Abstract: Disclosed are a method, system and protocol for processing a Transmission within a wireless network, the network including at least one device that transmits the Transmission and at least one device that receives the Transmission. The method provides for receiving the Transmission at the device that receives the Transmission; determining whether the device that receives the Transmission has previously received the Transmission; and actioning the received Transmission only if the device that receives the transmission has not previously received the Transmission.

Abstract: A method and circuit for controlling the delivery of power having a current component to a load having an inductive component, the method comprising selectively switching power to the load with a switch, wherein the switch is caused to operate at the threshold of saturation during a conduction state such that the switch self commutates to its off state when the magnitude of the current through the load is substantially zero. The method and circuit may be used in a number of applications for detecting a current zero crossing and may be applied to circuits such as dimmer circuits.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inductive load detection circuit for detecting the presence of an inductive load on a dimmer circuit. The detection circuit provides for enhanced detection of the inductive load by detecting voltage ringing resulting from a turn-off of a switching element in the circuit. The ringing can be enhanced by providing a faster turn-off rate in an initial period than a turn-off rate in a steady state period. Also disclosed is a dimmer circuit comprising the inductive load detection circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for detecting an overcurrent condition in a dimmer circuit having two switches, each for controlling power delivered to a load, each switch having a respective anti-parallel diode. The method comprises sensing a voltage drop across one of the anti-parallel diodes, comparing the sensed voltage drop with a reference voltage, and determining that an overcurrent condition exists if the sensed voltage drop exceeds the reference voltage. Also disclosed is a dimmer circuit embodying the method.

Abstract: Disclosed is an overcurrent protection circuit for use in a dimmer circuit having a switching device for controlling power delivered to a load. The overcurrent protection circuit comprises means for sensing a load current passing through the load and means for comparing the sensed load current with a threshold, wherein the threshold is a dynamic current threshold. Also disclosed is a dimmer circuit comprising the overcurrent protection circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for controlling a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). A communications protocol is also provided, which comprises a START code, a first Command packet and at least one subsequent Command packet. An LED driver receives a signal according to the protocol, and separates the first Command packet from the signal and controls an LED associated with the LED driver in accordance with instructions in the first Command packet. The LED driver then outputs the remaining signal for use by one or more subsequent LED drivers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit for detecting the presence of an inductive load. The circuit uses a voltage ringing detector to detect a voltage ringing signal across the inductive load and a signal generator for generating a signal indicating the presence of the inductive load upon detection of the ringing signal. The circuit may be used in a dimmer circuit for controlling the load. The circuit may be used as a load detector for a universal dimmer or may be used in a protection circuit for circuits not designed to control inductive loads.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, system and apparatus for use in a network of devices which can facilitate the installation of the network. In a network consisting of multiple devices, it is often necessary to use repeaters to relay communications between two or more devices that are out of range of each other. The various aspects of the present invention provide for one or more of the devices to be selectively switched to operate as a repeater.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, system and protocol for processing a Transmission within a wireless network, the network including at least one device that transmits the Transmission and at least one device that receives the Transmission. The method provides for receiving the Transmission at the device that receives the Transmission; determining whether the device that receives the Transmission has previously received the Transmission; and actioning the received Transmission only if the device that receives the transmission has not previously received the Transmission.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for controlling a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). A communications protocol is also provided, which comprises a START code, a first Command packet and at least one subsequent Command packet. An LED driver receives a signal according to the protocol, and separates the first Command packet from the signal and controls an LED associated with the LED driver in accordance with instructions in the first Command packet. The LED driver then outputs the remaining signal for use by one or more subsequent LED drivers.

Abstract: A method and circuit for controlling the delivery of power having a current component to a load having an inductive component, the method comprising selectively switching power to the load with a switch, wherein the switch is caused to operate at the threshold of saturation during a conduction state such that the switch self commutates to its off state when the magnitude of the current through the load is substantially zero. The method and circuit may be used in a number of applications for detecting a current zero crossing and may be applied to circuits such as dimmer circuits.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit for detecting the presence of an inductive load. The circuit uses a voltage ringing detector to detect a voltage ringing signal across the inductive load and a signal generator for generating a signal indicating the presence of the inductive load upon detection of the ringing signal. The circuit may be used in a dimmer circuit for controlling the load. The circuit may be used as a load detector for a universal dimmer or may be used in a protection circuit for circuits not designed to control inductive loads.

Abstract: Disclosed is a universal dimmer which detects the type of load it is connected to each time the universal dimmer is activated. Information relating to the type of load connected to the universal dimmer is therefore not required to be stored for future use. In one form, the universal dimmer begins each operation in the trailing edge mode and upon detection of an inductive load, switches to leading edge mode.

Abstract: A shuttered electrical connector for receiving an electrical plug, the plug having a hinged tail for lockingly engaging with the connector, is disclosed. The connector includes: a body 20 defining a socket having 22 an open mouth 24; a central shutter 30 hingedly mounted to the body 20 adjacent the open mouth 24 for rotation about a first hinge axis 32; and a pair of spaced apart side shutters 40 & 50 hingedly mounted to the body 20 adjacent the open mouth 24 for rotation about a second hinge axis 42, the second hinge axis 42 parallel to and spaced apart from the first hinge axis 32. The shutters are rotatable through approximately 90 degrees from: a closed position in which together they cover the open mouth 24 while presenting a substantially flat outer face, to an open position receiving the plug in which the central shutter is offset from the side shutters.

Abstract: A shuttered electrical connector for receiving an electrical plug, the plug having a hinged tail for lockingly engaging with the connector, is disclosed. The connector includes: a body 20 defining a socket having 22 an open mouth 24; a central shutter 30 hingedly mounted to the body 20 adjacent the open mouth 24 for rotation about a first hinge axis 32; and a pair of spaced apart side shutters 40 & 50 hingedly mounted to the body 20 adjacent the open mouth 24 for rotation about a second hinge axis 42, the second hinge axis 42 parallel to and spaced apart from the first hinge axis 32. The shutters are rotatable through approximately 90 degrees from: a closed position in which together they cover the open mouth 24 while presenting a substantially flat outer face, to an open position receiving the plug in which the central shutter is offset from the side shutters.