Patents by Inventor Allan Brent

Allan Brent 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: 20150359062
    Abstract: In a single lighting device including a large number of light-emitting elements (LEEs), the LEEs are divided into separately powered groups, and different combinations of the groups are fully energized to achieve the desired overall brightness. In some embodiments, the number of LEEs in each group has a binary relationship to the other groups. The resolution of the dimming is the brightness of the smallest group. In one example of five binary weighted groups of LEEs, 32 brightness levels can be achieved while the LEEs in the energized groups are fully ON. Thus, since there is no high frequency switching, there is substantially no power dissipation by the dimming control system, and there is limited noise or EMI created. The dimming control can be easily implemented with a logic circuit controlling a transistor switch for each group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Wilson Dau, George Lerman, Ferdinand Schinagl, Jacqueline Teng, Allan Brent York
  • Publication number: 20150333234
    Abstract: Light-emitting elements such as LEDs are associated with light-converting material such as phosphor and/or other material. A donor substrate comprising the light-converting and/or other material is suitably placed relative to a target substrate associated with the light-emitting elements. A laser or other energy source is then used to transfer the light-converting and/or other material in a pattern via writing or masking from the donor substrate to the target substrate in accordance with the pattern. Addressability and targetability of the transfer process facilitates precise patterning of the target substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Ingo Speier, Robert C. Gardner, Louis Lerman, Christopher H. Lowery, Allan Brent York
  • Publication number: 20150301260
    Abstract: An illumination device includes a light-emitting element (LEEs); a light guide extending in a forward direction from a first end to a second end to receive at the first end LEE light and to guide the light to the second end, such that divergence of the light received at the first end and divergence of the guided light that reaches the second end are substantially the same; a light divergence modifier optically coupled to the light guide at the second end to receive the guided light, to modify the divergence of the guided light, such that the light provided by the light divergence modifier has a modified divergence different from the divergence of the guided light; and an optical extractor optically coupled to the light divergence modifier, to output into the ambient environment light provided by the light divergence modifier as output light in one or more output angular ranges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: Quarkstar LLC
    Inventors: Allan Brent York, Louis Lerman, Ferdinand Schinagl, Wilson Dau, Hans Peter Stormberg
  • Patent number: 9133303
    Abstract: The method for the production of a polyester with improved melting properties and crystallization properties comprises the steps of (a) production of a pre-polyester melt with an average molecular weight (Mn) of 2000 to 16000 g/mol, (b) solidifying and shaping the melt into pre-polyester particles, and (c) thermally treating the pre-polyester particles in a solid phase in the presence of a transesterification catalyst whereby a molecular weight increase (?Mn) of more than 2000 g/mol occurs. In addition, the prepolyester particles have a carboxyl end group content (XCOOH) of between 0.25 and 0.6 before step c and during the thermal treatment step c, the proportion of the esterification reaction (E) to the polycondensation reaction (E+T) is between 0.5 and 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: POLYMETRIX AG
    Inventors: Andreas Christel, Allan Brent Culbert
  • Publication number: 20150241029
    Abstract: A variety of light-emitting devices are disclosed that are configured to output light provided by a light-emitting element (LEE). In general, embodiments of the light-emitting devices feature two or more light-emitting elements, a scattering element that is spaced apart from the light-emitting elements, an extractor element coupled to the scattering element, and a reflective element that is configured and arranged to reflect light emitted from the light-emitting elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Allan Brent York, Roland H. Haitz, Louis Lerman
  • Publication number: 20150219836
    Abstract: A variety of luminaire modules are disclosed that are configured to output light provided by multiple light-emitting elements (LEEs). In general, embodiments of the luminaire modules feature at least two LEEs disposed on at least one substrate, at least two light guides that receive light from corresponding LEEs of the at least two LEEs, and at least one optical extractor that receives light from corresponding light guides from the at least two light guides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Applicant: QUARKSTAR LLC
    Inventor: Allan Brent York
  • Patent number: 9081125
    Abstract: A variety of illumination devices are disclosed that are configured to manipulate light provided by one or more light-emitting elements (LEEs). In general, embodiments of the illumination devices feature one or more optical couplers that redirect illumination from the LEEs to a reflector which then directs the light into a range of angles. In some embodiments, the illumination device includes a second reflector that reflects at least some of the light from the first reflector. In certain embodiments, the illumination device includes a light guide that guides light from the collector to the first reflector. The components of the illumination device can be configured to provide illumination devices that can provide a variety of intensity distributions. Such illumination devices can be configured to provide light for particular lighting applications, including office lighting, task lighting, cabinet lighting, garage lighting, wall wash, stack lighting, and downlighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Quarkstar LLC
    Inventors: Wilson Dau, Robert C. Gardner, George Lerman, Louis Lerman, Christopher H. Lowery, Brian D. Ogonowsky, George E. Smith, Ingo Speier, Robert V. Steele, Jacqueline Teng, Allan Brent York, Hans Peter Stormberg
  • Patent number: 9034674
    Abstract: Light-emitting elements such as LEDs are associated with light-converting material such as phosphor and/or other material. A donor substrate comprising the light-converting and/or other material is suitably placed relative to a target substrate associated with the light-emitting elements. A laser or other energy source is then used to transfer the light-converting and/or other material in a pattern via writing or masking from the donor substrate to the target substrate in accordance with the pattern. Addressability and targetability of the transfer process facilitates precise patterning of the target substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Quarkstar LLC
    Inventors: Ingo Speier, Robert C. Gardner, Louis Lerman, Chris Lowery, Allan Brent York
  • Publication number: 20150131327
    Abstract: A solid state lamp, such as one that can replace an incandescent light bulb, has a base portion having an electrical connector for connection to a source of power, such as an Edison-type connector for connection to the mains voltage. An AC/DC converter in the base converts the mains voltage to a suitable light emitting diode (LED) drive voltage. A plurality of receptacles on the base connects to electrodes of plug-in modules. Each plug-in module supports a plurality of low power LEDs connected in series. The strings of LEDs on different modules are connected in parallel when connected to the receptacles. The modules and base are configured to allow a user to operate the lamp with different combinations of modules to generate a desired light output from the lamp. For example, the user can recreate the lumens equivalent of a 20W, 40W, or 60W bulb by using one, two, or three modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Wilson Dau, Louis Lerman, Allan Brent York, Robert V. Steele, Jacqueline Teng, George Lerman
  • Patent number: 9028120
    Abstract: A variety of illumination devices are disclosed that are configured to manipulate light provided by one or more light-emitting elements (LEEs). In general, embodiments of the illumination devices feature one or more optical couplers that redirect illumination from the LEEs to a reflector which then directs the light into a range of angles. In some embodiments, the illumination device includes a second reflector that reflects at least some of the light from the first reflector. In certain embodiments, the illumination device includes a light guide that guides light from the collector to the first reflector. The components of the illumination device can be configured to provide illumination devices that can provide a variety of intensity distributions. Such illumination devices can be configured to provide light for particular lighting applications, including office lighting, task lighting, cabinet lighting, garage lighting, wall wash, stack lighting, and downlighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Quarkstar LLC
    Inventors: Wilson Dau, Robert C. Gardner, George Lerman, Louis Lerman, Christopher H. Lowery, Brian D. Ogonowsky, George E. Smith, Ingo Speier, Robert V. Steele, Jacqueline Teng, Allan Brent York
  • Patent number: 9006998
    Abstract: In a single lighting device including a large number of light-emitting elements (LEEs), the LEEs are divided into separately powered groups, and different combinations of the groups are fully energized to achieve the desired overall brightness. In some embodiments, the number of LEEs in each group has a binary relationship to the other groups. The resolution of the dimming is the brightness of the smallest group. In one example of five binary weighted groups of LEEs, 32 brightness levels can be achieved while the LEEs in the energized groups are fully ON. Thus, since there is no high frequency switching, there is substantially no power dissipation by the dimming control system, and there is limited noise or EMI created. The dimming control can be easily implemented with a logic circuit controlling a transistor switch for each group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Quarkstar LLC
    Inventors: Wilson Dau, George Lerman, Ferdinand Schinagl, Jacqueline Teng, Allan Brent York
  • Patent number: 8979309
    Abstract: An array of non-packaged LED dies is sandwiched between at least two transparent substrates having conductors bonded to the electrodes without wires. The light sheets are formed to emit light from opposite surfaces of the light sheet to create a bidirectional light sheet. The light sheet may be suspended from a ceiling to be perpendicular to the ceiling, or the angles of the light sheet may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Quarkstar LLC
    Inventors: Wilson Dau, Louis Lerman, Allan Brent York
  • Patent number: 8899808
    Abstract: A luminaire module includes at least one light-emitting element (LEE); a light guide (LG) extending in a first direction from a first end of LG to a second end of LG to receive at the first end light emitted by the LEE and configured to guide the light to the second end; and an optical extractor (OE) optically coupled to LG at the second end to receive light from the LEE guided from the first end to the second end of LG. OE includes a first interface configured to reflect a first portion of the light exiting the LG and transmit a second portion of the light exiting the LG so that the second portion of the light exits OE to an ambient environment in the first direction, and a second interface configured to transmit light incident thereon to the ambient environment in a direction different from the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Quarkstar LLC
    Inventors: Ingo Speier, Wilson Dau, Robert C. Gardner, George Lerman, Louis Lerman, Christopher H. Lowery, Brian D. Ogonowsky, George E. Smith, Robert V. Steele, Jacqueline Teng, Allan Brent York
  • Publication number: 20140328058
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an LED lamp has a generally bulb shape. The LEDs are low power types and are encapsulated in thin, narrow, flexible strips. The LEDs are connected in series in the strips to drop a desired voltage. The strips are affixed to the outer surface of a bulb form to provide structure to the lamp. The strips are connected in parallel to a power supply, which may be housed in the lamp. Since many low power LEDs are used and are spread out over a large surface area, there is no need for a large metal heat sink. Further, the light emission is similar to that of an incandescent bulb. In other embodiment, there is no bulb form and the strips are bendable to have a variety of shapes. In another embodiment, a light sheet is bent to provide 360 degrees of light emission. Many other embodiments are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Robert V. Steele, Louis Lerman, Allan Brent York, Wilson Dau, Jacqueline Teng, George Lerman
  • Publication number: 20140306250
    Abstract: The present technology provides a solid-state lighting device and method of manufacturing same. The device can include a carrier substrate having registration features on a first side; light-emitting elements (LEEs) operatively coupled with the registration features; electrically conductive elements (ECEs) operatively coupled with a first side, where the ECEs operatively interconnect the LEEs; and one or more cover layers operatively coupled with the LEEs. The ECEs, furthermore, can be configured to operatively connect the LEEs to a source of power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Quarkstar LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. Gardner, Christopher H. Lowery, Allan Brent York
  • Publication number: 20140268727
    Abstract: An LED-based light assembly includes a plurality of LEDs and an elongate housing for the LEDs. The housing has an outer surface at least partially defined by a first lens. The assembly also includes a second lens. The second lens is removably attachable to the outer surface of the housing such that at least a portion of the second lens overlays the first lens in a spaced relationship. The assembly further includes at least one connector arranged at an end of the housing that configured for engagement with a socket of a fluorescent light fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: iLumisys, Inc.
    Inventors: James Meredith Amrine, JR., Allan Brent York, JR.
  • Patent number: 8833969
    Abstract: An illumination system is described including a plurality of illumination devices, each device including (i) light-emitting elements (LEEs) arranged along a corresponding first axis; (ii) an optical extractor extending along a corresponding longitudinal axis parallel to the first axis; and (iii) a light guide positioned to receive at a first end of the light guide light emitted by the LEEs and guide it to a second end of the light guide. The optical extractor is optically coupled to the light guide at the second end and is shaped to redirect the light guided by the light guide into a range of angles on either side of the light guide. The illumination devices are connected to each other to form a polygon such that the longitudinal axes of the connected illumination devices lie in a common plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Quarkstar LLC
    Inventors: Ingo Speier, Wilson Dau, Robert C. Gardner, George Lerman, Louis Lerman, Christopher H. Lowery, Brian D. Ogonowsky, George E. Smith, Robert V. Steele, Jacqueline Teng, Allan Brent York
  • Patent number: 8836245
    Abstract: A solid state lamp, such as one that can replace an incandescent light bulb, has a base portion having an electrical connector for connection to a source of power, such as an Edison-type connector for connection to the mains voltage. An AC/DC converter in the base converts the mains voltage to a suitable light emitting diode (LED) drive voltage. A plurality of receptacles on the base connects to electrodes of plug-in modules. Each plug-in module supports a plurality of low power LEDs connected in series. The strings of LEDs on different modules are connected in parallel when connected to the receptacles. The modules and base are configured to allow a user to operate the lamp with different combinations of modules to generate a desired light output from the lamp. For example, the user can recreate the lumens equivalent of a 20 W, 40 W, or 60 W bulb by using one, two, or three modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Quarkstar LLC
    Inventors: Wilson Dau, Louis Lerman, Allan Brent York, Robert V. Steele, Jacqueline Teng, George Lerman
  • Patent number: 8791640
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an LED lamp has a generally bulb shape. The LEDs are low power types and are encapsulated in thin, narrow, flexible strips. The LEDs are connected in series in the strips to drop a desired voltage. The strips are affixed to the outer surface of a bulb form to provide structure to the lamp. The strips are connected in parallel to a power supply, which may be housed in the lamp. Since many low power LEDs are used and are spread out over a large surface area, there is no need for a large metal heat sink. Further, the light emission is similar to that of an incandescent bulb. In other embodiment, there is no bulb form and the strips are bendable to have a variety of shapes. In another embodiment, a light sheet is bent to provide 360 degrees of light emission. Many other embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Quarkstar LLC
    Inventors: Robert V. Steele, Louis Lerman, Allan Brent York, Wilson Dau, Jacqueline Teng, George Lerman
  • Publication number: 20140126235
    Abstract: A luminaire module includes at least one light-emitting element (LEE); a light guide (LG) extending in a first direction from a first end of LG to a second end of LG to receive at the first end light emitted by the LEE and configured to guide the light to the second end; and an optical extractor (OE) optically coupled to LG at the second end to receive light from the LEE guided from the first end to the second end of LG. OE includes a first interface configured to reflect a first portion of the light exiting the LG and transmit a second portion of the light exiting the LG so that the second portion of the light exits OE to an ambient environment in the first direction, and a second interface configured to transmit light incident thereon to the ambient environment in a direction different from the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Quarkstar LLC
    Inventors: Ingo Speier, Wilson Dau, Robert C. Gardner, George Lerman, Louis Lerman, Christopher H. Lowery, Brian D. Ogonowsky, George E. Smith, Robert V. Steele, Jacqueline Teng, Allan Brent York