Abstract: A time-controlled security lighting system records the length of nighttime and is capable of automatically adjusting for seasonal nighttime hours. The time duration between the initial nighttime darkness and the light of dawn, as sensed from the prior day by a photocell, is measured and recorded in memory. As the surrounding area becomes dark, the lighting system is activated to provide the illumination for the area. The duration of illumination is determined based on a predetermined fraction of the recorded length of nighttime from the previous night. The control system can adjust the duration of illumination according the recorded nighttime durations from the previous night. The control system can also adjust the level of illumination based on the signals from a motion detector, where the lights are set at a higher brightness for a predetermined amount of time upon detection of motion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a natural light-generating device, wherein a light-sensing unit is used to detect the surrounding lighting signals, and a modulated control unit transforms the lighting signals into control signals, and an ultra-low frequency sinusoidal-wave generator performs the permutation and combination of the control signals to sequentially generate driving signals of different timings, frequencies and amplitudes; the driving signals control light-generating elements to simulate the delicate and leisurely variation of the diversified natural daylight; thereby, the windows of the soul can enjoy the gentle and mellow lighting similar to natural daylight; thus, the eyes is massaged, the body and mind relaxed, the health improved, and ocular diseases prevented.

Abstract: An electronic module includes an EL section; a first substrate on which the EL section is formed; a second substrate attached to the first substrate; an integrated circuit chip mounted on the second substrate; a plurality of first power supply interconnects formed on the first substrate, extending through a pair of regions located on both sides of the EL section; and a plurality of second power supply interconnects formed on the second substrate, extending through a pair of regions located on both sides of the integrated circuit chip.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a user-selected color point is received. RGB tristimulus values are then derived for the color point. It is also determined whether the user-selected color point is outside a color selection range of the LED light source and, if so, an error flag is set. Pulse width modulated signals for a plurality of LED drivers for the LED light source are also generated. In another embodiment, tristimulus values representing a color of light produced by an LED light source are received. The received tristimulus values are then compared to tristimulus values corresponding to a user-identified color point. In response to the comparison, pulse width modulated signals are generated for a plurality of LED drivers for the LED light source. After a predetermined number of repetitions of these actions, an error flag is set if the user-selected color point has not been achieved by the LED light source.

Abstract: A projection display includes a housing, a display panel, a power plug for electrically connecting to an external power source and receiving power provided by the external power source, a light source electrically connected to the power plug for emitting light onto the display panel when receiving power from the power plug, a heat-ventilating device for ventilating heat generated by the light source to a region outside of the housing, a power storage device for storing power, and a power detector electrically connected to the heat-ventilating device, the power storage device, and the power plug for selectively electrically connecting the heat-ventilating device either to the power plug or to the power storage device.

Abstract: A system for improving the safety of a room occupied by a patient includes a sensor for monitoring when the patient is out of bed. The sensor sends a signal that gives an alert to a care giver that the patient is out of bed. Lights in the room are slowly illuminated to provide light for the patient. A second sensor may sense when the patient has returned to bed and correspondingly dim the lights. The history of the patient being in and out of bed, and of the care giver responding to alerts may be recorded in a log. A programmable micro controller is used to control the system.

Abstract: An auxiliary lighting system contains at least one photoelectric cell to convert ambient light into energy and at least one light emitting diode. The photoelectric cell converts ambient light into energy which is stored in a storage cell. A switching system provides energy from the storage cell to the light emitting diode upon certain conditions, generally by time or by lack of ambient light.

Abstract: A burglar-proof wireless light adjusting module is provided wherein a transmission socket of a control module is connected with a lamp and a local power, respectively, whereas a control socket at the other end is connected with a conventional switch. When the switch is turned on or off, a micro processor transmits a signal of lightening status of a corresponding light bulb to a driving circuit, generates a corresponding control circuit through the driving circuit, to enable the light bulb to generate a continuously changing status of lightening and extinguishing, a status of lightening and extinguishing according to a random time, and a constant brightness, after receiving a status of open circuit and short-circuit, corresponding to various times of status of turning on and off, from the control socket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a headlight lamp (110) having a multifunction structure in which a lighting angle of a headlight of a vehicle is automatically and manually controlled based on a running speed of a vehicle, a brightness of a headlight of an opponent vehicle and a surrounding brightness of a vehicle. The headlight lamp (110) includes a plurality of high angle headlight filaments (115), capable of lighting for providing a high angle beam to a vehicle, a plurality of low angle headlight filaments (111) capable of lighting for providing a low angle beam to the vehicle, low angle headlight reflection covers (112) provided in the low angle headlight filaments (111) respectively, for thereby allowing the light from the low angle headlight filaments (111) to have a low beam pattern angle, and external connection terminals.

Abstract: A backlight module for reducing interference includes: a plurality of radiating units, a plurality of transferring units, and a phase control unit. Each transferring unit is connected to a corresponding radiating unit and can provide a set of driving power sources to drive the radiating unit. The phase control unit couples to the plural transferring units and enables the plural driving power sources to differ from one another by an appropriate phase angle successively.

Abstract: A driving apparatus (2) for cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) includes a primary and a secondary driving circuits (22, 21), a primary and a secondary light tubes (24, 23), a primary and a secondary feedback circuits (26, 27), and two photosensitive elements (25) corresponding to the primary and the secondary light tubes, respectively. The primary and the secondary driving circuits provide power to drive the primary and the secondary light tubes, respectively. The primary feedback circuit receives photoelectric current of a corresponding photosensitive element and provides an output signal to the primary driving circuit. The secondary feedback circuit receives currents of both photosensitive elements, and provides an output signal to the secondary driving circuit to keep a brightness of the secondary light tube the same as the brightness of the primary light tube.

Abstract: An incandescent light bulb life extending apparatus operates by modifying or wave shaping the A.C. power that supplies power to a lamp or light fixture, using a phase control circuit that is fixed at a specific phase that does not change. The light bulb life extending apparatus is housed in a plug in/plug into enclosure with prongs on one side that plug into a standard ordinary A.C. wall socket or receptacle, and a lamp power cord or similar light fixture power cord then plugs into the receptacle located on the opposing side of the enclosure.

Abstract: High level and low level illuminating use of lamps in an office stairwell of the nature requiring a lamp break-in period of conditioning, wherein normally the former level is used during work hours and the latter level during off-hours, in which high level illumination is extended in its use even during off-hours in order to provide a continuous 300-hour break-in period to condition the lamps for their subsequent normal use, only one installation of the lamps thereby being required.

Abstract: Control circuitry is used to control the backlighting of electronic displays. A light sensor (such as a phototransistor) is used to continuously measure ambient light conditions that are associated with an electronic display. A linear, continuous light-level signal is produced in response to the continuous measuring by the light sensor. The light-level signal is applied to a first input pin of an operational amplifier. The operational amplifier produces an output signal that is linear with respect to the light-level signal. The output signal is coupled to a second input pin, which provides feedback for the amplifier. The output signal is further coupled to an LED driver for driving backlighting LEDs.

Abstract: The present invention transforms existing electrical wall outlets into an emergency lighting system for homes, hospitals, hotels, nursing homes and businesses. The lighting device, designed as a replacement electrical wall outlet or receptacle, simply plugs into an existing dual outlet after removal of its faceplate. The lighting device continues to function as an electrical outlet, however, also comprises a local power source such as a constant charge lithium ion battery; a motion sensor for initiating a low level of lighting for darkened room or corridor transit; a power sensor for activating a high level of light when electrical service is disrupted, thereby broadcasting a wash of light over an otherwise darkened room or corridor; and a photoelectric cell which detects daylight or otherwise provided lighting of the room or corridor and thereby prevent unnecessary power usage.

Abstract: To reduce energy costs in buildings where there is an input of natural light, a method of maintaining an ambient light intensity in a building area at a predetermined level is proposed. It comprises obtaining an ambient light intensity level for the building area; comparing the ambient level to the predetermined level of light intensity; if the ambient level differs from the predetermined level, calculating an artificial lighting input to be generated in the building area to attain the predetermined level. It can further comprise generating the artificial lighting input in the building area and carrying out the steps of obtaining, comparing and calculating a second time to determine a quality of the calculating and modify the generating.

Abstract: An LED light source drive includes an LED current generating circuit and an LED drive controller. The current generating circuit is operable to receive power from a power source and to generate a dc current that can be used to the drive an LED light source. The drive controller is operable to control the dc current to ensure that the light output of the light source remains approximately constant over its operating lifetime. In one embodiment, the drive controller ensures that the effective light output of the light source remains approximately constant by automatically increasing the dc current in predetermined amounts at predetermined times. In an alternative embodiment, the drive controller includes an LED light sensor that is operable to generate a light signal indicative of the effective light output of the light source and the controller uses this light signal to control the dc current output.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing dimming control of an electronic ballast circuit that includes a electronic ballast circuit that is electrically connected to a plurality of input voltage terminals that can receive alternating current and the electronic ballast circuit is electrically connected to the plurality of fluorescent lamp terminals. There is at least one light sensor that is electrically connected to the electronic ballast circuit so that the electrical power applied at the plurality of fluorescent lamp terminals can be proportionally modified in relationship to the ambient light received by the at least one light sensor. Also, there is a plurality of switches that are electrically connected in one-to-one corresponding relationship to a plurality of resistive loads so that the electrical power applied at the plurality of fluorescent lamp terminals can be set at a plurality of predetermined lighting levels.

Abstract: An electronic module includes an EL section; a first substrate on which the EL section is formed; a second substrate attached to the first substrate; an integrated circuit chip mounted on the second substrate; a plurality of first power supply interconnects formed on the first substrate, extending through a pair of regions located on both sides of the EL section; and a plurality of second power supply interconnects formed on the second substrate, extending through a pair of regions located on both sides of the integrated circuit chip.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided concerning modular lamp controllers. In one embodiment, a modular lamp controller dims a high intensity discharge lamp based upon occupancy. The lamp has a port within its fixture, and the port is coupled to a lamp capacitor. The modular lamp controller includes a housing, a plug, a capacitor, a switch, an occupancy sensor, a switch controller, a power supply, an interchangeable lens assembly, and a mounting adapter assembly. The plug is adapted to connect to the port. The capacitor couples in series with the lamp capacitor when the plug is attached to the port. The switch defines a full and reduced power state of the lamp. The occupancy sensor generates a signal indicating the presence of an occupant within a monitored space. The switch controller operates the switch to activate the full or reduced power state of the lamp based upon the occupancy signal. The power supply operates using current from the lamp when the plug is attached to the port.

Abstract: A switch assembly module for controlling operation of a vehicle lamp includes a photocell integrated within the module housing to allow a controller to automatically switch the lamp on or off depending on detected ambient level. A manual switch is provided on a faceplate of the housing to allow disabling of the automatic operation feature. A manual switch can also be provided to allow variable dimming of the lamp. Integration of the photocell into the switch assembly module eliminates the need for separate instrument panel wiring to the photocell, while reducing wiring harness complexity by allowing the same harness and connector to be used with a module not having the photocell integrated therein.

Abstract: A motion detector circuit arrangement having multiple modes of operation for energizing a light at a nominal full-brightness illumination level in response to motion. Background level circuitry provides a dual-use lighting level signal that indicates the background levels with which the light may be energized in the absence of motion when operating in the various modes. The dual-use level signal is applied to cause the light to be energized at the desired background level and is further applied to set at least one other characteristic of the motion-activated light associated with the selected background level. The dual-use level signal may be applied to activate and establish an intermediate background lighting level to provide accent mode lighting and also be applied to disable a manual override capability. The manual override capability is preserved in security mode so that it will operate when these is no background lighting.

Abstract: A portable wireless communication device having a display screen, a light source that is capable of illuminating the display screen, and a processor coupled to the light source, dynamically adjusts a period of time during which the display screen is illuminated. The processor couples power to the light source to illuminate the display screen, determines at least one illumination time parameter associated with information to be displayed on the display screen, and maintains a coupling of power to the light source for a period of time that is based on the at least one illumination time parameter. In other embodiments of the present invention, the processor may further determine to not illuminate the display screen, or to terminate illumination of the display screen prior to expiration of the period of time, based on a received instruction or a detected level of ambient light.

Abstract: A remote lamp control system for controlling the off/on status and dimming of the illumination in a high infrared and EMI noise environment is disclosed. The transmitted control signal is an infrared beam containing a selected pulse-time code which the receiving circuit can reliably receive, recognize and process in an environment of high infrared noise typically produced by fluorescent lighting. For the lighting fixture control, upon recognition and verification of the selected pulse-time code, the microcontroller outputs a signal to cause the lamp in the fixture to illuminate or go dark, or to change level of illumination. In preferred embodiments the detector for the infrared beam is in a grounded housing which is mounted in the lighting fixture, the cable connecting the detector to the microcontroller are all surrounded with an electrically conductive shielding which is grounded to the microcontroller.

Abstract: 1. Maximum energy conservation is achieved with “occupancy sensor” lighting control. The circuitry of this invention extends occupancy sensing coverage as required for “large space” light control. Occupancy sensors currently sense up to 2000 square feet. Lighting Control Timer Panels are currently used to control lights in large space within a building.

Abstract: An Analog-to-Digital (A/D) converter includes signal paths that are responsive to an analog input signal, to generate a multi-bit digital signal. A respective signal path includes a comparator. A synchronizing circuit is responsive to a clock signal and outputs of the comparators, to generate a respective delayed clock signal that is applied to a respective comparator. A respective signal path also includes a respective decoder that is responsive to a respective comparator and to the clock signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for detecting motion or displacement of an object in a monitored zone. The apparatus is disposed between a load and a power source and comprises a transmitter for providing a pulsed signal within a monitored zone. The pulsed signal interacts with objects in the monitored zone and provides a return signal. A receiver receives echoes from a return signal of the pulsed record signal, and a microcontroller circuit processes the echoes. The processing involves extracting a kernel from the return signal and multiplying the kernel by the stored return signal.

Abstract: A device for automatically switching lighting equipment, in particular for a motor vehicle, having a sensor element that detects at least infrared radiation, and having a filter element, the filter element being designed in such a manner that, in essence, only infrared radiation is detectable by the sensor element.

Abstract: A remote control system for testing the ready status of lighting fixtures such as emergency exit signs and for operating such fixtures as by controlling the off/on status and dimming of the illumination in a high infrared and EMI noise environment. The transmitted control signal is an infrared beam containing a selected pulse-time code which the receiving circuit can reliably receive, recognize and process in an environment of high infrared noise typically produced by fluorescent lighting. Upon recognition and verification of the selected pulse-time code, in the ready status testing, the microcontroller disenables the charging circuit to the battery for supplying power to the exit sign in the emergency mode to cause the emergency circuit to sense an AC power failure whereby the lamp illuminates in the emergency mode for the selected test period.

Abstract: A nightlight having a base unit with a central cavity designed to house a light sensor and a printed circuit board. Mounted on the front surface of the base unit is a transversely aligned LED tube. The LED tube is disposed between two struts that extend forward from the front surface of the base unit. Attached to the front surface of the base unit and over the LED tube is a fixed half-spherical lens. Disposed over the lens is a rotating, half-spherical outer cap having an approximately quarter-spherical sized opening that allows a portion of the lens to be exposed so that light from the LED tube may be emitted therethrough. Thus, when the outer cap is selectively rotated around the base unit, the quarter-spherical sized opening is rotated therewith, and a dissipated broad beam of light may be selectively aimed in any direction.

Abstract: There is disclosed an in-line free-form sensor for controlling power flow to a utilization device. The in-line sensor is contained within a housing attached along a power cord and the housing contains no externally-visible moving parts. The sensor can be trained to respond to certain stimuli, such as light, sound, temperature, human presence, and/or motion. The sensor can control the power directly by operation of a switch or can provide signals for use by a device external to said housing.

Abstract: A circuit protects a light element and prevents a breakdown of a laser diode (LD) when electric static discharge (ESD) occurs. The circuit protects the light element in a drive to control an operation of the light element, which radiates light onto a disc. Here, the drive includes a switch between an active node of the light element and a predetermined potential so that the switch is short-circuited in a normal state, but is open when the drive operates. The light element is protected from static electricity or a surge voltage in a manufacturing process thereof or under a user environment. As a result, the probability that the light element is broken down is remarkably reduced.

Abstract: A solar battery SB for detecting the surrounding brightness is provided and a switching element SW is controlled based on output voltage of the solar battery SB. The switching element SW is made up of MOSFETs Q1 and Q2. To form an electronic automatic on/off switch, a triac Q is controlled by turning on/off the switching element SW.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided concerning modular lamp controllers. In one embodiment, a modular lamp controller dims a high intensity discharge lamp based upon occupancy. The lamp has a port within its fixture, and the port is coupled to a lamp capacitor. The modular lamp controller includes a housing, a plug, a capacitor, a switch, an occupancy sensor, a switch controller, a power supply, an interchangeable lens assembly, and a mounting adapter assembly. The plug is adapted to connect to the port. The capacitor couples in series with the lamp capacitor when the plug is attached to the port. The switch defines a full and reduced power state of the lamp. The occupancy sensor generates a signal indicating the presence of an occupant within a monitored space. The switch controller operates the switch to activate the full or reduced power state of the lamp based upon the occupancy signal. The power supply operates using current from the lamp when the plug is attached to the port.

Abstract: An igniter circuit for an arc discharge lamp comprises a DC to AC converter, a transformer, an AC to DC converter and high-voltage DC energy storage which is capable of discharging electrical energy to ignite the arc discharge lamp. In an embodiment, the igniter circuit is capable of producing arc discharge by using a low-voltage DC power supply and is suitable for implementation in a lightweight compact portable projector.

Abstract: A light-controlling device of this invention includes a controlling circuit having a function for turning an incandescent lamp and an LED off simultaneously, which have different minimum voltages each other at predetermined illumination. When illumination of the lamp and the LED decrease to the predetermined illumination by rotating an operating section of a variable resistor, the controlling circuit turns the lamp and the LED off based on a signal from a detecting switch linked with rotating operation of the operating section. As a result, an operator does not feel strange.

Abstract: A multichip light-emitting-diode package having a support member, at least two light-emitting-diode chips disposed on the support member, at least one sensor disposed on the support member for reporting quantitative and spectral information to a controller, relating to the light output of the light-emitting-diodes, and a signal processing circuit, including an analog-to-digital converter logic circuit, disposed on the support member for converting the analog signal output produced by the sensors to a digital signal output.

Abstract: A decorative lamp has a casing with a pervious to light plate, a light source and a control circuit having a power unit, a light detecting unit and an electronic switch. The power unit has at lease one solar battery and at least one rechargeable battery. The light detecting unit is able to detect changes in the level of ambient light around the casing to turn on or turn off the signal amplifier unit and the electronic switch. Therefore the lamp automatically turns on and does not need to be connected to external power.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for managing the supply to a discharge lamp of a motor vehicle headlight, wherein during the phase of starting up the discharge lamp, the strength of the current supplied to the lamp is controlled on the basis of a parameter representative of the environment of the vehicle so as to optimize the life of the discharge lamp. The invention also relates to a device for managing the supply to a discharge lamp.

Abstract: A lighting control system provides a desired illumination level at a task location while saving power. Controlled electric light is produced having an intensity responsive to a control signal. The system comprises at least one light fixture and a photosensor that is configured to provide the control signal to the light fixture. The control signal is responsive to an illumination level at a sensor location and ratios of illumination levels at the sensor location to task location for uncontrolled (e.g., solar) light and controlled electric light. The photosensor has the ability to self-commission. In one embodiment, the photosensor includes a self-powered photocell unit that transmits a wireless sensor signal responsive to the illumination level at the photocell unit. This photocell unit can be moved for use at different locations during photosensor commissioning.

Abstract: A sensor-controlled lamp and a method for triggering it. The sensor signals are evaluated by means of a microprocessor, and on the basis of the change over time in the sensor signals, operating parameters of the lamp controller are changed or activated.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp includes: an emission tube for generating a luminous flux; a first filament provided at one end of the emission tube; a second filament provided at another end of the emission tube; first current regulator having a first impedance; a first electrode pin coupled to one end of the first filament via the first current regulator; a first switch coupled in parallel to the first current regulator; a second switch; a second electrode pin coupled to another end of the first filament via the second switch; and a control circuit for controlling the first switch and the second switch so as to be opened or closed. The control circuit doses the first switch and the second switch before the fluorescent lamp is lit and during a nominal lighting period after the fluorescent lamp is lit, and opens the first switch and the second switch during a power conservation lighting period following the nominal lighting period.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a control system for generating a desired light color by a plurality of Red, Green and Blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) comprised of a sensor responsive to a light color generated by the plurality of LEDs to measure the color coordinates of the generated light where the color coordinates are defined in a first color space. A first transformation module is provided, coupled to the sensor to transform the coordinates of the generated light to a second color space. A second transformation module is configured to provide reference color coordinates corresponding to the desired light, where the reference color coordinates are expressed in the second color space. An adder is provided, coupled to the transformation module and the reference module configured to generate an error color coordinate corresponding to a difference between the desired light color coordinates and the generated light color coordinates.

Abstract: A controller for an electronic dimmable ballast is operated in a manner effective to maintain the fluorescent light at less than maximum illumination at all times. It has been found that this reduces energy consumption while extending bulb life. Accordingly, for this purpose the controller is programmed with an upper output voltage limit that corresponds to the desired maximum illumination.

Abstract: A control system includes an electrical load control device responsive to radiant energy and a transmitter. The transmitter includes two sets of radiant energy generators connected to an electrical circuit such that polarity of the sets is reversed. A transmissive enclosure includes indented portions defining deflectors oriented obliquely with respect to a generator support surface. The transmitter is secured to a bracket for attachment to a backcover of the load control device. The control system may also include a master control generating an electrical control signal in response to an actuator or in response to a radiant energy signal. The control system is capable of limiting the master control to generate a signal only in response to the actuator. A power supply for the transmitter includes a filter network having a filter capacitor and resistor in series with a power supply capacitor and a diode in parallel with the resistor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the automatic shut-off of equipment's stand-by power which can switch on or off the power for a set of electric and electronic appliances and can reduce the power consumption in a state of waiting for use. The invention provides a device for the automatic shut-off of equipment's stand-by power which particularly comprises a first relay for switching contacts of the first line, a second relay for switching contacts of the second line, and a power switching controller for detecting whether the light is present and for sequently switching the contact states of the first relay and the second relay depending on the result of the light detection to thereby allow or cut off the commercial alternating current through the first and second lines.

Abstract: A power saving circuit is to save standby power of electronic devices. A capacitor (1) is connected to an AC power supply (6), and a phase-leading current component passing the capacitor is used to make a DC power supply (10), as a power supply when in standby. In case an infrared command is used, the capacitor is connected in parallel to another capacitor (3) to strengthen the current output capability of the DC power supply, having an AC switching element (4) maintained in on state.

Abstract: The disclosed safety light is designed to provide automatic operation for lights placed on elastic tires. Wheel (100) comprises a hub (84), a urethane tire (88), and a safety light circuit molded into the urethane tire and hub. The safety light circuit is formed on a circuit board which holds electrical components comprising, a battery (B1), deformation-activated switch (SW1), photo sensor and delay(CDS1, D1, R1, R2, Q1, C1), and illumination devices (LED1 and LED2). Battery(B1) provides electromotive power to operate all circuitry, with switch (SW1), photo sensor CDS1, and illumination devices (LEDp1 and LED2) placed substantially in series electrically. Switch (SW1) is designed to conduct current when a change in deformation or a specified rate-of-change in deformation of the tire material is detected. The photocell (CDS1) signals the photo-sensor to conduct current when photocell (CDS1) detects a sufficiently low level of light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to control the brightness of an emissive display. Specifically, the brightness is incremented and decremented as the ambient environment becomes brighter and darker, respectively. A timing feature is also implemented to control the sensitivity of the system. Specifically, the time between adjustments of the display brightness is at least partially dependent on the magnitude of the difference between the desired brightness based on the ambient lighting environment and that of the actual display brightness.

Abstract: A device controller synchronizes a counter to the detection of sunrise or sunset by photoelectrically sensing daylight, thereby establishing an approximate time reference for scheduling the timing of device activations to occur at any time of day or night. An uncalibrated method of measuring sunlight yields more reliable scheduling, relative to sunrise and sunset events. The integral approximate time reference is kept synchronized, even if occasional faults in detection of sunrise or sunset occur. The rules employed to establish and maintain synchronization, and the dynamically variable rules of evaluating changes in light intensity, contribute to the reliable performance of the controller apparatus. Inherently self-adapting and automatic, a potentiometer for setting a time parameter input and a push-button for setting a time parameter input are combined in the apparatus in such a way to yield further utility without complicating the programmability.