Abstract: A coded wireless sensor unit has a slot sized to receive a key card. When a key card is inserted into the slot, the act of insertion generates a energy-harvested power pulse, which powers circuitry that reads electrical device control information coded on the key card and creates a first information packet signal that is transmitted by an on-board transmitter. The signal can be read by a receiver and relayed to a control unit which controls certain electrical devices which consume line power in response to received information packet signals. The control unit decodes received information packet signals and either turns on or activates the electrical devices in accordance with the decoded device control information. Removal of a key card can also be used to generate a power pulse, which creates a second information packet signal that is used to turn off or deactivate the electrical devices.

Abstract: Tamper-resistant, longer-lasting energy-harvesting switch assemblies that can accommodate longer antennas required for operation in the 315 MHz radio frequency band are provided. In order to accommodate longer antenna that will not fit within the energy-harvesting module, the front major face of the back plate is equipped with a perimetric channel or trough into which a wire antenna can be installed. The problem of rocker wear in prior-art devices caused by abrasive action of the bows is rectified by a redesign of the rocker and the manufacture of a wear-resistant insert that snaps into place at the rear of the rocker. The potential theft problem associated with prior-art devices has been resolved by redesigning the back plate and the retainer clip that engages latches on the redesigned back plate. Non-destructive removal of the retainer clip can be effected only with a special tool.

Abstract: Passive IR sensor detection circuitry is provided that consumes eighty to ninety percent less power than conventional PIR sensor detection circuitry. Whereas prior art PIR sensor detection circuitry employs multiple amplification stages, to boost the power of the weak sensor signal, and a window comparator to determine whether an occupancy condition exists, the present invention uses, at most, a single amplification stage and no window comparator. In place of multiple amplification stages and a window comparators, the PIR sensor circuitry of the present invention uses a sensitive microcontroller to both detect and process the signal. A peak detector can be added just before the signal—whether amplified or not—is received by the microcontroller. Decay time of the peak detector is adjusted so that the signal will not substantially decay between measurements.

Abstract: Passive IR sensor detection circuitry is provided that consumes eighty to ninety percent less power than conventional PIR sensor detection circuitry. Whereas prior art PIR sensor detection circuitry employs multiple amplification stages, to boost the power of the weak sensor signal, and a window comparator to determine whether an occupancy condition exists, the present invention uses, at most, a single amplification stage and no window comparator. In place of multiple amplification stages and a window comparators, the PIR sensor circuitry of the present invention uses a sensitive microcontroller to both detect and process the signal. A peak detector can be added just before the signal—whether amplified or not—is received by the microcontroller. Decay time of the peak detector is adjusted so that the signal will not substantially decay between measurements.

Abstract: Tamper-resistant, longer-lasting energy-harvesting switch assemblies that can accommodate longer antennas required for operation in the 315 MHz radio frequency band are provided. In order to accommodate longer antenna that will not fit within the energy-harvesting module, the front major face of the back plate is equipped with a perimetric channel or trough into which a wire antenna can be installed. The problem of rocker wear in prior-art devices caused by abrasive action of the bows is rectified by a redesign of the rocker and the manufacture of a wear-resistant insert that snaps into place at the rear of the rocker. The potential theft problem associated with prior-art devices has been resolved by redesigning the back plate and the retainer clip that engages latches on the redesigned back plate. Non-destructive removal of the retainer clip can be effected only with a special tool.

Abstract: A coded wireless sensor unit has a slot sized to receive a key card. When a key card is inserted into the slot, the act of insertion generates a energy-harvested power pulse, which powers circuitry that reads electrical device control information coded on the key card and creates a first information packet signal that is transmitted by an on-board transmitter. The signal can be read by a receiver and relayed to a control unit which controls certain electrical devices which consume line power in response to received information packet signals. The control unit decodes received information packet signals and either turns on or activates the electrical devices in accordance with the decoded device control information. Removal of a key card can also be used to generate a power pulse, which creates a second information packet signal that is used to turn off or deactivate the electrical devices.

Abstract: A wireless control system includes at least one remote actuator unit (RAU) and at least one local sensor units (LSU) or self-powered, wireless sensor (SPWS), and may further include a wireless commissioning system (WCS), which enables associations between devices to be established from a single location. The LSUs, RAUs, and SPWSs are each programmed to operate in harmony with one another by creating associations between each other, each being identifiable by the others using a unique identification number. This association can be accomplished using programming buttons on each type of unit. Alternatively, the associations between devices within a wireless controlled system can be greatly simplified using the WCS. Establishing associations between the various devices permits the devices to interact with each other. The absence of an association between devices prevents the devices from interacting with one another. Each device can be associated with zero, one, or multiple other devices.