Abstract: A variable power lamp control adapter is provided having a novel, different, and a lower cost construction method than that used in prior art lamp control devices. The circuit construction is achieved by utilization of the Surface Mount Technology disciplines of Polymer Thick Film and Chip on Board technologies. The adapter circuitry is constructed and held on a uniquely dissimilar type of substrate than that used in prior art, and assembled into housings that contain unique interengaging mating parts for a more rapid assembly process than the assembly processes used in prior art construction. In the present invention an overall improvement in the organization, arrangement of all componets, housings and assembly is achieved for a reliable power control operation.

Abstract: An optically controlled dimmer type device which can be used to regulate the brightness of an incandescent lamp. The device can also be used to control other electrical loads such as a.c. type motors. One of the main characteristic of the device is that it is adapted to be optically controlled. The device includes a light emitting component adapted to emit light and a light receiving component positioned to receive the light reflected by an object from the light emitting component and to thereby generate an output signal. A processing circuit including a phase shift circuit is operatively associated to the light receiving component. The processing circuit is adapted to receive the ouput signal and process the output signal and thereby regulate power output to the electrical load.

Abstract: A light dimmer is provided in which semiconductor power devices for each of the polarities of an alternating current supply are coupled between the alternating current supply and a lamp load. In the course of varying average power supplied to the lamp load, the semiconductor power devices transition between an initial one and a subsequent other of substantially conductive and non-conductive power conditions. The duration of the transition by the power device is increased beyond the minimum possible duration to reduce generated EMI. Methods of restoring each power device to its initial condition, including during a subsequent half-cycle, are described.

Abstract: A low voltage power control circuit supplies substantially equal voltages to a plurality of loads distributed along a pair of parallel wires. Moreover, the voltage delivered is automatically controlled by a feedback control circuit, so that the number of loads in the system may be varied without causing a substantial change in overall supply voltage supplied to the plurality of loads.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for handling the large load currents which occur with overloads, short circuits, and momentary overcurrents such as in starting motors or cold incandescent lamp filaments. The method involves turning the load current off when an overcurrent is detected, and then back on again before the end of the half-cycle in which the overcurrent occurred. This allows more current to flow during the half-cycle without the need to increase the peak current capability of the power-handling components. With an incandescent lamp load, this results in more rapid lamp brightening without the need for larger, more expensive components. Several embodiments are disclosed which respond to different features of the power line voltage cycle, including a very low-cost microprocessor circuit and power supply.

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: Procedure and apparatus for the control of electric power, by which procedure the electric power supplied to a load is regulated by means of a regulator, e.g. a thyristor regulator. The regulator control signals, e.g. thyristor firing pulses, are produced by a separate control unit (6), from where they are passed in the form of optical signals via at least one optical fibre (2) to a socket or equivalent and further to a photosensitive device (Q), which converts the signals into electrical form and applies them to at least one controllable solid-state component, e.g. thyristor, in the power stage of the regulator.

Abstract: A dimmer control system includes two discrete silicon controlled rectifiers which respectively energize a lamp load during alternate half cycles of the input AC voltage. The separate placement of the SCRs ensures that much lower temperatures are reached than would occur if a single triac were used to energize a lamp during both half cycles. The system also includes a pair of diacs which energize the respective SCRs when a respective capacitor directly connected to each diac discharges through one of them. The system further includes a respective capacitor charging circuit for each capacitor, each of the two charge circuits including a series connections of the gate to cathode junction of the SCR other than the one which the capacitor being charged discharges through, a diode, a common fixed resistor, and a common variable resistor.

Abstract: An improved phase-controlled power control apparatus includes a semiconductor switching element for varying the effective power delivered to a load from the power lines. The conduction angle of the semiconductor power switch element is varied from a nominal angle to compensate for changes in power line voltage and for changes in load current. The amount of load current flow is continuously compared to the power line voltage to detect any overcurrent condition, even very close to the zero-crossing of the power line voltage. The shape of the transition from load current on to load current off (or vice versa) in controlled to minimize audible noise from the load. The load current can be shared between a plurality of compatible power control sections.

Abstract: A remotely controllable power control system wherein the power supplied to a load may be varied locally via an actuator, positionable through a continuous range, on a wall control or from a remote location using a remote control device not electrically wired to the wall control. The load control system includes a transmitter and a wall control/receiver, each having a control actuator for adjusting the power supplied to the load. Control can be obtained by either the transmitter or the wall control/receiver immediately upon manipulation of either control actuator, with the adjustment in power level occurring substantially instantaneously. Communication between the transmitter and the wall control/receiver is by digitally encoded infrared signal.

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: A system to control power from a source to a load consists of a cover plate, a touch-operable device that is mounted behind a flexible area on the cover plate, and a power control circuit that responds in accordance with a signal generated by the touch-operable device. The system is operated by touching a point within the flexible area of the cover plate to activate the device. In a preferred embodiment, the system provides power over a continuous range of values, depending on the particular point at which the device is activated. Alternatively, the system operates as a switch, alternately turning power on or off when any point on the flexible area is touched. The control circuit preferably includes an electronically adjustable voltage divider. The system is well-adapted to permit control of power to a load from multiple locations. The appearance of the front surface of the cover plate can be dictated entirely by aesthetic considerations and can, if desired, be entirely featureless.

Abstract: A dimmer with reduced filtering losses is connected into a conductor supplying power to a load from a mains power supply. It conventionally comprises a triac in series with a filter inductor between an input terminal and an output terminal and a circuit generating triggering signals for the triac. To reduce the losses in the inductor, which conventionally is in series with the load at all times but is active only during moments following triggering of the triac, to reduce the amplitude of the transient currents, a second triac triggered by a circuit with a time-delay greater than the time constant defined by the filter capacitor and inductor diverts the load current. An auxiliary low-value inductor attenuates transients due to triggering of the second triac.

Abstract: A remote wireless load control system wherein the power supplied to a load can be varied from a remote location using a remote control device not electrically wired to the load. The load control system includes a transmitter and a receiver, each having a control actuator for adjusting the power supplied to the load. Control can be conferred upon either the transmitter or the receiver immediately upon manipulation of the control switch, with the adjustment in power level occurring substantially instantaneously upon manipulation of the control actuator. Transmission of load level information between transmitter and receiver is by digitally pulse-coded infrared signal.

Abstract: A remotely controllable power control system wherein the power supplied to a load may be varied locally via an actuator, positionable through a continuous range, on a wall control or from a remote location using a remote control device not electrically wired to the wall control. The load control system includes a transmitter and a wall control/receiver, each having a control actuator for adjusting the power supplied to the load. Control can be obtained by either the transmitter or the wall control/receiver immediately upon manipulation of either control actuator, with the adjustment in power level occurring substantially instantaneously. Communication between the transmitter and the wall control/receiver is by digitally encoded infrared signal.

Abstract: A load power control circuit which adjusts the level of power provided by a load in response to changes in the impedance across control terminals includes a control circuit which disconnects the load from the power source when the voltage across the control terminals in within a certain range. The control circuit is particularly useful in controlling fluorescent light fixtures controlled by electronic ballasts because the control circuit avoids the need for a separate on/off switch for the fixtures.

Abstract: A multiple-input power control system accepts control signals from a radiant signal transmitter and from a local control, selects one of the signals, and provides the selected signal to a power controller to control the power to a load. At least one of the control signal sources has an actuator which is movable through a range of positions, to determine the control signal provided by that source. The system finds particular utility in controlling lighting loads.

Abstract: A two-wire apparatus for controlling AC power to a load, by turning a thyristor on and off during each half cycle, includes a circuit that prevents the thyristor from being turned off prematurely. The circuit stores energy while the thyristor is off (i.e., non-conductive). After the thyristor turns on, the stored energy flows to the gate of the thyristor to keep it on until the end of the half cycle. The circuit permits reduced electromagnetic interference and increased load power rating; without requiring a third (neutral) wire for the apparatus.

Abstract: A low voltage two wire dimming circuit comprises a voltage compensating circuit for regulating the RMS value of an AC voltage applied to a load and a correcting circuit for eliminating damaging DC current that may flow through the load. The voltage compensating circuit adjusts the firing angle of an electronic switch disposed in the dimming circuit to compensate for fluctuations in the AC supply voltage. The correcting circuit advances or retards the firing angle during selected half cycles to correct for asymmetries in the AC load voltage waveform caused by excessive DC current. According to the invention, there is also provided a two wire low voltage dimming circuit without voltage compensation but having improved dimming ability at low load currents and improved resistance to the flow of damaging DC currents.

Abstract: A low voltage two wire dimming circuit comprises voltage compensating means for regulating the RMS value of an AC voltage applied to a load and correcting means for eliminating damaging DC current that may flow through the load. The voltage compensating means adjusts the firing angle of electronic switch means disposed in the dimming circuit to compensate for fluctuations in the AC supply voltage. The correcting means advances or retards the firing angle during selected half cycles to correct for asymmetries in the AC load voltage waveform caused by excessive DC current. According to the invention, there is also provided a two wire low voltage dimming circuit without voltage compensating means but having improved dimming ability at low load currents and improved resistance to the flow of damaging DC currents.

Abstract: A load control switching system includes a switching element adapted to be coupled between a power source and a load. The switch element is operable in an ON state wherein it supplies power from the source to the load and an OFF state wherein it cuts off power from the source to the load. A control circuit controls operation of the switching element in response to the actuation of one or more short-throw, light-force switches which are each movable between a normally open and a momentarily closed position. The control circuit alternates the state of the switching element each time the short-throw, light-force switch is momentarily closed.

Abstract: A touch control circuit is disclosed, which delivers power at any one of a plurality of different levels. To accomplish this, a line cycle delay timer provides a plurality of output signals, each signal being spaced apart in time from the line voltage zero crossing time and from each other. Power level memory and gating means gate the timer output signals to the power delivery means so as to trigger the power delivery means at any one of a number of different levels. A touch detector is connected to the power level memory means. Touch detector circuitry alters the power level memory so as to correspondingly alter the power delivered by the power delivery means when the touch detector is touched.

Abstract: A proximity switch e.g. for a domestic a.c. supply is connected in-line e.g. in the live line of the supply between live and switch live terminals. No direct connection is made to the neutral line. Switching is performed by a triac T which receives a gate input 17 from a control circuit K that includes a proximity switch (FIGS. 5, 6). The control circuit K has a power supply comprising a charge storage capacitor C1 that is charged from the live terminal through a first impedance (diodes D3, D4) and a unidirectional first path through diode D1 when the triac T is conductive. When the triac T is switched to a non-conductive state, the capacitor C1 is charged from the switch live terminal through a second unidirectional path including diode D1 and a second impedance R2.

Abstract: An air gap switch assembly with a status indicator that prominently indicates when the switch is in the OFF position and disappears from view when the switch is in the ON position. The status indicator is located on the control lever for the switch, which is formed of a clear material and is difficult to see. The control lever is moveable relative to the housing of the assembly so that when the control lever is in the ON position, the portion of the lever on which the status indicator is located is hidden from view by the housing of the assembly. When the control lever is moved to the OFF position, the portion of the lever on which the status indicator is located is exposed, thereby providing an indication that the switch is in the OFF position. The switch is formed of two contacts which are biased together in electrical contact by an elongated flat metal strip. The control lever is coupled to a cam.

Abstract: A device for driving an electro-luminescence in which an electrical power source, a coil and a switching means are connected in series to each other. The switching means is time-serially opened and closed by a control unit, and is connected in parallel to the electro-luminescence.

Abstract: A multiple location system is provided for controlling application of alternating-current power to a load. The system employs a dimming system in combination with one or more switches. In one embodiment, the system includes an override, so that a switch can provide power to the load even after the dimmer has turned the power off. In another embodiment, the dimming system includes an actuator, and the value of power to the load is determined substantially immediately upon setting of the actuator.

Abstract: A multiple location system is provided for controlling application of alternating-current power to a load. The system employs a triac as a power carrying device, the gate control circuit for which has been modified to include auxiliary switching. Potentiometers are disposed at various different locations for determining, responsively to the setting or positioning of an actuator, such as the slide control of a linear potentiometer, the magnitude of respective control signals substantially immediately upon setting of the actuator. The signals are mutually exclusively applied to control the triac in accordance with which of the actuators is being set. Alternatively, the control signals can be applied in accordance with which one of a series of take-command switches (one for each location) was last operated. In either case, only two wires are necessary to connect the different locations to one another. In one embodiment, the actuator controls a pair of momentary-close switches associated therewith (e.g.

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: A touch operated switch for control of electrical lighting, appliances, machinery and equipment which requires non sparking fail-safe operation. The switch utilizes digital complementary metal oxide semi-conductor technology which requires nearly insignificant standby power and incorporates a unique count down reset circuit which prevents extraneous operation from static discharge, radio frequency (RF) signals or power line transients. The switch will only respond to the electromagnetic flux generated by the power source that the controlled load is connected to. All other signals or pulses of differing frequencies are ignored by the switch thereby preventing inadvertent operation. Due to the limited number of discreet components utilized the total cost of manufacture will be extremely low and is expected to be less than the present manufacturing cost of the standard wall-type light switches that this invention will replace.

Abstract: This patent presents a touch-responsive switch which incrementally varies AC voltage supplied to an electrical apparatus. The invention includes digital circuitry which compares a control pulse train with a touch affected pulse train to create a switching pulse. The switching pulse is synchronous with the line frequency and controls truncating of individual cycles of line power to regulate voltage applied to an appliance as a function of the number of times a touch plate has been touched. The switching pulse also provides on/off switching as one of the available incremental steps. The circuit components are incorporated in an interface assembly which connects the appliance receptacle to a source of AC voltage.

Abstract: The specification discloses an electromechanical time delay combination for gradually applying power to the filament of an incandescent lamp. Following actuation to the "on" state, the conduction angle gradually changes from zero to 360.degree.. Following deactuation, the conduction angle lingers at 180.degree. for several seconds before returning to the non-conduction state. A set of mechanical contacts and a potentiometer may be added to effect proportional dimming.

Abstract: A dimmer switch assembly consists of a conductive yoke which has two insulation housings connected thereto which carry respective subassemblies for the dimmer switch. A cavity in the first housing receives the main power semiconductor device of the dimmer switch. The power semiconductor device is thermally connected to the yoke through a thin electrically insulative tape and has an active, non-electrically isolated, heat sink. A biasing spring within the first housing presses the power semiconductor device toward mechanical engagement with the yoke. The first housing assembly is fastened to the yoke by conductive eyelets which are insulated from the power semiconductor by the first insulation housing.

Abstract: A dimmer switch and dimmer system is described in which dimming for the entire system is controlled from a single device while on/off switching is controlled by individual devices at multiple locations. The main dimming device contains an alternate action switching circuit for opening and closing the gate circuit of a controllably conductive device. Each of the remote location switching devices consists of respective low voltage switches, each operable to operate the alternate action switching circuit in the main dimmer device and are connected thereto by wiring which carries only signal level voltages and currents. Each remote switch may be a wall-mounted switch containing a single, relatively large area push button which momentarily closes a short movement, low activation force pair of contacts when the large area push button is depressed by pressure applied to any portion over its surface.

Abstract: A control circuit provides full range power control to a pair of electrical loads via a single two-wire power cable by controlled switching of a bidirectional solid state switch during each consecutive half-wave cycle to supply power to one load during each positive half-wave cycle and to the other load during each negative half-wave cycle. The switching during each half-wave cycle is controlled by a respective trigger circuit. Interference by power supplied to one load with the operation of the other load is prevented by removing any residual voltage from the respective trigger circuit at the end of each half-wave cycle.

Abstract: A dimmer switch assembly consists of a conductive yoke which has two insulation housings connected thereto which carry respective subassemblies for the dimmer switch. The first insulation housing contains a rotatable push shaft. Shaft rotation rotates a resistor plate having a resistive pattern on its surface relative to fixed resistor contacts. A biasing spring biases the shaft to an outward position relative to the conductive yoke. A cavity in the first housing receives a main power semiconductor device of the dimmer switch. The power semiconductor device is thermally connected to the yoke through a thin electrically insulative tape and has an active, non-electrically isolated, heat sink. A biasing spring within the first housing presses the power semiconductor device toward mechanical engagement with the yoke. The first housing assembly is fastened to the yoke by conductive eyelets which are insulated from the power semiconductor by the first insulation housing.

Abstract: A light dimmer switch is shown that appears as an ordinary snap switch, but will handle high wattage loads. A controller unit is mounted in a switch box and a remote unit which includes a load switching triac is remotely mounted on a heat sink. Current flowing through the triac to the load is varied by the controller unit. Filtering networks and/or shielding reduce radiated noise along lead lines between the remote unit and the controller unit, plus the filtering prevents noise from being conducted internally along the lead lines. Heat conducted along the lead lines from the remote unit is reduced to more than acceptable levels by connecting the lead lines through a terminal to a thin electrically insulating, thermally conductive strip. In turn, the insulating strip is fixed to the heat sink to transmit heat received from the lead lines to the heat sink.

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: A dimmer switch and dimmer system is described in which dimming for the entire system is controlled from a single device while on/off switching is controlled by individual devices at multiple locations. The main dimming device contains an alternate action switching circuit for opening and closing the gate circuit of a controllably conductive device. Each of the remote location switching devices consists of respective low voltage switches, each operable to operate the alternate action switching circuit in the main dimmer device and are connected thereto by wiring which carries only signal level voltages and currents. Each remote switch may be a wall-mounted switch containing a single, relatively large area push button which momentarily closes a short movement, low activation force pair of contacts when the large area push button is depressed by pressure applied to any portion over its surface.