Abstract: An energy-saving lighting control system is selectively operable in either a normal mode, in which certain lighting parameters (e.g., maximum and minimum light levels, fade rates, etc.) are preset and lighting level is determined by which of a plurality of inputs requires the least electrical power, or in an off-normal mode (e.g., a calibration or light-adjustment mode) in which certain parameters are adjustable by manually adjusting the position of a movable member, such as a wiper blade in a potentiometer. A microprocessor-based logic and control unit is adapted to automatically switch from the normal operating mode to the off-normal mode in response to movement of the movable member. After a predetermined time period following the most recent movement of the movable member, the logic and control unit stores the new level of the adjusted parameter, and returns to the normal operating mode. Preferably, the system has multiple outputs by which different types of fluorescent lamp ballasts can be controlled.

Abstract: A fully automatic and energy efficient lighting control or light switch comprises different settings, preset by a user, and activates all or a portion of at least one bank of lights upon detecting occupants within a room. In one embodiment, the light switch detects doppler-shifted, reflected ultrasonic waves caused by occupant motion within the room. In an automatic mode, the light switch is configured to automatically switch from an initial sensitivity level for detecting motion within a short range therefrom, to a higher sensitivity level for detecting motion anywhere within the room. After the room is empty or no motion is sensed, the light switch is configured to turn the lights off following a variable time delay. The light switch returns to its initial low sensitivity level following a predetermined grace period which begins once the lights are turned off.

Abstract: A method and circuit arrangement for adapting the light intensity of the summation light (E.sub.i) of a room lit by internal light (E.sub.k) and external light (E'.sub.i) to the external light (E.sub.a), which varies with the time of day, in which the light intensity of the internal light is controlled in dependence on one or more control parameters according to a given function and the function can be varied according to individual preference, are to be arranged so as to provide means of making finer adjustments to the light intensity in a room. This is achieved by determining the function by a plurality of independently settable function values (11), each function value (11) being variable independently of other function values (11).

Abstract: A recessed lighting fixture system comprising a power service module which includes sockets for receiving fluorescent light lamps, a ballast for driving each of the light lamps, and a field adjustable connector which is electrically connected to the sockets and the ballasts. The power service module mounts in a mounting frame assembly which is mounted in the ceiling. A primary terminal block is provided in the mounting assembly and is connected to the main power supply. When mounted in the mounting assembly, the field adjustable connector connects to the primary terminal block, thus connecting the light lamps and ballasts to the main power supply. The field adjustable connector is four-pole pre-wired for providing single phase or dual phase power supply to the ballasts of the respective fluorescent light lamps.

Abstract: An energy efficient light switch providing dual switching capability for banks of overhead lights through the detection of infrared energy activity in a room. The switch has three positions preset by the user, activating a sufficient, but limited amount of light for a room through the automatic control of all, none or a portion of the banks of lights in the room. The switch is operable at 277 volts or 120 volts, has a sweep range of from 0.degree. to 180.degree. and is applicable for most lighting fixtures, fluorescent as well as incandescent and replaces the standard wall mounted wall switchplate. A method of manufacturing the energy efficient infrared light switch is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device which enables a plurality of discharge lamps that are connected to a common ballast to be turned on and off separately via external switches. The operation circuit of the ballast is connected to the external switches through decouplers. The operation circuit may be supplied with voltage via any of the decouplers. A detector detects which of the switches has been closed and closes a logic member in the lamp circuit of the discharge lamp concerned. Consequently, the only lamp circuits that are closed are those in which the detectors have responded.

Abstract: This invention relates to an interrupted desk lamp generally comprised of a main lamp assembly and an auxiliary lamp assembly. The auxiliary lamp assembly is controlled by means of a photoresistor and an AC power failure lighting circuit to automatically turn on the lamp bulb to provide illumiantion during AC power failure and low intensity of ambient light. The auxiliary lamp assembly may be removed from the device for independent application to serve as an emergency lamp.

Abstract: A light adjusting apparatus comprising a lamp connected to a commercial a.c. power supply via a triac, and a switching control circuit operable by a direct current obtained by directly rectifying the current of the power supply for controlling the conduction timing of the triac based on the zero-cross timing of the power supply. The conduction timing of the triac is controlled by a signal obtained by producing a pulse-width modulated light adjusting signal from a signal generating circuit by a light-emitting element, causing a photodetector in the control circuit to receive the adjusting signal and subjecting the resulting output of the control circuit to pulse-width demodulation.

Abstract: A multicolor optical device having at least three optically stable states includes a plurality of pairs of associated light sensors and light sources for emitting light of respectively different colors when activated. Each light source is divided by an opaque wall into a first light emitting portion and a second light emitting portion. The light signals from the first light emitting portions of all light sources are blended to obtain a composite light signal of a variable color. Separate optical feedbacks are established between the second light emitting portions and light sensors in pairs tending to stabilize the light sources in their conditions to thereby maintain the color of the composite light signal.

Abstract: A system for feeding and controlling low intensity obstruction lights, involving low power drain especially in radio stations powered by solar cells includes:a sub-system which not only generates the energy necessary to feed the obstruction light, but also detects solar intensity;a control sub-system which delivers energy to the obstruction lights, triggered in correspondence to a light threshold, generates indicator signals on the operating state of the main on/off switch and the power circuit breaker and generates a lamp failure control for telemetering purposes and fault controls for the individual obstruction lights for local displaying purposes; and a low luminous intensity and low power drain lighting sub-system.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle headlamp dimming control is the type having an operator controlled first voltage divider across a power supply, a light sensitive resistance connected in electrical series with an electrically controlled variable resistance in a second voltage divider across the output of the first voltage divider, an energizing circuit adapted to energize the headlamp system from the power supply at high or low intensity in response to the output of the second voltage divider compared to a fixed reference voltage and first electric feedback means from the energizing circuit to the electrically controlled variable resistance for producing hysteresis feedback.

Abstract: A multicolor display device having seven illuminated optically stable states includes three triads of associated electro-optical components. In each triad, a light sensor is electrically coupled with a display light emitting diode and auxiliary light emitting diode. An optical feedback is established in each triad between the auxiliary light emitting diode and the light sensor tending to maintain its associated display light emitting diode either in the illuminated or extinguished condition. Light signals of respectively different colors emitted by three display light emitting diodes are blended to obtain a composite light signal of a color in accordance with the conditions of respective display light emitting diodes.

Abstract: A multiple intensity lamp controller and lighting system utilizing a multiple filament lamp having a primary filament and a secondary filament coupled in series with each other and with a power source and having a variable impedance coupled across the secondary filament. The intensity of the multiple filament lamp is made comparatively bright when the value of the variable impedance is made comparatively low. Conversely, the intensity of the multiple filament lamp is made comparatively dim when the value of the variable impedance is made comparatively high.

Abstract: A lamp control control circuit has triacs for controlling a current from an AC power supply and supplying a controlled current to lamps; a phase angle control unit for generating phase angle control pulses for a soft start; switching controllers for triggering the triacs in response to phase angle control pulses, respectively; and switches for selecting the lamp which is to be energized. The control circuit has additional switches for detecting the lamp selecting operation of the switches. The phase angle control unit is started in response to a signal from those switches.

Abstract: The UV radiation triggered rail-gap switch applies a high voltage from a low impedance source to a low impedance load. The switch includes first and second parallel elongated electrodes spaced to form a uniform gap along their length. The first electrode is adapted to be connected to the high voltage source, while the second electrode is adapted to be connected to the low impedance load. When a voltage from the source is applied to the electrodes, one electrode will be positive relative to the other electrode. In addition, the cross-section of each of the electrodes is sufficiently smooth to prevent points of high field concentration between the electrode. This cross-section is defined by the field enhancement factor of each electrode which is preferably less than 1.5. The switch also includes an enclosure in which the electrodes are located and which contains a gas mixture for maintaining the breakdown threshold between the electrodes. A preferred gas mixture includes Ar, N.sub.2, and SF.sub.

Abstract: Circuits for selectively operating redundant light sources (lasers or LEDs) in lightwave communication systems are described.

Abstract: Electronic strobe flash apparatus includes a first energizable flashtube arranged to project light for reflection from a surface to illuminate a scene indirectly, and a second energizable flashtube arranged to illuminate the scene directly. A sequencing circuit controls the energization of both flashtubes so that the ratio of the indirect flash to the direct flash reflected from the scene is constant in instances where the reflected flash is above a minimum level. For this purpose, a light-sensitive circuit, arranged to sense light reflected from the scene, is coupled to the sequencing circuit. The sequencing circuit causes the indirect flash to be produced first. The light-sensitive circuit causes the sequencing circuit to (1) quench the first flashtube to extinguish the indirect flash, and (2) fire the second flashtube to produce the direct flash, when the light-sensitive circuit senses that a predetermined fraction of a desired total amount of light has been reflected from the scene.

Abstract: Solar illuminating compensating apparatus is disclosed whereby the interior of a building is illuminated to a substantially constant, predetermined level of light intensity by a combination of natural illumination from the sun and artificial illumination from electricity wherein the intensity of said artificial illumination is controlled by fully electronic means which increases the level of artificial illumination when the natural illumination is inadequate and vice versa.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic lighting control system which employs a photosensitive detector in one leg of a bridge circuit for sensing the total effective level of both the natural and artificial illumination within an interior space. The unbalanced output of the bridge is fed into a pair of differential comparators for deriving a digital error signal representative of the level of illumination falling outside an acceptable range. A digital error signal is loaded into an intermediate shift register responsive to a clock signal. If an error signal of the type requiring a change in illumination is present, then a subsequent clock pulse will command a shift register to add or interrupt power to one or more lighting modules which supply artificial illumination to the interior space.

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: Different portions of an area are selectively highlighted in response to observer proximity. An adjustable dimmer establishes the non-highlight illumination level for each area. The dimmer is overridden by observer-sensing circuitry to produce the highlight illumination level.

Abstract: A photocell-controlled lighting system is disclosed. The system comprises a first photocell-controlled operated by a photocell, at least one night or decorative light adapted to be connected to a power source, at least one spotlight, also adapted for connection to the power source, a second relay adapted for connection to the power source and responsive to energization of the photocell-controlled relay for energizing the night or decorative light and to de-energization of the photocell-controlled relay when the photocell is illuminated by the lights of an automobile entering the driveway of a house for switching off the night or decorative light, and a third time relay adapted for connection to the power source and operated by the second relay when the lights of the automobile are switched off for switching of the spotlight for a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: An automatic variable lighting device is provided with light responsive means, such as a photocell, for controlling the voltage applied to the lamp in response to ambient light conditions so that a nearly constant contrast between lamp intensity and ambient light intensity results.

Abstract: Ultraviolet light processors containing a plurality of ultraviolet light sources are improved by providing means for increasing the intensity of one lamp to compensate for a reduction in intensity of another lamp so that the total intensity of the system is substantially the same. If both lamps are located at the first foci of a conjugate reflector system, the intensity profile will be substantially reestablished.