Patents by Inventor Thomas F. Soules
Thomas F. Soules 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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Publication number: 20090059977Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for suppressing ASE and/or parasitic oscillation modes in a laser is introduced. By roughening one or more peripheral edges of a solid-state crystal or ceramic laser gain media and by bonding such edges to a predetermined electromagnetic absorbing material arranged adjacent to the entire outer surface of the peripheral edges of the roughened laser gain media, ASE, parasitic oscillation modes and/or residual pump energy can be effectively suppressed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventors: Lloyd A. Hackel, Thomas F. Soules, Scott N. Fochs, Mark D. Rotter, Stephan A. Letts
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Patent number: 7479662Abstract: An LED device including an LED chip and a lens positioned apart from the chip and coated with a uniform thickness layer of fluorescent phosphor for converting at least some of the radiation emitted by the chip into visible light. Positioning the phosphor layer away from the LED improves the efficiency of the device and produces more consistent color rendition. The surface area of the lens is preferably at least ten times the surface area of the LED chip. For increased efficiency, the reflector and submount can also be coated with phosphor to further reduce internal absorption.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2003Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Lumination LLCInventors: Thomas F. Soules, Stanton Weaver, Jr., Chen-Lun Hsing Chen, Mathew Sommers, Boris Kolodin, Anan Achyut Setlur, Thomas Elliot Stecher
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Patent number: 7463660Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for suppressing ASE and parasitic oscillation modes in a high average power laser is introduced. By roughening one or more peripheral edges of a solid-state crystal or ceramic laser gain media and by bonding such edges using a substantially high index bonding elastomer or epoxy to a predetermined electromagnetic absorbing arranged adjacent to the entire outer surface of the peripheral edges of the roughened laser gain media, ASE and parasitic oscillation modes can be effectively suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, LLCInventors: Lloyd A. Hackel, Thomas F. Soules, Scott N. Fochs, Mark D. Rotter, Stephan A. Letts
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Publication number: 20080206910Abstract: A lighting apparatus comprising at least one light emitting diode is disposed on an interconnect board to emit ultraviolet or blue radiation. A polymeric layer including a luminophor is disposed about the lighting apparatus to convert at least a portion of the radiation emitted from the LED into visible light. The polymeric layer is shrinkable to conform to a shape enclosing the light emitting diode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Thomas F. Soules, Chen-Lun Hsing Chen, Emil Radkov
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Publication number: 20080116468Abstract: An LED backlight apparatus includes a plurality of radiation emitting diodes, each diode emits radiation having a peak wavelength of about less than 430 nm. Each diode is located on a back surface of a housing. The housing may have an opening. A screen covers the opening and the screen includes a discrete pattern of phosphor coated red light emitting pixels, a second discrete pattern of phosphor coated green light emitting pixels, and a third discrete pattern of phosphor coated blue light emitting pixels. The emitted radiation may excite the phosphor coated pixels. The apparatus may also include a radiation regulating element proximate the screen and further include a diffuser proximate the diodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2006Publication date: May 22, 2008Inventors: Emil Vergilov Radkov, Thomas F. Soules, Larry Stadelman
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Patent number: 7319246Abstract: A lighting apparatus comprising at least one light emitting diode is disposed on an interconnect board to emit ultraviolet or blue radiation. A polymeric layer including a luminophor is disposed about the lighting apparatus to convert at least a portion of the radiation emitted from the LED into visible light. The polymeric layer is shrinkable to conform to a shape enclosing the light emitting diode.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: Lumination LLCInventors: Thomas F. Soules, Chen-Lun Hsing Chen, Emil Radkov
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Publication number: 20070273282Abstract: The present invention provides an optoelectronic device comprising a light source, an encapsulant with Refractive Index n1, and a phosphor with Refractive Index n2 which is within the range of from about 0.85n1, to about 1.15n1. The present invention also provides a method of adjusting the Refractive Index nx of a phosphor which is higher than a predetermined value n2. The method comprises partially or completely replacing one or more first element(s) in the phosphor with one or more second elements which typically have lower atomic weight than the first element(s). The phosphor is chemically stable and optically comparable with the encapsulant; and the optoelectronic device has gained technical merits such as increased light output efficiency, easy manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness, among others.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2006Publication date: November 29, 2007Inventors: Emil V. Radkov, Thomas F. Soules
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Patent number: 7179670Abstract: A light emitting diode (10) has a backside and a front-side with at least one n-type electrode (14) and at least one p-type electrode (12) disposed thereon defining a minimum electrodes separation (delectrodes). A bonding pad layer (50) includes at least one n-type bonding pad (64) and at least one p-type bonding pad (62) defining a minimum bonding pads separation (dpads) that is larger than the minimum electrodes separation (delectrodes). At least one fanning layer (30) interposed between the front-side of the light emitting diode (10) and the bonding pad layer (50) includes a plurality of electrically conductive paths passing through vias (34, 54) of a dielectric layer (32, 52) to provide electrical communication between the at least one n-type electrode (14) and the at least one n-type bonding pad (64) and between the at least one p-type electrode (12) and the at least one p-type bonding pad (62).Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: GELcore, LLCInventors: Bryan S. Shelton, Sebastien Libon, Hari S. Venugopalan, Ivan Eliashevich, Stanton E. Weaver, Jr., Chen-Lun Hsing Chen, Thomas F. Soules, Steven LeBoeuf, Stephen Arthur
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Patent number: 6945672Abstract: A light source (10) includes a light emitting semiconductor device (12). A support substrate (14) has a generally planar reflective surface (28) that supports the semiconductor device (12). The light emitting semiconductor device heat sinks via the support substrate. A curved reflector (16) has a concave parabolic reflective surface. The light emitting semiconductor device (12) is arranged between the support substrate (14) and the curved reflector (16). The support substrate (14) and the curved reflector (16) together define a light aperture (18) through which light produced by the light emitting semiconductor device (12) passes.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: GELcore LLCInventors: Shawn X. Du, Michael C. Hsing Chen, Thomas F. Soules, Frank P. Dornauer, Tomislav J. Stimac, Robert Schindler
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Patent number: 6853999Abstract: An apparatus and method of generating parameters for use in manufacturing lamps employing phosphors includes a series of interconnected spreadsheets. Individual phosphor spectral data are interconnected with lamp operating characteristics and physical construction of the lamp. The phosphor layer, thickness, and precoat are also part of the coating constructions whereby a user can evaluate phosphor blends, design new phosphors, input desired lamp characteristics and obtain desired phosphor spectra and lamp characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Thomas F. Soules
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Patent number: 6809477Abstract: A fluorescent lamp (10) with improved life is formed by winding a coil (30) using first, second, and third mandrels (45, 46, 50), the third mandrel having a diameter of at least 1.0 mm. The coil is wound around the second mandrel to provide at least 80 turns per inch (TPI). The third mandrel is larger than in conventional coils, allowing about 50% more emitter material (32) than can be loaded on a conventional coil. This has been found to lead to substantially increased lamp life, about 50% longer for a diameter of 1.25 mm than for a coil with diameter of about 0.86 mm. Increasing the TPI of the second coil over that of a coil having a TPI of 60-70 also increases the lamp life by providing better retention of the emitter material. By combining both the increased third diameter with increased second coil TPI, lifetimes of about twice that of a corresponding conventional coil may be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas F. Soules, Igor V. Lisitsyn, Zsolt Buday
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Patent number: 6713950Abstract: An emission mix slurry for coating fluorescent lamp electrodes is provided having a suspension medium of polyethylene glycol 200, and a mixture of calcium-, strontium-, and barium carbonate powder as suspended solids. In another embodiment, the suspension medium is primarily water. The slurry is formulated such that upon activation, the carbonates are oxidized to their corresponding oxides to form the emission mix oxide coating while the polyethylene glycol suspension medium is cleanly oxidized evolving substantially only CO2 and H2O vapor. A method for preparing the emission mix slurry is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas F. Soules, Gábor Sajó
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Publication number: 20040042212Abstract: A light source (10) includes a light emitting semiconductor device (12). A support substrate (14) has a generally planar reflective surface (28) that supports the semiconductor device (12). The light emitting semiconductor device heat sinks via the support substrate. A curved reflector (16) has a concave parabolic reflective surface. The light emitting semiconductor device (12) is arranged between the support substrate (14) and the curved reflector (16). The support substrate (14) and the curved reflector (16) together define a light aperture (18) through which light produced by the light emitting semiconductor device (12) passes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2002Publication date: March 4, 2004Applicant: GELcore, LLCInventors: Shawn X. Du, Michael C. Hsing Chen, Thomas F. Soules, Frank P. Dornauer, Tomislav J. Stimac, Robert Schindler
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Patent number: 6683407Abstract: A long life mercury vapor discharge lamp is provided. The lamp has a ultraviolet-reflective barrier layer, a rare earth triphosphor layer coated on the barrier layer, and a fill gas of mercury vapor and argon. Most preferably, the barrier layer has a coating weight about 2.6, mg/cm2, the phosphor layer has a coating weight of about comprising a light-transmissive glass envelope having an inner surface, means for providing a discharge, an ultraviolet reflecting barrier layer comprising alumina particles coated adjacent said inner surface of said glass envelope, a phosphor layer coated adjacent said barrier layer, and a discharge-sustaining fill gas of mercury vapor and argon sealed inside said envelope, said fill gas having a pressure of 2.9-5 torr at 25° C., said phosphor layer having a coating weight of 2-3.5 mg/cm2.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Igor Lisitsyn, Gerald E. Sasser, III, Thomas F. Soules, William Edwin Jackson
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Publication number: 20030160554Abstract: A fluorescent lamp (10) with improved life is formed by winding a coil (30) using first, second, and third mandrels (45, 46, 50), the third mandrel having a diameter of at least 1.0 mm. The coil is wound around the second mandrel to provide at least 80 turns per inch (TPI). The third mandrel is larger than in conventional coils, allowing about 50% more emitter material (32) than can be loaded on a conventional coil. This has been found to lead to substantially increased lamp life, about 50% longer for a diameter of 1.25 mm than for a coil with diameter of about 0.86 mm. Increasing the TPI of the second coil over that of a coil having a TPI of 60-70 also increases the lamp life by providing better retention of the emitter material. By combining both the increased third diameter with increased second coil TPI, lifetimes of about twice that of a corresponding conventional coil may be achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2002Publication date: August 28, 2003Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas F. Soules, Igor V. Lisitsyn, Zsolt Buday
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Publication number: 20030155857Abstract: A fluorescent lamp (10) includes a coating (16) comprising a blue-green emitting halophosphate in combination with rare-earth phosphors, such as a red-emitting rare earth phosphor and a green-emitting rare earth phosphor. The blue-green emitting halophosphate replaces some or all of the blue-emitting rare earth phosphor conventionally used in lamps designed to have a high color rendition index (CRI). This combination of phosphors is preferably blended with a white-emitting halophosphate in a ratio of about 1:3, providing a blend which is suitable for providing a single coating layer for the lamp. The single layer coated lamp has a CRI which is comparable to that of a lamp formed with a conventional two phosphor layer coating process, without appreciably increasing the content of rare earth phosphors used.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2002Publication date: August 21, 2003Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas F. Soules, Jon B. Jansma
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Patent number: 6583566Abstract: A low-wattage mercury vapor discharge lamp is provided for use with existing 110V high frequency electronic ballasts. The lamp has a discharge sustaining fill of mercury and an inert gas mixture of krypton and argon that does not require a starting aid. The phosphor layer has a coating weight of 2.0-3.9 mg/cm2.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Feng Jin, Thomas F. Soules
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Publication number: 20030076042Abstract: An emission mix slurry for coating fluorescent lamp electrodes is provided having a suspension medium of polyethylene glycol 200, and a mixture of calcium-, strontium-, and barium carbonate powder as suspended solids. In another embodiment, the suspension medium is primarily water. The slurry is formulated such that upon activation, the carbonates are oxidized to their corresponding oxides to form the emission mix oxide coating while the polyethylene glycol suspension medium is cleanly oxidized evolving substantially only CO2 and H2O vapor. A method for preparing the emission mix slurry is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2001Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventors: Thomas F. Soules, Gabor Sajo
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Patent number: 6525460Abstract: A high color-rendering fluorescent lamp comprising a phosphor layer wherein the phosphors are selected such that the general color rendering index, Ra is greater than 96 or 97 or 98 at color temperatures of 2700 K to 6600 K, and all the special color rendering indices are greater than 90 at color temperatures of 2900 K to 6500 K.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2000Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas F. Soules, Pak K. Yuet
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Publication number: 20030015956Abstract: A long life mercury vapor discharge lamp is provided. The lamp has a ultraviolet-reflective barrier layer, a rare earth triphosphor layer coated on the barrier layer, and a fill gas of mercury vapor and argon. Most preferably, the barrier layer has a coating weight about 2.6, mg/cm2, the phosphor layer has a coating weight of about comprising a light-transmissive glass envelope having an inner surface, means for providing a discharge, an ultraviolet reflecting barrier layer comprising alumina particles coated adjacent said inner surface of said glass envelope, a phosphor layer coated adjacent said barrier layer, and a discharge-sustaining fill gas of mercury vapor and argon sealed inside said envelope, said fill gas having a pressure of 2.9-5 torr at 25° C., said phosphor layer having a coating weight of 2-3.5 mg/cm2.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2001Publication date: January 23, 2003Inventors: Igor Lisitsyn, Gerald E. Sasser, Thomas F. Soules, William Edwin Jackson