Self-powered switch initiation system

• US RE46,499 E1
• Filed: 03/08/2009
• Issued: 08/01/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 07/03/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Face International Corp.
• Original Assignee: Face International Corp.
• Inventors: Face, Bradbury R., Boyd, Clark D., Rogers, Jr., Glenn F., Thomas, Gregory P.
• Primary Examiner(s): LAROSE, COLIN M
• Application Number:
  US12/399,954
• Time in Patent Office: 3,068 Days
• Field of Search: 341 34, 341176, 307116, 307119
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2239/076 Key stroke generating power
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2300/03 Application domotique, e.g. for house automation, bus connected switches, sensors, loads or intelligent wiring
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/964 Piezoelectric touch switches
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 2217/94089 Wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 90/224 the elements or equipments being or involving protection elements, switches, relays or circuit breakers
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/14 Protecting elements, switches, relays or circuit breakers
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 307/766 Condition responsive

Abstract

A self-powered switching device using a prestressed flextensional electroactive member generates a signal for activation of a latching relay. The electroactive member has a piezoelectric element with a convex and a concave face that may be compressed to generate an electrical pulse. The flextensional electroactive member and associated signal generation circuitry can be hardwired directly to the latching relay or may be coupled to a transmitter for sending an RF signal to a receiver which actuates the latching relay.

Claims

1. A self-powered switching system, comprising:

a flextensional transducer, said flextensional transducer comprising;

a first electroactive member having opposing first and second electroded major faces;

said first opposing electroded major face being substantially convex and said second opposing electroded major face being substantially concave;

a prestress layer bonded to said second electroded major face of said first electroactive member;

said prestress layer applying a compressive force to said first electroactive member;

said prestress layer having first and second ends adjacent said concave second electroded major face of said first electroactive member;

wherein

said flextensional transducer is adapted to deform from a first position to a second position upon application of a force to said flextensional transducer;

and

and wherein upon said deformation to said second position, said flextensional transducer is adapted to generate a first voltage potential between said first electroded major face and said second electroded major face;

a mounting member for retaining said first end of said prestress layer;

said mounting member comprising;

a plate adjacent said first end of said prestress layer and said convex first electroded major face of said flextensional transducer;

said mounting member comprising clamping means adjacent said first end of said prestress layer and said concave second electroded major face of said flextensional transducer;

a recess defining a depressed surface in said plate, said depressed surface substantially conforming to at least a portion of said first electroded major face of said flextensional transducer adjacent said first end of said prestress layer and said first electroded major face of said electroactive member; and

a conductive sheet within said recess, said conductive sheet being in electrical contact with said first electroded major face of said first electroactive member and a first conductor electrically connected to said first electroded major face of said first electroactive member;

pressure application means for application of a force to said second end of said prestress layer, said pressure application means being adapted to apply a force sufficient to deform said flextensional transducer from said first position to said second position, thereby generating said first voltage potential;

a first conductor electrically connected to said first electroded major face of said first electroactive member;

a second conductor electrically connected to said second electroded major face of said first electroactive member;

first signal transmission means electrically connected to said first and second conductors;

said first signal transmission means comprising a first radio frequency generator subcircuit connected to an antenna;

signal reception means for receiving a first signal transmitted by said first signal transmission means;

said signal reception means being adapted to generate a second signal in response to said first signal transmitted by said signal transmission means; and

a switch having a first position and a second position;

said switch being in communication with said signal reception means;

and

said switch being adapted to change between said first position and said second position in response to said second signal.

2. The switching system according to claim 1:

wherein said mounting member further comprises a recess defining a depressed surface in said plate, said depressed surface substantially conforming to at least a portion of said convex face of said flextensional transducer adjacent said first end of said prestress layer and said major first electroded face of said electroactive member; and

a conductive sheet within said recess, said conductive sheet being in electrical contact with said first electroded major face of said electroactive member and said first conductor.

3. The switching system according to claim 2 1:

wherein said mounting member further comprises a flexible material within said recess in said plate, said flexible material being between said depressed surface and said conductive sheet.

4. The switching system according to claim 3, further comprising:

a voltage regulator having an input side and an output side;

said input side of said voltage regulator being electrically connected to said first and second conductors;

said output side of said voltage regulator being electrically connected to said signal transmission means.

5. The switching system according to claim 4, further comprising:

a diode having an anode and a cathode connected in parallel with said flextensional transducer;

said cathode of said diode being electrically connected to said first conductor and said input side of said voltage regulator;

said anode of said diode being electrically connected to said second conductor and said input side of said voltage regulator;

whereby said diode is connected in parallel with first and second electroded major faces of said first electroactive member.

6. The switching system according to claim 5, wherein said signal transmission means further comprises:

a tone generator subcircuit having an input side and an output side;

said input side of said tone generator subcircuit being connected to said output side of said voltage regulator;

said output side of said tone generator subcircuit being connected to said first radio frequency generator subcircuit.

7. The switching system according to claim 6, wherein said tone generator subcircuit comprises:

an oscillator array having an input side and an output side;

said input side of said oscillator array being connected to said output side of said voltage regulator; and

a transistor having a grounded emitter and a base connected to said output side of said oscillator array;

and wherein said first radio frequency generator subcircuit comprises a resonant subcircuit having a first and a second junction;

said first junction of said resonant subcircuit being connected to said voltage regulator;

said second junction of said resonant subcircuit being connected to a collector of said transistor.

8. The switching system according to claim 7, wherein said first radio frequency generator subcircuit further comprises:

a radio frequency choke connected in series between said output side of said voltage regulator and said first junction of said resonant subcircuit.

9. The switching device according to claim 8, wherein said resonant subcircuit comprises:

a first capacitor having a first and a second plate; and

an inductive loop of a third conductor having first and second ends;

said first plate of said first capacitor being connected to said first end of said third conductor, thereby forming said first junction of said resonant subcircuit;

said second plate of said first capacitor being connected to said second end of said third conductor, thereby forming said second junction of said resonant subcircuit.

10. The switching system according to claim 9, wherein said oscillator array further comprises an inverter array connected between said output side of said voltage regulator and said base of said transistor.

11. The switching system according to claim 10, wherein said radio frequency choke comprises an inductor.

12. The switching system according to claim 11, wherein said resonant subcircuit further comprises:

a tuning jumper comprising a sixth conductor having first and second ends each connected to said third conductor;

said tuning jumper being adapted to pivot at said first and second ends, thereby rotating relative to said third conductor.

13. The switching system according to claim 12, further comprising:

second signal transmission means having a second radio frequency generator subcircuit tunable to a second frequency;

wherein said first radio frequency generator subcircuit is tunable to a first frequency different from said second frequency of said second radio frequency generator subcircuit.

14. The switching device according to claim 13, wherein said first tone generator and said first radio frequency generator subcircuits comprise a at least one programmable integrated interface controller circuit.

15. The switching device according to claim 14, wherein said signal reception means further comprises:

a first radio signal receiver for intercepting said first signal transmitted by said first radio frequency generator subcircuit and a second signal transmitted by said second radio frequency generator subcircuit; and

decoding means electrically connected between said radio signal receiver and said switch for generating a switching signal in response to said first and second intercepted signals.

16. The switching device according to claim 15, wherein said decoding means further comprises:

a memory for storage of one or more signal profiles signals; and

comparator means for determining whether said first or second intercepted signal matches said one or more signal profiles signals stored in said memory;

wherein said decoding means generates a switching signal in response to said first intercepted signal upon said comparator means determination that said first intercepted signal matches said one or more signal profiles signals stored in said memory;

and wherein said decoding means does not generate a switching signal in response to said second intercepted signal upon said comparator means determination that said second intercepted signal does not match any of said one or more signal profiles signals stored in said memory;

and

and wherein said switch is adapted to change from said first position to said second position in response to said switching signal generated by said decoding means.

17. The switching system according to claim 16, wherein said decoder decoding means comprises:

a microprocessor for differentiating between said first intercepted signal and said second intercepted signal.

18. The switching system according to claim 17, wherein said decoder decoding means further comprises:

storage means for entering one or more signal profiles signals into said memory.

19. The switching system according to claim 18, wherein said storage means further comprises:

a second radio signal receiver for intercepting said first and second signals transmitted by said first and second radio frequency generator subcircuits.

20. A self-powered switching system comprising:

an electroactive transducer having first and second ends, said electroactive transducer comprising;

a first electroactive member having opposing first and second electroded major faces and first and second ends;

a flexible substrate bonded to said second electroded major face of said first electroactive member;

said flexible substrate having first and second ends adjacent said first and second ends of said first electroactive member;

wherein said electroactive transducer is adapted to deform from a first position to a second position upon application of a force to said electroactive transducer;

and wherein said electroactive transducer is adapted to return to said first position from said second position upon release of said force from said electroactive transducer;

and wherein upon said deformation and said return between said first and second positions, said electroactive transducer is adapted to generate an oscillating voltage potential between said first electroded major face and said second electroded major face;

a mounting member for retaining said first end of said electroactive transducer;

said mounting member comprising;

a plate adjacent said first end of said flexible substrate and said first electroded major face of said first electroactive member;

said mounting member comprising retaining means adjacent said first end of said flexible substrate and opposite said second electroded major face of said first electroactive member;

a recess defining a depressed surface in said plate, said depressed surface substantially conforming to at least a portion of said first electroded major face of said electroactive member adjacent said first end of said flexible substrate and said first electroded major face of said first electroactive member; and

a conductive sheet within said recess, said conductive sheet being in electrical contact with said first electroded major face of said first electroactive member and a first conductor electrically connected to said first electroded major face of said first electroactive member;

pressure application means for application of a force to said second end of said electroactive transducer, said pressure application means being adapted to apply a force sufficient to deform said electroactive transducer from said first position to said second position, thereby generating a first voltage potential;

a first conductor electrically connected to said first electroded major face of said first electroactive member;

a second conductor electrically connected to said second electroded major face of said first electroactive member;

a rectifier electrically connected between said first and second conductors in parallel with said first and second electroded major faces of said first electroactive transducer member;

a voltage regulator having an input side and an output side;

said input side of said voltage regulator being electrically connected to an output side of said rectifier;

first signal transmission means electrically connected to said output side of said voltage regulator;

said first signal transmission means comprising a first radio frequency generator subcircuit connected to an antenna;

signal reception means for receiving a first signal transmitted by said first signal transmission means;

said signal reception means being adapted to generate a second signal in response to said first signal transmitted by said first signal transmission means; and

a switch having a first position and a second position;

said switch being in communication with said signal reception means;

and

said switch being adapted to change between said first position and said second position in response to said second signal.

21. The switching system according to claim 20, wherein said electroactive transducer is selected from the group comprising:

piezoelectric transducers, ferroelectric transducers, unimorphs, bimorphs, monomorph benders, asymmetrically stress biased electroactive devices, prestressed electroactive devices, RAINBOW transducers, MOONIE transducers, and THUNDER actuators.

22. The switching system according to claim 20, wherein said pressure application means further comprises:

release means for removal of said force to said second end of said electroactive transducer, said release means being adapted to remove said force at said second position;

wherein

and wherein said flexible substrate comprises a metallic substrate having a restoring force adapted to return said electroactive transducer to said first position;

and

and wherein upon said removal of said force from said second end of said electroactive transducer, said restoring force of said metallic substrate returns said electroactive transducer through said first position to a third position and decayingly oscillates to said first position, thereby generating said oscillating voltage potential.

23. The switching system according to claim 20, further comprising:

second signal transmission means having a second radio frequency generator subcircuit tunable to a second frequency;

wherein said first radio frequency generator subcircuit is tunable to a first frequency different from said second frequency of said second radio frequency generator subcircuit.

24. The switching system according to claim 20, wherein said pressure application means is selected from the group comprising:

manual pressure;

rollers;

pressure plates;

toggles;

hinges;

knobs;

sliders;

ratchets;

twisting mechanisms;

release latches;

spring loaded devices;

foot pedals;

game consoles;

traffic activated devices; and

seat activated devices.

25. The switching system according to claim 20, further comprising:

electrical energy storage means having a first and a second terminal;

said first terminal of said electrical energy storage means being electrically connected to the output side of said voltage regulator;

said second terminal of said electrical energy storage means being electrically connected to ground;

wherebywherein said electrical energy storage means may storestores an electrical output of said voltage regulator.

26. The switching system according to claim 25, further comprising:

trigger means connected between said pressure application means and said first signal transmission means;

and wherein said electrical energy storage means is adapted to supplement said output electrical signal of said voltage regulator to said first signal transmission means.

27. The switching system according to claim 20, further comprising:

electrical energy storage means having a first and a second terminal;

said first terminal of said electrical energy storage means being electrically connected to the output side of said rectifier;

and

said second terminal of said electrical energy storage means being electrically connected to ground;

wherebywherein said electrical energy storage means may store an electrical output of said rectifier.

28. The switching system according to claim 27, wherein said electrical energy storage means further comprises:

at least one rechargeable battery.

29. The switching system according to claim 20, wherein said signal transmission means further comprises:

a tone generator subcircuit having an input side and an output side;

said input side of said tone generator subcircuit being connected to said output side of said voltage regulator;

said output side of said tone generator subcircuit being connected to said first radio frequency generator subcircuit.

30. The switching system according to claim 29, wherein said tone generator subcircuit comprises:

an oscillator array having an input side and an output side;

said input side of said oscillator array being connected to said output side of said voltage regulator;

a transistor having a grounded emitter and a base connected to said output side of said oscillator array; and

an inductive loop of a third conductor having first and second ends;

wherein said first radio frequency generator subcircuit comprises a resonant subcircuit having a first and a second junction;

said resonant subcircuit having a first capacitor having a first plate and a second plate;

said first plate of said first capacitor being connected to said first end of said third conductor, thereby forming said first junction of said resonant subcircuit;

said second plate of said first capacitor being connected to said second end of said third conductor, thereby forming said second junction of said resonant subcircuit;

said first junction of said resonant subcircuit being connected to said output side of said voltage regulator;

said second junction of said resonant subcircuit being connected to a collector of said transistor;

and

and wherein said first radio frequency generator subcircuit further comprises an inductor connected in series between said output side of said voltage regulator and said first junction of said resonant subcircuit.

31. The switching system according to claim 30, wherein said oscillator array further comprises an inverter array connected between said output side of said voltage regulator and said base of said transistor.

32. The switching system according to claim 29, wherein said first tone generator and said first radio frequency generator subcircuits comprise a at least one programmable encoder circuit.

33. The switching system according to claim 20, wherein said signal reception means further comprises:

a first radio signal receiver for intercepting said first signal transmitted by said first radio frequency generator subcircuit and a second signal transmitted by a second radio frequency generator subcircuit; and

decoding means electrically connected between said radio signal receiver and said switch for generating a switching signal in response to said first and second intercepted signals.

34. The switching system according to claim 33, wherein said decoding means further comprises:

a memory for storage of one or more signal profiles signals; and

comparator means for determining whether said first or second intercepted signal matches said one or more signal profiles signals stored in said memory;

wherein said decoding means generates a switching signal in response to said first intercepted signal upon said comparator means'"'"' determination that said first intercepted signal matches said one or more signal profiles signals stored in said memory;

and wherein said decoding means does not generate a switching signal in response to said second intercepted signal upon said comparator means'"'"' determination that said second intercepted signal does not match any of said one or more signal profiles signals stored in said memory;

and

and wherein said switch is adapted to change from said first position to said second position in response to said switching signal generated by said decoding means.

35. The switching system according to claim 34, wherein said decoder decoding means comprises:

a microprocessor for differentiating between said first intercepted signal and said second intercepted signal; and

;

storage means for entering said one or more signal profiles signals into said memory.

36. The switching system according to claim 35, wherein said storage means further comprises:

a second radio signal receiver for intercepting a third signal transmitted by a third radio frequency generator subcircuit.

37. A self-powered switching system, comprising:

an electroactive transducer having first and second ends, said electroactive transducer comprising;

a first electroactive member having opposing first and second electroded major faces and first and second ends;

a flexible substrate bonded to said second major face of said first electroactive member;

said flexible substrate having first and second ends adjacent said first and second ends of said first electroactive member;

wherein said electroactive transducer is adapted to deform from a first position to a second position upon application of a force to said electroactive transducer;

and wherein said electroactive transducer is adapted to return to said first position from said second position upon release of said force from said electroactive transducer;

and wherein upon said deformation from said first position to second position, said electroactive transducer is adapted to generate a first voltage potential between said first electroded major face and said second electroded major face;

and wherein upon said return from said first position to second position, said electroactive transducer is adapted to generate a second voltage potential between said first electroded major face and said second electroded major face;

a mounting member for retaining said first end, said second end or said first and second ends of said electroactive transducer;

said mounting member comprising at least one retaining means adjacent said first end, said second end or said first and second ends of said flexible substrate of said first electroactive member;

pressure application means for application of a force to said first end, said second end or between said first and second ends of said electroactive transducer, said pressure application means being adapted to apply a force sufficient to deform said electroactive transducer from said first position to said second position, thereby generating a first voltage potential;

a first conductor electrically connected to said first electroded major face of said first electroactive member;

a second conductor electrically connected to said second electroded major face of said first electroactive member;

a rectifier electrically connected between said first and second conductors in parallel with said first and second electroded major faces of said electroactive transducer;

a voltage regulator having an input side and an output side;

said input side of said voltage regulator being electrically connected to an output side of said rectifier;

first signal transmission means electrically connected to said output side of said voltage regulator;

said first signal transmission means comprising a first radio frequency generator subcircuit connected to an antenna;

electrical energy storage means having a first and a second terminal;

said first terminal of said electrical energy storage means being electrically connected to the output side of said voltage regulator;

said second terminal of said electrical energy storage means being electrically connected to ground;

whereby said electrical energy storage means may store an electrical output of said voltage regulator;

and wherein said electrical energy storage means is adapted to supplement said electrical output of said voltage regulator to said first signal transmission means with said stored output electrical signal of said voltage regulator;

signal reception means for receiving a first signal transmitted by said first signal transmission means;

said signal reception means being adapted to generate a second signal in response to said first signal transmitted by said first signal transmission means; and

a switch having a first position and a second position;

said switch being in communication with said signal reception means;

said switch being adapted to change between said first position and said second position in response to said second signal.

38. A self-powered switching system, comprising:

an electroactive transducer having first and second ends, said electroactive transducer comprising;

a first electroactive member having opposing first and second electroded major faces and first and second ends;

a flexible substrate bonded to said second major face of said first electroactive member;

said flexible substrate having first and second ends adjacent said first and second ends of said first electroactive member;

wherein said electroactive transducer is adapted to deform from a first position to a second position upon application of a force to said electroactive transducer;

and wherein said electroactive transducer is adapted to return to said first position from said second position upon release of said force from said electroactive transducer;

and wherein upon said deformation from said first position to second position, said electroactive transducer is adapted to generate a first voltage potential between said first electroded major face and said second electroded major face;

and wherein upon said return from said first position to second position, said electroactive transducer is adapted to generate a second voltage potential between said first electroded major face and said second electroded major face;

a mounting member for retaining said first end, said second end or said first and second ends of said electroactive transducer;

said mounting member comprising at least one retaining means adjacent said first end, said second end or said first and second ends of said flexible substrate of said first electroactive member;

pressure application means for application of a force to said first end, said second end or between said first and second ends of said electroactive transducer, said pressure application means being adapted to apply a force sufficient to deform said electroactive transducer from said first position to said second position, thereby generating a first voltage potential;

a first conductor electrically connected to said first electroded major face of said first electroactive member;

a second conductor electrically connected to said second electroded major face of said first electroactive member;

a rectifier electrically connected between said first and second conductors in parallel with said first and second electroded major faces of said electroactive transducer;

a voltage regulator having an input side and an output side;

said input side of said voltage regulator being electrically connected to an output side of said rectifier;

first signal transmission means electrically connected to said output side of said voltage regulator;

said first signal transmission means comprising a first radio frequency generator subcircuit connected to an antenna;

electrical energy storage means having a first and a second terminal;

said first terminal of said electrical energy storage means being electrically connected to the output side of said rectifier;

said second terminal of said electrical energy storage means being electrically connected to ground;

whereby said electrical energy storage means may store an electrical output of said rectifier;

and wherein said electrical energy storage means is adapted to supplement said electrical output of said voltage regulator to said first signal transmission means with said stored output electrical signal of said voltage regulator;

signal reception means for receiving a first signal transmitted by said first signal transmission means;

said signal reception means being adapted to generate a second signal in response to said first signal transmitted by said first signal transmission means; and

a switch having a first position and a second position;

said switch being in communication with said signal reception means;

said switch being adapted to change between said first position and said second position in response to said second signal.

39. The switching system according to claim 38, wherein said electrical energy storage means further comprises:

at least one rechargeable battery.

40. A switching system, comprising:

electromechanical generation means for generating an oscillating voltage across first and second electrical terminals;

a rectifier electrically connected between said first and second electrical terminals;

a voltage regulator having an input side and an output side;

said input side of said voltage regulator being electrically connected to an output side of said rectifier;

first signal transmission means electrically connected to said output side of said voltage regulator;

said first signal transmission means comprising a first electromagnetic signal generator subcircuit connected to transmitter;

signal reception means for receiving a first electromagnetic signal transmitted by said first signal transmission means;

said signal reception means being adapted to generate a second signal in response to said first electromagnetic signal transmitted by said first signal transmission means; and

a switch having a first position and a second position;

said switch being in communication with said signal reception means;

said switch being adapted to change between said first position and said second position in response to said second signal.

41. The switching system according to claim 40, wherein said electromechanical generation means is selected from the group comprising:

piezoelectric transducers, ferroelectric transducers, unimorphs, bimorphs, monomorph benders, asymmetrically stress biased electroactive devices, pre-stressed electroactive devices, RAINBOW transducers, MOONIE transducers, THUNDER actuators;

rotary magnetic generators; and

linear magnetic generators.

42. The switching system according to claim 40, wherein said first signal transmission means comprises:

a first radio frequency generator subcircuit connected to an antenna; and

a tone generator subcircuit having an input side and an output side;

said input side of said tone generator subcircuit being connected to said output side of said voltage regulator;

said output side of said tone generator subcircuit being connected to said first radio frequency generator subcircuit.

43. The switching system according to claim 40, further comprising:

electrical energy storage means having a first and a second terminal;

said first terminal of said electrical energy storage means being electrically connected to the output side of said voltage regulator;

said second terminal of said electrical energy storage means being electrically connected to ground;

whereby said electrical energy storage means may store an electrical output of said voltage regulator;

and wherein said electrical energy storage means is adapted to supplement said electrical output of said voltage regulator to said first signal transmission means with said stored output electrical signal of said voltage regulator.

44. The switching system according to claim 43, wherein said electrical energy storage means further comprises:

at least one rechargeable battery.

45. The switching system according to claim 40, further comprising:

electrical energy storage means having a first and a second terminal;

said first terminal of said electrical energy storage means being electrically connected to the output side of said rectifier;

said second terminal of said electrical energy storage means being electrically connected to ground;

whereby said electrical energy storage means may store an electrical output of said rectifier;

and wherein said electrical energy storage means is adapted to supplement said electrical output of said voltage regulator to said first signal transmission means with said stored output electrical signal of said rectifier.

46. The switching system according to claim 45, wherein said electrical energy storage means further comprises:

at least one rechargeable battery.

47. The switching system according to claim 40, wherein said first tone generator and said first radio frequency generator subcircuits comprise a at least one programmable encoder circuit;

and wherein each of said first programmable encoder circuits is adapted to be programmed to generate one or more unique codes;

and wherein each of said unique codes generated by each of said first programmable encoder circuits is different from each of said unique codes generated by the others of said first programmable encoder circuits.

48. The switching system according to claim 47, further comprising:

second signal transmission means comprising a second at least one programmable encoder circuit connected to an antenna;

each of said second programmable encoder circuits comprising a radio frequency generator subcircuit and a tone generator subcircuit;

wherein each of said second programmable encoder circuits is adapted to be programmed to generate one or more unique codes;

and wherein each of said unique codes generated by each of said second programmable encoder circuits is different from each of said unique codes generated by each of said first programmable encoder circuits, and different from each of said unique codes generated by the others of said second programmable encoder circuits.

49. The switching system according to claim 48, wherein said unique codes comprise operation codes selected from the group comprising:

identification;

toggle;

on;

off;

dim;

undim;

operate; and

a percentage of operating mode.

50. The switching system according to claim 48, wherein said one or more unique codes programmed into said first or second programmable encoder circuits are not changeable after initial programming of said one or more unique codes.

51. The switching system according to claim 48, wherein said one or more unique codes programmed into said first or second programmable encoder circuits are binary codes.

52. The switching system according to claim 48, where said signal reception means further comprises:

a first radio signal receiver for intercepting a code transmitted by said first or second signal transmission means;

decoding means electrically connected between said radio signal receiver and said switch for generating a switching signal in response to said first and second intercepted codes.

53. The switching system according to claim 52, wherein said decoding means further comprises:

a memory for storage of one or more signal profiles; and

comparator means for determining whether said first or second intercepted codes matches said one or more signal profiles in said memory;

wherein said decoding means generates a switching signal in response to said first intercepted code upon said comparator means determination that said first intercepted code matches said one or more signal profiles in said memory;

and wherein said decoding means does not generate a switching signal in response to said second intercepted code upon said comparator means determination that said second intercepted code does not match any of said one or more signal profiles in said memory;

and wherein said switch is adapted to change from said first position to said second position in response to said switching signal generated by said decoding means.

54. The switching system according to claim 53, wherein said decoding means comprises:

a microprocessor for differentiating between said first intercepted code and said second intercepted code; and

;

storage means for entering one or more signal profiles into said memory.

55. The switching system according to claim 53, wherein said one or more signal profiles are selected from the group comprising:

identification;

toggle;

on;

off;

dim;

undim;

operate; and

a percentage of operating mode.

56. The switching system according to claim 53, wherein said signal reception means further comprises:

a signal relay transmitter for transmission of an actuation signal upon receipt of said switching signal generated by said decoding means; and

a second switch adapted to change from a first position to a second position in response to said actuation signal from said signal relay transmitter.

57. The switching system according to claim 53, further comprising:

a programming jumper having first and second ends for transmission of said unique codes from said signal transmission means to said memory for storage of said one or more signal profiles;

and wherein said signal transmission means comprises a transmitter jumper connection for connection of said first programmable encoder circuit to said first end of said programming jumper;

and wherein said signal reception means comprises a receiver jumper connection for connection of said memory to said second end of said programming jumper.

58. A self-powered switching system, comprising:

an electromechanical generator for generating a voltage across first and second electrical terminals;

a voltage regulator having an input side and an output side;

said input side of said voltage regulator being electrically connected to said first and second electrical terminals;

first signal transmission means electrically connected to said output side of said voltage regulator;

said first signal transmission means comprising a first electromagnetic signal generator subcircuit connected to a transmitter; and

a first tone generator subcircuit having an input side and an output side;

said input side of said tone generator subcircuit being connected to said output side of said voltage regulator;

said output side of said tone generator subcircuit being connected to said first electromagnetic signal generator subcircuit;

wherein said first tone generator and said first electromagnetic signal generator subcircuits comprise at least one programmable encoder circuit;

and wherein each of said first programmable encoder circuits is adapted to be programmed to generate one or more unique codes;

and wherein each of said unique codes generated by each of said first programmable encoder circuits is different from each of said unique codes generated by the others of said first programmable encoder circuits;

signal reception means for receiving a first electromagnetic signal transmitted by said first signal transmission means;

said signal reception means being adapted to generate a second signal in response to said first electromagnetic signal transmitted by said first signal transmission means; and

a switch having a first position and a second position;

said switch being in communication with said signal reception means;

said switch being adapted to change between said first position and said second position in response to said second signal.

59. The switching system according to claim 58, further comprising:

second signal transmission means comprising a second at least one programmable encoder circuit connected to an antenna;

each of said second programmable encoder circuits comprising a second radio frequency generator subcircuit and a second tone generator subcircuit;

wherein each of said second programmable encoder circuits is adapted to be programmed to generate one or more unique codes;

and wherein each of said unique codes generated by each of said second programmable encoder circuits is different from each of said unique codes generated by each of said first programmable encoder circuits, and different from each of said unique codes generated by the others of said second programmable encoder circuits.

60. A self-powered switching system, comprising:

a self-powered signal transmitter unit comprising;

an integral power source that is configured to generate electrical power;

a signal transmitter electrically powered by the integral power source and configured to generate and transmit a first switching signal and at least one second switching signal, the at least one second switching signal being different from the first switching signal;

an electrical energy storage device that is configured to store electrical energy, and that is adapted to supplement the electrical power output from the integral power source to power the signal transmitter;

an encoder circuit configured to select a first switching code, the first switching code being at least a thirty bit signal code for transmission by the signal transmitter in the first switching signal and to select at least one second switching code, the second switching code being at least a thirty bit signal code that is different from the first switching code for transmission as the second switching signal; and

a switching unit comprising;

a signal receiver unit configured to receive the first switching signal;

a signal comparing circuit configured to compare the at least the thirty bit signal code in the first switching signal to a pre-determined code in the switching unit to identify a first signal code match; and

a first relay switching circuit configured to operate between a first operating mode and at least one second operating mode, the first relay switch cycling between the first operating mode and the at least one second operating mode when the signal comparing circuit identifies the first signal code match;

wherein the system further comprises;

at least one other signal receiver unit that is configured to receive the second switching signal;

at least one other signal comparing circuit that is configured to compare the at least the thirty bit signal code in the at least one second switching signal to another pre-determined code to identify a second signal code match; and

at least one second relay switch circuit that is configured to operate between a first position and at least one second position, the at least one second relay switch circuit cycling between the first position and the at least one second position when the signal comparing circuit identifies the second signal code match.

61. The self-powered switching system of claim 60, wherein the first operating mode and the at least one second operating mode include at least two of (1) an identification mode;

(2) a toggle mode;

(3) an ON mode;

(4) an OFF mode;

(5) a DIM mode;

(6) an UNDIM mode;

(7) a full power operation mode; and

(8) a selectable percentage operation mode.

62. The self-powered switching system of claim 60, the signal transmitter comprising a first signal transmitter configured to generate and transmit the first switching signal, and at least one second signal transmitter separate from the first signal transmitter that is configured to generate and transmit the at least one second switching signal.

63. The self-powered switching system of claim 60, the electrical energy storage device comprising at least one rechargeable battery.

64. The self-powered switching system of claim 60, the self-powered signal transmitter unit further comprising a signal training device that operates to enable a training mode of operation in which a separate switching code is transmitted to the switching unit to be set as the pre-determined code in the switching unit.

65. The self-powered switching system of claim 60, the encoder circuit being configured to select only one first switching code.

66. The self-powered switching system of claim 60,

the signal receiver unit being further configured to receive the at least one second switching signal;

the signal comparing circuit comparing the at least the thirty bit signal code in the at least one second switching signal to a pre-determined code in the switching unit to identify a second signal code match; and

the first relay switch circuit cycling between the first position and the at least one second position when the signal comparing circuit identifies the second signal code match.

67. The self-powered switching system of claim 60, the first relay switch circuit driving a physical switching unit between a first position and at least one second position for the physical switching unit.

68. A self-powered switching system, comprising:

a self-powered signal transmitter unit comprising;

an integral power source that is configured to generate electrical power;

a signal transmitter electrically powered by the integral power source and configured to generate and transmit a first switching signal and at least one second switching signal, the at least one second switching signal being different from the first switching signal;

an electrical energy storage device that is configured to store electrical energy, and that is adapted to supplement the electrical power output from the integral power source to power the signal transmitter;

an encoder circuit that is configured to select a first switching code among at least one billion separately-available signal codes for transmission by the signal transmitter as the first switching signal and to select at least one second switching code, the at least one second switching code being at least one other code that is different from the first switching code among the at least one billion separately-available signal codes for transmission as the at least one second switching signal; and

a switching unit comprising;

a signal receiver unit that is configured to receive the first switching signal;

a signal comparing circuit that is configured to compare the first switching code in the first switching signal to a pre-determined signal code in the switching unit to identify a first signal code match; and

a first relay switch circuit that is configured to operate between a first position associated with a first operating mode and at least one second position associated with a respective at least one second operating mode, the first relay switching circuit cycling between the first position and the at least one second position when the signal comparing unit identifies the first signal code match;

wherein the system further comprises;

at least one other signal receiver unit that is configured to receive the at least one second switching signal;

at least one other signal comparing circuit that is configured to compare the at least one second signal code in the at least one second switching signal to another pre-determined code to identify a second signal code match; and

at least one second relay switch circuit that is configured to operate between a first position and at least one second position, the at least one second relay switch circuit cycling between the first position and the at least one second position when the signal comparing circuit identifies the second signal code match.

69. The self-powered switching system of claim 68, wherein the first operating mode and the at least one second operating mode include at least two of (1) an identification mode;

(2) a toggle mode;

(3) an ON mode;

(4) an OFF mode;

(5) a DIM mode;

(6) an UNDIM mode;

(7) a full power operation mode; and

(8) a selectable percentage operation mode.

70. The self-powered switching system of claim 68, the signal transmitter comprising a first signal transmitter configured to generate and transmit the first switching signal, and at least one second signal transmitter separate from the first signal transmitter that is configured to generate and transmit the at least one second switching signal.

71. The self-powered switching system of claim 68, the electrical energy storage device comprising at least one rechargeable battery.

72. The self-powered switching system of claim 68, the self-powered signal transmitter unit further comprising a signal training device that operates to enable a training mode of operation in which a separate switching code is transmitted to the switching unit to be set as the pre-determined code in the switching unit.

73. The self-powered switching system of claim 68, the encoder circuit being configured to select only one first switching code.

74. The self-powered switching system of claim 68,

the signal receiver unit being further configured to receive the at least one second switching signal;

the signal comparing circuit comparing the at least one second signal code in the at least one second switching signal to a pre-determined code in the switching unit to identify a second signal code match; and

the first relay switch circuit cycling between the first position and the at least one second position when the signal comparing circuit identifies the second signal code match.

75. The self-powered switching system of claim 68, the first relay switch circuit driving a physical switching unit between a first position and at least one second position for the physical switching unit.