Patents by Inventor George G. Mueller

George G. Mueller 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: 6888322
    Abstract: A color-changing device which includes an enclosure at least a portion of which is material which is desired to change color. There is also included an illumination device, such as an LED or collection of LEDs which can illuminate the material. There can also be included a controller which can take some form of input, such as from a network, or a sensor, and can convert that input into a signal to control the illumination. There is also included a method for performing such color change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys
  • Patent number: 6869204
    Abstract: Light fixtures for illumination of liquids in a variety of environments. In one example, multi-color LED-based light fixtures are employed to achieve a wide range of enhanced lighting effects in liquids. In another example, a pool or spa is illuminated by one or more multi-color light fixtures that may be employed as individually and independently controllable devices, or coupled together to form a networked lighting system to provide a variety of programmable and/or coordinated color illumination effects in the pool or spa environment. The light fixtures may have a significantly thin depth dimension to facilitate streamlined mounting in the pool or spa. Additionally, the light fixtures may be particularly constructed to take advantage of the liquid in contact with the light fixture so as to facilitate the dissipation of heat generated by the light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederick M. Morgan, Thor A. Lys, George G. Mueller, Kevin J. Dowling, Brian Roberge
  • Publication number: 20040257007
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating at least one variable color lighting effect over at least a two-dimensional observation area. In various examples, at least first radiation having a first spectrum and second radiation having a second spectrum different than the first spectrum are generated from a plurality of LEDs. One or more geometric panels are disposed with respect to the LEDs so as to at least partially diffuse the first radiation and the second radiation to provide a mixed spectrum when both the first radiation and the second radiation are generated. A first intensity of the first radiation and a second intensity of the second radiation are independently controlled at a plurality of graduated intensities from a minimum intensity to a maximum intensity so as to generate a variety of dynamic lighting effects over one or more two-dimensional observations areas covered by the one or more geometric panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ihor Lys, George G. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20040212993
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling illumination. In one example, one or more multi-color light sources are controlled based on one or more interruptions of power supplied to the light source(s). In another example, a pool or spa is illuminated by one or more multi-color light sources that may be employed as individually and independently controllable devices that may be controlled based on one or more interruptions in power. In another example, the selection of a particular illumination program for such light sources (e.g., by one or more interruptions in power) is indicated to a user via the radiation generated by the light sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, George G. Mueller, Kevin J. Dowling, Timothy Holmes, John Warwick
  • Patent number: 6806659
    Abstract: Illumination apparatus and networks of the same including a number of different embodiments. In one embodiment, the illumination apparatus comprises a plurality of LEDs including at least two different colors; a switching device, interposed between the LEDs and a common potential reference, including at least two switches corresponding to current paths of the two different color LEDs; a controller that opens and closes the switches according to a predetermined duty cycle; and a hand-held housing with a compartment for containing a power source and the common reference potential, as well as a lens assembly for reflecting light from the LEDs. Another embodiment is directed to a lighting network including a controller and a plurality of uniquely-addressable illumination units, each including two different color LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: George G. Mueller, Ihor Lys
  • Publication number: 20040178751
    Abstract: Illumination methods and apparatus, in which a first number of first light sources are adapted to generate first radiation having a first spectrum, and a second number of second light sources are adapted to generate second radiation having a second spectrum different than the first spectrum. In one example, the first number of the first light sources and the second number of the second light sources are different. In another example, a first intensity of the first radiation and a second intensity of the second radiation are independently controlled so as to controllably vary at least an overall perceivable color of generated visible radiation. In yet another example, a first control signal controls all of the first light sources substantially identically, and a second control signal controls all of the second light sources substantially identically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys
  • Patent number: 6788011
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to LED systems capable of generating light, such as for illumination or display purposes. The light-emitting LEDs may be controlled by a processor to alter the brightness and/or color of the generated light, e.g., by using pulse-width modulated signals. Thus, the resulting illumination may be controlled by a computer program to provide complex, predesigned patterns of light in virtually any environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys
  • Patent number: 6781329
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for illumination of liquids in a variety of environments. In one example, multi-color LED-based light sources are employed to achieve a wide range of enhanced lighting effects in liquids. In another example, a pool or spa is illuminated by one or more multi-color light sources that may be employed as individually and independently controllable devices, or coupled together to form a networked lighting system to provide a variety of programmable and/or coordinated color illumination effects in the pool or spa environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: George G. Mueller, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Kevin J. Dowling
  • Publication number: 20040155609
    Abstract: Track lighting methods and apparatus. In various examples, power and data are provided to a plurality of lighting fixtures via at least one pair of essentially rigid electrically conductive tracks that are mechanically coupled to an essentially rigid linear or curvilinear-shaped housing. The plurality of lighting fixtures includes at least one LED-based lighting fixture mechanically coupled to the housing, electrically coupled to the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks, and configured to be responsive to the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ihor Lys, George G. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6774584
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sensor responsive illumination of liquids in a variety of environments. In one example, multi-color LED-based sensor responsive light sources are employed to achieve a wide range of enhanced lighting effects in liquids. In another example, a pool or spa is illuminated by one or more multi-color sensor responsive light sources that may be employed as individually and independently controllable devices, or coupled together to form a networked lighting system to provide a variety of programmable and/or coordinated color illumination effects in the pool or spa environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ihor A. Lys, Frederick M. Morgan, George G. Mueller, Kevin J. Dowling
  • Publication number: 20040130909
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for preparing signs and displays. The methods and systems include using a light engine for generating light of a plurality of colors to illuminate the body of a flexible conduit that receives light from the light engine. The conduit can be used as a sign, display, or similar lighting facility in many applications that traditionally used neon signs and displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: George G. Mueller, Kevin J. Dowling, Ihor A. Lys, Charles H. Cella
  • Publication number: 20040116039
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing an inflatable device. In one example, a first component adapted to generate at least one of light and sound is coupled to a second component that is adapted to facilitate insertion into an inflatable device. The first component may be an LED-based light source configured to generate single or multi-colored light in an interior space of the inflatable device once inserted into the inflatable device. The second component may be particularly configured with one or more valves or seals to facilitate a transfer of a substance (e.g., an inflating substance) into the inflatable device once the first and second components are inserted into the inflatable device. The second component also may be configured to conveniently facilitate an effective seal between the second component and the inflatable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: George G. Mueller, Ralph Osterhout, Kevin J. Dowling
  • Publication number: 20040113568
    Abstract: A lighting system associated with a machine vision system. The machine vision system may direct lighting control commands to the lighting system to change the illumination conditions provided to an object. A vision system may also be provided and associated with the machine vision system such that the vision system views and captures an image(s) of the object when lit by the lighting system. The machine vision system may direct the lighting system to change the illumination conditions and then capture the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys
  • Publication number: 20040105261
    Abstract: A lighting fixture for producing a beam of light having a prescribed luminous flux spectrum. In one example, the lighting fixture comprises a plurality of groups of light-emitting devices, each such group configured to emit light having a distinct luminous flux spectrum, and a controller configurable to supply selected amounts of electrical power to the plurality of groups of light-emitting devices, such that the groups cooperate to produce a composite beam of light having a prescribed luminous flux spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Alfred D. Ducharme, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Kevin J. Dowling, George G. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20040090191
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to LED systems capable of generating light, such as for illumination or display purposes. The light-emitting LEDs may be controlled by a processor to alter the brightness and/or color of the generated light, e.g., by using pulse-width modulated signals. Thus, the resulting illumination may be controlled by a computer program to provide complex, predesigned patterns of light in virtually any environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys
  • Patent number: 6720745
    Abstract: Provided herein may be methods and systems for delivering data, which may include a track having a plurality of conducting wires, a housing for the track, a driver, for delivering data to the track, the driver capable of controlling a transition signal between a state representing a logical one and a state representing a logical zero, and a plurality of devices disposed on the housing and connected to the track, the devices being compatible with the RS-485 standard, wherein the devices include an LED system designed to be controlled by a processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ihor Lys, George G. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20040052076
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for providing controlled lighting, including methods and systems for providing both white and non-white colored lighting, including color temperature controlled lighting. Such methods and systems include optical facilities for modifying light from a lighting unit, such as an LED-based lighting unit, including variable optical facilities and fixed optical facilities. Also provided are methods and systems for using multi-color lighting units in a variety of commercial applications. Also provided are methods and systems for lighting control, including methods to assist lighting designers and installers to improve the quality of lighting in environments. Also provided are intelligent dimmers, switches, sockets and fixtures, as well as facilities for programming and using them. Also provided are various sensor-feedback applications of lighting technology, including sensor-feedback involving light sensors and forward voltage sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys, Kevin J. Dowling, Charles H. Cella, Frederick M. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20030214259
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Michael K. Blackwell, Alfred Ducharme, Ralph Osterhout, Colin Piepgras, George G. Mueller, Dawn Geary
  • Publication number: 20030206411
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: 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: 6624597
    Abstract: One embodiment is a lighting system associated with a machine vision system. The machine vision system may direct lighting control commands to the lighting system to change the illumination conditions provided to an object. A vision system may also be provided and associated with the machine vision system such that the vision system views and captures an image(s) of the object when lit by the lighting system. The machine vision system may direct the lighting system to change the illumination conditions and then capture the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Color Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys