Abstract: A dimmer switch coupleable to a circuit including a power source, load, and single-pole double-throw three-way switch that comprises a first and a second fixed contact, and a movable contact. The three-way switch has a first state in which the movable contact is contacting the first fixed contact and a second state in which the movable contact is contacting the second fixed contact. The dimmer switch comprises first, second and third load terminals coupled in series with the three-way switch. The dimmer switch comprises first and second controllably conductive devices, such that the first and second controllably conductive devices are operable to conduct load current to control the amount of power delivered to the load when the three-way switch is in the respective first and second states; and a controller coupleable to the first and second controllably conductive devices for rendering the first and second controllably conductive devices conductive and non-conductive.

Abstract: A dimmer switch coupleable to a circuit including a power source, load, and single-pole double-throw three-way switch that comprises a first and a second fixed contact and a movable contact. The three-way switch has a first state and a second state. The dimmer switch comprises first, second and third load terminals coupled in series with the three-way switch. The dimmer switch comprises a controllably conductive device. A sensing device is coupled to the third load terminal such that when the three-way switch is in the second state, the sensing device is operable to sense an electrical characteristic associated with the third load terminal. A controller is coupled to the controllably conductive device and to the sensing device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive in response to the sensed electrical characteristic and so that power is delivered through the second load terminal of the third load terminal depending on the state of the three-way switch.

Abstract: A wireless sensor for a load control system is adapted to be releasably mounted to a surface, such as a drop ceiling panel, to allow the optimum location of the sensor to be determined. A releasable mounting means of the sensor comprises two posts extending perpendicularly from a rear surface of the sensor. Each post has a small diameter and is rigid enough to pierce the panel without creating a large aesthetically-displeasing hole. The sensor may be permanently affixed to the panel by bending the posts at a rear surface of the panel without the use of a tool, such that the panel is captured between the mounting plate and the deformed posts. The sensor further comprises multiple test buttons provided on an outwardly-facing surface of the sensor for separately testing the communications of the load control system and the operation of the sensor. Alternatively, the releasable mounting means may comprise one or more magnets for magnetically coupling the sensor to a grid structure of the ceiling.

Abstract: A smart dimmer switch for control of a lighting load from an AC voltage source can replace any switch in a three-way or four-way lighting control system. The smart dimmer switch can be connected on the line-side or the load-side of a three-way system with a standard three-way switch in the other location. Further, the dimmer switch can replace a four-way switch in a four-way system and is operable to be coupled to two standard three-way switches. The dimmer switch includes either one or two semiconductor switches to control the intensity of the connected lighting load. The dimmer switch preferably includes a sensing circuit for detecting an electrical characteristic (i.e., either a voltage or a current) at a terminal of the dimmer to determine the state of the connected three-way switch(s) or four-way switch.

Abstract: A wireless sensor for a load control system is adapted to be releasably mounted to a surface, such as a drop ceiling panel, to allow the optimum location of the sensor to be determined. A releasable mounting means of the sensor comprises two posts extending perpendicularly from a rear surface of the sensor. Each post has a small diameter and is rigid enough to pierce the panel without creating a large aesthetically-displeasing hole. The sensor may be permanently affixed to the panel by bending the posts at a rear surface of the panel without the use of a tool, such that the panel is captured between the mounting plate and the deformed posts. The sensor further comprises multiple test buttons provided on an outwardly-facing surface of the sensor for separately testing the communications of the load control system and the operation of the sensor. Alternatively, the releasable mounting means may comprise one or more magnets for magnetically coupling the sensor to a grid structure of the ceiling.

Abstract: A dimmer switch adapted to be coupled to a circuit including a power source, a load, and a single-pole double-throw three-way switch, the three-way switch comprising a first fixed contact, a second fixed contact, and a movable contact adapted to be coupled to either the power source or the load, the three-way switch having a first state in which the movable contact is contacting the first fixed contact and a second state in which the movable contact is contacting the second fixed contact, the dimmer switch comprising a first load terminal adapted to be coupled to either the power source or the load to which the three-way switch is not coupled for conducting a load current through the load; a second load terminal adapted to be coupled to the first fixed contact of the three-way switch; a third load terminal adapted to be coupled to the second fixed contact of the three-way switch; a first controllably conductive device electrically coupled between the first and second load terminals, such that the first contro

Abstract: A lighting control device adapted to be coupled to a circuit including an AC power source, an electrical load, and a single-pole double-throw three-way switch, the three-way switch comprising a first fixed contact, a second fixed contact, and a movable contact adapted to be coupled to either the power source or the load, the three-way switch having a first state in which the movable contact is contacting the first fixed contact and a second state in which the movable contact is contacting the second fixed contact, the lighting control device comprising a first load terminal adapted to be coupled to either the power source or the load to which the three-way switch is not coupled; a second load terminal adapted to be coupled to the first fixed contact of the three-way switch; a third load terminal adapted to be coupled to the second fixed contact of the three-way switch; a controllably conductive device coupled to the first, second, and third load terminals to conduct a load current from the AC power source to

Abstract: A smart dimmer switch for control of a lighting load from an AC voltage source can replace any switch in a three-way or four-way lighting control system. The smart dimmer switch can be connected on the line-side or the load-side of a three-way system with a standard three-way switch in the other location. Further, the dimmer switch can replace a four-way switch in a four-way system and is operable to be coupled to two standard three-way switches. The dimmer switch includes either one or two semiconductor switches to control the intensity of the connected lighting load. The dimmer switch preferably includes a sensing circuit for detecting an electrical characteristic (i.e., either a voltage or a current) at a terminal of the dimmer to determine the state of the connected three-way switch(s) or four-way switch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means for easily ganging together a traditional-style dimmer switch and a designer-style dimmer switch in a multi-gang designer-style faceplate. Specifically, a faceplate adapter for a load control device according to the present invention comprises a front surface, an adapter opening in the front surface, and an attachment post. The front surface defines a first area substantially the same size as a faceplate opening of a designer-style faceplate. The adapter opening defines a second area substantially the same size as a faceplate opening of a traditional-style faceplate. The attachment post allows the adapter to be secured to the load control device.

Abstract: A wall mountable dimmer switch for controlling the level of AC power delivered to a load, such as a lighting load. The switch is capable of being used as a single pole, three-way or four-way dimmer switch. The switch is responsive to signals supplied by auxiliary devices to increase, decrease or toggle on/off the power delivered to the load irrespective of the location of the switch when it is used in a multiple location switching system, and irrespective of the wiring of its hot and dimmed leads.