Patents by Inventor Erik A. McMillan

Erik A. McMillan 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: 20200103080
    Abstract: In one aspect, a light fixture includes a light source configured to emit light, a driver configured to control operation of the light source and a body housing the light source and the driver. The body is rectangular and configured in length and width so as to slide into a prismatic lens frame of an existing light fixture installed in a ceiling, fill in the frame and be held in place by the frame, where the frame is configured to hold a translucent prismatic lens and close on the existing light fixture. The body of the light fixture is also configured to fit between a body of the existing light fixture and the closed frame. The body is configured in thickness along the perimeter such that the perimeter of the body is able to slide into, fill and be held by the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventor: George Erik McMillan
  • Patent number: 10539861
    Abstract: In one aspect, a light assembly configured to be installed in a movie theatre projector includes an emitter housing with an LED emitter plate that emits a beam of light and a lens assembly. The light assembly also includes a cooling assembly configured to dissipate heat from the LED emitter plate. The a cooling assembly includes a cooling fluid jacket coupled to the LED emitter plate, where the cooling fluid jacket comprises a metal layer enclosing a hollow path for cooling fluid, and where the cooling fluid jacket is configured to allow the cooling fluid to pass through cooling fluid jacket, thereby drawing heat from the LED emitter plate. The light assembly also includes a heat sink and a cooling fan. The cooling assembly further includes cooling sections to cool the cooling fluid that flows out of the cooling fluid jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Inventor: George Erik McMillan
  • Publication number: 20190377252
    Abstract: In one aspect, a light assembly configured to be installed in a movie theatre projector includes an emitter housing with an LED emitter plate that emits a beam of light and a lens assembly. The light assembly also includes a cooling assembly configured to dissipate heat from the LED emitter plate. The a cooling assembly includes a cooling fluid jacket coupled to the LED emitter plate, where the cooling fluid jacket comprises a metal layer enclosing a hollow path for cooling fluid, and where the cooling fluid jacket is configured to allow the cooling fluid to pass through cooling fluid jacket, thereby drawing heat from the LED emitter plate. The light assembly also includes a heat sink and a cooling fan. The cooling assembly further includes cooling sections to cool the cooling fluid that flows out of the cooling fluid jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventor: George Erik McMillan
  • Patent number: 10424416
    Abstract: According to an aspect, a vapor powered apparatus for generating electric power includes a liquid chamber that contains a working fluid and a first heat exchanger that transfers heat from fluid coming from a heat source to working fluid coming from the liquid chamber, where the transferred heat vaporizes at least a portion of the working fluid to provide a working pressure of the vaporized working fluid. The apparatus includes a pressure motor to convert the working pressure of the vaporized working fluid into mechanical motion for a power generator. The apparatus includes a vapor chamber to capture the vaporized working fluid and a second heat exchanger to use working fluid from the liquid chamber to condense the captured vaporized working fluid. An exchanger fluid system provides the working fluid to the second heat exchanger from a bottom portion of a pool of working liquid in the liquid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Inventor: George Erik McMillan
  • Patent number: 10394111
    Abstract: In one aspect, a light assembly configured to be installed in a movie theater projector includes an emitter housing with an LED emitter plate that emits a beam of light. The light assembly also includes a cooling assembly configured to dissipate heat from the LED emitter plate. The light assembly also includes a lens assembly configured to adjust the size or pitch of the beam with a concave adjustor having a concave lens configured to spread the beam emitted from the LED emitter plate and a convex adjustor having a convex lens configured to collimate light received from the concave lens. The concave adjustor is movably attached to the emitter housing and the convex adjustor, and the lens assembly is configured to be manipulated to adjust a distance between the concave lens and the convex lens, thereby adjusting the size or pitch of the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Inventor: George Erik McMillan
  • Patent number: 10364951
    Abstract: A light-mounting system includes an outer bezel configured for being secured to a ceiling, a light-emitting device configured for being received in a recess in the ceiling above the outer bezel, and an inner bezel configured for being secured to the light-emitting device below and through at least a portion of the outer bezel such that the outer bezel is retained between the light emitting device and the inner bezel. A method of installing a light-mounting system includes placing a light-emitting device into engagement with a back portion of an outer bezel, placing an inner bezel into engagement with a front portion of the outer bezel, and fastening the light-emitting device into engagement with the inner bezel to thereby sandwich the outer bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: George Erik McMillan
  • Publication number: 20190212642
    Abstract: In one aspect, a light assembly configured to be installed in a movie theatre projector includes an emitter housing with an LED emitter plate that emits a beam of light. The light assembly also includes a cooling assembly configured to dissipate heat from the LED emitter plate. The light assembly also includes a lens assembly configured to adjust the size or pitch of the beam with a concave adjustor having a concave lens configured to spread the beam emitted from the LED emitter plate and a convex adjustor having a convex lens configured to collimate light received from the concave lens. The concave adjustor is movably attached to the emitter housing and the convex adjustor, and the lens assembly is configured to be manipulated to adjust a distance between the concave lens and the convex lens, thereby adjusting the size or pitch of the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventor: George Erik McMillan
  • Patent number: 10228612
    Abstract: In one aspect, a light assembly system configured to be installed in a movie theatre projector includes a light assembly, which includes an adaptor configured to mechanically couple to a bulb mount of the movie theatre projector, LEDs attached to a primary LED Emitter mounting plate, a cooling assembly configured to dissipate heat from the primary LED Emitter mounting plate and a lens configured to collimate light emitted from the LEDs. The light assembly system also includes a light assembly control system, separate from an existing control system of the movie theatre projector, that is configured to control operation of the light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Inventor: George Erik McMillan
  • Publication number: 20190011821
    Abstract: In one aspect, a light assembly system configured to be installed in a movie theatre projector includes a light assembly, which includes an adaptor configured to mechanically couple to a bulb mount of the movie theatre projector, LEDs attached to a primary LED Emitter mounting plate, a cooling assembly configured to dissipate heat from the primary LED Emitter mounting plate and a lens configured to collimate light emitted from the LEDs. The light assembly s also includes a light assembly control system, separate from an existing control system of the movie theatre projector, that is configured to control operation of the light assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Inventor: George Erik McMillan
  • Publication number: 20180299118
    Abstract: In one aspect, a troffer light fixture includes a troffer body shaped to reflect or disperse light from a light source that includes LEDs attached to a first side of the troffer body. The troffer body includes two or more vents that are configured to pass air from the first side of the troffer body to open space on a second side of the troffer body for a duct-less HVAC air intake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventor: George Erik McMillan
  • Publication number: 20180301232
    Abstract: According to an aspect, a vapor powered apparatus for generating electric power includes a liquid chamber that contains a working fluid and a first heat exchanger that transfers heat from fluid coming from a heat source to working fluid coming from the liquid chamber, where the transferred heat vaporizes at least a portion of the working fluid to provide a working pressure of the vaporized working fluid. The apparatus includes a pressure motor to convert the working pressure of the vaporized working fluid into mechanical motion for a power generator. The apparatus includes a vapor chamber to capture the vaporized working fluid and a second heat exchanger to use working fluid from the liquid chamber to condense the captured vaporized working fluid. An exchanger fluid system provides the working fluid to the second heat exchanger from a bottom portion of a pool of working liquid in the liquid chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventor: George Erik McMillan
  • Patent number: 10088741
    Abstract: In one aspect, a light assembly is configured to be installed in a movie theater projector and includes an adaptor configured to mechanically couple to a bulb mount of the projector, a primary LED Emitter mounting plate and LEDs attached to the primary LED Emitter mounting plate. The light assembly also includes a heat sink configured to dissipate heat from the primary LED Emitter mounting plate, a cooling fan configured to generate airflow across the heat sink, a lens mounting plate and a lens configured to collimate light emitted from the LEDs, where the lens is disposed over the lens mounting plate. The light assembly also includes an attachment assembly configured to attach the lens mounting plate to the primary LED Emitter mounting plate. The adaptor may be manipulated to adjust a distance between the bulb mount of the movie theater projector and the primary LED Emitter mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventor: George Erik McMillan
  • Publication number: 20180224733
    Abstract: In one aspect, a light assembly is configured to be installed in a movie theatre projector and includes an adaptor configured to mechanically couple to a bulb mount of the projector, a primary LED Emitter mounting plate and LEDs attached to the primary LED Emitter mounting plate. The light assembly also includes a heat sink configured to dissipate heat from the primary LED Emitter mounting plate, a cooling fan configured to generate airflow across the heat sink, a lens mounting plate and a lens configured to collimate light emitted from the. LEDs, where the lens is disposed over the lens mounting plate. The light assembly also includes an attachment assembly configured to attach the lens mounting plate to the primary LED Emitter mounting plate. The adaptor may be manipulated to adjust a distance between the bulb mount of the movie theatre projector and the primary LED Emitter mounting plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventor: George Erik McMillan
  • Patent number: 9952490
    Abstract: Disclosed is a light assembly configured to be installed in a movie projector. The light assembly includes an adaptor configured to mechanically couple with a bulb mount of the movie theatre projector. The light assembly further includes a female socket rigidly connected to the adaptor and a male socket configured to mate with the female socket. Yet further, the light assembly includes one or more cooling fans configured to generate airflow, a heat sink configured to dissipate heat, a first thermal transfer pad configured to conduct heat, a primary mounting plate, and a second thermal transfer pad. Moreover, the light assembly includes a Light Emitting Diode (LED) Array configured to generate light, wherein the LED Array is mounted on a board. Further, the light assembly includes a lens mounting plate, multiple lens mount standoffs, a lens configured to collimate light emitted from the LED Array, and a lens retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: George Erik McMillan
  • Patent number: 9801245
    Abstract: An apparatus that is configured to be installed with a predetermined maximum wattage output wherein the maximum wattage output can be selected by the installer. The light fixture includes a housing and an adjustable resistor. A light source is electrically to the adjustable resistor. And the adjustable resistor is associated with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: George Erik McMillan
  • Publication number: 20170277030
    Abstract: Disclosed is a light assembly configured to be installed in a movie projector. The light assembly includes an adaptor configured to mechanically couple with a bulb mount of the movie theatre projector. The light assembly further includes a female socket rigidly connected to the adaptor and a male socket configured to mate with the female socket. Yet further, the light assembly includes one or more cooling fans configured to generate airflow, a heat sink configured to dissipate heat, a first thermal transfer pad configured to conduct heat, a primary mounting plate, and a second thermal transfer pad. Moreover, the light assembly includes a Light Emitting Diode (LED) Array configured to generate light, wherein the LED Array is mounted on a board. Further, the light assembly includes a lens mounting plate, multiple lens mount standoffs, a lens configured to collimate light emitted from the LED Array, and a lens retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: George Erik McMillan, Peter James Lohr
  • Publication number: 20170276334
    Abstract: Disclosed is a light fixture configured to be mounted on a drop ceiling. The light fixture includes a luminaire. The luminaire includes a body comprising a cavity configured to house one or more light sources. Further, the luminaire includes a bezel circumferentially disposed around an opening of the cavity. Yet further, the luminaire includes an electrical connector configured to interface with a power cable. Moreover, the luminaire includes multiple fastening members configured to fasten the bezel to a drop-ceiling tile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: George Erik McMillan, Peter James Lohr
  • Publication number: 20170013691
    Abstract: An apparatus that is configured to be installed with a predetermined maximum wattage output wherein the maximum wattage output can be selected by the installer. The light fixture includes a housing and an adjustable resistor. A light source is electrically to the adjustable resistor. And the adjustable resistor is associated with the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventor: George Erik McMillan
  • Publication number: 20150211699
    Abstract: A light-mounting system includes an outer bezel configured for being secured to a ceiling, a light-emitting device configured for being received in a recess in the ceiling above the outer bezel, and an inner bezel configured for being secured to the light-emitting device below and through at least a portion of the outer bezel such that the outer bezel is retained between the light emitting device and the inner bezel. A method of installing a light-mounting system includes placing a light-emitting device into engagement with a back portion of an outer bezel, placing an inner bezel into engagement with a front portion of the outer bezel, and fastening the light-emitting device into engagement with the inner bezel to thereby sandwich the outer bezel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventor: George Erik McMillan
  • Publication number: 20150028776
    Abstract: A circuit includes a dimming controller, an adjustable resistor connected downstream of and in series connection with the dimming controller, a driver connected downstream and in series with the adjustable resistor, and a light connected downstream and in series with the driver. Related methods are also provided. A light emitting diode (LED) light fixture has a wide adjustment range of wattage and lumen outputs. A variable output LED light fixture has adjustable lumen output. An adjustable LED light fixture is adaptable to multiple lighting environments and needs, including outdoor and indoor applications. A LED light fixture includes a LED driver with a device adjusting the maximum wattage and lumen output of LED array(s). The adjustment is not permanent and can be adjusted multiple times to tune the wattage and lumen output or as required due to changes at the installation environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: George Erik McMillan