Abstract: An electric machine, such as a brushless direct current motor, includes a number of stator formed as stator sections. The stator sections are longitudinally offset from each other along a common central axis of the electric machine. The stator sections are magnetically independent of one another, but are electrically driven with offset phases typically in a manner similar to a standard multi-phase motor. The stator sections may be further offset with one another in radial position. The structure of the stator sections provides advantages in terms of efficiency, power consumption, torque, and thermal performance, and can be especially advantageous where a battery is used to power the motor, such as in portable hand tools or driving motors for vehicles.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a stator with transposition between the windings or coils. The coils are free from transposition to increase the fill factor of the stator slots. The transposition at the end connections between an inner coil and an outer coil provide transposition to reduce circulating current loss. The increased fill factor reduces further current losses. Such a stator is used in a dual rotor, permanent magnet machine, for example, in a compressor pump, wind turbine gearbox, wind turbine rotor.

Abstract: A stator core is disclosed. The stator core is constructed in a structure in which stress and spring back of the stator core are minimized when a stator is manufactured in a spiral fashion, whereby workability is improved. The stator core includes a yoke formed in the shape of a band, a plurality of teeth protruding outward from one side of the yoke, the teeth being arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the yoke, a plurality of notches formed at the inside of the yoke in the shape of a cutout such that the notches are arranged at equal intervals, and guide holes formed in the longitudinal direction of the yoke. The guide holes include holes formed at positions corresponding to the respective teeth and holes formed between the respective teeth.

Abstract: A stator core is disclosed. The stator core is constructed in a structure in which stress of the stator core is minimized when a stator is manufactured in a spiral fashion, whereby workability is improved. The stator core includes a yoke formed in the shape of a band, a plurality of teeth protruding outward from one side of the yoke, the teeth being arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the yoke, and a plurality of notches formed at the yoke in the shape of a cutout such that the notches are arranged at predetermined equal intervals, the notches being disposed between the respective neighboring teeth.

Abstract: A segmented inner stator comprises a stator core and a stator winding. The stator core includes a plurality of core segments which are retained together in a circular arrangement by at least one retaining ring and are mated with each other. At least some of the core segments are provided with slots on the radial side surfaces. The at least one retaining ring comprises a radial extension portion extending along the axial side surface of the core segment. A plurality of corresponding axial projections are provided on the radial extension portion of the at least one retaining ring along the circumferential direction to be inserted into the slot on one of the core segments so that the core segments are not free to move axially and radially relative to each other or relative to the retaining rings.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer comprises a ferroelectric crystal having a plurality of spaced apart ferroelectric domain inverted regions and at least one non-inverted region. An electrode layer is disposed on one side of the crystal electrically contacting both the domain inverted portion and the non-inverted portion of the crystal. On a side of the crystal opposite the electrode layer, a first electrode is disposed on the domain inverted portion spaced apart from a second electrode disposed on the non-inverted portion. As a result, the acoustic transducer provides sub-transducers hooked in series having effective areas defined by the areas of their respective electrodes.

Abstract: An acoustic wave device capable of exhibiting good characteristics for a prolonged period of time and a method of manufacturing an acoustic wave device are provided. An acoustic wave device of the invention includes a piezoelectric body layer having piezoelectricity and one surface, a pair of electrodes for, when electrified, inducing acoustic vibration in the piezoelectric body layer, the electrodes arranged on the one surface of the piezoelectric body layer, and a silicon dioxide layer provided in contact with the piezoelectric body layer and/or the electrodes, the silicon dioxide layer composed of silicon dioxide as its major component, wherein the silicon dioxide layer is formed by performing sputtering with a silicon dioxide target in an atmosphere of an oxygen flow rate ratio of 60% or more.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device includes a piezoelectric substrate on which is formed a transducer that generates acoustic waves on the surface of the substrate from electrical waves received by the transducer. The waves are carried along an acoustic track to either a second transducer or a reflector. The transducers or transducer and reflector are formed of subsections that are constructed to operate at mutually different frequencies. The subsections of at least one of the transducers or transducer and reflector are out of alignment with respect to one another relative to the transverse of the propagation direction. The out of aligned subsections provide not only a frequency component but also a time to the signal output signal. Frequency response characteristics are improved. An alternative embodiment provides that the transducers and/or reflectors are continuously tapered instead of having discrete frequency subsections.

Abstract: Elements and methods for forming elements that operate with acoustic waves are disclosed. The element includes a piezoelectric electric substrate that has a first thermal coefficient of expansion, electrically conducting element structures on an upper side of the substrate, a compensation layer on an underside of the substrate, and an SiO2 layer over the element structures.

Abstract: In a driving device for a piezoelectric actuator, when a driving signal is input, a charging switch is repetitively turned on/off to charge and expand the piezoelectric actuator under the state that a discharging switch is turned off. Thereafter, when the input of the driving signal is stopped, the discharging switch is repetitively turned on/off under the state that the charging switch is turned off, thereby discharging and contracting the piezoelectric actuator. Particularly, during the charging period, the charging switch is turned on at a fixed period, and the charging switch is turned off when an integration value of current flowing in a charging circuit at the ON-time of the charging switch reaches a target charge amount.

Abstract: A driving device includes a drive source, a driving unit, and a driven member. The drive source is configured and arranged to generate a driving force. The driving unit is coupled to the drive source to move with a reciprocating motion between first and second directions by the driving force. The driven member is arranged to frictionally engage with the driving unit to move in the first direction in response to the reciprocating motion of the driving unit. The driving unit is further arranged to convert a portion of the driving force into a pressing force that acts on the driven member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions with a first conversion ratio when the driving unit moves in the first direction and with a second conversion ratio smaller than the first conversion ratio when the driving unit moves in the second direction.

Abstract: A multifunction sensor system for an electrical machine includes a piezoelectric vibration sensor a resistive temperature and partial discharge sensor which may optionally be integral with the piezoelectric vibration sensor; and packaging enclosing the vibration, the resistive temperature, and the partial discharge sensors.

Abstract: A micro manipulator for electrode movement, a driving method thereof, and a brain signal measuring device using the same are provided.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator comprises a body of a piezoelectric material, electrode patterns embedded in the body, and a sidewall protective film of a piezoelectric material covering at least a sidewall surface of the body, the sidewall protective film covering the electrode patterns at the sidewall surface of the body.

Abstract: A drive apparatus having a shortened axial dimension. First and second magnets are each formed into a semi-cylindrical shape and each provided with a magnetized pattern portion. A rotor yoke includes a shaft portion and a magnetic pole portion facing magnetized surfaces of the magnets. First and second stator yokes are each disposed to cooperate with the rotor yoke to sandwich therebetween a part of the first or second magnet where the magnetized pattern portion is formed. First and second coils each magnetize a part of the magnetic pole portion of the rotor yoke which faces the first or second stator yoke.

Abstract: A self-generating system for an exercise apparatus including a flywheel having a flange with a plurality of permanent magnets fixed on the circumference of thereof. At least one set of induction coils opposing to the permanent magnets is supported on the a mounting foot such that the induction coils surround the permanent magnets with a proper gap between them. Accordingly, an induction takes place between the permanent magnets and the induction coils after the flywheel is brought into rotation. Meanwhile, the inducted electric energy may be transmitted by a power cord to necessary electronic devices (like a motor and an electric console) on the exercise apparatus, thereby achieving the self-generating effect.

Abstract: A counter which, in use, includes a mainly horizontal top plate and bottom plate arranged with a mutual spacing and a mainly vertical support plate extending between the top and bottom plates and following the rims of these plates at least a distance of their extent. The support plate is made up of a relatively thin, elastic material with a non-stressed initial condition and a clamped mounted condition. The counter has a simple, light and inexpensive structure, and it allows light from a light source in the counter to penetrate the support plate and illuminate an information on this plate. The counter takes up very little space during transportation and storage, and it can be mounted quickly and easily upon use.

Abstract: IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CABINET WITH AN INTERNAL FRAMEWORK FOR MOUNTING AN AIR CONDITIONER, of the type that presents itself in the shape of a said cabinet (1), parallelepipedic and substantially elongated in its height, in such a manner that inside different folded sheet metal parts may be installed thus configuring compartments may be formed or set up to house the usual refrigeration components: compressor s (2), radiator (3) with its respective fan (4) and a condenser (5) with its respective fan (6), in such a manner that this unit may make up two air flows, one internal (7A) and the other external (7B) and for this end the cabinet (1) initially presents two rear openings, an upper one for the indraught (8) and a lower one for exhaust (9), between which the radiator (3) and its respective fan are mounted (4), thus making up the flow conditioned air (6) which on the opposite or external side is positioned in parallel in relation to the external airflow (7), this also completes the other two openings, one for in

Abstract: A craft table provides for convenient storage of tools and supplies, and also is capable of holding and positioning a project for ease in working on the project.

Abstract: A compactable wheeled transport system with a first pivotal shelf for ease of transporting a first object in a first mode of operation. A compactable wheeled transport system with a second pivotal shelf for use as a work surface and support a second object thereon. Additionally, a pivotal foot is disclosed for stabilization of the system.

Abstract: A multi-section slide assembly includes an outer slide, an intermediate slide, an inner slide, a positioning member, and an actuating member. The outer slide forms a locking tab. The intermediate slide is received in the outer slide. The intermediate slide defines two receiving slots and at least one slit. The positioning member is mounted to the intermediate slide, and includes at least one positioning tab extending downward therefrom. The positioning tab extends through the slit and abuts against the locking tab. The actuating member is mounted between the intermediate member and the positioning member. The actuating member forms two arms. Two arrises protrude downward from the arms of the actuating member and extend through the corresponding receiving slots of the intermediate slide. The inner slide is received in the intermediate slide.

Abstract: Methods of applying multiple parallel frames or moldings to planar surfaces on articles of furniture are disclosed to produce multi-banded, textured exterior surfaces on articles which conceal functionalities such as, doors, shelves, or receptacles, as well as one or more slide-ably extendable/retractable drawers, to include articles of furniture made by the disclosed methods.

Abstract: A field emission device includes a transparent anode substrate, an anode, a cathode substrate, a cathode, and a fluorescent layer. The anode is formed on the anode substrate. The cathode is formed on the cathode substrate. The cathode faces toward the anode and is spaced therefrom at a predetermined distance. The fluorescent layer is formed on the cathode and faces toward the anode. A method for manufacturing the field emission device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary carbon nanotube field emission device includes a cathode, at least one carbon nanotube emitter formed on the cathode, an anode facing the cathode, at least one gate electrode arranged between the cathode and the anode, at least one spacer arranged between the gate electrode and the cathode, and an electrically insulating layer formed on an underside surface of the gate electrode. The at least one spacer defines at least one cavity therein with the at least one carbon nanotube emitter being received in the at least one cavity. The electrically insulating layer is configured for preventing the underside surface of the gate electrode from being exposed to the cavity. A method for manufacturing a carbon nanotube field emission device is included.

Abstract: A field emission element includes one supporting wire and at least one field emission layer coated or otherwise formed on an outer surface of the supporting wire. Each field emission layer includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and is selected from a group consisting of CNT-polymer composites, CNT-glass composites and single-layer/multi-layer CNT films. A method for manufacturing the described field emission element is also provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing one supporting wire; (b) forming at least one field emission layer on an outer surface of the supporting wire; and (c) cutting the supporting wire, after forming the at least one field emission layer thereon, according to a predetermined length and then treating the at least one field emission layer on the supporting wire to form the field emission element.

Abstract: A given field emission element includes a carbon nanotube field emission wire and at least one supporting protective layer coating an outer surface of the carbon nanotube field emission wire. The carbon nanotube field emission wire is selected from a group consisting of a carbon nanotube yarn, a wire-shaped CNT-polymer composite, and a wire-shaped CNT-glass composite. A method for manufacturing the described field emission element includes the steps of: (a) providing one carbon nanotube field emission wire; (b) forming one supporting protective layer on an outer surface of the carbon nanotube field emission wire; and (c) cutting the carbon nanotube field emission wire to a predetermined length and treating the carbon nanotube emission wire to form the field emission element.

Abstract: An apparatus for demagnetizing a shadow mask includes a shadow mask stocker, a cassette in the shadow mask stocker, wherein at least one shadow mask is disposed in the cassette, and a demagnetizing means that generates a magnetic field by an alternating current (AC), thereby removing magnetism of the at least one shadow mask.

Abstract: An optical filter is provided on the output side of light from plural kinds of cells that output light with colors different from one another. In the optical filter, the penetrable rate of at least a portion of the wavelength band of light output from the cell with the color having highest luminescent intensity is set lower than that of the wavelength band of other kinds of cells. Consequently, the reflectance rate of outer light incident to a display can be reduced. Particularly, in a room environment using artificial lighting, the reflectance rate of outer light can be reduced in the wavelength band of light with relatively high luminescent intensity. Resultingly, bright room contrast can be improved by suppressing the reflection of outer light. Since the penetrable rate of the color with the highest luminescent intensity is reduced, reduction in brightness of the display can be kept to a minimum.

Abstract: A light-storage self-luminescent glass is disclosed, comprising from 0.01 to 40% of a light-storage self-luminescent material activated by multiple ions and from 99.99 to 60% of a matrix glass; wherein the light-storage self-luminescent material has a particle size from 10 ?m to 20 mm, and the matrix glass can be a low melting point glass or a common silicate glass. A process for producing the glass is also disclosed, comprising doping a light-storage self-luminescent material during the forming process of a common silicate glass, or thoroughly mixing low melting point glass powder with a light-storage self-luminescent material, and then heat treating the system at 700-1100° C. to obtain the light-storage self-luminescent glass. The process is simple and the cost is low.

Abstract: A planar discharge vessel is composed of a front board 1 made of translucent glass plate and a rear board 2 made of translucent glass plate facing to the front board 1 with a certain distance, a side wall 3 and frit glass 4, which joins a periphery of the front board 1 and the rear board 2 via a side wall 3 to form a planar discharge vessel. Phosphor layers 5a, 5b are formed on an inner surface of the front board 1 and rear board 2 and convert an ultraviolet ray radiated from the discharge medium through discharge into visible light. The external electrode 6, to which a high voltage is applied and the external electrode 7, to which a low voltage is applied are arranged alternately on the outer surface of the rear board 2.

Abstract: An organic electroluminescent device having a structure in which an emitting layer (3) containing an organic metal complex having at least a heavy metal as a central metal and an electron-transporting layer (4) are stacked between an anode (2) and a cathode (1), wherein a difference (?AF) in electron affinity between a main organic material forming the emitting layer (3) and a main material forming the electron-transporting layer (4) satisfies the following expression; “0.2 eV<?AF?0.65 eV”.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide metal complexes, suited to luminescent materials or color transfer materials in organic EL elements or lighting systems. The metal complexes according to the present invention comprise a metal atom, a tridentate ligand, and one of monodentate ligands and halogen atoms, wherein the tridentate ligand binds to the metal atom at three sites through three nitrogen atoms of a first nitrogen atom, a second nitrogen atom and a third nitrogen atom, and the one of monodentate ligands and halogen atoms binds to the metal atom. The metal complexes are preferably expressed by General Formula (1) shown below.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved structure of producing white light for LED, and the structure is a light emitting element composed of two chips of different color lights. The two chips are bonded with each other in series. In an epitaxial formation and manufacturing process, a first metal contact end is formed on the backside of the chip in the front and a second metal contact end is formed on the front side of the chip at the back, and the interfaces of the first and second contact ends are bonded by an eutectic solder, so that the two chips are electrically and mechanically coupled with each other. The invention simply uses a current to drive two chips to produce white light, and thus effectively saving the space of a printed circuit board, and enhancing the performance of the LED semiconductor manufacturing process.

Abstract: A novel aromatic amine derivative which is a diamine compound having a p-terphenyl-4,4?-diyl structure. An organic electroluminescence device which is composed of one or more organic thin film layers including at least one light emitting layer sandwiched between a cathode and an anode. Since at least one of the organic thin film layers contains the aromatic amine derivative singly or combination of two or more, the tendency of molecular crystallization is reduced and the yield in the fabrication of electroluminescence devices is enhanced. The aromatic amine derivative enables the production of electroluminescence devices having a prolonged lifetime and a high efficiency even after storing at high temperatures.

Abstract: Organic light emitting devices are described wherein the emissive layer comprises a host material containing an emissive molecule, which molecule is adapted to luminesce when a voltage is applied across the heterostructure, and the emissive molecule is selected from the group of phosphorescent organometallic complexes, including cyclometallated platinum, iridium and osmium complexes. The organic light emitting devices optionally contain an exciton blocking layer. Furthermore, improved electroluminescent efficiency in organic light emitting devices is obtained with an emitter layer comprising organometallic complexes of transition metals of formula L2MX, wherein L and X are distinct bidentate ligands. Compounds of this formula can be synthesized more facilely than in previous approaches and synthetic options allow insertion of fluorescent molecules into a phosphorescent complex, ligands to fine tune the color of emission, and ligands to trap carriers.

Abstract: An electroluminescent display device includes a shielding pattern on a substrate; a thin film transistor including a semiconductor layer that is disposed on the shielding pattern and that has an active portion and source and drain ohmic contact portions; an organic electroluminescent diode connected to the thin film transistor; and a power line connected to the thin film transistor, wherein the shielding pattern partially covers the active portion of the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: Provided is an organic light-emitting device in which light extraction efficiency for the luminescent color of each of organic light-emitting elements can be improved without an increase in driving voltage and a reduction in emission efficiency. The organic light-emitting elements for respective luminescent colors are different from each other in thickness of an electron injection layer, and the concentration of a metal or a metal compound in an electron injection layer is adapted to increase as the thickness of the electron injection layer decreases.

Abstract: The object is to provide a photoelectric surface member which allows higher quantum efficiency. In order to achieve this object, a photoelectric surface member 1a is a crystalline layer formed by a nitride type semiconductor material, and comprises a nitride semiconductor crystal layer 10 where the direction from the first surface 101 to the second surface 102 is the negative c polar direction of the crystal, an adhesive layer 12 formed along the first surface 101 of the nitride semiconductor crystal layer 10, and a glass substrate 14 which is adhesively fixed to the adhesive layer 12 such that the adhesive layer 12 is located between the glass substrate 14 and the nitride semiconductor crystal layer 10.

Abstract: A plasma display panel (PDP) is made of front panel (2) and rear panel (10). The front panel includes display electrodes (6), dielectric layer (8), and protective layer (8) that are formed on glass substrate (3). The rear panel includes address electrodes (12), barrier ribs (14), and phosphor layers (15) that are formed on rear glass substrate (11). The front panel and the rear panel are faced with each other, and the peripheries thereof are sealed to form discharge space (16) therebetween. Primary dielectric layer (13) is provided to cover address electrodes (12), and barrier ribs (14) are formed on primary dielectric layer (13). Primary dielectric layer (13) is made of dielectric glass containing at least bismuth oxide and having a softening point exceeding 550° C.

Abstract: A Plasma Display Panel (PDP) capable of reducing the number of address electrodes for each pixel, includes: a first substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a plurality of discharge cells partitioned between the first and second substrates; address electrodes formed along a first direction between the first and second substrates; and display electrodes formed along a second direction crossing the first direction and separated from the address electrodes between the first and second substrates. At least two discharge cells among the plurality of discharge cells included in a respective pixel correspond to and are driven by the same address electrode, and the number of pixels that are arranged in a row along the second direction and enable a resolution of Rh×Rv is at least Rh/1.25, Rv being the number of pixels arranged along the first direction and Rh being the number of pixels arranged along the second direction.

Abstract: A gas discharge tube which generates discharge between an anode 24 and a cathode 56 disposed within a sealed container 12 in which a gas is sealed, includes a cylindrical part 28 restricting the discharge path, the cylindrical part being disposed between the anode and the cathode and having a through hole 42 for narrowing the discharge path between the anode and the cathode, and a discharge shielding part 50 which is disposed so as to cover a surrounding of the part restricting the discharge path and is electrically insulated from the part restricting the discharge path, wherein the part restricting the discharge path has a cathode side end projecting by a predetermined projecting amount more than a surface on the cathode side of the discharge shielding part and an anode side end projecting into a space 62 on the side where the anode is positioned so that a high-density electron region is formed only in a part on the cathode side of the through hole of the part restricting the discharge path to reliably gener

Abstract: A high-pressure discharge lamp includes a quartz glass discharge chamber (1) having at least one end (11) provided with a molybdenum film sealing element (2) and at least one electrode (4) which is connected to the sealing element (2) and is protruded in the lower chamber (10) of the discharge chamber (1), wherein the lamp includes a spiral (5) whose slope is equal to or greater than 600% and which encompasses the part of the electrode (4) in the end (11) area provided with the sealing element (2) of the discharge chamber (1) outside of the sealing element (2).

Abstract: A low-wattage, high intensity arc discharge electric lamp (10) has a thick-walled outer envelope (12) extending along a longitudinal axis (14) and has a bulbous portion (16) and a narrow, cylindrical base (18) including oppositely disposed grooves (20) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (14). An electrically conductive mounting member (22) has grippers (24) formed on ends (26) thereof to engage the grooves (20). The electrically conductive member (22) has a center portion (28) with a U-shaped segment (30) that is positioned within the base. An arc tube assembly (32) comprises an arc tube (34) having axially extending electrode lead-ins (36, 38) sealed within a shroud (40). The shroud (40) has parallel electrical connections (42, 44) extending therefrom.

Abstract: A cold cathode fluorescence flat lamp includes first substrate, second substrate, multiple spacers, multiple first electrodes, blue light fluorescent layer, and discharge gas. The first substrate has a first surface and the second substrate has a second surface. The second surface is opposite to the first surface. The first electrodes are disposed on the first surface of the first substrate. The blue light fluorescent layer is disposed on the second surface of the second substrate. The spacers connected with the edges of the first substrate and the second substrate for forming a chamber between the first substrate and the second substrate. The discharge gas distributes in the chamber. The first electrodes are disposed on the first surface of the first substrate and the blue light fluorescent layer is disposed on the second surface of the second substrate for being away from the plasma formed by the discharge gas.

Abstract: A compact Marx-type generator capable of producing high voltage pulses into low impedance loads. A parallel switch and distributed capacitance topology produce a coaxial-like conduction through the Marx-like circuit, resulting in a low source impedance. The parallel switching topology also lends itself to high repetition rates. Without loss of generality the device may be used, for example, as a source for vacuum diode loads, such as in flash radiography and high power microwaves.

Abstract: An electron beam generator for multiple columns includes: a plurality of cathodes, to which a single acceleration voltage supply applies a negative acceleration voltage, and which thus generates thermoelectrons; a grid for each of the plurality of cathodes, the grid converging the thermoelectrons emitted to form a beam of electrons; a grid voltage supply for giving the grid a potential which is negative relative to a potential of the cathode; and a control circuit for each cathode for controlling the potential of the grid. The control circuit includes a current direction restricting element connected between a positive electrode of the grid voltage supply and the cathode, and a grid current supplied from the grid voltage supply is caused to flow to the cathode through the current direction restricting element.

Abstract: A substrate having a fluorescent member arranged on a pixel area in a plane of a surface of the substrate, wherein the fluorescent member emits light by an irradiation with an electron and comprises a first fluorescent member having a larger gamma value and arranged in the pixel area, and a second fluorescent member having a smaller gamma value and arranged at a peripheral of the first fluorescent member within the pixel area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light emitting diode lamp, which includes at least a light emitting diode and a control circuit. The light emitting diode lamp has an anode pin, a cathode pin, and a synchronous pin. The anode pin and the cathode pin receive a DC voltage, and the synchronous pin is connected to the control circuit. Moreover, the present invention provides a synchronous light emitting diode lamp string, which includes a plurality of light emitting diode lamps and at least a power adapter. Each light emitting diode lamp has a synchronous pin, and all synchronous pins are connected together. The control circuit can control the color changing of the light emitting diode based on a reference signal from the synchronous pin.

Abstract: A circuit for the sinusoidal regulation of the electrical power supplied to a load includes an input interface to receive an electrical power supply from a power supply unit and an output interface to supply a predetermined electrical power to a load; the circuit further includes a plurality of capacitive elements, a plurality of thermistor regulator elements and a plurality of commutators, each associated to a respective capacitive element. Each commutator is able to be driven between a first operative condition in which it closes a connection between the load, the respective capacitive element and the power supply unit, and a second operative condition in which it does not close such connection; a control block drives the commutators between their first and second operative condition and thus regulates the power supplied to the load, defining the capacitive reactance interposed between the power supply unit and the load.

Abstract: A multiple location dimming system comprises a plurality of dimmers coupled between an AC power source and a lighting load. Each of the plurality of dimmers is operable to control the intensity of the lighting load and comprises a controllably conductive device, e.g., a triac. The triacs of the plurality of dimmers are coupled in parallel electrical connection. Only an active one of the dimmers is operable to conduct a load current to the lighting load at any given time. A passive dimmer is operable to monitor the voltage across its triac in order to determine when the active dimmer is firing its triac. Accordingly, the passive dimmer is operable to fire its triac before the active dimmer fires its triac in order to “take over” control of the lighting load from the active dimmer to become the next active dimmer. Further, the passive dimmer is operable to determine the amount of power being delivered to the load and display this information on one or more status indicators.