Patents by Inventor Jeffrey Karc

Jeffrey Karc 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: 20240077900
    Abstract: A mobile device that is configured for wireless communication may be configured to operate as a remote control device in a lighting control system, controlling one or more lighting control devices of the lighting control system. The remote control device may control the light intensity in a space, for instance at a location of the remote control device, in response to an ambient light intensity measured at the remote control device. The remote control device may define a user interface for receiving an input that indicates a desired light intensity at the location. The remote control device may measure the ambient light intensity at the location via a light detector, compare the measured ambient light intensity to the desired light intensity, and cause the one or more lighting control devices to adjust the ambient light intensity at the remote control device until it agrees with the desired light intensity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Karc, James P. Steiner, William Bryce Fricke
  • Publication number: 20240049377
    Abstract: A control device may be configured to be installed in a three-way screw-in socket that includes multi-position switches. The control device may be configured to control one or more lighting loads in response to the respective positions of the multi-position switches of the three-way screw-in socket. The lighting loads may include a lighting load that is integral with the control device, a lighting load that is installed in a threaded receptacle of the control device, and/or one or more lighting loads controlled by respective devices that are associated with the control device. The control device may include a wireless communication circuit that is configured to transmit messages in response to operation of the multi-position switches into respective positions. The control device may be configured to control the lighting loads in response to messages received at the wireless communication circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Karc, Galen Edgar Knode
  • Publication number: 20240032177
    Abstract: A faceplate remote control device may be attached to a wall-mounted mechanical light switch that has a toggle actuator. The faceplate remote control device may include a toggle indicator that detects operation of the toggle actuator of the mechanical switch. The toggle indicator may cause the generation of an indication of detected operation of the toggle actuator. The toggle indicator may comprise a sliding member that is configured to move with the toggle actuator. The toggle indicator may comprise an obstruction detection device that includes an infrared (IR) transmitter and an IR receiver. The faceplate remote control device may include a control circuit and a wireless communication circuit. The control circuit may be configured to cause the wireless communication circuit to transmit one or more messages in response to detecting operation of the toggle actuator of the mechanical switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Karc, Jamie Steffie, Jordan H. Crafts
  • Patent number: 11853094
    Abstract: A mobile device that is configured for wireless communication may be configured to operate as a remote control device in a lighting control system, controlling one or more lighting control devices of the lighting control system. The remote control device may control the light intensity in a space, for instance at a location of the remote control device, in response to an ambient light intensity measured at the remote control device. The remote control device may define a user interface for receiving an input that indicates a desired light intensity at the location. The remote control device may measure the ambient light intensity at the location via a light detector, compare the measured ambient light intensity to the desired light intensity, and cause the one or more lighting control devices to adjust the ambient light intensity at the remote control device until it agrees with the desired light intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Karc, James P. Steiner, William Bryce Fricke
  • Publication number: 20230409282
    Abstract: A scalable, distributed load control system for home automation based on a network of microphones may include control devices (e.g., load control devices) that may include microphones for monitoring the system and communicating audio data to a cloud server for processing. The control devices of the load control system may receive a single voice command and may be configured to choose one of the load control devices to transmit the voice command to the cloud server. The load control devices may be configured to receive a voice command, control a connected load according to the voice command if the voice command is a validated command, and transmit the voice command to a voice service in the cloud if the voice command is not a validated command. The voice service to which the load control devices transmit audio data to may be selectable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Rhodes B. Baker, Matthew V. Harte, Jeffrey Karc, Galen E. Knode, John B. Nill, Jaykrishna A. Shukla
  • 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: 11825581
    Abstract: A control device may be configured to be installed in a three-way screw-in socket that includes multi-position switches. The control device may be configured to control one or more lighting loads in response to the respective positions of the multi-position switches of the three-way screw-in socket. The lighting loads may include a lighting load that is integral with the control device, a lighting load that is installed in a threaded receptacle of the control device, and/or one or more lighting loads controlled by respective devices that are associated with the control device. The control device may include a wireless communication circuit that is configured to transmit messages in response to operation of the multi-position switches into respective positions. The control device may be configured to control the lighting loads in response to messages received at the wireless communication circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Karc, Galen Edgar Knode
  • Patent number: 11797268
    Abstract: A scalable, distributed load control system for home automation based on a network of microphones may include control devices (e.g., load control devices) that may include microphones for monitoring the system and communicating audio data to a cloud server for processing. The control devices of the load control system may receive a single voice command and may be configured to choose one of the load control devices to transmit the voice command to the cloud server. The load control devices may be configured to receive a voice command, control a connected load according to the voice command if the voice command is a validated command, and transmit the voice command to a voice service in the cloud if the voice command is not a validated command. The voice service to which the load control devices transmit audio data to may be selectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Rhodes B. Baker, Matthew V. Harte, Jeffrey Karc, Galen E. Knode, John B. Nill, Jaykrishna A. Shukla
  • Publication number: 20230046132
    Abstract: Devices that record data from a space, such as audio or video devices having microphones and/or cameras, may have a privacy mode which allows a user to temporarily prevent the device from recoding audio or video of the space. The privacy mode may be a privacy cover, button, airgap, or other mechanism to obfuscate the acoustic or video signal, or to remove power and/or communication from the camera, microphone, control circuit, or to the entire device itself. Additionally, the privacy mode may be remotely enabled for multiple devices in a space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Rhodes B. Baker, Jeffrey Karc, Galen E. Knode, Robert C. Newman, Jr., John B. Nill
  • Patent number: 11490248
    Abstract: Devices that record data from a space, such as audio or video devices having microphones and/or cameras, may have a privacy mode which allows a user to temporarily prevent the device from recoding audio or video of the space. The privacy mode may be a privacy cover, button, airgap, or other mechanism to obfuscate the acoustic or video signal, or to remove power and/or communication from the camera, microphone, control circuit, or to the entire device itself. Additionally, the privacy mode may be remotely enabled for multiple devices in a space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Rhodes B. Baker, Jeffrey Karc, Galen E. Knode, Robert C. Newman, Jr., John B. Nill
  • Publication number: 20220210896
    Abstract: A wall-mounted assembly may include one or more host devices which receive line voltage and generate low voltage power on one or more contacts for powering one or more modular devices. The one or more modular devices may be installed adjacent to the host device and may share a faceplate with the host device, such as a standard decorator faceplate. The modular devices may receive power from the host device via a power bus between the host device and the one or more modular devices. Further, the power bus may include a communication bus for communication between the host device and the modular devices. The faceplate may be a smart faceplate, which may include circuitry, such as a battery backup, occupancy sensing, a charging dock for a mobile phone, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Karc, Galen E. Knode, Rhodes B. Baker
  • Publication number: 20220171418
    Abstract: A mobile device that is configured for wireless communication may be configured to operate as a remote control device in a lighting control system, controlling one or more lighting control devices of the lighting control system. The remote control device may control the light intensity in a space, for instance at a location of the remote control device, in response to an ambient light intensity measured at the remote control device. The remote control device may define a user interface for receiving an input that indicates a desired light intensity at the location. The remote control device may measure the ambient light intensity at the location via a light detector, compare the measured ambient light intensity to the desired light intensity, and cause the one or more lighting control devices to adjust the ambient light intensity at the remote control device until it agrees with the desired light intensity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Karc, James P. Steiner, William Bryce Fricke
  • Publication number: 20220141938
    Abstract: A faceplate remote control device may be attached to a wall-mounted mechanical light switch that has a toggle actuator. The faceplate remote control device may include a toggle indicator that detects operation of the toggle actuator of the mechanical switch. The toggle indicator may cause the generation of an indication of detected operation of the toggle actuator. The toggle indicator may comprise a sliding member that is configured to move with the toggle actuator. The toggle indicator may comprise an obstruction detection device that includes an infrared (IR) transmitter and an IR receiver. The faceplate remote control device may include a control circuit and a wireless communication circuit. The control circuit may be configured to cause the wireless communication circuit to transmit one or more messages in response to detecting operation of the toggle actuator of the mechanical switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Karc, Jamie Steffie, Jordan H. Crafts
  • Publication number: 20220113936
    Abstract: A scalable, distributed load control system for home automation based on a network of microphones may include control devices (e.g., load control devices) that may include microphones for monitoring the system and communicating audio data to a cloud server for processing. The control devices of the load control system may receive a single voice command and may be configured to choose one of the load control devices to transmit the voice command to the cloud server. The load control devices may be configured to receive a voice command, control a connected load according to the voice command if the voice command is a validated command, and transmit the voice command to a voice service in the cloud if the voice command is not a validated command. The voice service to which the load control devices transmit audio data to may be selectable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Rhodes B. Baker, Matthew V. Harte, Jeffrey Karc, Galen E. Knode, John B. Nill, Jaykrishna A. Shukla
  • Patent number: 11256279
    Abstract: A mobile device that is configured for wireless communication may be configured to operate as a remote control device in a lighting control system, controlling one or more lighting control devices of the lighting control system. The remote control device may control the light intensity in a space, for instance at a location of the remote control device, in response to an ambient light intensity measured at the remote control device. The remote control device may define a user interface for receiving an input that indicates a desired light intensity at the location. The remote control device may measure the ambient light intensity at the location via a light detector, compare the measured ambient light intensity to the desired light intensity, and cause the one or more lighting control devices to adjust the ambient light intensity at the remote control device until it agrees with the desired light intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Karc, James P. Steiner, William Bryce Fricke
  • Patent number: 11229106
    Abstract: A faceplate remote control device may be attached to a wall-mounted mechanical light switch that has a toggle actuator. The faceplate remote control device may include a toggle indicator that detects operation of the toggle actuator of the mechanical switch. The toggle indicator may cause the generation of an indication of detected operation of the toggle actuator. The toggle indicator may comprise a sliding member that is configured to move with the toggle actuator. The toggle indicator may comprise an obstruction detection device that includes an infrared (IR) transmitter and an IR receiver. The faceplate remote control device may include a control circuit and a wireless communication circuit. The control circuit may be configured to cause the wireless communication circuit to transmit one or more messages in response to detecting operation of the toggle actuator of the mechanical switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Karc, Jamie Steffie, Jordan H. Crafts
  • Patent number: 11224112
    Abstract: A wall-mounted assembly may include one or more host devices which receive line voltage and generate low voltage power on one or more contacts for powering one or more modular devices. The one or more modular devices may be installed adjacent to the host device and may share a faceplate with the host device, such as a standard decorator faceplate. The modular devices may receive power from the host device via a power bus between the host device and the one or more modular devices. Further, the power bus may include a communication bus for communication between the host device and the modular devices. The faceplate may be a smart faceplate, which may include circuitry, such as a battery backup, occupancy sensing, a charging dock for a mobile phone, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Karc, Galen E. Knode, Rhodes B. Baker
  • Patent number: 11216246
    Abstract: A scalable, distributed load control system for home automation based on a network of microphones may include control devices (e.g., load control devices) that may include microphones for monitoring the system and communicating audio data to a cloud server for processing. The control devices of the load control system may receive a single voice command and may be configured to choose one of the load control devices to transmit the voice command to the cloud server. The load control devices may be configured to receive a voice command, control a connected load according to the voice command if the voice command is a validated command, and transmit the voice command to a voice service in the cloud if the voice command is not a validated command. The voice service to which the load control devices transmit audio data to may be selectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Rhodes B. Baker, Matthew V. Harte, Jeffrey Karc, Galen E. Knode, John B. Nill, Jaykrishna A. Shukla
  • Publication number: 20210400470
    Abstract: Devices that record data from a space, such as audio or video devices having microphones and/or cameras, may have a privacy mode which allows a user to temporarily prevent the device from recoding audio or video of the space. The privacy mode may be a privacy cover, button, airgap, or other mechanism to obfuscate the acoustic or video signal, or to remove power and/or communication from the camera, microphone, control circuit, or to the entire device itself. Additionally, the privacy mode may be remotely enabled for multiple devices in a space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Rhodes B. Baker, Jeffrey Karc, Galen E. Knode, Robert C. Newman, JR., John B. Nill
  • Publication number: 20210368607
    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: August 2, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Karc, Ankit Bhutani, Galen Edgar Knode, Jamie Steffie