Patents by Inventor James Michael Lay

James Michael Lay 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).

  • Publication number: 20210018153
    Abstract: A modular troffer-style fixture particularly well-suited for use with solid state light sources. The fixture comprises a reflector that includes parallel rails running along its length, providing a mount mechanism and structural support. An exposed heat sink is disposed proximate to the reflector. The portion of the heat sink facing the reflector functions as a mount surface for the light sources. The heat sink is hollow through the center in the longitudinal direction. The hollow portion defines a conduit through which electrical conductors can be run to power light emitters. One or more light sources disposed along the heat sink mount surface emit light toward the reflector where it can be mixed and/or shaped before it is emitted from the troffer as useful light. End caps are arranged at both ends of the reflector and heat sink, allowing for the easy connection of multiple units in a serial arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Nathan Snell, James Michael Lay, Nick Nguyen, Patrick John O'Flaherty
  • Publication number: 20200393100
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to LED based lighting systems, such as surface mounted lighting systems and lighting systems that can connected to an existing grid structure. These lighting systems can be utilized in many settings, for example, as primary lighting systems for a commercial building and for retrofit lighting improvement purposes. Devices according to the present disclosure provide lighting systems capable of mounting to an existing surface, such as a T-bar ceiling structure. These devices can further comprise modular elements which facilitate connections of multiple lighting body components, allowing for multiple lighting arrangements and providing a cost effective and easily configurable lighting design. In some embodiments, multiple lighting components can be attached together by movable joints, allowing further user control over light distribution from the lighting systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Inventors: Nicholas William Medendorp, JR., James Michael Lay, Randall Levy Bernard
  • Publication number: 20200353283
    Abstract: Modulated light therapy devices for treatment of dermatological disorders of the scalp are provided. An exemplary device includes a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) supporting at least one light emitting device having an emitter height. The FPCB includes multiple interconnected panels and bending regions defined in and between at least some of the interconnected panels as to allow the FPCB to be configured in a concave shape to cover at least a portion of a cranial vertex of the patient. At least one light-transmissive layer proximate to the FPCB is configured to transmit (e.g., incoherent) light emissions generated by at least one light emitting device. At least one standoff is configured to be arranged between the FPCB and the scalp of the patient, wherein the at least one standoff includes a standoff height that exceeds the emitter height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Nicholas William Medendorp, JR., Gerald H. Negley, Matthew Carl Reynolds, James Michael Lay
  • Patent number: 10823347
    Abstract: A modular troffer-style fixture particularly well-suited for use with solid state light sources. The fixture comprises a reflector that includes parallel rails running along its length, providing a mount mechanism and structural support. An exposed heat sink is disposed proximate to the reflector. The portion of the heat sink facing the reflector functions as a mount surface for the light sources. The heat sink is hollow through the center in the longitudinal direction. The hollow portion defines a conduit through which electrical conductors can be run to power light emitters. One or more light sources disposed along the heat sink mount surface emit light toward the reflector where it can be mixed and/or shaped before it is emitted from the troffer as useful light. End caps are arranged at both ends of the reflector and heat sink, allowing for the easy connection of multiple units in a serial arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Ideal Industries Lighting LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Snell, James Michael Lay, Nick Nguyen, Patrick John O'Flaherty
  • Patent number: 10788176
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to LED based lighting systems, such as surface mounted lighting systems and lighting systems that can connected to an existing grid structure. These lighting systems can be utilized in many settings, for example, as primary lighting systems for a commercial building and for retrofit lighting improvement purposes. Devices according to the present disclosure provide lighting systems capable of mounting to an existing surface, such as a T-bar ceiling structure. These devices can further comprise modular elements which facilitate connections of multiple lighting body components, allowing for multiple lighting arrangements and providing a cost effective and easily configurable lighting design. In some embodiments, multiple lighting components can be attached together by movable joints, allowing further user control over light distribution from the lighting systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Ideal Industries Lighting LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas William Medendorp, Jr., James Michael Lay, Randall Levy Bernard
  • Publication number: 20200271290
    Abstract: An edge lit fixture. A light engine comprises a compartment and at least one elongated lens that are attachable to a mount plate. The mount plate, an exterior surface of the compartment, and the lens define an internal optical cavity. A light strip is mounted to the mount plate within the optical cavity. One or more legs can be used to attach the fixture to an external surface, such as a ceiling T-grid. The light engine can be used with legs of varying size such that it can fit within ceiling openings having different dimensions. The assembled fixture defines an open area. One or more light engines are arranged around or through the open area such that light is emitted into the open area. The open area of the fixture allows for existing materials, such as a ceiling tile, for example, to function as a back side reflector panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: Randy Bernard, Nathan Snell, James Michael Lay, S. Scott Pratt
  • Patent number: 10690305
    Abstract: An edge lit fixture. A light engine comprises a compartment and at least one elongated lens that are attachable to a mount plate. The mount plate, an exterior surface of the compartment, and the lens define an internal optical cavity. A light strip is mounted to the mount plate within the optical cavity. One or more legs can be used to attach the fixture to an external surface, such as a ceiling T-grid. The light engine can be used with legs of varying size such that it can fit within ceiling openings having different dimensions. The assembled fixture defines an open area. One or more light engines are arranged around or through the open area such that light is emitted into the open area. The open area of the fixture allows for existing materials, such as a ceiling tile, for example, to function as a back side reflector panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: IDEAL INDUSTRIES LIGHTING LLC
    Inventors: Randy Bernard, Nathan Snell, James Michael Lay, S. Scott Pratt
  • Patent number: 10688315
    Abstract: Modulated light therapy devices for treatment of dermatological disorders of the scalp are provided. An exemplary device includes a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) supporting at least one light emitting device having an emitter height. The FPCB includes multiple interconnected panels and bending regions defined in and between at least some of the interconnected panels as to allow the FPCB to be configured in a concave shape to cover at least a portion of a cranial vertex of the patient. At least one light-transmissive layer proximate to the FPCB is configured to transmit (e.g., incoherent) light emissions generated by at least one light emitting device. At least one standoff is configured to be arranged between the FPCB and the scalp of the patient, wherein the at least one standoff includes a standoff height that exceeds the emitter height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Know Bio, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas William Medendorp, Jr., Gerald H. Negley, Matthew Carl Reynolds, James Michael Lay
  • Publication number: 20200158315
    Abstract: Lighting retrofit systems and methods are disclosed that can be used with different light fixtures, but that are particularly adapted for use with retrofitting troffer-style fixtures with LED based light engines. The retrofit systems being assembled without disturbing the lighting or troffer pan or housing (“troffer pan”) for the lighting system being retrofitted. Some of these embodiments can comprise a mounting fixture or frame that can be mounted in an opening in a ceiling grid, and held in place between the grid and the troffer pan edge. The fixture or frame can comprise an opening for a light engine, with the engine being quickly and easily connected to electrical power in the troffer pan and then mountable within the frame opening. These embodiments can allow for the quick and easy construction of the retrofit system without the need for adhesives and fasteners such brackets and screws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: S. Scott Pratt, Patrick O'Flaherty, James Michael Lay, Nathan Snell
  • Patent number: 10584860
    Abstract: A modular troffer-style fixture that is well-suited for use with solid state light sources, such as LEDs, to provide a surface ambient light (SAL). The fixture comprises two structural components: a housing subassembly and a lighting subassembly. These two subassemblies may be removably attached to operate as a singular fixture. Many different lighting subassemblies may be compatible with a single housing subassembly and vice versa. The housing subassembly comprises a body that is mountable to an external structure. The lighting subassembly comprises the light sources and optical elements that tailor the light to achieve a particular profile. Electronics necessary to power and control the light sources may be disposed in the housing subassembly, the lighting subassembly, or both. Various mount mechanisms may be used to attach the fixture to a surface such as a ceiling or a wall. Multiple fixtures can be connected serially to provide an extended continuous fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: IDEAL INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: William Laird Dungan, James Michael Lay, Nathan Snell, Gary David Trott
  • Patent number: 10544925
    Abstract: Lighting retrofit systems and methods are disclosed that can be used with different light fixtures, but that are particularly adapted for use with retrofitting troffer-style fixtures with LED based light engines. The retrofit systems being assembled without disturbing the lighting or troffer pan or housing (“troffer pan”) for the lighting system being retrofitted. Some of these embodiments can comprise a mounting fixture or frame that can be mounted in an opening in a ceiling grid, and held in place between the grid and the troffer pan edge. The fixture or frame can comprise an opening for a light engine, with the engine being quickly and easily connected to electrical power in the troffer pan and then mountable within the frame opening. These embodiments can allow for the quick and easy construction of the retrofit system without the need for adhesives and fasteners such brackets and screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Ideal Industries Lighting LLC
    Inventors: S. Scott Pratt, Patrick O'Flaherty, James Michael Lay, Nathan Snell
  • Patent number: 10203088
    Abstract: A direct and back view LED lighting system is disclosed. Embodiments of a lighting system and example light fixture are described. LED devices provide the light source. The LED devices can be positioned with a heatsink at or near the top of the system proximate to a back reflector. In example embodiments, the LED devices emit light downward. The system can be used in a troffer style fixture with a support structure and a pan. The system or fixture can have a lens arrangement including lenses, lens plates or sections with differing optical characteristics, including a partially reflective lens plate or section that passes and diffuses some light from the LED light source, but reflects some light back to the back reflector. Additional lenses or lens plates serve as diffusers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: James Michael Lay, Paul Kenneth Pickard
  • Patent number: 9958122
    Abstract: A driver module is configured to generate the drive signals necessary to drive an LED or an array of LEDs of one or more LED luminaires. The driver module may, but need not, be located remotely from the LED luminaires. Since the driver module provides the drive signals, the LED luminaires do not need to have their own driver electronics, and as such, can be rendered in a more aesthetically pleasing and cost effective manner. As an example, the driver module may be located within a junction box or escutcheon plate associated with a light fixture and the LED luminaires can be mounted in the existing sockets of the light fixture. The internal wiring of the light fixture may be used to carry the drive signals provided by the driver module to the LED luminaires via the sockets of the light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Demuynck, James Michael Lay
  • Patent number: 9913348
    Abstract: A fixture comprising a light sensor and an actuator for assigning the fixture to at least one zone. A fixture comprising a light source, a motion sensor and a light sensor. A fixture comprising a motion sensor, a light sensor and a wireless transmitter (optionally also a wireless receiver). A fixture configured to detect light brightness values over a time-span, and identify a period of time with smallest average brightness. A fixture configured to dim at a first rate when a motion sensor senses no motion for a designated period of time, and optionally also configured to brighten at a second rate when the motion sensor detects motion. A fixture configured to dim to not less than a designated percentage unless motion is detected during the dimming. A lighting control system, comprising fixtures and an actuator configured to assign fixtures to zones. Also, other lighting control systems and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary David Trott, Paul Kenneth Pickard, James Michael Lay
  • Patent number: 9874333
    Abstract: A modular fixture that is well-suited for use with solid state light sources, such as LEDs, to provide a surface ambient light (SAL). The fixture comprises two structural components: a housing subassembly and a lighting subassembly. These two subassemblies may be removably attached to operate as a singular fixture. Many different lighting subassemblies may be compatible with a single housing subassembly and vice versa. The housing subassembly comprises a frame that is mountable to an external structure. The lighting subassembly comprises the light sources and optical elements that tailor the light to achieve a particular profile. Electronics necessary to power and control the light sources may be disposed in the lighting subassembly. Various mount mechanisms may be used to attach the fixture to a surface such as a ceiling or a wall. Multiple fixtures can be connected serially to provide an extended linear fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: CREE, INC.
    Inventors: James Michael Lay, Jennifer Denise West
  • Patent number: 9810379
    Abstract: A lamp has an optically transmissive enclosure and a base. A tower extends from the base into the enclosure and supports an LED assembly in the enclosure. The LED assembly comprises a plurality of LEDs operable to emit light when energized through an electrical path from the base. The tower and the LED assembly are arranged such that the plurality of LEDs are disposed about the periphery of the tower in a band and face outwardly toward the enclosure to create a source of the light that appears as a glowing filament. The tower forms part of a heat sink that transmits heat from the LED assembly to the ambient environment. The LED assembly has a three-dimensional shape. An electrical interconnect connects a conductor to the heat sink where the conductor is in the electrical path between the LED assembly and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    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: D826416
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: PHOTONMD, INC.
    Inventors: James Michael Lay, Matthew Carl Reynolds, Owen Lewis Joyce, Ryan Goffrid Springer
  • Patent number: D833025
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: PHOTONMD, INC.
    Inventors: James Michael Lay, Nicholas William Medendorp, Jr., Owen Lewis Joyce
  • Patent number: D849959
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: PHOTONMD, INC.
    Inventors: James Michael Lay, Nicholas William Medendorp, Jr., Owen Lewis Joyce
  • Patent number: RE48489
    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: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: IDEAL Industries Lighting LLC
    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