Patents by Inventor Gerald H. Negley

Gerald H. Negley has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9395051
    Abstract: A gas cooled LED lamp and submount is disclosed. The centralized nature of the LEDs allows the LEDs to be configured near the central portion of the optical envelope of the lamp. In some embodiments, the LEDs can be mounted on or fixed to a light transmissive submount. In some embodiments, LEDs can be disposed on both sides of a two-sided submount, or on thee or more sides if the submount structure includes three or more mounting surfaces. In example embodiments, the LEDs can be cooled and/or cushioned by a gas in thermal communication with the LED array to enable the LEDs to maintain an appropriate operating temperature for efficient operation and long life. In some embodiments, the gas is at a pressure of from about 0.5 to about 10 atmospheres and has a thermal conductivity of at least about 60 mW/m-K.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher P. Hussell, John Adam Edmond, Gerald H. Negley
  • Patent number: 9391118
    Abstract: There is provided a light emitter comprising light emitting devices (for example, light emitting diodes) which are electrically interconnected to provide an array of at least two serially connected subsets of parallel connected light emitting devices, each subset comprising at least three light emitting devices. In some embodiments, the light emitting devices are from a contiguous region of a wafer. There is also provided a light emitter, comprising light emitting devices, means for mechanically interconnecting the light emitting devices and means for electrically interconnecting the light emitting devices to provide serially connected subsets interconnected in parallel, each subset comprising at least three light emitting devices. Also, methods of fabricating light emitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald H. Negley, Antony Paul Van De Ven
  • Patent number: 9353937
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a lamp comprises an optically transmissive enclosure. An LED array is disposed in the optically transmissive enclosure operable to emit light when energized through an electrical connection. A gas is contained in the enclosure to provide thermal coupling to the LED array. The gas may include oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher P. Hussell, John Adam Edmond, Gerald H. Negley, Curt Progl, Mark Edmond, Praneet Athalye, Charles M. Swoboda, Antony Paul van de Ven, Paul Kenneth Pickard, Bart P. Reier, James Michael Lay, Peter E. Lopez
  • Patent number: 9335531
    Abstract: LED lighting using optical elements with spectral notching is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention provide an optical element and LED devices and systems using such an optical element, where spectral notch filtering introduced by the optical element improves the color rendering index (CRI) of emitted light. In some embodiments of the invention, the optical element is made to act as a notch filter by including a rare earth compound such as neodymium oxide in or on the material of which the optical element is made. A color pigment can also be used to impart notch-filtering properties to an optical element. An optical interference film can also be used. The optical element may be included in an LED device such as a multichip component or may be used as an enclosure or reflector for an LED lighting system such as a lamp or fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Praneet Athalye, Gerald H. Negley, Antony Paul van de Ven
  • Patent number: 9322543
    Abstract: A gas cooled LED lamp and submount is disclosed. The centralized nature of the LEDs allows the LEDs to be configured near the central portion of the optical envelope of the lamp. In example embodiments, the LEDs can be cooled and/or cushioned by a gas in thermal communication with the LED array to enable the LEDs to maintain an appropriate operating temperature for efficient operation and long life. In some embodiments, the LED assembly is mounted on a glass stem. In some embodiments a thermal resistant path is created that prevents overtemperature of the LED array during the making of the lamp. In some embodiments the LED assembly comprises a lead frame and/or metal core board that is bent into a three-dimensional shape to create a desired light pattern in the enclosure or an extruded submount formed into a three-dimensional shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher P. Hussell, John Adam Edmond, Gerald H. Negley, Curt Progl, Mark Edmond, Praneet Athalye
  • Patent number: 9310065
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a lamp comprises an optically transmissive enclosure. An LED array is disposed in the optically transmissive enclosure operable to emit light when energized through an electrical connection. A gas is contained in the enclosure to provide thermal coupling to the LED array. A board supports lamp electronics for the lamp and is located in the enclosure. The LED array is mounted to the board and LEDs are mounted on a submount formed to have a three dimensional shape. The board is electrically coupled to the LED array and the submount may be thermally coupled to the gas for dissipating heat from the plurality of LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher P. Hussell, John Adam Edmond, Gerald H. Negley, Curt Progl, Mark Edmond, Praneet Athalye, Charles M. Swoboda, Antony Paul van de Ven, Paul Kenneth Pickard, Bart P. Reier, James Michael Lay, Peter E. Lopez, Ed Adams
  • Patent number: 9310026
    Abstract: There is provided a lighting assembly comprising a plurality of lighting devices, each of which comprises a patterned diffuser having optical features. Each of the lighting devices is positioned such that if they are illuminated, at least 50, and in some cases 75 or more, percent of light emitted from each of the lighting devices will contact an illumination surface within an area of a defined shape (e.g., square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.), the respective shapes each sharing at least one boundary with another shape. Also, methods of lighting comprising illuminating lighting devices positioned in such a way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald H. Negley
  • Patent number: 9310028
    Abstract: A lamp has an optically transmissive enclosure and a base defining a longitudinal axis of the lamp that extends from the base to the free end of the enclosure. An LED assembly is positioned in the optically transmissive enclosure. The LED assembly includes LEDs operable to emit light when energized through an electrical path from the base. The LED assembly is arranged such that the plurality of LEDs face perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the lamp. The emission profile of the LEDs being at least 120 degrees FWHM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher P. Hussell, John Adam Edmond, Gerald H. Negley, Curt Progl, Mark Edmond, Praneet Athalye, Charles M. Swoboda, Antony Paul van de Ven, Paul Kenneth Pickard, Bart P. Reier, James Michael Lay, Peter E. Lopez
  • Patent number: 9297503
    Abstract: A lighting device comprising first and second groups of solid state light emitters, which emit light having peak wavelength in ranges of from 430 nm to 480 nm, and first and second groups of lumiphors which emit light having dominant wavelength in the range of from 555 nm to 585 nm. In some embodiments, if current is supplied to a power line, a combination of (1) light exiting the lighting device which was emitted by the first group of emitters, and (2) light exiting the lighting device which was emitted by the first group of lumiphors would have a correlated color temperature which differs by at least 50 K from a correlated color temperature which would be emitted by a combination of (3) light exiting the lighting device which was emitted by the second group of emitters, and (4) light exiting the lighting device which was emitted by the second group of lumiphors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Antony Paul Van De Ven, Gerald H. Negley
  • Patent number: 9273835
    Abstract: A linear LED lamp is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention can provide an LED-based replacement lamp for a linear or “tube-type” bulb or a bulb with a linear filament or element. By filling the void within the lamp with an optically transmissive fluid to cool the LEDs without the use of a traditional heat sink, the light blocking effects of such a heat sink can be avoided. Thus, the LED replacement lamp can emit light in a substantially omnidirectional pattern. In some embodiments, the optically transmissive fluid medium is a liquid. In some embodiments, the optically transmissive fluid medium is a gel. An index matching medium can be used as the optically transmissive fluid medium. A color mixing treatment can optionally be included to eliminate color tints in cases where multiple LEDs of different colors are used to produce white light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald H. Negley, Antony Paul van de Ven, Paul Kenneth Pickard
  • Patent number: 9234638
    Abstract: A lamp having an enclosure with a reflector and a lens where the reflector is made of thermally conductive material. A base is coupled to the enclosure. An LED is located in the enclosure and emits light when energized through an electrical path from the base. A heat sink having a heat dissipating portion that may be at least partially exposed to the ambient environment and heat conducting portion that is thermally coupled to the LED. The reflector is thermally coupled to the heat sink and is exposed to the exterior of the lamp such that heat from the heat sink may be dissipated to the ambient environment at least partially through the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher P. Hussell, John Adam Edmond, Gerald H. Negley, Curt Progl, Mark Edmond, Praneet Athalye, Charles M. Swoboda, Antony Paul van de Ven, Paul Kenneth Pickard, Bart P. Reier, James Michael Lay, Peter E. Lopez
  • Patent number: 9217542
    Abstract: A lamp comprising a solid state light emitter, the lamp being an A lamp and providing a wall plug efficiency of at least 90 lumens per watt. Also, a lamp comprising a solid state light emitter and a power supply, the emitter being mounted on a heat dissipation element, the dissipation element being spaced from the power supply. Also, a lamp, comprising a solid state light emitter and a heat dissipation element that has a heat dissipation chamber, whereby an ambient medium can enter the chamber, pass through the chamber, and exit. Also, a lamp, comprising a light emissive housing at least one solid state lighting emitter and a first heat dissipation element. Also, a lamp comprising a heat sink comprising a heat dissipation chamber. Also, a lamp comprising first and second heat dissipation elements. Also, a lamp comprising means for creating flow of ambient fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Kenneth Pickard, Gerald H. Negley, Antony Paul Van De Ven, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150330581
    Abstract: An LED lamp with a high color rendering index (CRI) is disclosed. Example embodiments of the invention provide an LED lamp with a relatively high color rendering index (CRI). In some embodiments, the lamp has other advantageous characteristics, such as good angular uniformity. In some embodiments, the LED lamp is sized and shaped as a replacement for a standard incandescent bulb, and includes an LED assembly with at least first and second LEDs operable to emit light of two different colors. In some embodiments, the lamp can emit light with a color rendering index (CRI) of at least 90 without remote wavelength conversion. In some embodiments, the LED lamp conforms some, most, or all of the product requirements for a 60-watt incandescent replacement for the L prize.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Antony Paul van de Ven, Gerald H. Negley, Dong Lu
  • Patent number: 9175811
    Abstract: A lighting device comprising a light emitter positioning element and first and second solid state light emitters positioned on the first light emitter positioning element, at least a first portion of the first light emitter positioning element of a spiral shape. Also, a lighting device comprising first and second solid state light emitters and means for dissipating heat from them. Also, a method of assembling a lighting device, comprising positioning a first light emitter positioning element that comprises a ledge, so that at least a part of it is in contact with a support structure, at least first and second solid state light emitters being on the positioning element, and pressing the positioning element to bring it into contact with the ledge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Antony Paul Van De Ven, Gerald H. Negley, Martin Bertock
  • Publication number: 20150292686
    Abstract: A lamp comprises an interior space and a base. An enclosure may be connected to the base to enclose the interior space. At least one LED board divides the interior space into a plurality of sectors. A LED is located in each sector in the enclosure operable to emit light when energized through an electrical path from the base. Light from the LED is reflected by a wall of the sector to create a reflected light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Applicant: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald H. Negley, Matthew C. Reynolds, Curt Progl
  • Publication number: 20150241049
    Abstract: A lamp has an optically transmissive enclosure and a base. At least one LED is located in the enclosure and are operable to emit light when energized through an electrical path from the base. A heat sink comprises a heat dissipating portion having a first part that is located inside of the enclosure and that is thermally coupled to the LED and a second part that is exposed to the ambient environment. The second part comprises a plurality of stems connected to the first part where each stem supports a first overhang that extends over a portion of the enclosure and a second overhang that extends over a portion of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Paul Kenneth Pickard, Bart P. Reier, Curt Progl, Gerald H. Negley
  • Patent number: 9115870
    Abstract: A lamp comprises an enclosure having a reflective surface and an exit surface through which light is emitted from the enclosure and a base. A plurality of LEDs are located in the enclosure and are operable to emit light when energized through an electrical path from the base. The reflective surface comprises a first reflective layer applied to the enclosure and a second reflective layer over the first reflective layer. The first reflective layer is a metalized surface. The second layer comprises a transparent carrier such as silicone mixed with a reflective media such as TiO2, Barium Sulfate and/or ZnO or silver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald H. Negley, Matthew Donofrio
  • Patent number: D741509
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald H. Negley, Bart P. Reier, Curt Progl, Paul Kenneth Pickard
  • Patent number: RE45796
    Abstract: A display panel for a flat panel display includes a planar array of LCD devices and a planar array of LED devices that is closely spaced apart from the planar array of LCD devices, at least some of the LED devices being disposed within a periphery of the array of LCD devices such that, in operation, the planar array of LED devices provides backlighting for the planar array of LCD devices. The planar array of LED devices can include at least one solid metal block having first and second opposing metal faces. The first metal face includes therein an array of reflector cavities, and the second metal face includes therein heat sink fins that are exposed at the back face of the flat panel display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald H. Negley, Antony P. van de Ven, Norbert Hiller
  • Patent number: D747012
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald H. Negley, Matthew C. Reynolds, Curt Progl