Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Shearer
Thomas M. Shearer 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: 20190342984Abstract: A load control device may be configured to control multiple characteristics of one or more electrical loads such as the intensity and color of a lighting load. The load control device may include concentric rotating portions for adjusting the multiple characteristics. A control circuit of the load control device may be configured to generate control data for controlling one or more of the characteristics of the electrical loads in response to rotations of the concentric rotating portions. The control circuit may be further configured to provide feedback regarding the control being applied on one or more visual indicators. The load control device may be a wall-mounted dimmer device or a battery-powered remote control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2019Publication date: November 7, 2019Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Chris Dimberg, Thomas M. Shearer, Daniel L. Twaddell
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Publication number: 20190327818Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide examples of an electrical panel (e.g., a modular electrical panel) that is configured to control a plurality of electrical loads. The electrical panel may include a control circuit, memory, a communication circuit, and an alternating current (AC) line feed and/or a direct current (DC) line feed. The electrical panel may also include a plurality of power supplies and a plurality of control modules, where more than one control module is associated with each of the plurality of power supplies. Each control module may configured to receive DC power from the associated power supply and provide an output voltage to at least one electrical load. The electrical panel provides flexibility as to whether each stage of conversion, regulation, and/or control is performed at a control module located within the electrical panel or performed at an accessory module located at an electrical load.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2019Publication date: October 24, 2019Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Stuart W. DeJonge, Robert C. Newman, JR., Matthew W. Nuhfer, Michael W. Pessina, Thomas M. Shearer
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Patent number: 10420185Abstract: Methods and systems may be used for controlling the color temperature of one or more light sources (e.g., discrete-spectrum light sources) based on fixture capability information. Fixture capability information may be obtained using a configuration tool. The fixture capability information may be determined by the configuration tool, and the fixture capability information determined by the configuration tool may be stored and/or processed. The fixture may have a memory for storing the fixture capability information. The fixture capability information may also be stored in a remote network device. A system controller may obtain the fixture capability information from the fixture or the remote control device. The system controller may generate control instructions based on the fixture capability information and send the control instructions to the fixtures.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2017Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Ethan Charles Biery, Craig Alan Casey, Venkatesh Chitta, Brent Protzman, Thomas M. Shearer, Mark S. Taipale
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Patent number: 10375803Abstract: A load control device may be configured to control multiple characteristics of one or more electrical loads such as the intensity and color of a lighting load. The load control device may include concentric rotating portions for adjusting the multiple characteristics. A control circuit of the load control device may be configured to generate control data for controlling one or more of the characteristics of the electrical loads in response to rotations of the concentric rotating portions. The control circuit may be further configured to provide feedback regarding the control being applied on one or more visual indicators. The load control device may be a wall-mounted dimmer device or a battery-powered remote control device.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Chris Dimberg, Thomas M. Shearer, Daniel L. Twaddell
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Patent number: 10342100Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide examples of an electrical panel (e.g., a modular electrical panel) that is configured to control a plurality of electrical loads. The electrical panel may include a control circuit, memory, a communication circuit, and an alternating current (AC) line feed and/or a direct current (DC) line feed. The electrical panel may also include a plurality of power supplies and a plurality of control modules, where more than one control module is associated with each of the plurality of power supplies. Each control module may configured to receive DC power from the associated power supply and provide an output voltage to at least one electrical load. The electrical panel provides flexibility as to whether each stage of conversion, regulation, and/or control is performed at a control module located within the electrical panel or performed at an accessory module located at an electrical load.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2018Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Stuart W. DeJonge, Robert C. Newman, Jr., Matthew W. Nuhfer, Michael W. Pessina, Thomas M. Shearer
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Publication number: 20190008022Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide examples of an electrical panel (e.g., a modular electrical panel) that is configured to control a plurality of electrical loads. The electrical panel may include a control circuit, memory, a communication circuit, and an alternating current (AC) line feed and/or a direct current (DC) line feed. The electrical panel may also include a plurality of power supplies and a plurality of control modules, where more than one control module is associated with each of the plurality of power supplies. Each control module may configured to receive DC power from the associated power supply and provide an output voltage to at least one electrical load. The electrical panel provides flexibility as to whether each stage of conversion, regulation, and/or control is performed at a control module located within the electrical panel or performed at an accessory module located at an electrical load.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2018Publication date: January 3, 2019Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Stuart W. DeJonge, Robert C. Newman, JR., Matthew W. Nuhfer, Michael W. Pessina, Thomas M. Shearer
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Publication number: 20180279441Abstract: Controlling the color temperature of a composite light source including at least one discrete-spectrum light source is disclosed. For example, the color temperature of a composite light source including at least one discrete-spectrum light source may be determined and/or adjusted based on one or more of the ambient color temperature of a space, the actual temperature of the space, the relative brightness of the space, the occupancy of the space, a time clock, a demand response command (e.g., from an electrical utility), the absolute location of the composite light source, the location of the composite light source relative to other light sources, inputs from a camera or other external devices, the operation of appliances or other machines in the vicinity of the composite light source, media content being utilized in the vicinity of the composite light source, and/or other sensor inputs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2018Publication date: September 27, 2018Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. Shearer, Arya Abraham, Ethan C. Biery, Timothy P. Gredler, Juha Mikko Hakkarainen
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Publication number: 20180168019Abstract: A visible light sensor may be configured to sense environmental characteristics of a space using an image of the space. The visible light sensor may be controlled in one or more modes, including a daylight glare sensor mode, a daylighting sensor mode, a color sensor mode, and/or an occupancy/vacancy sensor mode. In the daylight glare sensor mode, the visible light sensor may be configured to decrease or eliminate glare within a space. In the daylighting sensor mode and the color sensor mode, the visible light sensor may be configured to provide a preferred amount of light and color temperature, respectively, within the space. In the occupancy/vacancy sensor mode, the visible light sensor may be configured to detect an occupancy/vacancy condition within the space and adjust one or more control devices according to the occupation or vacancy of the space. The visible light sensor may be configured to protect the privacy of users within the space via software, a removable module, and/or a special sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2017Publication date: June 14, 2018Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Rhodes B. Baker, Craig Alan Casey, Galen Edgar Knode, Brent Protzman, Thomas M. Shearer, James P. Steiner
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Publication number: 20180160502Abstract: A load control device may be configured to provide a user interface for controlling the intensity and/or color of one or more lighting loads. The user interface may include separate actuation members for setting the intensity and/or color of the lighting loads. The user interface may include one actuation member configured to operate in an intensity and/or color control mode. The control mode of the actuation member may be set via a button, a lever, a rotary switch, a rotary knob, etc. The user interface may include a touch sensitive element capable of sensing a user's touch and translate the touch into a control signal. Feedback may be provided on the user interface to indicate the type of control being adjusted and/or amount of control being applied to the lighting loads.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2017Publication date: June 7, 2018Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Craig Alan Casey, Thomas M. Shearer
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Publication number: 20180160491Abstract: Methods and systems may be used for controlling the color temperature of one or more light sources (e.g., discrete-spectrum light sources) based on fixture capability information. Fixture capability information may be obtained using a configuration tool. The fixture capability information may be determined by the configuration tool, and the fixture capability information determined by the configuration tool may be stored and/or processed. The fixture may have a memory for storing the fixture capability information. The fixture capability information may also be stored in a remote network device. A system controller may obtain the fixture capability information from the fixture or the remote control device. The system controller may generate control instructions based on the fixture capability information and send the control instructions to the fixtures.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2017Publication date: June 7, 2018Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Ethan Charles Biery, Craig Alan Casey, Venkatesh Chitta, Brent Protzman, Thomas M. Shearer, Mark S. Taipale
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Patent number: 9992841Abstract: Controlling the color temperature of a composite light source including at least one discrete-spectrum light source is disclosed. For example, the color temperature of a composite light source including at least one discrete-spectrum light source may be determined and/or adjusted based on one or more of the ambient color temperature of a space, the actual temperature of the space, the relative brightness of the space, the occupancy of the space, a time clock, a demand response command (e.g., from an electrical utility), the absolute location of the composite light source, the location of the composite light source relative to other light sources, inputs from a camera or other external devices, the operation of appliances or other machines in the vicinity of the composite light source, media content being utilized in the vicinity of the composite light source, and/or other sensor inputs.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2017Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. Shearer, Arya Abraham, Ethan Charles Biery, Timothy P. Gredler, Juha Mikko Hakkarainen
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Publication number: 20180027630Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide examples of an electrical panel (e.g., a modular electrical panel) that is configured to control a plurality of electrical loads. The electrical panel may include a control circuit, memory, a communication circuit, and an alternating current (AC) line feed and/or a direct current (DC) line feed. The electrical panel may also include a plurality of power supplies and a plurality of control modules, where more than one control module is associated with each of the plurality of power supplies. Each control module may configured to receive DC power from the associated power supply and provide an output voltage to at least one electrical load. The electrical panel provides flexibility as to whether each stage of conversion, regulation, and/or control is performed at a control module located within the electrical panel or performed at an accessory module located at an electrical load.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2017Publication date: January 25, 2018Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Stuart W. DeJonge, Robert C. Newman, Matthew W. Nuhfer, Michael W. Pessina, Thomas M. Shearer
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Publication number: 20170354011Abstract: A control device may be configured to control an amount of power delivered to one or more electrical loads and provide various feedback associated with the control device and/or the electrical loads. The control device may be a wall-mounted device or a battery-powered remote control device. The feedback may indicate the amount of power delivered to the one or more electrical loads. The feedback may also indicate a low battery condition. The control device may include a light bar and/or one or more indicator lights for providing the feedback.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Chris Dimberg, Jason C. Killo, Matthew Philip McDonald, Thomas M. Shearer, Daniel L. Twaddell
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Publication number: 20170354012Abstract: A battery-powered control device may be configured to control an amount of power delivered to one or more electrical loads and provide various feedback associated with the control device and/or the electrical loads. The feedback may indicate a low battery condition and/or the amount of power delivered to the one or more electrical loads. The control device may include a light bar and/or one or more indicator lights for providing the feedback. The control device may operate in different modes including a normal mode and a low battery mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Benjamin F. Bard, Chris Dimberg, Jason C. Killo, Matthew Philip McDonald, Thomas M. Shearer, Daniel L. Twaddell
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Publication number: 20170354021Abstract: A load control device may be configured to control multiple characteristics of one or more electrical loads such as the intensity and color of a lighting load. The load control device may include concentric rotating portions for adjusting the multiple characteristics. A control circuit of the load control device may be configured to generate control data for controlling one or more of the characteristics of the electrical loads in response to rotations of the concentric rotating portions. The control circuit may be further configured to provide feedback regarding the control being applied on one or more visual indicators. The load control device may be a wall-mounted dimmer device or a battery-powered remote control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Chris Dimberg, Thomas M. Shearer, Daniel L. Twaddell
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Publication number: 20170238392Abstract: Controlling the color temperature of a composite light source including at least one discrete-spectrum light source is disclosed. For example, the color temperature of a composite light source including at least one discrete-spectrum light source may be determined and/or adjusted based on one or more of the ambient color temperature of a space, the actual temperature of the space, the relative brightness of the space, the occupancy of the space, a time clock, a demand response command (e.g., from an electrical utility), the absolute location of the composite light source, the location of the composite light source relative to other light sources, inputs from a camera or other external devices, the operation of appliances or other machines in the vicinity of the composite light source, media content being utilized in the vicinity of the composite light source, and/or other sensor inputs.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2017Publication date: August 17, 2017Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. Shearer, Arya Abraham, Ethan Charles Biery, Timothy P. Gredler, Juha Mikko Hakkarainen
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Patent number: 9668315Abstract: Controlling the color temperature of a composite light source including at least one discrete-spectrum light source is disclosed. For example, the color temperature of a composite light source including at least one discrete-spectrum light source may be determined and/or adjusted based on one or more of the ambient color temperature of a space, the actual temperature of the space, the relative brightness of the space, the occupancy of the space, a time clock, a demand response command (e.g., from an electrical utility), the absolute location of the composite light source, the location of the composite light source relative to other light sources, inputs from a camera or other external devices, the operation of appliances or other machines in the vicinity of the composite light source, media content being utilized in the vicinity of the composite light source, and/or other sensor inputs.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2016Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventors: Thomas M. Shearer, Arya Abraham, Ethan Charles Biery, Timothy P. Gredler, Juha Mikko Hakkarainen
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Publication number: 20170064791Abstract: Controlling the color temperature of a composite light source including at least one discrete-spectrum light source is disclosed. For example, the color temperature of a composite light source including at least one discrete-spectrum light source may be determined and/or adjusted based on one or more of the ambient color temperature of a space, the actual temperature of the space, the relative brightness of the space, the occupancy of the space, a time clock, a demand response command (e.g., from an electrical utility), the absolute location of the composite light source, the location of the composite light source relative to other light sources, inputs from a camera or other external devices, the operation of appliances or other machines in the vicinity of the composite light source, media content being utilized in the vicinity of the composite light source, and/or other sensor inputs.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. Shearer, Arya Abraham, Ethan Charles Biery, Timothy P. Gredler, Juha Mikko Hakkarainen
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Patent number: 9538603Abstract: Controlling the color temperature of a composite light source including at least one discrete-spectrum light source is disclosed. For example, the color temperature of a composite light source including at least one discrete-spectrum light source may be determined and/or adjusted based on one or more of the ambient color temperature of a space, the actual temperature of the space, the relative brightness of the space, the occupancy of the space, a time clock, a demand response command (e.g., from an electrical utility), the absolute location of the composite light source, the location of the composite light source relative to other light sources, inputs from a camera or other external devices, the operation of appliances or other machines in the vicinity of the composite light source, media content being utilized in the vicinity of the composite light source, and/or other sensor inputs.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2014Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventors: Thomas M. Shearer, Arya Abraham, Ethan Charles Biery, Timothy P. Gredler, Juha Mikko Hakkarainen
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Patent number: 9035563Abstract: A system for configuring at least one output parameter of a lighting load power supply, the lighting load power supply having a programmable controller for regulating the output parameter to a target value and having a memory for storing a variable for setting the target value of the output parameter, the power supply having a communication port for receiving data for setting the target value, the system comprising a computer executing software allowing a user to select a target value of an output parameter of the lighting load power supply and having a first port providing data related to the selected output parameter; and a programming device having a second port in communication with the first port of said computer and for providing data relating to said selected output parameter in a form usable by said lighting load power supply to said communication port of said lighting load power supply for programming said programmable controller to set the output parameter to the selected target value.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2014Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventors: Matthew W. Nuhfer, Thomas M. Shearer, Venkatesh Chitta