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: 20160141914
    Abstract: Methods and systems for emergency lighting are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention provide a solid-state lighting system, light fixture or a collection of light fixtures, with a control input that is used to cause the system to dim to a specific level during an outage in order to conserve power in a building where power is backed up by an emergency inverter or a back-up generator. With embodiments of the invention, there is no need to run a separate power feed, as might otherwise be required for keeping distributed batteries charged or for running specified emergency-only fixtures from back-up power. In some embodiments the solid-state lighting system includes an occupancy sensor wherein the specified light output level is determined at least in part based on the occupancy of a room. In some embodiments, the system can be selectively configured for the specified output level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: James McBryde, James Michael Lay, Chris Simonsen
  • Publication number: 20160116118
    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: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Randy Bernard, Nathan Snell, James Michael Lay, S. Scott Pratt
  • Patent number: 9325134
    Abstract: A pivot connector comprising a body element and a retention element that comprises a body element interface structure (comprising at least a first pivot alignment structure), the body element comprising a retention element interface region that comprises a pivot alignment structure-receiving region. A power input assembly comprising a pivot connector, an electrical connector region and an electrical conductor that extends through an internal space defined by the retention element and that is electrically connected to the electrical connector region. An electrical connector apparatus comprising a power input assembly, a second electrical connector region and a power input assembly engagement region. A method comprising pivoting a retention element relative to a body element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter E. Lopez, James Michael Lay
  • 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: 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: 9279543
    Abstract: A light emitting diode package mounting apparatus comprises a heatsink defining a surface comprising one of a male or female connector. An LED package has a base where a portion of the base defines the other of the female or male connector. The connectors engage one another such that a force is exerted on the base that presses the LED package against the surface. To assemble the LED package in the heat sink, the LED package is located on the surface. The LED package and heatsink are moved relative to one another such that the male connector is inserted into the female connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: James Michael Lay, Long Larry Le, Paul Kenneth Pickard, Antony Paul van de Ven, James Christopher Wellborn
  • 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: 9222659
    Abstract: A lamp comprises an enclosure that is at least partially optically transmissive. The enclosure comprises an optically transmissive lens and a base where the lens is connected to the base; and a LED board supporting an LED. A first of pins and a second pair of pins are rotatable relative to the enclosure and are in the electrical path supplying power to the LEDs. The lamp is positioned between a pair of tombstone connectors such that the first pair of pins engages the first tombstone connector and the second pair of pins engages the second tombstone connector. The first and second pair of pins are inserted into the tombstone connectors and are rotated to engage the electrical connectors in the tombstone connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas William Medendorp, Jr., Randall Levy Bernard, James Michael Lay, Nathan Ray Snell, Paul Kenneth Pickard
  • Patent number: 9182096
    Abstract: An LED light fixture includes a heat-sink body having a circuit-board mounting surface and a circuit board in thermal-contact relationship to the circuit-board mounting surface. The circuit board has an LED-populated area and a surrounding non-LED-populated area such that lateral heat conduction within the circuit board is greater than heat conduction from the circuit board to the circuit-board mounting surface. The fixture may be a low-profile LED light fixture including a base plate which has a substantially planar back surface, a front surface and heat-dissipating surfaces extending forward from the front surface. An LED circuit board and at least one LED power-circuitry unit, which are secured with respect to the front surface adjacent to the heat-dissipating surfaces, do not extend behind the back surface of the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian L. Kinnune, David P. Goelz, James Michael Lay, Don Miletich
  • Patent number: 9169977
    Abstract: A LED lamp has an enclosure including an optically transmissive lens. LEDs are mounted on a plane in the enclosure and are operable to emit light through the lens when energized through an electrical path. A portion of the lens extends behind the plane of the plurality of LEDs such that a portion of the light is emitted as back light. Approximately between 5 and 25 percent of the total Lumen output of the lamp is emitted as backlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas William Medendorp, Jr., Randall Levy Bernard, James Michael Lay, Nathan Ray Snell, Paul Kenneth Pickard
  • Patent number: 9151477
    Abstract: A lighting device configured to be held relative to a space extending from an opening in a first surface. A distance between first and second emitters and/or a dimension of a lens is/are larger than a largest dimension of the opening and/or a largest dimension of a power supply. Also, a bracket comprising a body member and at least two mounting clips, the body member configured to be attached to a lighting device, each mounting clip pivotable about respective pivot axes at least from a first position, where a first end region of the clip does not extend farther from an axis of the body member than all portions of the body member, to a second position, where the first end region of the clip extends farther from the axis of the body member than all portions of the body member. Also, a lighting device comprising a removable bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Kenneth Pickard, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr., Mark D. Edmond, Dong Lu, Curt Progl, Mark Dixon, Spencer Scott Pratt, Nathan R. Snell, James Michael Lay
  • Publication number: 20150252971
    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: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Inventors: Randy Demuynck, James Michael Lay
  • Patent number: D738026
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: William Laird Dungan, Nathan Snell, James Michael Lay, Jennifer West, Peter Lopez, S. Scott Pratt
  • Patent number: D738034
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, John W. Durkee, James Michael Lay
  • Patent number: D743084
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: James Michael Lay, Don Miletich
  • Patent number: D743088
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Snell, James Michael Lay
  • Patent number: D743090
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, John W. Durkee, James Michael Lay
  • Patent number: D749776
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, John W. Durkee, James Michael Lay
  • Patent number: D757348
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, John W. Durkee, James Michael Lay
  • Patent number: D757349
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, John W. Durkee, James Michael Lay