US4745351A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multiple location dimming system
Assignee: Lutron Technology Co LLC
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Filing: 1987-04-22
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Granted: 1988-05-17
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Expires: 2007-04-22
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael J. Rowen
- 👤 John E. Longenderfer
- 👤 Stephen J. Yuhasz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 19:02
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B39/00; H05B39/04; H05B39/08; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S315/00; Y10S315/04; Y10S323/00; Y10S323/905
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
113 words
A system for controlling electrical power to a load comprising, in combination: (a) a dimming system to control power to said load in accordance with a signal provided by a control means, which includes an actuator positionable for determining the value of said control signal, (b) override means to permit power to said load when said actuator is positioned for power to said load to be off, and (c) a first switch means, which (i) if power to said load is on, turns said power off; and (ii) if power to said load is off, turns said power on to a value determined either by said actuator position or by said override means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
113 words
A system for controlling electrical power to a load comprising, in combination: (a) a dimming system to control power to said load in accordance with a signal provided by a control means, which includes an actuator positionable for determining the value of said control signal, (b) override means to permit power to said load when said actuator is positioned for power to said load to be off, and (c) a first switch means, which (i) if power to said load is on, turns said power off; and (ii) if power to said load is off, turns said power on to a value determined either by said actuator position or by said override means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 1 in which said control means comprises a linear slide potentiometer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1 in which said control means comprises a rotary potentiometer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 in which said first switch means is a momentary contact switch.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one additional switch means to alternatively perform the functions of said first switch means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising means for adjusting the power provided to said load by said override means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 1 in which said override means comprises a second switch means that is turned on only when said actuator is positioned for power to said load to be off.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 1 in which said load is a lighting load.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 1, further comprising means for automatically applying to said load, substantially instantaneously upon positioning of said actuator, a power value determined by said control signal.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
108 words
A system for controlling electrical power to a load comprising, in combination: (a) a dimming system to control power to said load in accordance with a signal provided by a control means, which includes an actuator positionable for determining the value of said control signal, (b) means for automatically applying to said load, substantially instantaneously upon positioning of said actuator, a power value determined by said control signal, and (c) a first switch means, which (i) if power to said load is on, turns said power off; and (ii) if power to said load is off, turns said power on to a value determined by said actuator position.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
108 words
A system for controlling electrical power to a load comprising, in combination: (a) a dimming system to control power to said load in accordance with a signal provided by a control means, which includes an actuator positionable for determining the value of said control signal, (b) means for automatically applying to said load, substantially instantaneously upon positioning of said actuator, a power value determined by said control signal, and (c) a first switch means, which (i) if power to said load is on, turns said power off; and (ii) if power to said load is off, turns said power on to a value determined by said actuator position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 10 in which said control means comprises a linear slide potentiometer.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 10 in which said control means comprises a rotary potentiometer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 10 in which said first switch means is a momentary contact switch.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 10 further comprising at least one additional switch means to alternatively perform the functions of said first switch means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 10 in which said load is a lighting load.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4350903A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-05-17 | 1991-11-16 | 1992-05-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-05-17 | 1995-11-16 | 1996-05-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-05-17 | 1999-11-16 | 2000-05-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |