Patents by Inventor Matthew B. Sampsell

Matthew B. Sampsell 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: 9377183
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatuses for low-profile lighting systems. In one aspect, a lighting apparatus can include a lighting apparatus having a light emitter and an electronics substrate including an electrical circuit. An unrolled capacitive film can be attached to the lighting apparatus and electrically coupled to the electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert L Holman, Jeffrey B Sampsell, Matthew B Sampsell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9291806
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a beam pattern projection device that includes a modulating array of light sources. In one aspect, the beam pattern projection device may include a lens. The array of light sources can be positioned such that its output plane is substantially one focal length away from the lens along the optical axis. The output of the array of light sources can be controllable to create an adjustable beam pattern out of a plurality of possible beam patterns that are each associated with a power level of each light source in the array of light sources. The device can project at a distance the adjustable beam pattern created by the array of light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell
  • Patent number: 9081190
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus relating to implementations of an electrically controlled light conditioning sheet. In one aspect, the electrically controlled light conditioning sheet includes a planar electrode having a first conductor and a second conductor and a transmissive elastic layer. The transmissive elastic layer is configured to deform in response to a potential difference applied between the first and the second conductor and produce regions of optical refractive power. The angular spread and/or the radiation pattern of an incoming beam of light incident on the electrically controlled light conditioning sheet is altered by the action of the regions of optical refractive power produced by the applied potential difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell
  • Patent number: 9004722
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for low-profile lighting systems. In one aspect, an LED-based light engine, which may be thinner and/or lighter than conventional light engines, may be retained in both conventionally-dimensioned and low-profile light fixtures. In another aspect, a light engine can include both convective and conductive heat transfer components, the efficacy of which will vary based on the dimensions of a light fixture in which the light engine is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew B. Sampsell, Robert L. Holman
  • Patent number: 8911102
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing a desired illumination pattern within a given plane. In one aspect, a light wash system can be configured to provide substantially even illumination on a wall or floor. The light wash system can use light-shaping optics such as a stack of optical films to provide a light wash system which is smaller than conventional light wash systems which utilize parabolic reflectors. The light wash system may include an internal retroreflector to allow a wider range of throw distances for the light wash system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell
  • Patent number: 8845115
    Abstract: Systems and methods for flash illumination are disclosed. In one aspect, a flash illumination system includes sections each including a light source and a reflector. Each of the light sources includes a single light-emitting region having a first centroid and a package surrounding the single light-emitting region. The package has an exit aperture having a second centroid. The first centroid can be laterally offset from the second centroid. The reflectors include an input aperture, an output aperture, and one or more sidewalls therebetween. The input aperture is optically coupled to the exit aperture. One or more sidewalls are configured to collimate light propagating from the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell
  • Publication number: 20140268872
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatuses for low-profile lighting systems. In one aspect, a lighting apparatus can include a lighting apparatus having a light emitter and an electronics substrate including an electrical circuit. An unrolled capacitive film can be attached to the lighting apparatus and electrically coupled to the electrical circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Jeffrey B. Sampsell, Matthew B. Sampsell, JR.
  • Patent number: 8740439
    Abstract: The present invention introduces a new class of thin doubly collimating light distributing engines for use in a variety of general lighting applications. Output illumination from these slim-profile illumination systems whether square, rectangular or circular in physical aperture shape is directional, square, rectangular or circular in beam cross-section, and spatially uniform and sharply cutoff outside the system's adjustable far-field angular cone. Some embodiments provided include thin light distributing engines which provide input light collimated in one meridian and a light distributing element that maintains input collimation while collimating output light in the un-collimated orthogonal meridian, in such a manner that the system's far-field output light is collimated in both its orthogonal output meridians.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell
  • Patent number: 8721149
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for illumination devices. In one aspect, an illumination device having a longitudinal axis includes a light source and a light guide. The light guide has a peripheral edge, a transmissive illumination surface, a center portion, and an upper surface. The transmissive illumination surface is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and disposed between the center portion and the peripheral edge. The upper surface is oriented relative to the illumination surface to define an angle ? therebetween. In some implementations, the angle ? can be greater than 15 degrees, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell
  • Patent number: 8674616
    Abstract: The present invention introduces a new class of lightweight tile-based illumination systems for uses wherein thin directionally-illuminating light distributing engines are embedded into the body of otherwise standard building materials like conventional ceiling tiles along with associated means of electrical control and electrical power interconnection. As a new class of composite light emitting ceiling materials, the present invention enables a lighter weight more flexibly distributed overhead lighting system alternatives for commercial office buildings and residential housing without changing the existing materials. One or more spot lighting, task lighting, flood lighting and wall washing elements having cross-sectional thickness matched to that of the building material or tile into which they are embedded, are contained and interconnected within the material body's cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell, Jeffrey B. Sampsell
  • Publication number: 20140036516
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for low-profile lighting systems. In one aspect, an LED-based light engine, which may be thinner and/or lighter than conventional light engines, may be retained in both conventionally-dimensioned and low-profile light fixtures. In another aspect, a light engine can include both convective and conductive heat transfer components, the efficacy of which will vary based on the dimensions of a light fixture in which the light engine is installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew B. Sampsell, Robert L. Holman
  • Publication number: 20140003040
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing a desired illumination pattern within a given plane. In one aspect, a light wash system can be configured to provide substantially even illumination on a wall or floor. The light wash system can use light-shaping optics such as a stack of optical films to provide a light wash system which is smaller than conventional light wash systems which utilize parabolic reflectors. The light wash system may include an internal retroreflector to allow a wider range of throw distances for the light wash system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell
  • Publication number: 20130286661
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus relating to implementations of an electrically controlled light conditioning sheet. In one aspect, the electrically controlled light conditioning sheet includes a planar electrode having a first conductor and a second conductor and a transmissive elastic layer. The transmissive elastic layer is configured to deform in response to a potential difference applied between the first and the second conductor and produce regions of optical refractive power. The angular spread and/or the radiation pattern of an incoming beam of light incident on the electrically controlled light conditioning sheet is altered by the action of the regions of optical refractive power produced by the applied potential difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell
  • Publication number: 20130286667
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for securing a light fixture in place. In one aspect, the light fixture can be configured to retain an LED-based light engine, which may be thinner and/or lighter than conventional light engines. In another aspect, the light fixture can be configured to be installed in a pre-cut aperture in a structural member, such as a ceiling, soffit, or wall. In another aspect, the light fixture may include a serrated upper edge configured to cut into a structural member to form an aperture, without the need to pre-cut the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Sampsell, Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell
  • Publication number: 20130278612
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing illumination in, for example, a display device. One or more light emitters can emit light into a light guide plate that is configured to distribute the light across an array of display elements. A substantially etendue-preserving reflector between the light emitters and the light guide can at least partially collimate light propagating in a single plane of collimation. In some implementations, a lenticular film, or other optical elements, can be used to increase divergence of the light in a plane orthogonal to the plane of collimation. The light guide can include light extraction elements, which can be frusta-shaped features for turning light out of the light guide for illuminating the display. In some implementations, a flexible electrical interconnection circuit can be used to provide power and/or signals to the light emitters, thereby providing a flexible circuit illumination system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell
  • Publication number: 20130278846
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing illumination in, for example, a display device. One or more light emitters can emit light into a light guide plate that is configured to distribute the light across an array of display elements. A substantially etendue-preserving reflector between the light emitters and the light guide can at least partially collimate light propagating in a single plane of collimation. In some implementations, a lenticular film, or other optical elements, can be used to increase divergence of the light in a plane orthogonal to the plane of collimation. The light guide can include light extraction elements, which can be frusta-shaped features for turning light out of the light guide for illuminating the display. In some implementations, a flexible electrical interconnection circuit can be used to provide power and/or signals to the light emitters, thereby providing a flexible circuit illumination system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell
  • Publication number: 20130265764
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for lighting devices. In one aspect, a lighting device includes a light engine and a connection portion. The connection portion can include a first end coupled to the light engine and a base connector disposed at the second end of the connection portion. In some implementations, the connection portion has a length dimension that is adjustable between at least a first length that positions the base connector at a first position relative to the light engine and a second length that positions the base connector at a second position relative to the light engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell
  • Publication number: 20130215596
    Abstract: Systems and methods for flash illumination are disclosed. In one aspect, a flash illumination system includes sections each including a light source and a reflector. Each of the light sources includes a single light-emitting region having a first centroid and a package surrounding the single light-emitting region. The package has an exit aperture having a second centroid. The first centroid can be laterally offset from the second centroid. The reflectors include an input aperture, an output aperture, and one or more sidewalls therebetween. The input aperture is optically coupled to the exit aperture. One or more sidewalls are configured to collimate light propagating from the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell
  • Patent number: 8348489
    Abstract: The present invention introduces a new class of thin doubly collimating light distributing engines for use in a variety of general lighting applications, especially those benefiting from thinness. Output illumination from these slim-profile illumination systems whether square, rectangular or circular in physical aperture shape is directional, square, rectangular or circular in beam cross-section, and spatially uniform and sharply cutoff outside the system's adjustable far-field angular cone. Field coverage extends from +/?5- to +/?60-degrees and more in each meridian, including all asymmetric combinations in between, both by internal design, by addition of angle spreading film sheets, and angular tilts. Engine brightness is held to safe levels by expanding the size of the engine's output-aperture without sacrifice in the directionality of illumination. One form of the present invention has a single input light emitter, a square output aperture and the capacity to supply hundreds of lumens per engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Qualcomm Mems Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell
  • Publication number: 20120294037
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for illumination devices. In one aspect, an illumination device having a longitudinal axis includes a light source and a light guide. The light guide has a peripheral edge, a transmissive illumination surface, a center portion, and an upper surface. The transmissive illumination surface is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and disposed between the center portion and the peripheral edge. The upper surface is oriented relative to the illumination surface to define an angle ? therebetween. In some implementations, the angle ? can be greater than 15 degrees, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Holman, Matthew B. Sampsell