Abstract: A touch controlled switch system operable by human touch inputs includes an intercommunication feature to enable communication between remote touch controlled switch units over a power line. The system comprises a transmitting unit including a first touch receptor operable by touch inputs for applying coded message signals to the power line and a receiving unit including a second touch receptor operable by touch inputs and a control switch circuit for operating a load coupled to the circuit in response to touch inputs applied to the second touch receptor. The receiving unit also includes a message sensing circuit responsive to the coded message signals on the power line for operating the control switch circuit in response to touch inputs applied to the first touch receptor. The system allows devices at remote locations to be operated either by touch inputs applied at remote receiving units or by touch inputs at one or more master transmitting units to generate coded message signals on the power line.

Abstract: A touch control switch circuit operable by a hum pickup signal induced in a human body by a power supply line incorporates a compensation arrangement to eliminate false operation of the circuit by fluctuations in the power supply signal. The circuit comprises a touch receptor operable by electrical contact with the human body to receive the induced hum pickup signal, a touch detector responsive to the hum pickup signal received by the touch receptor for producing an output signal in response to a change in amplitude of the hum pickup signal, and a compensation circuit responsive to the power supply signal for controlling operation of the touch detector to prevent a false output signal in response to fluctuations in the power supply signal. The compensation arrangement may be embodied as a reference detector which provides a variable reference signal for the touch detector to compensate for power line fluctuations or which disables the touch detector output upon the occurrence of power line fluctuations.