Abstract: A universal dimmer has a switching element, a load current measurement element, a current evaluator for evaluating the current passing through the load, and a firing angle adjuster such as a regulator or transforming element. The current passing through the load is measured and evaluated so as to direct the firing angle adjuster to adapt firing angles of the switching element so that a load RMS current is proportional to a dimmer input signal, regardless of the type of load being controlled. The universal dimmer is capable of dimming the output from linear and non-linear loads using AC power line phase angle control to vary output power of linear and non-linear loads, ranging from regular linear loads such as incandescent lamps, to non-linear loads, such as LED lamps, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs'), etc. as well as linear loads with large phase shift, that is, inductive and capacitive loads.

Abstract: A universal dimmer for adjusting the output from linear and non-linear loads using an AC power control method incorporating phase angle control is disclosed which has a switching element, a load current measurement element for measuring the current passing through the load, a current evaluator for evaluating the current passing through the load, and a firing angle adjuster such as a regulator or transforming element. The current passing through the load is measured and evaluated so as to direct the firing angle adjuster to adapt firing angles of the switching element in such way that a load RMS current is proportional to an input signal to the dimmer, regardless of the type of load being controlled.

Abstract: A compact non-contact multi-function electrical switch for use in an electrical box mounted on a wall has a one or more capacitance sensors for detecting a presence of a hand placed adjacent to the switch, as well as the directional movements of the hand along an X and/or Y axis and/or Z axis, and for generating data values, and a CPU for receiving the values and for determining which function is to be performed, such as calculating a power output in response to a first data bit. The switch can communicate with nearby switches to avoid sensor interference. The CPU can be used to generate one or more control signals for controlling the predetermined function associated with the specific movements. A processing unit may be used with multiple switches in a gang assembly, so that the switch sensors form an array enabling the switches to perform more complex control functions.

Abstract: A compact non-contact multi-function electrical switch for use in an electrical box mounted on a wall has a one or more capacitance sensors for detecting a presence of a hand placed adjacent to the switch, as well as the directional movements of the hand along an X and/or Y axis and/or Z axis, and for generating data values, and a CPU for receiving the values and for determining which function is to be performed, such as calculating a power output in response to a first data bit. The switch can communicate with nearby switches to avoid sensor interference. The CPU can be used to generate one or more control signals for controlling the predetermined function associated with the specific movements. A processing unit may be used with multiple switches in a gang assembly, so that the switch sensors form an array enabling the switches to perform more complex control functions.

Abstract: A compact non-contact electrical switch for use in an electrical box mounted on a wall has a capacitance sensor for detecting a presence of a hand placed adjacent to the switch and for generating a first data bit, and a CPU for receiving the data bit and for calculating a power output in response to the first data bit The CPU generates a control signal for controlling a triac or relay and thus the power supplied to an electrical circuit passing through the box, for on/off and optionally dimmer control responsive to the proximity of the hand.

Abstract: A compact non-contact electrical switch for use in an electrical box mounted on a wall has a capacitance sensor for detecting a presence of a hand placed adjacent to the switch and for generating a first data bit, and a CPU for receiving the data bit and for calculating a power output in response to the first data bit The CPU generates a control signal for controlling a triac or relay and thus the power supplied to an electrical circuit passing through the box, for on/off and optionally dimmer control responsive to the proximity of the hand.