Patents by Inventor Christopher G. Udall

Christopher G. Udall 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).

  • Publication number: 20250063643
    Abstract: A load regulation device, such as an LED driver, may be configured to control the intensity of a light source based on an analog control signal and a preconfigured dimming curve. The LED driver may sense a magnitude of the analog control signal and determine a new low-end and/or high-end control signal magnitude that falls outside of the input signal range of the dimming curve. The LED driver may rescale the preconfigured dimming curve according to new low-end and/or high-end control signal magnitudes and dim the light source based on the rescaled dimming curve. Multiple LED drivers controlled by the same analog control signal may communicate with each other regarding the magnitude of the analog control signal sensed by each LED driver, and match their target intensity levels despite sensing different analog control signal. A controller may be provided to coordinate the operation of the multiple LED drivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2024
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Knauss, Christopher G. Udall
  • Patent number: 12167516
    Abstract: A load regulation device, such as an LED driver, may be configured to control the intensity of a light source based on an analog control signal and a preconfigured dimming curve. The LED driver may sense a magnitude of the analog control signal and determine a new low-end and/or high-end control signal magnitude that falls outside of the input signal range of the dimming curve. The LED driver may rescale the preconfigured dimming curve according to new low-end and/or high-end control signal magnitudes and dim the light source based on the rescaled dimming curve. Multiple LED drivers controlled by the same analog control signal may communicate with each other regarding the magnitude of the analog control signal sensed by each LED driver, and match their target intensity levels despite sensing different analog control signal. A controller may be provided to coordinate the operation of the multiple LED drivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Knauss, Christopher G. Udall
  • Publication number: 20240365459
    Abstract: A linear lighting fixture may comprise lighting control devices for controlling lighting loads in a load control system. Each linear lighting fixture may include a fixture controller configured to control lighting control devices. The fixture controller may receive messages from one or more devices in the load control system for controlling lighting control devices in the linear lighting fixture. The fixture controller may receive the message and communicate with the lighting control devices on a wired power/communication link Each linear lighting fixture may comprise one or more sensors. The sensors may be coupled to the fixture controller to send/receive messages on a wired power/communication link and/or a wireless communication link The lighting control devices in the fixtures may be zoned separately or together. Each of the sensors in a linear lighting fixture may be zoned with one or more of the lighting control devices in the linear lighting fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2024
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Devin O'Donnell, Daniel C. Raneri, Ratan Dominic Rego, Christopher G. Udall
  • Patent number: 12089315
    Abstract: A linear lighting fixture may comprise lighting control devices for controlling lighting loads in a load control system. Each linear lighting fixture may include a fixture controller configured to control lighting control devices. The fixture controller may receive messages from one or more devices in the load control system for controlling lighting control devices in the linear lighting fixture. The fixture controller may receive the message and communicate with the lighting control devices on a wired power/communication link. Each linear lighting fixture may comprise one or more sensors. The sensors may be coupled to the fixture controller to send/receive messages on a wired power/communication link and/or a wireless communication link. The lighting control devices in the fixtures may be zoned separately or together. Each of the sensors in a linear lighting fixture may be zoned with one or more of the lighting control devices in the linear lighting fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Devin O'Donnell, Daniel C. Raneri, Ratan Dominic Rego, Christopher G. Udall
  • Publication number: 20230328866
    Abstract: A linear lighting fixture may comprise lighting control devices for controlling lighting loads in a load control system. Each linear lighting fixture may include a fixture controller configured to control lighting control devices. The fixture controller may receive messages from one or more devices in the load control system for controlling lighting control devices in the linear lighting fixture. The fixture controller may receive the message and communicate with the lighting control devices on a wired power/communication link. Each linear lighting fixture may comprise one or more sensors. The sensors may be coupled to the fixture controller to send/receive messages on a wired power/communication link and/or a wireless communication link. The lighting control devices in the fixtures may be zoned separately or together. Each of the sensors in a linear lighting fixture may be zoned with one or more of the lighting control devices in the linear lighting fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Devin O'Donnell, Daniel C. Raneri, Ratan Dominic Rego, Christopher G. Udall
  • Patent number: 11743996
    Abstract: A linear lighting fixture may comprise lighting control devices for controlling lighting loads in a load control system. Each linear lighting fixture may include a fixture controller configured to control lighting control devices. The fixture controller may receive messages from one or more devices in the load control system for controlling lighting control devices in the linear lighting fixture. The fixture controller may receive the message and communicate with the lighting control devices on a wired power/communication link. Each linear lighting fixture may comprise one or more sensors. The sensors may be coupled to the fixture controller to send/receive messages on a wired power/communication link and/or a wireless communication link. The lighting control devices in the fixtures may be zoned separately or together. Each of the sensors in a linear lighting fixture may be zoned with one or more of the lighting control devices in the linear lighting fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Christopher G. Udall, Devin O'Donnell, Daniel C. Raneri, Ratan Dominic Rego
  • Publication number: 20230232517
    Abstract: A load regulation device, such as an LED driver, may be configured to control the intensity of a light source based on an analog control signal and a preconfigured dimming curve. The LED driver may sense a magnitude of the analog control signal and determine a new low-end and/or high-end control signal magnitude that falls outside of the input signal range of the dimming curve. The LED driver may rescale the preconfigured dimming curve according to new low-end and/or high-end control signal magnitudes and dim the light source based on the rescaled dimming curve. Multiple LED drivers controlled by the same analog control signal may communicate with each other regarding the magnitude of the analog control signal sensed by each LED driver, and match their target intensity levels despite sensing different analog control signal. A controller may be provided to coordinate the operation of the multiple LED drivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2023
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Knauss, Christopher G. Udall
  • Publication number: 20230209679
    Abstract: A load regulation device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load may be able to calibrate the magnitude of an output voltage of the load regulation device in order to control the magnitude of a load voltage across the electrical load to a predetermined level. The load regulation device may receive the feedback from a calibration device adapted to be coupled to load wiring near the electrical load. The feedback may indicate when the magnitude of the load voltage across the electrical load has reached a predetermined level. The load regulation device may gradually adjust the magnitude of the output voltage, receive the feedback from the calibration device, and then use the feedback to determine the magnitude of the output voltage corresponding to when the magnitude of the load voltage across the electrical load has reached the predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Knauss, Matthew W. Nuhfer, Christopher G. Udall
  • Patent number: 11647575
    Abstract: A load regulation device, such as an LED driver, may be configured to control the intensity of a light source based on an analog control signal and a preconfigured dimming curve. The LED driver may sense a magnitude of the analog control signal and determine a new low-end and/or high-end control signal magnitude that falls outside of the input signal range of the dimming curve. The LED driver may rescale the preconfigured dimming curve according to new low-end and/or high-end control signal magnitudes and dim the light source based on the rescaled dimming curve. Multiple LED drivers controlled by the same analog control signal may communicate with each other regarding the magnitude of the analog control signal sensed by each LED driver, and match their target intensity levels despite sensing different analog control signal. A controller may be provided to coordinate the operation of the multiple LED drivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Knauss, Christopher G. Udall
  • Patent number: 11596038
    Abstract: A load regulation device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load may be able to calibrate the magnitude of an output voltage of the load regulation device in order to control the magnitude of a load voltage across the electrical load to a predetermined level. The load regulation device may receive the feedback from a calibration device adapted to be coupled to load wiring near the electrical load. The feedback may indicate when the magnitude of the load voltage across the electrical load has reached a predetermined level. The load regulation device may gradually adjust the magnitude of the output voltage, receive the feedback from the calibration device, and then use the feedback to determine the magnitude of the output voltage corresponding to when the magnitude of the load voltage across the electrical load has reached the predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Knauss, Matthew W. Nuhfer, Christopher G. Udall
  • Publication number: 20220295618
    Abstract: A load regulation device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load may be able to calibrate the magnitude of an output voltage of the load regulation device in order to control the magnitude of a load voltage across the electrical load to a predetermined level. The load regulation device may receive the feedback from a calibration device adapted to be coupled to load wiring near the electrical load. The feedback may indicate when the magnitude of the load voltage across the electrical load has reached a predetermined level. The load regulation device may gradually adjust the magnitude of the output voltage, receive the feedback from the calibration device, and then use the feedback to determine the magnitude of the output voltage corresponding to when the magnitude of the load voltage across the electrical load has reached the predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Knauss, Matthew W. Nuhfer, Christopher G. Udall
  • Patent number: 11350500
    Abstract: A load regulation device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load may be able to calibrate the magnitude of an output voltage of the load regulation device in order to control the magnitude of a load voltage across the electrical load to a predetermined level. The load regulation device may receive the feedback from a calibration device adapted to be coupled to load wiring near the electrical load. The feedback may indicate when the magnitude of the load voltage across the electrical load has reached a predetermined level. The load regulation device may gradually adjust the magnitude of the output voltage, receive the feedback from the calibration device, and then use the feedback to determine the magnitude of the output voltage corresponding to when the magnitude of the load voltage across the electrical load has reached the predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Knauss, Matthew W. Nuhfer, Christopher G. Udall
  • Publication number: 20210368602
    Abstract: A load regulation device, such as an LED driver, may be configured to control the intensity of a light source based on an analog control signal and a preconfigured dimming curve. The LED driver may sense a magnitude of the analog control signal and determine a new low-end and/or high-end control signal magnitude that falls outside of the input signal range of the dimming curve. The LED driver may rescale the preconfigured dimming curve according to new low-end and/or high-end control signal magnitudes and dim the light source based on the rescaled dimming curve. Multiple LED drivers controlled by the same analog control signal may communicate with each other regarding the magnitude of the analog control signal sensed by each LED driver, and match their target intensity levels despite sensing different analog control signal. A controller may be provided to coordinate the operation of the multiple LED drivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Knauss, Christopher G. Udall
  • Patent number: 11083056
    Abstract: A load regulation device, such as an LED driver, may be configured to control the intensity of a light source based on an analog control signal and a preconfigured dimming curve. The LED driver may sense a magnitude of the analog control signal and determine a new low-end and/or high-end control signal magnitude that falls outside of the input signal range of the dimming curve. The LED driver may rescale the preconfigured dimming curve according to new low-end and/or high-end control signal magnitudes and dim the light source based on the rescaled dimming curve. Multiple LED drivers controlled by the same analog control signal may communicate with each other regarding the magnitude of the analog control signal sensed by each LED driver, and match their target intensity levels despite sensing different analog control signal. A controller may be provided to coordinate the operation of the multiple LED drivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Knauss, Christopher G. Udall
  • Publication number: 20210006155
    Abstract: A load regulation device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load may be able to calibrate the magnitude of an output voltage of the load regulation device in order to control the magnitude of a load voltage across the electrical load to a predetermined level. The load regulation device may receive the feedback from a calibration device adapted to be coupled to load wiring near the electrical load. The feedback may indicate when the magnitude of the load voltage across the electrical load has reached a predetermined level. The load regulation device may gradually adjust the magnitude of the output voltage, receive the feedback from the calibration device, and then use the feedback to determine the magnitude of the output voltage corresponding to when the magnitude of the load voltage across the electrical load has reached the predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Knauss, Matthew W. Nuhfer, Christopher G. Udall
  • Publication number: 20200267811
    Abstract: A load regulation device, such as an LED driver, may be configured to control the intensity of a light source based on an analog control signal and a preconfigured dimming curve. The LED driver may sense a magnitude of the analog control signal and determine a new low-end and/or high-end control signal magnitude that falls outside of the input signal range of the dimming curve. The LED driver may rescale the preconfigured dimming curve according to new low-end and/or high-end control signal magnitudes and dim the light source based on the rescaled dimming curve. Multiple LED drivers controlled by the same analog control signal may communicate with each other regarding the magnitude of the analog control signal sensed by each LED driver, and match their target intensity levels despite sensing different analog control signal. A controller may be provided to coordinate the operation of the multiple LED drivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Knauss, Christopher G. Udall
  • Patent number: 10666133
    Abstract: A load regulation device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load may be able to calibrate the magnitude of an output voltage of the load regulation device in order to control the magnitude of a load voltage across the electrical load to a predetermined level. The load regulation device may receive the feedback from a calibration device adapted to be coupled to load wiring near the electrical load. The feedback may indicate when the magnitude of the load voltage across the electrical load has reached a predetermined level. The load regulation device may gradually adjust the magnitude of the output voltage, receive the feedback from the calibration device, and then use the feedback to determine the magnitude of the output voltage corresponding to when the magnitude of the load voltage across the electrical load has reached the predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Knauss, Matthew W. Nuhfer, Christopher G. Udall
  • Patent number: 10645769
    Abstract: A load regulation device, such as an LED driver, may be configured to control the intensity of a light source based on an analog control signal and a preconfigured dimming curve. The LED driver may sense a magnitude of the analog control signal and determine a new low-end and/or high-end control signal magnitude that falls outside of the input signal range of the dimming curve. The LED driver may rescale the preconfigured dimming curve according to new low-end and/or high-end control signal magnitudes and dim the light source based on the rescaled dimming curve. Multiple LED drivers controlled by the same analog control signal may communicate with each other regarding the magnitude of the analog control signal sensed by each LED driver, and match their target intensity levels despite sensing different analog control signal. A controller may be provided to coordinate the operation of the multiple LED drivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Knauss, Christopher G. Udall
  • Publication number: 20190021149
    Abstract: A load regulation device, such as an LED driver, may be configured to control the intensity of a light source based on an analog control signal and a preconfigured dimming curve. The LED driver may sense a magnitude of the analog control signal and determine a new low-end and/or high-end control signal magnitude that falls outside of the input signal range of the dimming curve. The LED driver may rescale the preconfigured dimming curve according to new low-end and/or high-end control signal magnitudes and dim the light source based on the rescaled dimming curve. Multiple LED drivers controlled by the same analog control signal may communicate with each other regarding the magnitude of the analog control signal sensed by each LED driver, and match their target intensity levels despite sensing different analog control signal. A controller may be provided to coordinate the operation of the multiple LED drivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Knauss, Christopher G. Udall
  • Publication number: 20180241304
    Abstract: A load regulation device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load may be able to calibrate the magnitude of an output voltage of the load regulation device in order to control the magnitude of a load voltage across the electrical load to a predetermined level. The load regulation device may receive the feedback from a calibration device adapted to be coupled to load wiring near the electrical load. The feedback may indicate when the magnitude of the load voltage across the electrical load has reached a predetermined level. The load regulation device may gradually adjust the magnitude of the output voltage, receive the feedback from the calibration device, and then use the feedback to determine the magnitude of the output voltage corresponding to when the magnitude of the load voltage across the electrical load has reached the predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Knauss, Matthew W. Nuhfer, Christopher G. Udall