Patents by Inventor Mark E. Dixon

Mark E. Dixon 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: 9494304
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to retrofit systems and methods for lighting installations, and in particular, to retrofit systems and methods used to retrofit troffer-style lighting installations with LED light sources. Retrofit systems can be used with different light fixtures, but those described are particularly adapted for use with troffer-style fixtures. These retrofit systems can provide the same amount of light as traditional light fixtures already do, for example 1600-4000 lumens or more. The retrofit systems can be used with many different light sources but are particularly well-suited for use with solid state light sources or light engines, such as those utilizing LEDs. Some embodiments of the present invention comprise a mechanical mounting system for installing an LED light engine within an existing lighting system housing or pan, such as a troffer pan, without penetrating the ceiling plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: CREE, INC.
    Inventor: Mark E. Dixon
  • Patent number: 8662722
    Abstract: An interior trim component for a vehicle includes a trim panel. The trim panel includes a substrate layer, a protective layer, and an organic light emitting diode portion disposed between the substrate layer and the protective layer for displaying one or more surface appearances on the trim panel within a passenger compartment of the vehicle. A method for forming and operating an interior trim component is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Dixon
  • Patent number: 7990079
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing selectively-colored light is disclosed. The apparatus includes a circuit having a plurality of diodes each including an anode and a cathode, wherein the plurality of diodes include a first diode that emits a first light defined by a first wavelength, a second diode that emits a second light defined by a second wavelength, and a third diode that emits a third light defined by a third wavelength, wherein a summation of one or more of the first, second and third light defines a selectively-colored light; and a controller including a first output connected to the anode of the first diode, and the cathode of the second diode, a second output connected to the cathode of the first diode, the anode of the second diode, and the anode of the third diode, and a third output connected to the cathode of the third diode. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Hargenrader, Mark E. Dixon
  • Publication number: 20090262529
    Abstract: An illuminator (10) includes a circuit board (12) having a planar board portion (44) and a board portion non-planar to said planar board portion (44). The board portion non-planar to said planar board portion (44) defines one of a board interface (14) and a reflector (50). A method for manufacturing an illuminator (10) is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Mark E. Dixon
  • Publication number: 20090196031
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing selectively-colored light is disclosed. The apparatus includes a circuit having a plurality of diodes each including an anode and a cathode, wherein the plurality of diodes include a first diode that emits a first light defined by a first wavelength, a second diode that emits a second light defined by a second wavelength, and a third diode that emits a third light defined by a third wavelength, wherein a summation of one or more of the first, second and third light defines a selectively-colored light; and a controller including a first output connected to the anode of the first diode, and the cathode of the second diode, a second output connected to the cathode of the first diode, the anode of the second diode, and the anode of the third diode, and a third output connected to the cathode of the third diode. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Hargenrader, Mark E. Dixon
  • Publication number: 20080238343
    Abstract: A system for dimming one or more light sources includes a first light source that emits a light of a first brightness according to an operating condition of the first light source, a second light source that emits a light of a second brightness according to an operating current of the second light source, wherein the light of the first brightness is different than that of the light of the second brightness, and one or more components that references the operating condition of the first light source, wherein, in response to the referenced operating condition of the first light source, the one or more components modifies the operating current of the second light source to substantially match the light of the second brightness to the light of the first brightness. A method for dimming one or more light sources is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: John T. Hargenrader, Mark E. Dixon