Patents by Inventor David P. Eckel

David P. Eckel 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: 9496782
    Abstract: A disclosed power supply includes a power factor correction circuit including a switch, an inductor having a first terminal connected to an input voltage, and a second terminal connected to the switch, a storage capacitor and a load, a value of the inductor selected to operate the power factor correction circuit in discontinuous conduction mode, and a controller programmed to operate the switch to increase a power factor of the power supply. The switching frequency of the switch is periodically adjusted to reduce electromagnetic interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: David P. Eckel, Eric Johannessen, Andrew B. Walsh, Luis Sam, Seckin K. Secilmis
  • Patent number: 9497820
    Abstract: A method of operating a lighting fixture comprising a plurality of discrete illumination sources of distinguishably different color coordinates comprises determining target color coordinates and luminous flux at which to operate the lighting fixture, determining input electrical power values for each of the plurality of discrete illumination sources that substantially produce the target color coordinates and luminous flux by referencing a calibration data lookup table having calibration data based on measurements of the plurality of discrete illumination sources, determining a color mixing zone defined by three distinguishably different color coordinates of the plurality of discrete illumination sources within which the target color coordinates lie according to the calibration data, determining luminous flux ratios for each of the plurality of discrete illumination sources having one of the three distinguishably different color coordinates defining the color mixing zone that substantially produces the target
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Gannon T. Gambeski, David P. Eckel, Seckin K. Secilmis, Andrew B. Walsh, Richard Waring, Jr., Rand Lee, David Jenkins, Maciej Adam Jakuc, Jeffrey Reeder
  • Patent number: 9419534
    Abstract: A power inverter is provided comprising: a control board comprising: a processor that generates an AC waveform from a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal according to instructions or data stored in a memory associated with the processor; and an output at which a signal having the AC waveform is provided; a power supply module that is connected to the control board, comprising: an input connected to the output of the control board at which the AC waveform signal is provided; and an output at which an AC power signal is provided on a channel of the power inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Johannessen, David P. Eckel
  • Patent number: 9192008
    Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) light module is provided, comprising: a single-piece printed circuit board (PCB) comprising the following integrated on the PCB: a plurality of LEDs in each of a plurality of LED groups; a power supply converter; a controller module comprising a processor, memory, operational program stored in the memory and executable by the processor; input/output (I/O) circuitry, and an LED driver that drives the LEDs; the module further comprising: a single metallic housing that contains the PCB; a heat sink that conducts heat from components on the PCB to the housing; and a lens for diffusing or directing lights from the LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: David P. Eckel, Eric Johannessen, Erick Palomo, Jonathan Brosnan
  • Publication number: 20150237688
    Abstract: A method of operating a lighting fixture comprising a plurality of discrete illumination sources of distinguishably different color coordinates comprises determining target color coordinates and luminous flux at which to operate the lighting fixture, determining input electrical power values for each of the plurality of discrete illumination sources that substantially produce the target color coordinates and luminous flux by referencing a calibration data lookup table having calibration data based on measurements of the plurality of discrete illumination sources, determining a color mixing zone defined by three distinguishably different color coordinates of the plurality of discrete illumination sources within which the target color coordinates lie according to the calibration data, determining luminous flux ratios for each of the plurality of discrete illumination sources having one of the three distinguishably different color coordinates defining the color mixing zone that substantially produces the target
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: Gannon T. Gambeski, David P. Eckel, Seckin K. Secilmis, Andrew B. Walsh, Richard Waring, JR., Rand Lee, David Jenkins, Maciej Adam Jakuc, Jeffrey Reeder
  • Patent number: 9091422
    Abstract: An LED lighting element having an H-shaped housing. The housing, which may be an extruded housing, has a first section and a second section which is separated from the first section by a cross bar. A back plate is positioned opposite of the crossbar and is removably secured to the first section. A heat sink is located within the housing while a microcontroller and LED drive/control technology and integrated power supply contacts the heat sink and is attached to the back plate. An LED PC board that is electrically connected to the microcontroller and LED drive/control technology and integrated power supply is positioned in the second section and is attached to the housing. An end cap for the housing along with a method for constructing the lighting element are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Greenfield, Gannon T. Gambeski, David P. Eckel, Michael Glater, John M. Reilly, Seckin K. Secilmis, William J. Zbytniewski
  • Patent number: 9018858
    Abstract: A method of operating a lighting fixture comprising a plurality of discrete illumination sources of distinguishably different color coordinates comprises determining target color coordinates and luminous flux at which to operate the lighting fixture, determining input electrical power values for each of the plurality of discrete illumination sources that substantially produce the target color coordinates and luminous flux by referencing a calibration data lookup table having calibration data based on measurements of the plurality of discrete illumination sources, determining a color mixing zone defined by three distinguishably different color coordinates of the plurality of discrete illumination sources within which the target color coordinates lie according to the calibration data, determining luminous flux ratios for each of the plurality of discrete illumination sources having one of the three distinguishably different color coordinates defining the color mixing zone that substantially produces the target
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Gannon T. Gambeski, David P. Eckel, Seckin K. Secilmis, Andrew B. Walsh, Richard Waring, Jr., Rand Lee, David Jenkins, Maciej Adam Jakuc, Jeffrey Reeder
  • Publication number: 20140368113
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a base unit and a first modular light. The first modular light includes a first light unit, and a first lighting technology module. The first light unit includes a first light element that emits light, and a first mechanical, electrical, and control signal physical light unit interface that is removably coupled to a first mating light unit interface on the base unit. The first lighting technology module is physically separate from the first light unit and includes a first light driver that drives the first light element, a first light engine that is coupled to the first light driver, and a first mechanical, electrical, and control signal physical light technology module interface that is removably coupled to a first mating light technology module interface on the base unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: David P. Eckel
  • Publication number: 20140367517
    Abstract: An aircraft galley, according to one implementation, includes a lighting system having a DC, linear LED task light that is positioned in a groove along the edge of an overhang above the galley's work surface. The task light is oriented downward orthogonally to the cabin floor so as to illuminate a work surface of the galley. In some implementations, the task light is angled so that it illuminates the work surface of the galley in which it is installed, the forward, aft, or cross-aisle opposing galley, if applicable, and the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: David P. Eckel, William H. Valentine, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8692487
    Abstract: An aircraft cabin lighting kit includes: a driving/dimming module generating output signals for controlling illumination of at least one lighting unit according to command signals from a cabin management system; and at least one wire assembly interfacing the driving/dimming module with a power bus for receiving operational power, and a communication bus for receiving the command signals and for communicating the output signals to the at least one lighting unit. The present aircraft cabin lighting kit is certified by a governmental aviation-regulating body for installation in multiple aircraft. An aircraft cabin lighting system, which includes the kit, is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Eckel, Seckin Secilmis
  • Publication number: 20140028189
    Abstract: A modular light emitting diode (LED), remote phosphor, and other lighting technologies lighting assembly includes a plurality of lighting subassemblies and a power supply electrically coupled with the plurality of lighting subassemblies in parallel such that each of the plurality of lighting subassemblies receives electrical power from the power supply in parallel with the other of the plurality of lighting subassemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: David P. Eckel, Eric Johannessen, Gannon T. Gambeski
  • Publication number: 20130342014
    Abstract: A power inverter is provided comprising: a control board comprising: a processor that generates an AC waveform from a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal according to instructions or data stored in a memory associated with the processor; and an output at which a signal having the AC waveform is provided; a power supply module that is connected to the control board, comprising: an input connected to the output of the control board at which the AC waveform signal is provided; and an output at which an AC power signal is provided on a channel of the power inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Eric Johannessen, David P. Eckel
  • Publication number: 20130249404
    Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) light module is provided, comprising: a single-piece printed circuit board (PCB) comprising the following integrated on the PCB: a plurality of LEDs in each of a plurality of LED groups; a power supply converter; a controller module comprising a processor, memory, operational program stored in the memory and executable by the processor; input/output (I/O) circuitry, and an LED driver that drives the LEDs; the module further comprising: a single metallic housing that contains the PCB; a heat sink that conducts heat from components on the PCB to the housing; and a lens for diffusing or directing lights from the LEDs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: David P. Eckel, Eric Johannessen, Erick Palomo, Jonathan Brosnan
  • Patent number: 8485703
    Abstract: An aircraft cabin lighting kit includes: at least one lighting unit configured for installation in an aircraft cabin; a driving/dimming module generating output signals for controlling illumination of the at least one lighting unit according to command signals from a cabin management system; and at least one wire assembly interfacing the driving/dimming module with a power bus for receiving operational power, and a communication bus for receiving the command signals and for communicating the output signals to the at least one lighting unit. The present aircraft cabin lighting kit is certified by a governmental aviation-regulating body for installation in multiple aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Eckel, Seckin Secilmis
  • Publication number: 20130162224
    Abstract: Digitally-controlled power factor correction circuits, methods, and articles of manufacture are disclosed. A disclosed power supply comprises a power factor correction circuit including a switch, an inductor having a first terminal connected to an input voltage, and a second terminal connected to the switch, a storage capacitor and a load, a value of the inductor selected to operate the power factor correction circuit in discontinuous conduction mode, and a controller programmed to operate the switch to increase a power factor of the power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: David P. Eckel, Eric Johannessen, Andrew B. Walsh, Luis Sam, Seckin K. Secilmis
  • Patent number: 8378595
    Abstract: A modular area washlight illumination system and method for operating are providing that comprises an intelligent light module group that has: one or more light modules, each of which comprises a plurality of discrete illumination sources; a power supply; and an intelligent module group controller comprising: a) circuitry that controls the illumination levels of the illumination sources; and b) an interface for receiving and sending information. The system further comprises a system controller that comprises: a) an attendant control panel serving as a user interface; and b) a system controller interface that is connected to the module group controller interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Eckel, Gannon Gambeski, Seckin Secilmis
  • Publication number: 20130016517
    Abstract: Aircraft washlight systems having an asymmetric lens are disclosed. An example vehicle cabin illumination system includes a light source located one side of a surface of a vehicle cabin, and an asymmetric lens through which the light passes to illuminate the surface with a substantially uniform light distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: David P. Eckel, Gannon T. Gambeski, William H. Valentine, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120307487
    Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a plurality of groupings of light-emitting diode (LED) lights, where each grouping comprises a plurality of LEDs that fall within a specified color range from respective target x, y color points, comprising: receiving a source group of LEDs from a supplier, the source group having a specified color range; measuring a color value for each LED in the source group with a color sensor; storing the measured color value along with a unique LED identifier; creating a first grouping of LEDs within the specified color range from a first target x, y color point by identifying a plurality of LEDs from the stored color values that fall within the specified color range and doing the same for a second grouping of LEDs. Lighting assemblies are constructed based on the group associations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventor: David P. Eckel
  • Publication number: 20120019164
    Abstract: A method of operating a lighting fixture comprising a plurality of discrete illumination sources of distinguishably different color coordinates comprises determining target color coordinates and luminous flux at which to operate the lighting fixture, determining input electrical power values for each of the plurality of discrete illumination sources that substantially produce the target color coordinates and luminous flux by referencing a calibration data lookup table having calibration data based on measurements of the plurality of discrete illumination sources, determining a color mixing zone defined by three distinguishably different color coordinates of the plurality of discrete illumination sources within which the target color coordinates lie according to the calibration data, determining luminous flux ratios for each of the plurality of discrete illumination sources having one of the three distinguishably different color coordinates defining the color mixing zone that substantially produces the target
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Gannon T. Gambeski, David P. Eckel, Seckin K. Secilmis, Andrew B. Walsh, Richard Waring, JR., Rand Lee, David Jenkins, Maciej Adam Jakuc, Jeffrey Reeder
  • Publication number: 20120013252
    Abstract: A method and associated illumination system are provided for illuminating an interior of a vehicle with a modular area illumination system, the modular area illumination system comprising: a system controller; and a plurality of an intelligent light module groups, each comprising: one or more light modules, each of which comprises a plurality of discrete illumination sources; a power supply; and an intelligent module group controller comprising: a) circuitry that controls the illumination levels of the illumination sources; and b) an interface for sending and receiving information; the method comprising: initializing each of the module groups to assign a unique address to respective module groups; sending a command, by the system controller, directly or indirectly, to each module group, the command being associated with a color and illumination value and setting; and receiving the command, by a module group, and adjusting a color and illumination of the illumination sources to the associated color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Eckel, Gannon T. Gambeski, Seckin K. Secilmis