Abstract: Power distribution systems that have a limited peak power capability or a high source impedance, such as site supply generators, are often susceptible to abnormal operation in response to the current drawn at power up from the loads connected to the power distribution system. The present invention provides a lighting control system operable to power up a plurality of the lighting loads in sequence to reduce stress on the power distribution system. The lighting loads are each turned on as part of a startup sequence at predetermined times after an output voltage of the power distribution system has stabilized. The lighting control system is operable to begin the startup sequence in response to receiving a control signal representative that the power distribution system has stabilized. The lighting loads are each controlled by a lighting control module, which is operable to wait for a predetermined amount of time for the startup sequence to begin before turning on the lighting loads.

Abstract: Power distribution systems that have a limited peak power capability or a high source impedance, such as site supply generators, are often susceptible to abnormal operation in response to the current drawn at power up from the loads connected to the power distribution system. The present invention provides a method of configuring a lighting control system to power up a plurality of the lighting loads in sequence to reduce stress on the power distribution system. The lighting control system includes a plurality of load control devices for controlling the electrical loads. The method comprising the steps of enabling a startup-delay mode in the load control devices, and determining a startup sequence having a plurality of event times for the electrical loads to turn on after the power distribution system has stabilized. A graphical user interface may be used to create a database defining the operation of the startup sequence.

Abstract: An electronic ballast for driving at least one gas discharge lamp from a source of AC power which has a substantially sinusoidal line voltage at a given line frequency includes a rectifying circuit; a valley fill circuit; and an inverter circuit connectable to the at least one gas discharge lamp; The inverter circuit has a single controllably conductive device and an inductor; the inductor connectable to the at least one gas discharge lamp; the inverter circuit being adapted to draw current from the source of AC power whereby the total current drawn from the source of AC power has a total harmonic distortion below about 33.3%; and whereby the lamp current crest factor below about 2.1.

Abstract: A signal generating circuit coupled to an AC supply, the circuit comprising at least one first switch device coupled to the AC supply, at least one triggerable switch device coupled to the first switch device, operation of the first switch device causing said triggerable switch device to trigger in response to the AC supply at a predetermined voltage, thereby providing at least a portion of a waveform of the AC supply as a control signal and wherein the control signal terminates within a predetermined period of time after operation of the first switch device terminates. A circuit for detecting and responding to the signals generated by the signal generator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A plurality of spaced ceiling mounted fixtures or other controllable electrical appliances have radiation detectors mounted within each fixture and wired internally of the fixture to a dimming circuit or to a ballast. The radiation detectors have sensitivity over a wide angle and have elongated plastic radiation conduction rods which extend to or beyond the plane of the lens of the fixture to be located free of shadow effects of reflections of the fixture lens. A flexible end light fiber optics can be used in place of the acrylic rods. A narrow beam radiation transmitter selectively illuminates one of the rods or end light fiber optics without illuminating the others. The dimming circuits or ballasts within the fixtures can be further controlled by external dimmers, occupancy sensors, timeclocks, photosensors and other types of input devices. The radiation detector and ballast can occupy a common housing and share the same power supply and circuit board.

Abstract: A single triac on a heat sink is replaced by a plurality of lower rated current, parallel connected triacs for carrying the same total current as the single triac. The plural devices are spaced apart as far as possible, within the confines of an insulation back cover, to reduce the thermal gradient across the heat sink and to reduce the input thermal power to the heat sink. Thermally conductive compressive sheets thermally couple the flat heat sink to a face plate on the side of the heat sink opposite to the side receiving the triacs.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp controller with dimming capability has its dimming function disabled for a given period of time, preferably about 100 hours, when new lamps are connected to a ballast to “season” the lamps by driving them at full rated current. The dimming function is restored after the seasoning interval has passed. An indicator is provided to inform the user that the seasoning function is in use.

Abstract: An elongated reelable shade, first and second spaced support brackets removably connected to first and second and opposite ends of said elongated reelable shade for supporting said reelable shade from a fixed support, an electrical drive motor having an output shaft for rotating said elongated reelable shade around its axis to selectively reel and unreel said shade, an electrical circuit for energizing and operating said motor, the electrical circuit including a controller coupled to and controlling the operation of said drive motor, and a coupler for removably coupling said output shaft of said motor to said first end of said elongated reelable shade, a single housing having said first bracket fixed thereto, said single housing containing and supporting said motor, said electrical circuit and said coupler, said coupler comprising an output driver which removably receives said first end of said shade with rotatable driving relationship.