Abstract:
The present invention relates to a control installation for several electrical receivers, such as motors for example, able to occupy at least two states. Each installation comprises individual control devices respectively associated with receivers and a general control device able to control all the receivers.The control installation comprises, in each individual control device, a logic processing unit comprising, on the one hand a first group of input terminals to which are connected the switching means of the corresponding individual control device, on the other hand output terminals connected through the intermediary of output interfaces to the corresponding receiver. The switching means of the general control device are connected to a second group of input terminals of the logic processing unit, through the intermediary of an input interface. Each logic processing unit is provided, on the one hand in order to accept in succession commands given non-simultaneously by the corresponding individual control device or by the general control device, on the other hand in order to accept solely the command given by the general control device, as long as this command is given simultaneously with a command from the corresponding individual control device.
Abstract:
A remote control system for automatic sprinkler control systems includes remote conductor lines for attachment to an automatic sprinkler control system, a remote processor for selectively applying power through one or more of the remote conductor lines so as to activate a portion of the automatic sprinkler control system, and a remote control for controlling the processor. The remote control system enables the use to operate the automatic sprinkler control system independent of the processor of the automatic sprinkler control system, and allows the user to conduct such control from a location adjacent to the actual sprinkler stations, as opposed to the central control unit of the automatic sprinkler control system.
Abstract:
A maintenance control apparatus for a lawn watering system includes an accessible electrical receptacle and a portable switching unit. The unit includes a plug for detachably coupling into the receptacle and a selection switch for selectively supplying power through the receptacle to the solenoid water valves. The valves are thereby selectively openable remotely and independently of the clock controller of the watering system. An auxiliary battery and jack are provided to substitute for the main power. A portable master switch electively supplies power to open or close the master valve.
Abstract:
A stage lighting system is comprised of a plurality of lamp units which may have diverse communication protocols, functions and data parameters. The stage lighting system is controlled by a modular control system comprised of a modular controller mainframe interconnected with a plurality of control devices which may have diverse communications protocols and data formats. The modular controller mainframe consists of a plurality of input and output modules, mass storage devices and a main processor kernel, all interconnected by a number of data buses. The input modules serve as an interface between the modular controller mainframe and the diverse protocols of the various control devices. Similarly, the output modules serve as an interface between the modular controller mainframe and the diverse protocols of the various types of lamp units. The modular controller mainframe serves as an interface system by providing one or more of said input or output modules with the capability of translating parameter commands, where necessary, to accommodate control devices having diverse communications protocols and output devices having diverse communications protocols, functions and data formats. The system may also include a distributed control system for a lighting system in which two or more fully-functional control devices are online simultaneously to control any function of any of a plurality of luminaries from the control devices. Various methods for arbitrating and resolving conflicts between or among plural control consoles are also used.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a modular electronic unit which provides a combined switching and display function for controlling equipment of all kinds. The unit may be used alone to control equipment as desired, or several such units may be combined to control several pieces of equipment with a single master unit, including a microcontroller which controls the master unit, plus several slave units. The unit of the invention uses a microcontroller in combination with a non-volatile random access memory to provide fully programmable switching codes and display messages. The unit of the invention may be included in new equipment or as a retrofit for existing equipment.