Patents by Inventor Kurt S. Wilcox

Kurt S. Wilcox 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: 11940643
    Abstract: Generally, embodiment(s) disclosed herein may include modular luminaires and customizable luminaire combinations to produce desired overall illumination patterns, modular luminaires interchangeable between one or more lighting systems/luminaires having differing configurations, and/or luminaires with portions thereof formed primarily by optical waveguides, e.g., a wall sconce where primarily only waveguides extend from the wall. Further, contemplated throughout this disclosure is modification of panel-style and/or blade-style waveguide(s) for use with luminaire configurations having different sizes, shapes, and structural elements including as modular luminaires for use in creating further customizable lighting systems/luminaires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Cree Lighting USA LLC
    Inventors: Ethan Creasman, Randy Bernard, Dana Deskiewicz, Nathan Snell, John W. Durkee, Kurt S. Wilcox, Eric J. Tarsa
  • Publication number: 20240060610
    Abstract: An optic for a light-emitting diode (LED) array comprises an arrangement of optical structures for providing down lighting distribution from the LED array and a waveguide edge for providing up-lighting distribution from the LED array. Luminaires are described comprising an LED array and the optic. An overhead light fixture includes a driver assembly and a light-emitting assembly. The light-emitting assembly is operably connected to the driver and configured for downward emission of light from a light source of the light-emitting assembly. The light fixture is configured to be mounted to a canopy sheet of an overhead canopy, with the driver assembly disposed above the canopy sheet and the light-emitting assembly disposed below the canopy sheet. A bezel is optionally disposed around a lens of the light-emitting assembly, for aesthetic reasons and/or for controlling a degree of lateral emission of light from the light fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Randall Levy Bernard, Kurt S. Wilcox, Kurt Schreib, Bin Hou, Jeremy Richard Sorenson, Anthony T. Schauf, Scott Fisher
  • Publication number: 20230408066
    Abstract: A lighting fixture incorporates a peripheral light emission feature, such as a peripheral waveguide and/or a peripheral reflector region. A peripheral light emission feature may at least partially surround a non-peripheral feature that may include a light-transmissive panel. At least one first light source may illuminate a peripheral light emission feature, and at least one second light source may illuminate a light transmissive panel. Control circuitry is configured to selectively adjust intensity and/or color temperature of the light sources to cause aggregate emissions of the lighting fixture (or a lighting system with multiple lighting fixtures) to dynamically change over time (e.g., with different intensities and color temperature), so as resemble a skylight or window. A viewer may thereby perceive at least portions of a space as being naturally illuminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Nathan R. Snell, Randy Bernard, Kurt Schreib, Moxuan Zhu, Kurt S. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 11828434
    Abstract: An optic for a light-emitting diode (LED) array comprises an arrangement of optical structures for providing down lighting distribution from the LED array and a waveguide edge for providing up-lighting distribution from the LED array. Luminaires are described comprising an LED array and the optic. An overhead light fixture includes a driver assembly and a light-emitting assembly. The light-emitting assembly is operably connected to the driver and configured for downward emission of light from a light source of the light-emitting assembly. The light fixture is configured to be mounted to a canopy sheet of an overhead canopy, with the driver assembly disposed above the canopy sheet and the light-emitting assembly disposed below the canopy sheet. A bezel is optionally disposed around a lens of the light-emitting assembly, for aesthetic reasons and/or for controlling a degree of lateral emission of light from the light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: IDEAL Industries Lighting LLC
    Inventors: Randall Levy Bernard, Kurt S. Wilcox, Kurt Schreib, Bin Hou, Jeremy Richard Sorenson, Anthony T. Schauf, Scott Fisher
  • Patent number: 11675120
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to light fixtures and luminaires configured to emit light. According to one aspect, an optical waveguide includes a first waveguide portion and a second waveguide portion adjacent to and separate from the first waveguide portion. The waveguide portions include light coupling portions that are at least partially aligned and adapted to receive light developed by a light source. The first waveguide portion further has a first major surface with light direction features and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. The second waveguide portion further has a third major surface proximate the second major surface with an air gap disposed therebetween and a fourth major surface opposite the third major surface wherein the fourth major surface includes a cavity extending therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: IDEAL Industries Lighting LLC
    Inventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, Christopher D. Strom, Jin Hong Lim, Zongjie Yuan, Mark Boomgaarden, Randall Levy Bernard, John W. Durkee, Craig D. Raleigh, Joseph P. Chobot
  • Publication number: 20230151944
    Abstract: An optical member includes a curved portion comprising an optically transmissive material. The enclosure has an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. At least one light redirection feature protrudes from the inner surface. At least one indentation defined on the outer surface is configured to refract light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Mario A. CASTILLO, Kurt S. WILCOX, Andrew Dan BENDTSEN, Brian KINNUNE, Sandeep PAWAR, David P GOELZ
  • Patent number: 11644157
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a waveguide comprises a waveguide body having a coupling cavity defined by a coupling feature disposed within the waveguide body. A plug member comprises a first portion disposed in the coupling cavity and an outer surface substantially conforming to the coupling feature and a second portion extending from the first portion into the coupling cavity. The second portion includes a reflective surface adapted to direct light in the coupling cavity into the waveguide body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: IDEAL Industries Lighting LLC
    Inventors: Bernd P. Keller, Eric J. Tarsa, Zongjie Yuan, Kurt S. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 11635191
    Abstract: Tenon-mounted lighting fixtures with high structural integrity are provided. In one embodiment, the lighting fixture has a housing that has an integrally formed tenon cradle, which is configured to receive a tenon of a light pole. A light source is also mounted on a bottom side of the housing. The tenon cradle is between a first bolt boss and a second bolt boss, and is in communication with a rear opening of the housing. The first and second bolt bosses may be integrally formed in the housing. The tenon cradle includes multiple ribs. An arcuate cross rib resides in a first plane in which a first bolt shaft of the first bolt boss and a second bolt shaft of the second bolt boss reside. An axial rib intersects the arcuate cross rib and runs perpendicular to the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: IDEAL Industries Lighting LLC
    Inventors: Scott Fisher, Jeremy Sorenson, Brad Thomas, Kurt S. Wilcox, John Roberts
  • Patent number: 11555586
    Abstract: An overhead light fixture includes a driver assembly and a light-emitting assembly. The driver assembly includes a driver and a housing. The light-emitting assembly is operably connected to the driver and configured for downward emission of light from a light source of the light-emitting assembly. The light-emitting assembly is detachably secured to the driver assembly. The light fixture is configured to be mounted to a canopy sheet of an overhead canopy, with the driver assembly disposed above the canopy sheet and the light-emitting assembly disposed below the canopy sheet. The driver assembly is optionally configured so that, when the light-emitting assembly is detached from the driver assembly, the driver is removable downwardly through the base portion. A bezel is optionally disposed around a lens of the light-emitting assembly, for aesthetic reasons and/or for controlling a degree of lateral emission of light from the light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: IDEAL Industries Lighting LLC
    Inventors: Randall Levy Bernard, Kurt S. Wilcox, Kurt Schreib, Bin Hou, Jeremy Richard Sorenson, Anthony T. Schauf, Scott Fisher
  • Patent number: 11549659
    Abstract: An optical member includes a curved portion comprising an optically transmissive material. The enclosure has an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. At least one light redirection feature protrudes from the inner surface. At least one indentation defined on the outer surface is configured to refract light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: IDEAL INDUSTRIES LIGHTING LLC
    Inventors: Mario O Castillo, Kurt S Wilcox, Andrew Dan Bendtsen, Brian Kinnune, Sandeep Pawar, David P Goelz
  • Patent number: 11512822
    Abstract: An overhead light fixture includes a driver assembly and a light-emitting assembly. The driver assembly includes a driver and a housing. The light-emitting assembly is operably connected to the driver and configured for downward emission of light from a light source of the light-emitting assembly. The light-emitting assembly is detachably secured to the driver assembly. The light fixture is configured to be mounted to a canopy sheet of an overhead canopy, with the driver assembly disposed above the canopy sheet and the light-emitting assembly disposed below the canopy sheet. The driver assembly is optionally configured so that, when the light-emitting assembly is detached from the driver assembly, the driver is removable downwardly through the base portion. A bezel is optionally disposed around a lens of the light-emitting assembly, for aesthetic reasons and/or for controlling a degree of lateral emission of light from the light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: IDEAL Industries Lighting LLC
    Inventors: Randall Levy Bernard, Kurt S. Wilcox, Kurt Schreib, Bin Hou, Jeremy Richard Sorenson, Anthony T. Schauf, Scott Fisher
  • Publication number: 20220128204
    Abstract: An optic for a light-emitting diode (LED) array comprises an arrangement of optical structures for providing down lighting distribution from the LED array and a waveguide edge for providing up-lighting distribution from the LED array. Luminaires are described comprising an LED array and the optic. An overhead light fixture includes a driver assembly and a light-emitting assembly. The light-emitting assembly is operably connected to the driver and configured for downward emission of light from a light source of the light-emitting assembly. The light fixture is configured to be mounted to a canopy sheet of an overhead canopy, with the driver assembly disposed above the canopy sheet and the light-emitting assembly disposed below the canopy sheet. A bezel is optionally disposed around a lens of the light-emitting assembly, for aesthetic reasons and/or for controlling a degree of lateral emission of light from the light fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Randall Levy Bernard, Kurt S. Wilcox, Kurt Schreib, Bin Hou, Jeremy Richard Sorenson, Anthony T. Schauf, Scott Fisher
  • Publication number: 20220026620
    Abstract: Generally, embodiment(s) disclosed herein may include modular luminaires and customizable luminaire combinations to produce desired overall illumination patterns, modular luminaires interchangeable between one or more lighting systems/luminaires having differing configurations, and/or luminaires with portions thereof formed primarily by optical waveguides, e.g., a wall sconce where primarily only waveguides extend from the wall. Further, contemplated throughout this disclosure is modification of panel-style and/or blade-style waveguide(s) for use with luminaire configurations having different sizes, shapes, and structural elements including as modular luminaires for use in creating further customizable lighting systems/luminaires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Ethan Creasman, Randy Bernard, Dana Deskiewicz, Nathan Snell, John W. Durkee, Kurt S. Wilcox, Eric J. Tarsa
  • Publication number: 20210356088
    Abstract: An overhead light fixture includes a driver assembly and a light-emitting assembly. The driver assembly includes a driver and a housing. The light-emitting assembly is operably connected to the driver and configured for downward emission of light from a light source of the light-emitting assembly. The light-emitting assembly is detachably secured to the driver assembly. The light fixture is configured to be mounted to a canopy sheet of an overhead canopy, with the driver assembly disposed above the canopy sheet and the light-emitting assembly disposed below the canopy sheet. The driver assembly is optionally configured so that, when the light-emitting assembly is detached from the driver assembly, the driver is removable downwardly through the base portion. A bezel is optionally disposed around a lens of the light-emitting assembly, for aesthetic reasons and/or for controlling a degree of lateral emission of light from the light fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Inventors: Randall Levy Bernard, Kurt S. Wilcox, Kurt Schreib, Bin Hou, Jeremy Richard Sorenson, Anthony T. Schauf, Scott Fisher
  • Patent number: 11169313
    Abstract: A waveguide body comprises a length from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis, and a coupling portion that comprises first and second coupling surfaces. The first and second coupling surfaces define, at least in part, an elongate coupling cavity along the entire length of the waveguide body and a surface located opposite the coupling cavity. The waveguide body further comprises first and second opposed sections extending along the length of the waveguide body. The first and second opposed sections further comprise respective first and second lower surfaces disposed at different first and second side section angles with respect to a first axis lying in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis. The first axis bisects the coupling portion. Among other things, such a waveguide may be included in a luminaire along with a light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Ideal Industries Lighting LLC
    Inventors: John W. Durkee, Kurt S. Wilcox, Eric J. Tarsa
  • Publication number: 20210311246
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to light fixtures and luminaires configured to emit light. According to one aspect, an optical waveguide includes a first waveguide portion and a second waveguide portion adjacent to and separate from the first waveguide portion. The waveguide portions include light coupling portions that are at least partially aligned and adapted to receive light developed by a light source. The first waveguide portion further has a first major surface with light direction features and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. The second waveguide portion further has a third major surface proximate the second major surface with an air gap disposed therebetween and a fourth major surface opposite the third major surface wherein the fourth major surface includes a cavity extending therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, Christopher D. Strom, Jin Hong Lim, Zongjie Yuan, Mark Boomgaarden, Randall Levy Bernard, John W. Durkee, Craig D. Raleigh, Joseph P. Chobot
  • Patent number: 11112083
    Abstract: A lens for directing light from an LED light source. The lens is formed by a plurality of layers and has a light-receiving inner-surface defining a pair of cavities. A portion of the inner-surface which defines one of the cavities is at least partially formed by an innermost layer of the plurality of layers. At least a portion of another of the plurality of layers extends inwardly between the pair of cavities. Another aspect of this invention is an optic member including a plurality of the lenses for directing light received from a plurality of spaced apart LED light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: IDEAL Industries Lighting LLC
    Inventors: Craig Raleigh, Kurt S. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 11099317
    Abstract: According to one aspect, an optical waveguide includes a first waveguide portion and a second waveguide portion adjacent to and separate from the first waveguide portion. The waveguide portions include light coupling portions that are at least partially aligned and adapted to receive light developed by a light source. The first waveguide portion further has a first major surface with light direction features and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. The second waveguide portion further has a third major surface proximate the second major surface with an air gap disposed therebetween and a fourth major surface opposite the third major surface wherein the fourth major surface includes a cavity extending therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: IDEAL Industries Lighting LLC
    Inventors: Zongjie Yuan, Kurt S. Wilcox, Christopher D. Strom
  • Patent number: 11085599
    Abstract: An overhead light fixture includes a driver assembly and a light-emitting assembly. The driver assembly includes a driver and a housing. The light-emitting assembly is operably connected to the driver and configured for downward emission of light from a light source of the light-emitting assembly. The light-emitting assembly is detachably secured to the driver assembly. The light fixture is configured to be mounted to a canopy sheet of an overhead canopy, with the driver assembly disposed above the canopy sheet and the light-emitting assembly disposed below the canopy sheet. The driver assembly is optionally configured so that, when the light-emitting assembly is detached from the driver assembly, the driver is removable downwardly through the base portion. A bezel is optionally disposed around a lens of the light-emitting assembly, for aesthetic reasons and/or for controlling a degree of lateral emission of light from the light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: IDEAL industries Lighting LLC
    Inventors: Randall Levy Bernard, Kurt S. Wilcox, Kurt Schreib, Bin Hou, Jeremy Richard Sorenson, Anthony T. Schauf, Scott Fisher
  • Patent number: 11070493
    Abstract: A luminaire having a waveguide suspended beneath a mounting element, the waveguide has a first surface proximal to the mounting element, a second surface distal to the mounting element, and an edge between the first and the second surfaces. At least one cavity extends into the waveguide from the first surface to the second surface. A LED component is coupled to the waveguide so as to emit light into the cavity. LED support structures are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: IDEAL Industries Lighting LLC
    Inventors: Eric J. Tarsa, Hormoz Benjamin, Bernd P. Keller, Kurt S. Wilcox, Zongjie Yuan