Patents Assigned to Electronics Theatre Controls
  • Patent number: 9908755
    Abstract: A lift assembly comprises a base, a drive mechanism, first and second flexible drive elements driven by the drive mechanism, first and second sheaves directing the first and second drive elements in different directions, and first and second load cells sensing load on the first and second sheaves. The sheaves can be mounted to first and second sheave mounts, and the load cells can sense load on the first and second sheave mounts. The sheave mounts can be provided on first and second sheave plates, and bearings can be positioned under the first and second sheave plates. The lift assembly can further comprise first and second sheave brackets for coupling the first and second sheaves to the first and second sheave mounts. The first sheave plate can further include an opening, and at least a portion of the second sheave bracket can be positioned in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, III
  • Patent number: 9876334
    Abstract: A breaker assembly is disclosed comprising a breaker board having a bus bar including a first engagement feature and a breaker module having a line side connector including a second engagement feature engaging the first engagement feature to inhibit separation of the breaker module from the breaker board. The breaker board can further include a board mount having a first alignment feature, and the breaker module can further include a module mount engaging the board mount and having a second alignment feature engaging the first alignment feature. In another aspect of the invention, the breaker board includes board connections, the breaker module includes breaker connections (e.g., blind mate connections), and the board connections are engaged with the breaker connections. In another aspect of the invention, the breaker module includes a ledge that defines an undercut to facilitate prying of the breaker module from the breaker board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Burke, John Thurk, John Udelhofen
  • Patent number: 9728977
    Abstract: A method of controlling a plurality of outlets and a first and a second non-transitory medium for use in connection with in a power distribution. The power distribution system includes a handheld device, a power distribution device, and the plurality of outlets. The handheld device includes a first controller. The power distribution device includes a second controller and is coupled to the plurality of outlets to provide electrical power thereto. The power distribution device is physically separated from the plurality of outlets and is located not in close proximity to an outlet of the plurality of outlets. Each outlet of the plurality of outlets includes a socket and indicia located proximate to the socket. The first non-transitory medium includes instructions that when executed by the first controller cause the first controller to scan indicia of a first outlet and receive a set of input data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lichter, Tom Steer, David North, Jake Dunnum
  • Patent number: 9713222
    Abstract: A method of controlling a plurality of light fixtures. The method includes determining first light outputs for each of the plurality of light fixtures. The method also includes determining a first spectrum of light reflected off of a surface. The method further includes determining a first difference between the first light outputs and desired light outputs for each of the plurality of light fixtures. The method also includes determining a second difference between the first spectrum of light reflected off of the surface and a desired spectrum of light reflected off of the surface. The method further includes calculating an updated output spectrum for the plurality of light fixtures based at least in part on the first difference and the second difference. The method also includes determining a second set of light source output values based at least in part on the updated output spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Bewick, Joshua Jordan, Timothy G. Robbins
  • Publication number: 20160368744
    Abstract: A lift assembly comprises a base, a drive mechanism, first and second flexible drive elements driven by the drive mechanism, first and second sheaves directing the first and second drive elements in different directions, and first and second load cells sensing load on the first and second sheaves. The sheaves can be mounted to first and second sheave mounts, and the load cells can sense load on the first and second sheave mounts. The sheave mounts can be provided on first and second sheave plates, and bearings can be positioned under the first and second sheave plates. The lift assembly can further comprise first and second sheave brackets for coupling the first and second sheaves to the first and second sheave mounts. The first sheave plate can further include an opening, and at least a portion of the second sheave bracket can be positioned in the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Applicant: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, III
  • Patent number: 9493328
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lift system comprising a drum that rotates about an axis, a drive mechanism operable to rotate the drum about the axis, an elongate member (e.g., a cable) having a wound portion wound around the drum and a vertical portion extending downward to the article being lifted, and a low profile adjuster for adjusting a vertical length of the elongate member. The low profile adjuster comprises a first guide adapted to support the article to be lifted and including a first pathway, and a second guide movable relative to the first guide. The elongate member transitions from the vertical portion, through the first pathway to a non-vertical (e.g., horizontal) portion, and to the second guide. Adjustment of a distance between the first guide and the second guide results in adjustment of a vertical position of the first guide relative to the elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, III
  • Patent number: 9451668
    Abstract: A method of controlling a plurality of light fixtures. The method includes detecting the light outputs of a plurality of light fixtures and detecting a reflection of light from a surface. The light outputs and the reflection of light are analyzed. Differences among the light outputs of the plurality of light fixtures are determined, and a difference between the reflection of light and a desired reflection of light is determined. New or updated values for output color, output brightness, and/or output spectra are determined for the plurality of light fixtures such that the light outputs of the light fixtures are consistent and correspond to a desired light output, and such that the reflection of light corresponds to the desired reflection of light. Each of the plurality of light fixtures is then driven using respective light source output values to produce the desired light outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Bewick, Joshua Jordan, Timothy G. Robbins
  • Patent number: 9340396
    Abstract: A lift assembly that includes a base having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The base defines an outlet positioned closer to the first side than to the second side. The lift assembly further includes a take-up mechanism mounted to the base, and a cable having a stored portion on the take-up mechanism and a free portion extending from the take-up mechanism through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, III
  • Patent number: 9309094
    Abstract: A lift system configured to lift an article, the lift system includes a drum that rotates about an axis, a first cable that winds around the drum when the drum rotates about the axis in a first direction to raise the article and the first cable unwinds from the drum when the drum rotates about the axis in a second direction to lower the article. The lift system further includes a motor operable to rotate the drum about the axis in the first direction, an electrical cable configured to supply power from a power source to the article, and a second cable that is coupled to the electrical cable and the second cable pulls at least a portion of the electrical cable from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, III
  • Patent number: 9281139
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a first electrical switch and a second electrical switch. The cover assembly includes an alignment plate configured to be removably coupled to the first electrical switch. The alignment plate includes a first alignment feature that receives a portion of the first electrical switch to align the alignment plate with the first electrical switch, and a second alignment feature that receives a portion of the second electrical switch to align the alignment plate with the second electrical switch and to align the second electrical switch with the first electrical switch. The assembly further includes a faceplate that is removably coupled to the alignment plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff de Peralta, Ben Rodgers, Dan Talajkowski
  • Patent number: 9260279
    Abstract: A lift assembly including a base, a drive mechanism, and a drum assembly adapted to be driven by the drive mechanism. The drum assembly includes first and second drum segments positioned adjacent each other, each drum segment including a small diameter portion, a large diameter portion, and a tapered portion between the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion. The lift assembly further includes first and second flexible drive elements at least partially wrapped around the small diameter portions of the first and second drum segments, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, III
  • Patent number: 9253842
    Abstract: An LED lighting system including a first group of LEDs, a second group of LEDs, and a controller. The first group of LEDs and the second group of LEDs are configured to be independently driven by a first LED drive signal and a second LED drive signal, respectively. The controller is configured receive a dimming signal from a dimmer having a preheat function. The controller is also configured to compensate the dimming signal for the preheat function of the dimmer to generate a compensated dimming signal, generate the first LED drive signal based on the compensated dimming, and generate the second LED drive signal based on the compensated dimming signal. The first LED drive signal is then transmitted the first group of LEDs and the second LED drive signal is transmitted to the second group of LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Cahalane, Joseph R. Bokelman
  • Patent number: 9242186
    Abstract: A lift system configured to lift an article (e.g., a batten). The lift system includes a first cable configured to be coupled to the article, a second cable configured to be coupled to the article, a drive mechanism coupled to the first cable and the second cable and operable to raise and lower the article, a first loft block including a first loft sheave to redirect the first cable from a first substantially horizontal axis to a first substantially vertical axis, and an idler sheave to direct the second cable along a second substantially horizontal axis. The lift system further includes a second loft block including a second loft sheave to redirect the second cable from the second substantially horizontal axis block to a second substantially vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoffend, III
  • Publication number: 20150326020
    Abstract: A method of controlling a plurality of outlets and a first and a second non-transitory medium for use in connection with in a power distribution. The power distribution system includes a handheld device, a power distribution device, and the plurality of outlets. The handheld device includes a first controller. The power distribution device includes a second controller and is coupled to the plurality of outlets to provide electrical power thereto. The power distribution device is physically separated from the plurality of outlets and is located not in close proximity to an outlet of the plurality of outlets. Each outlet of the plurality of outlets includes a socket and indicia located proximate to the socket. The first non-transitory medium includes instructions that when executed by the first controller cause the first controller to scan indicia of a first outlet and receive a set of input data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lichter, Tom Steer, David North, Jake Dunnum
  • Patent number: 9140425
    Abstract: A luminaire including a light engine having a light source and a housing and a light-diffusing attachment that includes a frame secured to the housing of the light engine, a refracting lens supported by the frame, and a diffuser supported by the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: David Kinzer, Frank Tornyai, Sunya Nimityongskul
  • Patent number: 9144140
    Abstract: A method of controlling a plurality of light fixtures. The method includes detecting the light outputs of a plurality of light fixtures and detecting a reflection of light from a surface. The light outputs and the reflection of light are analyzed. Differences among the light outputs of the plurality of light fixtures are determined, and a difference between the reflection of light and a desired reflection of light is determined. New or updated values for output color, output brightness, and output spectra are determined for the plurality of light fixtures such that the light outputs of the light fixtures are consistent and correspond to a desired light output, and such that the reflection of light corresponds to the desired reflection of light. Each of the plurality of light fixtures is then driven using respective light source output values to produce the desired light outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Bewick, Joshua Jordan, Timothy G. Robbins
  • Patent number: 9061869
    Abstract: A lift assembly comprising an article to be raised and lowered, a cable coupled to the article and defining a longitudinal axis, a power mechanism coupled to the drive element, a drum powered by the power mechanism, a cable keeper biasing the drive element toward the drum, a keeper shaft providing lateral movement of the cable keeper, and an encoder mounted for rotation with the keeper shaft. The encoder provides information regarding the position of the article. The lift assembly can also include a load cell assembly including a load cell housing, a load cell member contacting the drive element and movable relative to the load cell housing, and a load cell sensor coupled to the load cell member and operative to provide an output corresponding with a load on the drive element. The load cell member can be mounted for movement laterally relative to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Hoffend, III, William R Florac, Michael Lichter, Edwin W. Bolz
  • Patent number: 9041308
    Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling the output of a light fixture. The light fixture includes a plurality of light sources and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a first input control value for a first control parameter and a first input control value for a second control parameter. The controller is also configured to determine a first difference between the first input control value for the first control parameter and a second input control value for the first control parameter stored in a memory and determine a second difference between the first input control value for the second control parameter and a second input control value for the second control parameter stored in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Bryan Hatley, Timothy George Robbins
  • Patent number: 8884554
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the output of a plurality of light sources. The system can include four or more light sources (e.g. light emitting diodes (“LEDs”)) and a controller. The light sources are included in, for example, a luminaire. The respective outputs of the plurality of light sources are controlled using a hue and purity (“HP”) control technique. The HP technique includes selecting a dominant hue (e.g., green, blue, red, etc.). The purity of the selected hue is then modified to include or remove wavelengths of light adjacent to the selected hue. For example, if the selected hue is green, gradually reducing the purity of the selected hue gradually increases the presence of cyan and amber in the output of the luminaire. As the purity is reduced further, additional wavelengths of light are included, but the output of the luminaire remains, in essence, green.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Bennette
  • Patent number: D729612
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff de Peralta, Ben Rodgers, Dan Talajkowski