Patents by Inventor Bruce Quaal

Bruce Quaal 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: 11280479
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to light modules using light emitting diodes (LEDs) and more particularly to LED based light modules for existing sign boxes. One embodiment of a light module according to the present invention can comprise an elongated support structure having a plurality of surfaces. A plurality of light units can be included wherein at least some of the lighting units comprise a first light unit array on one of the support structure surfaces, and others of the said light units comprise a second light unit array on another one of the support structure surfaces. Conductors are arranged to connect the first light array in a series interconnection and to connect the second light array in a respective series interconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: The Sloan Company
    Inventors: Aaron Meyer, Bruce Quaal
  • Publication number: 20210199270
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to light modules using light emitting diodes (LEDs) and more particularly to LED based light modules for existing sign boxes. One embodiment of a light module according to the present invention can comprise an elongated support structure having a plurality of surfaces and comprising a plurality of support structures joined together to form an overall support structure of a desired length. A plurality of light units can be included wherein at least some of the lighting units comprise a first light unit array on one of the support structure surfaces, and others of the said light units comprise a second light unit array on another one of the support structure surfaces. Conductors are arranged to connect the first light array in a series interconnection and to connect the second light array in a respective series interconnection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: AARON MEYER, Bruce Quaal
  • Patent number: 10443824
    Abstract: A lighting system having a light box housing, a plurality of lighting units, a plurality of light emitting elements mounted on a PCB. The lighting units can also be interconnected in a daisy-chain configuration on at least one carrier, such that the lighting units form an array of lighting units. The array of lighting units adapted to be mounted within the light box housing, wherein the light box housing has one or more arrays of lighting units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: The Sloan Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Quaal, Timothy Drew Ferrie, Aaron Meyer, Chad Chu
  • Patent number: 10446065
    Abstract: A lighting system having a light box housing, a plurality of lighting units, a plurality of light emitting elements mounted on a PCB. The lighting units can also be interconnected in a daisy-chain configuration on at least one carrier, such that the lighting units form an array of lighting units. The array of lighting units adapted to be mounted within the light box housing, wherein the light box housing has one or more arrays of lighting units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: The Sloan Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Quaal, Timothy Drew Ferrie, Aaron Meyer, Chad Chu
  • Publication number: 20190186716
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to light modules using light emitting diodes (LEDs) and more particularly to LED based light modules for existing sign boxes. One embodiment of a light module according to the present invention can comprise an elongated support structure having a plurality of surfaces. A plurality of light units can be included wherein at least some of the lighting units comprise a first light unit array on one of the support structure surfaces, and others of the said light units comprise a second light unit array on another one of the support structure surfaces. Conductors are arranged to connect the first light array in a series interconnection and to connect the second light array in a respective series interconnection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: AARON MEYER, BRUCE QUAAL
  • Patent number: 9410665
    Abstract: The invention described herein is directed to different embodiments of a low profile lighting unit that in some embodiments is adapted to conform to the shape of the mounting surface and/or adapted to be adjustable so as to be arranged in different configurations to accommodate various lighting applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: THE SLOAN COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Justin Lind, Timothy Drew Ferrie, Bruce Quaal
  • Patent number: 9320115
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides a power control unit adapted to provide adjustable levels of a controlled output power signal, such as but not limited to a pulse width modulated signal or a serial binary signal. One embodiment of a power control unit according to the present invention comprises a housing holding internal electronic components. This housing further comprises input and output wiring extending out of the housing and internally connected to the electronic components. The electronic components further comprise circuitry capable of providing at least 2 levels of the controlled output power signal. The present invention also includes lighting systems incorporating a power control unit according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: THE SLOAN COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce Quaal, John Koteles
  • Patent number: 9200788
    Abstract: A lighting system comprising a light box housing, a plurality of lighting units including a housing, a plurality of light emitting elements mounted on a PCB within the housing. The light emitting elements arranged on an angled surface such that the light emitting elements emit light in a sideways direction from the lighting units. The lighting units can also be interconnected in a daisy-chain configuration, such that the lighting units form a row of lighting units. The row of lighting units adapted to be mounted within the light box housing, wherein the light box housing comprises one or more rows of lighting units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: THE SLOAN COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Drew Ferrie, Aaron Meyer, Bruce Quaal
  • Patent number: 9170000
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide channel letter lighting devices and/or systems. A lighting system, comprising a plurality of electrically connected lighting units, comprising conductors to provide an electrical signal to each of the units. Each of the lighting units comprise a housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted within the housing and having a plurality of tabs and a plurality light emitting elements on the tabs. The tabs are angled in relation of the remainder of the PCB or housing. The electrical signal applied to the light emitting elements causes them to emit light substantially away from said housing. The lighting system further comprises a sealant within the housing filling cavities around the light emitting elements and the cavity around said PCB and a mounting mechanism for mounting the unit to a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: THE SLOAN COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce Quaal, Timothy Drew Ferrie, Aaron Meyer
  • Patent number: 9080745
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide channel letter lighting devices and/or systems. A lighting system, comprising a plurality of electrically connected lighting units, comprising conductors to provide an electrical signal to each of the units. Each of the lighting units comprise a housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted within the housing and having a plurality of tabs and a plurality light emitting elements on the tabs. The tabs are angled in relation of the remainder of the PCB or housing. The electrical signal applied to the light emitting elements causes them to emit light substantially away from said housing. The lighting system further comprises a sealant within the housing filling cavities around the light emitting elements and the cavity around said PCB and a mounting mechanism for mounting the unit to a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: THE SLOAN COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce Quaal, Drew Ferrie, Aaron Meyer
  • Patent number: 9004719
    Abstract: A channel letter lighting system comprising a channel letter housing including a light transmissive face, a rear wall and at least one trim cap adapted to receive the light transmissive face and rear wall. A plurality of light emitting units within the channel letter housing and at least one optical element proximate the plurality of light emitting units, wherein the at least one optical element is configured to direct light emitted from the plurality of light emitting units in a direction away from the face and towards the rear wall or the opposing trim cap. The channel letter lighting system arranged to provide low profile channel letters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: The Sloan Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Quaal, Timothy Drew Ferrie, Justin Lind, Chad Chu, Aaron Meyer
  • Patent number: 8899784
    Abstract: A lighting system comprising a system housing, a plurality of lighting units and first and second conductors electrically connected to said plurality of lighting units. The lighting units comprising a housing including a top portion and a bottom portion, a plurality of light emitting elements on a printed circuit board (PCB) within said housing. The top portion and bottom portion adapted to be coupled together to form the housing and form a seal to protect the components within the housing. The top portion further configured to comprise light altering characteristics so as to direct and shape emitted light from the plurality of light emitting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: The Sloan Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Meyer, Timothy Drew Ferrie, Bruce Quaal
  • Patent number: 8845131
    Abstract: A lighting system comprising a light box housing, a plurality of lighting units including a housing, a plurality of light emitting elements mounted on a PCB within the housing. The light emitting elements arranged on an angled surface such that the light emitting elements emit light in a sideways direction from the lighting units. The lighting units can also be interconnected in a daisy-chain configuration, such that the lighting units form a row of lighting units. The row of lighting units adapted to be mounted within the light box housing, wherein the light box housing comprises one or more rows of lighting units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: The Sloan Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Drew Ferrie, Aaron Meyer, Bruce Quaal
  • Publication number: 20140268786
    Abstract: A lighting system comprising a light box housing, a plurality of lighting units including a housing, a plurality of light emitting elements mounted on a PCB within the housing. The lighting units can also be interconnected in a daisy-chain configuration on at least one carrier, such that the lighting units form an array of lighting units. The array of lighting units adapted to be mounted within the light box housing, wherein the light box housing comprises one or more arrays of lighting units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Bruce Quaal, Timothy Drew Ferrie, Aaron Meyer, Chad Chu
  • Publication number: 20140268741
    Abstract: A channel letter lighting system comprising a channel letter housing including a light transmissive face, a rear wall and at least one trim cap adapted to receive the light transmissive face and rear wall. A plurality of light emitting units within the channel letter housing and at least one optical element proximate the plurality of light emitting units, wherein the at least one optical element is configured to direct light emitted from the plurality of light emitting units in a direction away from the face and towards the rear wall or the opposing trim cap. The channel letter lighting system arranged to provide low profile channel letters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Bruce Quaal, Timothy Drew Ferrie, Justin Lind, Chad Chu, Aaron Meyer
  • Publication number: 20140268785
    Abstract: A lighting system comprising a light box housing, a plurality of lighting units including a housing, a plurality of light emitting elements mounted on a PCB within the housing. The lighting units can also be interconnected in a daisy-chain configuration on at least one carrier, such that the lighting units form an array of lighting units. The array of lighting units adapted to be mounted within the light box housing, wherein the light box housing comprises one or more arrays of lighting units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Bruce Quaal, Timothy Drew Ferrie, Aaron Meyer, Chad Chu
  • Publication number: 20140247595
    Abstract: The invention described herein is directed to different embodiments of a low profile lighting unit that in some embodiments is adapted to conform to the shape of the mounting surface and/or adapted to be adjustable so as to be arranged in different configurations to accommodate various lighting applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Justin Lind, Timothy Drew Ferrie, Bruce Quaal
  • Publication number: 20140016298
    Abstract: The invention described herein is directed to different embodiments of a low profile lighting unit that in some embodiments is adapted to conform to the shape of the mounting surface and/or adapted to be adjustable so as to be arranged in different configurations to accommodate various lighting applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Justin Lind, Timothy Drew Ferrie, Bruce Quaal
  • Patent number: 8511849
    Abstract: A method for bending a perimeter light and a perimeter light for illuminating curved surfaces. One embodiment of a bending method according to the present invention comprises heating a perimeter light to make it pliable. A radius tool is then provided having a curved surface with a shape and radius for the desired bend in the perimeter light. The heated perimeter light is mounted to the radius tool curved surface. The perimeter light is then cooled and removed from the radius tool. One embodiment of a bent elongated perimeter light according to the present invention comprises an array of light sources and an elongated tube bent to match a curve or shape. The array of light sources is disposed within the tube and the tube transmits and disperses the light from the array to give the appearance that said array of light sources is a continuous light source. The array of light sources is cuttable at intervals to shorten the array while allowing the remaining light sources in the array to emit light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: The Sloan Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Sloan, Bruce Quaal
  • Patent number: 8506116
    Abstract: The present invention provides various embodiments for apparatuses, systems, and methods for lighting devices used in shelving, displays, and the like. Some embodiments provide lighting device comprising elongated extrusions with a first surface and a second surface proximate the first surface. The second surface may be reflective. One or more light emitting devices may be mounted at the first surface of the extrusion. The first surface is angled with respect to the second surface such that at least a portion of the light emitted from the light emitting devices reaches the second surface. If the second surface is reflective, at least a portion of the emitted light will be reflected from the second surface. A protective and possibly light diffusive lens may be provided between the first and second surfaces. In other embodiments, lighting systems may be provided with a plurality of lighting devices as described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: The Sloan Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Sloan, Bruce Quaal