Patents by Inventor Theodore Lowes
Theodore Lowes 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: 9818919Abstract: LED packages are disclosed that are compact and efficiently emit light, and can comprise encapsulants with planar surfaces that refract and/or reflect light within the package encapsulant. The packages can comprise a submount with a plurality of LEDs, which emit different colors of light, and a blanket conversion material layer on the LEDs and the submount. The encapsulant can be on the submount, over the LEDs, and light reflected within the encapsulant will reach the conversion material to be absorbed and emitted omnidirectionally. Reflected light can now escape the encapsulant, allowing for efficient emission and a broader emission profile, when compared to conventional packages with hemispheric encapsulants or lenses. The LED package can have a higher chip area to LED package area ratio. By using an encapsulant with planar surfaces, the LED package provides unique dimensional relationships between the features and LED package ratios, enabling more flexibility with different applications.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2012Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: CREE, INC.Inventors: Theodore Lowes, Eric J. Tarsa, Sten Heikman, Bernd Keller, Jesse Reiherzer, Hormoz Benjamin
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Patent number: 9798072Abstract: According to one aspect, an optical waveguide comprises a waveguide body exhibiting total internal reflection, a substrate, and a plurality of light extraction features disposed on a surface of the substrate. The light extraction features are non-adhesively bonded to the waveguide body or may be disposed on opposing sides of the substrate. A method of forming an optical element is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Steve Wilcenski, Kurt S. Wilcox, Theodore Lowes
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Patent number: 9666762Abstract: Light emitter packages having multiple light emitter chips, such as light emitting diode (LED) chips, and related methods are provided. In one aspect, a light emitter package can include a submount, an array of light emitter chips disposed on a portion of the submount, and a lens provided over the submount and covering at least portions of the array. In some aspects, at least some of the light emitter chips can be adapted to emit light of a first dominant wavelength. In further aspects, at least some other light emitter chips are adapted to emit light of a second dominant wavelength that is different than the first dominant wavelength. In some aspects, the lens can be asymmetric. In some aspects, a collective center of the chips, or a center of an array of chips can be offset from a center of the asymmetric lens.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Theodore Lowes, Bernd P. Keller
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Patent number: 9601670Abstract: A submount-free light emitter package with primary optic and method of fabricating the same are disclosed, these packages and methods comprising a light emitter with an optic. The optic may have a shape, which includes a portion that is wider at a point further from the light emitter than a point which is closer. The method includes a light emitter disposed on a carrier surface with at least one structure at least partially surrounding the light emitter. The encapsulant is over the light emitter forming a primary optic. The intermediate element at least partially defines the shape of the primary optic.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: CREE, INC.Inventors: Chandan Bhat, Theodore Lowes, Eric Tarsa
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Patent number: 9484329Abstract: Solid state lighting components are disclosed having multiple discrete light sources whose light combines to provide the desired emission characteristics. One embodiment of an LED component according to the present invention comprises a rectangular submount. A first group of blue shifted yellow (BSY) LED chips, a second group of BSY LED chips and a group of red LED chips are mounted on the submount. A plurality of contacts is arranged along one of the edges of the submount and accessible from one side of the component for applying electrical signals to the groups of LED chips.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: CREE, INC.Inventors: Antony P. van de Ven, Gerald Negley, Thomas Yuan, Bernd Keller, Theodore Lowes
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Patent number: 9360188Abstract: Lighting components and fixtures having optical elements with multiple portions are disclosed. A wavelength conversion element can be mounted over a source, the wavelength conversion element including wavelength conversion material remote to the source, such as on or near the outside surface of a conversion element. The element can be filled with a transparent and thermally conductive material which thermally couples the remote conversion material and the source, aiding in thermal dissipation and improving fixture efficacy. An optical element can be formed by using an embossing plate to form a first portion, partially curing the first portion, removing the embossing plate, and introducing material to form a second portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: CREE, INC.Inventors: Deborah Kircher, Theodore Lowes, Paul T. Fini, Bernd Keller
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Patent number: 9316361Abstract: An LED lamp or bulb is disclosed that comprises a light source, a heat sink structure and an optical cavity. The optical cavity comprises a phosphor carrier having a conversions material and arranged over an opening to the cavity. The phosphor carrier comprises a thermally conductive transparent material and is thermally coupled to the heat sink structure. An LED based light source is mounted in the optical cavity remote to the phosphor carrier with light from the light source passing through the phosphor carrier. A diffuser dome is included that is mounted over the optical cavity, with light from the optical cavity passing through the diffuser dome. The diffuser dome can disperse the light passing through it into the desired emission pattern, such as omnidirection. In one embodiment, the light source can be blue emitting LED and the phosphor carrier can include a yellow phosphor, with the LED lamp or bulb emitting a white light combination of LED and phosphor light.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: CREE, INC.Inventors: Tao Tong, Ronan Le Toquin, Bernd Keller, Eric Tarsa, Mark Youmans, Theodore Lowes, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr., Antony Van De Ven, Gerald Negley
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Patent number: 9310030Abstract: A lighting device comprising a light source and a diffuser spaced from the light source. The lighting device further comprises a wavelength conversion material disposed between the light source and the diffuser and spaced from the light source and the diffuser, wherein the diffuser is shaped such that there are different distances between the diffuser and said conversion material at different emission angles. In other embodiments the diffuser includes areas with different diffusing characteristics. Some lamps are arranged to meet A19 and Energy Star lighting standards.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: CREE, INC.Inventors: Tao Tong, Ronan Letoquin, Bernd Keller, Eric Tarsa, Mark Youmans, Theodore Lowes, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr., Antony Van De Ven, Gerald Negley, Peter Guschl, Zongjie Yuan
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Publication number: 20160072022Abstract: Emitter packages are disclosed that can include an insulating layer covering the emitter, such as between the emitter's primary emission surface and a lens or encapsulant. The packages can comprise a submount with an emitter flip-chip mounted such that the diode region is between the emitter's non-insulating and/or conductive substrate and the submount. The submount can then be covered with a thin insulating layer. The same or another insulating layer can cover other electrically active surfaces on the submount. By insulating the electrically active surfaces of the emitter and, in some embodiments, other electrically active surfaces, the package can meet UL8750 class 4 enclosure standards even if it does not meet the lens adhesion criteria. This can enable the use of cheaper and/or more optically efficient materials at the fixture level, since the package itself meets class 4 standards.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2014Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: Theodore Lowes, Kurt W. Wilcox, Bernd Keller, Chandan Bhat
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Publication number: 20160013373Abstract: A submount-free light emitter package with primary optic and method of fabricating the same are disclosed, these packages and methods comprising a light emitter with an optic. The optic may have a shape, which includes a portion that is wider at a point further from the light emitter than a point which is closer. The method includes a light emitter disposed on a carrier surface with at least one structure at least partially surrounding the light emitter. The encapsulant is over the light emitter forming a primary optic. The intermediate element at least partially defines the shape of the primary optic.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2014Publication date: January 14, 2016Applicant: CREE, INC.Inventors: Chandan Bhat, Theodore Lowes, Eric Tarsa
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Publication number: 20150370000Abstract: According to one aspect, an optical waveguide comprises a waveguide body exhibiting total internal reflection, a substrate, and a plurality of light extraction features disposed on a surface of the substrate. The light extraction features are non-adhesively bonded to the waveguide body or may be disposed on opposing sides of the substrate. A method of forming an optical element is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2015Publication date: December 24, 2015Inventors: Steve Wilcenski, Kurt S. Wilcox, Theodore Lowes
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Patent number: 9217544Abstract: LED based lamps and bulbs are disclosed that comprise a pedestal having a plurality of LEDs, wherein the pedestal at least partially comprises a thermally conductive material. A heat sink structure is included with the pedestal thermally coupled to the heat sink structure. A remote phosphor is arranged in relation to the LEDs so that at least some light from the LEDs passes through the remote phosphor and is converted to a different wavelength of light. Some lamp or bulb embodiments can emit a white light combination of light from the LEDs and the remote phosphor. These can include LEDs emitting blue light with the remote phosphor having a material that absorbs blue light and emits yellow or green light. A diffuser can be included to diffuse the emitting light into the desired pattern, such as omnidirectional.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2013Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: CREE, INC.Inventors: Tao Tong, Ronan LeToquin, Bernd Keller, Theodore Lowes, Eric Tarsa, Mark Youmans
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Publication number: 20150325759Abstract: Solid state fixtures and packages are disclosed that include an optical element, such as an encapsulant, having an integrated indicator which indicates one or more characteristics of the package to a user, such as package orientation, polarity, chip-type, etc. The host optical element can be substantially symmetrical but for the indicator. Indicators can be additive, such as a bump, or subtractive, such as a hole. The indicator can be visible to the human eye, and/or can be machine detectable, such as by pick-and-place technology. Indicators can be formed by many processes including molding and laser ablation/imprinting, which is particularly suited for use with a hard host material.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2014Publication date: November 12, 2015Applicant: CREE, INC.Inventors: Kurt Wilcox, Theodore Lowes, Corey Goldstein, Jason Taylor, Chandan Bhat
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Patent number: 9172012Abstract: Light emitter packages having multiple light emitter chips, such as light emitting diode (LED) chips, and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a light emitter package can include a ceramic submount. An array of light emitter chips can be disposed over a portion of the submount, and each light emitter chip can include a horizontal chip structure having positive and negative electrical contacts disposed on a same side. The positive and negative electrical contacts can be adapted to electrically communicate to conductive portions of the submount. Light emitter packages can further include a lens overmolded on the submount and covering a portion of the array.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Peter S. Andrews, Kurt S. Wilcox, Theodore Lowes, Bernd P. Keller
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Publication number: 20150233544Abstract: Lighting components and fixtures having optical elements with multiple portions are disclosed. A wavelength conversion element can be mounted over a source, the wavelength conversion element including wavelength conversion material remote to the source, such as on or near the outside surface of a conversion element. The element can be filled with a transparent and thermally conductive material which thermally couples the remote conversion material and the source, aiding in thermal dissipation and improving fixture efficacy. An optical element can be formed by using an embossing plate to form a first portion, partially curing the first portion, removing the embossing plate, and introducing material to form a second portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2014Publication date: August 20, 2015Applicant: CREE, INC.Inventors: DEBORAH KIRCHER, THEODORE LOWES, PAUL T. FINI, BERND KELLER
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Publication number: 20150200336Abstract: This disclosure relates to surface mount devices, such as light emitting devices, and methods of manufacture thereof, including recessed contact pads in relation to a mount surface, such that contact bumps and a reflective material are disposed to form a planar mounting surface. Embodiments according to the present disclosure include a light emitting device, wherein the device comprises at a reflective layer, forming at least a portion of a mounting surface. The device also includes one or more contact pads on the device, such that the contact pads are recessed in relation to the reflective layer. Contact bumps are formed on the contact pads, protruding beyond the contact pads, wherein the contact bumps compose at least a portion of the mounting surface. Methods of manufacture including methods utilizing virtual wafer structures are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2014Publication date: July 16, 2015Applicant: CREE, INC.Inventors: Chandon Bhat, Fan Zhang, Theodore Lowes, Peter Andrews
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Publication number: 20150200335Abstract: This disclosure related to surface mount devices, such as light emitting devices, and methods of manufacture thereof, including recessed contact pads with protruding contact bumps. Embodiments according to the present disclosure include a light emitting device, wherein the device comprises at least a contact pad, such that the contact pad is recessed in relation to a surface of the device. Contact bumps are formed in contact with the contact pads, such that the contact bumps protrude beyond the surface and may contact a surface of a submount that the device is meant to be mounted to. Methods of manufacture including methods utilizing virtual wafer structures are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2014Publication date: July 16, 2015Applicant: Cree, IncInventors: Chandan Bhat, Theodore Lowes
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Patent number: 9082921Abstract: A light-emitting device comprising (a) a submount having front and back sides and including a ceramic layer; (b) an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on the front side; and (c) a lens overmolded on the submount and covering the LED array. In some embodiments, the submount comprises at least two electrically-conductive contact pads on the front side, and each LED in the array is secured with respect to one of the contact pads.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2012Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Kurt S. Wilcox, Bernd P. Keller, Theodore Lowes, Peter Scott Andrews
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Publication number: 20150194580Abstract: LED packages are disclosed that are compact and efficiently emit light, and can comprise encapsulants with planar surfaces that refract and/or reflect light within the package encapsulant. The packages can also comprise a submount with one or more LEDs, and a blanket conversion material layer on the one or more LEDs and the submount. The encapsulant can be on the submount, over the LEDs, and light reflected within the encapsulant will reach the conversion material, where it will be absorbed and emitted omnidirectionally. This allows for reflected light to now escape from the encapsulant. This allows for efficient emission and a broader emission profile, for example when compared to conventional packages with hemispheric encapsulants or lenses. In certain embodiments, the LED package provides a higher chip area to LED package area ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2015Publication date: July 9, 2015Inventors: THEODORE LOWES, Eric Tarsa, Sten Heikman, Bernd Keller, Jesse Reiherzer, Hormoz Benjamin
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Patent number: 9062830Abstract: Solid state lamps and bulbs comprising different combinations and arrangements of a light source, one or more wavelength conversion materials, regions or layers which are positioned separately or remotely with respect to the light source, and a separate diffuser. These are arranged on a heat sink in a manner that allows for the fabrication of lamps and bulbs that are efficient, reliable and cost effective and can provide an essentially omnidirectional emission pattern, even with a light source comprised of a co-planar arrangement of LEDs. Additionally, this arrangement allows aesthetic masking or concealment of the appearance of the conversion regions or layers when the lamp is not illuminated. Various embodiments of the invention may be used to address many of the difficulties associated with utilizing efficient solid state light sources such as LEDs in the fabrication of lamps or bulbs suitable for direct replacement of traditional incandescent bulbs.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2011Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: Long Larry Le, Paul Pickard, James Michael Lay, Tao Tong, Ronan Letoquin, Bernd Keller, Eric Tarsa, Mark Youmans, Theodore Lowes, Nicholas W. Medendorp, Jr., Antony Van De Ven, Gerald Negley