Sixty-five years ago today, Lutron founder Joel Spira filed the patent for a “dimming device,” a solid-state rotary dimmer that could replace the light switch in a standard residential wallbox. This innovation—the Capri dimmer—launched the lighting control industry. Thank you to the Lutron employees and industry partners who have helped inspire innovation ever since.
As a former Lutron Employee & Lutron Rep, a current Lutron Programmer and advocate, and most importantly, a Lutron Customer, I’m very thankful for Mr. Spira. I literally was teaching a class today, and it started off with, “Who is Mr. Spira, and what did he do.” I didn’t know today was the 65th anniversary!
Joel Spira's groundbreaking invention truly transformed lighting control. Kudos to Lutron and its dedicated team for continuously driving innovation in the industry!
It’s also worth noting that Mr Spira’s notebook is on display at the Smithsonian right next to Edison’s light bulb. Quite an honor and recognition for a man who invented an entire industry which truly brought magic to light!
That was one of the first paesar units we produced at the Brookdale facility. Boy does that take me back. I was standing there when they took that picture.
Thank you Mr. Spira your innovations in lighting has changed our lives!
Remarkable history!
Exelente es inspirador universal
Excellent product.
And history was made!
Adjunct Faculty - Leadership
1moHis ability, along with many brilliant recruited engineers and managers, to creat a swirl of constant innovation, along with a desire to get to the fundamentals of any problem, crafted a hurricane of talent and technology. The six years I spent there was one of the most exciting capstones of my working journey. I still teach graduate students about creating an innovative culture through constant motion.