Patents by Inventor Gerard Harbers

Gerard Harbers 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: 20160356471
    Abstract: An electrical interface module (EIM) is provided between an LED illumination device and a light fixture. The EIM includes an arrangement of contacts that are adapted to be coupled to an LED illumination device and a second arrangement of contacts that are adapted to be coupled to the light fixture and may include a power converter. Additionally, an LED selection module may be included to selectively turn on or off LEDs. A communication port may be included to transmit information associated with the LED illumination device, such as identification, indication of lifetime, flux, etc. The lifetime of the LED illumination device may be measured and communicated, e.g., by an RF signal, IR signal, wired signal or by controlling the light output of the LED illumination device. An optic that is replaceably mounted to the LED illumination device may include, e.g., a flux sensor that is connected to the electrical interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Gerard Harbers, Gregory W. Eng, Christopher R. Reed, Peter K. Tseng, John S. Yriberri
  • Publication number: 20160345415
    Abstract: An LED based illumination device includes an and a LED based light engine and a light control and communications gateway (LCCG). An LED driver in the LCCG receives receives a light control command via a lighting control network interface and in response provides an an electrical current that controls the amount of light produced by the LED based light engine. The lighting control network interface of the LCCG is communicatively coupled to a lighting control network. The LCCG additionally includes a building management network interface that is communicatively coupled to a building management network. Identification and operational data for a plurality of LED based illumination devices communicatively coupled to the lighting control network is stored in memory, and operational data is communicated from the LCCG over the building management network interface to a building management system communicately coupled to the LCCG over the building management network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: Gerard Harbers
  • Publication number: 20160302280
    Abstract: An LED based illumination device includes a plurality of LEDs that emit light through an output port of a housing. The LED based illumination device includes a heat sink that is in thermal contact with the plurality of LEDs. A peripheral electrical circuit board is configured to be contained within the housing, e.g., surrounding at least a portion of the heat sink. The peripheral electrical circuit board may include a radio frequency (RF) transceiver configured to communicate data between the LED based illumination device and another electronic device. A primary electrical circuit board may be electrically coupled to the peripheral electrical circuit board and electrically coupled to the plurality of LEDs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: Gerard Harbers, Barry Mark Loveridge, Martin Emil Mueller, Peter K. Tseng, Warren A. Kartadinata
  • Publication number: 20160254864
    Abstract: A Light Emitting Diode (LED) based illumination device authenticates a mobile electronics device on a lighting communications network. The mobile electronic device may request a communications link on the lighting communications network and detect modulated illumination light emitted from the LED based illumination device. The modulated light may include an optical code. The mobile electronic device may determine the optical code from the modulated illumination light and communicate an indication of the optical code to the LED based illumination device. The LED based illumination device may determine if the indication of the optical code is correct and provide, in response, a communication link to the mobile electronics device on the lighting communications network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Martin Emil Mueller, Barry Mark Loveridge, Jeffrey P. Hushley, Gerard Harbers
  • Publication number: 20160255704
    Abstract: A Light Emitting Diode (LED) based illumination device may include a Light Control and Data Interface Module (LCDIM). The LCDIM may include an LED driver that supplies electrical power to the LED based light engine of the LED based illumination module. The LCDIM may include a radio frequency (RF) transmitter that communicates a signal indicative of an operational status of the LED based light engine to another device on a wireless communications network using a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) advertising packet. Additionally, in a lighting control system, a light control device may include a RF transmitter to communicate a signal indicative of a lighting control command to the LCDIM using a BLE advertising packet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Martin Emil Mueller, Barry Mark Loveridge, Jeffrey P. Hushley, Gerard Harbers
  • Publication number: 20160255698
    Abstract: A light control and data interface module (LCDIM) is used to control an LED based illumination device. The LCDIM includes a transceiver that receives communication signals from one or more sensor modules. The signals may include an indication of an identity of the one or more sensor modules and elapsed time since a triggering event was detected. One or more processors are configured to receive the communication signal and to determine a delay time to trigger a lighting control response. The one or more processors are further configured to cause the transmission of a command signal to a power converter coupled to the LCDIM to implement the lighting control response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Gerard Harbers, Barry Mark Loveridge, Martin Emil Mueller, Jeffrey P. Hushley
  • Patent number: 9425896
    Abstract: An LED based illumination device transmits information by receiving an amount of digital data and modulating a color of light emitted from the LED based illumination device based on the digital data. The luminous flux of the emitted light remains approximately constant while the color of light varies. A receiver may receive the emitted light and demodulate a signal indicative of the color of emitted light to determine the digital data. The color of the light may be modulated by varying current provided to different LEDs, where the different LEDs cause different color of light to be emitted from the LED based illumination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Xicato, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Harbers, Barry Mark Loveridge
  • Patent number: 9426863
    Abstract: Multiple colors of light emitted by an assembled light emitting diode (LED) based illumination device is automatically tuned to within a predefined tolerance of multiple target color points by modifying portions of wavelength converting materials associated with each color. A first color of light emitted from the assembled LED based illumination device in response to a first current is measured and a second color of light emitted from the assembled LED based illumination device in response to a second current is measured. A material modification plan to modify wavelength converting materials is determined based at least in part on the measured colors of light and desired colors of light to be emitted. The wavelength converting materials may be selectively modified in accordance with the material modification plan so that the assembled LED based illumination device emits colors of light that are within a predetermined tolerance of target color points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Xicato, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerard Harbers
  • Publication number: 20160205730
    Abstract: An illumination module includes a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) located in different zones to preferentially illuminate different color converting surfaces. The flux emitted from LEDs located in different zones may be independently controlled by selectively routing current from a single current source to different strings of LEDs in the different zones. In this manner, changes in the CCT of light emitted from LED based illumination module may be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventor: Gerard Harbers
  • Publication number: 20160186934
    Abstract: A solid state illumination device includes a semiconductor light emitter mounted on a base and surrounded by sidewalls, e.g., in a circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular or other appropriate arrangement, to define a chamber. A top element, which may be reflective, may be coupled to the sidewalls to further define the chamber. The light produced by the semiconductor light emitter is emitted through the sidewalls of the chamber. The sidewalls and/or top element may include wavelength converting material, for example, as a plurality of dots on the surfaces. An adjustable wavelength converting element may be used within the chamber, with the adjustable wavelength converting element being configured to adjust the surface area that is exposed to the light emitted by the semiconductor light emitter in the chamber to alter an optical property of the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Gerard Harbers, Mark A. Pugh
  • Patent number: 9360168
    Abstract: An electrical interface module (EIM) is provided between an LED illumination device and a light fixture. The EIM includes an arrangement of contacts that are adapted to be coupled to an LED illumination device and a second arrangement of contacts that are adapted to be coupled to the light fixture and may include a power converter. Additionally, an LED selection module may be included to selectively turn on or off LEDs. A communication port may be included to transmit information associated with the LED illumination device, such as identification, indication of lifetime, flux, etc. The lifetime of the LED illumination device may be measured and communicated, e.g., by an RF signal, IR signal, wired signal or by controlling the light output of the LED illumination device. An optic that is replaceably mounted to the LED illumination device may include, e.g., a flux sensor that is connected to the electrical interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Xicato, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Harbers, Gregory W. Eng, Christopher R. Reed, Peter K. Tseng, John S. Yriberri
  • Publication number: 20160146409
    Abstract: A light emitting diode module is produced using at least one LED and at least two selectable components that form a light mixing chamber. First and second selectable components have first and second types of wavelength converting materials with different wavelength converting characteristics. The first and second wavelength converting characteristics alter the spectral power distribution of the light produced by the LED to produce light with a color point that is a predetermined tolerance from a predetermined color point. Moreover, a set of LED modules may be produced such that each LED module has the same color point within a predetermined tolerance. The LED module may be produced by pre-measuring the wavelength converting characteristics of the different components selecting components with wavelength converting characteristics that convert the spectral power distribution of the LED to a color point that is a predetermined tolerance from a predetermined color point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventors: Gerard Harbers, Peter K. Tseng, Christopher R. Reed
  • Patent number: 9328880
    Abstract: The color of light emitted by an assembled light emitting diode (LED) based illumination device with at least two different wavelength converting materials is automatically tuned to within a predefined tolerance of a target color point by modifying portions of the wavelength converting materials. The color of light emitted from the assembled LED based illumination device is measured and a material modification plan is determined based at least in part on the measured color of light and a desired color of light to be emitted. The material modification plan may further include the location of the wavelength converting materials to be modified. The wavelength converting materials are selectively modified in accordance with the material modification plan so that the assembled LED based illumination device emits a second color of light that is within a predetermined tolerance of a target color point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Xicato, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerard Harbers
  • Patent number: 9295126
    Abstract: An illumination module includes a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) located in different zones to preferentially illuminate different color converting surfaces. The flux emitted from LEDs located in different zones may be independently controlled by selectively routing current from a single current source to different strings of LEDs in the different zones. In this manner, changes in the CCT of light emitted from LED based illumination module may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Xicato, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerard Harbers
  • Publication number: 20160069559
    Abstract: An LED based illumination module includes a thermal interface surface that is coupled to a thermal interface surface of a reflector using engaging members that generate a compressive force between the thermal interface surfaces. The engaging members may be, e.g., protrusions that interface with recesses, spring pins, formed sheet metal, magnets, mounting collar, etc. The reflector may include a vented portion that is not optically coupled to the LED based illumination module to allow air to pass through the reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Gerard Harbers, Christopher R. Reed, Peter K. Tseng, John S. Yriberri
  • Publication number: 20160061392
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) based illumination device include a plurality of LEDS mounted to mounting board and includes a transmissive plate disposed above the LEDs. The transmissive plate includes an amount of wavelength converting material configured to change a wavelength of an amount of light emitted by the plurality of LEDs. A base reflector structure is coupled to the LED mounting board and the transmissive plate between at least two of the LEDs. In another configuration, a dam of reflective material surrounds the LEDs and is coupled to the LED mounting board and the transmissive plate, while a dam of thermally conductive material surrounds the dam of reflective material. In another configuration, the LED mounting board has a protrusion of thermally conductive material that surrounds the LEDs and is coupled to the transmissive plate, and has a void on the side opposite the protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Gerard Harbers, Tyler Robin Kakuda, Serge J. A. Bierhuizen, Stefan Eberle
  • Patent number: 9261245
    Abstract: A light emitting diode module is produced using at least one LED and at least two selectable components that form a light mixing chamber. First and second selectable components have first and second types of wavelength converting materials with different wavelength converting characteristics. The first and second wavelength converting characteristics alter the spectral power distribution of the light produced by the LED to produce light with a color point that is a predetermined tolerance from a predetermined color point. Moreover, a set of LED modules may be produced such that each LED module has the same color point within a predetermined tolerance. The LED module may be produced by pre-measuring the wavelength converting characteristics of the different components selecting components with wavelength converting characteristics that convert the spectral power distribution of the LED to a color point that is a predetermined tolerance from a predetermined color point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Xicato, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Harbers, Peter K. Tseng, Christopher R. Reed
  • Patent number: 9230943
    Abstract: A solid state illumination device includes a semiconductor light emitter mounted on a base and surrounded by sidewalls, e.g., in a circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular or other appropriate arrangement, to define a chamber. A top element, which may be reflective, may be coupled to the sidewalls to further define the chamber. The light produced by the semiconductor light emitter is emitted through the sidewalls of the chamber. The sidewalls and/or top element may include wavelength converting material, for example, as a plurality of dots on the surfaces. An adjustable wavelength converting element may be used within the chamber, with the adjustable wavelength converting element being configured to adjust the surface area that is exposed to the light emitted by the semiconductor light emitter in the chamber to alter an optical property of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Xicato, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Harbers, Mark A. Pugh
  • Patent number: 9217560
    Abstract: An LED based illumination module includes a thermal interface surface that is coupled to a thermal interface surface of a reflector using engaging members that generate a compressive force between the thermal interface surfaces. The engaging members may be, e.g., protrusions that interface with recesses, spring pins, formed sheet metal, magnets, mounting collar, etc. The reflector may include a vented portion that is not optically coupled to the LED based illumination module to allow air to pass through the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Xicato, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Harbers, Christopher R. Reed, Peter K. Tseng, John S. Yriberri
  • Publication number: 20150316218
    Abstract: An illumination module includes a light mixing cavity with an interior surface area and window that are physically separated from an LED. A portion of the window is coated with a first wavelength converting material and a portion of the interior surface area is coated with a second wavelength converting material. The window may be coated with LuAG:Ce. The window may also be coated with a third wavelength converting material with a peak emission wavelength between 615-655 nm where the spectral response of light emitted from the window is within 20% of a blackbody radiator at the same CCT. The LED may emit a light that is converted by the light mixing cavity with a color conversion efficiency ratio greater than 130 lm/W where the light mixing cavity includes two photo-luminescent materials with a peak emission wavelengths between 508-528 nm and 615-655 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Inventors: Gerard Harbers, Raghuram L.V. Petluri