Patents by Inventor Robert Higley

Robert Higley 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: 9664369
    Abstract: A LED lamp has a base and an at least partially optically transmissive enclosure connected to the base. A heat sink is partially disposed in the enclosure and supports a plurality of LEDs. The heat sink comprising a mounting portion positioned in the enclosure for supporting the LEDs and a heat dissipating portion exposed to the ambient environment where the interior of the enclosure is exposed to the ambient environment. The heat sink have a plurality of separate heat sink structures that are mounted to the lamp independently of one another. Each heat sink structure may have a thickness of approximately 1-5 mm. Each heat sink structure may in some embodiments weigh approximately 3.8 to 7.7 grams and in other embodiments weigh approximately 27 grams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Richards, Shawn Keeney, Mark Youmans, Michael Leung, Nicholas Desilva, Dante Nava, Robert Higley
  • Patent number: 9303857
    Abstract: An LED based lamp has an optically transmissive enclosure connected to a base. The base may include a heat sink. A substrate is positioned in the enclosure and supports a plurality of LEDs where the periphery of the substrate has alternating recessed portions and protruding portions that define a plurality of laterally extending projections. One LED is located on each of the projections to increase the amount of down light generated by the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Desilva, Dante Nava, Robert Higley, Mark Youmans
  • Patent number: 9249952
    Abstract: Multi-configurable, high luminous output light fixture systems, devices, and methods are disclosed. Light fixtures can be configured to produce variable light emission outputs and patterns and can include LED packages wherein at least one can be movable with respect to another of the LED packages. In addition, a power supply can selectively dim or turn off at least one of the LED packages. The light fixtures disclosed herein can be used in both high bay and low bay light fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua J. Markle, Robert Higley, Russell G. Villard, Nicholas E. Desilva
  • Patent number: 9212808
    Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) lighting fixture is provided as a potential solid state lighting (SSL) replacement fixture for a conventional HID lamp fixture. The LED lighting fixture includes a main housing having a bottom surface supporting an array of LEDs, a top surface and sides, and at least one driver provided in a side housing attached to a side of the main housing to drive the LED array. The thickness of the side housing is equal to or greater than the thickness of the main housing. A plurality of heat spreading fins is arranged on the top surface of the main housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Higley, Yuming Chen, Carleton Coleman
  • Publication number: 20140268772
    Abstract: A LED lamp has a base and an at least partially optically transmissive enclosure connected to the base. A heat sink is partially disposed in the enclosure and supports a plurality of LEDs. The heat sink comprising a mounting portion positioned in the enclosure for supporting the LEDs and a heat dissipating portion exposed to the ambient environment where the interior of the enclosure is exposed to the ambient environment. The heat sink have a plurality of separate heat sink structures that are mounted to the lamp independently of one another. Each heat sink structure may have a thickness of approximately 1-5 mm. Each heat sink structure may in some embodiments weigh approximately 3.8 to 7.7 grams and in other embodiments weigh approximately 27 grams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Richards, Shawn Keeney, Mark Youmans, Michael Leung, Nicholas Desilva, Dante Nava, Robert Higley
  • Patent number: 8820971
    Abstract: Lighting fixtures using light-emitting devices are disclosed with heat sinks that are both decorative and functional by providing heat dissipation for the light-emitting devices used therein. A luminaire can feature a base for attachment to a support and a driver positionable in the base. An electrical connector can extend downward from the base and have a proximal end and a distal end with the proximal end disposed in the base and engaging the driver. A heat sink can be disposed at the distal end of the electrical connector with the electrical connector extending through the heat sink. A light-emitting device can be attached to the heat sink and connect with the electrical connector such that the driver is electrically connected to the light-emitting device. A lamp shade can be secured to the heat sink proximal to the base with the light-emitting device disposed within the lamp shade and at least a portion of the body of the heat sink forming a decorative portion extending outward from the lamp shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua J. Markle, Robert Higley, Shawn Keeney, Greg Bibee, Donald G. Hirsh
  • Patent number: 8746915
    Abstract: Light-emitting die (LED) Lamps, heat sinks, and related methods are provided. An LED lamp can include a mounting substrate having a top surface, a bottom surface and side edges. An LED package can be disposed on the top surface of the mounting substrate with the LED package comprising an LED chip. The LED lamp can include a heat sink that can include a heat sink base and a spacer extending upward from the base. The spacer can have a mounting area or pad distal from the heat sink base on which the bottom surface of the mounting substrate is disposed. The spacer can also have a width that is less than a width between the side edges of the mounting substrate. The LED lamp can further include a lens disposed over the LED package and the mounting substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell G. Villard, Shawn Keeney, Nicholas DeSilva, Robert Higley, Joshua J. Markle
  • Patent number: 8602611
    Abstract: Lighting fixtures using light-emitting devices are disclosed with heat sinks that are both decorative and functional by providing heat dissipation for the light-emitting devices used therein. A lighting fixture can contain an insert portion for removably attaching to a heat sink. A light-emitting device can be mechanically coupled and attached to the heat sink while simultaneously electrically coupling and connecting the light-emitting device. A lamp shade can be secured to the heat sink by attachably engaging with a retaining portion of the insert portion. The fixture comprises a lamp shade wherein at least a portion of a body of the heat sink forming a decorative portion can extend outward from the lamp shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua J. Markle, Robert Higley
  • Patent number: 8454202
    Abstract: Lighting fixtures using light-emitting devices are disclosed with heat sinks that are both decorative and functional by providing heat dissipation for the light-emitting devices used therein. A luminaire can feature a base for attachment to a support and a driver positionable in the base. An electrical connector can extend downward from the base and have a proximal end and a distal end with the proximal end disposed in the base and engaging the driver. A heat sink can be disposed at the distal end of the electrical connector with the electrical connector extending through the heat sink. A light-emitting device can be mechanically coupled and attached to the heat sink while simultaneously electrically coupling and connecting the light-emitting device. A lamp shade can be secured to the heat sink proximal to the base with the light-emitting device disposed within the lamp shade and at least a portion of the body of the heat sink forming a decorative portion extending outward from the lamp shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua J. Markle, Robert Higley
  • Publication number: 20130027947
    Abstract: Light-emitting die (LED) Lamps, heat sinks, and related methods are provided. An LED lamp can include a mounting substrate having a top surface, a bottom surface and side edges. An LED package can be disposed on the top surface of the mounting substrate with the LED package comprising an LED chip. The LED lamp can include a heat sink that can include a heat sink base and a spacer extending upward from the base. The spacer can have a mounting area or pad distal from the heat sink base on which the bottom surface of the mounting substrate is disposed. The spacer can also have a width that is less than a width between the side edges of the mounting substrate. The LED lamp can further include a lens disposed over the LED package and the mounting substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Russell G. Villard, Shawn Keeney, Nicholas DeSilva, Robert Higley, Joshua J. Markle
  • Patent number: 8198357
    Abstract: Described is a method for producing a molded silicone rubber product using a liquid silicone rubber (LSR) base comprising at least one vinyl siloxane polymer, at least one hydride crosslinker, and optionally at least one injection molding inhibitor. The single LSR base is fed into a feed line, and into the feed line are fed an inhibitor master batch comprising at least one liquid injection molding inhibitor and at least one vinyl siloxane polymer, and a catalyst master batch comprising at least one catalyst and at least one vinyl siloxane polymer. The invention is further directed to: said LSR base; said inhibitor master batch; said catalyst master batch; and a molded silicone rubber article produced by the methods and compositions described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Bluestar Silicones USA Corp.
    Inventors: Edward Jeram, Reeshemah Beaty Chatham, Robert Higley
  • Publication number: 20120113640
    Abstract: Multi-configurable, high luminous output light fixture systems, devices, and methods are disclosed. Light fixtures can be configured to produce variable light emission outputs and patterns and can include LED packages wherein at least one can be movable with respect to another of the LED packages. In addition, a power supply can selectively dim or turn off at least one of the LED packages. The light fixtures disclosed herein can be used in both high bay and low bay light fixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Joshua J. Markle, Robert Higley, Russell G. Villard, Nicholas E. Desilva
  • Patent number: 8063137
    Abstract: Described is a method for producing a molded silicone rubber product using a liquid silicone rubber (LSR) base comprising at least one vinyl siloxane polymer, at least one hydride crosslinker, and optionally at least one injection molding inhibitor. The single LSR base is fed into a feed line, and into the feed line are fed an inhibitor master batch comprising at least one liquid injection molding inhibitor and at least one vinyl siloxane polymer, and a catalyst master batch comprising at least one catalyst and at least one vinyl siloxane polymer. The invention is further directed to: said LSR base; said inhibitor master batch; said catalyst master batch; and a molded silicone rubber article produced by the methods and compositions described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: BlueStar Silicones France
    Inventors: Edward Jeram, Reeshemah Beaty Chatham, Robert Higley
  • Publication number: 20110245403
    Abstract: Described is a method for producing a molded silicone rubber product using a liquid silicone rubber (LSR) base comprising at least one vinyl siloxane polymer, at least one hydride crosslinker, and optionally at least one injection molding inhibitor. The single LSR base is fed into a feed line, and into the feed line are fed an inhibitor master batch comprising at least one liquid injection molding inhibitor and at least one vinyl siloxane polymer, and a catalyst master batch comprising at least one catalyst and at least one vinyl siloxane polymer. The invention is further directed to: said LSR base; said inhibitor master batch; said catalyst master batch; and a molded silicone rubber article produced by the methods and compositions described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: BLUESTAR SILICONES USA CORP.
    Inventors: Edward JERAM, Reeshemah Beaty CHATHAM, Robert HIGLEY
  • Publication number: 20110242815
    Abstract: Lighting fixtures using light-emitting devices are disclosed with heat sinks that are both decorative and functional by providing heat dissipation for the light-emitting devices used therein. A lighting fixture can contain an insert portion for removably attaching to a heat sink. A light-emitting device can be mechanically coupled and attached to the heat sink while simultaneously electrically coupling and connecting the light-emitting device. A lamp shade can be secured to the heat sink by attachably engaging with a retaining portion of the insert portion. The fixture comprises a lamp shade wherein at least a portion of a body of the heat sink forming a decorative portion can extend outward from the lamp shade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Joshua J. Markle, Robert Higley
  • Publication number: 20110242814
    Abstract: Lighting fixtures using light-emitting devices are disclosed with heat sinks that are both decorative and functional by providing heat dissipation for the light-emitting devices used therein. A luminaire can feature a base for attachment to a support and a driver positionable in the base. An electrical connector can extend downward from the base and have a proximal end and a distal end with the proximal end disposed in the base and engaging the driver. A heat sink can be disposed at the distal end of the electrical connector with the electrical connector extending through the heat sink. A light-emitting device can be mechanically coupled and attached to the heat sink while simultaneously electrically coupling and connecting the light-emitting device. A lamp shade can be secured to the heat sink proximal to the base with the light-emitting device disposed within the lamp shade and at least a portion of the body of the heat sink forming a decorative portion extending outward from the lamp shade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Joshua J. Markle, Robert Higley
  • Publication number: 20110242813
    Abstract: Lighting fixtures using light-emitting devices are disclosed with heat sinks that are both decorative and functional by providing heat dissipation for the light-emitting devices used therein. A luminaire can feature a base for attachment to a support and a driver positionable in the base. An electrical connector can extend downward from the base and have a proximal end and a distal end with the proximal end disposed in the base and engaging the driver. A heat sink can be disposed at the distal end of the electrical connector with the electrical connector extending through the heat sink. A light-emitting device can be attached to the heat sink and connect with the electrical connector such that the driver is electrically connected to the light-emitting device. A lamp shade can be secured to the heat sink proximal to the base with the light-emitting device disposed within the lamp shade and at least a portion of the body of the heat sink forming a decorative portion extending outward from the lamp shade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Joshua J. Markle, Robert Higley, Shawn Keeney, Greg Bibee, Donald G. Hirsh
  • Publication number: 20110069488
    Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) lighting fixture is provided as a potential solid state lighting (SSL) replacement fixture for a conventional HID lamp fixture. The LED lighting fixture includes a main housing having a bottom surface supporting an array of LEDs, a top surface and sides, and at least one driver provided in a side housing attached to a side of the main housing to drive the LED array. The thickness of the side housing is equal to or greater than the thickness of the main housing. A plurality of heat spreading fins is arranged on the top surface of the main housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Higley, Yuming Chen, Carleton Coleman
  • Patent number: 7824070
    Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) lighting fixture is provided as a potential solid state lighting (SSL) replacement fixture for a conventional HID lamp fixture. The LED lighting fixture includes a main housing having a bottom surface supporting an array of LEDs, a top surface and sides, and at least one driver provided in a side housing attached to a side of the main housing to drive the LED array. The thickness of the side housing is equal to or greater than the thickness of the main housing. A plurality of heat spreading fins is arranged on the top surface of the main housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Higley, Yuming Chen, Carleton Coleman
  • Patent number: D641096
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua J. Markle, Robert Higley