Abstract: A control system controls one or more appliances or devices and includes a remote control unit, or other device, to provide instructions for controlling the devices and appliances based on user input and other information provided to the remote control unit or other device. The other information may be information provided by sensors in the remote control device itself, or elsewhere, or information obtained by the remote control device from outside the remote control device. Information may be provided from outside the remote control device via a communication system and/or a computer system.

Abstract: A control system controls one or more appliances or devices and includes a remote control unit, or other device, to provide instructions for controlling the devices and appliances based on user input and other information provided to the remote control unit or other device. The other information may be information provided by sensors in the remote control device itself, or elsewhere, or information obtained by the remote control device from outside the remote control device. Information may be provided from outside the remote control device via a communication system and/or a computer system.

Abstract: A voltage controlling device includes an AC terminal receiving an AC voltage signal, a voltage dividing device adapted to divide the AC voltage signal into a plurality of distinct voltage signals within a predetermined range, a controller adapted to control the voltage dividing device to provide a selected voltage level based on voltage level information and an SPD terminal for providing the selected voltage level to a suspended particle device. Voltage level information may be provided via an input device and/or from a photocell that monitors a light level at the suspended particle device. A separate AC power supply may also be provided. The controller may also monitor an SPD load voltage to control the voltage level provided to the SPD terminal in order to prevent shocking of a user.

Abstract: A voltage controlling device includes an AC terminal receiving an AC voltage signal, a voltage dividing device adapted to divide the AC voltage signal into a plurality of distinct voltage signals within a predetermined range, a controller adapted to control the voltage dividing device to provide a selected voltage level based on voltage level information and an SPD terminal for providing the selected voltage level to a suspended particle device. An input device may be provided to allow a user to input the voltage level information. A photocell that monitors a light level at the suspended particle device may provide light level information as the voltage level information. A separate AC power supply may also be provided. The controller may also monitor an SPD load voltage to control the selected voltage level provided to the SPD terminal and the suspended particle device in order to prevent shocking of a user.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a window by combining the window with a switchable or non-switchable window enhancement. The method includes providing a window comprising at least one relatively transparent viewing pane with first and second opposed viewing surfaces, and optionally a frame portion adapted to support and position the viewing pane(s); providing at least one mounting means adapted for securing the enhancement to the window; and securing a window enhancement to the window with at least one mounting means so that the enhancement overlies at least a portion of the viewing pane, and wherein a gap is produced between the window and the enhancement equal in width to the thickness of the mounting means. The enhancement may be mounted on either the viewing pane itself, or alternately upon the frame portion of the window. If desired, the enhancement may be laminated to a relatively rigid substrate prior to application to the window.