Patents by Inventor Ronald E. Ernst

Ronald E. Ernst 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: 10660172
    Abstract: A light fixture includes a fixture body, a support structure, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) a driver, a cover, and a connector. The fixture body includes a first raceway, a second raceway, and a channel. The second raceway is substantially parallel to the first raceway. The channel is coupled to the first raceway and the second raceway such that the channel is substantially orthogonal to the first raceway and the second raceway. The support structure is coupled to the first raceway and the second raceway. The plurality of LEDs is coupled to the support structure and spaced apart along a length of the support structure between the first raceway and the second raceway. The driver is positioned within the channel and electrically coupled to the plurality of LEDs. The cover is detachably coupled to the channel and extends from the first raceway to the second raceway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Ernst, Neal R. Verfuerth, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp
  • Publication number: 20190174586
    Abstract: A light fixture includes a fixture body, a support structure, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) a driver, a cover, and a connector. The fixture body includes a first raceway, a second raceway, and a channel. The second raceway is substantially parallel to the first raceway. The channel is coupled to the first raceway and the second raceway such that the channel is substantially orthogonal to the first raceway and the second raceway. The support structure is coupled to the first raceway and the second raceway. The plurality of LEDs is coupled to the support structure and spaced apart along a length of the support structure between the first raceway and the second raceway. The driver is positioned within the channel and electrically coupled to the plurality of LEDs. The cover is detachably coupled to the channel and extends from the first raceway to the second raceway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Applicant: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Ernst, Neal R. Verfuerth, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp
  • Patent number: 10206251
    Abstract: A light fixture includes a fixture body, a support structure, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) a driver, a cover, and a connector. The fixture body includes a first raceway, a second raceway, and a channel. The second raceway is substantially parallel to the first raceway. The channel is coupled to the first raceway and the second raceway such that the channel is substantially orthogonal to the first raceway and the second raceway. The support structure is coupled to the first raceway and the second raceway. The plurality of LEDs is coupled to the support structure and spaced apart along a length of the support structure between the first raceway and the second raceway. The driver is positioned within the channel and electrically coupled to the plurality of LEDs. The cover is detachably coupled to the channel and extends from the first raceway to the second raceway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Ernst, Neal R. Verfuerth, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp
  • Patent number: 10012355
    Abstract: A light fixture is configured for use in either retrofitting an existing troffer light fixture or for use in new construction. The light fixture includes a self-supporting adaptor bracket configured to rest on a T-bar of a ceiling system and further configured to optionally receive a housing of the existing troffer light fixture. The light fixture further includes a door assembly including a latch configured to engage a latch surface of the adaptor bracket, a hinge configured to interface with a slot of the adaptor bracket, a housing including the latch and the hinge, and a light source within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Scribante, Scott A. Green, Marc Meade, Therese Bartz, Matthew S. Tlachac, Ronald E. Ernst
  • Publication number: 20180119894
    Abstract: A light fixture includes a fixture body, a support structure, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) a driver, a cover, and a connector. The fixture body includes a first raceway, a second raceway, and a channel. The second raceway is substantially parallel to the first raceway. The channel is coupled to the first raceway and the second raceway such that the channel is substantially orthogonal to the first raceway and the second raceway. The support structure is coupled to the first raceway and the second raceway. The plurality of LEDs is coupled to the support structure and spaced apart along a length of the support structure between the first raceway and the second raceway. The driver is positioned within the channel and electrically coupled to the plurality of LEDs. The cover is detachably coupled to the channel and extends from the first raceway to the second raceway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Ernst, Neal R. Verfuerth, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp
  • Publication number: 20170114970
    Abstract: A light fixture is configured for use in either retrofitting an existing troffer light fixture or for use in new construction. The light fixture includes a self-supporting adaptor bracket configured to rest on a T-bar of a ceiling system and further configured to optionally receive a housing of the existing troffer light fixture. The light fixture further includes a door assembly including a latch configured to engage a latch surface of the adaptor bracket, a hinge configured to interface with a slot of the adaptor bracket, a housing including the latch and the hinge, and a light source within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Applicant: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Scribante, Scott A. Green, Marc Meade, Therese Bartz, Matthew S. Tlachac, Ronald E. Ernst
  • Publication number: 20170108175
    Abstract: A light fixture includes a support structure, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) coupled to the support structure and spaced apart along a length of the support structure between a first end and a second end of the light fixture, a power pack, and a modular power input connector. The power pack includes a driver configured to be electrically coupled to the plurality of LEDs, power input wiring configured to receive power for the light fixture, and a cover provided at least partially over the driver and the power input wiring. The modular power input connector is accessible without removing the cover, and the modular power input connector is coupled to the power input wiring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Ernst, Neal R. Verfuerth, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp
  • Patent number: 9532410
    Abstract: A light fixture including a support structure and a plurality of LEDs coupled to the structure and spaced apart along at least a portion of a length of the structure. The light fixture further includes a power pack, the power pack including a driver configured to be electrically coupled to the plurality of LEDs, power input wiring that is configured to receive power for the light fixture, and a cover provided substantially over the driver and the power input wiring. A modular power input connector is accessible without removing the cover, wherein the modular power input connector is coupled to the power input wiring, and wherein the modular power input connector is configured to accept a power cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Ronald E. Ernst, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp
  • Patent number: 9353923
    Abstract: A light fixture is configured for use in either retrofitting an existing troffer light fixture or for use in new construction. The light fixture includes a self-supporting adaptor bracket configured to rest on a T-bar of a ceiling system and further configured to optionally receive a housing of the existing troffer light fixture. The light fixture further includes a door assembly including a latch configured to engage a latch surface of the adaptor bracket, a hinge configured to interface with a slot of the adaptor bracket, a housing including the latch and the hinge, and a light source within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Scribante, Scott A. Green, Marc Meade, Therese Bartz, Matthew S. Tlachac, Ronald E. Ernst
  • Publication number: 20160102825
    Abstract: A light fixture is configured for use in either retrofitting an existing troffer light fixture or for use in new construction. The light fixture includes a self-supporting adaptor bracket configured to rest on a T-bar of a ceiling system and further configured to optionally receive a housing of the existing troffer light fixture. The light fixture further includes a door assembly including a latch configured to engage a latch surface of the adaptor bracket, a hinge configured to interface with a slot of the adaptor bracket, a housing including the latch and the hinge, and a light source within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: ORION ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: John Scribante, Scott A. Green, Marc Meade, Therese Bartz, Matthew S. Tlachac, Ronald E. Ernst
  • Publication number: 20150028770
    Abstract: A light fixture including a support structure and a plurality of LEDs coupled to the structure and spaced apart along at least a portion of a length of the structure. The light fixture further includes a power pack, the power pack including a driver configured to be electrically coupled to the plurality of LEDs, power input wiring that is configured to receive power for the light fixture, and a cover provided substantially over the driver and the power input wiring. A modular power input connector is accessible without removing the cover, wherein the modular power input connector is coupled to the power input wiring, and wherein the modular power input connector is configured to accept a power cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Ronald E. Ernst, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp
  • Patent number: 8858018
    Abstract: A light fixture including first and second raceways, and at least one support structure extending between and coupled to the raceways. A plurality of LEDs are coupled to the structure and spaced apart along at least a portion of a length of the structure between the first and second ends of the light fixture. A power pack extends between the raceways, and the power pack includes at least one driver configured to be electrically coupled to the plurality of LEDs, power input wiring that is configured to receive power for the light fixture, and a detachable cover provided substantially over the at least one driver and the power input wiring. A modular power input connector is coupled to the power pack, and is configured to allow a power cord to supply power to the light fixture without removing the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Ronald E. Ernst, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp
  • Patent number: 8337043
    Abstract: A light fixture includes a first raceway disposed at a first end of the light fixture, a second raceway disposed at a second end of the light fixture, and a detachable cover that is removably coupled to the first raceway and to the second raceway. A ballast and power input wiring is coupled to the detachable cover, and an elongated lamp electrically coupled to the ballast. The light fixture also includes a power input connector having a socket portion and a plug portion, one of the socket portion and the plug portion coupled to the detachable cover and electrically connected to the power input wiring, and the other of the socket portion and the plug portion connectable to a power supply line to provide electrical power to the light fixture from a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Ronald E. Ernst, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp
  • Publication number: 20120182729
    Abstract: A light fixture includes a first raceway disposed at a first end of the light fixture, a second raceway disposed at a second end of the light fixture, and a detachable cover that is removably coupled to the first raceway and to the second raceway. A ballast and power input wiring is coupled to the detachable cover, and an elongated lamp electrically coupled to the ballast. The light fixture also includes a power input connector having a socket portion and a plug portion, one of the socket portion and the plug portion coupled to the detachable cover and electrically connected to the power input wiring, and the other of the socket portion and the plug portion connectible to a power supply line to provide electrical power to the light fixture from a power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Ronald E. Ernst, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp
  • Patent number: 8136958
    Abstract: A modular light fixture includes a fixture body having a frame with a top a bottom. The top defines a ballast channel and the bottom has a reflector formed from a sheet material. A lampholder is mounted to the frame and receives and electrically connects to a fluorescent tube positioned adjacent to the reflector. A detachable power pack is removable from the top of the frame and includes a ballast channel cover that detachably engages the ballast channel on the top of frame, and a ballast mounted to the ballast channel cover and having power input wiring, and ballast output wiring electrically connected to the lampholder. A power input connector has a socket portion mounted to the ballast channel cover and electrically connected to the power input wiring of the ballast, and a plug portion connected to a power supply line to provide electrical power from a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Ronald E. Ernst, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp
  • Patent number: 7780310
    Abstract: A light fixture includes a raceway, a lampholder, and a power pack. The raceway includes an aperture and a locking aperture. The lampholder is electrically connected to a lampholder connector. The power pack includes a power pack cover and a ballast and a deployable sensor. The deployable sensor includes a sensor head, a conduit and pivotable coupling that permits movement of the sensor between a deployed position and a stowed position. The power pack cover includes a latching end. The ballast includes a power input connector adapted to electrically connect to a power cord and a ballast output connector adapted to electrically connect to the lampholder connector. The latching end includes a flange adapted to mate with the aperture of the raceway and a locking protrusion adapted to mate with the locking aperture of the raceway such that the power pack is detachably mountable to the raceway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp, Ronald E. Ernst, Troy M. Johnson, Donald C. Heimerman
  • Patent number: 7746003
    Abstract: A transformer wiring method and apparatus for fluorescent lighting are described. The fluorescent lighting apparatus includes a transformer and a ballast. An installer is easily able to balance the system load because each fluorescent lighting apparatus includes its own transformer and may be connected directly to a facility's three phase power distribution while still operating at rated voltages. Moreover, the ballast is protected from surges and stray voltages thereby reducing the frequency of ballast failures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Anthony J. Bartol, Ronald E. Ernst, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp
  • Patent number: D617028
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp, Anthony J. Bartol, Ronald E. Ernst
  • Patent number: D617029
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp, Anthony J. Bartol, Ronald E. Ernst
  • Patent number: RE43456
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Donald C. Heimerman, Kenneth J. Wetenkamp, Ronald E. Ernst