IP Library Granted Patent US 8,770,764
Granted Patent B2
US 8,770,764 · App. 13/350,932 · Granted Jul 8, 2014

Programmable de-fogger system for a light projector

Inventors: Richard S. Belliveau (Austin, TX); David R. Dahly (Austin, TX); David Karl Peck (Austin, TX)
Assignee: Barco Lighting Systems, Inc.
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,770,764
App. No.
13/350,932
Granted
Jul 8, 2014
Kind
B2
Abstract

A light projector for operation during a show that contains theatrical haze. The light projector may include a light source, a lens, a fan, and a housing having an inner chamber. The lens may have a first side and a second side. The first side of the lens may be contained within the inner chamber of the housing. The second side the lens may be outside of the inner chamber of the housing. The fan may be configured to be operated to generate air flow inside the inner chamber of the housing. A substantial portion of the air flow may be directed to impinge upon the first side of the lens to cause de-fogging of theatrical haze condensate on the first side of the lens.

Claims (33)

1. A method comprising

generating an air flow inside an inner chamber of a housing of a light projector, so that a substantial portion of the air flow is directed to impinge upon a first side of a lens fixed to the housing to cause de-fogging of theatrical haze condensate on the first side of the lens; and selecting any one of a plurality of de-fogging functions via an operator input panel to cause de-fogging of theatrical haze condensate on the first side of the lens.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the operator input panel is fixed to the housing.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein

the plurality of de-fogging functions include operating a fan to cause de-fogging only when the light projector is not being used to project light from the housing.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein

the plurality of de-fogging functions include operating the fan when the light projector is projecting light from the housing.

5. The method of claim 3 wherein

the plurality of de-fogging functions include operating the fan when the light projector is projecting light.

6. A method comprising

generating an air flow inside an inner chamber of a housing of a light projector, so that a substantial portion of the air flow is directed to impinge upon a first side of a lens fixed to the housing to cause de-fogging of theatrical haze condensate on the first side of the lens;

receiving de-fogger commands at a communications port fixed to the light projector from an external control device; and

causing the received de-fogger commands to be executed by a fan to generate the air flow.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein

the external control device is a lighting console.

8. The method of claim 6 wherein

the communications port receives de-fogger commands compliant with the DMX protocol.

9. The method of claim 6 wherein

the first one of a plurality of de-fogging functions selected by the operator operates the fan to cause de-fogging only when the light projector is not being used to project light.

10. A method comprising

fixing a light source, and a lens to a housing;

fixing a resistive conductor to the housing, in a position with respect to the lens so that the resistive conductor causes de-fogging of theatrical haze condensate on the lens.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein

the resistive conductor is applied to the first side of the lens.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein

the resistive conductor is a power resistor.

13. A method comprising

fixing a light source, and a lens to a housing; and

fixing an infrared light source, so that the infrared light source projects infrared light onto the lens to cause de-fogging of theatrical haze condensate on the lens.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein

the infrared light source projects light to a perimeter of the lens to cause heating of the lens.

15. The light projector of claim 13 wherein

the infrared light source is comprised of at least one infrared light emitting diode.

Assignments (5)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 16, 2019
From: ELECTRONIC THEATRE CONTROLS, INC.; ETC HOLDINGS, LLC; HIGH END SYSTEMS, INC.; SOURCE FOUR HOLDINGS, LLC; ETC EXPORTS, INC.; ELECTRONIC THEATRE CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL, INC.; ELECTRONIC THEATRE CONTROLS AMERICAS, LLC
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 049262/0255 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVAL OF 21 PATENTS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 044580 FRAME 0094. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT OF 53 PATENTS LISTED BELOW. Recorded Aug 6, 2018
From: HIGH END SYSTEMS, INC.
To: ELECTRONIC THEATRE CONTROLS, INC.
Reel/Frame 046732/0089 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 28, 2017
From: HIGH END SYSTEMS, INC.
To: ELECTRONIC THEATRE CONTROLS, INC.
Reel/Frame 044580/0094 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Nov 7, 2017
From: BARCO LIGHTING SYSTEMS, INC.
To: HIGH END SYSTEMS, INC.
Reel/Frame 044580/0041 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 16, 2012
From: BELLIVEAU, RICHARD S.; PECK, DAVID KARL; DAHLY, DAVID R.
To: BARCO LIGHTING SYSTEMS, INC.
Reel/Frame 027537/0223 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20130182429A1 · Jul 18, 2013