Abstract:
The present disclosure provides a wiring device with integrated DC output interfaces alongside AC output interfaces. The wiring device converts AC power received from the grid into DC power that can be used directly by DC loads. In certain example embodiments, the wiring device includes USB receptacles as the DC output interfaces. The wiring device also includes various power management enhancement features. Some such features include crimping and soldering electrical wires directly to the AC output contacts and a midframe for insulating certain components inside the wiring device from heat generated by other components.
Abstract:
The electrical switch device can includes a method and dimmer determination device that automatically determining a dimmer level for an electronic device. A signal is received and, when coupled with the time of day and the ambient light level, an appropriate algorithm can be selected. The output of the algorithm provides the dimmer level, which is sent to a controller for output to the electrical device. Based on user feedback, the algorithms and thresholds used to determine the dimmer level can be adjusted, created, and deleted to provide a more accurate dimming level in the future.
Abstract:
An electrical circuit tester includes a first testing device and a second testing device provided in a hand-held housing, each being electrically isolated from the other. Multiple light sources are electrically coupled to one of the first and second testing devices to provide a visual indication of the testing result. The first testing device includes a conventional three-prong plug extending out from the surface of the housing and configured to be inserted into a standard electrical receptacle. The second testing device includes one or more keyed cavities, each being designed to receive all or a portion of a plug into the cavity in only one orientation. Each cavity can include at least one blade prong that makes electrical contact with the plug when inserted into the cavity. Both the first and second testing devices can be operated simultaneously with separate sets of light sources providing separate testing indications for each.
Abstract:
The touch screen lighting control device provides a multitude of graphical user interface (GUI) displays at a touch screen and is capable of detecting location specific selections based on the GUI to determine control actions for lighting devices, fans and other electrical fixtures. The device includes a mounting strap configured to couple the device to an in-wall junction box, a touch screen, and a thin film transistor communicably coupled to the touch screen for displaying the different displays and receiving selections at the touch screen. A glass panel can also be positioned between the touch screen and the thin film transistor. The GUI presents an interactive template to a user, and the touch screen and thin film transistor determines an interaction from the user based on the user interacting with the interactive template displayed on the GUI a the touch screen.
Abstract:
The electrical switch device can includes a method and dimmer determination device that automatically determining a dimmer level for an electronic device. A signal is received and, when coupled with the time of day and the ambient light level, an appropriate algorithm can be selected. The output of the algorithm provides the dimmer level, which is sent to a controller for output to the electrical device. Based on user feedback, the algorithms and thresholds used to determine the dimmer level can be adjusted, created, and deleted to provide a more accurate dimming level in the future.
Abstract:
The touch screen lighting control device provides a multitude of graphical user interface (GUI) displays at a touch screen and is capable of detecting location specific selections based on the GUI to determine control actions for lighting devices, fans and other electrical fixtures. The device includes a mounting strap configured to couple the device to an in-wall junction box, a touch screen, and a thin film transistor communicably coupled to the touch screen for displaying the different displays and receiving selections at the touch screen. A glass panel can also be positioned between the touch screen and the thin film transistor. The GUI presents an interactive template to a user, and the touch screen and thin film transistor determines an interaction from the user based on the user interacting with the interactive template displayed on the GUI a the touch screen.
Abstract:
An electrical wiring device includes a metal switch cover as a user contact point. The metal switch cover has antimicrobial properties that reduces microorganisms that are present on the wiring device, and helps reduce the spread of infections or disease from user to user. The metal switch cover is disposed on a switch in the wiring device, such that users touch the metal switch cover when operating the switch. In some exemplary embodiments, the metal switch cover is coupled to a paddle-style switch and takes on the profile of a paddle. In some exemplary embodiments, the metal switch cover is coupled to a toggle-style switch and take on the profile of a toggle.
Abstract:
A method for providing a kickstart pulse to a dimmer circuit for a light source that is slow starting. The method includes receiving an initial power signal for a light source electrically coupled to a dimmer circuit, and generating, using the initial power signal, a pulse signal. The method also includes sending, for a period of time, the pulse signal to a load control circuit for the light source. In such a case, the light source is illuminated by the pulse signal for the period of time, and the magnitude of the pulse signal is greater than the magnitude of a steady-state signal generated by the dimmer circuit for the light source. The method can be performed using discrete components, integrated circuits, software, some other electrical device, or any combination thereof. A kickstart circuit and a dimmer circuit, using substantially the method described above, is also disclosed herein.