Patents by Inventor Edward J. Blair
Edward J. Blair 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).
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Publication number: 20200300037Abstract: A control system may include a direct-current (DC) power bus for charging (e.g., trickle charging) internal energy storage elements in control devices of the control system. For example, the control devices may be motorized window treatments configured to adjust a position of a covering material to control the amount of daylight entering a space. The system may include a DC power supply that may generate a DC voltage on the DC power bus. For example, the DC power bus may extend from the DC power supply around the perimeter of a floor of the building and may be connected to all of the motorized window treatments on the floor (e.g., in a daisy-chain configuration). Wiring the DC power bus in such a manner may dramatically reduce the installation labor and wiring costs of an installation, as well as decreasing the chance of a miswire.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2020Publication date: September 24, 2020Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Edward J. Blair, Joseph R. Parks, John H. Bull, Samuel F. Chambers, Stuart W. DeJonge
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Publication number: 20200217133Abstract: A motorized window treatment may provide a low-cost solution for controlling the amount of daylight entering a space through a window. The window treatment may include a covering material (e.g., a cellular shade fabric or a roller shade fabric), a drive assembly for raising and lowering the covering material, and a motor drive unit including a motor configured to drive the drive assembly to raise and lower the covering material. The motorized window treatment may comprise one or more battery packs configured to receive batteries for powering the motor drive unit. The batteries may be located out of view of a user of the motorized window treatment (e.g., in a headrail or in a battery compartment). The motorized window treatment may use various power-saving methods to lengthen the lifetime of the batteries, e.g., to reduce the motor speed to conserve additional battery power and extend the lifetime of the batteries.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2019Publication date: July 9, 2020Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Jason O. Adams, Edward J. Blair, Andrew Karl Cooney, Soumya Jain, David A. Kirby, Stephen Lundy, Justin J. Mierta, Daniel W. Mistarz, Robert C. Newman, JR., Peter W. Ogden, JR., Jonathan L. Roe, Chen Ming Wu, Justin M. Zernhelt, Samuel F. Chambers
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Publication number: 20200190899Abstract: A motorized sheer shading system may move a sheer shade material between an open position, a closed position, and a view position. The shading system may move the sheer shade material from the open position to the closed position at a first average rotational speed, and from the closed position to the view position at a second average rotational speed. The shading system may automatically determine a control limit that corresponds to the closed position of the sheer shade material after control limits have been set for the open position and the view position. The shading system may cause the sheer shade material to stop moving once it reaches the closed position if the raise button of a remote control is still depressed, and may cause the sheer shade material to stop moving once it reaches the closed position if the lower button of the remote control is still depressed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2020Publication date: June 18, 2020Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, Stephen Lundy
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Patent number: 10655386Abstract: A motorized window treatment for controlling the amount of daylight entering a space through a window includes a covering material, a drive shaft, and a motor coupled to the drive shaft for raising and lowering the covering material. The window treatment also includes a spring assist unit for assisting the motor by providing a torque that equals the torque provided by the weight on the cords that lift the covering material at a position midway between fully-open and fully-closed positions to minimize motor usage and conserve battery life. The window treatment may comprise a photosensor for measuring the amount of daylight outside the window and temperature sensors for measuring the temperatures inside and outside of the window. The position of the covering material may be automatically controlled in response to the photosensor and the temperature sensors, or in response to an infrared or radio-frequency remote control.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2017Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Jason O. Adams, Edward J. Blair, Andrew Karl Cooney, Soumya Jain, David A. Kirby, Stephen Lundy, Justin J. Mierta, Daniel W. Mistarz, Robert C. Newman, Jr., Peter W. Ogden, Jr., Jonathan L. Roe, Chen Ming Wu, Justin M. Zernhelt
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Patent number: 10592810Abstract: A fabric selection tool provides an automated procedure for recommending and/or selecting a fabric for a window treatment to be installed in a building. The recommendation may be made to optimize the performance of the window treatment in which the fabric may be installed. The recommended fabric may be selected based on performance metrics associated with each fabric in an environment. The fabrics may be ranked based upon the performance metrics of one or more of the fabrics. One or more of the fabrics, and/or their corresponding ranks, may be displayed to a user for selection. The recommended fabrics may be determined based on combinations of fabrics that provide performance metrics for various façades of the building. Using the ranking system provided by the fabric selection tool, the user may obtain a fabric sample and/or order one or more of the recommended fabrics.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2015Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, Laura M. Gabriel, Michelle L. Greene, Andrew J. Lawler, Joseph Roy Parks, Brent Protzman, Staci L. Quirk
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Patent number: 10590700Abstract: A battery-powered motorized window treatment for covering at least a portion of a window may be adjusted into a service position to allow for access to at least one battery that is powering the motorized window treatment. A headrail of the motorized window treatment may be adjusted to the service position to allow for easy replacement of the batteries without unmounting the headrail and without requiring tools. The motorized window treatment may comprise brackets having buttons that may be actuated to release the headrail from a locked position, such that the head rail may be rotated into the service position. The headrail easily rotates through a controlled movement into the service position, such that a user only needs one free hand available to move the motorized window treatment into the service position and change the batteries.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2017Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, David A. Kirby, Peter W. Ogden, James J. Wilson, Justin M. Zernhelt
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Patent number: 10570661Abstract: A motorized sheer shading system may move a sheer shade material between an open position, a closed position, and a view position. The shading system may move the sheer shade material from the open position to the closed position at a first average rotational speed, and from the closed position to the view position at a second average rotational speed. The shading system may automatically determine a control limit that corresponds to the closed position of the sheer shade material after control limits have been set for the open position and the view position. The shading system may cause the sheer shade material to stop moving once it reaches the closed position if the raise button of a remote control is still depressed, and may cause the sheer shade material to stop moving once it reaches the closed position if the lower button of the remote control is still depressed.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, Stephen Lundy
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Patent number: 10494864Abstract: A motorized window treatment may provide a low-cost solution for controlling the amount of daylight entering a space through a window. The window treatment may include a covering material (e.g., a cellular shade fabric or a roller shade fabric), a drive assembly for raising and lowering the covering material, and a motor drive unit including a motor configured to drive the drive assembly to raise and lower the covering material. The motorized window treatment may comprise one or more battery packs configured to receive batteries for powering the motor drive unit. The batteries may be located out of view of a user of the motorized window treatment (e.g., in a headrail or in a battery compartment). The motorized window treatment may use various power-saving methods to lengthen the lifetime of the batteries, e.g., to reduce the motor speed to conserve additional battery power and extend the lifetime of the batteries.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2017Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Jason O. Adams, Edward J. Blair, Andrew Karl Cooney, Soumya Jain, David A. Kirby, Stephen Lundy, Justin J. Mierta, Daniel W. Mistarz, Robert C. Newman, Jr., Peter W. Ogden, Jr., Jonathan L. Roe, Chen Ming Wu, Justin M. Zernhelt, Samuel F. Chambers
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Publication number: 20190169928Abstract: A sensor assembly comprises a housing having a major face and a side edge. The side edge is formed of a material that is capable of conducting light. A photosensitive element is positioned within the housing and facing the major face of the housing. A reflector is positioned within the housing. The reflector is shaped to direct light entering through the side edge onto the photosensitive element.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2019Publication date: June 6, 2019Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Stephen Lundy, Brandon L. Szoke, David A. Kirby
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Patent number: 10196855Abstract: A sensor assembly comprises a housing having a major face and a side edge. The side edge is formed of a material that is capable of conducting light. A photosensitive element is positioned within the housing and facing the major face of the housing. A reflector is positioned within the housing. The reflector is shaped to direct light entering through the side edge onto the photosensitive element.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2014Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Stephen Lundy, Brandon L. Szoke, David A. Kirby
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Publication number: 20180313146Abstract: A hembar may define a front portion and a rear portion configured to slidably engage each other. The front portion and the rear portion, when slidably engaged, may define a slot configured to receive a piece of fabric. The front portion and the rear portion may be configured to clamp the piece of fabric within the slot. The front portion and the rear portion may be configured such that a width of the slot is adjustable. The front portion may define a first attachment surface and the rear portion may define a second attachment surface. The first attachment surface may define a rib. The second attachment surface may define a groove configured to receive the rib when the front portion is slidably engaged with the rear portion such that the piece of fabric is clamped within the slot.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2018Publication date: November 1, 2018Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Blair, David A. Kirby, Vladislav Pejic
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Publication number: 20180307991Abstract: A fabric selection tool provides an automated procedure for recommending and/or selecting a fabric for a window treatment to be installed in a building. The recommendation may be made to optimize the performance of the window treatment in which the fabric may be installed. The recommended fabric may be selected based on performance metrics associated with each fabric in an environment. The fabrics may be ranked based upon the performance metrics of one or more of the fabrics. One or more of the fabrics, and/or their corresponding ranks, may be displayed to a user for selection. The recommended fabrics may be determined based on combinations of fabrics that provide performance metrics for various façades of the building. Using the ranking system provided by the fabric selection tool, the user may obtain a fabric sample and/or order one or more of the recommended fabrics.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2018Publication date: October 25, 2018Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, Laura M. Gabriel, Michelle L. Greene, Andrew J. Lawler, Joseph Roy Parks, Brent Protzman, Staci L. Quirk
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Publication number: 20180274291Abstract: A battery-powered motorized window treatment for covering at least a portion of a window may be adjusted into a service position to allow for access to at least one battery that is powering the motorized window treatment. A headrail of the motorized window treatment may be adjusted to the service position to allow for easy replacement of the batteries without unmounting the headrail and without requiring tools. The motorized window treatment may comprise brackets having buttons that may be actuated to release the headrail from a locked position, such that the head rail may be rotated into the service position. The headrail easily rotates through a controlled movement into the service position, such that a user only needs one free hand available to move the motorized window treatment into the service position and change the batteries.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2018Publication date: September 27, 2018Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, David A. Kirby, Peter W. Ogden, JR., James J. Wilson, Justin M. Zernhelt
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Patent number: 10043132Abstract: A fabric selection tool provides an automated procedure for recommending and/or selecting a fabric for a window treatment to be installed in a building. The recommendation may be made to optimize the performance of the window treatment in which the fabric may be installed. The recommended fabric may be selected based on performance metrics associated with each fabric in an environment. The fabrics may be ranked based upon the performance metrics of one or more of the fabrics. One or more of the fabrics, and/or their corresponding ranks, may be displayed to a user for selection. The recommended fabrics may be determined based on combinations of fabrics that provide performance metrics for various façades of the building. Using the ranking system provided by the fabric selection tool, the user may obtain a fabric sample and/or order one or more of the recommended fabrics.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2015Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, Laura M. Gabriel, Michelle L. Greene, Andrew J. Lawler, Joseph Roy Parks, Brent Protzman, Staci L. Quirk
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Patent number: 10037492Abstract: A fabric selection tool provides an automated procedure for recommending and/or selecting a fabric for a window treatment to be installed in a building. The recommendation may be made to optimize the performance of the window treatment in which the fabric may be installed. The recommended fabric may be selected based on performance metrics associated with each fabric in an environment. The fabrics may be ranked based upon the performance metrics of one or more of the fabrics. One or more of the fabrics, and/or their corresponding ranks, may be displayed to a user for selection. The recommended fabrics may be determined based on combinations of fabrics that provide performance metrics for various façades of the building. Using the ranking system provided by the fabric selection tool, the user may obtain a fabric sample and/or order one or more of the recommended fabrics.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2015Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, Laura M. Gabriel, Michelle L. Greene, Andrew J. Lawler, Joseph Roy Parks, Brent Protzman, Staci L. Quirk
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Patent number: D832879Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2018Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Brent Protzman, Michelle L. Greene, Erica L. Clymer, Jennifer Wong, Samuel F. Chambers, Laura Marie Friedlander, Edward J. Blair, Stephen Lundy, John N. Callen
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Patent number: D843390Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2018Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Brent Protzman, Michelle L. Greene, Erica L. Clymer, Jennifer Wong, Laura Marie Friedlander, Joseph Roy Parks, Edward J. Blair
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Patent number: D855644Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2018Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Brent Protzman, Michelle L. Greene, Erica L. Clymer, Jennifer Wong, Samuel F. Chambers, Laura Marie Friedlander, Edward J. Blair, Stephen Lundy, John N. Callen
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Patent number: D880504Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2019Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Brent Protzman, Michelle L. Greene, Erica L. Clymer, Jennifer Wong, Samuel F. Chambers, Laura Marie Friedlander, Edward J. Blair, Stephen Lundy, John N. Callen
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Patent number: D898049Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2020Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Brent Protzman, Michelle L. Greene, Erica L. Clymer, Jennifer Wong, Samuel F. Chambers, Laura Marie Friedlander, Edward J. Blair, Stephen Lundy, John N. Callen