Abstract: Disclosed is a power source reset circuit which deactivates a contactless switch for a time interval determined by a delay means so as to prevent any erroneous output from the contactless switch while the output of a power source is unstable immediately after the power source is turned on. The reliability of the delay means is enhanced by the use of a Miller integration circuit which includes a current mirror circuit as a means for amplifying electric current. Furthermore, a switching device may be connected across the capacitor for integration so that the charge in the capacitor may be quickly discharge when the power is turned off, for the purpose of setting the power source reset circuit ready for the subsequent action when the power source is turned on thereafter. This invention is useful in applications where the power source for the contactless switch is frequently turned on and off.

Abstract: Disclosed is a proximity switch which includes a current feedback time oscillator so that an object in proximity may be detected from the decline in the oscillation output. In order to increase the recovery speed of the oscillation which has dropped as a result of detecting an approaching object, in addition to a first comparison circuit for detecting the object from the oscillation output level, a second comparison circuit is provided for varying the feedback current to the oscillation circuit to the end of maintaining the oscillation level at a certain low level even when the object has come sufficiently close to the proximity switch to otherwise completely terminate the oscillation. By virtue of the increased response speed of the proximity switch, it may be used in an environment where a strong AC magnetic field is present.

Abstract: Disclosed is a proximity switch which includes an oscillation circuit whose oscillation output is variable depending on the inductance of a coil so that an object in proximity may be detected from the decline in the oscillation output. Further, the oscillation gain of this oscillation circuit is variable according to an input from an external source. Thus, for the purpose of increasing the recovery speed of the oscillation which has dropped as a result of detecting an approaching object, comparison circuits are provided so that upon reduction in the oscillation output of the oscillation circuit a certain signal is applied to the oscillation circuit to increase its oscillation gain. As a result, even when an object in proximity is detected and the oscillation level is maintained at a certain low level so that the oscillation may be resumed quickly when the object has moved away from the proximity switch.

Abstract: The detecting electrode is composed of a single metal plate. Insulating type spacers are placed locally between the detecting electrode and the screen electrode which covers the area around the rear surface. The detecting performance is improved because no member with a high dielectric constant contacts the detecting electrode.

Abstract: A main control device comprises a plurality of lighting-control signal generators for generating lighting-control signals whose contents can be analogously varied, and a keyboard for specifying the contents of mode signals corresponding to those of the lighting-control signals. The lighting-control signals are supplied to the terminal control devices through a signal line. Mode signals and address signals are supplied to the terminal control devices through the signal lines. A terminal control device selected by the address signal selects a lighting-control signal corresponding to a mode signal. The selected lighting-control signal controls the lighting of a lighting load by phase control.

Abstract: A proximity switching device is disclosed, which comprises an oscillating circuit including a detection coil, a signal producing circuit for producing a detection signal in response to an oscillating amplitude of said oscillating circuit, and an output circuit for producing an output signal in response to said detection signal. The output circuit comprises a pair of Darlington circuits and a driving transistor for driving said Darlington circuits, one of said Darlington circuits operating as a NPN transistor and another operating as a PNP transistor, said Darlington circuit being connected complementarily for providing complementary output signals.