Patents by Inventor Thomas G. Coleman

Thomas G. Coleman 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: 9982847
    Abstract: A lighting device comprising at least a first light source and at least a first heat dissipation element. At least a first region of the dissipation element comprises at least one material selected from among (1) sintered silicon carbide, (2) a sintered mixture of silicon carbide and at least one other ceramic material, (3) a sintered mixture of silicon carbide and at least one metal other than aluminum, (4) a sintered mixture of silicon carbide, at least one other ceramic material and at least one metal other than aluminum and (5) a sintered mixture of silicon carbide, at least one other ceramic material and at least one metal. Also, a lighting device comprising at least a first light source and heat conducting means for dissipating heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Antony Paul Van De Ven, Thomas G. Coleman, Gerald H. Negley
  • Patent number: 9482421
    Abstract: A lamp with an LED array is disclosed. The centralized nature of the LEDs allows the LEDs to be configured in a filament-like way using a supporting power structure, near the central portion of the optical envelope of the lamp. In example embodiments, the LEDs are cooled by a fluid medium to enable the LEDs to maintain appropriate mechanical stability and operating temperature. In some embodiments, the lamp operates at a power of at least 5 watts. Since the LED array can be centralized to form a filament-like structure, the light pattern from the lamp is not adversely affected by the presence of a heat sink or mechanical supporting parts. In some embodiments, phosphor is used provide wavelength conversion. The phosphor can be suspended within the optically transmissive fluid medium, placed remotely in the lamp structure, or applied to un-encapsulated LED die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald H. Negley, Praneet Athalye, Thomas G. Coleman
  • Patent number: 8628214
    Abstract: There is provided a lighting device which emits light with an efficacy of at least 60 lumens per watt. The lighting device comprises at least one solid state light emitter, e.g., one or more light emitting diodes, and optionally further includes one or more lumiphor. In some embodiments, the output light is of a brightness of at least 300 lumens. In some embodiments, the output light has a CRI Ra of at least 90. Also, a method of lighting, comprising supplying electricity to a lighting device which emits light with an efficacy of at least 60 lumens per watt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald H. Negley, Antony Paul van De Ven, Thomas G. Coleman
  • Patent number: 8596819
    Abstract: There is provided a lighting device which emits light with an efficacy of at least 60 lumens per watt. The lighting device comprises at least one solid state light emitter, e.g., one or more light emitting diodes, and optionally further includes one or more lumiphor. In some embodiments, the output light is of a brightness of at least 300 lumens. In some embodiments, the output light has a CRI Ra of at least 90. Also, a method of lighting, comprising supplying electricity to a lighting device which emits light with an efficacy of at least 60 lumens per watt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald H. Negley, Antony Paul Van De Ven, Thomas G. Coleman
  • Publication number: 20130265753
    Abstract: There is provided a lighting device which emits light with an efficacy of at least 60 lumens per watt. The lighting device comprises at least one solid state light emitter, e.g., one or more light emitting diodes, and optionally further includes one or more lumiphor. In some embodiments, the output light is of a brightness of at least 300 lumens. In some embodiments, the output light has a CRI Ra of at least 90. Also, a method of lighting, comprising supplying electricity to a lighting device which emits light with an efficacy of at least 60 lumens per watt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Gerald H. NEGLEY, Antony Paul VAN DE VEN, Thomas G. COLEMAN
  • Publication number: 20130170175
    Abstract: A lamp with an LED array is disclosed. The centralized nature of the LEDs allows the LEDs to be configured in a filament-like way using a supporting power structure, near the central portion of the optical envelope of the lamp. In example embodiments, the LEDs are cooled by a fluid medium to enable the LEDs to maintain appropriate mechanical stability and operating temperature. In some embodiments, the lamp operates at a power of at least 5 watts. Since the LED array can be centralized to form a filament-like structure, the light pattern from the lamp is not adversely affected by the presence of a heat sink or mechanical supporting parts. In some embodiments, phosphor is used provide wavelength conversion. The phosphor can be suspended within the optically transmissive fluid medium, placed remotely in the lamp structure, or applied to un-encapsulated LED die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: CREE, INC.
    Inventors: Gerald H. Negley, Praneet Athalye, Thomas G. Coleman
  • Patent number: 8403531
    Abstract: There is provided a lighting device which emits light with an wall plug efficiency of at least 85 lumens per watt. The lighting device comprises at least one solid state light emitter, e.g., one or more light emitting diodes, and optionally further includes one or more luminescent material. In some embodiments, the output light is of a brightness of at least 300 lumens. In some embodiments, the output light has a CRI Ra of at least 90. Also, a method of lighting, comprising supplying electricity to a lighting device which emits light with a wall plug efficiency of at least 85 lumens per watt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald H. Negley, Antony Paul Van De Ven, Thomas G. Coleman, Mark D. Edmond
  • Publication number: 20120287629
    Abstract: A lighting device comprising at least a first light source and at least a first heat dissipation element. At least a first region of the dissipation element comprises at least one material selected from among (1) sintered silicon carbide, (2) a sintered mixture of silicon carbide and at least one other ceramic material, (3) a sintered mixture of silicon carbide and at least one metal other than aluminum, (4) a sintered mixture of silicon carbide, at least one other ceramic material and at least one metal other than aluminum and (5) a sintered mixture of silicon carbide, at least one other ceramic material and at least one metal. Also, a lighting device comprising at least a first light source and heat conducting means for dissipating heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Antony Paul VAN DE VEN, Thomas G. COLEMAN, Gerald H. NEGLEY
  • Patent number: 8154043
    Abstract: Packaged semiconductor light emitting device are provided including a reflector having a lower sidewall portion defining a reflective cavity. A light emitting device is positioned in the reflective cavity. A first quantity of cured encapsulant material having a first index of refraction is provided in the reflective cavity including the light emitting device. A second quantity of cured encapsulant material having a second index of refraction, different from the first index of refraction, is provided on the first quantity of cured encapsulant material. The first and second index of refraction are selected to provide a buried lens in the reflective cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Andrews, Thomas G. Coleman, James Ibbetson, Michael Leung, Gerald H. Negley, Eric Tarsa
  • Publication number: 20120037931
    Abstract: Methods of packaging a semiconductor light emitting device include dispensing a first quantity of encapsulant material into a cavity including the light emitting device. The first quantity of encapsulant material in the cavity is treated to form a hardened upper surface thereof having a shape. A luminescent conversion element is provided on the upper surface of the treated first quantity of encapsulant material. The luminescent conversion element includes a wavelength conversion material and has a thickness at a middle region of the cavity greater than proximate a sidewall of the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Leung, Thomas G. Coleman, Maryanne Becerra
  • Patent number: 8039859
    Abstract: Methods of packaging a semiconductor light emitting device include dispensing a first quantity of encapsulant material into a cavity including the light emitting device. The first quantity of encapsulant material in the cavity is treated to form a hardened upper surface thereof having a shape. A luminescent conversion element is provided on the upper surface of the treated first quantity of encapsulant material. The luminescent conversion element includes a wavelength conversion material and has a thickness at a middle region of the cavity greater than proximate a sidewall of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Leung, Thomas G. Coleman, Maryanne Becerra
  • Publication number: 20110180834
    Abstract: Packaged semiconductor light emitting device are provided including a reflector having a lower sidewall portion defining a reflective cavity. A light emitting device is positioned in the reflective cavity. A first quantity of cured encapsulant material having a first index of refraction is provided in the reflective cavity including the light emitting device. A second quantity of cured encapsulant material having a second index of refraction, different from the first index of refraction, is provided on the first quantity of cured encapsulant material. The first and second index of refraction are selected to provide a buried lens in the reflective cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Peter Andrews, Thomas G. Coleman, James Ibbetson, Michael Leung, Gerald H. Negley, Eric Tarsa
  • Patent number: 7928456
    Abstract: Packaged semiconductor light emitting device are provided including a reflector having a lower sidewall portion defining a reflective cavity. A light emitting device is positioned in the reflective cavity. A first quantity of cured encapsulant material having a first index of refraction is provided in the reflective cavity including the light emitting device. A second quantity of cured encapsulant material having a second index of refraction, different from the first index of refraction, is provided on the first quantity of cured encapsulant material. The first and second index of refraction are selected to provide a buried lens in the reflective cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Andrews, Thomas G. Coleman, James Ibbetson, Michael Leung, Gerald H. Negley, Eric Tarsa
  • Publication number: 20110006330
    Abstract: Methods of packaging a semiconductor light emitting device include dispensing a first quantity of encapsulant material into a cavity including the light emitting device. The first quantity of encapsulant material in the cavity is treated to form a hardened upper surface thereof having a shape. A luminescent conversion element is provided on the upper surface of the treated first quantity of encapsulant material. The luminescent conversion element includes a wavelength conversion material and has a thickness at a middle region of the cavity greater than proximate a sidewall of the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Leung, Thomas G. Coleman, Maryanne Becerra
  • Patent number: 7852009
    Abstract: A circuit for a lighting device comprises a sub-circuit which comprises a series current regulator and a group of solid state light emitters. The current regulator and the solid state light emitters are arranged in series. In some embodiments, the circuit further comprises a fan electrically connected in series in the sub-circuit. In some embodiments, the circuit further comprises a second sub-circuit which comprises a second series current regulator and a second group of solid state light emitters, the first sub-circuit and the second sub-circuit being arranged in parallel. In some embodiments, an anode of the series current regulator is electrically connected to a cathode of one of the solid state light emitters. Also, methods of lighting wherein a sum of voltage drops across light emitters and a current regulator is in the range of from 1.2 to 1.6 times the line voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Coleman, Peter J. Myers, Antony Paul Van De Ven, Gerald H. Negley
  • Patent number: 7799586
    Abstract: Methods of packaging a semiconductor light emitting device include dispensing a first quantity of encapsulant material into a cavity including the light emitting device. The first quantity of encapsulant material in the cavity is treated to form a hardened upper surface thereof having a selected shape. A luminescent conversion element is provided on the upper surface of the treated first quantity of encapsulant material. The luminescent conversion element includes a wavelength conversion material and has a thickness at a middle region of the cavity greater than proximate a sidewall of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Leung, Thomas G. Coleman, Maryanne Becerra
  • Patent number: 7612383
    Abstract: Reflectors for a semiconductor light emitting device include a lower sidewall portion defining a reflective cavity. A substantially horizontal shoulder portion extends outwardly from the sloped lower sidewall portion. The horizontal shoulder portion has a circumferentially extending moat formed therein. An upper sidewall portion extends upwardly from the horizontal shoulder portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Andrews, Thomas G. Coleman, James Ibbetson, Michael Leung, Gerald H. Negley, Eric Tarsa
  • Publication number: 20090224277
    Abstract: Methods of packaging a semiconductor light emitting device include dispensing a first quantity of encapsulant material into a cavity including the light emitting device. The first quantity of encapsulant material in the cavity is treated to form a hardened upper surface thereof having a selected shape. A luminescent conversion element is provided on the upper surface of the treated first quantity of encapsulant material. The luminescent conversion element includes a wavelength conversion material and has a thickness at a middle region of the cavity greater than proximate a sidewall of the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Leung, Thomas G. Coleman, Maryanne Becerra
  • Publication number: 20090161356
    Abstract: There is provided a lighting device which emits light with an wall plug efficiency of at least 85 lumens per watt. The lighting device comprises at least one solid state light emitter, e.g., one or more light emitting diodes, and optionally further includes one or more luminescent material. In some embodiments, the output light is of a brightness of at least 300 lumens. In some embodiments, the output light has a CRI Ra of at least 90. Also, a method of lighting, comprising supplying electricity to a lighting device which emits light with a wall plug efficiency of at least 85 lumens per watt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Cree LED Lighting Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald H. Negley, Antony Paul Van De Ven, Thomas G. Coleman, Mark D. Edmond
  • Patent number: 7517728
    Abstract: Methods of packaging a semiconductor light emitting device include dispensing a first quantity of encapsulant material into a cavity including the light emitting device. The first quantity of encapsulant material in the cavity is treated to form a hardened upper surface thereof having a selected shape. A luminescent conversion element is provided on the upper surface of the treated first quantity of encapsulant material. The luminescent conversion element includes a wavelength conversion material and has a thickness at a middle region of the cavity greater than proximate a sidewall of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Leung, Thomas G. Coleman, Maryanne Becerra