Abstract: Plug-in connectors primarily intended for connecting lighting fixtures into system circuitry, the connectors include selector mechanisms which allow selection of a hot conductor or conductors necessary for energization of the fixtures. The connectors of the invention allow selection of a specific circuit at the job site rather than pre-wiring of a fixture to a specific circuit during factory assembly, a given fixture then being rapidly installed by plugging of the connector into a tapping port in electrical cable extending between fixtures in an installation. The selection mechanism of the invention acts primarily to change the wiring configuration of the associated fixture with the hot leg or legs of the fixture being movable to adapt to a desired specific circuit. The invention further encompasses use of the apparatus of the invention in a method for rapidly wiring fixtures into system circuitry, thereby resulting in labor and job cost savings.

Abstract: A low voltage power inverter utilizes reed switches to control a number of display tubes. The reed switches are controlled by magnetic coils or permanent magnets. The magnetic coils receive a control signal from a control circuit. The control circuit is powered by a capacitor coupled around a power lead and a capacitor coupled around a return lead. The permanent magnet is coupled to a mechanical actuator.

Abstract: A high frequency power supply for distributed luminous tube signage including a master power unit and one or more slave units. The master unit includes a digital oscillator, controller, and electronic switches to induce a switched high frequency waveform across the primary of an output transformer. This waveform is preferably of a non-symmetrical variety to minimize neon bubble formation and mercury gas migration. The output transformer includes one or more low voltage ancillary power outputs for interconnection through appropriate twisted pairs or other transmission medium to the slave units. A high voltage secondary for direct luminous tube connection may also be provided. Various slave unit topologies are contemplated including remote or moving luminous tube segments; electronic controllers and sequencers, and motors.

Abstract: A ballast includes safety circuitry which senses lamp status through various phases of ballast operation. According to one feature, the ballast is prevented from supplying an output voltage upon initial energization of the ballast when a lamp is not present at the output terminals. The presence of a filament is sensed via a DC path extending through the filament heater windings of an output transformer. When the DC path is not complete, a control input, for example the power supply input of the ballast controller, is not provided with a voltage to start ballast operation. The DC path is also used to restart the ballast if a defective lamp is replaced with a good one. Over-voltage and capacitive mode detection is also disclosed to shut down ballast output upon lamp failure/removal.

Abstract: An apparatus for retrofitting an HID light fixture is described in several embodiments. The apparatus is coupled in series with the secondary winding and the HID lamp of the HID light fixture. A first retrofit capacitor replaces the light fixture capacitor of the HID light fixture. A switching device is coupled in series with a second retrofit capacitor and couples the first and second retrofit capacitors in parallel in response to a normal power mode control input so that the HID lamp provides normal intensity lighting at normal power. The switching device uncouples the first and second retrofit capacitors from being in parallel in response to a low power mode control input so that the HID lamp provides low intensity lighting at low power.

Abstract: A system for supplying at least one electrical apparatus with a touch control. The system may be utilized in a home automation system for supplying electrical equipment, e.g., light bulbs, motors, strip lights, electrical power points, etc., or may be utilized to form part of equipment, e.g., a lamp, lamp stand, etc. The system may include treated zones formed by chemical treatment of an electrically insulating support material to provide the zones with a reduced electrical impedance to allow leakage current flow. The treated zones may be electrically coupled to a detection input of an electrical control circuit to allow the leakage current to be detected by the detection input and enable the electrical control circuit to control a switch in accordance with the leakage currents, which are generated in the treated zone when a user touches the treated zone.

Abstract: A manual override circuit for use in commercial and household electronic devices. The override circuit may employ as little as a single integrated-circuit operational amplifier, two capacitors, which are charged and discharged in appropriate sequence in response to toggling of the power supply, and several resistors. In one embodiment the manual override circuitry includes an integrated-circuit operational amplifier, which provides a high signal at its output for triggering switching circuitry to energize a load. An RC network couples low-voltage a power supply to the inverting input of the op amp. The inverting and noninverting inputs of the op amp are coupled together through a resistive network, which may be provided by single resistor. A second resistive network, which may also be provided by single resistor couples the inverting input to ground.

Abstract: A ballast includes safety circuitry which senses lamp status through various phases of ballast operation. According to one feature, the ballast is prevented from supplying an output voltage upon initial energization of the ballast when a lamp is not present at the output terminals. The presence of a filament is sensed via a DC path extending through the filament heater windings of an output transformer. When the DC path is not complete, a control input, for example the power supply input of the ballast controller, is not provided with a voltage to start ballast operation. The DC path is also used to restart the ballast if a defective lamp is replaced with a good one. Over-voltage and capacitive mode detection is also disclosed to shut down ballast output upon lamp failure/removal.

Abstract: A power switching circuit includes a power switching NPN transistor (1) having its collector electrode coupled to a reference potential terminal (17) and its emitter electrode coupled to an output terminal (7). A driver circuit (5) is provided having an input coupled to a supply terminal (6) and a driving current output coupled to the base electrode of the power transistor (1). A PNP transistor(4) has its emitter electrode coupled to the output terminal(7), its base electrode coupled to a reference voltage terminal (9) for receiving, in operation, a voltage which is positive relative to the reference potential and its collector electrode coupled to the base electrode of an NPN transistor (2). The NPN transistor (2) has its collector electrode coupled to the collector electrode of the power transistor (1) and its emitter electrode coupled to the base electrode of the power transistor (1).

Abstract: An electrically controllable variable capacitor includes the interelectrode capacitance of at least one power MOSFET, a capacitance connected in series with the MOSFET and having one terminal connected to the drain or source thereof (the series capacitance), and bias control circuitry for controlling the bias voltage applied to the MOSFET. The voltage rating of the MOSFET, the peak amplitude of the applied ac signal, and the value of the series capacitance determine the range of dc bias voltages over which the MOSFET can be operated, and hence the capacitance range of the variable capacitor. Such a variable capacitance is useful as a tuning capacitor in an electrodeless HID lamp ballast.

Abstract: When a computer is not externally powered, it operates from installed first and second batteries. In top surface of the computer, LEDs are provided which indicates three states of each battery; need of charging, during charging, and completion of charging.

Abstract: Light socket improvements include a thermal conductor which removes heat by inducing a flow of air within the socket and/or which acts as heat sink that more efficiently transfers heat to the socket support thereby enabling use of higher wattage light bulbs. The conductor may, if desired, also function as a control signal input. Other improvements simplify wiring procedures and assure safety by providing a lockable internal chamber for power terminals within the socket housing. Some embodiments of the invention include electronic control circuits and enable selection of any of a variety of modes of controlling the light sockets by touch or by other forms of signal input including remote control and optional joint or independent control of individual sockets in a light fixture which has a plurality of sockets.

Abstract: An incandescent lamp bulb which is driven by an electronic control module (ECM) and method of manufacture characterized in that an inductor comprising a magnetic element and a winding thereon is disposed within a screw shell base of the lamp bulb and surrounds the lamp exhaust tube therein. One end of the winding on the magnetic element is connected to a filament wire within the screw shell base and the other end of the inductive winding is connected to an output terminal of the ECM control module. In this manner, the inductor significantly reduces the di/dt rise time of voltage and current when a triac within the ECM module is driven to conduction on each one half cycle of the applied AC line voltage. This operation in turn produces a substantial reduction in radio frequency interference, both of radiation transmitted into space from the lamp bulb and by direct DC coupling back into the AC line voltage source.

Abstract: An incandescent lamp bulb which is driven by an electronic control module (ECM) and method of manufacture characterized in that an inductor comprising a magnetic spool and a winding thereon is disposed within a screw shell base of the lamp bulb and surrounds the lamp exhaust tube therein. One end of the winding on the magnetic spool is connected to a filament wire within the screw shell base and the other end of the inductive winding is connected to an output terminal of the ECM control module. In this manner, the inductor significantly reduces the di/dt rise time of voltage and current when a TRIAC within the ECM module is driven to conduction on each one half cycle of the applied AC line voltage. This operation in turn produces a substantial reduction in radio frequency interference, both of radiation transmitted into space from the lamp bulb and by direct DC coupling back into the AC line voltage source.

Abstract: A power supply is plugged into an ordinary household electrical outlet and conditionally provides a high frequency current at a power receptacle operative to receive the power plug of an ordinary table lamp; which table lamp has a special fluorescent lamp screwed into its lamp socket. Provided the special fluorescent lamp is indeed screwed into the lamp socket, and provided the lamp'switch is in its ON position, the power supply does in fact supply high frequency current from its power receptacle; which high frequency current powers the special fluorescent lamp at a nominal power level, thereby to provide for high-efficacy luminous output. A storage battery contained within the power supply is kept fully charged by current derived from the power line voltage normally present at the electrical outlet and functions such as to cause high frequency current to be supplied from the output receptacle even if the power line voltage were to be disrupted.

Abstract: A power supply is integrally combined with a power plug, and the combination is adapted to be plugged into an ordinary household electrical outlet and operable to provide a power-line-isolated output of 120 Volt RMS at a frequency of about 30 kHz. The Volt-Ampere product available from this power supply is limited to be no more than 100 Volt-Ampere. Due to the high frequency, the electric shock hazard associated with this 120 Volt/30 kHz power supply is not higher than it is for a power supply having a voltage of only 30 Volt RMS at 60 Hz. The power supply, which also has receptacle means operable to receive and hold an ordinary electric power plug, is adapted to be interposed between an ordinary household electrical outlet and the power plug of an ordinary table lamp.

Abstract: A sequentially shifting control circuit for extendible light strings which includes a main controller in one end, a backward signal-generating circuit in the other end and a plurality of bidirectional shifting control units therebetween. Each bidirectional shifting control unit has a plurality of lights connected thereto, thereby constituting and enabling an extendible light string to be sequentially flashed in a forward direction or a backward direction or in both directions simultaneously. Only three conductive lines are required: one for positive power, one for ground, and one for transmitting different control signals which are represented and distinguished by different voltage ranges, voltage levels, and waveform periods, and are mixed together according to a same signal (synchronous signal) to transmit.

Abstract: A light socket for engaging and energizing a light bulb is adapted for attachment to a lamp base or other light fixture and has an internal chamber in which a touch responsive control circuit is disposed. The circuit has a solid state switch element which transmits voltage to the bulb in response to a change of capacitance at an input terminal and which preferably progressively changes light output in response to successive changes of capacitance. Heat damage to the solid state switch element is avoided, enabling use of higher wattage light bulbs, by a heat sink member which extends from the switch element to a location at which it contacts the lamp or other light fixture. In the preferred form, the heat sink is electrically connected to the control circuit input terminal and, in conjunction with metallic portions of the lamp or other light fixture, further functions as a component of the touch sensing system.

Abstract: From a central point, both telephone signals and Class-2 high frequency electric power are transmitted by way of a common transmission cable to the location of a telephone apparatus; thereby to provide at that location, not only telephone signals, but also a limited amount of electric power useful for various things, such as task lighting. At the central point there is provided a non-interruptible source of electric energy, namely a frequency-converting power supply connected both with an ordinary 120 Volt/60 Hz power line as well as with a storage battery. This power supply provides output of Class-2 high frequency voltage. Together with the telephone signals, this Class-2 voltage is transmitted by way of an ordinary telephone installation cable to the location of a telephone apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the intensity and on/off status of an incandescent light bulb as a function of the proximity of an object to a sensing plate. The frequency of a signal is varied from a nominal value when the presence of the object is sensed. A pulse is generated having a duration proportional to the time over which the signal if varied from its nominal frequency. The duration of the generated pulse, in relation to a pulse of predetermined width, is used to control a gated oscillator. The output of the gated oscillator is counted. The count obtained is used to control the operation of a TRIAC, which in turn connects power to the incandescent bulb.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for driving five external signalling components such as four LEDs and a piezo horn. The integrated circuit includes three pairs of series connected transistors, each pair being connected in parallel to one another. Only three terminals are required for controlling the four LEDs and piezo horn.

Abstract: A cover and support plate arrangement for a wall mounted device, such as a wall switch, display, dimmer, etc., for mounting to a wall box embedded in the wall and having overall surface dimensions greater than that of the wall box. The cover plate is juxtaposed over the front surface of the support plate and is spaced therefrom to provide an air gap between the cover plate and the support plate creating a chimney through which air currents may flow. The device includes an electric circuit having a heat generating device, such as a triac, which is thermally connected to the support plate and in series electrically with a controlled load. The cover plate casts a shadow along vertical sides of the support plate such that the vertical sides of the support plate are visible only when viewed at extreme angles with respect to an imaginary line perpendicular to the plane of the support plate or the wall in which the device is mounted.

Abstract: A modular wiring system including a fixture interceptor for electrically wiring together several overhead light fixtures of an office building using modular components whereby a selected group of fixtures may be locally switched as desired. All components of the system matingly connect with other components through molded connectors and recessed sockets to provide foolproof installation and strong, wear-resistant physical connections. Each fixture is provided with a self-fastening, molded fixture interceptor having recessed input and output fixture sockets. Mating joiner cables connect a power supply to a starting fixture and pairs of successive fixtures, one end of each joiner cable connecting to an input fixture socket of one fixture and the other end to an output fixture socket of another fixture. A molded switching interceptor (i.e. switch tap box) is connected via a joiner cable to the fixture interceptor of the first fixture selected for local switching.

Abstract: An electronic touch control light socket used to convert a lamp to touch-sensitive use which includes a circuit housing and a light bulb insertion socket mounted thereto which together are adapted for installation within a standard light socket shell of a lamp in place of a standard light socket. A touch sensing circuit in the circuit housing has a self-compensating subcircuit to eliminate the effects of slower changing ambient capacitance of the lamp in order to detect touching of the lamp by monitoring rapid changes in lamp capacitance. A spring contact connected to the circuit is attached to the circuit housing and projects along a side thereof for placement between the circuit housing exterior and the interior surface of the light socket shell and in electrical contact with a conductive portion of the light socket shell when the circuit housing and insertion socket are installed within the light socket shell.

Abstract: A circuit for automatically removing battery power from a night vision goggle (10) upon its detachment from a headgear (12) or when subjected to excessive light. A magnet (34) on the headgear (12) is magnetically coupled to a magnetic reed switch (36) fixed to the goggle (10). On detachment of the goggle (10) from the headgear (12), the reed switch (36) switches battery current to a goggle location monitor (75) for drilling on/off control logic (79) to remove power from an image intensifier tube (40). A high intensity light monitor (80) senses when the ambient light exceeds a predefined intensity, for a predetermined period of time, and also drives the control logic (79) to open a switch (86) in series with the battery (38) and the image intensifier tube (40). A low voltage monitor (82) provides a visual indication (84) of reduced battery voltages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a starter circuit case assembly having a starter section and a cap assembly. The starter section includes a starter circuit mounted on a circuit board and is securely engaged by the cap assembly. The cap assembly is mounted to and electrically connected to the light fixture.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved decorative light set with clusters of light bulbs, an electric circuit and a d.c. power source for actuating the bulbs of clusters of the light bulbs and the electric circuit, wherein the circuit has two oscillators for producing pulses, a comparator for comparing the pulses of the two oscillators, a decoder actuated by the comparator. Random output signals are output by the decoding means for lighting the bulbs randomly as if the light set is sparkling and twinkling without using a long extending wire from a power source.

Abstract: Subject track lighting system comprises a more-or-less regular lighting track having at least two pairs of track conductors. Of these track conductors, an initial pair carries the regular 120 Volt/60 Hz power line voltage. Plugged into the track and connecting with the initial pair of track conductors is one or more voltage-conditioning adapters--with each such adapter receiving its input voltage from the initial pair of track conductors and providing its conditioned output voltage to one of the other pairs of track conductors. Thus, depending upon the particular functions provided by the adapters, the different pairs of track conductors may be used in independently different ways. For instance, with one adapter being a frequency converter with an output voltage of 12 Volt/30 kHz, the pair of track conductors to which its output is connected may be used directly with low-voltage Halogen lamps--while ordinary 120 Volt incandescent lamps may simultaneously be used with the initial pair of track conductors.

Abstract: A small electronic module to regulate the power delivered to a lamp or similar appliance is plugged into the household electrical outlet and the lamp to be controlled is, in turn, plugged into the module. Each time the lamp is touched the power to the bulb increases by one step, typically in the sequence OFF, DIM, INTERMEDIATE, FULL, OFF. The module device operates by sensing the capacitance change when the lamp is touched and communication between the lamp and the device occurs through the lamp cord.

Abstract: Disclosed is a touch control lamp system, including a touch control dimmer switch adapted to be plugged into a standard electrical household outlet, and a lamp having a male electrical plug adapted to plug into the touch control switch. When the plug from the lamp is plugged into the touch control switch, a touch control wire in the power cord of the lamp connects a conductive portion of the lamp to the touch control circuitry in the touch control switch, so that the lamp may be controlled by touching the conductive portion of the lamp. Moreover, a conventional lamp may be plugged into the touch control switch, which may be controlled by a touch control wire separately connected to the touch control switch.

Abstract: A power distribution system consists of an inverter means providing power to a plurality of separate outputs, with each separate output being protected by its own individual overload protection means. In case more than a pre-determined rate of power has been drawn from one of these separate outputs for longer than a pre-determined time, the associated individual overload protection means acts to remove the power from this particular output--without affecting the other outputs. However, if for some reason the individual overload protection means for that particular output fails to operate within the pre-determined time, a second overload protection means operates to disable the inverter, thereby to remove power from all the separate outputs.

Abstract: A touch-responsive socket for receiving an electric light bulb and controlling the power delivered to the bulb in response to the touching of an electrically-conductive member includes a housing with a touch-responsive electrical circuit disposed in it between a light socket shell and a mounting base. The mounting base is assembled from electrically dissimilar base portions. An electrically-nonconductive base portion provides support for power conductors and means for connecting the circuit to the conductors. An electrically-conductive base portion, which fits to the nonconductive base portion, provides electrical conductivity between a touch-control signal input to the touch-control circuit and an electrically-conductive member that is touched to control the illumination of an electric light bulb in the socket shell.

Abstract: A switching circuit for controlling the lamp and fan speed on a common household vent hood includes first, second and third flip-flops, the outputs of which are optically coupled to first, second and third triacs. When each of the flip-flops have a specified output (high or low), its associated triac will be triggered so as to provide AC power to its respective load (lamp, low-speed fan and high-speed fan). Not only are each of the logic means optically isolated from the AC power being supplied to the load, but that portion of the circuit which generates DC voltages required by the remainder of the circuit is transformer coupled to a source of AC power. Thus, the user is afforded complete safety when using the switching circuit.

Abstract: A system and method of electrically interconnecting a multiplicity of electrical lighting fixtures is disclosed in which up to three phase AC power and up to five conductors (i.e., one conductor for each phase, a ground conductor, and a neutral conductor) is used in such manner that selected groups or branches of the lighting fixtures may be independently, selectively controlled, and such that wiring to the fixtures and control switches may be readily plugged into place.

Abstract: A low-voltage system is disclosed for supplying operating power to high-voltage neon light tubes located within housings in the forms of letters and other shapes commonly used for illuminated advertising on the outside of buildings. Within the building, a first step-down transformer is connected to the conventional household power supply of 110 volt 60 Hz current. The step-down transformer produces a low-voltage signal in the range of 16 to 24 volts at the 60 Hz operating frequency. The low-voltage wires are passed through the exterior wall of the building on which the advertising sign housing is mounted and require no special precautions or high-voltage insulation due to the extremely low voltage involved. Within each high-voltage lamp housing, a solid state low-voltage to high-voltage conversion circuit is mounted. The input to this circuit comprises the 16 to 24 volt 60 Hz low-voltage current.

Abstract: An electrical controller, such as a controller timer for a home lighting circut, is connected so that a power switch like a triac controlled thereby replaces a conventional toggle switch operating in conjunction with another toggle switch in series therewith which can operate the controller. The timer is continuously coupled to the AC power system by permanent connections between the movable pole of the remaining toggle switch station and the load terminal of the triac of the controller and the power system. A stationary contact of the switch forms a control signal terminal which extends to a control input terminal of the controller. The controller may also include a depressible pushbutton or other on-off control switch which when successively operated generates pulses which toggle a control circuit to alternately render the triac conductive and non-conductive, and to program a controller-timer.

Abstract: A current control device for connection in series with an AC load where it is not convenient to make connections in parallel with the load. The device comprises a pair of terminals for connection in series with an AC load, a triac for controlling the flow of current through the load, and a control circuit for controlling the triac. A circuit for supplying current to power supply rails when current is flowing through the load comprises a transformer having a primary winding connected in series with the terminals, and a secondary winding connected across the input of a rectifier, the output of which is connected across the supply rails. A circuit for supplying power to the rails when the flow of current through the load is prevented comprises a resistor bridged by a capacitor connected in series with a zener diode between the terminals, a rectifying diode and a smoothing capacitor.

Abstract: An overhead raceway or duct is pre-wired with six conductors, including two hot legs and two switch legs. Identical six socket receptacles are spaced along the raceway, the corresponding sockets of each receptacle being pre-wired to the same conductors. There is also provided a plurality of whips or pre-wired cables having identical six-prong plugs on the opposite ends thereof for selectively connecting the lamps either directly to the hot legs for continuous energization or else indirectly to the hot legs through the switch legs and a wall switch so that the energization of a lamp is under the control of the switch. The lamp fixtures are provided with the same identical six-socket receptacles which are wired to the two ballast circuits in each fixture. Thus, lamp fixtures may be easily connected to the raceway for either mode of operation without the need for making any wiring changes.

Abstract: Random voltage spike incident to any appliance load change in electrical supply circuit is sensed by a triac used to close a time limited holding circuit for an electric light circuit to provide random on/off lights "at home" indication for unoccupied premises.

Abstract: The controller comprises a rear sub-assembly to be mounted in a conventional toggle wall switch opening, a conventional toggle switch cover plate with a vertical toggle switch operating arm-receiving slot, the plate to extend over the rear sub-assembly and being of a size to overlap the wall switch opening, and a front sub-assembly to be mounted over the cover plate. An anchoring screw-receiving opening in the rear of sub-assembly is accessible from the front of the front sub-assembly through the cover plate slot. A screw passing through an opening in the front sub-assembly and cover plate slot anchors at least partially the front sub-assembly and the cover plate to the rear sub-assembly. A rotatable and depressible shaft extends from the rear-sub-assembly and passes through the cover plate slot and the front sub-assembly. A timer and on-off switch operating knob removably fits over the shaft to expose the screw when the knob is removed from the shaft.

Abstract: A timer system includes a power switch operable to power circuit closing and opening conditions, timing means for identifying various timing segments over a 24-hour period and marker storage means having respective power turn on and off marker storage locations assigned to the time intervals encompassing a 24-hour period. An on-off push button or other on-off control operates the power switch and may act as an aid in setting the markers in the storage means. The timer system may also include a rotatable present time setting dial, also adjustable to different positions representing the different time intervals, and a manually operable timer on-off setting member. For real time programming, control means respond to normal operation of the on-off control during a first 24-hour period, initially to set said markers in the storage locations.

Abstract: A converter circuit for addition to the existing lamp operating circuitry of a high pressure mercury lamp consisting of an existing series ballast inductor and a power factor connecting capacitor connected across the input terminals of the existing lamp operating circuit includes inductance arranged to be connected to the ballast inductor so as to adjust the resultant series inductance to a value suitable for a sodium lamp, and an igniter portion coupled to the converter inductance. The igniter portion operates to apply ignition voltage to the sodium lamp during at least part of the time that the converter circuit is supplied with power. Protective circuitry is coupled to the converter inductance to block or limit high frequency voltage pulses which could otherwise reach the ballast inductor.

Abstract: An indicator light for a switch to show when a remote load is energized is provided for installations where no neutral wire is available at the switch box. A circuit including a gas discharge indicator lamp, a diode-resistor charging circuit and a capacitor across the lamp is connected between the load side of the switch and the grounding conductor in the switch housing. Current through the circuit is sufficiently small to create no hazard.

Abstract: An adaptor for use with incandescent lamp sockets includes a circuit for igniting a high intensity arc discharge lamp and limiting the current flow thereto. The adaptor includes means for connecting to a source of electrical power and means for connecting to an incandescent lamp socket.

Abstract: An adaptor for use with incandescent lamp sockets includes a circuit for igniting a high intensity arc discharge lamp and limiting the current flow thereto. The adaptor includes means for connecting to a source of electrical power and means for connecting to an incandescent lamp socket.

Abstract: An automobile electric system including an electrically operated device such as an air conditioning device which is controlled by a control switch and light devices such as head lights which are controlled by a light switch. The control switch is provided with an illuminating lamp which is adapted to indicate the switch positions and the location of the switch. A control circuit for the illuminating lamp is provided so that the lamp illuminates the control switch when the switch is actuated, with a sufficient brightness in day time to show that the switch is actuated, but with a moderate brightness in night time wherein the light switch is actuated. Further, in night time, the control switch is illuminated with a weak light when the control switch is not actuated only to indicate the location of the control switch.

Abstract: A touch control switch suitable for fluorescent lighting, or reactive load, as well as incandescent lighting, or resistive load, installations without modification to the control circuit. The control circuit is connected between the lamp load, either resistive or reactive, and the supply circuit in the lighting installation for alternating current and comprises a semiconductor switching element, such as a TRIAC, having a gate electrode. A counting circuit with a forward stepping input and a digital control output is connected to the gate electrode of the TRIAC via a trigger pulse generating circuit for controlling the conduction of the TRIAC in accordance with the condition of activation of the digital control output. A control pulse shaping circuit has its output connected to the forward stepping input of the counting circuit and first and second input terminals connectable to a touch sensitive impedance, such as a manually controllable capacitive reactance, to enable turn on or activation of the lamp load.

Abstract: A housing for a flash apparatus with at least one socket arranged on the housing of the apparatus for connection with flash tubes, which includes a condenser provided in the housing. On the housing there is arranged an adjustable locking device which includes at least one adjustable latching member for locking or blocking the socket for the flash tube, and also includes at least one control element which is adjustable together with the latching member. In the path of movement of the adjustable control element there is arranged a control pin of a network switch which is preferably a microswitch.

Abstract: A touch controlled dimmer switch is provided so that a user may indicate the level to which the illumination output of a light or lamp is to be maintained by touching a control keyboard. Digital control circuitry responds to touching of the keyboard by the user to adjust the amount of electrical power furnished to the lamp and regulate the illumination output.

Abstract: A small electronic module to regulate the power delivered to a lamp or similar appliance is plugged into the household electrical outlet and the lamp to be controlled is, in turn, plugged into the module. Each time the lamp is touched the power to the bulb increases by one step, typically in the sequence OFF, DIM, INTERMEDIATE, FULL, OFF. The module device operates by sensing the capacitance change when the lamp is touched and communication between the lamp and the device occurs through the lamp cord.