Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for providing anonymous financial transactions. A user can apply for an anonymous financial account through a financial organization. The user is approved, an anonymous account is established and the user is notified. Once the anonymous account and associated card (if needed) is activated, the user can make anonymous purchases and have goods delivered anonymously, wherein the merchant does not know the user's real identity or address.

Abstract: A wall-mountable system for controlling electrical power to a load includes a switch and a dimmer, with the switch actuator being substantially larger than the dimmer actuator. Preferably, the switch is a short-throw, light-force switch and the dimmer is a linear slide dimmer. Another embodiment of the invention provides a wallbox-mountable, pushbutton-actuated electrical control device in which the pushbutton is resiliently supported on the device support.

Abstract: A system controls electrical power to multiple loads from both a central location and from local three-way controls. In one embodiment, the system includes means for sensing the power to each load. That sensing capability, in turn, permits the master to set all loads to the same power level, simultaneously, regardless of their original level. The local controls may be standard three-way dimmers or switches.

Abstract: A system to control power from a source to a load consists of a cover plate, a touch-operable device that is mounted behind a flexible area on the cover plate, and a power control circuit that responds in accordance with a signal generated by the touch-operable device. The system is operated by touching a point within the flexible area of the cover plate to activate the device. In a preferred embodiment, the system provides power over a continuous range of values, depending on the particular point at which the device is activated. Alternatively, the system operates as a switch, alternately turning power on or off when any point on the flexible area is touched. The control circuit preferably includes an electronically adjustable voltage divider. The system is well-adapted to permit control of power to a load from multiple locations. The appearance of the front surface of the cover plate can be dictated entirely by aesthetic considerations and can, if desired, be entirely featureless.

Abstract: A system controls electrical power to multiple loads from both a central location and from local three-way controls. In one embodiment, the system includes means for sensing the power to each load. That sensing capability, in turn, permits the master to set all loads to the same power level, simultaneously, regardless of their original level. The local controls may be standard three-way dimmers or switches.

Abstract: A system for controlling power to multiple groups of lights requires only a few controls. The system permits power to each group of lights to be adjusted independently and, at the same time, to be stored for later recall. Several combinations of power levels can be stored, and a particular combination can be selected, for example, by pressing a corresponding push button. In a preferred embodiment, a single control permits adjustment of any selected group, or groups, of lights.

Abstract: A system controls power to multiple a.c. lighting loads from both a central location and from individual controls that are located near the loads. The system includes individual wallbox dimmers that include enabling switches, a master control, and isolation means to accept input signals from the master control and to provide output signals to the dimmers. In a preferred embodiment, a dimmer also provides to the master control a signal that indicates the power being provided to the load that the dimmer controls. Preferably the individual controls provide linear slide dimming, in which the power provided to a load is determined by the slider position. The system permits simplified installation and replacement of system components.

Abstract: One or more power dimmers have a preshaped phase controlled input signal connected to their control input. The preshaped phase controlled input signal is generated from the output of a master dimmer having conventional phase control circuits operated from a manual or other control. A relay having contacts in the output circuit of the power dimmers is opened in response to the reduction of the phase controlled input signal to a value less than a given value. In an alternative embodiment, the power dimmers are replaced by an interface circuit which produces a variable frequency, pulse width modulated or other signal.

Abstract: A multiple location system is provided for controlling application of alternating-current power to a load. The system employs a dimming system in combination with one or more switches. In one embodiment, the system includes an override, so that a switch can provide power to the load even after the dimmer has turned the power off. In another embodiment, the dimming system includes an actuator, and the value of power to the load is determined substantially immediately upon setting of the actuator.

Abstract: A sliding electrical control provides a method for controlling the power to electrical systems, such as lamps, motors, etc. from more than one location. The control is designed to be mounted on one side of a plate and operated from the other side. It thus permits a slide for operating the control to be mounted closer to a wall than was possible before. In a preferred embodiment, the control includes a biasing spring, which reduces any tendency to rock, rather than slide, when the motion of the slide is begun.

Abstract: A multiple location system is provided for controlling application of alternating-current power to a load. The system employs a triac as a power carrying device, the gate control circuit for which has been modified to include auxiliary switching. Potentiometers are disposed at various different locations for determining, responsively to the setting or positioning of an actuator, such as the slide control of a linear potentiometer, the magnitude of respective control signals substantially immediately upon setting of the actuator. The signals are mutually exclusively applied to control the triac in accordance with which of the actuators is being set. Alternatively, the control signals can be applied in accordance with which one of a series of take-command switches (one for each location) was last operated. In either case, only two wires are necessary to connect the different locations to one another. In one embodiment, the actuator controls a pair of momentary-close switches associated therewith (e.g.