Patents by Inventor Michael W. May

Michael W. May 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: 11713853
    Abstract: An improved LED lighting system is provided for overhead ceiling lighting, as well as for other uses. The LED lighting system comprises elongated linear lamps having an LED luminary as a source of illumination and configured to operate as a node of an automated networked lighting system. The linear LED lamps include an interface connector operable to connect to a data network to receive control data and power signals from an external device connected to the network for use in powering LED emitters and controlling one or more operational characteristics of the linear LED lamps. The system includes support connector assemblies for securing the linear LED lamps to a channel member of an overhead dropped ceiling grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: DVA Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Michael W. May
  • Patent number: 11655971
    Abstract: A linear LED lamp having a body with a length between spaced first and second ends. The linear LED lamp has an elongate heat sink and a light source comprising LED emitters and a first end cap assembly at the first end of the body. The first end cap assembly has conductive power and ground pins and a support connector has conductive power and ground terminals for connecting with an external power supply and providing a grounding path for components of the lamp. The power and ground pins of the first end cap assembly are configured to engage the power and ground terminals of the support connector as an incident of the first end cap assembly moving relative to the support connector in a path that is transverse to the length of the body into an engaged position. A sleeve connector is also provided for mounting a non-power end of a linear LED lamp to a light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: DVA Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Michael W. May
  • Patent number: 11441758
    Abstract: An elongate tubular lighting assembly having a body with a length between spaced first and second ends. The tubular lighting assembly has a source of illumination and first and second connectors respectively at the first and second body ends. The first connector has cooperating first and second parts having first and second surfaces. The first and second connector parts are configured so that the first and second surfaces are placed in confronting relationship to prevent separation of the first and second connector parts with the body in an operative state as an incident of the first connector part moving relative to the second connector part from a position fully separated from the second connector part in a substantially straight path that is transverse to the length of the body into an engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: DVA Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Michael W. May
  • Publication number: 20220090771
    Abstract: A linear LED lamp having a body with a length between spaced first and second ends. The linear LED lamp has an elongate heat sink and a light source comprising LED emitters and a first end cap assembly at the first end of the body. The first end cap assembly has conductive power and ground pins and a support connector has conductive power and ground terminals for connecting with an external power supply and providing a grounding path for components of the lamp. The power and ground pins of the first end cap assembly are configured to engage the power and ground terminals of the support connector as an incident of the first end cap assembly moving relative to the support connector in a path that is transverse to the length of the body into an engaged position. A sleeve connector is also provided for mounting a non-power end of a linear LED lamp to a light fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventor: Michael W. May
  • Patent number: 11193664
    Abstract: A linear LED lamp having a body with a length between spaced first and second ends. The linear LED lamp has an elongate heat sink and a light source comprising LED emitters and a first end cap assembly at the first end of the body. The first end cap assembly has conductive power and ground pins and a support connector has conductive power and ground terminals for connecting with an external power supply and providing a grounding path for components of the lamp. The power and ground pins of the first end cap assembly are configured to engage the power and ground terminals of the support connector as an incident of the first end cap assembly moving relative to the support connector in a path that is transverse to the length of the body into an engaged position. A sleeve connector is also provided for mounting a non-power end of a linear LED lamp to a light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Inventor: Michael W. May
  • Patent number: 11168872
    Abstract: A clip for mounting a linear LED lamp to an overhead dropped ceiling grid or to a planar support surface. The mounting clip has a pair of spaced resilient fingers extending downwardly and defining an interior region between the fingers sized to receive a portion of the linear LED lamp heat sink. Each finger has an internally facing engagement portion comprising protrusions configured to interlock with one or more external ridges of the heat sink of a linear LED lamp to securely retain the linear LED lamp between the fingers. In one form, the mounting clip has upper tab portions configured to engage and connect to a horizontally extending ledge of a channel member of the overhead dropped ceiling grid. In another form, the mounting clip is adapted to be secured to a planar support by means of a mechanical fastener or magnetically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Inventor: Michael W. May
  • Publication number: 20210341134
    Abstract: An elongate tubular lighting assembly having a body with a length between spaced first and second ends. The tubular lighting assembly has a source of illumination and first and second connectors respectively at the first and second body ends. The first connector has cooperating first and second parts having first and second surfaces. The first and second connector parts are configured so that the first and second surfaces are placed in confronting relationship to prevent separation of the first and second connector parts with the body in an operative state as an incident of the first connector part moving relative to the second connector part from a position fully separated from the second connector part in a substantially straight path that is transverse to the length of the body into an engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventor: Michael W. May
  • Patent number: 11162667
    Abstract: An elongate tubular lighting assembly having a body with a length between spaced first and second ends. The tubular lighting assembly has a source of illumination and first and second connectors respectively at the first and second body ends. The first connector has cooperating first and second parts having first and second surfaces. The first and second connector parts are configured so that the first and second surfaces are placed in confronting relationship to prevent separation of the first and second connector parts with the body in an operative state as an incident of the first connector part moving relative to the second connector part from a position fully separated from the second connector part in a substantially straight path that is transverse to the length of the body into an engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Inventor: Michael W. May
  • Patent number: 11067258
    Abstract: A support connector for maintaining an end of a linear LED lamp on a light fixture has a first portion comprising an integral mounting base configured to couple to a support of the light fixture and a second portion configured to be insertable through an opening defined in a sidewall of a first end connector at an end of the linear LED lamp. The support connector has a second portion with at least one second surface configured to be placed into confronting relationship with a corresponding at least one first surface of the first end connector to prevent separation of the support connector and the first end connector with the second portion of the support connector residing within the first end connector in an engaged position. The support connector has third and fourth conductive electrical terminals configured to engage first and second conductive electrical terminals of the first end connector as the first end connector is moved into the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Inventor: Michael W. May
  • Publication number: 20210199254
    Abstract: An improved LED lighting system is provided for overhead ceiling lighting, as well as for other uses. The LED lighting system comprises elongated linear lamps having an LED luminary as a source of illumination and configured to operate as a node of an automated networked lighting system. The linear LED lamps include an interface connector operable to connect to a data network to receive control data and power signals from an external device connected to the network for use in powering LED emitters and controlling one or more operational characteristics of the linear LED lamps. The system includes support connector assemblies for securing the linear LED lamps to a channel member of an overhead dropped ceiling grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventor: Michael W. May
  • Patent number: 10948136
    Abstract: An improved LED lighting system is provided for overhead ceiling lighting, as well as for other uses. The LED lighting system comprises elongated linear lamps having an LED luminary as a source of illumination and configured to operate as a node of an automated networked lighting system. The linear LED lamps have internal modular network connectors and control components so that they can receive control data and power signals over a single network cable according to a standardized power and data network communications architecture such as Ethernet. The system includes connector assemblies designed to securely mount the networkable linear LED lamps to conventional tube lamp lighting fixtures or to another support housing and to provide integrated power and data connectivity to internal components of the lamps. In one form, the disclosed system includes a network enabled snap-fit connector assembly mounted to a lighting fixture and configured to provide Ethernet power and data connectivity to the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventor: Michael W. May
  • Patent number: 10941908
    Abstract: An improved LED lighting system is provided for overhead ceiling lighting, as well as for other uses. The LED lighting system comprises elongated linear lamps having an LED luminary as a source of illumination and configured to operate as a node of an automated networked lighting system. The linear LED lamps have internal modular network connectors and control components so that they can receive control data and power signals over a single network cable according to a standardized power and data network communications architecture such as Ethernet. The system includes connector assemblies designed to securely mount the networkable linear LED lamps to conventional tube lamp lighting fixtures or to another support housing and to provide integrated power and data connectivity to internal components of the lamps. In one form, the disclosed system includes a network enabled snap-fit connector assembly mounted to a lighting fixture and configured to provide Ethernet power and data connectivity to the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventor: Michael W. May
  • Publication number: 20210018168
    Abstract: A linear LED lamp having a body with a length between spaced first and second ends. The linear LED lamp has an elongate heat sink and a light source comprising LED emitters and a first end cap assembly at the first end of the body. The first end cap assembly has conductive power and ground pins and a support connector has conductive power and ground terminals for connecting with an external power supply and providing a grounding path for components of the lamp. The power and ground pins of the first end cap assembly are configured to engage the power and ground terminals of the support connector as an incident of the first end cap assembly moving relative to the support connector in a path that is transverse to the length of the body into an engaged position. A sleeve connector is also provided for mounting a non-power end of a linear LED lamp to a light fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventor: Michael W. May
  • Patent number: 10865965
    Abstract: An elongate tubular lighting assembly having a body with a length between spaced first and second ends. The tubular lighting assembly has a source of illumination and first and second connectors respectively at the first and second body ends. The first connector has cooperating first and second parts having first and second surfaces. The first and second connector parts are configured so that the first and second surfaces are placed in confronting relationship to prevent separation of the first and second connector parts with the body in an operative state as an incident of the first connector part moving relative to the second connector part from a position fully separated from the second connector part in a substantially straight path that is transverse to the length of the body into an engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Inventor: Michael W. May
  • Patent number: 10851974
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus comprises an outer housing and a lamp mounting region comprising a support. At least one linear LED lamp has first and second end connectors at opposite ends, and each of the end connectors has a housing defining an opening. First and second support connectors have an integral mounting base configured to couple to the support and a second portion configured to be insertable through a respective one of the openings as an incident of the linear LED lamp moving relative to the support connectors from a position fully separated from the support connectors in a path that is transverse to the length of the body into an engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventor: Michael W. May
  • Patent number: 10794581
    Abstract: A linear LED lamp having a body with a length between spaced first and second ends. The linear LED lamp has an elongate heat sink and a light source comprising LED emitters and a first end cap assembly at the first end of the body. The first end cap assembly has conductive power and ground pins and a support connector has conductive power and ground terminals for connecting with an external power supply and providing a grounding path for components of the lamp. The power and ground pins of the first end cap assembly are configured to engage the power and ground terminals of the support connector as an incident of the first end cap assembly moving relative to the support connector in a path that is transverse to the length of the body into an engaged position. A sleeve connector is also provided for mounting a non-power end of a linear LED lamp to a light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Michael W. May
  • Publication number: 20200116310
    Abstract: An improved LED lighting system is provided for overhead ceiling lighting, as well as for other uses. The LED lighting system comprises elongated linear lamps having an LED luminary as a source of illumination and configured to operate as a node of an automated networked lighting system. The linear LED lamps have internal modular network connectors and control components so that they can receive control data and power signals over a single network cable according to a standardized power and data network communications architecture such as Ethernet. The system includes connector assemblies designed to securely mount the networkable linear LED lamps to conventional tube lamp lighting fixtures or to another support housing and to provide integrated power and data connectivity to internal components of the lamps. In one form, the disclosed system includes a network enabled snap-fit connector assembly mounted to a lighting fixture and configured to provide Ethernet power and data connectivity to the lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventor: Michael W. May
  • Publication number: 20200096183
    Abstract: A linear LED lamp having a body with a length between spaced first and second ends. The linear LED lamp has an elongate heat sink and a light source comprising LED emitters and a first end cap assembly at the first end of the body. The first end cap assembly has conductive power and ground pins and a support connector has conductive power and ground terminals for connecting with an external power supply and providing a grounding path for components of the lamp. The power and ground pins of the first end cap assembly are configured to engage the power and ground terminals of the support connector as an incident of the first end cap assembly moving relative to the support connector in a path that is transverse to the length of the body into an engaged position. A sleeve connector is also provided for mounting a non-power end of a linear LED lamp to a light fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventor: Michael W. May
  • Publication number: 20200096162
    Abstract: An improved LED lighting system is provided for overhead ceiling lighting, as well as for other uses. The LED lighting system comprises elongated linear lamps having an LED luminary as a source of illumination and configured to operate as a node of an automated networked lighting system. The linear LED lamps have internal modular network connectors and control components so that they can receive control data and power signals over a single network cable according to a standardized power and data network communications architecture such as Ethernet. The system includes connector assemblies designed to securely mount the networkable linear LED lamps to conventional tube lamp lighting fixtures or to another support housing and to provide integrated power and data connectivity to internal components of the lamps. In one form, the disclosed system includes a network enabled snap-fit connector assembly mounted to a lighting fixture and configured to provide Ethernet power and data connectivity to the lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventor: Michael W. May
  • Patent number: 10495267
    Abstract: An improved LED lighting system is provided for overhead ceiling lighting, as well as for other uses. The LED lighting system comprises elongated linear lamps having an LED luminary as a source of illumination and configured to operate as a node of an automated networked lighting system. The linear LED lamps have internal modular network connectors and control components so that they can receive control data and power signals over a single network cable according to a standardized power and data network communications architecture such as Ethernet. The system includes connector assemblies designed to securely mount the networkable linear LED lamps to conventional tube lamp lighting fixtures or to another support housing and to provide integrated power and data connectivity to internal components of the lamps. In one form, the disclosed system includes a network enabled snap-fit connector assembly mounted to a lighting fixture and configured to provide Ethernet power and data connectivity to the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventor: Michael W. May