Patents by Inventor John W. Durkee

John W. Durkee 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: 11940643
    Abstract: Generally, embodiment(s) disclosed herein may include modular luminaires and customizable luminaire combinations to produce desired overall illumination patterns, modular luminaires interchangeable between one or more lighting systems/luminaires having differing configurations, and/or luminaires with portions thereof formed primarily by optical waveguides, e.g., a wall sconce where primarily only waveguides extend from the wall. Further, contemplated throughout this disclosure is modification of panel-style and/or blade-style waveguide(s) for use with luminaire configurations having different sizes, shapes, and structural elements including as modular luminaires for use in creating further customizable lighting systems/luminaires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Cree Lighting USA LLC
    Inventors: Ethan Creasman, Randy Bernard, Dana Deskiewicz, Nathan Snell, John W. Durkee, Kurt S. Wilcox, Eric J. Tarsa
  • Patent number: 11675120
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to light fixtures and luminaires configured to emit light. According to one aspect, an optical waveguide includes a first waveguide portion and a second waveguide portion adjacent to and separate from the first waveguide portion. The waveguide portions include light coupling portions that are at least partially aligned and adapted to receive light developed by a light source. The first waveguide portion further has a first major surface with light direction features and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. The second waveguide portion further has a third major surface proximate the second major surface with an air gap disposed therebetween and a fourth major surface opposite the third major surface wherein the fourth major surface includes a cavity extending therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: IDEAL Industries Lighting LLC
    Inventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, Christopher D. Strom, Jin Hong Lim, Zongjie Yuan, Mark Boomgaarden, Randall Levy Bernard, John W. Durkee, Craig D. Raleigh, Joseph P. Chobot
  • Publication number: 20220026620
    Abstract: Generally, embodiment(s) disclosed herein may include modular luminaires and customizable luminaire combinations to produce desired overall illumination patterns, modular luminaires interchangeable between one or more lighting systems/luminaires having differing configurations, and/or luminaires with portions thereof formed primarily by optical waveguides, e.g., a wall sconce where primarily only waveguides extend from the wall. Further, contemplated throughout this disclosure is modification of panel-style and/or blade-style waveguide(s) for use with luminaire configurations having different sizes, shapes, and structural elements including as modular luminaires for use in creating further customizable lighting systems/luminaires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Ethan Creasman, Randy Bernard, Dana Deskiewicz, Nathan Snell, John W. Durkee, Kurt S. Wilcox, Eric J. Tarsa
  • Patent number: 11169313
    Abstract: A waveguide body comprises a length from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis, and a coupling portion that comprises first and second coupling surfaces. The first and second coupling surfaces define, at least in part, an elongate coupling cavity along the entire length of the waveguide body and a surface located opposite the coupling cavity. The waveguide body further comprises first and second opposed sections extending along the length of the waveguide body. The first and second opposed sections further comprise respective first and second lower surfaces disposed at different first and second side section angles with respect to a first axis lying in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis. The first axis bisects the coupling portion. Among other things, such a waveguide may be included in a luminaire along with a light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Ideal Industries Lighting LLC
    Inventors: John W. Durkee, Kurt S. Wilcox, Eric J. Tarsa
  • Publication number: 20210311246
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to light fixtures and luminaires configured to emit light. According to one aspect, an optical waveguide includes a first waveguide portion and a second waveguide portion adjacent to and separate from the first waveguide portion. The waveguide portions include light coupling portions that are at least partially aligned and adapted to receive light developed by a light source. The first waveguide portion further has a first major surface with light direction features and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. The second waveguide portion further has a third major surface proximate the second major surface with an air gap disposed therebetween and a fourth major surface opposite the third major surface wherein the fourth major surface includes a cavity extending therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, Christopher D. Strom, Jin Hong Lim, Zongjie Yuan, Mark Boomgaarden, Randall Levy Bernard, John W. Durkee, Craig D. Raleigh, Joseph P. Chobot
  • Publication number: 20200333524
    Abstract: A waveguide body comprises a length from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis, and a coupling portion that comprises first and second coupling surfaces. The first and second coupling surfaces define, at least in part, an elongate coupling cavity along the entire length of the waveguide body and a surface located opposite the coupling cavity. The waveguide body further comprises first and second opposed sections extending along the length of the waveguide body. The first and second opposed sections further comprise respective first and second lower surfaces disposed at different first and second side section angles with respect to a first axis lying in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis. The first axis bisects the coupling portion. Among other things, such a waveguide may be included in a luminaire along with a light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: John W. Durkee, Kurt S. Wilcox, Eric J. Tarsa
  • Patent number: 10739509
    Abstract: A waveguide body comprises a length from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis, and a coupling portion that comprises first and second coupling surfaces. The first and second coupling surfaces define, at least in part, an elongate coupling cavity along the entire length of the waveguide body and a surface located opposite the coupling cavity. The waveguide body further comprises first and second opposed sections extending along the length of the waveguide body. The first and second opposed sections further comprise respective first and second lower surfaces disposed at different first and second side section angles with respect to a first axis lying in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis. The first axis bisects the coupling portion. Among other things, such a waveguide may be included in a luminaire along with a light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: IDEAL INDUSTRIES LIGHTING LLC
    Inventors: John W. Durkee, Kurt S. Wilcox, Eric J. Tarsa
  • Publication number: 20190346611
    Abstract: A waveguide body comprises a length from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis, and a coupling portion that comprises first and second coupling surfaces. The first and second coupling surfaces define, at least in part, an elongate coupling cavity along the entire length of the waveguide body and a surface located opposite the coupling cavity. The waveguide body further comprises first and second opposed sections extending along the length of the waveguide body. The first and second opposed sections further comprise respective first and second lower surfaces disposed at different first and second side section angles with respect to a first axis lying in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis. The first axis bisects the coupling portion. Among other things, such a waveguide may be included in a luminaire along with a light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: John W. Durkee, Kurt S. Wilcox, Eric J. Tarsa
  • Patent number: 10459142
    Abstract: A luminaire comprises an optical element. The optical element comprises a coupling portion that comprises a coupling cavity that extends along a length of the optical element. The coupling cavity is configured to receive at least one light emitting diode. The optical element further comprises first and second sections extending away from the coupling portion of the optical element along the length of the coupling cavity. The first section comprises a first thickness closer to the coupling portion and a second thickness further from the coupling portion. The first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The second section comprises a third thickness closer to the coupling portion and a fourth thickness further from the coupling portion. The third thickness is greater than the fourth thickness. Light is extracted out of extraction features of opposing sides of at least one section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: IDEAL INDUSTRIES LIGHTING LLC
    Inventors: John W. Durkee, Kurt S. Wilcox, Eric J. Tarsa
  • Patent number: 10436970
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical waveguide body having a first surface that includes one or more tapered portions displaced between an input surface and an end surface or edge of the waveguide body. A second surface displaced from and opposite the first surface may also include one or more tapered portions between the input surface wherein the furthest tapered portions of the first and second surface forms and end surface or edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Ideal Industries Lighting LLC
    Inventor: John W. Durkee
  • Patent number: 10168467
    Abstract: A luminaire includes at least first and second waveguides. The first waveguide has a first coupling surface extending between a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the second waveguide has a second coupling surface extending between a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first and second coupling surfaces define a coupling cavity. The luminaire further includes at least one light source within the coupling cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: CREE, INC.
    Inventors: Eric J. Tarsa, Hormoz Benjamin, John W. Durkee, Bernd P. Keller
  • Patent number: 9753210
    Abstract: An optical waveguide body includes a first layer of optically transmissive material and a second layer of optically transmissive material in contact with the first layer. At least one of the first and second layers is tapered and the first layer has a first index of refraction and the second layer has a second index of refraction less than the first index of refraction and the first and second indices of refraction are both greater than about 1.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Durkee
  • Publication number: 20170219762
    Abstract: A waveguide body comprises a body of optically transmissive material further comprising an input surface for light to enter the body of optically transmissive material along a light path. The body of optically transmissive material is curved and has an inflection region that extends transverse to the light path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, John W. Durkee, Craig D. Raleigh, Joseph P. Chobot
  • Publication number: 20170212291
    Abstract: A luminaire comprises an optical element. The optical element comprises a coupling portion that comprises a coupling cavity that extends along a length of the optical element. The coupling cavity is configured to receive at least one light emitting diode. The optical element further comprises first and second sections extending away from the coupling portion of the optical element along the length of the coupling cavity. The first section comprises a first thickness closer to the coupling portion and a second thickness further from the coupling portion. The first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The second section comprises a third thickness closer to the coupling portion and a fourth thickness further from the coupling portion. The third thickness is greater than the fourth thickness. Light is extracted out of extraction features of opposing sides of at least one section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventors: John W. Durkee, Kurt S. Wilcox, Eric J. Tarsa
  • Publication number: 20170205567
    Abstract: A luminaire includes at least first and second waveguides. The first waveguide has a first coupling surface extending between a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the second waveguide has a second coupling surface extending between a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first and second coupling surfaces define a coupling cavity. The luminaire further includes at least one light source within the coupling cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: ERIC J. TARSA, HORMOZ BENJAMIN, JOHN W. DURKEE, BERND P. KELLER
  • Publication number: 20170176666
    Abstract: An optical waveguide body includes a first layer of optically transmissive material and a second layer of optically transmissive material in contact with the first layer. At least one of the first and second layers is tapered and the first layer has a first index of refraction and the second layer has a second index of refraction less than the first index of refraction and the first and second indices of refraction are both greater than about 1.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventor: John W. Durkee
  • Patent number: 9651740
    Abstract: An optical waveguide includes a waveguide body and a film disposed on a surface of the waveguide body. The film includes a base and a plurality of undercut light extraction elements disposed between the base and the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Tarsa, John W. Durkee
  • Patent number: 9645303
    Abstract: A luminaire includes at least first and second waveguides. The first waveguide has a first coupling surface extending between a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the second waveguide has a second coupling surface extending between a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first and second coupling surfaces define a coupling cavity. The luminaire further includes at least one light source within the coupling cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Tarsa, Hormoz Benjamin, John W. Durkee, Bernd P. Keller
  • Patent number: 9625638
    Abstract: An optical waveguide body includes a first layer of optically transmissive material and a second layer of optically transmissive material in contact with the first layer. At least one of the first and second layers is tapered and the first layer has a first index of refraction and the second layer has a second index of refraction less than the first index of refraction and the first and second indices of refraction are both greater than about 1.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Durkee
  • Patent number: 9625636
    Abstract: A waveguide body comprises a length from a first end to a second end. The waveguide body further comprises a central section extending along the entire length of the waveguide body and comprising a first thickness. First and second opposed side sections extend away from the central section along the length of the waveguide body and comprise second and third thicknesses, respectively, less than the first thickness. A coupling portion is located in the central section, wherein the coupling portion comprises first and second coupling surfaces defining at least in part an elongate coupling cavity extending along the length of the waveguide body. The coupling portion further comprises first and second control surfaces, and the first and second coupling surfaces are configured to direct light onto the first and second control surfaces. The first and second control surfaces are configured to direct light into at least one of the first and second side sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Durkee, Kurt S. Wilcox, Eric J. Tarsa