Abstract: An electrical control system including a plurality of electrical devices communicates over a network and interfaces and works with non-protocol devices and signals that only send/receive an on/off digital signal or send/receive one of numerous analog signals. The devices communicate with one another over a network implemented using different types of media. The system includes the necessary user interfaces, network management system interfaces and displays to provision, administer, operate and maintain the electrical device network. The system is particularly suited for lighting control applications to control the lights and/or other electrical loads within an office, building, room or home by motion detection, ambient light sensing, switching functions, dimming functions, temperature sensing functions and humidity sensing functions. Most devices are equipped to put the device in an ON, OFF, or AUTO mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of inhibiting and overriding the normal operating mode of an input device connected to a communications network function within an electrical network made up of input devices, with a group of the input devices being capable of commanding an electrical control device to apply and remove electrical power from an electrical load. The input devices or nodes communicate with the electrical control device over the communications network. When one of the input devices is turned off, the normal operating mode of all of the other input sensors is inhibited. The electrical control device remains inhibited until all of the input devices are no longer in the off position. Thus, electrical power to the load controlled by the electrical control device remains disconnected until all input devices are in the on position. Local and remote signaling, control, and indication diagnostic and monitoring functions are also performed.

Abstract: A system for sensing and maintaining the light level within an area. The invention comprises multiple lux sensor readers that function to measure the current light level within an area. One or more controllers are used to control the dimming level of each light source in accordance with the readings received from the plurality of lux sensors. The readings are averaged such that over time any extreme readings are averaged out. The light level of the plurality of light sources is adjusted in accordance with the averaged readings. This virtually eliminates areas in the room where the light is too dim or too bright and serves to average out any manufacturing and component tolerance differences between devices. In addition, the invention comprises the optional assignment of a weight factor to each reading or average to further provide the ability to give more importance to certain regions in the room over others thus further assisting in eliminating areas where the light is either too dim or too bright.

Abstract: An apparatus and method place a node in an unconfigured state, with the apparatus and method functioning within an electrical network including a plurality of such nodes. Each node is adapted to communicate over a communications network. Such electrical networks can be implemented utilizing the CEBus (EIA-600 standard) or LonWorks communications systems. The apparatus and method operate in a LonWorks communications system by placing a node in an unconfigured state for installation or maintenance purposes. A push button switch is in a suitable location in the apparatus to be accessed by a user. The switch is coupled between a service pin of a Neuron chip and ground. Under control of an executable application program, pressing the switch for a predetermined length of time causes the node to be placed in the unconfigured state.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of inhibiting and overriding the normal operating mode of one or more input devices connected to a communications network. The present invention functions within an electrical network made up of a plurality of input devices wherein a group of input devices is capable of commanding an electrical control device to apply and remove electrical power from an electrical load connected thereto. The input devices or nodes communicate with the electrical control device over a communications network. When one of the input devices is turned off, the normal operating mode of all the other input sensors is inhibited. The electrical control device remains inhibited until all the input devices are no longer in the off position. Thus, electrical power to the load controlled by the electrical control device remains disconnected until all input devices are in the on position. Local and remote signaling, control and indication diagnostic and monitoring functions are also provided.

Abstract: A multifunction sensor device which provides various transducer functions including means for performing temperature sensing, ambient light sensing, motion detection, switching functions and a means to put the device in an on, off or auto mode. The device has utility in environments such as that found in offices, schools, homes, industrial plants or any other type of automated facility in which sensors are utilized for energy monitoring and control, end user convenience or HVAC control. Key elements of the invention include overcoming the difficulty of mounting diverse sensors or transducers within the same device or housing; permitting these various sensors to exist in a single package that can be mounted to a wall in a substantially flush manner; and eliminating the requirement of an air flow channel in the device, thus minimizing any adverse effects on the motion detecting element or sensor as well as providing built in partial hysteresis.