Abstract: A doorbell chime (100) can comprise a chassis (101), a cover (104) having a mechanical-cover identifier (105, 106), a mechanical-cover identifier detector (103) (to detect when the cover is at least substantially disposed in the installed position), and a chime (102) mounted in the chassis. This chime is configured to operate in a first mode of operation (302) when the mechanical-cover identifier detector detects the cover and in a second mode of operation (303) (that is different than the first mode of operation) when the mechanical-cover identifier detector does not detect the cover.

Abstract: A cover-attachment assembly works in conjunction with an audio-annunciator housing that is configured to operationally mount to a wall. This audio-annunciator housing can have one or more arcuately-shaped tracks and one or more snap interfaces. The cover-attachment assembly comprises at least one arcuately-shaped guide surface that is shaped, sized, and positioned to fit within the arcuately-shaped track when pivotally attaching the cover-attachment assembly to the audio-annunciator housing. The snap interface, in turn, is shaped, sized, and positioned to lockingly mate with the audio-annunciator housing snap interface to hold the cover-attachment assembly in an installed position with respect to the audio-annunciator housing.

Abstract: An apparatus (500) can be comprised of a light source interface (503), an animate object detector (502), and a controller circuit (501) that couples to the light source interface and the animate object detector. This controller circuit is configured and arranged to, upon detecting (101) an animate object via the animate object detector, cause (103) energy as is provided via the light source interface to be only temporarily temporally intermittent in order to cause a light source that is energized by the light source interface to flash and thereby draw attention to the animate object.

Abstract: A light fixture (100) comprises a base (101) and at least a first arm (102) having a first end (103) that couples to this base. A housing (105) then couples to the second end (203) of this first arm and can serve to house both a light source (901) (such that emanated light will tend to be directed towards a primary area of coverage) and an animate object detector (902) (such that the latter will be aimed towards, and will tend to be sensitive to, objects that move within the primary area of coverage). By one approach, this arm couples to the base and/or the housing in a manner that permits an end user to adjust a position of the housing with respect to the base without requiring any hand tools. The housing can comprise a heat sink (906) if desired.

Abstract: A wall-mounted light fixture comprises an LED-mounting surface having one or more LED's mounted thereon to serve as a primary source of illumination for the wall-mounted light fixture. This wall-mounted light fixture also generally comprises a house that contains the one or more LED's. This housing also comprises, on a side that is directly thermally coupled to the LED(s) and that is oriented towards and disposed closest to the aforementioned vertical wall (when the wall-mounted light fixture is properly mounted on the vertical wall), a heat sink. This heat sink is thermally coupled to the LED-mounting surface and has an exterior portion shaped to have a large surface area to thereby substantially increase a heat-exchange capacity of the heat sink.

Abstract: A lighting system comprises a light fixture (100) and a corresponding remote control transmitter (200). The light fixture can comprise at least one electrically energizable light source (102), at least one local condition sensor (103), a receiver (105), a memory (104), and a controller (101). The controller automatically controls energization of the light source as a function of input from the location condition sensor(s) and at least one stored modifiable operating parameter. The controller also automatically modifies the modifiable operating parameter(s) in response to instructions (106) as are received via the receiver. The wireless remote control transmitter (200) comprises a transmitter (202), an end user interface (203), and a controller (201). The controller processes inputs from an end user (as entered via the end user interface) regarding at least one of the aforementioned manipulable operating parameters and transmits this information to the aforementioned light fixture.

Abstract: A circuit for operating a plurality of electrical devices at a plurality of varying power levels includes a plurality of motion sensor circuits for detecting motion relative thereto and having an a plurality of outputs conditioned upon motion detection. Additionally, a photocell sensor circuit for detecting a low ambient illumination level has an output command conditioned upon the detection of a predetermined illumination level that is electrically coupled to the control circuit having a plurality of inputs.

Abstract: A circuit for operating a plurality of electrical devices such as lamps for outdoor illumination includes a plurality of motion sensor circuits for detecting motion relative thereto and a plurality of outputs conditioned upon motion detection. Additionally, a photocell sensor circuit for detecting a low ambient illumination level has an output command conditioned upon the detection of a predetermined illumination level that is electrically coupled to the control circuit for illumination of lamps at low ambient lighting levels. The present invention enables the activation of lamps by a plurality of motion sensors having differing fields of view.

Abstract: The push button doorbell switch is used interchangeably within the decorative plates of a doorbell button assembly. Each insert of the push button doorbell switch is capable of being interchanged in a congruent aperture of a variety of decorative plates. These doorbell switch assemblies allow for the user to interchange a plurality of button shapes without having to repurchase and install a new decorative plate. The plurality of doorbell button shapes, associated with the interchangeable doorbell button switch, can increase the variety of push button doorbell switch assemblies that can be created and installed as house décor.

Abstract: An AC line powered RF transmitter light switch is described. The RF transmitter light switch is installed within a 3-way wall switch circuit thereby allowing direct and constant electrical connection of the RF transmitter light switch and the RF receiving light switch. The RF transmitter light switch is in RF communication with the receiving light switch to control the circuit load or light fixture. The RF receiving light switch is in direct electrical connection to the load and acts as a master controller regarding of the position of the RF transmitter light switch even though the RF transmitter light switch is installed within the 3-way wall switch circuit.

Abstract: A lighting fixture capable of mounting in a plurality of orientations comprises a wall mount assembly having a front canopy rotatably secured to a rear canopy and a lamp housing assembly capable of a plurality of orientations secured to said rotatable front canopy and capable of rotation therewith. The lamp housing assembly may further include a motion sensor integral thereto whereby the rotation of the housing assembly does not affect the performance of the motion sensor.

Abstract: A transmitter apparatus is provided that includes an actuator and a transmitter with a housing around an antenna and wireless transmission circuitry. The actuator is mounted to a structural element of a building and is at least partially exposed and accessible to a user. The housing is coupled to the actuator and is arranged and configured to extend at least partially into an opening in the structural element of the building. The housing generally surrounds transmission circuitry and an antenna. The transmission circuitry is arranged and configured to receive the actuations from the actuator and responsively transmit radio frequency (RF) signals to a remotely situated appliance via the antenna.

Abstract: A transmitter apparatus is provided that includes an actuator and a transmitter with a housing around an antenna and wireless transmission circuitry. The actuator is mounted to a structural element of a building and is at least partially exposed and accessible to a user. The housing is coupled to the actuator and is arranged and configured to extend at least partially into an opening in the structural element of the building. The housing generally surrounds transmission circuitry and an antenna. The transmission circuitry is arranged and configured to receive the actuations from the actuator and responsively transmit radio frequency (RF) signals to a remotely situated appliance via the antenna.

Abstract: A transmitter apparatus effective for activating a remotely situated appliance includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter. The RF transmitter is configured to be mounted to a structural element of a building and configured to receive an actuation by a user to wirelessly transmit a signal. An antenna is coupled to the RF transmission circuitry and is arranged and configured to transmit the signal to a remotely situated appliance. The antenna is disposed within an opening in the structural element of the building and is of dimensions so as to extend at least partially through the opening. The antenna transmits the signal to the appliance without significant interference or absorption from the structural element of the building.

Abstract: A lighting system comprises a light fixture (100) and a corresponding remote control transmitter (200). The light fixture can comprise at least one electrically energizable light source (102), at least one local condition sensor (103), a receiver (105), a memory (104), and a controller (101). The controller automatically controls energization of the light source as a function of input from the location condition sensor(s) and at least one stored modifiable operating parameter. The controller also automatically modifies the modifiable operating parameter(s) in response to instructions (106) as are received via the receiver. The wireless remote control transmitter (200) comprises a transmitter (202), an end user interface (203), and a controller (201). The controller processes inputs from an end user (as entered via the end user interface) regarding at least one of the aforementioned manipulable operating parameters and transmits this information to the aforementioned light fixture.

Abstract: An apparatus (500) can be comprised of a light source interface (503), an animate object detector (502), and a controller circuit (501) that couples to the light source interface and the animate object detector. This controller circuit is configured and arranged to, upon detecting (101) an animate object via the animate object detector, cause (103) energy as is provided via the light source interface to be only temporarily temporally intermittent in order to cause a light source that is energized by the light source interface to flash and thereby draw attention to the animate object.

Abstract: An illuminated doorbell pushbutton assembly includes a pushbutton assembly that uses a light source, or a plurality thereof to illuminate the pushbutton. The assembly also includes a user-adjustable rotating task light that can be used to direct light to a door lock, a dark step, or to provide a light for identifying keys. A reflector is rotated through an arc to direct light to the area desired by the user. The assembly further includes an electrical circuit that enables the assembly to be installed with electro-mechanical or electronic chimes.

Abstract: A ceiling mount light with a single spherical lens with a 360-degree range viewing field to focus infrared energy into a motion sensor is provided. The ceiling mount light has a sensitivity regulating switch to adjust the level of sensitivity up to about 30 feet in the 360-degree viewing field.

Abstract: A doorbell detection and playback circuit for a doorbell pushbutton connected to an alternating current power source comprises at least one bridge rectifier circuit coupled to the power source through a diode placed in parallel with the pushbutton. The bridge rectifier circuit generates a signal at a first frequency when the pushbutton is not depressed, and generates a signal at a second frequency when the pushbutton is depressed. A frequency detection circuit is included and is coupled to the signal from the bridge rectifier. The frequency detection circuit further comprises an output responsive to the presence of a signal at the second frequency coupled to a sound generator for playing a ring tone or series thereof.