Patents by Inventor Edward J. Blair

Edward J. Blair 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).

  • Publication number: 20240120736
    Abstract: A control system may include a direct-current (DC) power bus for charging (e.g., trickle charging) internal energy storage elements in control devices of the control system. For example, the control devices may be motorized window treatments configured to adjust a position of a covering material to control the amount of daylight entering a space. The system may include a DC power supply that may generate a DC voltage on the DC power bus. For example, the DC power bus may extend from the DC power supply around the perimeter of a floor of the building and may be connected to all of the motorized window treatments on the floor (e.g., in a daisy-chain configuration). Wiring the DC power bus in such a manner may dramatically reduce the installation labor and wiring costs of an installation, as well as decreasing the chance of a miswire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Blair, John H. Bull, Samuel F. Chambers, Stuart W. DeJonge, Joseph R. Parks
  • Patent number: 11909204
    Abstract: A control system may include a direct-current (DC) power bus for charging (e.g., trickle charging) internal energy storage elements in control devices of the control system. For example, the control devices may be motorized window treatments configured to adjust a position of a covering material to control the amount of daylight entering a space. The system may include a DC power supply that may generate a DC voltage on the DC power bus. For example, the DC power bus may extend from the DC power supply around the perimeter of a floor of the building and may be connected to all of the motorized window treatments on the floor (e.g., in a daisy-chain configuration). Wiring the DC power bus in such a manner may dramatically reduce the installation labor and wiring costs of an installation, as well as decreasing the chance of a miswire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Joseph R. Parks, John H. Bull, Samuel F. Chambers, Stuart W. DeJonge
  • Publication number: 20240026736
    Abstract: A motorized window treatment may include a roller tube, a flexible material attached to the roller tube, a motor drive unit, and mounting brackets configured to rotatably support respective ends of the roller tube. The roller tube may be operable between an operating position and an extended position. The extended position may include one or more ends of the roller tube being accessible while still attached to the mounting brackets. At least one of the mounting brackets may include a stationary portion, a sliding portion, and/or a translating portion. The translating portion and/or the sliding portion may be configured to translate the roller tube between the operating position and the extended position. The translating portion may define an attachment member and include an attachment aperture. The end of the roller tube may be accessible via the attachment aperture when the roller tube is in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Margaret A. Block, John H. Bull, David A. Kirby, Andrew P. Schmalz, John M. Steinmetz, Travis G. Wiehe, Mailing Ren Wu
  • Publication number: 20230349227
    Abstract: A motorized sheer shading system may move a sheer shade material between an open position, a closed position, and a view position. The shading system may move the sheer shade material from the open position to the closed position at a first average rotational speed, and from the closed position to the view position at a second average rotational speed. The shading system may automatically determine a control limit that corresponds to the closed position of the sheer shade material after control limits have been set for the open position and the view position. The shading system may cause the sheer shade material to stop moving once it reaches the closed position if the raise button of a remote control is still depressed, and may cause the sheer shade material to stop moving once it reaches the closed position if the lower button of the remote control is still depressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, Stephen Lundy
  • Patent number: 11788348
    Abstract: A motorized window treatment may include a roller tube, a flexible material attached to the roller tube, a motor drive unit, and mounting brackets configured to rotatably support respective ends of the roller tube. The roller tube may be operable between an operating position and an extended position. The extended position may include one or more ends of the roller tube being accessible while still attached to the mounting brackets. At least one of the mounting brackets may include a stationary portion, a sliding portion, and/or a translating portion. The translating portion and/or the sliding portion may be configured to translate the roller tube between the operating position and the extended position. The translating portion may define an attachment member and include an attachment aperture. The end of the roller tube may be accessible via the attachment aperture when the roller tube is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Margaret A. Block, John H. Bull, David A. Kirby, Andrew P. Schmalz, John M. Steinmetz, Travis G. Wiehe, Mailing Ren Wu
  • Publication number: 20230279724
    Abstract: A battery-powered motorized window treatment for covering at least a portion of a window may be adjusted into a service position to allow for access to at least one battery that is powering the motorized window treatment. A headrail of the motorized window treatment may be adjusted to the service position to allow for easy replacement of the batteries without unmounting the headrail and without requiring tools. The motorized window treatment may comprise brackets having buttons that may be actuated to release the headrail from a locked position, such that the head rail may be rotated into the service position. The headrail easily rotates through a controlled movement into the service position, such that a user only needs one free hand available to move the motorized window treatment into the service position and change the batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: LUTRON TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, David A. Kirby, Peter W. Ogden, JR., James J. Wilson, Justin M. Zernhelt
  • Publication number: 20230274897
    Abstract: A control device for controlling power delivered to an electrical load includes a faceplate subassembly and a main control module. The faceplate subassembly includes a faceplate, a button, a circuit board, and a back cover. The faceplate includes a front surface and an opposed rear surface, and an opening extending therebetween with the button disposed in the opening in the faceplate. The back cover is positioned adjacent to the circuit board and defines a plurality of holes. A shaft of a post extending from the faceplate is disposed in one of the holes in the back cover and an end of the post is enlarged such that the back cover is captured between the end of the post and the rear surface of the faceplate. The main control module is configured to cause power delivered to the electrical load to be adjusted in response to depression of the button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Applicant: LUTRON TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, George M. Drizos, Matthew P. McDonald
  • Publication number: 20230272669
    Abstract: A hembar may define a front portion and a rear portion configured to slidably engage each other. The front portion and the rear portion, when slidably engaged, may define a slot configured to receive a piece of fabric. The front portion and the rear portion may be configured to clamp the piece of fabric within the slot. The front portion and the rear portion may be configured such that a width of the slot is adjustable. The front portion may define a first attachment surface and the rear portion may define a second attachment surface. The first attachment surface may define a rib. The second attachment surface may define a groove configured to receive the rib when the front portion is slidably engaged with the rear portion such that the piece of fabric is clamped within the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Blair, David A. Kirby, Vladislav Pejic
  • Patent number: 11725454
    Abstract: A motorized sheer shading system may move a sheer shade material between an open position, a closed position, and a view position. The shading system may move the sheer shade material from the open position to the closed position at a first average rotational speed, and from the closed position to the view position at a second average rotational speed. The shading system may automatically determine a control limit that corresponds to the closed position of the sheer shade material after control limits have been set for the open position and the view position. The shading system may cause the sheer shade material to stop moving once it reaches the closed position if the raise button of a remote control is still depressed, and may cause the sheer shade material to stop moving once it reaches the closed position if the lower button of the remote control is still depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, Stephen Lundy
  • Patent number: 11680445
    Abstract: A battery-powered motorized window treatment for covering at least a portion of a window may be adjusted into a service position to allow for access to at least one battery that is powering the motorized window treatment. A headrail of the motorized window treatment may be adjusted to the service position to allow for easy replacement of the batteries without unmounting the headrail and without requiring tools. The motorized window treatment may comprise brackets having buttons that may be actuated to release the headrail from a locked position, such that the head rail may be rotated into the service position. The headrail easily rotates through a controlled movement into the service position, such that a user only needs one free hand available to move the motorized window treatment into the service position and change the batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: LUTRON TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, David A. Kirby, Peter W. Ogden, Jr., James J. Wilson, Justin M. Zernhelt
  • Patent number: 11670468
    Abstract: A control device for controlling power delivered to an electrical load includes a faceplate subassembly and a main control module. The faceplate subassembly includes a faceplate, a button, a circuit board, and a back cover. The faceplate includes a front surface and an opposed rear surface, and an opening extending therebetween with the button disposed in the opening in the faceplate. The back cover is positioned adjacent to the circuit board and defines a plurality of holes. A shaft of a post extending from the faceplate is disposed in one of the holes in the back cover and an end of the post is enlarged such that the back cover is captured between the end of the post and the rear surface of the faceplate. The main control module is configured to cause power delivered to the electrical load to be adjusted in response to depression of the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: LUTRON TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, George M. Drizos, Matthew P. McDonald
  • Publication number: 20230036482
    Abstract: A control device for controlling an electrical load may include a slider knob, a plurality of light sources, a diffuser, and a control circuit. The slider knob may be configured to move in a vertical direction along an elongated slot located in a bezel of the control device. The diffuser may be located along the elongated slot and be configured to be illuminated by the plurality of light sources to indicate the amount of power delivered to the electrical load. The control circuit may be configured to control the amount of power delivered to the electrical load in response movement of the slider knob along the elongated slot, and to illuminate at least a portion of the diffuser to indicate the amount of power delivered to the electrical load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Gregory S. Altonen, Edward J. Blair, Chris Dimberg, Matthew V. Harte, Jaime L. Ingram, Jason C. Killo, Matthew K. Olsen, Adam Rosenberg, William Taylor Shivell, Matthew J. Swatsky, Daniel L. Twaddell, Aaron J. Wilz, Noah Zinn
  • Publication number: 20230014160
    Abstract: A motorized window treatment for controlling the amount of daylight entering a space through a window includes a covering material, a drive shaft, and a motor coupled to the drive shaft for raising and lowering the covering material. The window treatment also includes a spring assist unit for assisting the motor by providing a torque that equals the torque provided by the weight on the cords that lift the covering material at a position midway between fully-open and fully-closed positions to minimize motor usage and conserve battery life. The window treatment may comprise a photosensor for measuring the amount of daylight outside the window and temperature sensors for measuring the temperatures inside and outside of the window. The position of the covering material may be automatically controlled in response to the photosensor and the temperature sensors, or in response to an infrared or radio-frequency remote control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jason O. Adams, Edward J. Blair, Andrew Karl Cooney, Soumya Jain, David A. Kirby, Stephen Lundy, Justin J. Mierta, Daniel W. Mistarz, Robert C. Newman, JR., Peter W. Ogden, JR., Jonathan L. Roe, Chen Ming Wu, Justin M. Zernhelt
  • Patent number: 11480012
    Abstract: A motorized window treatment for controlling the amount of daylight entering a space through a window includes a covering material, a drive shaft, and a motor coupled to the drive shaft for raising and lowering the covering material. The window treatment also includes a spring assist unit for assisting the motor by providing a torque that equals the torque provided by the weight on the cords that lift the covering material at a position midway between fully-open and fully-closed positions to minimize motor usage and conserve battery life. The window treatment may comprise a photosensor for measuring the amount of daylight outside the window and temperature sensors for measuring the temperatures inside and outside of the window. The position of the covering material may be automatically controlled in response to the photosensor and the temperature sensors, or in response to an infrared or radio-frequency remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jason O. Adams, Edward J. Blair, Andrew Karl Cooney, Soumya Jain, David A. Kirby, Stephen Lundy, Justin J. Mierta, Daniel W. Mistarz, Robert C. Newman, Jr., Peter W. Ogden, Jr., Jonathan L. Roe, Chen Ming Wu, Justin M. Zernhelt
  • Publication number: 20220307321
    Abstract: A motorized window treatment may provide a low-cost solution for controlling the amount of daylight entering a space through a window. The window treatment may include a covering material (e.g., a cellular shade fabric or a roller shade fabric), a drive assembly for raising and lowering the covering material, and a motor drive unit including a motor configured to drive the drive assembly to raise and lower the covering material. The motorized window treatment may comprise one or more battery packs configured to receive batteries for powering the motor drive unit. The batteries may be located out of view of a user of the motorized window treatment (e.g., in a headrail or in a battery compartment). The motorized window treatment may use various power-saving methods to lengthen the lifetime of the batteries, e.g., to reduce the motor speed to conserve additional battery power and extend the lifetime of the batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jason O. Adams, Edward J. Blair, Andrew Karl Cooney, Soumya Jain, David A. Kirby, Stephen Lundy, Justin J. Mierta, Daniel W. Mistarz, Robert C. Newman, Peter W. Ogden, Jonathan L. Roe, Chen Ming Wu, Justin M. Zernhelt, Samuel F. Chambers
  • Patent number: D962044
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Margaret A. Block, Laura Marie Friedlander, Vladislav Pejic, Mailing Ren Wu
  • Patent number: D967781
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin F. Bard, Edward J. Blair, Kenneth Priester
  • Patent number: D993760
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Margaret A. Block, Laura Marie Friedlander, Vladislav Pejic, Mailing Ren Wu
  • Patent number: D1000257
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Margaret A. Block, Laura Marie Friedlander, Vladislav Pejic, Mailing Ren Wu
  • Patent number: D1003255
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin F. Bard, Edward J. Blair, Kenneth Priester