Patents by Inventor Thomas E. Elam

Thomas E. Elam 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: 6979097
    Abstract: The invention is a modular ambient lighting system for providing lighting to the interior of the building. The system features three separate modules: (1) a support module, (2) a power module, and (3) a light fixture body module. The support module provides an electrical connection to the building and structural connection to the ceiling of the building. An interchangeable power module fits into a recess or “foot print” in the support module. The power module includes the electrical components of the lighting system (e.g. ballast, transformer, emergency batteries, etc). An interchangeable light fixture body module houses the lamp that can be configured to deliver direct, indirect, or direct/indirect illumination. The interchangeable features of the modules offers superior flexibility because of the ease to reconfigure the electrical operation of the light system, the type illumination delivered, or the aesthetics of the light system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas E. Elam, Timothy P. Scherf
  • Publication number: 20040184264
    Abstract: The invention is a modular ambient lighting system for providing lighting to the interior of the building. The system features three separate modules: (1) a support module, (2) a power module, and (3) a light fixture body module. The support module provides an electrical connection to the building and structural connection to the ceiling of the building. An interchangeable power module fits into a recess or “foot print” in the support module. The power module includes the electrical components of the lighting system (e.g. ballast, transformer, emergency batteries, etc). An interchangeable light fixture body module houses the lamp that can be configured to deliver direct, indirect, or direct/indirect illumination. The interchangeable features of the modules offers superior flexibility because of the ease to reconfigure the electrical operation of the light system, the type illumination delivered, or the aesthetics of the light system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas E. Elam, Timothy P. Scherf