Patents by Inventor Kirk A. Fuller
Kirk A. Fuller 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).
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Patent number: 10516073Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating apparatus comprising photovoltaic diodes, which may be created through a printing process, using a semiconductor or other substrate particle ink or suspension and using a lens particle ink or suspension. An exemplary apparatus comprises a base; at least one first conductor; a plurality of diodes coupled to the at least one first conductor; at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of diodes; and a plurality of lenses suspended in a polymer deposited or attached over the diodes. The lenses and the suspending polymer have different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes are substantially spherical, and have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1. The diodes may be LEDs or photovoltaic diodes, and in some embodiments, have a junction formed at least partially as a hemispherical shell or cap.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2017Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide IncInventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark D. Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
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Publication number: 20180102457Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating apparatus comprising photovoltaic diodes, which may be created through a printing process, using a semiconductor or other substrate particle ink or suspension and using a lens particle ink or suspension. An exemplary apparatus comprises a base; at least one first conductor; a plurality of diodes coupled to the at least one first conductor; at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of diodes; and a plurality of lenses suspended in a polymer deposited or attached over the diodes. The lenses and the suspending polymer have different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes are substantially spherical, and have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1. The diodes may be LEDs or photovoltaic diodes, and in some embodiments, have a junction formed at least partially as a hemispherical shell or cap.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2017Publication date: April 12, 2018Applicants: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc., U.S. Government as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and SpacInventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark D. Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
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Patent number: 9865767Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating apparatus comprising photovoltaic diodes, which may be created through a printing process, using a semiconductor or other substrate particle ink or suspension and using a lens particle ink or suspension. An exemplary apparatus comprises a base; at least one first conductor; a plurality of diodes coupled to the at least one first conductor; at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of diodes; and a plurality of lenses suspended in a polymer deposited or attached over the diodes. The lenses and the suspending polymer have different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes are substantially spherical, and have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1. The diodes may be LEDs or photovoltaic diodes, and in some embodiments, have a junction formed at least partially as a hemispherical shell or cap.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide IncInventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark D. Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
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Publication number: 20160126417Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating apparatus comprising photovoltaic diodes, which may be created through a printing process, using a semiconductor or other substrate particle ink or suspension and using a lens particle ink or suspension. An exemplary apparatus comprises a base; at least one first conductor; a plurality of diodes coupled to the at least one first conductor; at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of diodes; and a plurality of lenses suspended in a polymer deposited or attached over the diodes. The lenses and the suspending polymer have different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes are substantially spherical, and have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1. The diodes may be LEDs or photovoltaic diodes, and in some embodiments, have a junction formed at least partially as a hemispherical shell or cap.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2016Publication date: May 5, 2016Applicants: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc., U.s. Government as reprsented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministratInventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark D. Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
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Patent number: 9236528Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating apparatus comprising photovoltaic diodes, which may be created through a printing process, using a semiconductor or other substrate particle ink or suspension and using a lens particle ink or suspension. An exemplary apparatus comprises a base; at least one first conductor; a plurality of substantially spherical or optically resonant diodes coupled to the at least one first conductor; at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of diodes; and a plurality of substantially spherical lenses suspended in a polymer attached or deposited over the diodes. The lenses and the suspending polymer have different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide IncInventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark D. Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
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Patent number: 9236527Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating apparatus comprising photovoltaic diodes, which may be created through a printing process, using a semiconductor or other substrate particle ink or suspension and using a lens particle ink or suspension. An exemplary apparatus comprises a base; at least one first conductor; a plurality of diodes coupled to the at least one first conductor; at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of diodes; and a plurality of lenses suspended in a polymer deposited or attached over the diodes. The lenses and the suspending polymer have different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes are substantially spherical, and have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1. The diodes may be LEDs or photovoltaic diodes, and in some embodiments, have a junction formed at least partially as a hemispherical shell or cap.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide IncInventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark D. Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
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Patent number: 8753947Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device having light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating device having photovoltaic diodes. The exemplary method includes depositing a first conductive medium within a plurality of channels of a base to form a plurality of first conductors; depositing within the plurality of channels a plurality of semiconductor substrate particles suspended in a carrier medium; forming an ohmic contact between each semiconductor substrate particle and a first conductor; converting the semiconductor substrate particles into a plurality of semiconductor diodes; depositing a second conductive medium to form a plurality of second conductors coupled to the plurality of semiconductor diodes; and depositing or attaching a plurality of lenses suspended in a first polymer over the plurality of diodes. In various embodiments, the depositing, forming, coupling and converting steps are performed by or through a printing process.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2012Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignees: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc, NASAInventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark David Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
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Patent number: 8753946Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device having light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating device having photovoltaic diodes. The exemplary method includes depositing a first conductive medium within a plurality of channels of a base to form a plurality of first conductors; depositing within the plurality of channels a plurality of semiconductor substrate particles suspended in a carrier medium; forming an ohmic contact between each semiconductor substrate particle and a first conductor; converting the semiconductor substrate particles into a plurality of semiconductor diodes; depositing a second conductive medium to form a plurality of second conductors coupled to the plurality of semiconductor diodes; and depositing or attaching a plurality of lenses suspended in a first polymer over the plurality of diodes. In various embodiments, the depositing, forming, coupling and converting steps are performed by or through a printing process.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2012Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignees: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc, NASA, an agency of the United StatesInventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark David Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
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Patent number: 8456393Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device having light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating device having photovoltaic diodes. The exemplary method includes forming at least one first conductor coupled to a base; coupling a plurality of substrate particles to the at least one first conductor; converting the plurality of substrate particles into a plurality of diodes; forming at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of spherical diodes; and depositing or attaching a plurality of substantially spherical lenses suspended in a first polymer, with the lenses and the suspending polymer having different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1. In various embodiments, the forming, coupling and converting steps are performed by or through a printing process.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignees: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc, The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark D. Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
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Patent number: 8456392Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device having light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating device having photovoltaic diodes. The exemplary method includes forming at least one first conductor coupled to a base; coupling a plurality of substantially spherical substrate particles to the at least one first conductor; converting the substrate particles into a plurality of substantially spherical diodes; forming at least one second conductor coupled to the substantially spherical diodes; and depositing or attaching a plurality of substantially spherical lenses suspended in a first polymer. The lenses and the suspending polymer have different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1. In various embodiments, the forming, coupling and converting steps are performed by or through a printing process.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignees: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc, The United States of America as represented by the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark D. Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
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Patent number: 8395568Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating apparatus comprising photovoltaic diodes, which may be created through a printing process, using a semiconductor or other substrate particle ink or suspension and using a lens particle ink or suspension. An exemplary apparatus comprises a base; at least one first conductor; a plurality of substantially spherical or optically resonant diodes coupled to the at least one first conductor; at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of diodes; and a plurality of substantially spherical lenses suspended in a polymer attached or deposited over the diodes. The lenses and the suspending polymer have different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignees: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc, The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark D. Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
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Patent number: 8384630Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating apparatus comprising photovoltaic diodes, which may be created through a printing process, using a semiconductor or other substrate particle ink or suspension and using a lens particle ink or suspension. An exemplary apparatus comprises a base; at least one first conductor; a plurality of diodes coupled to the at least one first conductor; at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of diodes; and a plurality of lenses suspended in a polymer deposited or attached over the diodes. The lenses and the suspending polymer have different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes are substantially spherical, and have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1. The diodes may be LEDs or photovoltaic diodes, and in some embodiments, have a junction formed at least partially as a hemispherical shell or cap.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignees: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc, NASA, an agency of the United StatesInventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark D. Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
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Publication number: 20120178194Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device having light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating device having photovoltaic diodes. The exemplary method includes depositing a first conductive medium within a plurality of channels of a base to form a plurality of first conductors; depositing within the plurality of channels a plurality of semiconductor substrate particles suspended in a carrier medium; forming an ohmic contact between each semiconductor substrate particle and a first conductor; converting the semiconductor substrate particles into a plurality of semiconductor diodes; depositing a second conductive medium to form a plurality of second conductors coupled to the plurality of semiconductor diodes; and depositing or attaching a plurality of lenses suspended in a first polymer over the plurality of diodes. In various embodiments, the depositing, forming, coupling and converting steps are performed by or through a printing process.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicants: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc.Inventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark David Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
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Publication number: 20120178195Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device having light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating device having photovoltaic diodes. The exemplary method includes depositing a first conductive medium within a plurality of channels of a base to form a plurality of first conductors; depositing within the plurality of channels a plurality of semiconductor substrate particles suspended in a carrier medium; forming an ohmic contact between each semiconductor substrate particle and a first conductor; converting the semiconductor substrate particles into a plurality of semiconductor diodes; depositing a second conductive medium to form a plurality of second conductors coupled to the plurality of semiconductor diodes; and depositing or attaching a plurality of lenses suspended in a first polymer over the plurality of diodes. In various embodiments, the depositing, forming, coupling and converting steps are performed by or through a printing process.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicants: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc.Inventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark David Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
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Patent number: 8133768Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device having light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating device having photovoltaic diodes. The exemplary method includes depositing a first conductive medium within a plurality of channels of a base to form a plurality of first conductors; depositing within the plurality of channels a plurality of semiconductor substrate particles suspended in a carrier medium; forming an ohmic contact between each semiconductor substrate particle and a first conductor; converting the semiconductor substrate particles into a plurality of semiconductor diodes; depositing a second conductive medium to form a plurality of second conductors coupled to the plurality of semiconductor diodes; and depositing or attaching a plurality of lenses suspended in a first polymer over the plurality of diodes. In various embodiments, the depositing, forming, coupling and converting steps are performed by or through a printing process.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignees: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc, The United States of America as represented by the Unites States National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark D. Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
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Publication number: 20100167441Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device having light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating device having photovoltaic diodes. The exemplary method includes depositing a first conductive medium within a plurality of channels of a base to form a plurality of first conductors; depositing within the plurality of channels a plurality of semiconductor substrate particles suspended in a carrier medium; forming an ohmic contact between each semiconductor substrate particle and a first conductor; converting the semiconductor substrate particles into a plurality of semiconductor diodes; depositing a second conductive medium to form a plurality of second conductors coupled to the plurality of semiconductor diodes; and depositing or attaching a plurality of lenses suspended in a first polymer over the plurality of diodes. In various embodiments, the depositing, forming, coupling and converting steps are performed by or through a printing process.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc.Inventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark David Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
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Publication number: 20100065862Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating apparatus comprising photovoltaic diodes, which may be created through a printing process, using a semiconductor or other substrate particle ink or suspension and using a lens particle ink or suspension. An exemplary apparatus comprises a base; at least one first conductor; a plurality of substantially spherical or optically resonant diodes coupled to the at least one first conductor; at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of diodes; and a plurality of substantially spherical lenses suspended in a polymer attached or deposited over the diodes. The lenses and the suspending polymer have different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc.Inventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark David Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazler
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Publication number: 20100068838Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device having light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating device having photovoltaic diodes. The exemplary method includes forming at least one first conductor coupled to a base; coupling a plurality of substantially spherical substrate particles to the at least one first conductor; converting the substrate particles into a plurality of substantially spherical diodes; forming at least one second conductor coupled to the substantially spherical diodes; and depositing or attaching a plurality of substantially spherical lenses suspended in a first polymer. The lenses and the suspending polymer have different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1. In various embodiments, the forming, coupling and converting steps are performed by or through a printing process.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: NTHDEGREE TECHNOLOGIES WORLDWIDE INC.Inventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark David Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazler
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Publication number: 20100068839Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device having light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating device having photovoltaic diodes. The exemplary method includes forming at least one first conductor coupled to a base; coupling a plurality of substrate particles to the at least one first conductor; converting the plurality of substrate particles into a plurality of diodes; forming at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of spherical diodes; and depositing or attaching a plurality of substantially spherical lenses suspended in a first polymer, with the lenses and the suspending polymer having different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1. In various embodiments, the forming, coupling and converting steps are performed by or through a printing process.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: NTHDEGREE TECHNOLOGIES WORLDWIDE INC.Inventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark David Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
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Publication number: 20100065863Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating apparatus comprising photovoltaic diodes, which may be created through a printing process, using a semiconductor or other substrate particle ink or suspension and using a lens particle ink or suspension. An exemplary apparatus comprises a base; at least one first conductor; a plurality of diodes coupled to the at least one first conductor; at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of diodes; and a plurality of lenses suspended in a polymer deposited or attached over the diodes. The lenses and the suspending polymer have different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes are substantially spherical, and have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1. The diodes may be LEDs or photovoltaic diodes, and in some embodiments, have a junction formed at least partially as a hemispherical shell or cap.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: NTHDEGREE TECHNOLOGIES WORLDWIDE INC.Inventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark David Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazler