Patents by Inventor Eric Mace

Eric Mace 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: 20080001549
    Abstract: A light pipe structure for a dimmer switch comprises a continuous status indicator lens and a plurality of light pipes, which are operable to conduct the light from a plurality of discrete sources to the lens. The light conducted from one of the discrete sources through a light pipe generates a pinpoint of light on the front surface of the lens. The pinpoint of light is surrounded by a diffusion of light across the front surface of the lens, which produces an aesthetically-pleasing effect by increasing the uniformity of the illumination across the front surface of the status indicator lens. The light pipes are coupled to the lens via a plurality of rounds, which provide for diffusion of light around the pinpoint of light on the lens. The light pipes may comprise light-refracting structures, which the amount of light emitted from adjacent discrete sources from reaching the front surface of the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Gregory Altonen, Eric Mace
  • Publication number: 20070216318
    Abstract: A load control device, for controlling the amount of power delivered to a electrical load from an AC power source, comprises a user interface adapted to be received in an opening of a traditional-style faceplate and providing a plurality of functionalities on a single control button. A transitory actuation of the control button controls the power delivered to the load. Pulling the control button away from the load control device actuates an air-gap switch to provide an air-gap break in the electrical connection between the source and the load. A linear array of status indicators is provided on a front surface of the control button and displays a visual representation of the amount of power being delivered to the load. A plurality of light pipes are provided inside the control button to conduct the light from a plurality of light-emitting diodes to the front surface of the control button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventors: Gregory Altonen, Samuel Chambers, Eric Mace, Matthew Ochs, Louis Rollo