Abstract: A universal electronic switching device which may be mounted inside various types of lighting fixtures to switch A.C. power to one or more loads, either individually or in groups, within the fixture in a predetermined pattern in response to an interruption of the A.C. line voltage through a serially connected, remotely located, wall switch. Each switching device is capable of switching any A.C. voltage from 120 vac to 350 vac to appropriate lighting loads or equipment such as fluorescent lamp ballasts, incandescent lamps, motorized lighting switches or relays.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling peak electrical demand placed on a source of electrical energy by a plurality of electrical loads that include at least one electrical load of lower priority than at least another of the loads. Demand for electrical energy by the loads connected to the source of electrical energy is sensed and, in response to the sensed demand exceeding a predetermined value the loads are selectively disconnected from the source. Normally, all the loads are connected to the source in the absence of a sensed excessive demand condition. Therefore, all demand control is lost in the event of failure of the controller. Accordingly, the system senses an abnormal operating condition of the controlling system of the type that renders the selective disconnecting means inoperative to disconnect the loads from the source. The electrical load of lower priority is then disconnected from the source for the duration of the sensed abnormal condition.

Abstract: Utility usage monitoring systems for monitoring the consumption or use of a particular utility and displaying the accumulated use in terms of its cost. The rate of usage of the utility is converted to a pulse train with a repetition rate dependent upon the usage. In one embodiment, a calculator chip having an automatic constant capability and coupled to an electronic display is caused to successively execute a summing operation dependent upon the pulse train repetition rate and to provide a cumulative total for display. A keyboard is provided to enter the automatic constant, and to allow the change thereof to provide the proper utility cost or charge. Another embodiment utilizes a microprocessor coupled to a display for displaying the accumulated utility usage, with the microprocessor being programmed to repetitively update the display.