Patents by Inventor Walter S. Zaharchuk
Walter S. Zaharchuk 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: 11967821Abstract: A load control system for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to a plurality of electrical load includes a plurality of independent units responsive to a broadcast controller. Each independent unit includes at least one commander and at least one energy controller for controlling at least one of the electrical loads in response to a control signal received from the commander. The independent units are configured and operate independent of each other. The broadcast controller transmits wireless signals to the energy controllers of the independent units. The energy controllers do not respond to control signals received from the commanders of other independent units, but the energy controllers of both independent units respond to the wireless signals transmitted by broadcast controller. The energy controller may operate in different operating modes in response to the wireless signals transmitted by the broadcast controller.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Walter S. Zaharchuk, Timothy S. Majewski, Christopher Buck, Daniel Vander Valk, John H. Bull, Joel S. Spira
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Publication number: 20230131904Abstract: A controller comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between an AC power source and a load control device. The controller also comprises a control circuit coupled to the controllably conductive device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive each half-cycle of the AC power source to generate a phase-control voltage. The control circuit is operable to render the controllably conductive device conductive for a portion of each half-cycle of the AC power source. The control circuit is operable to transmit a digital message to the load control device for controlling the power delivered to the load by encoding digital information in timing edges of the phase-control voltage, where the phase-control voltage having at least one timing edge in each half-cycle of the AC power source when the control circuit is transmitting the digital message to the load control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2022Publication date: April 27, 2023Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Mark S. Taipale, James P. Steiner, Walter S. Zaharchuk, Michael W. Pessina, Joel S. Spira
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Patent number: 11564320Abstract: An electrical outlet may be stored (e.g., stocked at a manufacturer and/or a warehouse) in a bulk form and may be constructed to have a desired color, finish, and/or material prior to shipment to a customer. The outlet may comprise a rear bezel portion having a front surface with openings configured to receive blades of a plug of an electrical device for electrically connecting the electrical device to a power source and a front bezel portion configured to be mounted over the rear bezel portion. The rear bezel portion may have openings aligned with the respective openings of the rear bezel portion for receiving the blades of the plug. In addition, the electrical outlet may have a temporary bezel when stocked at the manufacturer and/or the warehouse. The temporary bezel may be removed from the outlet and a permanent bezel may be installed on the outlet prior to shipment.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2020Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Walter S. Zaharchuk, Jason Edwards Jennings, Jason O. Adams, Jonathan Dersch, Matt Rad, Karla Sabram
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Patent number: 11540379Abstract: A controller comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between an AC power source and a load control device. The controller also comprises a control circuit coupled to the controllably conductive device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive each half-cycle of the AC power source to generate a phase-control voltage. The control circuit is operable to render the controllably conductive device conductive for a portion of each half-cycle of the AC power source. The control circuit is operable to transmit a digital message to the load control device for controlling the power delivered to the load by encoding digital information in timing edges of the phase-control voltage, where the phase-control voltage having at least one timing edge in each half-cycle of the AC power source when the control circuit is transmitting the digital message to the load control device.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Mark S. Taipale, James P. Steiner, Walter S. Zaharchuk, Michael W. Pessina, Joel S. Spira
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Patent number: 11293223Abstract: A load control system for a building having a lighting load, a window, and a heating and cooling system comprises a lighting control device, a daylight control device, and a temperature control device operable to be controlled so as to decrease a total power consumption of the load control system in an energy-savings mode. The energy-savings mode can be manually overridden in response to actuation of the actuator of an input control device, such that the load control system enters a manual mode for manually adjusting the loads controlled by the lighting control device, the daylight control device, and the temperature control device. The load control system is operable to automatically return to the energy-savings mode at a time after the load control system entered the manual mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2020Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Gregory S. Altonen, William B. Fricke, Elliot G. Jacoby, Michael W. Pessina, Walter S. Zaharchuk, Joel S. Spira
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Publication number: 20210265720Abstract: A wireless communication device for use in a load control system for controlling one or more electrical loads may comprise a counterpoise, a first and second antennas, a RF communication circuit and a control circuit. The two antennas may be oriented differently and spaced apart from each other. For example, the first antenna may extend perpendicularly from the counterpoise while the second antenna extends in a plane substantially parallel to the counterpoise. The first antenna may extend from the counterpoise at a point substantially central to the counterpoise while the second antenna may extend along a perimeter of the counterpoise. The RF communication circuit may transmit wireless signals via the first and second antennas. The control circuit may cause the RF communication circuit to transmit a first wireless signal in a first time slot and a second wireless signal in a second time slot.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2021Publication date: August 26, 2021Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Benjamin F. Bard, Robert Bollinger, Jr., Donald R. Mosebrook, Walter S. Zaharchuk
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Publication number: 20210242715Abstract: A load control system for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to a plurality of electrical load includes a plurality of independent units responsive to a broadcast controller. Each independent unit includes at least one commander and at least one energy controller for controlling at least one of the electrical loads in response to a control signal received from the commander. The independent units are configured and operate independent of each other. The broadcast controller transmits wireless signals to the energy controllers of the independent units. The energy controllers do not respond to control signals received from the commanders of other independent units, but the energy controllers of both independent units respond to the wireless signals transmitted by broadcast controller. The energy controller may operate in different operating modes in response to the wireless signals transmitted by the broadcast controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2021Publication date: August 5, 2021Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Walter S. Zaharchuk, Timothy S. Majewski, Christopher Buck, Daniel Vander Valk, John H. Bull, Joel S. Spira
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Patent number: 11005264Abstract: A load control system for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to a plurality of electrical load includes a plurality of independent units responsive to a broadcast controller. Each independent unit includes at least one commander and at least one energy controller for controlling at least one of the electrical loads in response to a control signal received from the commander. The independent units are configured and operate independent of each other. The broadcast controller transmits wireless signals to the energy controllers of the independent units. The energy controllers do not respond to control signals received from the commanders of other independent units, but the energy controllers of both independent units respond to the wireless signals transmitted by broadcast controller. The energy controller may operate in different operating modes in response to the wireless signals transmitted by the broadcast controller.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Walter S. Zaharchuk, Timothy S. Majewski, Christopher Buck, Daniel Vander Valk, John H. Bull, Joel S. Spira
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Patent number: 11005159Abstract: A wireless communication device for use in a load control system for controlling one or more electrical loads may comprise a counterpoise, a first and second antennas, a RF communication circuit and a control circuit. The two antennas may be oriented differently and spaced apart from each other. For example, the first antenna may extend perpendicularly from the counterpoise while the second antenna extends in a plane substantially parallel to the counterpoise. The first antenna may extend from the counterpoise at a point substantially central to the counterpoise while the second antenna may extend along a perimeter of the counterpoise. The RF communication circuit may transmit wireless signals via the first and second antennas. The control circuit may cause the RF communication circuit to transmit a first wireless signal in a first time slot and a second wireless signal in a second time slot.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2016Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Benjamin F. Bard, Robert Bollinger, Jr., Donald R. Mosebrook, Walter S. Zaharchuk
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Publication number: 20210111559Abstract: A load control system for a building having a lighting load, a window, and a heating and cooling system comprises a lighting control device, a daylight control device, and a temperature control device operable to be controlled so as to decrease a total power consumption of the load control system in an energy-savings mode. The energy-savings mode can be manually overridden in response to actuation of the actuator of an input control device, such that the load control system enters a manual mode for manually adjusting the loads controlled by the lighting control device, the daylight control device, and the temperature control device. The load control system is operable to automatically return to the energy-savings mode at a time after the load control system entered the manual mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Gregory S. Altonen, William B. Fricke, Elliot G. Jacoby, Michael W. Pessina, Walter S. Zaharchuk, Joel S. Spira
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Patent number: 10756541Abstract: A load control system for a building having a lighting load, a window, and a heating and cooling system comprises a lighting control device, a daylight control device, and a temperature control device operable to be controlled so as to decrease a total power consumption of the load control system in an energy-savings mode. The energy-savings mode can be manually overridden in response to actuation of the actuator of an input control device, such that the load control system enters a manual mode for manually adjusting the loads controlled by the lighting control device, the daylight control device, and the temperature control device. The load control system is operable to automatically return to the energy-savings mode at a time after the load control system entered the manual mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Gregory S. Altonen, William B. Fricke, Elliot G. Jacoby, Michael W. Pessina, Walter S. Zaharchuk, Joel S. Spira
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Publication number: 20200214115Abstract: A controller comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between an AC power source and a load control device. The controller also comprises a control circuit coupled to the controllably conductive device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive each half-cycle of the AC power source to generate a phase-control voltage. The control circuit is operable to render the controllably conductive device conductive for a portion of each half-cycle of the AC power source. The control circuit is operable to transmit a digital message to the load control device for controlling the power delivered to the load by encoding digital information in timing edges of the phase-control voltage, where the phase-control voltage having at least one timing edge in each half-cycle of the AC power source when the control circuit is transmitting the digital message to the load control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2020Publication date: July 2, 2020Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Mark S. Taipale, James P. Steiner, Walter S. Zaharchuk, Michael W. Pessina, Joel S. Spira
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Patent number: 10609792Abstract: A controller comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between an AC power source and a load control device. The controller also comprises a control circuit coupled to the controllably conductive device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive each half-cycle of the AC power source to generate a phase-control voltage. The control circuit is operable to render the controllably conductive device conductive for a portion of each half-cycle of the AC power source. The control circuit is operable to transmit a digital message to the load control device for controlling the power delivered to the load by encoding digital information in timing edges of the phase-control voltage, where the phase-control voltage having at least one timing edge in each half-cycle of the AC power source when the control circuit is transmitting the digital message to the load control device.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2019Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Mark S. Taipale, James P. Steiner, Walter S. Zaharchuk, Michael W. Pessina, Joel S. Spira
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Publication number: 20200076191Abstract: A load control system for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to a plurality of electrical load includes a plurality of independent units responsive to a broadcast controller. Each independent unit includes at least one commander and at least one energy controller for controlling at least one of the electrical loads in response to a control signal received from the commander. The independent units are configured and operate independent of each other. The broadcast controller transmits wireless signals to the energy controllers of the independent units. The energy controllers do not respond to control signals received from the commanders of other independent units, but the energy controllers of both independent units respond to the wireless signals transmitted by broadcast controller. The energy controller may operate in different operating modes in response to the wireless signals transmitted by the broadcast controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2019Publication date: March 5, 2020Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Walter S. Zaharchuk, Timothy S. Majewski, Christopher Buck, Daniel Vander Valk, John H. Bull, Joel S. Spira
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Patent number: 10447036Abstract: A load control system for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to a plurality of electrical load includes a plurality of independent units responsive to a broadcast controller. Each independent unit includes at least one commander and at least one energy controller for controlling at least one of the electrical loads in response to a control signal received from the commander. The independent units are configured and operate independent of each other. The broadcast controller transmits wireless signals to the energy controllers of the independent units. The energy controllers do not respond to control signals received from the commanders of other independent units, but the energy controllers of both independent units respond to the wireless signals transmitted by broadcast controller. The energy controller may operate in different operating modes in response to the wireless signals transmitted by the broadcast controller.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLCInventors: Walter S. Zaharchuk, Timothy S. Majewski, Christopher Buck, Daniel Vander Valk, John H. Bull, Joel S. Spira
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Publication number: 20190182937Abstract: A controller comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between an AC power source and a load control device. The controller also comprises a control circuit coupled to the controllably conductive device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive each half-cycle of the AC power source to generate a phase-control voltage. The control circuit is operable to render the controllably conductive device conductive for a portion of each half-cycle of the AC power source. The control circuit is operable to transmit a digital message to the load control device for controlling the power delivered to the load by encoding digital information in timing edges of the phase-control voltage, where the phase-control voltage having at least one timing edge in each half-cycle of the AC power source when the control circuit is transmitting the digital message to the load control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2019Publication date: June 13, 2019Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Taipale, James P. Steiner, Walter S. Zaharchuk, Michael W. Pessina, Joel S. Spira
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Patent number: 10231317Abstract: A controller comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between an AC power source and a load control device. The controller also comprises a control circuit coupled to the controllably conductive device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive each half-cycle of the AC power source to generate a phase-control voltage. The control circuit is operable to render the controllably conductive device conductive for a portion of each half-cycle of the AC power source. The control circuit is operable to transmit a digital message to the load control device for controlling the power delivered to the load by encoding digital information in timing edges of the phase-control voltage, where the phase-control voltage having at least one timing edge in each half-cycle of the AC power source when the control circuit is transmitting the digital message to the load control device.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2017Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventors: Mark S. Taipale, James P. Steiner, Walter S. Zaharchuk, Michael W. Pessina, Joel S. Spira
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Publication number: 20180287385Abstract: A load control system for a building having a lighting load, a window, and a heating and cooling system comprises a lighting control device, a daylight control device, and a temperature control device operable to be controlled so as to decrease a total power consumption of the load control system in an energy-savings mode. The energy-savings mode can be manually overridden in response to actuation of the actuator of an input control device, such that the load control system enters a manual mode for manually adjusting the loads controlled by the lighting control device, the daylight control device, and the temperature control device. The load control system is operable to automatically return to the energy-savings mode at a time after the load control system entered the manual mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2018Publication date: October 4, 2018Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Gregory S. Altonen, William B. Fricke, Elliot G. Jacoby, Michael W. Pessina, Walter S. Zaharchuk, Joel S. Spira
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Patent number: 9991710Abstract: A load control system for a building having a lighting load, a window, and a heating and cooling system comprises a lighting control device, a daylight control device, and a temperature control device operable to be controlled so as to decrease a total power consumption of the load control system in an energy-savings mode. The energy-savings mode can be manually overridden in response to actuation of the actuator of an input control device, such that the load control system enters a manual mode for manually adjusting the loads controlled by the lighting control device, the daylight control device, and the temperature control device. The load control system is operable to automatically return to the energy-savings mode at a time after the load control system entered the manual mode.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Gregory Altonen, William Bryce Fricke, Elliot G. Jacoby, Michael W. Pessina, Walter S. Zaharchuk, Joel S. Spira
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Publication number: 20170245353Abstract: A controller comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between an AC power source and a load control device. The controller also comprises a control circuit coupled to the controllably conductive device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive each half-cycle of the AC power source to generate a phase-control voltage. The control circuit is operable to render the controllably conductive device conductive for a portion of each half-cycle of the AC power source. The control circuit is operable to transmit a digital message to the load control device for controlling the power delivered to the load by encoding digital information in timing edges of the phase-control voltage, where the phase-control voltage having at least one timing edge in each half-cycle of the AC power source when the control circuit is transmitting the digital message to the load control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2017Publication date: August 24, 2017Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Taipale, James P. Steiner, Walter S. Zaharchuk, Michael W. Pessina, Joel S. Spira