Patents by Inventor Colin Piepgras
Colin Piepgras 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: 7766518Abstract: Modular lighting fixtures that allow convenient installation and removal of LED-based light-generating modules and controller modules. In one example, a modular lighting fixture includes a housing configured to be recessed into or disposed behind an architectural surface such as ceiling, wall, or soffit, in new or existing construction scenarios. The fixture housing includes a socket configured to facilitate one or more of a mechanical, electrical and thermal coupling of the light-generating module to the fixture housing. The ability to easily engage and disengage the LED-based light-generating module with the socket, without removing the fixture housing itself, allows for straightforward replacement of the light-generating module upon failure, or exchange with another module having different light-generating characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Colin Piepgras, Tomas Mollnow, Michael Blackwell, Brian Chemel, Frederick Morgan, Kevin McCormick, Michael A. Bass, legal representative
-
Patent number: 7703951Abstract: Modular lighting fixtures that allow convenient installation and removal of LED-based light-generating modules and controller modules. In one example, a modular lighting fixture includes a housing configured to be recessed into or disposed behind an architectural surface such as ceiling, wall, or soffit, in new or existing construction scenarios. The fixture housing includes a socket configured to facilitate one or more of a mechanical, electrical and thermal coupling of the light-generating module to the fixture housing. The ability to easily engage and disengage the LED-based light-generating module with the socket, without removing the fixture housing itself, allows for straightforward replacement of the light-generating module upon failure, or exchange with another module having different light-generating characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Colin Piepgras, Tomas Mollnow, Michael Blackwell, Brian Chemel, Frederick Morgan, Kevin McCormick, Michael A Bass, legal representative
-
Patent number: 7659674Abstract: Methods and apparatus involving at least two LEDs configured to generate at least two different spectra of radiation that are combined to produce white light. At least one parameter of the at least two different spectra of radiation generated by the at least two LEDs is controlled, based at least in part on at least one lighting control signal received by the apparatus over at least one wireless communication link, so as to control at least a color temperature of the white light.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.Inventors: George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys, Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell, Alfred D. Ducharme, Ralph Osterhout, Colin Piepgras, Dawn Geary, Timothy Holmes
-
Publication number: 20090267540Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system is provided for designing improved intelligent, LED-based lighting systems. The LED based lighting systems may include fixtures with one or more of rotatable LED light bars, integrated sensors, onboard intelligence to receive signals from the LED light bars and control the LED light bars, and a mesh network connectivity to other fixtures.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2009Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: DIGITAL LUMENS, INC.Inventors: Brian J. Chemel, Colin Piepgras, Steve T. Kondo, Scott D. Johnston
-
Patent number: 7543956Abstract: Methods and means for embedding electronic components, such as LED-based light sources and associated control circuitry, into molded or continuously cast surface materials (e.g., material manufactured under the trademark CORIAN®). During the manufacture of the surface material, the components can be held in position using a scaffold or frame constructed of a sacrificial material, the same material as the finished surface material and/or another material used in the manufacture of the finished product. The embedded components can include control circuitry, e.g., printed circuit boards, for separately controlling each component, power conductors and data busses. Conductors and/or busses can be in the form of conductive rails, wire mesh or sheets. Access to the conductors in the finished product can be made by a number of methods, including but not limited to sanding, grinding, drilling into, screwing into, and/or inserting pins into the finished material.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Colin Piepgras, Kevin J. Dowling
-
Publication number: 20080278941Abstract: LED-based lighting apparatus and assembly methods in which mechanical and/or thermal coupling between respective components is accomplished via a transfer of force from one component to another. In one example, a multiple-LED assembly is disposed in thermal communication with a heat sink that forms part of a housing. A primary optical element situated within a pressure-transfer member is disposed above and optically aligned with each LED. A shared secondary optical facility forming another part of the housing is disposed above and compressively coupled to the pressure-transfer members. A force exerted by the second optical facility is transferred via the pressure-transfer members so as to press the LED assembly toward the heat sink, thereby facilitating heat transfer. In one aspect, the LED assembly is secured in the housing without the need for adhesives. In another aspect, the secondary optical facility does not directly exert pressure onto any primary optical element, thereby reducing optical misalignment.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: PHILIPS SOLID-STATE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Derek Logan, Colin Piepgras
-
Publication number: 20080089060Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes an LED-based lighting fixture having a housing and a gasketed face panel (e.g., a lens, diffuser or other optical cover), a protective flexible sleeve removably fitted over the housing, and a bezel for sealably retaining the gasketed face panel against the housing and connected to the housing with a non-adhesive connector, so that it can be readily removed therefrom. The flexible sleeve is made from a thermoplastic material and is removably secured over the lighting fixture by a compressive force. Applications for such lighting apparatus include theatrical and rental lighting, where fixtures are exposed to rigors of frequent handling.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2007Publication date: April 17, 2008Applicant: Philips Solid-State Lighting SolutionsInventors: Steve Kondo, Tomas Mollnow, Colin Piepgras
-
Patent number: 7358929Abstract: A tile lighting system is provided in which an interior space of a tile is lit by LEDs, such as in a grid or edge-lit formation, and a light diffusing panel is disposed over the interior space. The tile lighting system can be combined with others to tile any surface, such as a floor, ceiling, wall, or building exterior. Lighting control signals can be supplied to generate a wide range of effects on the tile lighting units, including effects coordinated among different tile lighting units. Two- and three-dimensional embodiments are contemplated.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2004Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.Inventors: George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys, Frederick M. Morgan, Colin Piepgras, Brian Roberge, Hern Kim, Kevin J. Dowling, Derek Logan, Charles H. Cella
-
Patent number: 7348736Abstract: Methods and apparatus for customization of a workspace, including lighting in the workspace. Multiple LED-based lighting units arranged in a personal workspace may be conveniently controlled by an occupant of the workspace to customize or personalize workspace lighting. Workspace customization, including lighting conditions, further is facilitated by various power distribution schemes to allow convenient access to power in the workspace for lighting units and other electronic devices. Workspace dividers, partitions and walls may be particularly configured to accommodate power distribution systems and various components of networked lighting systems in the workspace environment.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2006Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting SolutionsInventors: Colin Piepgras, Tomas Mollnow, Kevin J. Dowling
-
Publication number: 20070206375Abstract: Methods and apparatus for downloading one or more lighting programs including one or more lighting effects. The lighting program(s) may be downloaded from a web site to one or more LED-based lighting devices that are configured to execute the downloaded lighting program(s) so as to reproduce the lighting effect(s). In various examples, a variety of programming devices may be employed to facilitate wired or wireless downloading, including one or more computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cell phones, media players (e.g., MP3 players), and the like. Information may be uploaded to the web site to facilitate selection and/or creation of lighting effect(s) that are included in the downloaded lighting program(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: September 6, 2007Applicant: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Colin Piepgras, George Mueller, Ihor Lys, Kevin Dowling, Frederick Morgan
-
Publication number: 20070195526Abstract: Methods and apparatus involving at least two LEDs configured to generate at least two different spectra of radiation that are combined to produce white light. At least one parameter of the at least two different spectra of radiation generated by the at least two LEDs is controlled, based at least in part on at least one lighting control signal received by the apparatus over at least one wireless communication link, so as to control at least a color temperature of the white light.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2007Publication date: August 23, 2007Applicant: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Kevin Dowling, Frederick Morgan, Ihor Lys, Michael Blackwell, Alfred Ducharme, Ralph Osterhout, Colin Piepgras, George Mueller, Dawn Geary, Timothy Holmes
-
Publication number: 20070145915Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for lighting systems, including high output linear lighting systems for various environments. The linear lighting systems may include power systems for driving light sources in high-voltage environments.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2007Publication date: June 28, 2007Applicant: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Brian Roberge, Colin Piepgras, Jeffrey Hyer, Kevin McCormick, Peter Swai, Frederick Morgan
-
Patent number: 7186003Abstract: High-brightness LEDs, combined with a processor for control, can produce a variety of pleasing effects for display and illumination. A system disclosed herein uses high-brightness, processor-controlled LEDs in combination with diffuse materials to produce color-changing effects. The systems described herein may be usefully employed to bring autonomous color-changing ability and effects to a variety of consumer products and other household items. The system may also include sensors so that the illumination of the LEDs might change in response to environmental conditions or a user input. Additionally, the system may include an interface to a network, so that the illumination of the LEDs may be controlled via the network.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Michael K. Blackwell, Alfred Ducharme, Ralph Osterhout, Colin Piepgras, George G. Mueller, Dawn Geary
-
Patent number: 7178941Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for lighting systems, including high output linear lighting systems for various environments. The linear lighting systems may include power systems for driving light sources in high-voltage environments.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Brian Roberge, Colin Piepgras, Jeffrey Hyer, Kevin McCormick, Peter Swai, Frederick M. Morgan
-
Patent number: 7161313Abstract: Various exemplary implementations of light emitting diode (LED) based illumination products and methods are disclosed including, but not limited to, glow sticks, key chains, toys, balls, various game accessories, light bulbs, night lights, wall lights, wall switches, wall sockets, wall panels, modular lights, flexible lights, automotive lights, wearable accessories, light ropes, decorative lights such as icicles and icicle strings, light tubes, insect control lights and methods, and lighted air fresheners/scent dispensers. Any of the foregoing devices may be equipped with various types of user interfaces (both “local” and “remote”) to control light generated from the device. Additionally, devices may be controlled via light control information or programs stored in device memory and/or transmitted or downloaded to the devices (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Colin Piepgras, George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys, Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan
-
Publication number: 20060262521Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing sources of light, or mechanical and/or electrical connections for light sources, via a grid system of a suspended ceiling. All or a portion of a grid system for a suspended ceiling may be configured to support the generation of light. Lighting units may be coupled to various portions of the grid system in a removable and modular fashion, so as to be completely or substantially recessed above the ceiling surface, or as pendant components hanging below the ceiling surface. Lighting interface components of the grid system also may be configured to facilitate significant thermal dissipation from lighting units. In one exemplary implementation, one or more LED-based lighting units may be coupled to one or more lighting interface components of the grid system so as to provide controllable multi-color an/or essentially white light.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Colin Piepgras, Tomas Mollnow, Frederick Morgan, Kevin Dowling
-
Publication number: 20060262544Abstract: Modular lighting fixtures that allow convenient installation and removal of LED-based light-generating modules and controller modules. In one example, a modular lighting fixture includes a housing configured to be recessed into or disposed behind an architectural surface such as ceiling, wall, or soffit, in new or existing construction scenarios. The fixture housing includes a socket configured to facilitate one or more of a mechanical, electrical and thermal coupling of the light-generating module to the fixture housing. The ability to easily engage and disengage the LED-based light-generating module with the socket, without removing the fixture housing itself, allows for straightforward replacement of the light-generating module upon failure, or exchange with another module having different light-generating characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Colin Piepgras, Tomas Mollnow, Michael Blackwell, Brian Chemel, Frederick Morgan, Kevin McCormick, Michael Bass
-
Patent number: D548868Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2006Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Brian Roberge, Colin Piepgras, Steve T. Kondo, Peter Swai
-
Patent number: D562494Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting SolutionsInventor: Colin Piepgras
-
Patent number: D566323Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Philips Solid State Lighting Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Colin Piepgras, Tomas Mollnow