Abstract: A single live line switch circuit includes a single live line connecting end, a switch unit, two wire channels, an on-state power obtaining circuit, an off-state power obtaining circuit, and an energy storage element. The single live line connecting end is connected to an external single live line. The on-state power obtaining circuit is connected to the single live line connecting end. The switch unit includes a fixed connecting end and a movable connecting end, and the fixed connecting end is connected to the on-state power obtaining circuit. The two wire channels are provided with a first connecting end and a second connecting end, respectively, and the movable connecting end of the switch unit is in contact with the first connecting end or the second connecting end. A control method of the single live line switch circuit is provided.

Abstract: A modular system comprising electrical consuming units and an electrical connection unit. The connection unit has a contact plug for plugging into a power outlet and for electrical connection with a particular cable connecting an electrical terminal and distribution strip as well as one connecting the terminal and distribution strip to the contact plug. The consuming units have first connection elements for mechanical and electrical connecting to second connection elements on the terminal and distribution strip. The first connection elements are geometrically different depending on a maximum electrical power consumption of the respective consuming unit. The second connection elements are likewise geometrically different such that selected first connection elements cannot be connected to selected second connection elements.

Abstract: An automated door system includes a first door control module configured to be mounted in a fixed position relative to a powered door and a second door control module configured to be carried by a user and configured to be in electronic communication with the first door control module to control at least one of an opening actuation and a closing actuation of the powered door. A method of controlling the powered door may include wirelessly electronically connecting a second door control module to a first door control module, determining a proximity of the second door control module to the first door control module, an automating the opening and closing of the powered door in response to a position of the second door control module relative to the first door control module.

Abstract: A remote switch device includes a first port, a second port and a third port. One of the first and second ports is coupled to a first power circuit through an external switch, and the other one is coupled to the first power circuit. The third port is coupled to a second power circuit through a load. The remote switch device switches, upon any one of receipt of a wireless control signal that indicates a switching operation and detection of switching of the external switch, from one of a conducting state and a non-conducting state to the other one of the conducting state and the non-conducting state, thereby permitting or not permitting electrical power transmission from the first power circuit to the second power circuit.

Abstract: A new system and apparatus for selectively interrupting the power supply of lighting elements is described by example herein. The system may include a power interruption apparatus in electrical communication with a lighting element such as a motion activated security light. In preferred embodiments, the apparatus may include a power interruption module configured to selectively interrupt the power supply to the lighting element to change the status mode of the lighting element. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be controlled by a wireless remote control while in other embodiments the apparatus may be controlled by a wall switch. In yet further embodiments, the apparatus may be configured to partner with a home automation system through a home automation remote thereby allowing a user to selectively change the status mode of a lighting element using an interface specific to their home automation system.

Abstract: A production system includes a production facility and a portable operation terminal connectable to the production facility through a wireless communication. A connection state is brought between the production facility and the portable operation terminal by sending a connection request signal for a connection request to the production facility from the portable operation terminal, and sending a connection permission signal for responding to the connection request signal to the portable operation terminal from the production facility according to a predetermined condition, and it is permitted that the operation input to a control processing portion of the production facility from the portable operation terminal in the connection state.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless power transfer using magnetic resonance in a coupling mode region between a charging base (CB) and a remote system such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV). The wireless power transfer can occur from the CB to the remote system and from the remote system to the CB. Load adaptation and power control methods can be employed to adjust the amount of power transferred over the wireless power link, while maintaining transfer efficiency.

Abstract: An electronic circuit including a microchip for use as an intelligent user interface also comprises touch sensor technology that differentiates between proximity and physical contact events to activate and control various loads including light bulbs, products with radio frequency circuitry or electric motors. An input to the microchip is connected to a switch or sensing structure that does not form a serial link between the power source and the load. The electronic circuit controls various functions in response to user actions including automatic delayed shut-off functions, find-in-the-dark indicator and power source level/product state indications. The microchip allows the user to select specific functions based on the time duration of activation signals, the time duration between activation signals and the number of activation signals at the input.

Abstract: An exemplary coil actuator for an associated switching device which can be actuated during its operation from an open position to a closed position to allow a current to flow therethrough and from the closed position to the open position to interrupt such flowing from flowing therethrough. The coil actuator includes a coil electromagnet arranged to move between a rest position and an actuating position, wherein movement from the rest position to the actuating position is suitable to cause the actuation of the switching device; and an electronic component arranged to count an operation time which is indicative of the duration of the actuation of the switching device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a switching apparatus for an electrical appliance where the switching apparatus includes a plurality of electric switches connected to the electrical appliance. Each electric switch is configured to switch ON/OFF the electrical appliance. A plurality of interconnected ON solenoid devices and a plurality of interconnected OFF solenoid devices are electro-magnetically coupled to ON terminals and OFF terminals of the plurality of electric switches, respectively. Upon flipping an electric switch to an ON operating position a respective OFF solenoid device coupled to the electric switch is de-activated causing de-activation of remaining OFF solenoid devices thereby electro-magnetically flipping remaining electric switches to respective ON operating positions.

Abstract: A three-way or four-way switching circuit for lighting, and the like, is described. One three-way switch is replaced with an electronic switch. Both legs of the switching circuit are powered all the time and current is sensed in the legs to determine when one of the three-way or four-way switches has been switched. This information is used to turn the light on and off.

Abstract: A wireless power receiver includes a rectifier coupled to an antenna which is configured to receive a wireless power signal, and convert the wireless power signal to a direct current input signal. A direct current-to-direct current converter generates a direct current output signal based in part on the direct current input signal and a pulse-width modulation signal. A pulse modulator is configured to adjust an alternating current impedance of the wireless power receiver by modifying, based in part on the direct current input signal, a duty cycle of the pulse-width modulation signal to the direct current-to-direct current converter. A monitoring device is in communication with the rectifier and the pulse modulator. The monitoring device has one or more sensors and a unique user ID. The one or more sensors acquire user information selected from of at least one of, a user's activities, behaviors and habit information.

Abstract: A circuit for operating a consumer comprises a current source, a first switch connected in parallel with the consumer and actuated potentially separate, whereby opening and closing the first switch transmits power to the consumer in the form of square wave current pulses. The negative branch includes a potentially separately actuated second switch connected in parallel with the first switch and in series with the consumer, as well as a first load connected in parallel with the first switch and in series with the consumer. The positive branch includes a potentially separately actuated third switch connected in parallel with the first switch and in series with the consumer and second switch, as well as a second load connected in parallel with the first switch and in series with the consumer and the second switch. The second and third switches are opened and closed in anti-phase manner to the fist switch.

Abstract: The invention offers an improvement in lighting control systems by providing a simplified power switching control system (i.e., using direct AC line voltage or DC current power switches instead of low voltage switches that control higher-current-capable relays) that controls the power to the power supplies that drive the light producing devices in a plurality of luminaires or lighting fixtures in a given installation. The lighting control system facilitates multiple modes of lighting configurations while requiring fewer switches that the prior art and also being easier to operate. The system supports the simultaneous use of multiple lighting technologies. Other embodiments showing extensions to the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A three-way or four-way switching circuit for lighting, and the like, is described. One three-way switch is replaced with an electronic switch. Both legs of the switching circuit are powered all the time and current is sensed in the legs to determine when one of the three-way or four-way switches has been switched. This information is used to turn the light on and off.

Abstract: A three-way or four-way switching circuit for lighting, and the like, is described. One three-way switch is replaced with an electronic switch. Both legs of the switching circuit are powered all the time and current is sensed in the legs to determine when one of the three-way or four-way switches has been switched. This information is used to turn the light on and off.

Abstract: A multiple location load control system comprises a main device and remote devices, which do not require neutral connections, but allow for visual and audible feedback at the main device and the remote devices. The main device and the remote devices are adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between an AC power source and an electrical load, and to be further coupled together via an accessory wiring. The remote devices can be wired on the line side and the load side of the load control system, such that the main device is wired “in the middle” of the load control system. The main device is operable to enable a charging path to allow the remote devices to charge power supplies through the accessory wiring during a first time period of a half-cycle of the AC power source. The main device and the remote devices are operable to communicate with each other via the accessory wiring during a second time period of the half-cycle.

Abstract: A system, device and method to allow communications between switches in an electrical circuit containing three-way and four-way switches. The system, device and method allow any switch in an electrical circuit using conventional wiring for three-way and four-way switches to indicate when voltage is being supplied to the electrical load device in the electrical circuit; if a dimmer is present in the electrical circuit, to indicate the dim level of the load device in the electrical circuit and to command to dim level from any switch; and if a timer is present, to allow any switch to provide a warning indication prior to the timer shutting off the load device, and to allow any switch to reset the timer, preventing the shutoff.

Abstract: A system, device and method to allow communications between switches in an electrical circuit containing three-way and four-way switches. The system, device and method allow any switch in an electrical circuit using conventional wiring for three-way and four-way switches to indicate when voltage is being supplied to the electrical load device in the electrical circuit; if a dimmer is present in the electrical circuit, to indicate the dim level of the load device in the electrical circuit and to command to dim level from any switch; and if a timer is present, to allow any switch to provide a warning indication prior to the timer shutting off the load device, and to allow any switch to reset the timer, preventing the shutoff.

Abstract: A single combination task lamp and flashlight instrument, providing separate flood and spot light beams, independently controlled in a three-state sequence by simple push button switches. The two kinds of light beams are produced by separate arrays of compact light emitting devices. both arrays are driven by a single, rechargeable battery powered electrical circuit that provides separate, regulated constant currents to the respective arrays of LEDs. The optics and electronics are constructed in a single, ruggedized, compact module. The module is enclosed within an elongated handle that positions the center of mass for optimum balance of the instrument and the control switches for convenient operation according to the sense of touch.

Abstract: A three-way or four-way switching circuit for lighting, and the like, is described. One three-way switch is replaced with an electronic switch. Both legs of the switching circuit are powered all the time and current is sensed in the legs to determine when one of the three-way or four-way switches has been switched. This information is used to turn the light on and off.

Abstract: A method of using a single pole, single throw switch having normally open contacts in a conductive path in a non-intuitive manner in an electric circuit to sequentially provide three operable states including latched engagement (path closed, circuit OFF), momentary disengagement (path opened, circuit ON momentarily), and latched disengagement (path open, circuit ON until switch actuated again).

Abstract: A control circuit with manual/remote control function is serially connected to a power supply for providing electric power and a load. The control circuit includes a three-way switch having a switching key, a signal indicator module, and a remote control module. The three-way switch and the remote control module are serially connected between the power supply and the load. When the three-way switch is pressed down or the remote control module receives a wireless signal sent from the signal indicator module, the three-way switch or the remote control module is switched to form a closed/open circuit between the power supply and the load, so as to control the state of the load by conveying/stopping supplying the electric power, thereby achieving the purpose of controlling the load via a distal remote control and a proximal manual control.

Abstract: Systems and methods for haptic devices are described. One described method comprises receiving a first input signal from a first control node and generating an output signal configured to administer a haptic effect on a second control node that is based at least in part on the first input signal.

Abstract: A universal garage door operating system and method. In one embodiment, a vehicle transmitter is provided transmitting a wireless garage door transmitter control signal. A control module is provided for mounting in a structure such as a garage, and is adapted to receive a wireless garage door transmitter. The control module includes a receiver for receiving the garage door transmitter control signal, a controller for generating a garage door transmitter actuator control signal in response to the garage door transmitter control signal, and an actuator for actuating the garage door transmitter in response to the garage door actuator control signal so that the garage door transmitter transmits a wireless garage door control signal for use in operating a garage door.

Abstract: A universal garage door operating system and method. In one embodiment, a vehicle transmitter is provided transmitting a wireless garage door transmitter control signal. A control module is provided for mounting in a structure such as a garage, and is adapted to receive a wireless garage door transmitter. The control module includes a receiver for receiving the garage door transmitter control signal, a controller for generating a garage door transmitter actuator control signal in response to the garage door transmitter control signal, and an actuator for actuating the garage door transmitter in response to the garage door actuator control signal so that the garage door transmitter transmits a wireless garage door control signal for use in operating a garage door.

Abstract: A control circuit for operating a lamp or other electrically operated device using a conventional wall socket outlet that is selectively energized under the control of a conventional wall mounted switch. To permit the lamp to be independently controlled using either the wall switch or the lamp switch, a wall adapter unit is employed that plugs into the wall outlet and into which the lamp's power cord is plugged. Sensing means are employed to detect the operation of either the wall switch or the lamp switch to control an electrically operated switch which turns the lamp ON and OFF whenever either the wall switch or the lamp switch are operated. Different embodiments are provided for use with conventional electrical wiring and with either a conventional lamp or lamp incorporating additional circuitry to adapt it for use with the wall socket adapter.

Abstract: A control circuit for operating a lamp or other electrically operated device using a conventional wall socket outlet that is selectively energized under the control of a conventional wall mounted switch. To permit the lamp to be independently controlled using either the wall switch or the lamp switch, a wall adapter unit is employed that plugs into the wall outlet and into which the lamp's power cord is plugged. Sensing means are employed to detect the operation of either the wall switch or the lamp switch to control an electrically operated switch which turns the lamp ON and OFF whenever either the wall switch or the lamp switch are operated. Different embodiments are provided for use with conventional electrical wiring and with either a conventional lamp or lamp incorporating additional circuitry to adapt it for use with the wall socket adapter.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a light includes a control unit and a plurality of remote control devices. The control unit changes the state of the light, either when a conventional wall switch is actuated or when a control signal is received from one of the remote control devices, which allows the light to be controlled from a further point without the need to run additional wires down a wall to an additional switch. Each remote control device can transmit a signal to put the control unit into an ERASE mode, upon which the address codes of all remote control devices are erased from its memory, with the exception of the address code of the control device which gave the command to enter the “erase” mode. In this manner, the control unit can be re-configured remotely to respond solely to the control device which gave-the command to the control unit.

Abstract: An portable electric switching device plugged in series with a wall switch controlled electrical outlet and the power cord plug of a lamp or appliance formerly plugged into that same outlet, allowing the lamp or appliance to always be able to be “turned on” by the wall switch controlling that same electrical wall outlet, even when the lamp or appliance is itself turned “off” at it's remote location. This device requires no additional power to operate other than that supplied by the above switched outlet.

Abstract: An appliance switching system is used in combination with a duplex electric outlet having a first receptacle that is constantly energized and a second receptacle that is selectively energized and de-energized by operation of a wall switch. The system includes first and second plugs for electrically engaging the respective receptacles. A selectively energized electrical socket is connected to the first plug. A three-way switch assembly is connected between the first plug and the socket and is alternatable between opened and closed states. A pair of relays are responsive to operation of the wall switch and the actuator switch respectively for independently opening and closing the three-way switch assembly to respectively energize and de-energize the socket.

Abstract: An interlock for first and second circuit breaker switch mechanisms which respectively have first and second operating handles thereon oriented such that the direction of operation is transverse in relation to the other. The interlock includes an interlock mechanism disposed between the first and second switch mechanisms and includes a support, a first interlock member interconnected with the first operating handle, and a second interlock member interconnected with the second operating handle. The first and second interlock members are mounted to the support for movement relative to each other along with the respective first and second operating handles. The interlock members include interference structure to prevent the second switch mechanism from being in an ON position when the first switch mechanism is in its ON position and likewise to prevent the first switch member from being in an ON position when the second switch member is in its ON position.

Abstract: In a power supplying apparatus for use in an image forming apparatus, when a first transistor is switched on, a first photo-triac coupler and a first triac switch on so that a fixing heater is powered on. After a predetermined time, a second transistor is switched on. A second photo-triac coupler and a second triac are thereby switched on so that the fixing heater is powered on. The first triac is then switched off. The first triac is connected in series to a resistor, so that when the first triac is switched on but the second triac remains off, the voltage applied to the fixing heater is sufficiently low in comparison with the voltage applied thereto when the second triac is switched on. Therefore, when the fixing heater is powered on by switching on the first transistor to switch on the first triac, a large power surge does not occur. When the second triac is switched on, a large power surge does not occur either since the fixing heater has already been powered on.

Abstract: A switch remoting system for extending the function of an existing wired switch in a residence or other building, so that, in its extended function, the switch controls AC power available at one or more additional AC outlets. The basic system comprises two plug-in modules including a control unit and a remote switching unit. The control unit is plugged into an AC outlet controlled by the switch whose function is being extended. When that switch is actuated, the AC power transition and the resulting "on" or "off" power state is sensed and corresponding encoded switching control signals are generated and relayed to the remote switching unit. There, the switching control signals are decoded, and actuate an internal AC switch that controls AC power to an integral AC outlet receptacle in the remote switching unit. A lamp or other device plugged into the AC receptacle of the remote switching unit is thereby switch controlled by action of the switch whose function is being extended.

Abstract: Plug-in electrical switching devices which allow a load device to be electrically connected to and disconnected from an electrical power source at either: (a) a switched outlet electrically coupled between the power source and the load and (b) a location in the vicinity of the load.

Abstract: A control for the headlights, clearance lights, auxiliary engine brake and cruise control of a tractor trailer motor vehicle has second control switches mounted on the gear shift lever adjacent the top knob thereon. The switches are operatively associated with conventional switched mounted on the dash board of the vehicle to allow the operator to use the conventional switches or the second control switches to selectively control the headlights, clearance lights, auxiliary engine brake or cruise control of the vehicle.

Abstract: A three-way toggle dimmer circuit controls the brightness of a lamp by independent operation of two light dimmer switches with each dimmer switch having its own electronic light dimmer circuit. Each of the light dimmer switches is arcuately actuated with one end of the vertical movement changing the electrical interconnection between the light dimmer switches. The other end of the vertical movement changes the internal electrical characteristics within the light dimmer circuit itself. The electronics of the light dimmer circuits are controlled by the position of a toggle arm through a linear slide potentiometer including both a variable slide resistor and a miniature internal switch.

Abstract: A counter cell includes a latch circuit, control circuit, and a pull-up circuit. The latch circuit is formed of a first clocked half-latch, a second clocked half-latch and an inverter for storing a binary output signal. The first clocked half-latch is responsive to a first clock phase signal for transferring the binary output signal from its input to its output. The second clocked half-latch is responsive to a second clock phase signal for transferring a binary output signal from its input to its output. The control circuit is responsive to an input complement signal for selectively passing the first clock phase signal to the first clocked half-latch so as to permit toggling the state of the binary output signal. The control circuit requires only one transistor and two input signals to perform its required functions. When the input complement signal is High and the first phase input clock signal is High, an enable signal is sent to the first clocked half-latch, thereby enabling the count process.

Abstract: A mechanism for controlling the powering-on and powering-off of control units in a data processing system having a plurality of channels, a plurality of control units, and a communications network of links for linking the channels to the control units. Each control unit includes a power-control table for recording power-control allegiance of the control unit to the channels. Where a control unit receives a power-on command from a channel, it records the identity of the channel in its power-control table. When a channel orders a control unit to power-off, the control unit checks to see if it owes power-control allegiance to the ordering channel. If it does, the control unit deletes the identity from its power-control table. The control unit will not power-off unless its power-control table is empty, indicating that it does not owe allegiance to any other channel.

Abstract: A control lever is provided for actuating a deadman's switch or any other switch actuatable by a lever. The control lever is resilient and includes a base portion fixed to the support on which the switch is mounted and an actuator portion which is formed integral with the base portion and which extends over the switch. The actuator portion is deflectable into contact with the switch without the interaction of any pivot element, hinge, or any other connection of the control lever to the support. The lever can be easily actuated with any portion of the operator's hand and preferably is sufficiently resilient to prevent the function of the switch from being defeated by the insertion of a facing object between the lever and the switch and to prevent or at least inhibit damage to the switch due to overpressure on the lever. The lever is preferably pliable and thus can be bent or twisted in virtually any direction without damaging the lever.

Abstract: A multiple point controlled flashing locator system includes a control circuit responsive to activation of any one of a plurality of remotely located switches to override an on/off function of the outside light switch and to energize a flasher circuit to cause the outside light to flash on and off. An audible alert circuit may be provided to provide assurance to the user that the outside light is operating and by which to test the outside light at any time day or night and from any of a number of locations within the dwelling.

Abstract: A remote switching system for an electric trolling motor mounted to a boat includes at least one remote switching station secured to the boat and provided with a foot operated push-button switch actuator, the actuator configured for actuating the switch either momentarily or continuously by movement of the actuator by the operator's foot. A power circuit is designed to connect the remote switching station to the motor in a way which will conserve power and prevent corrosion.

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: An electro ballistic escape sequencing system is actuated only by the seat initiators. Current entering the system by any other means will see only open circuits. A pressure sensitive switch is provided in each circuit subject to outside interference and is normally in the open position. When ejection is required, pressure from one of the seat initiators activates the thermal battery and closes all circuits required for ejection.

Abstract: A system and method for altering the amount of electrical energy supplied to a plurality of fluorescent lamps, has a first switch connected in series between a source of electrical energy and a plurality of lamps connected in parallel. The first switch may be a simple ON-OFF, single pole- single throw wall switch. A second switch is connected in series with less than all of the lamps and is an electrically actuated toggle switch which responds to actuation of the wall switch. Multiple actuation of the wall switch permits turning all lights on or off or some on while others are off.

Abstract: An apparatus with remote control features for tripping off magnetothermal switches comprises at least one switch having a central core supporting trip-off linkages wherein a voltmeter coil is housed with each switch being connected to a respective one, e.g. a lamp, of user electric appliances.The apparatus also comprises a pushbutton control connected to each voltmeter coil in each magnetothermal switch for remotely and simultaneously operating the trip-off linkages to thus turn off simultaneously each electric appliance, while enabling function regaining by operating the corresponding switch locally.

Abstract: A touch control circuit is disclosed, which delivers power at any one of a plurality of different levels. To accomplish this, a line cycle delay timer provides a plurality of output signals, each signal being spaced apart in time from the line voltage zero crossing time and from each other. Power level memory and gating means gate the timer output signals to the power delivery means so as to trigger the power delivery means at any one of a number of different levels. A touch detector is connected to the power level memory means. Touch detector circuitry alters the power level memory so as to correspondingly alter the power delivered by the power delivery means when the touch detector is touched.

Abstract: The switch includes a cantilevered switch arm including a power contact, first and second switch terminals with the power contact positioned therebetween, the cantilevered switch arm being yieldably biased with the power contact engaging the first switch terminal. A manually operated lever is provided for engaging and disengaging the switch arm and moving the power contact into engagement with the second switch terminal. A pivotable latch arm is provided for latching the switch arm with the power terminal engaging the second switch terminal. A solenoid is actuable in response to removal of power from the power contact for pivoting the latch arm and releasing the switch arm.

Abstract: Switching equipment for numerically controlled machine tools is provided with at least one controllable switch for initiating a measuring process and a switch control which closes the switch when a supply voltage appears on a connecting wire, for example on a power supply connecting wire of an electric pump for cooling water. Therefore it is possible to measure automatically without any additional program-steps of the central processing unit.

Abstract: A portable, modular small appliance control system for lamps and the like, which allows separate control of each outlet of a multiple outlet receptacle from separate and remote locations.