Patents by Inventor Matthew V. Harte
Matthew V. Harte 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: 20200067419Abstract: A two-wire load control device (such as, a dimmer switch) for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load (such as, a high-efficiency lighting load) includes a thyristor coupled between the source and the load, a gate coupling circuit coupled between a first main load terminal and the gate of the thyristor, and a control circuit coupled to a control input of the gate coupling circuit. The control circuit generates a drive voltage for causing the gate coupling circuit to conduct a gate current to thus render the thyristor conductive at a firing time during a half cycle of the AC power source, and to allow the gate coupling circuit to conduct the gate current at any time from the firing time through approximately the remainder of the half cycle, where the gate coupling circuit conducts approximately no net average current to render and maintain the thyristor conductive.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2019Publication date: February 27, 2020Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Robert C. Newman, JR., Chris J. Salvestrini, Matthew V. Harte
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Publication number: 20200013279Abstract: A control device may be configured to control one or more electrical loads in a load control system. The control device may be a wall-mounted device such as dimmer switch, a remote control device, or a retrofit remote control device. The control device may include a gesture-based user interface for applying advanced control over the one or more electrical loads. The types of control may include absolute and relative control, intensity and color control, preset, zone, or operational mode selection, etc. Feedback may be provided on the control device regarding a status of the one or more electrical loads or the control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2019Publication date: January 9, 2020Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Chris Dimberg, Matthew V. Harte, Jason C. Killo, Brad Michael Krescholiek, Matthew Philip McDonald, Daniel L. Twaddell
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Patent number: 10530268Abstract: A load control device for controlling the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load includes a thyristor, a gate coupling circuit for conducting a gate current through a gate of the thyristor, and a control circuit for controlling the gate coupling circuit to conduct the gate current through a first current path to render the thyristor conductive at a firing time during a half cycle. The gate coupling circuit is able to conduct the gate current through the first current path again after the firing time, but the gate current is not able to be conducted through the gate from a transition time before the end of the half-cycle until approximately the end of the half-cycle. The load current is able to be conducted through a second current path to the electrical load after the transition time until approximately the end of the half-cycle.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2018Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Robert C Newman, Jr., Daniel F. Carmen, Christopher J. Salvestrini, Matthew V. Harte
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Patent number: 10524333Abstract: A battery-powered control device may be configured to control an amount of power delivered to one or more electrical loads and provide various feedback associated with the control device and/or the electrical loads. The feedback may indicate a low battery condition and/or the amount of power delivered to the one or more electrical loads. The control device may include a light bar and/or one or more indicator lights for providing the feedback. The control device may operate in different modes including a normal mode and a low battery mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Benjamin F. Bard, Chris Dimberg, Matthew V. Harte, Jason C. Killo, Matthew Philip McDonald, Daniel L. Twaddell
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Patent number: 10475333Abstract: A control device is configured to control one or more electrical loads in a load control system. The control device is a wall-mounted device such as dimmer switch, a remote control device, or a retrofit remote control device. The control device includes a gesture-based user interface for applying advanced control over the one or more electrical loads. The types of control include absolute and relative control, intensity and color control, preset, zone, or operational mode selection, etc. Feedback is provided on the control device regarding a status of the one or more electrical loads or the control device.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2018Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Chris Dimberg, Matthew V. Harte, Daniel L. Twaddell
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Patent number: 10447171Abstract: A load control device (such as, a dimmer switch) for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load (such as, a high-efficiency lighting load) includes a thyristor (such as, a triac) coupled between the source and the load, a gate coupling circuit coupled to conduct current through a gate terminal of the thyristor, a controllable switching circuit coupled between the gate coupling circuit and the gate terminal of the thyristor, and a control circuit configured to control the gate coupling circuit and the controllable switching circuit. The control circuit may cause the gate coupling circuit to conduct a pulse of current through the gate terminal to render the thyristor conductive at a firing time during a present half cycle of the AC power source, and allow the gate coupling circuit to conduct at least one other pulse of current after the firing time during the present half cycle.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Robert C. Newman, Jr., Chris J. Salvestrini, Matthew V. Harte
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Patent number: 10446019Abstract: A control device is disclosed herein that comprises a base portion configured to be mounted over a toggle actuator of a mechanical switch that controls power delivered to at least one lighting load. In examples, the control device further comprises a touch sensitive surface configured to detect first and second user inputs. In examples, the control device further comprises a touch sensitive device and an actuation portion. The control device is configured to control the at least one lighting load in response to the user inputs, actuations of the actuation portion, a point actuation, and/or a gesture.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Chris Dimberg, Matthew V. Harte, Jason C. Killo, Brad Michael Kreschollek, Matthew Philip McDonald, Daniel L. Twaddell
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Publication number: 20190150252Abstract: Provided herein are examples of a remote control device that provides a retrofit solution for an existing switched control system. The remote control device may comprise a control circuit, a rotatable portion, a magnetic ring coupled to the rotatable portion, and first and second Hall-effect sensor circuits configured to generate respective first and second sensor control signals in response to magnetic fields generated by the magnetic elements. The control circuit may operate in a normal mode when the rotatable portion is being rotated, and in a reduced-power mode when the rotatable portion is not being rotated. The control circuit may disable the second Hall-effect sensor circuit in the reduced-power mode. The control circuit may detect movement of the rotatable portion in response to the first sensor control signal in the reduced-power mode and enable the second Hall-effect sensor circuit in response to detecting movement of the rotatable portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2019Publication date: May 16, 2019Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Matthew V. Harte, Jeffrey S. Hayes, Stephen M. Ludwig, JR., Robert C. Newman, JR., Jaykrishna A. Shukla
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Publication number: 20190081569Abstract: A two-wire load control device (such as, a dimmer switch) for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load (such as, a high-efficiency lighting load) includes a thyristor coupled between the source and the load, a gate coupling circuit coupled between a first main load terminal and the gate of the thyristor, and a control circuit coupled to a control input of the gate coupling circuit. The control circuit generates a drive voltage for causing the gate coupling circuit to conduct a gate current to thus render the thyristor conductive at a firing time during a half cycle of the AC power source, and to allow the gate coupling circuit to conduct the gate current at any time from the firing time through approximately the remainder of the half cycle, where the gate coupling circuit conducts approximately no net average current to render and maintain the thyristor conductive.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2018Publication date: March 14, 2019Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Robert C. Newman, JR., Chris J. Salvestrini, Matthew V. Harte
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Publication number: 20190081568Abstract: A load control device for controlling the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load includes a thyristor, a gate coupling circuit for conducting a gate current through a gate of the thyristor, and a control circuit for controlling the gate coupling circuit to conduct the gate current through a first current path to render the thyristor conductive at a firing time during a half cycle. The gate coupling circuit is able to conduct the gate current through the first current path again after the firing time, but the gate current is not able to be conducted through the gate from a transition time before the end of the half-cycle until approximately the end of the half-cycle. The load current is able to be conducted through a second current path to the electrical load after the transition time until approximately the end of the half-cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2018Publication date: March 14, 2019Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Robert C. Newman, JR., Daniel F. Carmen, Christopher J. Salvestrini, Matthew V. Harte
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Publication number: 20190073898Abstract: A remote control device is provided that is configured for use in a load control system that includes one or more electrical loads. The remote control device includes a mounting structure and a control unit, and the control unit is configured to be attached to the mounting structure in a plurality of different orientations. The control unit includes a user interface, an orientation sensing circuit, and a communication circuit. The control unit is configured to determine an orientation of the control unit via the orientation sensing circuit. The control unit is also configured to translate a user input from the user interface into control data to control an electrical load of the load control system based on the orientation of the control unit and/or provide a visual indication of an amount of power delivered to the electrical load based on the orientation of the control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2018Publication date: March 7, 2019Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Chris Dimberg, Alexander Wade Gage, Matthew V. Harte, Jason C. Killo, Brad Michael Kreschollek, Matthew Phillip McDonald, Daniel L. Twaddell
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Patent number: 10219359Abstract: A remote control device may provide a retrofit solution for an existing switched control system. The remote control device may comprise a control circuit, a rotatable portion, a magnetic ring coupled to the rotatable portion, and first and second Hall-effect sensor circuits configured to generate respective first and second sensor control signals in response to magnetic fields generated by the magnetic elements. The control circuit may operate in a normal mode when the rotatable portion is being rotated, and in a reduced-power mode when the rotatable portion is not being rotated. The control circuit may disable the second Hall-effect sensor circuit in the reduced-power mode. The control circuit may detect movement of the rotatable portion in response to the first sensor control signal in the reduced-power mode and enable the second Hall-effect sensor circuit in response to detecting movement of the rotatable portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2017Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventors: Matthew V. Harte, Jeffrey S. Hayes, Stephen M. Ludwig, Jr., Robert C. Newman, Jr., Jaykrishna A. Shukla
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Publication number: 20190019403Abstract: A control device may be configured to control one or more electrical loads in a load control system. The control device may be a wall-mounted device such as dimmer switch, a remote control device, or a retrofit remote control device. The control device may include a gesture-based user interface for applying advanced control over the one or more electrical loads. The types of control may include absolute and relative control, intensity and color control, preset, zone, or operational mode selection, etc. Feedback may be provided on the control device regarding a status of the one or more electrical loads or the control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2018Publication date: January 17, 2019Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Chris Dimberg, Matthew V. Harte, Jason C. Killo, Brad Michael Kreschollek, Matthew Philip McDonald, Daniel L. Twaddell
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Publication number: 20190005809Abstract: A control device may be configured to control one or more electrical loads in a load control system. The control device may be a wall-mounted device such as dimmer switch, a remote control device, or a retrofit remote control device. The control device may include a gesture-based user interface for applying advanced control over the one or more electrical loads. The types of control may include absolute and relative control, intensity and color control, preset, zone, or operational mode selection, etc. Feedback may be provided on the control device regarding a status of the one or more electrical loads or the control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2018Publication date: January 3, 2019Applicant: Lutron Electroncis Co., Inc.Inventors: Chris Dimberg, Matthew V. Harte, Matthew Philip McDonald, Daniel L. Twaddell
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Patent number: 10158300Abstract: A two-wire load control device (such as, a dimmer switch) for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load (such as, a high-efficiency lighting load) includes a thyristor coupled between the source and the load, a gate coupling circuit coupled between a first main load terminal and the gate of the thyristor, and a control circuit coupled to a control input of the gate coupling circuit. The control circuit generates a drive voltage for causing the gate coupling circuit to conduct a gate current to thus render the thyristor conductive at a firing time during a half cycle of the AC power source, and to allow the gate coupling circuit to conduct the gate current at any time from the firing time through approximately the remainder of the half cycle, where the gate coupling circuit conducts approximately no net average current to render and maintain the thyristor conductive.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2017Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Robert C. Newman, Jr., Chris J. Salvestrini, Matthew V. Harte
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Patent number: 10134268Abstract: A remote control device is provided that is configured for use in a load control system that includes one or more electrical loads. The remote control device includes a mounting structure and a control unit, and the control unit is configured to be attached to the mounting structure in a plurality of different orientations. The control unit includes a user interface, an orientation sensing circuit, and a communication circuit. The control unit is configured to determine an orientation of the control unit via the orientation sensing circuit. The control unit is also configured to translate a user input from the user interface into control data to control an electrical load of the load control system based on the orientation of the control unit and/or provide a visual indication of an amount of power delivered to the electrical load based on the orientation of the control unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2017Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventors: Chris Dimberg, Alexander Wade Gage, Matthew V. Harte, Jason C. Killo, Brad Michael Kreschollek, Matthew Philip McDonald, Daniel L. Twaddell
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Patent number: 10128772Abstract: A load control device for controlling power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load includes a thyristor, a gate coupling circuit for conducting current through a gate terminal of the thyristor, a controllable switching circuit coupled between first and second main terminals of the thyristor, and a control circuit for controlling the gate coupling circuit to conduct a pulse of current through the gate terminal to render the thyristor conductive at a firing time during a half cycle. The gate coupling circuit is able to conduct at least one other pulse of current through the gate terminal after the firing time until a transition time before an end of the half-cycle. The control circuit is configured to render the controllable switching circuit conductive to conduct current through the electrical load between approximately the transition time until approximately the end of the half-cycle.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2018Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Robert C. Newman, Jr., Daniel F. Carmen, Christopher J. Salvestrini, Matthew V. Harte
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Patent number: 10109181Abstract: A control device such as a wall-mounted device, a remote control device, or a retrofit remote control device is configured to control one or more electrical loads in a load control system. The control device includes a gesture-based user interface for applying advanced control over the one or more electrical loads. The types of control include absolute and relative control, intensity and color control, preset, zone, or operational mode selection, etc. Feedback is provided on the control device regarding a status of the one or more electrical loads or the control device.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2017Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventors: Chris Dimberg, Matthew V. Harte, Jason C. Killo, Brad Michael Kreschollek, Matthew Philip McDonald, Daniel L. Twaddell
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Patent number: 10102742Abstract: A control device may be configured to control one or more electrical loads in a load control system. The control device may be a wall-mounted device such as dimmer switch, a remote control device, or a retrofit remote control device. The control device may include a gesture-based user interface for applying advanced control over the one or more electrical loads. The types of control may include absolute and relative control, intensity and color control, preset, zone, or operational mode selection, etc. Feedback may be provided on the control device regarding a status of the one or more electrical loads or the control device.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2017Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventors: Chris Dimberg, Matthew V. Harte, Matthew Philip McDonald, Daniel L. Twaddell
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Publication number: 20180234027Abstract: A load control device for controlling the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load includes a thyristor, a gate coupling circuit for conducting a gate current through a gate of the thyristor, and a control circuit for controlling the gate coupling circuit to conduct the gate current through a first current path to render the thyristor conductive at a firing time during a half cycle. The gate coupling circuit is able to conduct the gate current through the first current path again after the firing time, but the gate current is not able to be conducted through the gate from a transition time before the end of the half-cycle until approximately the end of the half-cycle. The load current is able to be conducted through a second current path to the electrical load after the transition time until approximately the end of the half-cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2018Publication date: August 16, 2018Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Robert C. Newman, JR., Daniel F. Carmen, Christopher J. Salvestrini, Matthew V. Harte