Abstract: A control system and method suppress noise in a power-line-based system which has a device repeater connected to an electrical device, and which may be capable of remote control by signals transmitted through the power-line-based system. The control system includes a control device and a communications bus. The communications bus connects the control device to the device repeater. The control device, using a control repeater, controls a phase signal of the device repeater to suppress noise during operation of the electrical device associated with the device repeater.

Abstract: A control system and method suppress noise in a power-line-based system which has a device repeater connected to an electrical device, and which may be capable of remote control by signals transmitted through the power-line-based system. The control system includes a control device and a communications bus. The communications bus connects the control device to the device repeater. The control device, using a control repeater, controls a phase signal of the device repeater to suppress noise during operation of the electrical device associated with the device repeater.

Abstract: An occupancy sensor and an automatic dimmer are connected in series with a light source. The detection of motion in the viewing area of the sensor starts the automatic dimmer which moves from its minimum brightness level to its maximum brightness level. One embodiment of the invention includes a key which can be operated to stop the automatic dimmer at some brightness level below the maximum brightness level which is reached if the key is not operated. A second embodiment provides a presetting device whereby the brightness level can be preset. When all motion in the viewing area ceases the automatic dimmer returns the brightness level to the minimum level at a slow rate.

Abstract: A key touch dimmer includes a switching device through which AC line current is passed to brighten a lamp in response to a control signal generated by a microprocessor. The microprocessor receives an input indicative of the zero crossing points of the AC line current and synchronizes this input with its own internal clock circuitry to generate a firing signal for the switching device at the correct phase angle in the next half cycle of the AC line current. The dimmer has memory capability whereby the lamp, when turned back on, will brighten to a preset level. This brightening is accomplished in a gradual manner. Likewise, a turned off lamp will fade to zero brightness, with the dimmer retaining the preset brightness level. The microprocessor shuts down quickly in the event of a power outage to preserve memory. An optional display includes a plurality of LEDs for indicating light level. Other options include providing the dimmer with several keys, each of which can be adjusted to a respective preset level.

Abstract: A key touch dimmer includes a switching device through which AC line current is passed to brighten a lamp in response to a control signal generated by a microprocessor. The microprocessor receives an input indicative of the zero crossing points of the AC line current and synchronizes this input with its own internal clock circuitry to generate a firing signal for the switching device at the correct phase angle in the next half cycle of the AC line current. The dimmer has memory capability whereby the lamp, when turned back on, will brighten to a preset level. This brightening is accomplished in a gradual manner. Likewise, a turned off lamp will fade to zero brightness, with the dimmer retaining the preset brightness level. The microprocessor shuts down quickly in the event of a power outage to preserve memory. An optional display includes a plurality of LEDs for indicating light level. Other options include providing the dimmer with several keys, each of which can be adjusted to a respective preset level.

Abstract: A key touch dimmer includes a switching device through which AC line current is passed to brighten a lamp in response to a control signal generated by a microprocessor. The microprocessor receives an input indicative of the zero crossing points of the AC line current and synchronizes this input with its own internal clock circuitry to generate a firing signal for the switching device at the correct phase angle in the next half cycle of the AC line current. The dimmer has memory capability whereby the lamp, when turned back on, will brighten to a preset level. This brightening is accomplished in a gradual manner. Likewise, a turned off lamp will fade to zero brightness, with the dimmer retaining the preset brightness level. The microprocessor shuts down quickly in the event of a power outage to preserve memory. An optional display includes a plurality of LEDs for indicating light level. Other options include providing the dimmer with several keys, each of which can be adjusted to a respective preset level.