Patents by Inventor Richard d. Ashoff

Richard d. Ashoff 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: 10237941
    Abstract: The current subject matter relates to a lighting device that can be installed in an already existing fixture in a structure. The lighting device can include a light emitting diode (LED) lighting segment and a fluorescent lighting segment. The LED lighting segment can include a LED lighting source, and the fluorescent lighting segment can include a fluorescent lighting source. The LED lighting source can be activated. Motion sensors and/or occupancy sensors can detect motion and/or occupancy of an occupant in the structure. If there is motion or if the occupancy is more than a predetermined threshold, the fluorescent lighting source can be activated. After each regular interval of time, the detection of motion or occupancy can be re-performed. If there is no detection of motion and/or occupancy, the fluorescent lighting source can be deactivated, after a period of time. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: Richard d. Ashoff
  • Publication number: 20170238388
    Abstract: The current subject matter relates to a lighting device that can be installed in an already existing fixture in a structure. The lighting device can include a light emitting diode (LED) lighting segment and a fluorescent lighting segment. The LED lighting segment can include a LED lighting source, and the fluorescent lighting segment can include a fluorescent lighting source. The LED lighting source can be activated. Motion sensors and/or occupancy sensors can detect motion and/or occupancy of an occupant in the structure. If there is motion or if the occupancy is more than a predetermined threshold, the fluorescent lighting source can be activated. After each regular interval of time, the detection of motion or occupancy can be re-performed. If there is no detection of motion and/or occupancy, the fluorescent lighting source can be deactivated, after a period of time. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Richard d. Ashoff
  • Patent number: 9642213
    Abstract: The current subject matter relates to a lighting device that can be installed in an already existing fixture in a structure. The lighting device can include a light emitting diode (LED) lighting segment and a fluorescent lighting segment. The LED lighting segment can include a LED lighting source, and the fluorescent lighting segment can include a fluorescent lighting source. The LED lighting source can be activated. Motion sensors and/or occupancy sensors can detect motion and/or occupancy of an occupant in the structure. If there is motion or if the occupancy is more than a predetermined threshold, the fluorescent lighting source can be activated. After each regular interval of time, the detection of motion or occupancy can be re-performed. If there is no detection of motion and/or occupancy, the fluorescent lighting source can be deactivated, after a period of time. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Richard d. Ashoff
  • Publication number: 20130020883
    Abstract: The current subject matter relates to a lighting device that can be installed in an already existing fixture in a structure. The lighting device can include a light emitting diode (LED) lighting segment and a fluorescent lighting segment. The LED lighting segment can include a LED lighting source, and the fluorescent lighting segment can include a fluorescent lighting source. The LED lighting source can be activated. Motion sensors and/or occupancy sensors can detect motion and/or occupancy of an occupant in the structure. If there is motion or if the occupancy is more than a predetermined threshold, the fluorescent lighting source can be activated. After each regular interval of time, the detection of motion or occupancy can be re-performed. If there is no detection of motion and/or occupancy, the fluorescent lighting source can be deactivated, after a period of time. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Richard d. Ashoff
  • Patent number: 8253338
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing guidance and entertainment to people within a structure, through sequentially activated illuminating devices. In some embodiments, the illuminating devices receive instructions to illuminate the perimeter of a structure in a sequence that indicates the exit of the structure. In other embodiments, the illuminating devices receive instructions to illuminate a surface of a structure, such as a wall of a corridor, to track the movement of at least one object or person walking or otherwise moving in the structure. The instructions to the illuminating devices are sent from sensing and detecting devices or alternatively, from a command and control center, in response to changes detected in the environment of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventors: Richard d. Ashoff, James R. Zarian
  • Publication number: 20120106194
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a lighted tile system, comprises a first tile. The first tile comprises a tray that comprises a floor, one or more walls coupled to a perimeter of the floor, and a cavity defined at least in part by the floor and the one or more walls. The first tile also comprises a ceiling coupled to the tray and located substantially opposite the floor of the tray, and a substrate located between the floor of the tray and the ceiling. One or more light sources are coupled to the substrate to shine a light from the one or more light sources in a substantially uniform pattern towards the ceiling. The ceiling is at least partially translucent to permit at least part of the light from the one or more light sources to shine through the ceiling. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Richard d. Ashoff, James R. Zarian
  • Patent number: 8092034
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a lighted tile system, comprises a first tile. The first tile comprises a tray that comprises a floor, one or more walls coupled to a perimeter of the floor, and a cavity defined at least in part by the floor and the one or more walls. The first tile also comprises a ceiling coupled to the tray and located substantially opposite the floor of the tray, and a substrate located between the floor of the tray and the ceiling. One or more light sources are coupled to the substrate to shine a light from the one or more light sources in a substantially uniform pattern towards the ceiling. The ceiling is at least partially translucent to permit at least part of the light from the one or more light sources to shine through the ceiling. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventors: James R. Zarian, Richard d. Ashoff
  • Publication number: 20110252620
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of illumination and more particularly to illumination elements and illumination arrangements, whereby the illumination consist of at least one illumination element embedded in structures, the structures formed using molds and more particularly foam forms or foam molds. The illumination element consists of an encased, LED edge-lit panel or similar illumination sources. The methods and processes for embedding the at least one illumination element or illumination arrangements are disclosed. Two exemplary variations of methods and processes are disclosed in the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Richard d. Ashoff, James R. Zarian
  • Publication number: 20110205760
    Abstract: A modular light emitting diode, edge-lit illuminating arrangement or a modular organic light emitting diode illuminating arrangement providing illumination. More particularly, a modular light emitting diode, edge-lit illuminating arrangement or a modular organic light emitting diode illuminating arrangement providing illumination for vending machines. The illuminating arrangements are adapted for backlighting in vending machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Richard D. Ashoff
  • Publication number: 20100295483
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing guidance and entertainment to people within a structure, through sequentially activated illuminating devices. In some embodiments, the illuminating devices receive instructions to illuminate the perimeter of a structure in a sequence that indicates the exit of the structure. In other embodiments, the illuminating devices receive instructions to illuminate a surface of a structure, such as a wall of a corridor, to track the movement of at least one object or person walking or otherwise moving in the structure. The instructions to the illuminating devices are sent from sensing and detecting devices or alternatively, from a command and control center, in response to changes detected in the environment of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Richard d. Ashoff, James R. Zarian
  • Publication number: 20100245109
    Abstract: Programmable, modular lighting systems configured to resist environmental hazards for functional and/or decorative applications. The programmable, modular lighting systems may further include programs and communication means. The lighting modules and systems may additionally include environmentally resistant provisions such as auxiliary components and fixtures. The lighting modules may be arranged to form arrays or be arrayed into environmentally resistant systems for functional and/or decorative applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Richard D. Ashoff, James R. Zarian
  • Publication number: 20100246180
    Abstract: Functional and decorative solid-state lighting systems for architectural applications and method of installation thereof are disclosed. The lighting systems do not require housing or cavity as previously required offering an improved method of installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Richard D. Ashoff, James R. Zarian
  • Publication number: 20090116241
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a lighted tile system, comprises a first tile. The first tile comprises a tray that comprises a floor, one or more walls coupled to a perimeter of the floor, and a cavity defined at least in part by the floor and the one or more walls. The first tile also comprises a ceiling coupled to the tray and located substantially opposite the floor of the tray, and a substrate located between the floor of the tray and the ceiling. One or more light sources are coupled to the substrate to shine a light from the one or more light sources in a substantially uniform pattern towards the ceiling. The ceiling is at least partially translucent to permit at least part of the light from the one or more light sources to shine through the ceiling. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Richard d. Ashoff, James R. Zarian
  • Publication number: 20090010019
    Abstract: Illumination of stationary objects to provide adequate illumination in rooms and/or hallways, along walkways, on stairs, around swimming pools, etc. to prevent accidents and illuminate obstacles, leading people to entrances and/or exits and the like. Similarly, illumination of stationary objects may be for decorative purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Richard D. Ashoff