Thomas H Knapp

US Patent:

8430530, Apr 30, 2013

Filed:

Apr 9, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/757310

Inventors:

Deeder Aurongzeb - Mayfield Heights OH, US
Thomas Alexander Knapp - Cleveland OH, US

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

F21S 4/00

US Classification:

36224904, 36224903, 362 84, 36224908, 362414

Abstract:

A luminaire, such as a lamp assembly or a floor lamp, umbrella, or planar or sheet-like like light emitting surface includes a conforming mechanism for selectively curving the light emitting surface. A convex profile will diffuse light while a concave profile will concentrate light, it being intended that the surface can be conformable up to a five inch (5″) radius of curvature in either direction. The light panel portions may be of the same color, or may be different colors that will result in different mixing of the light when made from different colors.

US Patent:

8624483, Jan 7, 2014

Filed:

Apr 13, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/086061

Inventors:

Thomas Alexander Knapp - Cleveland OH, US
Deeder Aurongzeb - Mayfield Heights OH, US

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

H01L 51/50

US Classification:

313504, 362382, 313512

Abstract:

A fixture and socket assembly is provided for replaceable and flexible panel lighting device. Preferably, perimeter edges of the flexible light source devices which may be arranged into a matrix or panel are mechanically and electrically connected to socket contacts provided at desired locations on the first surface of the fixture, which makes mechanical and electrical engagement with associated conductive portions or surface contacts on rear surfaces of the flexible light source devices.

US Patent:

20110242816, Oct 6, 2011

Filed:

Dec 28, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/979476

Inventors:

Ashfaqul I. Chowdhury - Broadview Heights OH, US
Gary R. Allen - Chesterland OH, US
Thomas A. Knapp - Cleveland OH, US

International Classification:

F21V 29/00
F28F 13/18
B21D 53/02
C23C 28/02

US Classification:

362294, 165133, 2989003, 205187

Abstract:

A heat sink comprises a heat sink body, which in some embodiments is a plastic heat sink body, and a thermally conductive layer disposed over the heat sink body. In some embodiments the thermally conductive layer comprises a copper layer. A light emitting diode (LED)-based lamp comprises the aforementioned heat sink and an LED module including one or more LED devices in which the LED module is secured with and in thermal communication with the heat sink. Some such LED-based lamps may have an A-line bulb configuration or an MR or PAR configuration. Disclosed method embodiments comprise forming a heat sink body and disposing a thermally conductive layer on the heat sink body. The forming may comprise molding the heat sink body, which may be plastic. In some method embodiments the heat sink body includes fins and the disposing includes disposing the thermally conductive layer over the fins.

US Patent:

20130026513, Jan 31, 2013

Filed:

Jul 25, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/189806

Inventors:

Deeder Aurongzeb - Mayfield Heights OH, US
Thomas Alexander Knapp - Cleveland OH, US
Olivia Boyle - Cleveland OH, US

International Classification:

H01L 51/52

US Classification:

257 98, 257E51018

Abstract:

An OLED assembly comprises a base and a planar OLED device mounted on the base. A planar light diffuser sheet is removably attached relative to the base and OLED device. A releasable attachment mechanism is operably configured between the light diffuser sheet and the base. The light diffuser sheet is oriented relative to the OLED device so as to provide a selected diffusive property to light emitted from the OLED device. The light diffuser sheet is removable from the base upon release of the attachment mechanism and can be substituted with a different light diffuser sheet. A luminaire may incorporate the OLED assembly, wherein the luminaire has fixture in which the OLED assembly is received.

US Patent:

20130068374, Mar 21, 2013

Filed:

Sep 20, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/237471

Inventors:

Edward James Balaschak - Cleveland OH, US
James Michael Kostka - Cincinnati OH, US
Thomas Alexander Knapp - Cleveland OH, US
Keith Raymond Woerner - Canandaigua NY, US

International Classification:

B32B 37/02
B32B 37/10
B32B 37/14

US Classification:

156163, 156580, 156494

Abstract:

Apparatus and method for hermetically encapsulating one or more optoelectronic device, such as a light emitting device or a photovoltaic device. The apparatus comprises a base and a carriage movable along the base. The carriage comprises a roller. The apparatus further comprises a vacuum platen coupled with the base and a tensioner coupled with the base. The tensioner comprises a support member that projects orthogonally above a plane of the vacuum platen.

US Patent:

20130088890, Apr 11, 2013

Filed:

Feb 1, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/363881

Inventors:

Thomas Alexander Knapp - Cleveland OH, US
Rick Dureiko - Willoughby OH, US

Assignee:

GE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, LLC - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

F21V 7/00
F21V 29/00
F21V 5/04

US Classification:

362609

Abstract:

An edge lit luminaire includes a light source. A housing has an interior cavity for receiving the light source. The housing includes a heat sink for directing heat away from the light source. At least one optional end cap is secured to an end of the housing that covers the cavity. A lightguide is secured inside the housing and has an edge located in proximity to the light source. At least one of a reflector and a lens (e.g., lens optic) directs light from the light source to the edge of the lightguide. The lightguide includes a light extraction surface enabling light to be transmitted from the lightguide. The housing can also feature a channel and slot for mounting the luminaire to a support surface. The lens optic can be designed to have specific dimensions that facilitate efficient design and operation of the luminaire.

US Patent:

20130307420, Nov 21, 2013

Filed:

May 17, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/473636

Inventors:

Benjamin Lee YODER - Cleveland Heights OH, US
Thomas Alexander Knapp - Cleveland OH, US

International Classification:

H05B 37/02
F21V 33/00
F21V 8/00

US Classification:

315158, 362602, 315307

Abstract:

A luminaire is provided that is configured as a window having a light guide with one or more light sources coupled to one or more edges of the light guide. Light emitted from the light guide can be used e.g., to supplement natural light passing through the window or to provide illumination when natural light is not available. Because the light source (or light sources) is incorporated into the window along one or more edges of the light guide, the light source can be either partially or totally concealed from view so as to create an appearance that can have aesthetic advantages. For example, exemplary embodiments of the present invention can have an appearance that is the same or similar to a conventional window/skylight.

US Patent:

20140063798, Mar 6, 2014

Filed:

Sep 6, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/604684

Inventors:

Anthony Michael Rotella - Cleveland OH, US
Gary Robert Allen - Chesterland OH, US
Benjamin Lee Yoder - Cleveland Heights OH, US
David C. Dudik - Shaker Heights OH, US
Thomas Alexander Knapp - Cleveland OH, US

International Classification:

F21V 29/00
B23P 11/00
F21V 13/00

US Classification:

362235, 36224902, 29428

Abstract:

A lighting device that uses one or more LEDs, an optical element (e.g, diffuser), and a heat sink to provide thermal management is provided. The overall shape of the lighting device, particularly the heat sink, can be configured to imitate the appearance of a traditional incandescent candelabra lamp. One or more features are also provided to assist with the conduction of heat away from the LED(s) and to the heat sink. The lighting device can provide improved lumen output and light distribution.