Patents by Inventor John C. Browne
John C. Browne 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: 20230389166Abstract: A load control device for controlling the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load is able to receive radio-frequency (RF) signals from a Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a smart phone, via a wireless local area network. The load control device comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series between the source and the load, a controller for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive, and a Wi-Fi module operable to receive the RF signals directly from the wireless network. The controller controls the controllably conductive device to adjust the power delivered to the load in response to the wireless signals received from the wireless network.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Michael W. Pessina, Theodore F. Economy, John C. Browne, JR.
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Patent number: 11765809Abstract: A load control device for controlling the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load is able to receive radio-frequency (RF) signals from a Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a smart phone, via a wireless local area network. The load control device comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series between the source and the load, a controller for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive, and a Wi-Fi module operable to receive the RF signals directly from the wireless network. The controller controls the controllably conductive device to adjust the power delivered to the load in response to the wireless signals received from the wireless network.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2020Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Michael W. Pessina, Theodore F. Economy, John C. Browne, Jr.
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Publication number: 20220345866Abstract: A load control device is able to receive radio-frequency (RF) signals from a Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a smart phone, via a wireless local area network. The load control device comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series between an AC power source and an electrical load, a controller for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive, and a Wi-Fi module operable to receive the RF signals from the wireless network. The controller controls the controllably conductive device to adjust the power delivered to the load in response to the wireless signals received from the wireless network. The load control device may further comprise an optical module operable to receive an optical signal, such that the controller may obtain an IP address from the received optical signal and control the power delivered to the load in response to a wireless signal that includes the IP address.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2022Publication date: October 27, 2022Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Theodore F. Economy, John C. Browne, JR., William Bryce Fricke, Galen Edgar Knode, Ryan S. Bedell, Christopher J. Salvestrini
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Publication number: 20220239518Abstract: An energy control network may include a number of load control devices, such as dimmer switches, multi-button selector switch, occupancy sensors, and remote controllers, among others. These load control devices may be configured for wireless communication. Other wireless devices, such as laptops, tablets, and “smart” cellular phones may be configured to communicate with the load control devices of the energy control network. The load control devices and the other wireless communication devices may also be configured for Near Field Communication (NFC). NFC may be used to provide a load control device with its initial default configuration and/or an application specific configuration. Also, NFC may be used to transfer a configuration from one load control device that may have become faulty, to a replacement load control device. And NFC may be used to provide and trigger commands that may cause a load control load device to operate in a predetermined manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: John C. Browne, JR., Sean Henley, Ratan Dominic Rego, William Bryce Fricke, Robert D. Stevens, JR.
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Patent number: 11388570Abstract: A load control device is able to receive radio-frequency (RF) signals from a Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a smart phone, via a wireless local area network. The load control device comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series between an AC power source and an electrical load, a controller for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive, and a Wi-Fi module operable to receive the RF signals from the wireless network. The controller controls the controllably conductive device to adjust the power delivered to the load in response to the wireless signals received from the wireless network. The load control device may further comprise an optical module operable to receive an optical signal, such that the controller may obtain an IP address from the received optical signal and control the power delivered to the load in response to a wireless signal that includes the IP address.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Theodore F. Economy, John C. Browne, Jr., William Bryce Fricke, Galen Edgar Knode, Ryan S. Bedell, Christopher J. Salvestrini
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Patent number: 11240055Abstract: An energy control network may include a number of load control devices, such as dimmer switches, multi-button selector switch, occupancy sensors, and remote controllers, among others. These load control devices may be configured for wireless communication. Other wireless devices, such as laptops, tablets, and “smart” cellular phones may be configured to communicate with the load control devices of the energy control network. The load control devices and the other wireless communication devices may also be configured for Near Field Communication (NFC). NFC may be used to provide a load control device with its initial default configuration and/or an application specific configuration. Also, NFC may be used to transfer a configuration from one load control device that may have become faulty, to a replacement load control device. And NFC may be used to provide and trigger commands that may cause a load control load device to operate in a predetermined manner.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2019Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: John C. Browne, Jr., Sean Henley, Ratan Dominic Rego, William Bryce Fricke, Robert D. Stevens, Jr.
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Publication number: 20210007203Abstract: A load control device for controlling the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load is able to receive radio-frequency (RF) signals from a Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a smart phone, via a wireless local area network. The load control device comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series between the source and the load, a controller for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive, and a Wi-Fi module operable to receive the RF signals directly from the wireless network. The controller controls the controllably conductive device to adjust the power delivered to the load in response to the wireless signals received from the wireless network.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2020Publication date: January 7, 2021Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Michael W. Pessina, Theodore F. Economy, John C. Browne, JR.
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Publication number: 20200404767Abstract: A load control device is able to receive radio-frequency (RF) signals from a Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a smart phone, via a wireless local area network. The load control device comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series between an AC power source and an electrical load, a controller for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive, and a Wi-Fi module operable to receive the RF signals from the wireless network. The controller controls the controllably conductive device to adjust the power delivered to the load in response to the wireless signals received from the wireless network. The load control device may further comprise an optical module operable to receive an optical signal, such that the controller may obtain an IP address from the received optical signal and control the power delivered to the load in response to a wireless signal that includes the IP address.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2020Publication date: December 24, 2020Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Theodore F. Economy, John C. Browne, Jr., William Bryce Fricke, Galen Edgar Knode, Ryan S. Bedell, Christopher J. Salvestrini
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Patent number: 10779381Abstract: A load control device is able to receive radio-frequency (RF) signals from a Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a smart phone, via a wireless local area network. The load control device comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series between an AC power source and an electrical load, a controller for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive, and a Wi-Fi module operable to receive the RF signals from the wireless network. The controller controls the controllably conductive device to adjust the power delivered to the load in response to the wireless signals received from the wireless network. The load control device may further comprise an optical module operable to receive an optical signal, such that the controller may obtain an IP address from the received optical signal and control the power delivered to the load in response to a wireless signal that includes the IP address.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2016Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Theodore F. Economy, John C. Browne, Jr., William Bryce Fricke, Galen Edgar Knode, Ryan S. Bedell, Christopher J. Salvestrini
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Publication number: 20200195460Abstract: An energy control network may include a number of load control devices, such as dimmer switches, multi-button selector switch, occupancy sensors, and remote controllers, among others. These load control devices may be configured for wireless communication. Other wireless devices, such as laptops, tablets, and “smart” cellular phones may be configured to communicate with the load control devices of the energy control network. The load control devices and the other wireless communication devices may also be configured for Near Field Communication (NFC). NFC may be used to provide a load control device with its initial default configuration and/or an application specific configuration. Also, NFC may be used to transfer a configuration from one load control device that may have become faulty, to a replacement load control device. And NFC may be used to provide and trigger commands that may cause a load control load device to operate in a predetermined manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2019Publication date: June 18, 2020Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: John C. Browne, JR., Sean Henley, Ratan Dominic Rego, William Bryce Fricke, Robert D. Stevens, JR.
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Patent number: 10588204Abstract: A load control device for controlling the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load is able to receive radio-frequency (RF) signals from a Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a smart phone, via a wireless local area network. The load control device comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series between the source and the load, a controller for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive, and a Wi-Fi module operable to receive the RF signals directly from the wireless network. The controller controls the controllably conductive device to adjust the power delivered to the load in response to the wireless signals received from the wireless network.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2018Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Michael W. Pessina, Theodore F. Economy, John C. Browne, Jr.
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Patent number: 10516546Abstract: An energy control network may include a number of load control devices, such as dimmer switches, multi-button selector switch, occupancy sensors, and remote controllers, among others. These load control devices may be configured for wireless communication. Other wireless devices, such as laptops, tablets, and “smart” cellular phones may be configured to communicate with the load control devices of the energy control network. The load control devices and the other wireless communication devices may also be configured for Near Field Communication (NFC). NFC may be used to provide a load control device with its initial default configuration and/or an application specific configuration. Also, NFC may be used to transfer a configuration from one load control device that may have become faulty, to a replacement load control device. And NFC may be used to provide and trigger commands that may cause a load control load device to operate in a predetermined manner.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2018Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: John C. Browne, Jr., Sean Henley, Ratan Dominic Rego, William Bryce Fricke, Robert D. Stevens
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Patent number: 10271407Abstract: A load control device is able to receive radio-frequency (RF) signals from a Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a smart phone, via a wireless local area network. The load control device comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series between an AC power source and an electrical load, a controller for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive, and a Wi-Fi module operable to receive the RF signals from the wireless network. The controller controls the controllably conductive device to adjust the power delivered to the load in response to the wireless signals received from the wireless network. The load control device may further comprise an optical module operable to receive an optical signal, such that the controller may obtain an IP address from the received optical signal and control the power delivered to the load in response to a wireless signal that includes the IP address.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventors: Michael W. Pessina, Theodore F. Economy, John C. Browne, Jr.
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Publication number: 20190089551Abstract: An energy control network may include a number of load control devices, such as dimmer switches, multi-button selector switch, occupancy sensors, and remote controllers, among others. These load control devices may be configured for wireless communication. Other wireless devices, such as laptops, tablets, and “smart” cellular phones may be configured to communicate with the load control devices of the energy control network. The load control devices and the other wireless communication devices may also be configured for Near Field Communication (NFC). NFC may be used to provide a load control device with its initial default configuration and/or an application specific configuration. Also, NFC may be used to transfer a configuration from one load control device that may have become faulty, to a replacement load control device. And NFC may be used to provide and trigger commands that may cause a load control load device to operate in a predetermined manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: John C. Browne, Sean Henley, Ratan Dominic Rego, William Bryce Fricke, Robert D. Stevens
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Publication number: 20190037673Abstract: A load control device for controlling the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load is able to receive radio-frequency (RF) signals from a Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a smart phone, via a wireless local area network. The load control device comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series between the source and the load, a controller for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive, and a Wi-Fi module operable to receive the RF signals directly from the wireless network. The controller controls the controllably conductive device to adjust the power delivered to the load in response to the wireless signals received from the wireless network.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Michael W. Pessina, Theodore F. Economy, John C. Browne
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Patent number: 10135629Abstract: An energy control network may include a number of load control devices, such as dimmer switches, multi-button selector switch, occupancy sensors, and remote controllers, among others. These load control devices may be configured for wireless communication. Other wireless devices, such as laptops, tablets, and “smart” cellular phones may be configured to communicate with the load control devices of the energy control network. The load control devices and the other wireless communication devices may also be configured for Near Field Communication (NFC). NFC may be used to provide a load control device with its initial default configuration and/or an application specific configuration. Also, NFC may be used to transfer a configuration from one load control device that may have become faulty, to a replacement load control device. And NFC may be used to provide and trigger commands that may cause a load control load device to operate in a predetermined manner.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: John C. Browne, Jr., Sean Henley, Ratan Dominic Rego, William Bryce Fricke, Robert D. Stevens, Jr.
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Publication number: 20170064798Abstract: A load control device is able to receive radio-frequency (RF) signals from a Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a smart phone, via a wireless local area network. The load control device comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series between an AC power source and an electrical load, a controller for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive, and a Wi-Fi module operable to receive the RF signals from the wireless network. The controller controls the controllably conductive device to adjust the power delivered to the load in response to the wireless signals received from the wireless network. The load control device may further comprise an optical module operable to receive an optical signal, such that the controller may obtain an IP address from the received optical signal and control the power delivered to the load in response to a wireless signal that includes the IP address.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Theodore F. Economy, John C. Browne, William Bryce Fricke, Galen Edgar Knode, Ryan S. Bedell, Christopher J. Salvestrini
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Patent number: 9544977Abstract: A load control device is able to receive radio-frequency (RF) signals from a Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a smart phone, via a wireless local area network. The load control device comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series between an AC power source and an electrical load, a controller for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive, and a Wi-Fi module operable to receive the RF signals from the wireless network. The controller controls the controllably conductive device to adjust the power delivered to the load in response to the wireless signals received from the wireless network. The load control device may further comprise an optical module operable to receive an optical signal, such that the controller may obtain an IP address from the received optical signal and control the power delivered to the load in response to a wireless signal that includes the IP address.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventors: Theodore F. Economy, John C. Browne, Jr., William Bryce Fricke, Galen Edgar Knode, Ryan S. Bedell, Christopher J. Salvestrini
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Publication number: 20140277805Abstract: An energy control network may include a number of load control devices, such as dimmer switches, multi-button selector switch, occupancy sensors, and remote controllers, among others. These load control devices may be configured for wireless communication. Other wireless devices, such as laptops, tablets, and “smart” cellular phones may be configured to communicate with the load control devices of the energy control network. The load control devices and the other wireless communication devices may also be configured for Near Field Communication (NFC). NFC may be used to provide a load control device with its initial default configuration and/or an application specific configuration. Also, NFC may be used to transfer a configuration from one load control device that may have become faulty, to a replacement load control device. And NFC may be used to provide and trigger commands that may cause a load control load device to operate in a predetermined manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: John C. Browne, JR., Sean Henley, Ratan Dominic Rego, William Bryce Fricke, Robert D. Stevens, JR.
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Publication number: 20130026947Abstract: A load control device is able to receive radio-frequency (RF) signals from a Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a smart phone, via a wireless local area network. The load control device comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series between an AC power source and an electrical load, a controller for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive and non-conductive, and a Wi-Fi module operable to receive the RF signals from the wireless network. The controller controls the controllably conductive device to adjust the power delivered to the load in response to the wireless signals received from the wireless network. The load control device may further comprise an optical module operable to receive an optical signal, such that the controller may obtain an IP address from the received optical signal and control the power delivered to the load in response to a wireless signal that includes the IP address.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventors: Theodore F. Economy, John C. Browne, JR., William Bryce Fricke, Galen Edgar Knode