Patents by Inventor Ankit Bhutani

Ankit Bhutani 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).

  • Patent number: 11924000
    Abstract: A load control system may include control devices for controlling power provided to an electrical load. The control devices may include an input device and a load control device. The load control system may include a hub device. The hub device may include a communication circuit and a control circuit. The communication circuit may be configured to receive a digital message from the control device. The control circuit may be configured to determine, based on content of the digital message, whether the control device has experienced a power removal event. The hub device may send, via the communication circuit, a power removal event indication to the control device of whether the control device has experienced the power removal event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Ankit Bhutani, Timothy Mann, David T. Saveri, III
  • Publication number: 20240057242
    Abstract: A device may detect a power removal event, determine whether the power removal event is a local power removal event or a system power removal event, and perform state correction. For example, the device may receive an indication of a state change event turning on the lighting device. The indication may be received from a sensor. For example, the sensor may include a photosensing circuit (e.g., capable of detecting light emission from the lighting device) or the sensor may include a live voltage sensor (e.g., capable of detecting a change in current driven to the lighting device). The device may then determine whether the power removal event is a system power removal event or a local power removal event. If the device determines that the power removal event is a system power removal event, the device may perform state correction (e.g., setting the lighting device to its state prior to the power removal event).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Ankit Bhutani, Matthew Knauss, Timothy Mann, Michael W. Pessina, David T. Saveri, III, Matthew J. Swatsky
  • Publication number: 20230403736
    Abstract: Wireless devices may perform modified carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) techniques in order to increase reliability while maintaining a reasonable latency for communications. The wireless devices may perform listen-before-talk (LBT) techniques using an adaptive transmission threshold (e.g., an adaptive CSMA threshold). The transmission threshold may be compared to a measured signal strength magnitude to determine whether the frequency channel is quiet enough for transmission of a packet. The transmission threshold may be initially set to equal a minimum value. The wireless device may increase the transmission threshold after each instance of LBT failure to allow the wireless device to get progressively more likely to transmit the packet each time LBT fails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Ankit Bhutani, Richard S. Camden, Robert C. Newman, JR.
  • Publication number: 20230397317
    Abstract: A state change device may be electrically connected to a switched receptacle, or to both the switched and unswitched receptacles, of an outlet. The state change device may generate a change of state signal when power is applied to, or removed from, the switched receptacle. The state change device may wirelessly communicate the signal. The state change device may include a load control circuit that may be configured to control the amount of power delivered to an electrical load that is electrically connected to the state change device. The state change device may receive commands directed to the load control circuit. The state change device may be deployed in a load control system and may operate as a control entity, such that the state change device may issue commands to one or more load control devices, responsive to the application or removal of power at the switched receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Karc, Ankit Bhutani, Galen Edgar Knode, Jamie Steffie
  • Patent number: 11832368
    Abstract: A device may detect a power removal event, determine whether the power removal event is a local power removal event or a system power removal event, and perform state correction. For example, the device may receive an indication of a state change event turning on the lighting device. The indication may be received from a sensor. For example, the sensor may include a photosensing circuit (e.g., capable of detecting light emission from the lighting device) or the sensor may include a live voltage sensor (e.g., capable of detecting a change in current driven to the lighting device). The device may then determine whether the power removal event is a system power removal event or a local power removal event. If the device determines that the power removal event is a system power removal event, the device may perform state correction (e.g., setting the lighting device to its state prior to the power removal event).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Ankit Bhutani, Matthew Knauss, Timothy Mann, Michael W. Pessina, David T. Saveri, III, Matthew J. Swatsky
  • Patent number: 11817257
    Abstract: A provided wireless wallbox dimmer may accommodate a plurality of button configurations. The dimmer may be configured to contain a variable number of controllably conductive devices. The dimmer may include a yoke that defines a first plane and an antenna that defines a second plane that is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first plane. The yoke may have a flange that is oriented angularly offset relative to the first plane and provides a plurality of mounting locations for controllably conductive devices. The antenna may provide the dimmer with a first wireless transmission range. The dimmer may include a faceplate that cooperates with the antenna to provide the dimmer with a second wireless transmission range that is broader than the first wireless transmission range. The dimmer may include a button assembly that is supported independently of the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Ankit Bhutani, Nikhil Vithal Bhate, William Taylor Shivell, Sean R. Pearson
  • Patent number: 11785641
    Abstract: Wireless devices may perform modified carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) techniques in order to increase reliability while maintaining a reasonable latency for communications. The wireless devices may perform listen-before-talk (LBT) techniques using an adaptive transmission threshold (e.g., an adaptive CSMA threshold). The transmission threshold may be compared to a measured signal strength magnitude to determine whether the frequency channel is quiet enough for transmission of a packet. The transmission threshold may be initially set to equal a minimum value. The wireless device may increase the transmission threshold after each instance of LBT failure to allow the wireless device to get progressively more likely to transmit the packet each time LBT fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Ankit Bhutani, Richard S. Camden, Robert C. Newman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11722377
    Abstract: A control device may be configured to form a network at a unique coordinated startup time. The control device may identify a role assigned to the control device in a previously-formed network that the control device was attached to. The control device may determine a unique coordinated startup time for the control device based on the role assigned to the control device in the previously-formed network. The control device may initiate a network formation procedure at the unique coordinated startup time for the device. For example, the network formation procedure may cause the control device to attach to another control device in the network. The network formation procedure is configured to enable the control device to assume the role assigned to the control device in the previously-formed network in the new network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Hayes, Galen Edgar Knode, Ankit Bhutani, Richard S. Camden, Jordan H. Crafts, Jason A. King, Prasad Pramod Kulkarni
  • Publication number: 20230208668
    Abstract: A load control system may include control devices for controlling power provided to an electrical load. The control devices may include an input device and a load control device. The load control system may include a hub device. The hub device may include a communication circuit and a control circuit. The communication circuit may be configured to receive a digital message from the control device. The control circuit may be configured to determine, based on content of the digital message, whether the control device has experienced a power removal event. The hub device may send, via the communication circuit, a power removal event indication to the control device of whether the control device has experienced the power removal event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Ankit Bhutani, Timothy Mann, David T. Saveri, III
  • Publication number: 20230199611
    Abstract: A load control system may include control devices configured to communicate via a network. The network may include router devices (e.g., a leader device and other router devices) for enabling communication of messages throughout the network. Boundary router devices may be assigned to assist with communications around a noise source. The boundary router devices may be identified as being outside of a first range from the noise source and within a second range from the noise source. Control device within the first range that are closer to the noise source may be assigned as end devices. The boundary router devices that are outside of the first range may be close enough to the end devices within the first range to assist the end devices with communication around the noise source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2021
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Ankit Bhutani, Richard S. Camden, Vidur Garg, Prasad P. Kulkarni
  • Publication number: 20230198851
    Abstract: A control device may be configured to form a network at a unique coordinated startup time. The control device may identify a role assigned to the control device in a previously-formed network that the control device was attached to. The control device may determine a unique coordinated startup time for the control device based on the role assigned to the control device in the previously-formed network. The control device may initiate a network formation procedure at the unique coordinated startup time for the device. For example, the network formation procedure may cause the control device to attach to another control device in the network. The network formation procedure is configured to enable the control device to assume the role assigned to the control device in the previously-formed network in the new network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Ankit Bhutani, Richard S. Camden, Jordan H. Crafts, Jeffrey S. Hayes, Jason A. King, Galen Edgar Knode, Prasad Pramod Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 11683235
    Abstract: A control device may be configured to delay an attachment procedure while attachment messages are being transmitted over the network. The control device may be configured to initiate an attachment procedure with a router device on a network at the end a back-off period of time. The attachment procedure may include transmitting attachment messages (e.g., parent request messages) that enable the control device to transmit and receive messages over the network through the router device. During the back-off period of time, the control device may determine an attachment message is received from another control device on the network. And, if an attachment message (e.g., a parent request messages and/or a link request message) is received from another control device, the control device may increase the back-off period of time (e.g., delaying when the control device initiates its attachment procedure).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Hayes, Galen Edgar Knode, Ankit Bhutani, Vidur Garg
  • Publication number: 20230189410
    Abstract: Devices of a load control system may communicate with each other via a network. The load control system may include different control devices, such as load control devices, input devices, or other devices capable of communicating with each other to perform load control. These control devices may be capable of providing feedback to a user that indicates different network information that may be used for network diagnostics and/or configuration. For example, a lighting control device may be capable of providing feedback via a corresponding lighting load that indicates network information that may be used in network diagnostics and/or configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Ankit Bhutani, Richard S. Camden, Craig Alan Casey, Jordan H. Crafts, Vidur Garg, Galen Edgar Knode, Prasad P. Kulkarni, John F. Yamrick
  • Publication number: 20230187127
    Abstract: A provided wireless wallbox dimmer may accommodate a plurality of button configurations. The dimmer may be configured to contain a variable number of controllably conductive devices. The dimmer may include a yoke that defines a first plane and an antenna that defines a second plane that is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first plane. The yoke may have a flange that is oriented angularly offset relative to the first plane and provides a plurality of mounting locations for controllably conductive devices. The antenna may provide the dimmer with a first wireless transmission range. The dimmer may include a faceplate that cooperates with the antenna to provide the dimmer with a second wireless transmission range that is broader than the first wireless transmission range. The dimmer may include a button assembly that is supported independently of the yoke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Ankit Bhutani, Nikhil Vithal Bhate, William Taylor Shivell, Sean R. Pearson
  • Patent number: 11658840
    Abstract: A load control system may include control devices for controlling power provided to an electrical load. The control devices may include an input device and a load control device. The load control system may include a hub device. The hub device may include a communication circuit and a control circuit. The communication circuit may be configured to receive a digital message from the control device. The control circuit may be configured to determine, based on content of the digital message, whether the control device has experienced a power removal event. The hub device may send, via the communication circuit, a power removal event indication to the control device of whether the control device has experienced the power removal event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Ankit Bhutani, Timothy Mann, David T. Saveri, III
  • Publication number: 20230151953
    Abstract: A control module configured to be mounted in a fixture opening of a lighting fixture may comprise an antenna (e.g., a dipole antenna) having a majority of primary radiating structures located outside of the lighting fixture when mounted to the lighting fixture. The control module may comprise a detector positioned to receive infrared energy through a lens for detecting occupancy or vacancy conditions. The antenna may comprise two elements electrically connected in a dipole antenna configuration and comprising respective curved portions that are positioned to curve around the detector outside of the lighting fixture. The control module may comprise an enclosure comprising clips that each have teeth for attaching the control module within the fixture opening. The clips may be located adjacent to each other and the teeth may be staggered relative to each other, such that one tooth of either clip engages the fixture opening at a single time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Ankit Bhutani, Richard S. Camden, Kevin L. Gascho, Stephen Phillips, Kevin Millner
  • Publication number: 20230119182
    Abstract: A control device may be configured to delay an attachment procedure while attachment messages are being transmitted over the network. The control device may be configured to initiate an attachment procedure with a router device on a network at the end a back-off period of time. The attachment procedure may include transmitting attachment messages (e.g., parent request messages) that enable the control device to transmit and receive messages over the network through the router device. During the back-off period of time, the control device may determine an attachment message is received from another control device on the network. And, if an attachment message (e.g., a parent request messages and/or a link request message) is received from another control device, the control device may increase the back-off period of time (e.g., delaying when the control device initiates its attachment procedure).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Ankit Bhutani, Vidur Garg, Jeffrey S. Hayes, Galen Edgar Knode
  • Patent number: 11617243
    Abstract: Devices of a load control system may communicate with each other via a network. The load control system may include different control devices, such as load control devices, input devices, or other devices capable of communicating with each other to perform load control. These control devices may be capable of providing feedback to a user that indicates different network information that may be used for network diagnostics and/or configuration. For example, a lighting control device may be capable of providing feedback via a corresponding lighting load that indicates network information that may be used in network diagnostics and/or configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Ankit Bhutani, Richard S. Camden, Jordan H. Crafts, Vidur Garg, Galen Edgar Knode, Prasad P. Kulkarni, Craig Alan Casey, John F. Yamrick
  • Patent number: 11574771
    Abstract: A provided wireless wallbox dimmer may accommodate a plurality of button configurations. The dimmer may be configured to contain a variable number of controllably conductive devices. The dimmer may include a yoke that defines a first plane and an antenna that defines a second plane that is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the first plane. The yoke may have a flange that is oriented angularly offset relative to the first plane and provides a plurality of mounting locations for controllably conductive devices. The antenna may provide the dimmer with a first wireless transmission range. The dimmer may include a faceplate that cooperates with the antenna to provide the dimmer with a second wireless transmission range that is broader than the first wireless transmission range. The dimmer may include a button assembly that is supported independently of the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Ankit Bhutani, Nikhil Vithal Bhate, William Taylor Shivell, Sean R. Pearson
  • Publication number: 20220360081
    Abstract: A device may detect a power removal event, determine whether the power removal event is a local power removal event or a system power removal event, and perform state correction. For example, the device may receive an indication of a state change event turning on the lighting device. The indication may be received from a sensor. For example, the sensor may include a photosensing circuit (e.g., capable of detecting light emission from the lighting device) or the sensor may include a live voltage sensor (e.g., capable of detecting a change in current driven to the lighting device). The device may then determine whether the power removal event is a system power removal event or a local power removal event. If the device determines that the power removal event is a system power removal event, the device may perform state correction (e.g., setting the lighting device to its state prior to the power removal event).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Ankit Bhutani, Matthew Knauss, Timothy Mann, Michael W. Pessina, David T. Saveri, III, Matthew J. Swatsky