell in thermal contact with said array of liquid crystals, said liquid cell containing fluid coolant; (5) a source of image control signals connected to said array to control the states of said pixels to vary the image projected by said beam; and (6) a liquid circulation system for circulating said fluid coolant between said liquid cell and a radiator having a portion extending outside of said lamp enclosure for transferring said heat outside of said lamp enclosure.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
196 words
A light projection system for lighting applications having one or more light projectors which include image forming means, said one or more projectors comprising: (1) a light beam source for generating an unpolarized light beam having an intensity suitable for lighting applications; (2) a projection gate located to modulate said unpolarized light beam and having an addressable array of light scattering liquid crystal pixels in an essentially non-absorptive optical environment, said pixels being capable of assuming transparent and opaque states; (3) a lamp enclosure for containing said light beam source and projection gate; (4) a heat control system for protecting said array of liquid crystals from heat generated by said beam, said heat control system including a liquid cell in thermal contact with said array of liquid crystals, said liquid cell containing fluid coolant; (5) a source of image control signals connected to said array to control the states of said pixels to vary the image projected by said beam; and (6) a liquid circulation system for circulating said fluid coolant between said liquid cell and a radiator having a portion extending outside of said lamp enclosure for transferring said heat outside of said lamp enclosure.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
173 words
A light projection system for lighting applications having one or more light projectors which include image forming means, said one or more projectors comprising: (1) a light beam source for generating an unpolarized light beam having an intensity suitable for lighting applications; (2) a housing for enclosing said light beam source, said housing having a light opening for allowing the projection of said light beam; (3) a color control system for adjusting the color of said beam; (4) a projection gate interposed between said color control system and said light opening, said projection gate modulating said unpolarized colored light beam and having an addressable array of monochromic light scattering liquid crystal pixels in an essentially non-absorptive optical environment, said pixels being capable of assuming transparent and opaque states; (5) a heat control system for protecting said array of liquid crystals from heat generated by said beam; and (6) a source of image control signals connected to said array to control the states of said pixels to vary the image projected by said beam.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
173 words
A light projection system for lighting applications having one or more light projectors which include image forming means, said one or more projectors comprising: (1) a light beam source for generating an unpolarized light beam having an intensity suitable for lighting applications; (2) a housing for enclosing said light beam source, said housing having a light opening for allowing the projection of said light beam; (3) a color control system for adjusting the color of said beam; (4) a projection gate interposed between said color control system and said light opening, said projection gate modulating said unpolarized colored light beam and having an addressable array of monochromic light scattering liquid crystal pixels in an essentially non-absorptive optical environment, said pixels being capable of assuming transparent and opaque states; (5) a heat control system for protecting said array of liquid crystals from heat generated by said beam; and (6) a source of image control signals connected to said array to control the states of said pixels to vary the image projected by said beam.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
37 words
The light projection system according to claim 31 in which said color control system includes a plurality of cooperating dichroic filter elements, each of said elements having adjustable filter characteristics capable of selective positioning in said beam.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-01-24 | 1997-07-26 | 1998-01-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-01-24 | 2001-07-26 | 2002-01-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-01-24 | 2005-07-26 | 2006-01-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |