Abstract: This invention relates to an electrical power switch which is a two-terminal electrical power switch having a line-powered switching control mechanism. The electrical power switch is provided with first and second shunt circuits between the terminals of the power outlet. This switch for power to operate through the outlet is included in a first shunt circuit that also contains a power supply operating from current flowing through the switch when in the “ON” condition. This first power supply can power a control means to control the operative state of the switch while current flows through. When the switch is in the “OFF” state, a second power supply contained in a second shunt circuit provides power to the control means.

Abstract: A system and method of automatic cycling control for HID lamps, comprising a switching device for switching power to the HID lamp, a first timer operatively connected to the power switching device, and a second timer operatively connected to the power switching device, wherein the first timer starts timing when the power switching device powers the HID lamp and signals the power switching device to extinguish the HID lamp when the first timer counts to an operating time setpoint, and the second timer starts timing when the power switching device extinguishes the HID lamp and signals the power switching device to power the HID lamp when the second timer counts to a cooling time setpoint. If the lamp is turned off and on before the operating time setpoint is met, the system will reset and begin a new operating timing period.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying power to a load circuit from main and alternate electric power sources involves actuating a signal-controlled selector inside a housing, at least a portion of which is received in a breaker receptacle of an electric power distribution panel such that a first conductor on the housing is operable to receive electric power from the electric power distribution panel and a second conductor on the housing is operable to receive electric power from an alternate electric power source, to selectively connect the load circuit to the first conductor on the housing or to a second conductor on the housing operable to receive electric power from an alternate electric power source, in response to a control signal.

Abstract: The present invention includes devices and methods for power sharing for a lower voltage programmable thermostat for operating a switch which operates at a substantially higher voltage. The present invention is preferably applied to two power line thermostat control of HVAC equipment. It is intended that the present invention be applicable to other such devices where power is stored by capacitance or in rechargeable batteries for use by lower voltage programmable thermostats while at the same time permitting sufficient current flow through a substantially higher power switch to operate directly or indirectly electrical power equipment.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus feeds a power to loads in response to a plurality of action modes. The electronic apparatus comprises a power source in the form of, e.g., an on/off controllable-DC/DC converter for providing a predetermined DC power as its output, a first switch circuit disposed on a power supply line extending from the power source to a first load, a second switch circuit disposed on a power supply line to a second load diverging from the input side of the first switch circuit, and a control circuit for providing an on/off control of the power source, the first switch circuit and the second switch circuit in response to the action modes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a light switch designed physically similarly to a present day conventional light switch having a face plate and on/off switching capability for connection to standard house current using 110/115 volts AC electricity. The present invention discloses the light switch having memory capability wherein the light usage patterns actually used by the household resident can be stored into memory so that when the household residents are away from home they can activate the memory of the present invention so that the light switches are operated in their absence according to the actual usage pattern which has been exhibited by them while present in the house.

Abstract: A hot swappable system is described. It included software controlled hot swapping operations which provided a graceful booting or power-down of the system. In the even of force insertion or extraction of the system blades, a set of hardware features (such as using different pin lengths in the connectors and dampening resistor) prevents these types of operations from damaging the system hardware or affecting the operation states of other blades within the system.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an uninterruptible switching regulator with which smaller size and lower cost can be achieved while the power supply efficiency is raised, which is accomplished by the effective utilization of an RCC type switching circuit. When the commercial AC input power supply 1 is operating normally, the AC-side RCC type switching circuit 21 is operated preferentially to supply power to the secondary drive circuit 25, but when there is a power outage with the commercial AC power supply 1, the DC-side RCC type switching circuit 69 is operated to supply power to the secondary drive circuit 25, and these two switching circuits can be switched at high speed.

Abstract: A timed switch has a housing member, an output connecting leg connected to an appliance, and a circuit board including both a timing device and an electromagnet. The output connecting leg is electrically connected to the circuit board, and has a front end movable member disposed behind the front wall of the housing member. A control button is pivoted to the outer side of the front wall from a middle with an upper and a lower pushing protrusions passing through the front wall to abut an upper part and a lower part of the movable member respectively. A first, and a second input connecting legs are provided, which are connected to the power, and the second further to the circuit board.

Abstract: The application of external power to an external module connected to a portable information handling system enables the card detection signal to be asserted low, thereby allowing the personal digital assistant to detect and activate the external module. When external power is disconnected from the external module, the card detect signals turn off, thereby deactivating the external module and electrically disconnecting the external module from the personal digital assistant. Substantially all of the power for the external module is provided independently from the internal power supply of the portable information handling system.

Abstract: A circuit (10) for connecting a power distribution bus (14) to a battery (12) has a connector circuit (20) and a switch (40). The battery has a positive battery terminal (16) and a negative battery terminal (18). The switch (40) has a control terminal (46), a first terminal (42), and a second terminal (44). A contactor circuit (48) is coupled between the battery (12) and the power distribution bus (14). The contactor circuit (48) has a solenoid (50) and a plunger switch (52) that is operably coupled by solenoid (50). In one embodiment of the invention the connector circuit has a switch (38) used to allow the connector terminals to be coupled at different times to the circuit. In the second embodiment, different length terminals may be used to enable coupling of the battery terminals at different times.

Abstract: To increase power to a measurement device, the measurement device measures a first voltage across the measurement device. The measurement device then determines an operating current based on the first voltage. The operating current is a maximum current that the measurement device draws without dropping a measurement device voltage below a threshold voltage to prevent resetting of the measurement device. The measurement device then generates a signal to change the power to use the operating current.

Abstract: A failure detection scheme for switching voltage regulators senses a parameter which normally transitions above and below a predetermined threshold during each clock cycle. A decision circuit tracks the sensed parameter, and toggles an output when the sensed parameter transitions normally. A counter counts clock cycles, and toggles its output when a predetermined number is reached. The counter also has a reset input which receives the output of the decision circuit, and is reset to an initial value when the decision circuit output toggles. If the sensed parameter fails to transition normally, the reset input is not toggled and the count value increments with each clock cycle. If the failure persists for the predetermined number of clock cycles, the counter output toggles to indicate a failure, enabling the failed regulator to be repaired or replaced before additional failures occur.

Abstract: A switch device of theft-prevented type alarm has a first switch module controlled by a starting switch so that the first switch module is turned on when the starting switch is pressed at a first time and is maintained in an on state. A second switch module is normally turned on to connect an input power to the first switch module, and outputs power when the first switch module is turned on. A power-off control circuit is coupled to the second switch module. A receiver is provided for activating the power-off control circuit to turn off the second switch module in response to receiving an off signal.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for power removal from a control circuit of an application circuit where that application circuit, as a result of a triggering event, can create damaging noise in the control circuit, a power supply is provided for the control circuit. Power is supplied from the power supply to the control circuit until initiation of the triggering event. Upon initiation of the triggering event, power flow is stopped to the control circuit for a predetermined time delay sufficient so that after the triggering event has ceased, transient noises which may still be present after the triggering event do not harm the control circuit or produce incorrect operation. At the end of the time delay, power is reconnected to the control circuit. Preferably, the control circuit is a microcontroller connecting to an ignition circuit for firing a gas chamber in a gas powered fastener gun.

Abstract: A circuit board provides a first elevation adapted for printing and bonding of conductor and resistor traces and monolithic ceramic capacitors, and provides through holes adapted for locating conductors. A second elevation is adapted for location and containment of a semiconductor quadrac. A third elevation is adapted for location and containment of a circuit board which is selectively adjustable through an R-C network coupled between the semiconductor quadrac and an input power source. An electric phase control uses mechanical movement for actuation. Provision is provided for mounting the phase control mechanism and the circuit so as to be manually accessed. A planar switch cover plate is adapted for sliding engagement, in parallel juxtaposition, with the mounting devices, the switch cover plate further adapted for engagement with the phase control mechanism for actuation through sliding engagement.

Abstract: Integrated circuit devices utilizes on-chip power down control circuitry to control the timing of application of at least one external power signal to the device when a functional logic circuit within the device is switching in and out of an inactive mode of operation, such as a sleep mode. During a respective inactive mode, the leakage current characteristics of the respective functional logic circuit are improved by removal of the external power signal. The at least one external power signal may be provided by one or more power transistors operating in response to signals generated by external power transistor control circuitry. These power transistors may provide power to respective power supply pins that are coupled on-chip to the device and the external power transistor control circuitry may be responsive to one or more signals generated by the device.

Abstract: An apparatus operable in a wet environment, for controlling the flow of electrical current to an electrical load, adapted to be coupled to an AC source for supplying an AC signal. Includes as switching device coupled to the electrical load, the switching device being operative in either a first state wherein significant current flow through the load is prevented or a second state wherein current flow through the load is substantially undisturbed. An interconnection means is adapted to be coupled to an AC source and electrical load, wherein the interconnection means allows for plug and receptacle connection to the AC source and electrical load, respectively. Also includes a low air pressure receiver switch for receiving user input signals from a pneumatic transmitter to determine the operating status of the switching device.

Abstract: An entertainment device and its operation method in which multiple operations are achieved by the same operation unit. The entertainment device has a main system that receives a supply of power from a power circuit, a push switch that receives operation instructions from outside, a system controller that receives signals from the push switch and controls the state of main system. An internal switch of the device decides whether to turn the power of main system on or off. When the power source of main system is turned on, the system controller decides, based on the state of signals received from the push switch within a first standard time, whether to output to internal switch a signal giving power off instruction, or whether to output to the main system a signal giving a reset instruction.

Abstract: A power plug device has a power plug, at least one switched power socket at least one socket switch, a embedded controller and a telephone jack. The embedded controller can send and receive network signals across a telephone line through the telephone jack, or across a power line through the power plug of the power plug device. The power plug device may switch on or off its power sockets depending on networking signals that come from the power or telephone lines. The power plug device can also send networking signals out along the telephone or power line. The power plug device also has a networking communications port. Two such power plug devices enable two or more computers to communicate with each other using the existing power and telephone lines within a building.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling an electrical power supply for operating an electrical appliance. The apparatus has a voltage input (20, 21) and a voltage output (22, 23) connected to it. A load measurement device (26) is used to determine an electrical measurement variable which is characteristic of an electrical voltage produced at the voltage output (22, 23). The electrical connection between the voltage input (20, 21) and the voltage output (22, 23) is switched by means of a load switching device (25) such that a standby voltage or an operating voltage is produced at the voltage output (22, 23). The load switching device (25) is controlled as a function of the determined electrical measurement variable such that the presence of the operating voltage at the voltage output (22, 23) is limited to a predetermined time period, and the standby voltage is produced at the voltage output (22, 23) at times which are not included in the predetermined time period.

Abstract: To provide a circuit for switching over direction of current, which is capable of preventing an unwanted current other than a necessary current from flowing through a load and of reducing power consumption. A load is connected at one end to the ground and is connected at the other end to the connection between one end of a first switch and one end of a second switch. The first switch is connected at the other end to a positive current source and the second switch is connected at the other end to a negative current source. A direction in which a current flows through the load is changed over by selectively turning on any one of the first and second switches.

Abstract: An audio system with a removable faceplate. The system may include a base unit including at least one source of audio input and at least one speaker operable to provide audio output. In addition the system may include a removable faceplate that is an active device, and a connector allowing connection between the removable faceplate to the base unit. The faceplate may include an internal power source to provide power to the faceplate when removed from the base unit, a memory for storing data representative of audio signals, and a connector allowing connection to an output device.

Abstract: The system uses graph theory to define busline arrangements as a series of vertices and edges, wherein the vertices include the number of busses in the system and the edges include disconnect circuit branches connecting the individual vertices. A particular system configuration, selected by the system operator, determines the status (open or closed) of the various disconnect branches. A processor establishes an incident graph matrix, including positions of all the vertices and edges. The matrix is modified in accordance with graph theory and the condition of the disconnect switches. Graph operations are performed to produce a resulting matrix which defines vertices and the edges incident thereon into zones of protection. Fault analysis in the busline can then be performed in accordance with each zone of protection.

Abstract: A metal-air cell for powering electronic components in a hearing aid device. The metal-air cell has a flex circuit inside containing an anode mixture. The flex circuit comprises a flexible substrate having a cathode electrode area at one end of the substrate, an anode electrode area at another end of the substrate and an electronic components area in between. The flexible substrate is disposed within the housing. The cathode electrode area is near a top surface of the housing, and the anode electrode area is near a bottom surface of the housing and in contact with the anode mixture. The cathode electrode area has air flow means for permitting air into the housing. An isolation means between the cathode electrode area and the anode mixture is provided for preventing contact between the cathode electrode area and the anode mixture.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically selecting one of two or more available power supply voltages for use as a main power supply of a PCI adapter is described. In one embodiment, a power supply selector is designed such that the presence of a positive voltage at a Vaux input thereof prevents power at a Vcc input thereof from driving a main power supply input to a PCI adapter. Conversely, the absence of a positive voltage at the Vaux results in the main power supply input to the PCI adapter being derived from the Vcc input. In an alternative embodiment, jumpers are provided for enabling a user to select which power supply will be used as the “default” power supply for the adapter.

Abstract: A power-saving switch control mechanism for hand-held electric appliance comprises a sensor to detect the approaching hand of user and then continuously transmit signals to activate a switch into a close-circuit status in order for a cell to supply power to a control circuit of the electric appliance. When the sensor fails to detect the hand on the electric appliance, the switch returns to an open-circuit status to stop the cell from supplying power to the control circuit and stop the operation of the electric appliance accordingly.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for temporarily disabling the operation of a noise-producing electrical device or internal combustion engine upon detection of a predetermined awareness condition, such as an incoming telephone call, doorbell ring, security system alarm or other awareness condition. For disabling operation of an electrical device, the apparatus includes a command module and one or more switchable power receptacles that respond to a control signal from the command module, de-energizing the electrical device, when at least one of the predetermined awareness conditions is detected. Control signals are communicated to the switchable power receptacles via either a radio frequency signal, or by a modulated signal that is conveyed over an alternating current electrical power circuit to which the command module and switched power receptacle(s) are connected.

Abstract: A hot plug switch mechanism includes a card chassis and a motherboard in the chassis, the motherboard including a power bus, a plurality of connectors for connecting to a corresponding plurality of circuit boards and separate power switches connected between the power bus and each connector, each switch having an open position and a closed position. The switch mechanism also includes a plurality of actuator assemblies on the chassis corresponding to the plurality of switches on the motherboard each actuator assembly adapted to close the corresponding switch on the motherboard when the corresponding connector is connected to a circuit board. Preferably, each power switch is a Hall Effect switch and each actuator assembly includes a magnet which may be moved into proximity to the corresponding switch when the corresponding connector is connected to the circuit board.

Abstract: A fabrication apparatus including an emergency stop circuit which is an emergency stop switch has a first electromagnetic switch for supplying and shutting off power to the apparatus and a second electromagnetic switch for controlling power supply to an electromagnetic coil of the first electromagnetic switch. Power is supplied to the electromagnetic coil of the first electromagnetic switch from the primary side of the first electromagnetic switch via a contact of the second electromagnetic switch. An uninterruptible power source supplies power to an electromagnetic coil of the second electromagnetic switch via the emergency stop circuit. This emergency stop switch is inserted midway along a power line to the electromagnetic coil of the second electromagnetic switch. This allows a safe emergency stop of the fabrication apparatus for semiconductors and the like.

Abstract: An electronic device having an auto-OFF function is disclosed in which a switch unit having an auto-OFF function and capable of being operated manually and automatically is connected to a primary circuit in a power control circuit, the switch unit S1 being normally turned auto-OFF with a signal provided from a control system circuit to cut off the supply of electric power to the primary circuit, thereby permitting a stand-by electric power to be nil, and if a trouble should occur in the control system circuit to an inoperable extent of the switch, the switch can be turned OFF manually.

Abstract: A safety relay configuration for linking a power source to a device to be powered via at least one output wherein output contacts all have to be closed to provide power to the device, the configuration including first and second three contact relays or four contact relays, each relay including a first NC contact and at least two NO contacts and, wherein the second relay first contact is linked in parallel with the first relay second contact forming a first parallel configuration, the first relay first contact is linked in parallel with the second relay second contact forming a second parallel configuration, the first parallel configuration is linked in series with the first relay coil between the power source and ground, the second parallel configuration is linked in series with the second relay coil between the power source and ground and the relay third contacts are linked within the outputs between the power source and the device.

Abstract: A power controller has upstream and downstream switches in series connection to provide redundant switching for power supplied from a power source to a load. A switch operating system closes the switch closer to the load first (downstream) and then the switch closer to the source (upstream). The operating system conditions closing the downstream switch on absence of power voltage on an upstream power terminal of the downstream switch. A preferred embodiment of the operating system performs a number of real time status checks during the connection process to assure that power voltage is properly absent and present at switch terminals during the stages of the connection process. This operating system guards against supplying power to the load if either the upstream or downstream switch's pair of contacts are welded at the time the connection process starts.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling AC supply switches is disclosed, in which the AC supply is switched between a lamp load (1) by means of a power triac (2) and a circuit which converts the AC supply voltage to a DC voltage by using a bridge circuit and a voltage limiting circuit for powering auxiliary control circuits. A triggering circuit which actuates power triac (2) in response to a switch control signal (21) comprises an opto-coupled triac driver (14). The apparatus can also be adapted to perform AC supply switching for multiple lamp loads.

Abstract: A battery disconnect system is provided for a device having a battery and load. The battery disconnect system includes a switch that is operative to connect the battery to the load when the switch is in a closed state. The switch is also operative to disconnect the battery from the load when the switch is in an open state. The battery disconnect system also includes a switch controller that is coupled to the switch. The switch controller is operative to cause the switch to enter the closed state in response to receipt of a first signal from a first external source. The switch controller is also operative to cause the switch to enter the open state in response to receipt of a second signal from a second external source.

Abstract: A combination enclosure and electrical apparatus includes an electronic control circuit which provides multiple modes of operation of electrically operated devices connected thereto. The electrical apparatus is connected to a power supply, such as a common residential alternating current power source, and includes receptacles for connecting the electrical apparatus to electrical devices to be controlled thereby. The control circuit is electrically disposed intermediate the power supply and the receptacles and controls the operation of connecting the power supply with the receptacles for powering the connected electrical devices. A rotary switch permits a user to select from multiple preselected modes of operation, which are stored or effected by the control circuit, to effect the desired operation of the connected electrical devices.

Abstract: A system and method for reduced standby power consumption in a display device. In one embodiment, a circuit for power mode switching between a main mode and a standby mode of a display device is provided. In this embodiment, the circuit includes a power supply unit coupled to a power source for receiving an input power signal and for generating output power signals when the display device is in the main mode. The circuit also includes an opto coupler coupled to a computer and responsive to a sync signal therefrom. The opto coupler is also coupled to the power supply unit for selectively sending an OFF signal thereto when the opto coupler does not detect the sync signal from the computer. Moreover, in this embodiment, the power supply unit shuts down and stops generating the output power signals in response to the OFF signal, thereby switching the display device to the standby mode.

Abstract: A voltage detection circuit 2 detects a voltage of a battery 1 and, when the voltage thus detected is within a tolerable input voltage of a power source unit 5, an on/off signal transmitter circuit 4 allows an on/off signal generator circuit 3 to transmit an on/off signal S2 to the power source unit 5. When the voltage of the battery 1 becomes lower than a lower limit of the tolerable input voltage range of the power source unit 5 due to increase of a power consumption of a load 6 thereof, the on/off signal transmitter circuit 4 transmits an off signal S3 to the power source unit 5 regardless of the on/off signal S2 from the on/off signal generator circuit 3. Thus, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation of the load due to abnormal operation of the power source unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an external burner shut-off for oil fired heating systems. More specifically, the present invention provides a burner control circuit interrupt for a burner control circuit. The interrupt includes a pair of switches controlled by a relay coil. One of the switches opens the power supply to the burner control circuit and the other switch provides power to a timer circuit of the interrupt. The timer circuit counts down from a predetermined time to allow sludge in an oil holding tank to resettle after an oil delivery. The interrupt provides a fail-safe feature to insure that the burner control circuit is not inadvertently interrupted.

Abstract: A sub control panel for use in maintenance work has a control switch, enable switches and manipulation prohibition members. The sub control panel is configured such that the control switch is not activated unless the enable switches are being kept ON by one hand of the operator and the operator is prevented by the manipulation prohibition members from manipulating with the one hand from turning ON the enable switches. When the sub control panel is to be used, the operator must use both hands and is hindered from inserting both hands to a driven part of a machine to be subjected to maintenance work when the machine is operating.

Abstract: Emergency shut-down circuit is provided for a multiplexed circuit. The emergency shut-down circuit includes a plurality of contacts arrayed in parallel to each other and which are synchronously opened and closed. A plurality of electromagnetic contactors are operated according to a open or closed state of each of the plurality of emergency shut-down switches and are connected in series to a main circuit power circuit for a motor.

Abstract: A simulated toggle switch capable of being set and reset by remote means and being manually operated. Control signals are received by two on-board electronic drive circuit assemblies which cause two corresponding magnetic solenoids to drive two cams clockwise or counterclockwise, independently of each other. This, in turn, causes a bat handle to move to an uppermost position, a lowermost position, or to be centered. In addition, the position of the switch is remotely sensed.

Abstract: A self-contained programmable wall switch actuator/timer unit can easily be mounted directly onto the outside of the face plate of a standard wall switch. This actuator/timer unit can be programmed to operate the lever of the wall switch in accordance with a program that automatically repeats on a diurnal, weekly or other cyclical basis. It comprises a small battery, a miniature electric motor with a gear/linkage mechanism operable to engage with and to move the switch lever between its OFF and ON positions, and a quartz-clock-based programming means having programming intput keys and time display means. Once programmed by way of the programming input keys, the programming means is operative to actuate the electric motor in such manner as to move the switch lever into its ON and/or OFF position in accordance with the keyed-in program.

Abstract: The invention comprises a battery coupled to a power bus, an external power connector coupled to the power bus for receiving an external power plug, and two switching devices for disconnecting the battery from the power bus when the external power plug is coupled to the connector. The battery supplies power to the camera unless the external power plug is coupled to the connector. Upon coupling of the external power plug to the connector, the two switching devices, which are positioned in series between the negative terminal of the battery and the system ground, are opened. The opening of the two switching devices disconnects the battery from the power bus and connector to prevent damage which could be caused by applying an externally supplied voltage from the external power plug across the positive and negative terminals of the battery.

Abstract: A module for interconnecting an AC power line to a load such as a lamp, which includes a first switch. The module detects the state of the first switch and then provides power to the load when the switch is closed. Sequentially opening and closing the first switch can be used as a command to dim the lamp. The module may also include a transceiver which communicates the state of the switch to the other modules thereby allowing a plurality of devices to be controlled by the first switch.

Abstract: A driving signal generator of the LCD includes a DC/DC converter which generates a constant analog voltage of 5V after receiving a power voltage of 5V or 3.3V. Resistors connected in series between the output terminal of the DC/DC converter and the ground divide the output voltage of the DC/DC converter. An npn-type transistor sets a digital voltage of 3.3V level from the voltage divided by the resistors, and an NMOS transistor outputs the digital voltage set by the npn-type transistor.

Abstract: A control system for remotely controlling the application of electric power to a plurality of electric apparatuses includes a radio transmitting device at a central location, and a radio receiving device and a control unit at each electrical apparatus location. Programming signals designating the operating protocol or mode and the location of the electrical apparatus are transmitted by a radio programming signal to the control unit associated with each electrical apparatus. Subsequently, timing reference signals are transmitted to the control units of all electrical apparatus. Each control unit interprets and responds to the timing signals in accordance with previously received programming signals to control the application of electric power to the electrical apparatus in accordance with a predetermined operating protocol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying, locating, and monitoring equipment or other objects is described wherein a radio frequency identification transponder (RFID) is housed on, around, or within a connector, such as an electrical plug used for powering electrical or electronic equipment. The transponder can then be automatically read by a RFID reader housed at a connector receptacle, such as within an electrical outlet, whenever the connector is attached same. The present invention allows an equipment tracking system to automatically identify, locate, and/or monitor equipment or other objects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer system having a chassis with an access door allowing a user to access the computer circuitry. The computer circuitry has a plurality of critical circuit boards and an interlock circuit routed through connectors and cables associated with the critical circuitry. If any of the connectors are not connected or connected improperly the main power is prevented from turning on or the main power to the computer is turned off and auxiliary power is used to power indicator lights which aid a user determine which connector is not connected or improperly connected.

Abstract: A wireless transmitter associated with a switched electrical connection and a receiver therefor, adapted for connection in an electrical path between the source of power and a load, enables the load to be controlled by the switch originally used to control the switched electrical connection. The communication between the transmitter and receiver may be realized only when power is applied or removed from the switched connection, or, alternatively, this communication may be carried out on a per-cycle basis, enabling a phase-delay type of control over the relocated load, including dimming of the relocated load without requiring modification to a previously installed dimmer switch. The signal radiated by the transmitter may be of acoustic or electromagnetic origin, though IR transmissions are used in the preferred embodiment.