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).
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Publication number: 20240077900Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Jeffrey Karc, James P. Steiner, William Bryce Fricke
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Publication number: 20240049377Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2023Publication date: February 8, 2024Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Jeffrey Karc, Galen Edgar Knode
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Publication number: 20240032177Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2023Publication date: January 25, 2024Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Jeffrey Karc, Jamie Steffie, Jordan H. Crafts
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Patent number: 11853094Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 18, 2022Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Jeffrey Karc, James P. Steiner, William Bryce Fricke
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Publication number: 20230409282Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Rhodes B. Baker, Matthew V. Harte, Jeffrey Karc, Galen E. Knode, John B. Nill, Jaykrishna A. Shukla
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Publication number: 20230397317Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2023Publication date: December 7, 2023Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Jeffrey Karc, Ankit Bhutani, Galen Edgar Knode, Jamie Steffie
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Patent number: 11825581Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 24, 2020Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Jeffrey Karc, Galen Edgar Knode
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Patent number: 11797268Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 23, 2021Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Rhodes B. Baker, Matthew V. Harte, Jeffrey Karc, Galen E. Knode, John B. Nill, Jaykrishna A. Shukla
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Publication number: 20230046132Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Rhodes B. Baker, Jeffrey Karc, Galen E. Knode, Robert C. Newman, Jr., John B. Nill
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Patent number: 11490248Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 14, 2018Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Rhodes B. Baker, Jeffrey Karc, Galen E. Knode, Robert C. Newman, Jr., John B. Nill
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Publication number: 20220210896Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2022Publication date: June 30, 2022Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Jeffrey Karc, Galen E. Knode, Rhodes B. Baker
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Publication number: 20220171418Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2022Publication date: June 2, 2022Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Jeffrey Karc, James P. Steiner, William Bryce Fricke
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Publication number: 20220141938Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2022Publication date: May 5, 2022Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Jeffrey Karc, Jamie Steffie, Jordan H. Crafts
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Publication number: 20220113936Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2021Publication date: April 14, 2022Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Rhodes B. Baker, Matthew V. Harte, Jeffrey Karc, Galen E. Knode, John B. Nill, Jaykrishna A. Shukla
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Patent number: 11256279Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 27, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Jeffrey Karc, James P. Steiner, William Bryce Fricke
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Patent number: 11229106Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 15, 2020Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Jeffrey Karc, Jamie Steffie, Jordan H. Crafts
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Patent number: 11224112Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 9, 2019Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Jeffrey Karc, Galen E. Knode, Rhodes B. Baker
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Patent number: 11216246Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 19, 2020Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Rhodes B. Baker, Matthew V. Harte, Jeffrey Karc, Galen E. Knode, John B. Nill, Jaykrishna A. Shukla
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Publication number: 20210400470Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2018Publication date: December 23, 2021Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Rhodes B. Baker, Jeffrey Karc, Galen E. Knode, Robert C. Newman, JR., John B. Nill
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Publication number: 20210368607Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2021Publication date: November 25, 2021Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Jeffrey Karc, Ankit Bhutani, Galen Edgar Knode, Jamie Steffie