Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling lighting fixtures over a wireless network that includes connecting a junction box to a power source, connecting a lighting fixture to the junction box, establishing a connection over a wireless network between the junction box and a controller, and controlling a function of the lighting fixture by transmitting a signal from the controller to the junction box over the wireless network.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a motorized roller shade that includes a shade tube, a motor/controller unit and a power supply unit. The motor/controller unit is disposed within the shade tube, and includes a bearing, rotatably coupled to a support shaft, and a DC gear motor. The output shaft of the DC gear motor is coupled to the support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A single board light engine includes an AC to AC step driver that selectively powers multiple LED segments by controlling tap points between the LED segments as the input voltage goes from zero crossover to maximum voltage and returns to zero crossover. The step driver may power a first LED segment, a second LED segment, both the first and second LED segments, or none of the LED segments depending upon the input voltage level. The LEDs within an LED segment may share a characteristic that differs from a characteristic shared by LEDs in another segment, which allows the LED fixture to provide a variety of lighting effects.

Abstract: An LED light engine includes a housing, one or more LEDs mounted on a printed circuit board and a retention feature engaged with the housing. The retention feature includes one or more of a torsion spring and a friction clip and is configured to engage an inside wall of a recessed lighting can, thereby retaining the LED light engine within the can. The LED light engine may also include a reflector and a lens retained within the housing, with the housing, reflector and lens forming a sealed chamber for protecting the LED components from external environmental conditions. Methods for retrofitting an existing recessed downlight fixture with an LED light engine include removing the existing light engine from the recessed lighting can and inserting an LED light engine into the can.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a motorized roller shade that includes a shade tube, a motor/controller unit and a power supply unit. The motor/controller unit is disposed within the shade tube, and includes a bearing, rotatably coupled to a support shaft, and a DC gear motor. The output shaft of the DC gear motor is coupled to the support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: Retrofit light fixtures suitable for installation without tools. One or more spring bands deform as the fixture is forced through a ceiling opening and resume their preloaded shape to hold the fixture in place. Some embodiments may be installed in round ceiling openings and may utilize LED light sources.

Abstract: A motorizable tilt shade system includes a header system where the header system includes an integral header attachment connection. At least one cord spool is provided within the header system and is connected with at least one suspension cord. A shade is suspended from the at least one suspension cord and a tilt cord pulley is connected with the at least one cord spool. A tilt cord is connected with the tilt cord pulley and with the shade such that the tilt cord and tilt cord pulley cooperate to tilt the shade. A drive shaft receiver is connected with the tilt cord pulley such that movement of the drive shaft receiver moves the tilt cord pulley. A counterbalance assembly including a negative gradient spring is connected to the drive shaft thereby providing an approximately constant tension on the tilt cord pulley.

Abstract: A network operator radio module (NORM) configured to be removably attached to a barrier operator comprises a transmitting antenna, a receiving antenna, a transceiver antenna, and a microcontroller. The module communicates with a communication network that comprises various nodes configured by a network controller module and a network communication module. Each node may be associated with a network appliance, and may be remotely controlled by sending a suitable function code to the module via local command signals. Furthermore, various local remote transmitters and keyless entry transmitters are configured to transmit function codes to control the module and the associated various network appliances.

Abstract: A programmable wall station system for controlling automated coverings includes at least one automated covering adapted to receive command signals, and a computer which includes a processor and a computer connection port. The processor is programmed to receive location input, position input for the automated coverings, schedule input, and generate scheduled events based on any of the received input. A wall station includes a controller and a station connection port that is linkable to the computer connection port. The controller is programmed to receive scheduled events from the processor when the station connection port and computer connection port are linked to one another and generate command signals based on the scheduled events for receipt by the automated covering to control its operation.

Abstract: A switch for premises electrical circuits provides wireless control compatible with at least one home automation control system technology. A single switch design can operate two-, three-, and four-way circuits without alteration, and without recourse to coordinating remote switches. The switch includes processor functions for restoring a previous state after power interruption, and for establishing a state commanded during the power interruption. The switch uses two single-pole, single-throw relays for positive safety lockout, and adjusts relay actuation timing with reference to power waveform zero-crossing for contact arc reduction with inductive, tungsten, and capacitive loads.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides methods for manually and/or remotely controlling a motorized roller shade that includes a shade attached to a shade tube, a DC gear motor disposed within the shade tube and a microcontroller. One method includes detecting a manual movement of the shade using a sensor, determining a displacement associated with the manual movement, and, if the displacement is less than a maximum displacement, moving the shade to a different position by energizing the DC gear motor to rotate the shade tube. Another method includes receiving a command from a remote control, and moving the shade to a position associated with the command by energizing the DC gear motor to rotate the shade tube.

Abstract: A multiple barrier control system includes a plurality of barrier operators configured to move associated access barriers between limit positions. Each of the barrier operators are enabled to communicate with one or more local transmitters. The local transmitters may maintain an all-close button, an all-open button, and an all-stop button, which are associated with corresponding functions maintained by the barrier operators. Upon the actuation of one of the buttons, the associated function is simultaneously carried out by each of the associated barrier operators. Additionally, a portable network control may invoke the simultaneous control of functions at each of the barrier operators via an associated communication network. Moreover, scenes may be created wherein the barrier operators and other accessories, such as lights and appliances, may be moved or actuated to a desired status upon actuation of a scene button on either the local transmitter or the portable network control.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a motorized roller shade that includes a shade tube, a motor/controller unit and a power supply unit. The motor/controller unit is disposed within the shade tube, and includes a bearing, rotatably coupled to a support shaft, and a DC gear motor. The output shaft of the DC gear motor is coupled to the support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: The present invention provides a programmable multi-function adapter for a wireless network that includes a wireless communications module, a control module, a data communications interface and a programmable non-volatile memory. The data communications interface is coupled to the control module, while the programmable non-volatile memory is coupled to the control module and the wireless communications module. The programmable non-volatile memory stores information accessible by the control module and the wireless communications module.

Abstract: A barrier operator is configured to learn and receive disparate wireless transmission signals to control movement of a barrier. The operator includes a receiver core circuit adapted to receive wireless transmission signals containing known and unknown formatted data words. A microcontroller is adapted to determine a fixed code portion of the unknown formatted data words. The microcontroller is also associated with a memory unit and connected to the receiver core circuit for storing in the memory unit the known formatted data words and the unknown formatted data words if the fixed code portion can be determined when the microcontroller is in a learn mode. The receiver core circuit may also scan only frequencies associated with learn codes, pre-selected frequencies, and incremental frequencies within a predetermined range of frequencies.

Abstract: A control routine for groups of remotely controlled, variable-position, position-aware, transceiver-equipped actuators manages data discrepancies by issuing a first set of generic actuation commands to start and stop the actuators, then polling the actuators to report their achieved positions. The routine then applies a rule to determine a preferred position value from among the reports and issues a second set of position-specific actuation commands to all of the actuators. The routine can further poll the actuators to confirm the extent to which the commands have been realized, and can retain and apply compensation factors for performance deviations in the individual actuators. The routine can further manage multiple groups of actuators, dissimilar activators within groups, assignment of an actuator to more than one group, and application of variable control factors as inputs modifying the rule applied by the routine for determining the commands to be issued.

Abstract: A discrete add-on control system for a barrier operating system is provided. The control system includes a mobile transmitter, a barrier state transmitter a controller and an indicator. The mobile transmitter automatically and periodically generates a mobile signal. The barrier state transmitter generates a barrier state signal. The controller is connected to the barrier operating system, receives the mobile signal and the barrier state signal, and commands the barrier operating system to move a barrier based upon the mobile signal and the barrier state signal. The indicator indicates a condition of the barrier.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a motorized roller shade that includes a shade tube, a motor/controller unit and a power supply unit. The motor/controller unit is disposed within the shade tube, and includes a bearing, rotatably coupled to a support shaft, and a DC gear motor. The output shaft of the DC gear motor is coupled to the support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides methods for manually and/or remotely controlling a motorized roller shade that includes a shade attached to a shade tube, a DC gear motor disposed within the shade tube and a microcontroller. One method includes detecting a manual movement of the shade using a sensor, determining a displacement associated with the manual movement, and, if the displacement is less than a maximum displacement, moving the shade to a different position by energizing the DC gear motor to rotate the shade tube. Another method includes receiving a command from a remote control, and moving the shade to a position associated with the command by energizing the DC gear motor to rotate the shade tube.

Abstract: A switch for premises electrical circuits provides wireless control compatible with at least one home automation control system technology. A single switch design can operate two-, three-, and four-way circuits without alteration, and without recourse to coordinating remote switches. The switch includes processor functions for restoring a previous state after power interruption, and for establishing a state commanded during the power interruption. The switch uses two single-pole, single-throw relays for positive safety lockout, and adjusts relay actuation timing with reference to power waveform zero-crossing for contact arc reduction with inductive, tungsten, and capacitive loads.