Touch-operated power control
October 4, 2011. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3747923 3895288 3916327 Touch controlled voltage-divider device Touch switch circuits Digital touch controlled dimmer switch Touch controlled membrane for multi axis voltage selection Touch-controlled circuit apparatus for voltage selection Wall-mounted touch control switch Multiple location dimming system Patent #: 4689547 InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 772627 filed on 10/04/1991US Classes:323/320, Phase controlled switching using electronic tube or a three or more terminal semiconductive device307/116, Condition responsive315/194, REGULATION OF THE CONTROL CURRENT AND/OR POTENTIAL APPLIED TO DISCHARGE CONTROL DISCHARGE DEVICE LOADS BY PHASE SHIFTING MEANS315/291, CURRENT AND/OR VOLTAGE REGULATION323/299, INPUT LEVEL RESPONSIVE323/904, TOUCH SYSTEMS323/905LAMP DIMMER STRUCTUREExaminersPrimary: Voeltz, Emanuel T.Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassG05F 005/02AbstractA 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.Other References
Field of SearchINPUT LEVEL RESPONSIVEPhase controlled switching using electronic tube or a three or more terminal semiconductive device Phase controlled switching using electronic tube or a three or more terminal semiconductive device TOUCH SYSTEMS LAMP DIMMER STRUCTURE REGULATION OF THE CONTROL CURRENT AND/OR POTENTIAL APPLIED TO DISCHARGE CONTROL DISCHARGE DEVICE LOADS BY PHASE SHIFTING MEANS Condenser or inductance in the primary circuit CURRENT AND/OR VOLTAGE REGULATION Condition responsive | |
