Patents by Inventor William G. Reed
William G. Reed 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: 11765805Abstract: A system to control solid state light sources, including a photosensor responsive primarily to wavelengths of light outside the emitted light band of wavelengths that the solid state light sources emit when the solid state light sources are in the ON state, and which produces a light level signal representative of a level of sensed light primarily for wavelengths outside of the emitted light band of wavelengths. A set of circuitry receives the light level signal representative of the sensed level of light from the photosensor, determines a contribution by the solid state light sources to the sensed level of light, and uses a compensated light level or a compensated threshold in assessing a dusk condition or a dawn condition when the solid state light sources are in the ON state to compensate for the contribution by the solid state light sources to the sensed level of light.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2022Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Express Imaging Systems, LLCInventors: William G. Reed, Richard Dolf
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Patent number: 11653436Abstract: Systems and methods which leverage the wireless communication capability present in wireless-enabled luminaires where the lamps include a short-range wireless transceiver and can be controlled by a smart appliance. The wireless capability of a luminaire may be paired with a compatible wireless interface system (e.g., adapter system) that allows for control of the luminaire via plug-in or hard-wired photocontrols and wireless network lamp control nodes. An adapter system may be provided that replaces a standard wired receptacle of a luminaire. The adapter system may include a wired interface to the luminaire which provides power to the wireless adapter system. The wireless adapter system may include a receptacle interface that receives a plug of a control node, such as photocontrol or a networked control node. The wireless adapter system may also include a wireless interface circuit that communicates control, status or other data between the connected control device and the luminaire.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2020Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: EXPRESS IMAGING SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Donald Arthur Vendetti, William G. Reed, Richard Dolf
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Publication number: 20220217827Abstract: A system to control solid state light sources, including a photosensor responsive primarily to wavelengths of light outside the emitted light band of wavelengths that the solid state light sources emit when the solid state light sources are in the ON state, and which produces a light level signal representative of a level of sensed light primarily for wavelengths outside of the emitted light band of wavelengths. A set of circuitry receives the light level signal representative of the sensed level of light from the photosensor, determines a contribution by the solid state light sources to the sensed level of light, and uses a compensated light level or a compensated threshold in assessing a dusk condition or a dawn condition when the solid state light sources are in the ON state to compensate for the contribution by the solid state light sources to the sensed level of light.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2022Publication date: July 7, 2022Inventors: William G. Reed, Richard Dolf
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Patent number: 11375599Abstract: Systems and methods which leverage the wireless communication capability present in wireless-enabled luminaires where the lamps include a short-range wireless transceiver and can be controlled by a smart appliance. The wireless capability of a luminaire may be paired with a compatible wireless interface system (e.g., adapter system) that allows for control of the luminaire via plug-in or hard-wired photocontrols and wireless network lamp control nodes. An adapter system may be provided that replaces a standard wired receptacle of a luminaire. The adapter system may include a wired interface to the luminaire which provides power to the wireless adapter system. The wireless adapter system may include a receptacle interface that receives a plug of a control node, such as photocontrol or a networked control node. The wireless adapter system may also include a wireless interface circuit that communicates control, status or other data between the connected control device and the luminaire.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2021Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: EXPRESS IMAGING SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Donald Arthur Vendetti, William G. Reed, Richard Dolf
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Patent number: 11317497Abstract: A system to control solid state light sources, including a photosensor responsive primarily to wavelengths of light outside the emitted light band of wavelengths that the solid state light sources emit when the solid state light sources are in the ON state, and which produces a light level signal representative of a level of sensed light primarily for wavelengths outside of the emitted light band of wavelengths. A set of circuitry receives the light level signal representative of the sensed level of light from the photosensor, determines a contribution by the solid state light sources to the sensed level of light, and uses a compensated light level or a compensated threshold in assessing a dusk condition or a dawn condition when the solid state light sources are in the ON state to compensate for the contribution by the solid state light sources to the sensed level of light.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2020Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: Express Imaging Systems, LLCInventors: William G. Reed, Richard Dolf
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Patent number: 11234304Abstract: A photocontrol circuit includes a set of light level detection circuitry which is powered by a 0 to 10V dimming input. In response to a determination that light sensed in ambient environment is at or below the light level threshold, the light level detection circuitry switches a 0 to 10V dimming input line to approximately 10V, controlling a luminaire to emit maximum light. In response to a determination that light sensed in ambient environment is above the light level threshold, the light level detection circuitry switches the 0 to 10V dimming input line to less than approximately 1 Volt, thereby controlling the luminaire to emit minimum or no light. The photocontrols embodiments described herein advantageously employ the 0 to 10V dimming line as the luminaire control line, and photocontrol power source, unlike previous photocontrols which typically switch the power input to the luminaire. The photocontrol circuit may be housed in a photocontrol module comprising a base and a cover.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2020Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Express Imaging Systems, LLCInventor: William G. Reed
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Patent number: 11212887Abstract: A light having a first set of electrically coupled solid state light sources having a first forward voltage drop and a second set of electrically coupled solid state light sources having a second forward voltage at least approximately matching the first forward voltage drop. The first set and second sets of solid state light sources are electrically coupled in parallel to a constant current source. A resistor is electrically coupled to at least one of the first and second sets of solid state light sources. Control circuitry is operably coupled to control a resistance electrically coupled in series with said at least one of the first set and the second set of solid state light sources to adjust a respective current therethrough and thereby dim said at least one of the first set and the second set of solid state light sources while maintaining the respective forward voltage drops.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2020Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Express Imaging Systems, LLCInventor: William G. Reed
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Publication number: 20210160994Abstract: Systems and methods which leverage the wireless communication capability present in wireless-enabled luminaires where the lamps include a short-range wireless transceiver and can be controlled by a smart appliance. The wireless capability of a luminaire may be paired with a compatible wireless interface system (e.g., adapter system) that allows for control of the luminaire via plug-in or hard-wired photocontrols and wireless network lamp control nodes. An adapter system may be provided that replaces a standard wired receptacle of a luminaire. The adapter system may include a wired interface to the luminaire which provides power to the wireless adapter system. The wireless adapter system may include a receptacle interface that receives a plug of a control node, such as photocontrol or a networked control node. The wireless adapter system may also include a wireless interface circuit that communicates control, status or other data between the connected control device and the luminaire.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2021Publication date: May 27, 2021Inventors: Donald Arthur Vendetti, William G. Reed, Richard Dolf
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Patent number: 11019703Abstract: A shorting cap apparatus is provided for enabling remote application of power, by an external system, to a load connected to the shorting cap apparatus while protecting components of the external system from potential damage due to high inrush current to the load. The shorting cap apparatus comprises a housing, a connector, and inrush current protection circuitry. The connector of the shorting cap apparatus may be connected to a corresponding connector associated with the load. Once the external system applies power, the protection circuitry provides a time delay to allow the load to sufficiently charge via a first set of resistors of the protection circuitry over a period of time before a set of switches of the protection circuitry are transitioned to a conducting state.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2019Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: EXPRESS IMAGING SYSTEMS, LLCInventor: William G. Reed
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Publication number: 20210153331Abstract: Systems and methods which leverage the wireless communication capability present in wireless-enabled luminaires where the lamps include a short-range wireless transceiver and can be controlled by a smart appliance. The wireless capability of a luminaire may be paired with a compatible wireless interface system (e.g., adapter system) that allows for control of the luminaire via plug-in or hard-wired photocontrols and wireless network lamp control nodes. An adapter system may be provided that replaces a standard wired receptacle of a luminaire. The adapter system may include a wired interface to the luminaire which provides power to the wireless adapter system. The wireless adapter system may include a receptacle interface that receives a plug of a control node, such as photocontrol or a networked control node. The wireless adapter system may also include a wireless interface circuit that communicates control, status or other data between the connected control device and the luminaire.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2020Publication date: May 20, 2021Inventors: Donald Arthur Vendetti, William G. Reed, Richard Dolf
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Publication number: 20210136886Abstract: A light having a first set of electrically coupled solid state light sources having a first forward voltage drop and a second set of electrically coupled solid state light sources having a second forward voltage at least approximately matching the first forward voltage drop. The first set and second sets of solid state light sources are electrically coupled in parallel to a constant current source. A resistor is electrically coupled to at least one of the first and second sets of solid state light sources. Control circuitry is operably coupled to control a resistance electrically coupled in series with said at least one of the first set and the second set of solid state light sources to adjust a respective current therethrough and thereby dim said at least one of the first set and the second set of solid state light sources while maintaining the respective forward voltage drops.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventor: William G. Reed
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Patent number: 10932343Abstract: A protection system and operating method thereof promotes the longevity of components of a control subsystem. The protection apparatus may include a first connector for connecting to the control system and a second connector for connecting to a target system. The protection apparatus detects states of a component of the control subsystem over time and causes a state transition of a switching circuit of the protection apparatus based on the detected states of the control subsystem. The state transition of the switching circuit of the protection system may be initiated after a defined period of time has elapsed after detecting states of the control subsystem component. The state transition of the switching circuit may be a transition between an open state in which power is not provided to a node of the second connector and a closed state in which power is provided to the node of the second connector.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2019Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: EXPRESS IMAGING SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: William G. Reed, Dale H. DeGraff, Richard Dolf, Donald Arthur Vendetti
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Patent number: 10904992Abstract: Systems and methods which leverage the wireless communication capability present in wireless-enabled luminaires where the lamps include a short-range wireless transceiver and can be controlled by a smart appliance. The wireless capability of a luminaire may be paired with a compatible wireless interface system (e.g., adapter system) that allows for control of the luminaire via plug-in or hard-wired photocontrols and wireless network lamp control nodes. An adapter system may be provided that replaces a standard wired receptacle of a luminaire. The adapter system may include a wired interface to the luminaire which provides power to the wireless adapter system. The wireless adapter system may include a receptacle interface that receives a plug of a control node, such as photocontrol or a networked control node. The wireless adapter system may also include a wireless interface circuit that communicates control, status or other data between the connected control device and the luminaire.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2020Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: EXPRESS IMAGING SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Donald Arthur Vendetti, Richard Dolf, William G. Reed
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Publication number: 20200404763Abstract: A system to control solid state light sources, including a photosensor responsive primarily to wavelengths of light outside the emitted light band of wavelengths that the solid state light sources emit when the solid state light sources are in the ON state, and which produces a light level signal representative of a level of sensed light primarily for wavelengths outside of the emitted light band of wavelengths. A set of circuitry receives the light level signal representative of the sensed level of light from the photosensor, determines a contribution by the solid state light sources to the sensed level of light, and uses a compensated light level or a compensated threshold in assessing a dusk condition or a dawn condition when the solid state light sources are in the ON state to compensate for the contribution by the solid state light sources to the sensed level of light.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2020Publication date: December 24, 2020Inventors: William G. Reed, Richard Dolf
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Publication number: 20200375000Abstract: A photocontrol circuit includes a set of light level detection circuitry which is powered by a 0 to 10V dimming input. In response to a determination that light sensed in ambient environment is at or below the light level threshold, the light level detection circuitry switches a 0 to 10V dimming input line to approximately 10V, controlling a luminaire to emit maximum light. In response to a determination that light sensed in ambient environment is above the light level threshold, the light level detection circuitry switches the 0 to 10V dimming input line to less than approximately 1 Volt, thereby controlling the luminaire to emit minimum or no light. The photocontrols embodiments described herein advantageously employ the 0 to 10V dimming line as the luminaire control line, and photocontrol power source, unlike previous photocontrols which typically switch the power input to the luminaire. The photocontrol circuit may be housed in a photocontrol module comprising a base and a cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2020Publication date: November 26, 2020Inventor: William G. REED
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Publication number: 20200260562Abstract: Systems and methods which leverage the wireless communication capability present in wireless-enabled luminaires where the lamps include a short-range wireless transceiver and can be controlled by a smart appliance. The wireless capability of a luminaire may be paired with a compatible wireless interface system (e.g., adapter system) that allows for control of the luminaire via plug-in or hard-wired photocontrols and wireless network lamp control nodes. An adapter system may be provided that replaces a standard wired receptacle of a luminaire. The adapter system may include a wired interface to the luminaire which provides power to the wireless adapter system. The wireless adapter system may include a receptacle interface that receives a plug of a control node, such as photocontrol or a networked control node. The wireless adapter system may also include a wireless interface circuit that communicates control, status or other data between the connected control device and the luminaire.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Donald Arthur Vendetti, Richard Dolf, William G. Reed
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Patent number: 10568191Abstract: Systems and methods which leverage the wireless communication capability present in wireless-enabled luminaires where the lamps include a short-range wireless transceiver and can be controlled by a smart appliance. The wireless capability of a luminaire may be paired with a compatible wireless interface system (e.g., adapter system) that allows for control of the luminaire via plug-in or hard-wired photocontrols and wireless network lamp control nodes. An adapter system may be provided that replaces a standard wired receptacle of a luminaire. The adapter system may include a wired interface to the luminaire which provides power to the wireless adapter system. The wireless adapter system may include a receptacle interface that receives a plug of a control node, such as photocontrol or a networked control node. The wireless adapter system may also include a wireless interface circuit that communicates control, status or other data between the connected control device and the luminaire.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2019Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: EXPRESS IMAGING SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Donald Arthur Vendetti, Richard Dolf, William G. Reed
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Publication number: 20200045794Abstract: A protection system and operating method thereof promotes the longevity of components of a control subsystem. The protection apparatus may include a first connector for connecting to the control system and a second connector for connecting to a target system. The protection apparatus detects states of a component of the control subsystem over time and causes a state transition of a switching circuit of the protection apparatus based on the detected states of the control subsystem. The state transition of the switching circuit of the protection system may be initiated after a defined period of time has elapsed after detecting states of the control subsystem component. The state transition of the switching circuit may be a transition between an open state in which power is not provided to a node of the second connector and a closed state in which power is provided to the node of the second connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2019Publication date: February 6, 2020Inventors: William G. Reed, Dale H. DeGraff, Richard Dolf, Donald Arthur Vendetti
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Patent number: 10544917Abstract: Shades and/or reflectors for luminaires. The luminaires may be retrofitted with the shades and/or reflectors to selectively control the direction and/or spectrum of light emitted by the luminaires. In particular, the efficiency and/or color contrast of a luminaire may be improved by using wavelength shifting material, such as a phosphor, to absorb less desired wavelengths and transmit more desired wavelengths. The shade may provide a transmissive filter which reflects desired wavelengths such as red and green, while passing less desired wavelengths (e.g., blue) toward the wavelength shifting material which emits such as light of more desirable wavelengths.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2017Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: EXPRESS IMAGING SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: John O. Renn, Clare Joyce Robinson, William G. Reed
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Publication number: 20200029404Abstract: A shorting cap apparatus is provided for enabling remote application of power, by an external system, to a load connected to the shorting cap apparatus while protecting components of the external system from potential damage due to high inrush current to the load. The shorting cap apparatus comprises a housing, a connector, and inrush current protection circuitry. The connector of the shorting cap apparatus may be connected to a corresponding connector associated with the load. Once the external system applies power, the protection circuitry provides a time delay to allow the load to sufficiently charge via a first set of resistors of the protection circuitry over a period of time before a set of switches of the protection circuitry are transitioned to a conducting state.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2019Publication date: January 23, 2020Inventor: William G. Reed