Abstract: A face plate assembly has a removable decorator insert card which is retained within a face plate housing without screw fasteners. The face plate housing has an elongated slot which opens into a device cavity in which a touch switch is mounted. The decorator insert card is adapted for slidable insertion into and withdrawal out of the device cavity through the housing slot. The face plate assembly is releasably attached to the yoke strap of a wiring device mounted in a wall box by press-fit connectors. In one embodiment, the decorator insert card can be installed and replaced by releasing the face plate housing from the press-fit connector, and inserting or withdrawing the decorator insert card through a hidden housing slot formed in a back plate portion of the housing.

Abstract: A junction box mounted infrared motion detector is set forth. It incorporates push button controls mounted on a box which has a Fresnel lens looking into the immediate vicinity and which encloses an infrared detector to sense an intruder. An ambient light photocell responsive to visible light is also included to enable the device to be switched off in the daytime and on at nighttime. The circuit controls a remotely powered lamp or other alarm device. The electrical current to the lamp is adjustable by means of a slide control.

Abstract: A lighting control system includes a plurality of lighting control modules where each module includes function switches for generating command signals to control light intensity levels to run a plurality of lighting channels connected thereto. A programmable central processing unit transmits the command signals and also generates an ID code indicating a unique identity for each. The light control modules are interconnected on a local area network for carrying the ID codes and the command signals. Each of the lighting control modules is programmable for selecting predetermined ID codes whereby command signals generated by selected control modules may be executed by other control modules.

Abstract: A multi-room controller for controlling a plurality of individual light controls, each associated with a room of a partitionable space. The individual light controls each control the light individually in the control's room. An assignment panel associated with the multi-room controller is operable to link several individual light controls in a group under the control of a selected individual control within the group. This linking occurs when several rooms have been combined into a larger room and it is desirable to have uniform control of the lighting within the larger room. The multi-room controller is in communication with each individual light control and responsive to the assignment panel for transferring control of the group to the selected individual light control. In one operation mode, the lighting is controlled by a preselected individual control. In another mode, the lighting is controlled by any of the linked controls in the group. All linked controls mimic the last activated control.

Abstract: A programmable lighting circuit controller for controlling a plurality of household lighting circuits includes a microprocessor and an electronically erasable programmable read only memory for programming the household lighting circuits for a variety of loads. The lighting circuits may be configured as a combination of incandescent and fluorescent loads by designating one output of the controller as a heater circuit for any of the fluorescent loads. The microprocessor is controlled by a set of nonlatching pushbuttons on a front panel which raise and lower lighting levels, set lighting levels in memory and recall preset levels from memory. Combination of two pushbuttons simultaneously pushed may initiate special programming features such as heater designation of one channel for fluorescent lighting.

Abstract: A connector mechanism for linking the ends of successive fluorescent fixtures includes a pair of plates defining the ends of the fixtures, one said plate including a projecting hook portion which extends through the other said plate. The hook poriton includes a cam surface inclined toward the first plate, the second plate including a slide having a locking shoulder positioned to engage the cam surface. A threaded connection to the slide enables the slide to be drawn along the cam surface and accordingly to clamp the end plates tightly against each other.

Abstract: An aligning and joining mechanism for coupling and forcing the abutting ends of fluorescent luminaires into intimate engagement comprises a spanning member extending from one luminaire slidably into a receiver on the other luminaire. The spanner member includes a cam surface disposed adjacent a threaded component on the receiver. When the threaded component is driven against the cam portion, the inclination of the cam causes the abutting ends of the luminaires to be tightly compressed one against the other.

Abstract: A light level controller includes a microcomputer controlled light switch which responds to a manual tap or a longer manual depression of the switch in order to initiate various control modes for a light source. Preset levels of light intensity may be stored in the microcomputer's memory and an automatic fade mode may be initiated to cause the level of light intensity to fade from a current level to a preset level at a pre-established rate. The controller may respond to the momentary depression of the switch to initiate the automatic fade mode or if tapped while a fade is in progress it may cause the light source to make an abrupt transition to either full on or full off, depending on whether a higher or lower level of light intensity is desired. A depression of the switch for a period longer than a tap will cause the level of light intensity to continue to change until the switch is released, and simultaneously this level will be stored in memory.

Abstract: A lighting fixture and ceiling structure incorporating same are disclosed. The fixture may be securely mounted within a ceiling grid work assembly by a simple downward movement of the fixture. Ceiling board is supported by being mounted on flanges integral with the fixture on the one hand and elements of the supporting grid on the other. The fixture and grid work interact so as to effect an accurate positioning of the fixture relative to the grid work by taking advantage of centering formations integral with the grid work.

Abstract: A fixture including thermal sensing means is disclosed which fixture is especially adapted to be mounted in existing ceiling construction. The fixture includes a shroud having a cut-away portion enabling the fixture to be inserted in angularly oriented position relative to the ceiling and thereafter tilted into mounted position in the ceiling. The fixture includes spring clips insertable after the shroud is mounted into clamping engagement with the upper surface of the ceiling to securely connect the shroud to the ceiling.