Patents Assigned to Vantage Controls, Inc.
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Patent number: 7778262Abstract: An apparatus for interfacing with devices using different communication protocols. The apparatus may scan a range of known frequencies for a communication protocol. The apparatus may decode and translate the communication protocol into a common interface language. The apparatus may include a pair of separate and co-located transceivers to accomplish the interface.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Vantage Controls, Inc.Inventors: James J. Beagley, Jared T. Lemke, Peter L. Taylor
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Publication number: 20090055760Abstract: The present disclosure provides for systems and methods for facilitating the design, creation and/or implementation of a user interface for processor programs. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for systems and methods for creating at least one user interface for processor programs for controlling devices and/or for controlling (e.g., managing or playing) or utilizing media or data files. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for systems and methods for creating at least one user interface for control systems or automation systems or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: VANTAGE CONTROLS, INC.Inventors: Michael Everett Whatcott, Peter L. Taylor, John McDaniel, Ryan Knowlton
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Publication number: 20090027824Abstract: Assemblies, systems, and methods which prolong relay life by dynamically compensating the make and break contact timing between the contact points of the relay and a zero crossing point of the power supply's waveform are provided according to the present disclosure. The life cycle of the relay components are dramatically increased through the use of these assemblies, systems, and methods due to a decrease in arcing and other physically damaging phenomena between the contacts of the relay. The present disclosure also provides for assemblies, systems, and methods whereby a processor analyzes the inductive kickback effect in the relay load voltage signal and dynamically adjust the relay open time such that the inductive kickback effect is minimized. In exemplary embodiments, the systems/methods provided herein advantageously adjust the relay open time such that the relay switching time corresponds with current zero cross and do so without requiring complicated current monitoring components.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: VANTAGE CONTROLS, INC.Inventors: Douglas E. Allen, David Smith
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Patent number: 7432460Abstract: A configurable switch matrix assembly with button assembly is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or commercial environments. The configurable switch matrix assembly preferably includes a frame for supporting a plurality of positionable cross members and optionally a baffle. The cross members and frame each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the button assemblies to activate switches associated with the keypad. Dynamic status lights and back lights may provide illumination of varying colors and intensities. Button labels may be easily replaced in the button assemblies. Button assemblies of different sizes and shapes may be easily attached to the configurable switch matrix assembly in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation and/or environment.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Vantage Controls, Inc.Inventors: Paul T. Clegg, Wallace E. Day, Douglas E. Allen
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Patent number: 7432463Abstract: A configurable switch matrix assembly with button assembly is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or commercial environments. The configurable switch matrix assembly preferably includes a frame for supporting a plurality of positionable cross members and optionally a baffle. The cross members and frame each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the button assemblies to activate switches associated with the keypad. Dynamic status lights and back lights may provide illumination of varying colors and intensities. Button labels may be easily replaced in the button assemblies. Button assemblies of different sizes and shapes may be easily attached to the configurable switch matrix assembly in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation and/or environment.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2003Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Vantage Controls, Inc.Inventors: Paul T. Clegg, Wallace E. Day, Douglas E. Allen
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Publication number: 20080218493Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a display device for interfacing with a control and/or automation system. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for an improved display device for interfacing with a control and/or automation system, wherein the electronic display device includes a motion sensor or the like. In exemplary embodiments, the motion sensor is configured to detect at least one of motion or proximity of a human being without being contacted by the human being, the non-contact motion sensor also being configured to activate and/or adjust the illumination/light level of the display/screen from a first illumination/light level to a second illumination/light level when the non-contact motion sensor detects at least one of motion or proximity of a human being.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: VANTAGE CONTROLS, INC.Inventors: Daniel Patten, Scott Chandler, Paul T. Clegg, John McDaniel
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Patent number: 7414210Abstract: A configurable switch matrix assembly with button assembly is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or commercial environments. The configurable switch matrix assembly preferably includes a frame for supporting a plurality of positionable cross members and optionally a baffle. The cross members and frame each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the button assemblies to activate switches associated with the keypad. Dynamic status lights and back lights may provide illumination of varying colors and intensities. Button labels may be easily replaced in the button assemblies. Button assemblies of different sizes and shapes may be easily attached to the configurable switch matrix assembly in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation and/or environment.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Vantage Controls, Inc.Inventors: Paul T. Clegg, Wallace E. Day, Douglas E. Allen
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Patent number: 7394451Abstract: An apparatus for interfacing with a control system, and in particular a home automation system. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an integrated LCD touch screen and motion sensor. The motion sensor is used to illuminate a backlight to the touch screen when a person approaches the apparatus. The sensitivity of the motion sensor may be adjusted through a graphical user interface displayed on the touch screen. In addition, the backlighting may be adjusted so that the illumination is at a specific level with the screen is on, i.e., when the motion sensor has been tripped, and a specific level when the screen is off. The apparatus may further comprise an IR receiver for receiving commands via a remote. In addition, the apparatus may be powered from a local bus or an external power supply. The apparatus may comprise a communications port for receiving customized pages from a computer.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2004Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Vantage Controls, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Patten, Scott S. Chandler, Paul T. Clegg, John McDaniel
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Patent number: 7361853Abstract: A configurable switch matrix assembly with button assembly is disclosed for keypads used in devices such as primary control points for automation systems in homes vehicles, or commercial environments. The configurable switch matrix assembly preferably includes a frame for supporting a plurality of positionable cross members and optionally a baffle. The cross members and frame each preferably include cantilevers which can be deflected by pressing the button assemblies to activate switches associated with the keypad. Dynamic status lights and back lights may provide illumination of varying colors and intensities. Button labels may be easily replaced in the button assemblies. Button assemblies of different sizes and shapes may be easily attached to the configurable switch matrix assembly in various configurations without the need for different attaching devices for each situation and/or environment.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Vantage Controls, Inc.Inventors: Paul T. Clegg, Wallace E. Day, Douglas E. Allen
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Patent number: 7307542Abstract: A system for commissioning ballasts comprising a wireless device that can be easily transported to any location served by an addressable lighting system. The wireless device allows a user to cycle through a list of uncommissioned ballasts and send a command to a control system to flash the lights connected to each of the ballasts on the list one by one. When a light is observed to flash by the user, the user of the wireless device may then commission the correct ballast with the wireless device. In addition, the user may assign the ballast to a group. In this way, the commissioning of ballasts in, for example, a building is greatly facilitated.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2004Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Vantage Controls, Inc.Inventors: Scott S. Chandler, Daniel Patten, Paul T. Clegg, Peter L. Taylor