Patents by Inventor Donald Folker

Donald Folker 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: 11545293
    Abstract: An edge mount magnetic component includes a bobbin and two E-core halves. The bobbin is configured to receive the two E-core halves when body portions of the two E-core halves are positioned vertically. The bobbin includes a first outer flange, a second outer flange, and a passageway spanning therebetween. The bobbin further includes first, second, third, and fourth pin supports. The first and second pin supports are connected to an outer surface of the first end flange and are spaced apart by at least a width of the passageway. The third and fourth pin supports are connected to an outer surface of the second end flange and are spaced apart by at least the width of the passageway. The bobbin further includes slots for routing a winding to a pin and includes walls to ensure the winding is electrically separated from the E-core halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike LeBlanc, Donald Folker, Dane Sutherland, Wei Xiong
  • Patent number: 11201006
    Abstract: An edge mount magnetic component includes a bobbin and two E-core halves. The bobbin is configured to receive the two E-core halves when body portions of the two E-core halves are positioned vertically. The bobbin includes a first outer flange, a second outer flange, and a passageway spanning therebetween. The bobbin further includes first, second, third, and fourth pin supports. The first and second pin supports are connected to an outer surface of the first end flange and are spaced apart by at least a width of the passageway. The third and fourth pin supports are connected to an outer surface of the second end flange and are spaced apart by at least the width of the passageway. The bobbin further includes slots for routing a winding to a pin and includes walls to ensure the winding is electrically separated from the E-core halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike LeBlanc, Donald Folker, Dane Sutherland, Wei Xiong
  • Patent number: 11049643
    Abstract: A magnetic connector assembly has two independent magnetic components sharing a common core structure. The magnetic assembly includes first and second bobbins, and includes a magnetic core. The magnetic core includes first and second core halves, each half including a main core body, a first outer leg, a second outer leg, and a middle leg. The first outer leg fits within a passageway of the first bobbin. The second outer leg fits within a passageway of the second bobbin. The middle leg fits between the two bobbins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Folker, Mike LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 11049642
    Abstract: A magnetic connector assembly has two independent magnetic components sharing a common core structure. The magnetic assembly includes first and second bobbins, and includes a magnetic core. The first bobbin is positioned perpendicularly to the second bobbin. The magnetic core includes at least two core pieces. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic core includes first, second, and third core pieces. The first core piece includes at least a first primary middle leg configured to fit within a passageway of the first bobbin and a first auxiliary middle leg configured to fit within a passageway of the second bobbin. The second core piece includes at least a second primary middle leg configured to fit within the passageway of the first bobbin. The third core piece includes a second auxiliary middle leg configured to fit within the passageway of the second bobbin. The auxiliary legs are perpendicular to the primary legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Folker
  • Patent number: 10943724
    Abstract: A magnetic assembly structure includes a bobbin, an outer core, an inner core, and a gap spacer. The bobbin has first and second flanges. The bobbin has a passageway extending between the first and second flanges. The passageway has at least one crushable passageway rib and a channel wall parallel to the second flange. The outer core is positioned around the first and second flanges. The outer core includes an opening positioned near the first flange. The inner core is positioned in the opening and in the passageway. The gap spacer is positioned between the inner core and an inner surface of the outer core. The gap spacer and outer core are held in frictional engagement between the inner core and channel wall. The gap spacer defines a gap distance which is adjustable by replacing the gap spacer with one of having a different thickness. Adjusting the gap distance modifies the inductance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Folker, Mike LeBlanc, Christopher Radzinski
  • Patent number: 10930429
    Abstract: A tunable magnetic assembly includes a bobbin, an outer core, and an inner core. The bobbin has a first and second flanges. The bobbin has a passageway extending between the first and second flange. The passageway has a spiral track defined in a passageway surface. The outer core is positioned around the first and second flanges. The outer core includes an opening positioned near the first flange. The inner core is positioned in the opening and in the cylindrical passageway. The inner core includes at least one protrusion extending from an outer surface and configured to engage the spiral track. A gap distance is defined between the inner core and a portion of the outer core near the second flange. The gap distance is adjustable by moving the protrusion within the spiral track. Adjusting the gap distance modifies the inductance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Folker, Travis L. Berry, Mike LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 10930423
    Abstract: A magnetic connector assembly has three independent magnetic components sharing a common core structure. The magnetic assembly includes first, second, and third bobbins, and includes a magnetic core. The first bobbin includes at least one latch mechanism of a first type. The second bobbin includes at least one latch mechanism of the first type. The third bobbin includes at least one latch mechanism of a second type configured to engage the latch mechanisms of the first and second bobbins. The magnetic core includes first and second core halves, each including a main core body, a first outer leg, a second outer leg, a middle leg, a first intermediate leg, and a second intermediate leg. The first outer leg fits within a passageway of the first bobbin. The second outer leg fits within a passageway of the second bobbin. The middle leg fits within a passageway of the third bobbin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Folker, Mike LeBlanc, Thomas M. Poehlman, Wei Xiong
  • Patent number: 10930424
    Abstract: A low profile inductive apparatus is provided via one or more traces in a printed circuit board, the one or more traces defining inductive winding turns about an aperture, and a core comprising an elongate core member configured for positioning through the aperture of the circuit board. The core may be press fit with respect to the printed circuit board, or alternatively the elongate core member and the aperture may be reciprocally threaded. In an embodiment, core flanges may be provided on opposing sides of the printed circuit board, with the elongate core member connected between the core flanges and extending through the aperture. The number of inductive winding turns relates to a required inductance of the inductor when the elongate core member is positioned through the aperture, and a width and thickness of the windings corresponds to a required carrying capacity of the inductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Folker, Mark Bauer, John J. Dernovsek, Mike LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 10910139
    Abstract: A common mode choke assembly includes a main core, a shunt core, and first and second two-piece bobbins. The main core has a generally rectangular main core body, and first and second core riser portions. The first and second core riser portions are connected to opposite ends of the main core body. The first core riser portion includes a first riser notch and the second core riser portion includes a second riser notch aligned with the first riser notch. The shunt core spans between and is positioned within the first and second riser notches. The first and second two-piece bobbins are positioned on opposite sides of the main core body adjacent to the first and second core riser portions. Each two-piece bobbin includes at least first and second end flanges, a passageway, and a mating surface. The assembly further includes a mounting header for receiving the main and shunt core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Folker, Mike LeBlanc
  • Publication number: 20200381173
    Abstract: A common mode inductor includes a bobbin with two windings. A first winding is positioned between a first end flange and a first offset flange. A second winding is positioned between a second end flange and a second offset flange. The windings are spaced apart by a center section without windings. A pair of E-cores, each having a pair of outer legs and a center leg, are positioned in a passageway of the bobbin such that the center leg of each E-core is surrounded by a respective one of the two windings. First and second I-bars are positioned in the center section of the bobbin between the two offset flanges. The two I-bars are positioned on opposite sides of the passageway. The two I-bars increase leakage inductance between the two windings to improve the suppression of electromagnetic interference caused by common mode noise in the two windings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Dane Sutherland, Donald Folker, Wei Xiong
  • Patent number: 10796841
    Abstract: A magnetic component has a variable inductance over a range of DC bias currents. The component includes a bobbin with a coil positioned around a passageway between first and second end flanges. First and second E-cores have respective middle legs positioned in the passageway with end surfaces of the middle legs juxtaposed within the passageway and spaced apart by a first magnetic gap. An I-bar is positioned in the passageway parallel to and spaced apart from respective first longitudinal surfaces of the middle legs to form a second magnetic gap between the I-bar and the longitudinal surface of the middle leg of the first E-core and to form a third magnetic gap between the I-bar and the longitudinal surface of the middle leg of the second E-core. The magnetic component provides higher inductances for lower bias currents and provides lower inductances for higher bias currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Folker, Mike LeBlanc, Thomas M. Poehlman
  • Patent number: 10709024
    Abstract: An interconnection system includes a first support surface positionable against a respective first surface of a first printed circuit board (PCB) and a second support surface positionable against a respective first surface of a second PCB. The first PCB has a respective second surface spaced apart from the respective first surface by a first thickness. The second PCB has a respective second surface spaced apart from the respective first surface by a second thickness. A separator extends from the first support surface and from the second support surface. A contact pin extends through the separator. A portion of the contact pin extending in first direction from the separator is spaced apart from the first support surface by a distance corresponding to the first thickness. A portion of the contact pin extending in a second direction from the separator is spaced apart from the second support surface by the second thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Radzinski, Donald Folker
  • Patent number: 10650959
    Abstract: A magnetic component has a variable inductance over a range of DC bias currents. The component includes a bobbin with a coil positioned around a passageway between first and second end flanges. First and second E-cores (either conventional or EFD E-cores) have respective middle legs positioned in the passageway with end surfaces of the middle legs juxtaposed within the passageway and spaced apart by a first magnetic gap. An I-bar is positioned in the passageway parallel to and spaced apart from respective first longitudinal surfaces of the middle legs to form a second magnetic gap between the I-bar and the longitudinal surface of the middle leg of the first E-core and to form a third magnetic gap between the I-bar and the longitudinal surface of the middle leg of the second E-core. The magnetic component provides higher inductances for lower bias currents and provides lower inductances for higher bias currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Folker, Mike LeBlanc, Thomas M. Poehlman
  • Patent number: 10643778
    Abstract: A magnetic assembly includes a bobbin with two end flanges. A passageway extends longitudinally between the end flanges. An inner core extends through the passageway. The inner core has first and second end surfaces, each end surface proximate to one of the end flanges. A rectangular outer core is positioned around the bobbin with inner surfaces of the outer core close to the outer surfaces of the end flanges of the bobbin. A respective gap is formed between each end surface of the inner core and the adjacent inner surface of the outer core. A protrusion is formed on at least one inner surface of the outer core to control the cavity distance between the inner surfaces of the outer core proximate to the end surfaces of the inner core. The thickness of the protrusion is selectably reduced to increase the cavity distance to control the gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Folker, Mike LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 10553339
    Abstract: A combination of a common-mode choke and two integrated RF inductors includes first and second E-core. At least one E-core includes first and second protrusions extending from a body portion. Each protrusion is configured to accommodate a respective winding. In a first embodiment, each protrusion extends from the body portion at an angle perpendicular to legs extending from the body portion. In a second embodiment, each protrusion extends from the body portion in an opposite direction from the legs extending from the body portion, and each protrusion includes a respective channel to receive a respective winding. In a third embodiment, each protrusion extends from the body portion in an opposite direction from the legs extending from the body portion, and each protrusion is sized and shaped to extend into a respective opening in a printed circuit board. Each opening is surrounded by a respective printed circuit winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Xiong, Donald Folker, Mike LeBlanc, Dane Sutherland
  • Patent number: 10186812
    Abstract: A connector assembly suppresses electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by electronic circuitry on a printed circuit board (PCB). Certain embodiments of the connector assembly include common features such as conductive through-holes on the PCB, and a connector having terminal pins positionable through the conductive through-holes. The first embodiment includes a magnetic wafer positionable between the connector and the PCB. The second embodiment includes a plurality of stackable magnetic wafers positionable in a stack between the connector and the PCB. The third embodiment includes a magnetic cup wafer positionable between the connector and the PCB. The fourth embodiment, combines the cup wafer with the stackable magnetic wafers of the second and third embodiments. Each magnetic wafer includes wafer holes for the terminal pins to pass through. The magnetic wafers are configured to increase inductance and provide effective EMI noise suppression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Folker, Wei Xiong
  • Patent number: 10186809
    Abstract: A connector assembly suppresses electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by electronic circuitry on a printed circuit board (PCB). The connector assembly includes a plurality of conductive through-holes on the PCB, a connector, and a magnetic collar. The plurality of conductive through-holes are electrically connected to the electronic circuitry on the PCB. The connector has a plurality of terminal pins extending from a connector surface. The plurality of terminal pins and conductive through-holes may be aligned. The terminal pins are positioned through the conductive through-holes to electrically connect the terminals pins to the electronic circuitry. The magnetic collar surrounds the connector. The magnetic collar may also abut the PCB. The magnetic collar suppresses EMI on voltages propagating through the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Xiong, Donald Folker
  • Patent number: 10083790
    Abstract: A bobbin provides secure attachment of a magnetic component to a printed circuit board. The circuit board includes a set of slotted apertures and a set of tubular apertures. The bobbin includes at least two pin rails and a plurality of standoffs proximate each pin rail. L-shaped pins are attached to one of the pin rails. Straight pins are attached to the other pin rail. The component further includes a core, and at least one winding. The L-shaped pins are shaped to pass through and slide within the set of slotted apertures. The L-shaped pins engage the bottom surface of the circuit board when the straight pins are inserted through the set of tubular apertures (i.e., in a secured position). In the secured position, the magnetic component is held in place against the top surface of the circuit board and provides a soldering area for mounting on the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies
    Inventor: Donald Folker
  • Patent number: 9991045
    Abstract: A magnetic assembly includes a bobbin having at least first and second end flanges. The bobbin includes a channel wall displaced from the first end flange to from a channel therebetween. The channel receives and frictionally engages an I-core to retain the I-core in the channel. The bobbin includes a passageway that receives a middle leg of an E-core. The passageway includes a plurality of longitudinal ribs that extend from the first end flange toward the second end flange. The ribs are tapered with respect to the inner wall of the passageway. The middle leg of the E-core crushes the ribs. The frictional engagement of the crushed ribs with the middle leg retains the middle leg in the passageway. No taping, gluing or other additional step is required to assemble the bobbin and the two cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: UNIVERSAL LIGHTING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Donald Folker, Mike LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 9978496
    Abstract: A magnetic device for an electronic circuit includes a printed circuit board. A first and second magnetic component assembly can be electrically connected to the printed circuit. The second magnetic component assembly can be stacked on the first magnetic component assembly. The first magnetic component assembly can be positioned between the second magnetic component assembly and the printed circuit board. Each magnetic component assembly can include a bobbin, a winding disposed on the bobbin, and a core extending through the bobbin. A second bobbin on the second magnetic component can be positioned on either a first core or a first bobbin of the first magnetic component assembly. The stacked magnetic component configuration can help reduce the board space required to electrically connect both the first and second magnetic component assemblies to the printed circuit board, which can help increase the power density of the magnetic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Folker, John J. Dernovsek, Mike LeBlanc