Patents by Inventor Richard A. Leinen
Richard A. Leinen 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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Patent number: 11924946Abstract: An occupancy sensing system and/or an occupancy sensor including a transmitter arranged and configured to provide a verbal (i.e., audio) notification before changing a state of a load such as, for example, turning OFF a load (e.g., lights, etc.) coupled thereto. In some embodiments, at a predetermined period of time prior to changing the state of the load, the occupancy sensor emits a verbal notification to elicit feedback from any occupant who may be present in the monitored space. In response, the occupant may respond with a verbal confirmation and/or by moving. In some embodiments, the transmitter may be a speaker for transmitting a verbal notification. Alternatively, the transmitter may be a wireless transmitter for communicating with a remote device for relaying the verbal notification.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co. Inc.Inventor: Richard A. Leinen
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Patent number: 10548204Abstract: An advanced lighting control system including systems for commissioning a network of lighting fixtures preferably includes a plurality of lighting fixtures, each having a sensor and control module. The sensor and control module includes occupancy and light sensing elements, and a first transceiver. The lighting fixtures can send wireless signals to a second transceiver located in a room controller and/or a network coordinator. The room controller being configured to interpret the occupancy and light sensing information and make decisions thereon, while the network coordinator can rank the lighting fixtures according to a determined signal strength. The network coordinator can command each of the lighting fixtures to illuminate, and based on an observation of the lighting fixture, a determination is made about whether the lighting fixture is located in a particular room. The network coordinator can also include a third transceiver for receiving wireless commands from a remote device.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2018Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Leinen, Robert L. Hick
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Patent number: 10542605Abstract: A control system including an input component configured to receive an input and generate control information in response to the input; a communication link coupled to the input component; and a plurality of control components, each of the control components coupled to the input component through the communication link and configured to receive the control information and to actuate an associated actuator in response to the control information.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2017Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Leinen, David E. Burgess, Scott Alexander Anderson, Kevin Parsons
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Patent number: 10492275Abstract: A system and method provide fail-safe operation of a lighting system. A lighting level detector is used to obtain a baseline lighting level for a low-intensity light. If the detector measures less than the baseline level when an occupancy sensor determines the space is unoccupied, a high-intensity light is energized and an indication is provided to a user that the low-intensity light has failed. A method provides daylighting operation of a lighting system. An occupancy sensor can have Wi-Fi functionality to enable remote configuration of the sensor. A line voltage occupancy sensor can include an interface with low voltage devices. An occupancy sensor can include an integral interface to enable an external control system to override the sensor's normal logic under emergency conditions. An occupancy sensor can include an active temperature compensation feature. An occupancy sensor can also incorporate an automatically adjustable coverage area.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2019Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Leinen, Brian Carberry, David Buerer, Jaiganesh Balasubramanian
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Publication number: 20190239313Abstract: A system and method provide fail-safe operation of a lighting system. A lighting level detector is used to obtain a baseline lighting level for a low-intensity light. If the detector measures less than the baseline level when an occupancy sensor determines the space is unoccupied, a high-intensity light is energized and an indication is provided to a user that the low-intensity light has failed. A method provides daylighting operation of a lighting system. An occupancy sensor can have Wi-Fi functionality to enable remote configuration of the sensor. A line voltage occupancy sensor can include an interface with low voltage devices. An occupancy sensor can include an integral interface to enable an external control system to override the sensor's normal logic under emergency conditions. An occupancy sensor can include an active temperature compensation feature. An occupancy sensor can also incorporate an automatically adjustable coverage area.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2019Publication date: August 1, 2019Inventors: Richard A. Leinen, Brian Carberry, David Buerer, Jaiganesh Balasubramanian
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Publication number: 20190132934Abstract: An advanced lighting control system including systems for commissioning a network of lighting fixtures preferably includes a plurality of lighting fixtures, each having a sensor and control module. The sensor and control module includes occupancy and light sensing elements, and a first transceiver. The lighting fixtures can send wireless signals to a second transceiver located in a room controller and/or a network coordinator. The room controller being configured to interpret the occupancy and light sensing information and make decisions thereon, while the network coordinator can rank the lighting fixtures according to a determined signal strength. The network coordinator can command each of the lighting fixtures to illuminate, and based on an observation of the lighting fixture, a determination is made about whether the lighting fixture is located in a particular room. The network coordinator can also include a third transceiver for receiving wireless commands from a remote device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2018Publication date: May 2, 2019Applicant: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.Inventors: Richard A. Leinen, Robert L. Hick
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Patent number: 10201063Abstract: An advanced lighting control system including systems for commissioning a network of lighting fixtures preferably includes a plurality of lighting fixtures, each having a sensor and control module. The sensor and control module includes occupancy and light sensing elements, and a first transceiver. The lighting fixtures can send wireless signals to a second transceiver located in a room controller and/or a network coordinator. The room controller being configured to interpret the occupancy and light sensing information and make decisions thereon, while the network coordinator can rank the lighting fixtures according to a determined signal strength. The network coordinator can command each of the lighting fixtures to illuminate, and based on an observation of the lighting fixture, a determination is made about whether the lighting fixture is located in a particular room. The network coordinator can also include a third transceiver for receiving wireless commands from a remote device.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2018Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.Inventors: Richard A. Leinen, Robert L. Hick
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Publication number: 20180220515Abstract: An advanced lighting control system including systems for commissioning a network of lighting fixtures preferably includes a plurality of lighting fixtures, each having a sensor and control module. The sensor and control module includes occupancy and light sensing elements, and a first transceiver. The lighting fixtures can send wireless signals to a second transceiver located in a room controller and/or a network coordinator. The room controller being configured to interpret the occupancy and light sensing information and make decisions thereon, while the network coordinator can rank the lighting fixtures according to a determined signal strength. The network coordinator can command each of the lighting fixtures to illuminate, and based on an observation of the lighting fixture, a determination is made about whether the lighting fixture is located in a particular room. The network coordinator can also include a third transceiver for receiving wireless commands from a remote device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.Inventors: Richard A. Leinen, Robert L. Hick
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Publication number: 20180136620Abstract: An occupancy sensor is disclosed including a passive infrared (PIR) sensing element, a temperature sensing element, and a processor. The processor receives temperature signals from the temperature sensing element and configures the occupancy sensor into a selected operating mode based the received temperature signal. The operating mode may be associated with a predetermined sensing threshold of the PIR sensing element. The processor controls an associated load based on the selected operating mode and the received occupancy signals. The occupancy sensor can alternatively include an occupancy sensing element and a photodetector. Based on the amount of light detected by the photodetector over time, the occupancy sensor can calculate a rough estimate of time of day, and can automatically adjust one or more sensing and/or operational characteristics based on that time of day determination. A photosensor may implement daylight harvesting based on different light levels associated with different times of day.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2017Publication date: May 17, 2018Applicant: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Hick, Richard A. Leinen
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Patent number: 9961750Abstract: An advanced lighting control system including systems for commissioning a network of lighting fixtures preferably includes a plurality of lighting fixtures, each having a sensor and control module. The sensor and control module includes occupancy and light sensing elements, and a first transceiver. The lighting fixtures can send wireless signals to a second transceiver located in a room controller and/or a network coordinator. The room controller being configured to interpret the occupancy and light sensing information and make decisions thereon, while the network coordinator can rank the lighting fixtures according to a determined signal strength. The network coordinator can command each of the lighting fixtures to illuminate, and based on an observation of the lighting fixture, a determination is made about whether the lighting fixture is located in a particular room. The network coordinator can also include a third transceiver for receiving wireless commands from a remote device.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.Inventors: Richard A. Leinen, Robert L. Hick
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Patent number: 9880534Abstract: An occupancy sensor is disclosed including a passive infrared (PIR) sensing element, a temperature sensing element, and a processor. The processor receives temperature signals from the temperature sensing element and configures the occupancy sensor into a selected operating mode based the received temperature signal. The operating mode may be associated with a predetermined sensing threshold of the PIR sensing element. The processor controls an associated load based on the selected operating mode and the received occupancy signals. The occupancy sensor can alternatively include an occupancy sensing element and a photodetector. Based on the amount of light detected by the photodetector over time, the occupancy sensor can calculate a rough estimate of time of day, and can automatically adjust one or more sensing and/or operational characteristics based on that time of day determination. A photosensor may implement daylight harvesting based on different light levels associated with different times of day.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2014Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.Inventors: Robert L. Hick, Richard A. Leinen
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Publication number: 20170245351Abstract: An advanced lighting control system including systems for commissioning a network of lighting fixtures preferably includes a plurality of lighting fixtures, each having a sensor and control module. The sensor and control module includes occupancy and light sensing elements, and a first transceiver. The lighting fixtures can send wireless signals to a second transceiver located in a room controller and/or a network coordinator. The room controller being configured to interpret the occupancy and light sensing information and make decisions thereon, while the network coordinator can rank the lighting fixtures according to a determined signal strength. The network coordinator can command each of the lighting fixtures to illuminate, and based on an observation of the lighting fixture, a determination is made about whether the lighting fixture is located in a particular room. The network coordinator can also include a third transceiver for receiving wireless commands from a remote device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2017Publication date: August 24, 2017Applicant: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.Inventors: Richard A. Leinen, Robert L. Hick
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Publication number: 20170208665Abstract: A control system including an input component configured to receive an input and generate control information in response to the input; a communication link coupled to the input component; and a plurality of control components, each of the control components coupled to the input component through the communication link and configured to receive the control information and to actuate an associated actuator in response to the control information.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2017Publication date: July 20, 2017Inventors: RICHARD A. LEINEN, DAVID E. BURGESS, SCOTT ALEXANDER ANDERSON, KEVIN PARSONS
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Patent number: 9639068Abstract: A control system including an input component configured to receive an input and generate control information in response to the input; a communication link coupled to the input component; and a plurality of control components, each of the control components coupled to the input component through the communication link and configured to receive the control information and to actuate an associated actuator in response to the control information.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.Inventors: Richard A. Leinen, David E. Burgess, Scott Alexander Anderson, Kevin Parsons
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Patent number: 9596727Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of LED lighting fixtures includes a Power over Ethernet (PoE) LED driver coupleable to a PoE switch via a first power and communication link. The PoE LED driver includes a microcontroller for receiving first power and control signals from the PoE switch and for controlling a first LED driver chip to operate an LED lighting fixture in response thereto. An LED slave controller is connected to the PoE LED driver via a second power and communication link. The LED slave controller includes a second LED driver chip for receiving second power and control signals from the microcontroller to operate an LED lighting fixture in response. The first power and control signals are different from the second power and control signals. The first power and communication link is a CAT5/CAT6 cable. The second power and communication link is a CAT5/CAT6 or other cable type.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2016Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing, Co., Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Leinen, Robert L. Hick, Gregory Galluccio
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Publication number: 20170060160Abstract: A load control system may include a load control device and a load, in which the load control device is adapted and configured to control power supplied to the load. The load may include metrology adapted and configured to determine an amount of power output of the load at each of a plurality of load control levels of the load control device to translate linear load control level to linear power output. In a demand response system, when the load control system is directed to reduce its power consumption by a given amount, the load control device may be changed to an appropriate load control level so that the power consumption of the associated load is reduced by the given amount in the demand response request.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: Richard A. Leinen
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Patent number: 9532435Abstract: A system and method provide fail-safe operation of a lighting system. A lighting level detector is used to obtain a baseline lighting level for a low-intensity light. If the detector measures less than the baseline level when an occupancy sensor determines the space is unoccupied, a high-intensity light is energized and an indication is provided to a user that the low-intensity light has failed. A method provides daylighting operation of a lighting system. An occupancy sensor can have Wi-Fi functionality to enable remote configuration of the sensor. A line voltage occupancy sensor can include an interface with low voltage devices. An occupancy sensor can include an integral interface to enable an external control system to override the sensor's normal logic under emergency conditions. An occupancy sensor can include an active temperature compensation feature. An occupancy sensor can also incorporate an automatically adjustable coverage area.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2015Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventor: Richard A. Leinen
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Publication number: 20160212828Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of LED lighting fixtures includes a Power over Ethernet (PoE) LED driver coupleable to a PoE switch via a first power and communication link. The PoE LED driver includes a microcontroller for receiving first power and control signals from the PoE switch and for controlling a first LED driver chip to operate an LED lighting fixture in response thereto. An LED slave controller is connected to the PoE LED driver via a second power and communication link. The LED slave controller includes a second LED driver chip for receiving second power and control signals from the microcontroller to operate an LED lighting fixture in response. The first power and control signals are different from the second power and control signals. The first power and communication link is a CAT5/CAT6 cable. The second power and communication link is a CAT5/CAT6 or other cable type.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2016Publication date: July 21, 2016Applicant: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.Inventors: Richard A. Leinen, Robert L. Hick, Gregory Galluccio
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Patent number: 9370080Abstract: A system and method provide fail-safe operation of a lighting system. A lighting level detector is used to obtain a baseline lighting level for a low-intensity light. If the detector measures less than the baseline level when an occupancy sensor determines the space is unoccupied, a high-intensity light is energized and an indication is provided to a user that the low-intensity light has failed. A method provides daylighting operation of a lighting system. An occupancy sensor can have Wi-Fi functionality to enable remote configuration of the sensor. A line voltage occupancy sensor can include an interface with low voltage devices. An occupancy sensor can include an integral interface to enable an external control system to override the sensor's normal logic under emergency conditions. An occupancy sensor can include an active temperature compensation feature. An occupancy sensor can also incorporate an automatically adjustable coverage area.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2016Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: LEVITON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.Inventor: Richard A. Leinen
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Patent number: 9370068Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for dimming light emitting diode (LED) lamps. A control unit is coupled to a dimmer and LED lamp. The dimmer receives power from an AC source and determines a phase angle of the AC power. The dimmer provides DC power to the lamp based on the phase angle. The control unit sends a control signal to the dimmer during a first portion of each half sine-wave of the received AC power. The control signal causes the dimmer to modify at least one function of the lamp. A plurality of LED lamps may be associated with a single dimmer, and the dimmer may individually instruct the lamps to modify their operational characteristics. The dimmer may send an operational signal back to the control unit. The operational signal may represent end of life information for the associated LED lamp. Other embodiments are described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: LEVITON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Robert L. Hick, Richard A. Leinen