Abstract: A repeater amplifier boosts weak control signals on a PLC network, with noise discrimination and signal firewall protection. The AC supply voltage is filtered by a high frequency blocking filter to block external noise signals. Operating power for network signaling devices and the repeater amplifier is derived from the clean AC supply voltage. Noise discrimination and signal firewall protection are provided by amplifying and repeating only those receiver pulse signals that (a) have an analog amplitude that exceeds a predetermined analog threshold value, (b) occur during intervals that control data signal modulation is being applied to the filtered AC supply voltage and (c) occur at a frequency within a predetermined frequency band centered on the transmitted power line carrier (PLC) modulation frequency.

Abstract: A remotely accessible power controller communicates power reduction command signals by power line carrier (PLC) signaling over existing AC power distribution conductors for automatically disconnecting building lighting loads. Turn-off command signals from a local or remote controller automatically disconnect building lighting loads according to a time-of-day schedule to comply with mandated energy consumption codes applicable to the automatic shutoff of electrical lighting. Load shedding (selective turn off and/or dimming) command signals transmitted from public or private utility companies automatically disconnect or reduce building lighting loads in accordance with load curtailment agreements to limit total connected power consumption below an agreed level.

Abstract: A remotely accessible power controller communicates power reduction command signals by power line carrier (PLC) signaling over existing AC power distribution conductors for automatically disconnecting building lighting loads. Turn-off command signals from a local or remote controller automatically disconnect building lighting loads according to a time-of-day schedule to comply with mandated energy consumption codes applicable to the automatic shutoff of electrical lighting. Load shedding (selective turn off and/or dimming) command signals transmitted from public or private utility companies automatically disconnect or reduce building lighting loads in accordance with load curtailment agreements to limit total connected power consumption below an agreed level.

Abstract: A repeater amplifier boosts weak control signals on a PLC network, with noise discrimination and signal firewall protection. The AC supply voltage is filtered by a high frequency blocking filter to block external noise signals. Operating power for network signaling devices and the repeater amplifier is derived from the clean AC supply voltage. Noise discrimination and signal firewall protection are provided by amplifying and repeating only those receiver pulse signals that (a) have an analog amplitude that exceeds a predetermined analog threshold value, (b) occur during intervals that control data signal modulation is being applied to the filtered AC supply voltage and (c) occur at a frequency within a predetermined frequency band centered on the transmitted power line carrier (PLC) modulation frequency.

Abstract: A generic translator (10) is provided for processing service requests sent by a digit collection client (16). Requests include billing validation (11), call routing (19), call screening (17), account code validation (15) or other services. These requests are processed by the generic translator (10) and successful results are sent back to the digit collection client (16) or a trunk selection process (20). The generic translator (10) can access an external entity (18) to assist in digit translation (13).

Abstract: A generic translator (10) is provided for processing service requests sent by a digit collection client (16). Requests include billing validation (11), call routing (19), call screening (17), account code validation (15) or other services. These requests are processed by the generic translator (10) and successful results are sent back to the digit collection client (16) or a trunk selection process (20). The generic translator (10) can access an external entity (18) to assist in digit translation (13).

Abstract: A lighting control and dimming system utilizes a single traveler conductor for transmitting analog data signals corresponding to a particular light intensity level of multiple dimmers in a dimmer group. A predetermined binary data word is retrieved from the read-only memory of a remote controller and is transmitted serially in an analog pulse train over the traveler conductor to each dimmer unit. Each dimmer unit includes a microcontroller and read-only memory in which a group of binary numbers are stored. The analog data signal received by each dimmer is converted to binary and is compared bit-by-bit with each binary number stored in the dimmer memory. A serial bit comparator produces an enable signal in response to a bit-by-bit identity match between the converted analog data signal and the preset binary number stored in the dimmer ROM. Dimmers enabled by the transmitted analog data signal produce a predetermined scene at a particular brightness level corresponding with one of the stored binary numbers.

Abstract: A lighting control and dimming system 10 utilizes a single traveler conductor for transmitting analog data signals corresponding to a particular light intensity level of dimmers DIM 1, DIM 2, DIM 3, DIM 4, . . . , DIM N in a dimmer group. A predetermined binary data word is retrieved from the read-only memory of a controller that may be remote from the dimmers, and is transmitted serially in an analog pulse train over the traveler conductor to each dimmer unit. Remote signaling and selection of a specific scene are performed independently of the phase of the applied AC line voltage by sampling the logic values of logic high to logic low and logic low to logic high transitions of a zero cross signal. Dimmers enabled by the transmitted analog data signal produce a predetermined scene at a particular brightness level corresponding with one of the stored binary numbers.

Abstract: A lighting control and dimming system utilizes a single traveler conductor for transmitting analog data signals corresponding to a particular light intensity level of dimmers in a dimmer group. A predetermined binary data word is retrieved from the read-only memory of a remote controller and is transmitted serially in an analog pulse train over the traveler conductor to each dimmer unit. Each dimmer unit includes a microcontroller and read-only memory in which a group of binary numbers are stored. The analog data signal received by each dimmer is converted to binary and is compared bit-by-bit with each binary number stored in the dimmer memory. A serial bit comparator produces an enable signal in response to a bit-by-bit identity match between the converted analog data signal and the preset binary number stored in the dimmer ROM. Dimmers enabled by the transmitted analog data signal produce a predetermined scene at a particular brightness level corresponding with one of the stored binary numbers.

Abstract: A lighting control and dimming system utilizes a single traveler conductor for transmitting analog data signals corresponding to a particular light intensity level of a dimmer group. A predetermined binary data word is retrieved from the read-only memory of a remote controller, and is transmitted serially in an analog pulse train over the traveler conductor to each dimmer unit. Each dimmer unit includes a microcontroller and read-only memory in which a group of binary numbers are stored. The analog data signal received by each dimmer is converted to binary and is compared bit-by-bit with each binary number stored in the dimmer memory. A serial bit comparator produces an enable signal in response to a bit-by-bit identity match between the converted analogy data signal and the preset binary number stored in the dimmer ROM. All the dimmers are enabled by the transmitted analog data signal, thus producing a predetermined scene at a particular brightness level corresponding with one of the stored binary numbers.

Abstract: A two-piece face plate assembly includes a coupling plate which is mounted between the yoke strap of a wiring device and the mounting flange of a wall box. The coupling plate has a central opening for receiving the wiring device and has first and second index pins formed at spaced locations along the longitudinal axis of the coupling plate and in registration alignment with threaded mounting holes on the yoke strap. The coupling plate also has press-fit connectors positioned symmetrically about the central opening. The screwless face plate has a central opening for receiving the wiring device escutcheon and has a corresponding number of complementary press-fit connectors which are aligned for interlocking, press-fit engagement with the coupling plate connectors. The wiring device is mounted onto the wall box by screw fasteners extending through mounting slot openings formed through the yoke strap and in engagement with threaded mounting holes on the wall box.

Abstract: A junction box mounted infrared motion detector is set forth. It incorporates push button controls mounted on a box which has a Fresnel lens looking into the immediate vicinity and which encloses an infrared detector to sense an intruder. An ambient light photocell responsive to visible light is also included to enable the device to be switched off in the daytime and on at nighttime. The circuit controls a remotely powered lamp or other alarm device. The electrical current to the lamp is adjustable by means of a slide control.

Abstract: A control switch having an air gap safety lever, a novel slide arrangement, and a illuminated on-off control switch. The air gap safety lever is mounted on the control switch in such a manner that no power may flow through the circuits until the unit has been installed and the front cover plate mounted. The slide arrangement employs a thin clip which provides an aesthetically appealing slide control, the clip having special dimples which allow nearly frictionless movement. The illuminated on-off control switch utilizes a light piping which conveys light from an LED to the on-off button, the light piping doubling as a mechanical link between the on-off button and a momentary contact switch mounted inside the control switch. Also, a novel frame is disclosed which secures all mechanical and electrical components of the switch together without the necessity of attaching the back box, which simplifies test and repair before shipment of the unit from the factory.

Abstract: A control switch having an air gap safety lever, a novel slide arrangement, and an illuminated on-off control switch. The air gap safety lever is mounted on the control switch in such a manner that no power may flow through the circuits until the unit has been installed and the front cover plate mounted. The slide arrangement employs a thin clip which provides an aesthetically appealing slide control, the clip having special dimples which allow nearly frictionless movement. The illuminated on-off control switch utilizes a light piping which conveys light from an LED to the on-off button, the light piping doubling as a mechanical link between the on-off button and a momentary contact switch mounted inside the control switch. Also, a novel frame is disclosed which secures all mechanical and electrical components of the switch together without the necessity of attaching the back box, which simplifies test and repair before shipment of the unit from the factory.