Abstract: A multiple location electronic timer system comprises an electronic timer and one or more accessory timers. The electronic timer is adapted to be coupled between an AC power source and an electrical load. The electronic timer is operable to enable the delivery of power to the load and to subsequently discontinue the delivery of power to the load automatically after a preset timeout period has elapsed. In response to controls signals received from the accessory timer, the electronic timer is operable to adjust the preset timeout period, enable the delivery of power to the load, discontinue the delivery of power to the load, and to enter a bypass mode in which the load is turned on for an indefinite amount of time. The accessory timer may be coupled to the electronic timer via a single conductor, a wired digital communication link, a radio frequency communication link, an infrared communication link, or a power line carrier communication link.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 21, 2007
Date of Patent:
March 23, 2010
Assignee:
Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
Inventors:
Edward J. Blair, Aaron Dobbins, Nicole R. Vigue, Kyle A. McCarter, Robert C. Newman, Jr., Elliot G. Jacoby
Abstract: A load control system comprises a plurality of control devices, each coupled to one of a plurality of device communication links. The device communication links are each coupled to a one of a plurality of link power supplies, which provides power for the control devices on the device communication links. The link power supplies are coupled together via a repeater communication link and operate as repeater devices to retransmit digital messages received from the device communication link onto the repeater communication link, and vice versa. The retransmitted digital messages are substantially the same as the received digital messages. No control devices are coupled to the repeater communication link, such that no control devices draw current through the repeater communication link. A maximum of only two or three link power supplies are coupled between any two control devices of the load control system.
Abstract: A load control device has a modular assembly to allow for easy adjustment of the aesthetic and the color of the load control device after installation. The load control device comprises a user interface module and a base module. The user interface module includes an actuation member for receiving a user input and a visual display for providing feedback to the user. A connector of the base module is adapted to be coupled to a connector of the user interface module, such that the base module and the user interface module are electrically connected. The connector of the base module is adapted to move along a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis of the dimmer, such that the actuation member is easily aligned within an opening of a faceplate.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 18, 2008
Date of Patent:
January 5, 2010
Assignee:
Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
Inventors:
Gregory Altonen, Jeremy Nearhoof, John M. DiMaggio, Bradley T. Hibshman
Abstract: A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load from a source of AC power comprises a controllably conductive device and a variable gate drive circuit. The controllably conductive device is coupled in series electrical connection between the source and the electrical load to control the amount of power delivered to the load. The variable drive circuit is thermally coupled to the controllably conductive device and provides a continuously variable impedance in series with the control input of the controllably conductive device. The impedance of the variable drive circuit is operable to decrease as a temperature of the controllably conductive device increases and vice versa. Preferably, the variable drive circuit comprises an NTC thermistor. Accordingly, the switching times of the controllably conductive device, i.e.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 10, 2006
Date of Patent:
November 17, 2009
Assignee:
Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
Inventors:
Gregory T. Davis, Neil Orchowski, Donald F. Hausman, Jr.