Abstract: A networkable power controller includes a mode selector for selectively conducting one of a plurality of input signals to an output of the networkable power controller, where the input signals and the output signals satisfy the same signaling protocol. The networkable power controller may be networked with other networkable power controllers, lighting ballasts and other building automation control devices, and user-controlled voltage selectors to provide a lighting control network. A power controller may include a mode selector that may be used in combination with other control devices or components, including a rotary dimmer control, a digital slide dimmer control, a demand load shedder component, a photometer component, and a communications interface. The communications interface allows digital control of the networkable power controller.

Abstract: A networkable power controller includes a mode selector for selectively conducting of a plurality of input signals to an output of the networkable power controller, where the input signals and the output signals satisfy the same signaling protocol. The networkable power controller may be networked with other networkable power controllers, lighting ballasts and other building automation control devices, and user-controlled voltage selectors to provide a lighting control network. A power controller may include a mode selector that may be used in combination with other control devices or components, including a rotary dimmer control, a digital slide dimmer control, a demand load shedder component, a photometer component, and a communications interface. The communications interface allows digital control of the networkable power controller.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the illumination intensity of a gas discharge lamp to provide only necessary illumination and thus conserve power consumption. The control system has a daylight harvester which produces a control signal related to the available light within a given area. The control signal is conducted to a voltage controlled oscillator which, in turn conducts an oscillating signal to a frequency controlled ballast transformer that effectively drives the gas discharge lamp controlling the illumination intensity and energy consumption. The control system alternatively comprises a remote signal receiver for use alone or in addition to the daylight harvester. The control system with a remote signal receiver is controllable using a remote signal generator such as laser pointer. The remote signal receiver allows the user to control the illumination intensity of a gas discharge lamp from the area being illuminated.

Abstract: A frequency dependent controller utilizes a loosely coupled transformer, adapted to change the operating characteristics of the transformer by varying its operating frequency in accordance with the requirements of a load to be supplied with power. The controller is particularly adapted for dimming and adjustably controlling a set of gas discharge lamps such as fluorescent lamps, connected in parallel such that failure of one lamp does not affect operation of the other lamps in the set.

Abstract: A dimmer ballast or output drive circuit and a drive method for a high intensity discharge lamp utilizes an overwound loosely coupled transformer having a turns ratio of preferably about one to one with a peaking capacitor across the secondary output terminals of the transformer and in parallel with the HID lamp arc electrodes. A control circuit provides a variable frequency drive voltage to the primary of the transformer. The frequency of the output voltage is adjustably controlled above the peak load power frequency. The load power and hence the light output of the lamp varies according to the frequency of the output voltage permitting a user to adjustably dim the high intensity discharge lamp.

Abstract: A frequency dependent controller utilizes a loosely coupled transformer, which controller is adapted to change the operating characteristics of the transformer by varying its operating frequency in accordance with the requirements of a load to be supplied with power. If the transformer is operated at a single frequency, the maximum current that can be delivered is limited by the reactance of the transformer. If the transformer is operated over a frequency range by the controller, the maximum current and other operating characteristics of the transformer are a function of both the magnetic shunt and its then current operating frequency. Frequency control of a loosely coupled transformer permits precision electronic regulation of the transformer's operating characteristics and is suitable for control of a variety of devices, such as gas discharge lamps, DC to DC converters, AC to DC power and high voltage supplies, motor control and variable heaters.

Abstract: A gentle start electronic ballast operates one or more gas discharge lamps in a dimming or non-dimming mode. The ballast has a power supply section and a frequency-dependent control section. A power supply section includes a rectifier circuit, a power boosting circuit, a power factor compensation chip for the ballast, a control circuit to insure startup of the power factor compensation chip on the first haversine produced by the rectifier circuit and an in-rush current limiter that is removed from the operational circuit path of the ballast by the control circuit once the power factor compensation chip is rendered self-sustaining by the power boosting circuit.

Abstract: A frequency dependent controller that utilizes a loosely coupled transformer having a magnetic shunt with an air gap, which controller is adjusted to change the operating characteristics of the transformer by varying its operating frequency in accordance with the operating requirements of a load to be supplied with power. If the transformer is operated at a single frequency, the maximum current that can be delivered is a function of the magnetic shunt, air gap and that signal frequency. If the transformer is operated over a frequency range by the controller, the maximum current and other operating characteristics of the transformer are a function of both the magnetic shunt and its then current operating frequency.