Abstract: An energy-saving lighting control system for controlling a series of banks of lights in an area. The system activates less than all of the series of banks of lights upon entry into the area, regardless of the last light-activating setting selected by a user.

Abstract: A time-delayed, variable light intensity control is configured to operate in a conventional mode in which the illumination level of incandescent lights is adjusted in accordance with rotation of the dimmer knob and in automatic dimming modes in which the illumination level is further dimmed over a predetermined period of time, to either a low level of illumination suitable for use as a night light, or until extinguished. The light intensity control controls the illumination levels as well as the time delay during automatic dimming by varying the phase angle at which a power triac is triggered. The phase angle is controlled by the timing of the generation of a first pulse in accordance with the rotation of the dimmer knob and the generation of a fixed period pulse which occurs one half cycle later. The control system is useful for other AC control systems.

Abstract: A fully automatic and energy efficient lighting control or light switch comprises different settings, preset by a user, and activates all or a portion of at least one bank of lights upon detecting occupants within a room. In one embodiment, the light switch detects doppler-shifted, reflected ultrasonic waves caused by occupant motion within the room. In an automatic mode, the light switch is configured to automatically switch from an initial sensitivity level for detecting motion within a short range therefrom, to a higher sensitivity level for detecting motion anywhere within the room. After the room is empty or no motion is sensed, the light switch is configured to turn the lights off following a variable time delay. The light switch returns to its initial low sensitivity level following a predetermined grace period which begins once the lights are turned off.

Abstract: A ceiling sensor designed to interface with the computerized controllers of energy management systems is disclosed. This ceiling sensor is operable to detect motion through the use of a transmitted signal of predetermined frequency which when received has experienced a Doppler shift. Comparison of the received signal with its frequency change to the transmitted signal produces motion detection which when incorporated with an isolated latching relay enables the switching on and off of light, heating, air conditioning or security interfaces. A ceiling sensor is disclosed which is operable to detect the short, quick movements of employees working in a narrow range field of view such as a shop aisle or warehouse corridor. A second ceiling sensor is disclosed which is operable to detect the gross, large movements of employees in a large area such as an open room or warehouse. A method of fabricating a ceiling sensor for a computer controller interface is also described.

Abstract: An energy efficient light switch providing dual switching capability for banks of overhead lights through the detection of infrared energy activity in a room. The switch has three positions preset by the user, activating a sufficient, but limited amount of light for a room through the automatic control of all, none or a portion of the banks of lights in the room. The switch is operable at 277 volts or 120 volts, has a sweep range of from 0.degree. to 180.degree. and is applicable for most lighting fixtures, fluorescent as well as incandescent and replaces the standard wall mounted wall switchplate. A method of manufacturing the energy efficient infrared light switch is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic lighting device having a circuit for operating an electric light, a switch for manually actuating the circuit, a detector circuit for determining whether movement above a prescribed threshold level has occurred within the area covered by the electric light within a first preselected period, a circuit responsive to the detector circuit for disabling the circuit for providing electricity if movement has not occurred in the area during the first preselected period, and a circuit for reactivating the circuit for providing electricity in response to the detection of movement in the area within a second preselected period.

Abstract: A two-terminal line-powered control circuit is disclosed in which a triac is used to switch AC power to a load. When the triac is not conducting, a portion of the voltage appearing across it is rectified and filtered and used to supply power to a radio control circuit. When the triac is conducting, the voltage appearing across inverse-parallel connected diodes, which are in series with the triac, is stepped-up using a transformer, then rectified and filtered and used to supply power to the radio control circuit. The radio control circuit is in turn used to control the operation of the triac in response to a remotely transmitted radio signal.

Abstract: Different portions of an area are selectively highlighted in response to observer proximity. An adjustable dimmer establishes the non-highlight illumination level for each area. The dimmer is overridden by observer-sensing circuitry to produce the highlight illumination level.

Abstract: A fully automatic and energy efficient lighting control or light switch comprises different settings, preset by a user, and activates all or a portion of at least one bank of lights upon detecting occupants within a room. In one embodiment, the light switch detects doppler-shifted, reflected ultrasonic waves caused by occupant motion within the room. In an automatic mode, the light switch is configured to automatically switch from an initial sensitivity level for detecting motion within a short range therefrom, to a higher sensitivity level for detecting motion anywhere within the room. After the room is empty or no motion is sensed, the light switch is configured to turn the lights off following a variable time delay. The light switch returns to its initial low sensitivity level following a predetermined grace period which begins once the lights are turned off.