Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems – Combined load device or load device temperature modifying... – Automatic shunt circuit closing or cut-out switch
Patent
1988-03-08
1990-10-16
Laroche, Eugene R.
Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems
Combined load device or load device temperature modifying...
Automatic shunt circuit closing or cut-out switch
315291, 315DIG4, 315360, 315362, H01J 766, H05B 3702, H05B 4104
Patent
active
049637932
ABSTRACT:
The present invention provides a very low actuation force touch control switch for use in brightness control of illumination devices. The control switch comprises a flexible membrane having a plurality of conductors disposed on one surface and secured to a rigid support surface. The conductors are interwoven in a present pattern with portions of the conductors being exposed. A conductive surface is formed in an area under the exposed conductors. The membrane is fastened to the rigid support surface so that a very small spacing is maintained between the exposed conductors and the fixed conductive surface, allowing a very light touch to cause one or more exposed conductors to be shorted to the conductive surface. A microprocessor periodically polls the leads of the membrane to determine which are shorted together and causes an output power level to be adjusted accordingly. The touch control system employs a Delayed-Off feature in which the microprocessor causes a discernible dimming to occur when a DELAYED-OFF selection are on the memberane is pressed but which delays the turning off of the illumination device until a preselected amount of time has passed, thereby allowing a switch operator to leave an area before becoming dark. In addition, Soft-On and Soft-Off processing is employed so that on and off transitions are more gradual and aesthetically pleasing and to provide a period in which to select an alternate brightness level.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4160192 (1979-07-01), McAllise
patent: 4359670 (1982-11-01), Hosakia et al.
patent: 4508997 (1985-04-01), Woodnutt
patent: 4649323 (1987-03-01), Pearlman et al.
LaRoche Eugene R.
Neyzari Ali
Westek Associates
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