Multi-way switch system having plural remote touch pads

Claim 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 accordance with a time interval between said control signal and said synchronization signal, the power being reduced as the time interval becomes longer.

Claim 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; 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.

Claim 4

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.

Claim 5

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.

Claim 6

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.

Claim 7

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.

Claim 8

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.

Claim 9

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

Claim 10

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.

Claim 11

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.

Claim 12

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.