Abstract: An optical signal transmitter for use by priority vehicles for remotely controlling traffic signals, including a light source which is flashed at a controlled repetition rate to transmit an optical signal to a receiver located at the traffic intersection. Circuitry associated with the light source includes a comparator network for disabling an electrical energy supply in the event of certain predetermined operating conditions.

Abstract: In the disclosed apparatus, a photo diode has an electrical impedance representative of the ambient light intensity. An amplifier connects to this photo diode and converts the impedance to an analog signal whose magnitude indicates the ambient light intensity. The analog signal is compared via a first comparator with one reference voltage corresponding to the magnitude of analog signal that is generated by cloudy weather, and via another comparator to a reference voltage corresponding to the magnitude of signal that is generated at dusk. The first comparator operates to energize all window light in cloudy weather; and the second comparator operates to energize parking lot lights and electric signs at dusk. The second comparator also activates a timer which, after a manually selectable delay, de-energizes a uniformly distributed portion of all interior overhead lighting.

Abstract: A touch control switch suitable for connection between a lamp load and a supply circuit in a lighting installation for alternating current and comprising a semiconductor switching element with a gate electrode, a counting circuit with a forward stepping input and a digital control output connected to the gate electrode of the semiconductor switching element via a trigger pulse generating circuit for controlling the conduction of the semiconductor switching element in dependence on the condition of activation of the digital control output, and a control pulse shaping circuit having an output connected to the forward stepping input of the counting circuit and a first and second input terminal for connection to a first and second, respectively terminal of the supply circuit via a touch sensitive impedance.

Abstract: The theatre lighting control system comprises a patchboard having a plurality of receptacles mounted thereon and a switchboard associated with the patchboard and having a plurality of switches mounted thereon. The receptacles and switches on the respective boards are mounted in a generally rectangular matrix such that a row of switches on the switchboard is aligned with and electrically coupled to a row of receptacles on the patchboard. Also, a control switch is provided for each group of aligned rows of switches and receptacles and is adapted to be connected to a dimmer switch. The receptacles are adapted to receive male plugs from theatre lamp circuits. Pilot lamps are associated with the receptacles and/or switches to indicate which receptacles are energized.

Abstract: The specification discloses a switching system for operating an incandescent lamp from a plurality of stations. The controlling switch at each station is wired in series with the lamp, and other control switches to form a single series circuit. Actuation of any single control switch produces a state change in the controlling circuitry so as to cause the lamp to increase or decrease in brightness. The rate at which the increase or decrease occurs is dependent upon the circuit values.

Abstract: A constant current drive circuit that can be driven directly from the output of a shift register which can find use, for example, as a constant current source for a light emitting diode (LED) to ensure uniform birghtness throughout a display surface that includes a plurality of LEDs.

Abstract: A constant current drive circuit that can be driven directly from the output of a shift register which can find use, for example, in maintaining a constant current through a controlled device such as one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) to ensure uniform brightness throughout a display surface that includes a plurality of LEDs.

Abstract: An improved system for lighting a floor area in a building. A plurality of lighting fixtures mounted in a ceiling structure for lighting the floor area are connected in one or more branch circuits. Each branch circuit is defined by a plurality of plural conductor branch circuit cables which distribute power to the fixtures. Each cable connects in series or parallel to both the next cable and the next fixture in the branch circuit. Circuit connections are easily modified for changing power distribution and switching needs by selective insertion of adapters between two series connected cables or between a cable and a connected fixture. Adapters provide for switching circuits and for converting circuit connections.

Abstract: A remote control system for controlling the azimuth and altitude of a searchlight and also a control for selecting one of two modes of operation, either spot or flood, of the searchlight. The system includes a dual remote control of the spotlight, for use in vehicles, such as boats, where it is desired to control the direction of the spotlight and mode of operation from two separate locations. The system includes means for locking out one remote control position when the other remote control system is actuated.

Abstract: An electrical load is energized from an energy source that may not have the capacity to carry the load directly. More specifically, a capacitor is charged at a low charge current for a relatively long period of time and when the load is to be energized, the capacitor is discharged through the load in a relatively short period of time. Current limiting devices protect the power source. The charge and discharge intervals are initiated in response to polarity reversals of the power source. When the power source presents one polarity, the capacitor is charged; and in response to a polarity reversal, the capacitor is discharged through the load. A plurality of capacitors and associated load circuits may be connected to a single power source without feedback between the circuits. A current limiting device may be used to limit the initial load current. Typically, the load may comprise a plurality of lamps, horns, bells or buzzers to indicate an alarm condition.

Abstract: A photographic camera and multi-flash arrangement therefor in which a multiplicity of linearly arrayed flash lamps mounted in a cartridge, wherein one or more of said lamps may be inoperative, may be automatically and sequentially sampled and the operative ones of said lamps automatically selected for effecting a photograhic exposure.