Patents Assigned to GROTE INDUSTRIES, LLC
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Publication number: 20160252220Abstract: A sheet light source is described that has a width in a front-to-back “x” direction, a length in a left-to-right “y” direction, and a height in a bottom-to-top “z” direction. The sheet light source includes a bottom conductive surface, a laser diode, a transparent conductive sheet, and an adhesive material portion. The laser diode is mounted on the conductive surface in the “z” direction. The transparent conductive sheet is laminated onto the laser diode and the conductive surface in the “z” direction. The adhesive material portion is located between the conductive sheet and the conductive surface, and binds the transparent conductive sheet to the laser diode and the conductive surface. The adhesive material portion further enables photons, emitted substantially in the “x” direction from the laser diode, to propagate therein to an edge and be output.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2016Publication date: September 1, 2016Applicant: Grote Industries, LLCInventors: Albert Bolander, Cesar Perez-Bolivar, Michael Redwine
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Patent number: 9395481Abstract: A sheet light source is described that has a width in a front-to-back “x” direction, a length in a left-to-right “y” direction, and a height in a bottom-to-top “z” direction. The sheet light source includes a bottom conductive surface, a laser diode, a transparent conductive sheet, and an adhesive material portion. The laser diode is mounted on the conductive surface in the “z” direction. The transparent conductive sheet is laminated onto the laser diode and the conductive surface in the “z” direction. The adhesive material portion is located between the conductive sheet and the conductive surface, and binds the transparent conductive sheet to the laser diode and the conductive surface. The adhesive material portion further enables photons, emitted substantially in the “x” direction from the laser diode, to propagate therein to an edge and be output.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Grote Industries, LLCInventors: Albert Bolander, Cesar Perez-Bolivar, Michael Redwine
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Patent number: 9299899Abstract: A flexible lighting element is provided, comprising: a first substrate; first and second conductive elements over the first substrate; a light-emitting element having first and second contacts that are both on a first surface of the light-emitting element, the first and second contacts being electrically connected to the first and second conductive elements, respectively, and the light-emitting element emitting light from a second surface opposite the first surface; a transparent layer located adjacent to the second surface; and a transparent affixing layer located between the first substrate and the transparent layer, wherein the transparent layer and the transparent affixing layer are both sufficiently transparent to visible light that they will not decrease light transmittance below 70%, and the first and second conductive layers are at least partially transparent to visible light, or are 300 ?m or smaller in width, or are concealed by a design feature from a viewing direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Grote Industries, LLCInventors: William L. Corwin, Donald Lee Gramlich, Jr., Scott J. Jones, Martin J. Marx, Cesar Perez-Bolivar, George M. Richardson, II, James E. Roberts
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Patent number: 9214614Abstract: A lighting element is provided, comprising: a substrate; a first conductive element on the substrate; a light-emitting element having first and second contacts on top and bottom surfaces, respectively; a transparent layer adjacent to the top surface; an affixing layer between the substrate and the transparent layer, affixing the transparent layer to the substrate; and a second conductive element beneath the transparent layer and proximate to the top surface, wherein the first and second contacts are electrically connected to the first and second conductive elements, respectively, the light-emitting element emits light in a range of wavelengths between 10 nm and 100,000 nm, the transparent and affixing layer's will not decrease light transmittance below 70%, and the first and second conductive elements are at least partially transparent to visible light, or are 300 ?m or smaller in width, or are concealed by a design feature from a viewing direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Grote Industries, LLCInventors: Scott J. Jones, Martin J. Marx, Stanley D. Robbins, James E. Roberts
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Publication number: 20150345723Abstract: A body panel is provided for use in the body of a vehicle, comprising: a main panel having a first side and a second side, the main panel including a recess in the first side, the recess having a set shape and a depth less than a thickness of the main panel, and a hole from a bottom of the recess to the second side; a flexible lighting strip formed in the recess, the flexible lighting strip having the set shape and a thickness within ±10% of the depth of the recess, the flexile lighting device being secured in the recess; a power connector connected to the flexible lighting strip; a control connector connected to a device controller; and a clear coating formed on the first side of the main panel over the main panel and the flexible lighting strip, the clear coating having a smooth top surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2014Publication date: December 3, 2015Applicant: Grote Industries, LLCInventors: Jay CORPORON, Donald L. GRAMLICH, JR., Gerald NIX, Larry BENNETT
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Patent number: 9198236Abstract: A light-emitting structure, comprising: a ground path; a first current path receiving a control current; a first light-emitting element receiving the control current from the first current path and generating light within a first wavelength range based on the control current; a first conductive substrate portion formed over the first light-emitting element, and receiving the control current from the first light-emitting element; a first connection element receiving the first control current from the first conductive substrate; a second current path receiving the control current from the first connection element; a second light-emitting element receiving the first control current from the second current path, and generating light within the first wavelength range based on the control current; a second conductive substrate portion receiving the first control current; and a grounding element receiving the control current from the second substrate portion, and passing the control current to the ground path.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2014Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Grote Industries, LLCInventors: George M. Richardson, II, Donald L. Gramlich, Jr., William L. Corwin, James E. Roberts
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Patent number: 9188293Abstract: A body panel is provided for use in the body of a vehicle, comprising: a main panel having a first side and a second side, the main panel including a recess in the first side, the recess having a set shape and a depth less than a thickness of the main panel, and a hole from a bottom of the recess to the second side; a flexible lighting strip formed in the recess, the flexible lighting strip having the set shape and a thickness within ±10% of the depth of the recess, the flexile lighting device being secured in the recess; a power connector connected to the flexible lighting strip; a control connector connected to a device controller; and a clear coating formed on the first side of the main panel over the main panel and the flexible lighting strip, the clear coating having a smooth top surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: Grote Industries, LLCInventors: Jay Corporon, Donald L. Gramlich, Jr., Gerald Nix, Larry Bennett
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Publication number: 20150327337Abstract: A light-emitting structure, comprising: a ground path; a first current path receiving a control current; a first light-emitting element receiving the control current from the first current path and generating light within a first wavelength range based on the control current; a first conductive substrate portion formed over the first light-emitting element, and receiving the control current from the first light-emitting element; a first connection element receiving the first control current from the first conductive substrate; a second current path receiving the control current from the first connection element; a second light-emitting element receiving the first control current from the second current path, and generating light within the first wavelength range based on the control current; a second conductive substrate portion receiving the first control current; and a grounding element receiving the control current from the second substrate portion, and passing the control current to the ground path.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2014Publication date: November 12, 2015Applicant: Grote Industries, LLCInventors: George M. RICHARDSON, II, Donald L. GRAMLICH, JR., William L. CORWIN, James E. ROBERTS
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Patent number: 9175820Abstract: A dual lighting apparatus includes a principal substrate, a first lighting device and a second lighting device. The first lighting device is integrated into a first plane of the principal substrate, the first lighting device having one or more first light emitting diode (LED) chips embedded therein. The second lighting device is integrated into a second plane of the principal substrate, the second lighting device having one or more second light emitting diode (LED) chips embedded therein. The first LED chip(s) emit light photons having a different wavelength than light photons emitted from the second LED chip(s).Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Grote Industries, LLCInventors: William Grote, III, Richard C. Bozich, Stanley D. Robbins, James E. Roberts, Martin J. Marx, Jennifer M. Ehlers, Arturo Hernandez, Larry R. Bennett
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Patent number: 9136441Abstract: A flexible lighting element is provided, comprising: a first flexible substrate; first and second conductive elements located on the first flexible substrate; a light-emitting element having a positive contact and a negative contact, the positive and negative contacts both being on a first side of the light-emitting element, the light-emitting element being configured to emit light having a selected narrow range of wavelengths; a first conductive connector electrically connecting the first conductive element to the positive contact; a second conductive connector electrically connecting the second conductive element to the negative contact; a second flexible substrate located adjacent to a second surface of the light-emitting element; and an affixing layer located between the first flexible substrate and the second flexible substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Grote Industries, LLCInventors: Tim Brooks, Scott J. Jones, Martin J. Marx, Cesar Perez-Bolivar, James E. Roberts
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Publication number: 20150241045Abstract: A lighting device is described that includes a voltage source, a substrate, a wiring, a first light emitting diode (LED) and a second LED, a first electrical conductive element (ECE) and a second ECE, and a transparent, conductive sheet material. The wiring is formed on the substrate, and is connected to the voltage source. The first LED and the second LED are formed on the wiring. The first ECE and the second ECE are formed on the wiring. The sheet material is laminated onto the first and second LEDs and the first and second ECEs. The first and second LEDs are electrically connected in parallel and have opposite polarities. A sheet resistance exists between the first ECE and the first LED and between the second ECE and the second LED.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2014Publication date: August 27, 2015Applicant: Grote Industries, LLCInventors: Donald L. GRAMLICH, JR., Timothy W. BROOKS, Martin J. MARX, James E. ROBERTS, William L. CORWIN, David W. VINUP
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Patent number: 9099618Abstract: A lighting device is provided, comprising: a substrate; two or more light-emitting elements formed over the substrate; a first transparent conformal layer formed over the two or more light-emitting elements in a pattern, the first transparent conformal layer being doped with a luminescent material; a second transparent conformal layer formed over a portion of the substrate not covered by the two or more light-emitting elements, the second transparent conformal layer not being doped with the luminescent material.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Grote Industries, LLCInventors: Cesar Perez-Bolivar, Michael Redwine
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Patent number: 9087973Abstract: A lighting device can include a substrate, two or more light-emitting elements formed over the substrate, an affixing layer fixing the two or more light-emitting elements in place, and a transparent conductive layer in electrical contact with the light-emitting elements. The substrate and the transparent conductive layer sandwich the affixing layer with the light-emitting elements in place. The affixing layer is an electrically insulating material. The affixing layer is doped with a photo active or photochromic material. In a first mode when the light-emitting elements are energized, the photo active or photochromic material of the affixing layer is excited by the light-emitting elements. In a second mode when the light-emitting elements are de-energized, the affixing layer produces a persistent luminescence.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2014Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Grote Industries, LLCInventors: Cesar Perez-Bolivar, Timothy Webster Brooks
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Patent number: 8963195Abstract: A lighting element, comprising: a first substrate; a first and second conductive elements located on the first substrate; a light-emitting element having first and second contacts that are both on a first surface of the light-emitting element, the first contact being electrically connected to the first conductive element, the second contact being electrically connected to the second conductive element, and the light-emitting element emitting light from a second surface opposite the first surface; a top layer adjacent to the second surface; and an affixing layer located between the first substrate and the top layer, the affixing layer affixing the top layer to the first substrate; and a heat spreading layer having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, the heat spreading layer being affixed beneath the first flexible substrate at the third surface, wherein the flexible top layer is substantially transparent to light.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Grote Industries, LLCInventors: Timothy Webster Brooks, Scott J. Jones, Martin J. Marx, Cesar Perez-Bolivar, James E. Roberts, George M. Richardson, II
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Publication number: 20150028377Abstract: A lighting element is provided, comprising: a substrate; a first conductive element on the substrate; a light-emitting element having first and second contacts on top and bottom surfaces, respectively; a transparent layer adjacent to the top surface; an affixing layer between the substrate and the transparent layer, affixing the transparent layer to the substrate; and a second conductive element beneath the transparent layer and proximate to the top surface, wherein the first and second contacts are electrically connected to the first and second conductive elements, respectively, the light-emitting element emits light in a range of wavelengths between 10 nm and 100,000 nm, the transparent and affixing layer's will not decrease light transmittance below 70%, and the first and second conductive elements are at least partially transparent to visible light, or are 300 ?m or smaller in width, or are concealed by a design feature from a viewing direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2013Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: Grote Industries, LLCInventors: Scott J. Jones, Martin J. Marx, Stanley D. Robbins, James E. Roberts
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Publication number: 20150028376Abstract: A flexible lighting element is provided, comprising: a first substrate; first and second conductive elements over the first substrate; a light-emitting element having first and second contacts that are both on a first surface of the light-emitting element, the first and second contacts being electrically connected to the first and second conductive elements, respectively, and the light-emitting element emitting light from a second surface opposite the first surface; a transparent layer located adjacent to the second surface; and a transparent affixing layer located between the first substrate and the transparent layer, wherein the transparent layer and the transparent affixing layer are both sufficiently transparent to visible light that they will not decrease light transmittance below 70%, and the first and second conductive layers are at least partially transparent to visible light, or are 300 ?m or smaller in width, or are concealed by a design feature from a viewing direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2013Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: Grote Industries, LLCInventors: William L. Corwin, Donald Lee Gramlich, JR., Scott J. Jones, Martin J. Marx, Cesar Perez-Bolivar, George M. Richardson, II, James E. Roberts
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Patent number: 8876352Abstract: An edge lighting device, and a method of providing edge lighting, including providing a lighting device with at least one light emitting diode (LED) chip embedded therein, wherein the LED chip(s) generates light photons. A path of the light photons within the lighting device that are emitted by the LED chip(s) from a top surface of the LED chip(s), are redirected from a first edge of the lighting device back through the lighting device to a second edge of the lighting device opposite to the first edge. The first edge and the second edge of the lighting device are perpendicular to the top surface of the LED chip(s). The photons which were redirected from the first edge of the lighting device then follow a path through the second edge of the device and are then output from the edge lighting device at the second edge of the device.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Grote Industries, LLCInventors: Stanley D. Robbins, Richard C. Bozich, Martin J. Marx, James E. Roberts, Jennifer M. Ehlers, Al Bolander
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Publication number: 20140264401Abstract: A flexible lighting element is provided, comprising: a first flexible substrate; first and second conductive elements located on the first flexible substrate; a light-emitting element having a positive contact and a negative contact, the positive and negative contacts both being on a first side of the light-emitting element, the light-emitting element being configured to emit light having a selected narrow range of wavelengths; a first conductive connector electrically connecting the first conductive element to the positive contact; a second conductive connector electrically connecting the second conductive element to the negative contact; a second flexible substrate located adjacent to a second surface of the light-emitting element; and an affixing layer located between the first flexible substrate and the second flexible substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Grote Industries, LLC.Inventor: Grote Industries, LLC
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Publication number: 20140264423Abstract: A lighting element is provided, comprising: a substrate; first and second conductive elements located on the substrate; a light-emitting element having first and second contacts that are both on a first surface of the light-emitting element, the light-emitting element emitting light from a second surface opposite the first surface; a first conductive connector located between the first conductive element and the first contact, electrically connecting the first conductive element to the first contact; a second conductive connector located between the second conductive element and the second contact, to electrically connecting the second conductive element to the second contact; a first protective conformal coating located adjacent to the second surface; and an affixing layer located between the flexible substrate and the first protective conformal coating, the affixing layer affixing the first protective conformal coating to the flexible substrate, wherein the first protective conformal coating is substantiallType: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Grote Industries, LLCInventors: Timothy Webster Brooks, Scott J. Jones, Martin J. Marx, Cesar Perez-Bolivar, James E. Roberts
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Publication number: 20140264424Abstract: A lighting element, comprising: a first substrate; a first and second conductive elements located on the first substrate; a light-emitting element having first and second contacts that are both on a first surface of the light-emitting element, the first contact being electrically connected to the first conductive element, the second contact being electrically connected to the second conductive element, and the light-emitting element emitting light from a second surface opposite the first surface; a top layer adjacent to the second surface; and an affixing layer located between the first substrate and the top layer, the affixing layer affixing the top layer to the first substrate; and a heat spreading layer having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, the heat spreading layer being affixed beneath the first flexible substrate at the third surface, wherein the flexible top layer is substantially transparent to light.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Grote Industries, LLC.Inventors: Timothy Webster Brooks, Scott J. Jones, Martin J. Marx, Cesar Perez-Bolivar, James E. Roberts, George M. Richardson, II