Patents by Inventor Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr.
Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr. 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: 10892383Abstract: An LED package comprising a submount having a top and bottom surface with a plurality of top electrically and thermally conductive elements on its top surface. An LED is included on one of the top elements such that an electrical signal applied to the top elements causes the LED to emit light. The electrically conductive elements also spread heat from the LED across the majority of the submount top surface. A bottom thermally conductive element is included on the bottom surface of said submount and spreads heat from the submount, and a lens is formed directly over the LED. A method for fabricating LED packages comprising providing a submount panel sized to be separated into a plurality of LED package submounts. Top conductive elements are formed on one surface of the submount panel for a plurality of LED packages, and LEDs are attached to the top elements. Lenses are molded over the LEDs and the substrate panel is singulated to separate it into a plurality of LED packages.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2015Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Bernd Keller, Thomas Cheng-Hsin Yuan, Nicholas W Medendorp, Jr.
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Patent number: 10865958Abstract: A luminaire comprises a frame and a plurality of optical waveguides retained by the frame. The optical waveguides bound a cavity, and each comprises: a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end; a coupling portion disposed at the top end; an inner side facing the cavity; and an outer side opposite the inner side. The inner and outer sides are disposed between the top and bottom ends. The luminaire further comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED) associated with each optical waveguide. Each of the LEDs are disposed opposite, and configured to direct light into, the coupling portion of the associated optical waveguide. Each optical waveguide is configured to receive the light via the coupling portion and emit the light primarily from the outer side.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2019Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: IDEAL INDUSTRIES LIGHTING LLCInventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr., Brian Kinnune, Gary David Trott, Mario A. Castillo, Peter Lopez, S. Scott Pratt, Mark Dixon, William L. Dungan
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Publication number: 20200096704Abstract: A luminaire comprises a frame and a plurality of optical waveguides retained by the frame. The optical waveguides bound a cavity, and each comprises: a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end; a coupling portion disposed at the top end; an inner side facing the cavity; and an outer side opposite the inner side. The inner and outer sides are disposed between the top and bottom ends. The luminaire further comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED) associated with each optical waveguide. Each of the LEDs are disposed opposite, and configured to direct light into, the coupling portion of the associated optical waveguide. Each optical waveguide is configured to receive the light via the coupling portion and emit the light primarily from the outer side.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2019Publication date: March 26, 2020Inventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, Nicholas W. Medendorp, JR., Brian Kinnune, Gary David Trott, Mario A. Castillo, Peter Lopez, S. Scott Pratt, Mark Dixon, William L. Dungan
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Patent number: 10527225Abstract: Frame and lens upgrade kits for lighting fixtures. A frame bracket defines the frame area, which can be rectangular, for example. A lens frame fits just inside the frame bracket with the lens frame being releasably attached thereto. The frame bracket can be constructed from collapsible frame bracket subassemblies. For example, a rectangular frame bracket may be assembled from first and second collapsible frame bracket subassemblies that fan out and lock together to create a rigid frame bracket. The subassemblies each comprise elongated side and edge brackets that are fastened together such that they can pivot about one another. In some embodiments, one side of the lens frame is attached to a corresponding side of the frame bracket with a rotatable clip that allows the lens frame to swing such that its other side can attach to the bracket frame with an attachment latch, which can be magnetic, for example.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2014Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: IDEAL INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: S. Scott Pratt, Nathan Snell, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr.
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Patent number: 10502899Abstract: A luminaire for use in lighting a large open space such as a parking lot or deck of a parking garage includes a plurality of optical waveguides disposed in side-by-side relationship and together defining a closed path and at least one LED associated with each optical waveguide and disposed at a first end of the associated optical waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2014Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: IDEAL INDUSTRIES LIGHTING LLCInventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr., Brian Kinnune, Gary David Trott, Mario A. Castillo, Peter Lopez, S. Scott Pratt, Mark Dixon, William L. Dungan
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Patent number: 10436969Abstract: An optical waveguide includes a body of optically transmissive material having a width substantially greater than an overall thickness thereof. The body of material has a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a plurality of interior bores extending between the first and second sides each adapted to receive a light emitting diode. Extraction features are disposed on the second side and the extraction features direct light out of at least the first side and at least one extraction feature forms a taper disposed at an outer portion of the body.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Ideal Industries Lighting LLCInventors: Zongjie Yuan, Kurt S. Wilcox, Eric J. Tarsa, Fabian Jean-Daniel Rol, James Ibbetson, Bernd P. Keller, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr.
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Patent number: 10379278Abstract: A luminaire for use in lighting a large open space such as a parking lot or deck of a parking garage includes a plurality of optical waveguides disposed in side-by-side relationship and together defining a closed path and at least one LED associated with each optical waveguide and disposed at a first end of the associated optical waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2014Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: IDEAL INDUSTRIES LIGHTING LLCInventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr., Brian Kinnune, Gary David Trott, Mario A. Castillo, Peter Lopez, S. Scott Pratt, Mark Dixon, William L. Dungan
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Patent number: 10352547Abstract: In some embodiments, a lighting device comprising two or more light sources and an optical device configured to enhance uniformity of light emitted from the light sources and emerging from a surface of the optical device, an average distance between light sources less than one half of the square root of the area of the surface divided by the number of light sources. In some embodiments, a fixture structure comprising a reflective structure and a heat conductor in contact with the reflective structure and covering not more than 30 percent of the surface area of the reflective structure. In some embodiments, a lighting device comprising a fixture structure, at least one light source mounted on one substrate, and at least one light source mounted on another substrate. Other fixture structures and lighting devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2011Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: IDEAL Industries Lighting LLCInventors: Paul Kenneth Pickard, Gerald H. Negley, Antony Paul Van De Ven, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr.
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Patent number: 10310160Abstract: An optical waveguide comprising orthogonal x- and y-dimensions and developing an illumination distribution pattern comprising orthogonal x- and y-extents, comprising at least one coupling feature for directing light into the waveguide, at least one light redirection feature for redirecting light in an x-y plane within the waveguide, and at least one light extraction feature for extracting light out of the waveguide in an illumination pattern comprising at least one of the x- and y-extents that is offset with respect to the x- and y-dimensions, respectively. Additionally, the optical waveguide comprises optical features on at least first, second, and third sides thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2017Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr., Zongjie Yuan, Andrew Dan Bendtsen, Nathan Snell, Jeremy Sorenson, Brian Kinnune, Craig D. Raleigh
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Patent number: 10309627Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: CREE, INC.Inventors: Shawn Heeter, Vasavi Mandavilli, Yaote Huang, Mark Edward Dixon, Kurt W Wilcox, Nicholas W Medendorp, Jr.
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Patent number: 10228111Abstract: A direct troffer-style fixture for solid state light sources and pan structures for use in these fixtures. The fixture comprises a door frame assembly that is attached to the pan. The pan housing is defined by a base and two angled side walls. End caps are attached to the side walls. End reflectors extend at an angle away from the end caps and attach to the base. The end caps, the end reflectors, and the base define compartments at both ends of the housing in which components can be housed. A light board is attached to the base using alignment holes in the base and cutout portions of the end reflectors. The multifunctional end reflectors retain elements within the compartments, provide added structural stability to the pan, aid in aligning a light board, and they reflect light that impinges on them toward the open end of the fixture.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2015Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Randolph Cary Demuynck, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr.
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Patent number: 10199360Abstract: A wire-bond free semiconductor device with two electrodes both of which are accessible from the bottom side of the device. The device is fabricated with two electrodes that are electrically connected to the oppositely doped epitaxial layers, each of these electrodes having leads with bottom-side access points. This structure allows the device to be biased with an external voltage/current source, obviating the need for wire-bonds or other such connection mechanisms that must be formed at the packaging level. Thus, features that are traditionally added to the device at the packaging level (e.g., phosphor layers or encapsulants) may be included in the wafer level fabrication process. Additionally, the bottom-side electrodes are thick enough to provide primary structural support to the device, eliminating the need to leave the growth substrate as part of the finished device.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2017Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Bernd Keller, Ashay Chitnis, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr., James Ibbetson, Max Batres
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Patent number: 10042106Abstract: A luminaire with a plurality of optical waveguides disposed in side-by-side relationship, together at least partially defining a closed path, and a plurality of optical coupling portions disposed adjacent to the optical waveguides. Further, each optical coupling portion is associated with one of the optical waveguides, and each coupling portion includes a refractive portion and a pair of reflective portions disposed on opposite sides of the refractive portion. Additionally, at least one LED is associated with each optical coupling portion and disposed at a first end of the associated optical coupling portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2017Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr., Brian Kinnune, Gary David Trott, Mario A. Castillo, Peter Lopez, S. Scott Pratt, Mark Dixon, William L. Dungan
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Patent number: 9952372Abstract: A luminaire includes a housing, an optical waveguide disposed in the housing comprising a plurality of light coupling cavities, and a plurality of LEDs disposed in the housing adjacent the plurality of coupling cavities. A mounting apparatus is adapted to mount the luminaire on a roadway stanchion.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: CREE, INC.Inventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr., Zongjie Yuan, Andrew Dan Bendtsen, Nathan Snell, Jeremy Sorenson, Brian Kinnune, Craig D. Raleigh
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Publication number: 20180045875Abstract: An optical waveguide comprising orthogonal x- and y-dimensions and developing an illumination distribution pattern comprising orthogonal x- and y-extents, comprising at least one coupling feature for directing light into the waveguide, at least one light redirection feature for redirecting light in an x-y plane within the waveguide, and at least one light extraction feature for extracting light out of the waveguide in an illumination pattern comprising at least one of the x- and y-extents that is offset with respect to the x- and y-dimensions, respectively. Additionally, the optical waveguide comprises optical features on at least first, second, and third sides thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2017Publication date: February 15, 2018Inventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, Nicholas W. Medendorp, JR., Zongjie Yuan, Andrew Dan Bendtsen, Nathan Snell, Jeremy Sorenson, Brian Kinnune, Craig D. Raleigh
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Patent number: 9822951Abstract: Light fixtures having light bar elements therein. In order to mimic the size and appearance of fluorescent bulbs in existing troffer-style and surface-mount fixtures, LEDs are may be arranged on light bars with integrated lenses to both diffuse the light and shape the output beam. One or more LEDs can be mounted, sometimes in clusters, along the length of a base of the light bar which can then be inserted into a fixture. An elongated lens is mounted to the base over the LEDs so that light emitted from the LEDs interacts with the lens before it escapes the fixture. These elongated lenses may be extruded from a diffusive material, for example, and can be shaped in various ways. For example, the lenses may be shaped to disperse more light to the sides, i.e., in a direction away from a normal axis that is perpendicular to the base.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: CREE, INC.Inventors: Dong Lu, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr., Randy Bernard, Paul Kenneth Pickard
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Patent number: 9823408Abstract: An optical waveguide includes a body of optically transmissive material having a width substantially greater than an overall thickness thereof. The body of material has a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a plurality of interior bores extending between the first and second sides each adapted to receive a light emitting diode. Extraction features are disposed on the second side and the extraction features direct light out of at least the first side and at least one extraction feature forms a taper disposed at an outer portion of the body.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Zongjie Yuan, Kurt S. Wilcox, Eric J. Tarsa, Fabian Jean-Daniel Rol, James Ibbetson, Bernd P. Keller, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr.
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Patent number: 9810421Abstract: An LED light fixture including at least one LED light source thermally coupled to a heat-conductive structure. The heat-conductive structure having an LED-supporting region and heat-dissipating surfaces extending away therefrom. The at least one LED light source is thermally coupled to the LED-supporting region. The heat-conductive structure defines venting apertures bordering the at least one LED light source to facilitate ambient fluid flow to and from the heat-dissipating surfaces. In some embodiments, the LED light fixture includes a protrusion extending into a corresponding one of the venting apertures and oriented to direct air flow. In certain embodiments, the heat-conductive structure defines a plurality of venting apertures adjacent the at least one LED light source, the heat-dissipating surfaces include fins increasing in height at positions adjacent to the at least one of the venting apertures.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2014Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Brian Kinnune, Sandeep Pawar, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr., David P. Goelz, Nathan Snell
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Patent number: 9709725Abstract: An optical waveguide having orthogonal x- and y-dimensions includes at least one coupling feature for directing light into the waveguide, at least one light redirection feature extending in the x- and y-dimensions for redirecting light in the waveguide, at least one first light extraction feature extending in the x-dimension for extracting light out of the waveguide, and at least one second light extraction feature extending in the y-dimension for extracting light out of the waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr., Zongjie Yuan, Andrew Dan Bendtsen, Nathan Snell, Jeremy Sorenson, Brian Kinnune, Craig D. Raleigh
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Publication number: 20170179088Abstract: A wire-bond free semiconductor device with two electrodes both of which are accessible from the bottom side of the device. The device is fabricated with two electrodes that are electrically connected to the oppositely doped epitaxial layers, each of these electrodes having leads with bottom-side access points. This structure allows the device to be biased with an external voltage/current source, obviating the need for wire-bonds or other such connection mechanisms that must be formed at the packaging level. Thus, features that are traditionally added to the device at the packaging level (e.g., phosphor layers or encapsulants) may be included in the wafer level fabrication process. Additionally, the bottom-side electrodes are thick enough to provide primary structural support to the device, eliminating the need to leave the growth substrate as part of the finished device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2017Publication date: June 22, 2017Inventors: Bernd Keller, Ashay Chitnis, Nicholas W. Medendorp, JR., James Ibbetson, Max Batres