Abstract: An electrical adaptor. The adaptor includes a plug body with a plurality of plugs each having different plug configurations. Each of the plugs is movable between an extended position, with the plug extending through the outer wall of the plug body, and a retracted position, with the plug being substantially retracted behind the outer wall. The adaptor also includes an actuator coupled to the plug body. The actuator is rotatable relative to the plug body to move the plugs between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A dimming control circuit for connection to a nondimming ballast in a fluorescent lighting system is disclosed herein. The control circuit is switchably connected to a source of AC voltage within the lighting system, while the ballast includes terminals for connecting to a fluorescent lamp. A power control module within the control circuit is operative to conduct a controllable portion of the voltage waveform provided by the source of AC voltage to the ballast in accordance with a brightness control signal received by a phase control circuit. A turn-on module, operatively coupled to the power control module, operates to shunt current from the phase control circuit during a turn-on interval commencing upon connection of the dimming control circuit to the source of AC voltage in order that substantially the entire voltage waveform is provided to the ballast during the turn-on interval.

Abstract: Apparatus for interrupting power to a plurality of parallel loads such as lighting circuits and selectively reapplying power to the loads includes a first switch serially interconnecting the loads to a power line. Second switch circuits are serially connected with each load whereby interruption of power to a load for a predetermined period of time opens the switch circuits. The switch circuits include bidirectional conduction devices such as triacs which require a gating signal before becoming conductive. A resistor-capacitor circuit provides a gating signal to the triac to maintain conduction thereof for the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A voltage reducing circuit device for reducing the RMS value of an incoming AC voltage is disclosed herein. This device is especially suitable for reducing line voltage applied to a load requiring lower voltage. In a preferred embodiment, the device is one which allows a domestic made 115 VAC small heating apparatus, such as a hair dryer, to be used in foreign countries where the 230 VAC service is available. In any case, the device is one which is relatively insensitive to fluctuations in line voltage and to changes in frequency.