Patents by Inventor Mark Edward Dixon

Mark Edward Dixon 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: 10470263
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a light source, a power input coupled to the light source, and a dimming control module coupled to the power input and the light source. The dimming control module is configured to change a brightness level of the light source in response to toggling of a power signal supplied at the power input. Related methods of operating a lighting apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: IDEAL INDUSTRIES LIGHTING LLC
    Inventor: Mark Edward Dixon
  • Patent number: 10309627
    Abstract: Retrofit systems and methods are disclosed for lighting installations, and in particular, to retrofit systems and methods used to retrofit troffer-style lighting installations with LED light sources. Retrofit systems can be used with different light fixtures, but those described are particularly adapted for use with troffer-style fixtures. These retrofit systems can provide the same amount of light as traditional light fixtures already do, for example 1600-4000 lumens or more. The retrofit systems can be used with many different light sources but are particularly well-suited for use with solid state light sources or light engines, such as those utilizing LEDs. Some embodiments of the present invention comprise a mechanical mounting system for installing an LED light engine within an existing lighting system housing or pan, such as a troffer pan, without penetrating the ceiling plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: CREE, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn Heeter, Vasavi Mandavilli, Yaote Huang, Mark Edward Dixon, Kurt W Wilcox, Nicholas W Medendorp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9482396
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to light engines for use in lighting fixtures, such as troffer-style lighting fixtures. Light engines according to the present disclosure have integrated features that eliminate the need for additional components such as a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), a heat sink, a cover portion, a lens and/or a reflective element. Devices according to this disclosure can comprise a rigid body, conductive elements arranged into electrical pathways and light sources such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). Devices according to this disclosure can further comprise integrated cover, lens and/or reflective element features. Methods for the manufacture of such devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: CREE, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Edward Dixon, John Durkee, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr., Paul Kenneth Pickard, Antony Van De Ven
  • Patent number: 9441818
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to lighting fixtures, such as suspended lighting fixtures. Devices according to the present disclosure provide lighting fixtures capable of emitting in one or more primary directions, while simultaneously emitting in a direction toward a mount surface, reducing undesirable areas of insufficient light and more efficiently illuminating a space. Lighting fixtures disclosed herein can achieve this increase in illumination efficiency in many ways, including utilizing various lighting element arrangements, such as dual-sided lighting elements, and various lens arrangements, such as lens shape affecting the direction of emitted light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: CREE, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Edward Dixon, Kurt W Wilcox
  • Patent number: 9395056
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to suspended linear lighting fixtures that are arranged to accept lighting elements. Lighting fixtures according to the present disclosure comprise at least one body and at least one suspension mechanism. These lighting fixtures can be arranged such that electrical and mechanical connections can be provided at various locations along their length, rather than only at the distal ends of the fixtures. The fixtures can also comprise various connectivity features that allow further arrangements, designs and spatial adjustments. Lighting systems utilizing these fixtures are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: CREE, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Edward Dixon, Randy Bernard
  • Patent number: 9291316
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to light engines for use in lighting fixtures, such as troffer-style lighting fixtures. Light engines according to the present disclosure have integrated features that eliminate the need for additional components such as a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), a heat sink, a cover portion, a lens and/or a reflective element. Devices according to this disclosure can comprise a rigid body, conductive elements arranged into electrical pathways and light sources such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). Devices according to this disclosure can further comprise integrated cover, lens and/or reflective element features. Methods for the manufacture of such devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: CREE, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Edward Dixon, John Durkee, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr., Paul Kenneth Pickard, Antony Van De Ven
  • Publication number: 20150163878
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a light source, a power input coupled to the light source, and a dimming control module coupled to the power input and the light source. The dimming control module is configured to change a brightness level of the light source in response to toggling of a power signal supplied at the power input. Related methods of operating a lighting apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: Cree, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Edward Dixon
  • Publication number: 20140126199
    Abstract: Retrofit systems and methods are disclosed for lighting installations, and in particular, to retrofit systems and methods used to retrofit troffer-style lighting installations with LED light sources. Retrofit systems can be used with different light fixtures, but those described are particularly adapted for use with troffer-style fixtures. These retrofit systems can provide the same amount of light as traditional light fixtures already do, for example 1600-4000 lumens or more. The retrofit systems can be used with many different light sources but are particularly well-suited for use with solid state light sources or light engines, such as those utilizing LEDs. Some embodiments of the present invention comprise a mechanical mounting system for installing an LED light engine within an existing lighting system housing or pan, such as a troffer pan, without penetrating the ceiling plenum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: CREE, INC.
    Inventors: SHAWN HEETER, Vasavi Mandavilli, Mitchell Huang, Mark Edward Dixon, Kurt W. Wilcox, Nicholas W. Medendorp, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140126193
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to lighting fixtures, such as suspended lighting fixtures. Devices according to the present disclosure provide lighting fixtures capable of emitting in one or more primary directions, while simultaneously emitting in a direction toward a mount surface, reducing undesirable areas of insufficient light and more efficiently illuminating a space. Lighting fixtures disclosed herein can achieve this increase in illumination efficiency in many ways, including utilizing various lighting element arrangements, such as dual-sided lighting elements, and various lens arrangements, such as lens shape affecting the direction of emitted light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Mark Edward Dixon, Kurt W Wilcox
  • Patent number: 8317378
    Abstract: Bimodal illumination for vehicular storage compartment utilizes two or more light sources for illuminating the storage compartment, a removable divider to establish two or more sub-compartments when the divider is inserted into the storage compartment, and a switch for selectively turning on and off one or more of the light sources. The switch is opened and closed by the presence of the removable divider in the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Edward Dixon
  • Publication number: 20100270928
    Abstract: Bimodal illumination for vehicular storage compartment utilizes two or more light sources for illuminating the storage compartment, a removable divider to establish two or more sub-compartments when the divider is inserted into the storage compartment, and a switch for selectively turning on and off one or more of the light sources. The switch is opened and closed by the presence of the removable divider in the storage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Edward DIXON
  • Publication number: 20100194767
    Abstract: An interior trim component for a vehicle includes a trim panel. The trim panel includes a substrate layer, a protective layer, and an organic light emitting diode portion disposed between the substrate layer and the protective layer for displaying one or more surface appearances on the trim panel within a passenger compartment of the vehicle. A method for forming and operating an interior trim component is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Edward Dixon
  • Patent number: 7592757
    Abstract: A system for dimming one or more light sources includes a first light source that emits a light of a first brightness according to an operating condition of the first light source, a second light source that emits a light of a second brightness according to an operating current of the second light source, wherein the light of the first brightness is different than that of the light of the second brightness, and one or more components that references the operating condition of the first light source, wherein, in response to the referenced operating condition of the first light source, the one or more components modifies the operating current of the second light source to substantially match the light of the second brightness to the light of the first brightness. A method for dimming one or more light sources is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Hargenrader, Mark Edward Dixon
  • Patent number: 7389020
    Abstract: A light pipe assembly providing a light pipe that has at least one transmission region, at least one light source that is optically connected to the transmission region, and an modifying element. The modifying element creates the appearance of even light distribution throughout the length of the light pipe. Thus, the modifying element blocks more light at the portion of the light pipe where the light from the light source is most intense. The modifying element is a gradient on the exterior side of the light pipe, a gradient on a secondary element that covers the light pipe, or a skin which the light pipe is at least partially imbedded in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Edward Dixon