Multi-way switch system having plural remote touch pads

• US 5,066,898 A
• Filed: 05/03/1990
• Issued: 11/19/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 05/03/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Delta Systems Inc.
• Original Assignee: Delat Systems Incorporated
• Inventors: Miller, Ronald E., James, Robert L.
• Primary Examiner(s): LaRoche, Eugene R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Zarabian, Amir
• Application Number:
  US07/518,464
• Time in Patent Office: 565 Days
• Field of Search: 315/362, 307/114, 307/116, 307/117, 307/125, 307/130, 307/139, 307/140, 323/904, 323/905, 323/322
• US Class Current: 315/362
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/10 Controlling the light source
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 323/904 Touch systems

Abstract

A multi-way electronic control switch having a central control unit and a plurality of remote touch pads. The central control unit is wired between power and a load, and may be wired as a single pole, single throw switch. Each remote touch pad is connected to the central control unit via a single conducting wire. The central control unit senses signals from a remote touch pad and varies the power to the load accordingly.

Claims

1. A multi-way switch system comprising:

at least one remote switching means for generating an activation signal;

central switching means, located remotely from said remote switching means and coupled thereto by a single conducting wire, for controlling power to a load, said central switching means comprising;

means for sensing the activation signal produced by said remote switching means;

logic means responsive to said activation signal for producing a control signal;

means joined to the logic for receiving said control signal and producing a trigger signal;

means for providing a synchronization signal to synchronize said trigger signal; and

power control means responsive to the synchronized trigger signal for controlling power applied to the load, wherein the power to the load is varied in accordance with a time interval between said control signal and said synchronization signal, the power being reduced as the time interval becomes longer.

4. A multi-way switch system according to claims 1 or 3, wherein said central switching means is coupled between a source of power and the load.

5. A multi-way switch system according to claims 1 or 3, wherein said central switching means is wired as a single pole, single throw switch.

6. A multi-way switch system according to claims 1 or 3, wherein said remote switching means comprises a pad sensitive to touch.

7. A multi-way switch system according to claims 1 or 3, wherein the load is a lamp, and said central switching means operates to control power to said lamp.

8. A multi-way switch system according to claims 1 or 3, wherein the load is a lamp, and said central switching means operates to switch said lamp on and off.

9. A multi-way switch system according to claims 1 or 3, wherein said central switching means further comprises means for supplying bias voltage to said sensing, logic and synchronization means.

2. A multi-way switch system comprising:

at least one remote switching means for generating an activation signal;

central switching means, located remotely from said remote switching means and coupled thereto by a single conducting wire, for controlling power to a load, said central switching means comprising;

means for sensing the activation signal produced by said remote switching means;

logic means responsive to said activation signal for producing a control signal;

means joined to the logic for receiving said control signal and producing a trigger signal;

means for providing a synchronization signal to synchronize said trigger signal; and

power control means responsive to the synchronized trigger signal for controlling power applied to the load, wherein the power to the load is varied in a step-like manner, with each activation signal initiating a step change of a predetermined amount of power.

3. A multi-way switch system comprising:

at least one remote switching means for generating an activation signal;

central switching means, located remotely from said remote switching means and coupled thereto by a single conducting wire, for controlling power to a load, said central switching means comprising;

means for sensing the activation signal produced by said remote switching means;

logic means responsive to said activation signal for producing a control signal, said logic means comprising means for counting a predetermined time period, the power to the load being terminated when the predetermined time period elapses, or when an activation signal is sensed during counting of the time period;

means joined to the logic for receiving said control signal and producing a trigger signal;

means for providing a synchronization signal to synchronize said trigger signal; and

power control means responsive to the synchronized trigger signal for controlling power applied to the load.