Abstract: A lighting control device for controlling the state and intensity of a lamp includes a user-actuatable intensity selector for selecting a desired lamp intensity level between minimum and maximum intensity levels. The device further includes a programmable microprocessor for storing a preset lamp intensity level, and a linear array of indicator lights (e.g. LED's) for indicating the available range of lamp intensities. According to a preferred embodiment, the microprocessor operates to illuminate all lights in the array when the lamp is OFF, with one indicator light being more brightly illuminated to indicate the preset intensity level. When the lamp is ON, only that indicator light representing the present lamp intensity level is illuminated.

Abstract: A fan speed control adjusts the speed of an electric fan motor without producing audible noise at frequencies above about 60 Hz. A linear slide switch is positionable in each of four discrete positions to connect various capacitances in series with the motor to limit the power provided to the motor from an ac source. An actuator engaging the slide switch includes detents to urge the switch into each of the four positions. The urging force is a maximum approximately half-way between adjacent positions and decreases linearly to a minimum at each position. The maximum force necessary to move the switch from one position to the next is not greater than about 0.8 lb., to avoid overshoot when the actuator is operated by an extended arm.

Abstract: A lighting control device for controlling the state and intensity level of at least one lamp.

Abstract: A multiple position wall mountable linear slide switch has a wheel disposed between a linearly moveable actuator and a stationary bearing surface for rolling the actuator in a linear path over the bearing surface upon application of an external sliding force to the actuator. The wheel carries a conductive axle for establishing an electrical connection between switch contacts defining each switch setting. The bearing surface has a plurality of detents, one associated with each switch setting, so that, as the actuator is moved from one position to another, the wheel rolls out of one detent then into another. This motion of the wheel automatically raises the axle away from the contacts at one setting then lowers the axle onto the contacts at an immediately subsequent setting as the actuator is moved between corresponding positions.