Patents by Inventor Robert A. Underwood

Robert A. Underwood 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: 10582578
    Abstract: A solid state light fixture includes a light emitting diode (LED) load and a driver circuit that is configured to supply a drive current to the LED load. The driver circuit may include a current supply module that is configured to reduce a drive current level during dimming of the solid state light fixture, where the current supply module is configured to operate in both a continuous conduction mode at a first dimming level and a discontinuous conduction mode at a second dimming level that is lower than the first dimming level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Ideal Industries Lighting LLC
    Inventors: Ashish Ekbote, Noe Gonzalez, Robert Underwood
  • Patent number: 10211660
    Abstract: A lighting device system includes light emitters where a battery powers the light emitters. A battery supplies the power for powering the light emitters and a driver is arranged to selectively power the light emitters to adjust an operating parameter of the at least one light emitter based on the charge status of the battery. The driver may be in communication with a GNSS receiver that provides geospatial information used to adjust the at least one parameter. The driver may power the light emitters according to a non-adaptive light level profile and an adaptive light level profile where the light emitters consume less energy when operated under the adaptive light level profile than when operated under the non-adaptive light level profile. A processing device operatively coupled to memory determines, based on a state of charge of the battery, which profile to run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Underwood, John Roberts
  • Publication number: 20180355709
    Abstract: A fluid extraction apparatus for raising and lowering a canister assembly into a well, the fluid extraction apparatus includes an extractor operation assembly for raising and lowering a canister assembly. The canister assembly is raised and lowered into a well via wire line. The fluid extraction apparatus further including a wire line tension detection system to detect a slack condition in the wire line and send a signal responsive to the slack condition to the extractor operation assembly. A method for controlling the fluid extraction apparatus includes the step of lowering the canister assembly into the well via the wire line and running the wire line through the wire line tension detection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Luis Gomez, Robert Underwood, George Underwood
  • Publication number: 20180227995
    Abstract: A solid state light fixture includes a light emitting diode (LED) load and a driver circuit that is configured to supply a drive current to the LED load. The driver circuit may include a current supply module that is configured to reduce a drive current level during dimming of the solid state light fixture, where the current supply module is configured to operate in both a continuous conduction mode at a first dimming level and a discontinuous conduction mode at a second dimming level that is lower than the first dimming level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Ashish EKBOTE, Noe Gonzalez, Robert Underwood
  • Publication number: 20170231053
    Abstract: A lighting device system includes light emitters where a battery powers the light emitters. A battery supplies the power for powering the light emitters and a driver is arranged to selectively power the light emitters to adjust an operating parameter of the at least one light emitter based on the charge status of the battery. The driver may be in communication with a GNSS receiver that provides geospatial information used to adjust the at least one parameter. The driver may power the light emitters according to a non-adaptive light level profile and an adaptive light level profile where the light emitters consume less energy when operated under the adaptive light level profile than when operated under the non-adaptive light level profile. A processing device operatively coupled to memory determines, based on a state of charge of the battery, which profile to run.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Underwood, John Roberts
  • Patent number: 8966403
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method which, in one embodiment, enables a user to navigate the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). The method initially involves uploading a delimited HTS file, and using it to create a wizard which optionally allows the user to navigate a series of options menus, or alternatively, the entire menu hierarchy can be displayed on the same screen. The selections made at every menu is saved for future reference. The method also optionally enables the documentation of Export Control Classification Numbers, which are recorded along with applicable control information for the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Textron Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Curtis McKelvey, Dan Robert Underwood, Guohua Jiang
  • Patent number: 8810151
    Abstract: An LED package containing integrated circuitry for matching a power source voltage to the LED operating voltage, LEDs containing such integrated circuitry, systems containing such packages, and methods for matching the source and operating voltages are described. The integrated circuitry typically contains a power converter and a constant current circuit. The LED package may also contain other active or passive components such as pin-outs for integrated or external components, a transformer and rectifier, or a rectifier circuit. External components can include control systems for regulating the LED current level or the properties of light emitted by the LED. Integrating the power supply and current control components into the LED can provide for fabrication of relatively small LEDs using fewer and less device-specific components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Underwood, Yifeng Wu
  • Patent number: 8569970
    Abstract: An LED package containing integrated circuitry for matching a power source voltage to the LED operating voltage, LEDs containing such integrated circuitry, systems containing such packages, and methods for matching the source and operating voltages are described. The integrated circuitry typically contains a power converter and a constant current circuit. The LED package may also contain other active or passive components such as pin-outs for integrated or external components, a transformer and rectifier, or a rectifier circuit. External components can include control systems for regulating the LED current level or the properties of light emitted by the LED. Integrating the power supply and current control components into the LED can provide for fabrication of relatively small LEDs using fewer and less device-specific components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Underwood, Yifeng Wu
  • Patent number: 8563339
    Abstract: One close loop system and method for electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of phosphor material on light emitting diodes (LEDs). The system comprises a deposition chamber sealed from ambient air. A mixture of phosphor material and solution is provided to the chamber with the mixture also being sealed from ambient air. A carrier holds a batch of LEDs in the chamber with the mixture contacting the areas of the LEDs for phosphor deposition. A voltage supply applies a voltage to the LEDs and the mixture to cause the phosphor material to deposit on the LEDs at the mixture contacting areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Tarsa, Michael Leung, Bernd Keller, Robert Underwood, Mark Youmans
  • Publication number: 20120262078
    Abstract: An LED package containing integrated circuitry for matching a power source voltage to the LED operating voltage, LEDs containing such integrated circuitry, systems containing such packages, and methods for matching the source and operating voltages are described. The integrated circuitry typically contains a power converter and a constant current circuit. The LED package may also contain other active or passive components such as pin-outs for integrated or external components, a transformer and rectifier, or a rectifier circuit. External components can include control systems for regulating the LED current level or the properties of light emitted by the LED. Integrating the power supply and current control components into the LED can provide for fabrication of relatively small LEDs using fewer and less device-specific components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Underwood, Yifeng Wu
  • Patent number: 8232739
    Abstract: An LED package containing integrated circuitry for matching a power source voltage to the LED operating voltage, LEDs containing such integrated circuitry, systems containing such packages, and methods for matching the source and operating voltages are described. The integrated circuitry typically contains a power converter and a constant current circuit. The LED package may also contain other active or passive components such as pin-outs for integrated or external components, a transformer and rectifier, or a rectifier circuit. External components can include control systems for regulating the LED current level or the properties of light emitted by the LED. Integrating the power supply and current control components into the LED can provide for fabrication of relatively small LEDs using fewer and less device-specific components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Underwood, Yifeng Wu
  • Publication number: 20120104955
    Abstract: An LED package containing integrated circuitry for matching a power source voltage to the LED operating voltage, LEDs containing such integrated circuitry, systems containing such packages, and methods for matching the source and operating voltages are described. The integrated circuitry typically contains a power converter and a constant current circuit. The LED package may also contain other active or passive components such as pin-outs for integrated or external components, a transformer and rectifier, or a rectifier circuit. External components can include control systems for regulating the LED current level or the properties of light emitted by the LED. Integrating the power supply and current control components into the LED can provide for fabrication of relatively small LEDs using fewer and less device-specific components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: Cree Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Underwood, Yifeng Wu
  • Patent number: 8111001
    Abstract: An LED package containing integrated circuitry for matching a power source voltage to the LED operating voltage, LEDs containing such integrated circuitry, systems containing such packages, and methods for matching the source and operating voltages are described. The integrated circuitry typically contains a power converter and a constant current circuit. The LED package may also contain other active or passive components such as pin-outs for integrated or external components, a transformer and rectifier, or a rectifier circuit. External components can include control systems for regulating the LED current level or the properties of light emitted by the LED. Integrating the power supply and current control components into the LED can provide for fabrication of relatively small LEDs using fewer and less device-specific components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Underwood, Yifeng Wu
  • Patent number: 7891148
    Abstract: A partition system for office spaces generally includes a framework and a plurality of different types of decorative and/or functional tiles mountable to the framework. The framework includes I- and C-shaped vertical frame members which are adjustably joined by upper and lower horizontal spanners such that the distance between the vertical frame members is adjustable. Also, the framework may include other types of vertical frame members for forming L-, T-, or X-junctions within the partition system framework. A variety of decorative and functional tiles are mountable to the framework, including retractable workspace tiles, several types of storage tiles, display tiles, window tiles, and electrical and data services tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Underwood, Keith E. Metcalf, Ryan A. Herbig, J. Douglas Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20090094542
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method which, in one embodiment, enables a user to navigate the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). The method initially involves uploading a delimited HTS file, and using it to create a wizard which optionally allows the user to navigate a series of options menus, or alternatively, the entire menu hierarchy can be displayed on the same screen. The selections made at every menu is saved for future reference. The method also optionally enables the documentation of Export Control Classification Numbers, which are recorded along with applicable control information for the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Scott Curtis McKelvey, Dan Robert Underwood, Guohua Jiang
  • Publication number: 20090021180
    Abstract: An LED package containing integrated circuitry for matching a power source voltage to the LED operating voltage, LEDs containing such integrated circuitry, systems containing such packages, and methods for matching the source and operating voltages are described. The integrated circuitry typically contains a power converter and a constant current circuit. The LED package may also contain other active or passive components such as pin-outs for integrated or external components, a transformer and rectifier, or a rectifier circuit. External components can include control systems for regulating the LED current level or the properties of light emitted by the LED. Integrating the power supply and current control components into the LED can provide for fabrication of relatively small LEDs using fewer and less device-specific components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: Cree Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Underwood, Yifeng Wu
  • Publication number: 20080026007
    Abstract: A method for stimulating proliferation of T-cells containing cytoplasmic post-prolyl dipeptidase activity; the method, in one aspect, involves contacting the T-cells with an organic compound at a concentration below 10?8M, wherein the compound is characterized in that: (a) it is capable of crossing the membrane of T-cells to enter the cytoplasm, (b) it binds to the dipeptidase activity at a concentration of below 10?8M, and thus (c) stimulates proliferation of the T-cells at that concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Brigitte Huber, Tracy Schmitz, Robert Underwood
  • Publication number: 20070158668
    Abstract: One close loop system and method for electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of phosphor material on light emitting diodes (LEDs). The system comprises a deposition chamber sealed from ambient air. A mixture of phosphor material and solution is provided to the chamber with the mixture also being sealed from ambient air. A carrier holds a batch of LEDs in the chamber with the mixture contacting the areas of the LEDs for phosphor deposition. A voltage supply applies a voltage to the LEDs and the mixture to cause the phosphor material to deposit on the LEDs at the mixture contacting areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventors: Eric Tarsa, Michael Leung, Bernd Keller, Robert Underwood, Mark Youmans
  • Publication number: 20070033894
    Abstract: A partition system for office spaces generally includes a framework and a plurality of different types of decorative and/or functional tiles mountable to the framework. The framework includes I- and C-shaped vertical frame members which are adjustably joined by upper and lower horizontal spanners such that the distance between the vertical frame members is adjustable. Also, the framework may include other types of vertical frame members for forming L-, T-, or X-junctions within the partition system framework. A variety of decorative and functional tiles are mountable to the framework, including retractable workspace tiles, several types of storage tiles, display tiles, window tiles, and electrical and data services tiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Applicant: KIMBALL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Underwood, Keith Metcalf, Ryan Herbig, J. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7150127
    Abstract: A partition system for office spaces generally includes a framework and a plurality of different types of decorative and/or functional tiles mountable to the framework. The framework includes I- and C-shaped vertical frame members which are adjustably joined by upper and lower horizontal spanners such that the distance between the vertical frame members is adjustable. Also, the framework may include other types of vertical frame members for forming L-, T-, or X-junctions within the partition system framework. A variety of decorative and functional tiles are mountable to the framework, including retractable workspace tiles, several types of storage tiles, display tiles, window tiles, and electrical and data services tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Underwood, Keith E. Metcalf, Ryan A. Herbig, J. Douglas Mitchell