US5170068A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Master electrical load control system
Assignee: Lutron Technology Co LLC
•
Filing: 1989-05-03
•
Granted: 1992-12-08
•
Expires: 2009-05-03
Abstract
Abstract A system controls electrical power to multiple loads from both a central location and from local three-way controls. In one embodiment, the system includes means for sensing the power to each load. That sensing capability, in turn, permits the master to set all loads to the same power level, simultaneously, regardless of their original level. The local controls may be standard three-way dimmers or switches.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard J. Kwiatkowski
- 👤 Michael J. Rowen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 20:49
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B39/00; H05B39/04; H05B39/08; H05B39/083; H05B39/085; H05B39/086; H05B39/088; H05B47/00; H05B47/10; H05B47/175; H05B47/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 101
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
A system to control electrical power from a source, through a plurality of three-way controls, to corresponding loads, comprising, in combination: (a) electrically-operable three-way switch means for connecting and disconnecting said source through said three-way controls to said corresponding loads, and (b) master control means to provide a signal to said switch means to determine the power provided to said load, whereby power to each of said loads is selectably controlled by said master control means or said corresponding three-way controls.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
81 words
A system to control electrical power from a source, through a plurality of three-way controls, to corresponding loads, comprising, in combination: (a) electrically-operable three-way switch means for connecting and disconnecting said source through said three-way controls to said corresponding loads, and (b) master control means to provide a signal to said switch means to determine the power provided to said load, whereby power to each of said loads is selectably controlled by said master control means or said corresponding three-way controls.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of three-way controls comprises a three-way dimmer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said master control means comprises means for indicating the power delivered to said loads.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising a second master control means for controlling power to said loads.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said master control means comprises a wireless transmitter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
10 words
The system of claim 5 wherein said signal is infrared.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 6 further comprising a second master control means for controlling power to said loads.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said master control means is adapted to independently control the power delivered to each of said loads.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 8 wherein said plurality of three-way controls comprises a three-way dimmer.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 8 wherein said master control means is adapted to substantially simultaneously turn on or off the power delivered to said loads.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said master control means is adapted to substantially simultaneously turn on or off the power delivered to said loads.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 11 wherein said switch means comprises a three-way relay.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said master control means comprises push-button actuators.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 13 wherein said master control means is adapted to independently control the power delivered to each of said loads.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 14 wherein said push-button actuators are substantially arranged in an array, each of said actuators corresponding to one or more of said loads.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said master control means comprises means for indicating the power delivered to said loads.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising a second master control means for controlling power to said loads.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
10 words
The system of claim 17 wherein said signal is infrared.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said master control means further comprises dimming means for controlling the power delivered to each of said loads.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said master control means further comprises means for disabling said three-way controls.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
10 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said signal is infrared.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said signal is a momentary switch closure.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 22 wherein said master control means comprises push-button actuators.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said switch means comprises a three-way relay.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 24 wherein said relay means comprises a latching alternate-action relay.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said switch means comprises a controllably conductive device.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 26 wherein said controllably conductive device comprises a thyristor.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 26 wherein said controllably conductive device is optically coupled to said master control means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said switch means and said master control means are contained in a single housing.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
89 words
A system to control electrical power from a source, through a plurality of three-way controls, to corresponding loads, comprising, in combination: (a) electrically-operable three-way switch means for connecting and disconnecting said source through said three-way controls to said corresponding loads, and (b) a plurality of master control means, each to provide a signal to said switch means to determine the power provided to each of said loads, whereby power to each of said loads is selectably controlled by said plurality of master control means or said corresponding three-way controls.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
89 words
A system to control electrical power from a source, through a plurality of three-way controls, to corresponding loads, comprising, in combination: (a) electrically-operable three-way switch means for connecting and disconnecting said source through said three-way controls to said corresponding loads, and (b) a plurality of master control means, each to provide a signal to said switch means to determine the power provided to each of said loads, whereby power to each of said loads is selectably controlled by said plurality of master control means or said corresponding three-way controls.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 30 wherein said plurality of three-way controls comprises a three-way dimmer.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 31 wherein said switch means comprises a three-way relay.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 30 wherein said master control means comprises a wireless transmitter.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
10 words
The system of claim 33 wherein said signal is infrared.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 30 wherein said master control means is adapted to substantially simultaneously turn on or off the power delivered to said loads.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 35 wherein said plurality of three-way controls comprises a three-way dimmer.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 30 wherein said master control means comprises means for indicating the power delivered to said loads.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 37 wherein said plurality of three-way controls comprises a three-way dimmer.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
10 words
The system of claim 30 wherein said signal is infrared.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 30 wherein said signal is a momentary switch closure.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 40 wherein said switch means comprises a three-way relay.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 30 wherein said switch means comprises a three-way relay.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 42 wherein said master control means is adapted to substantially simultaneously turn on or off the power delivered to said loads.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 30 wherein said master control means is adapted to independently control the power delivered to each of said loads.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 44 wherein said master control means is adapted to substantially simultaneously turn on or off the power delivered to said loads.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 45 wherein said master control means comprises means for indicating the power delivered to said loads.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
95 words
A system to control electrical power from a source, through a plurality of three-way controls, to corresponding loads, comprising, in combination: (a) electrically-operable three-way switch means for connecting and disconnecting said source through said three-way controls to said corresponding loads, (b) master control means to provide a signal to said switch means to determine the power provided to each of said loads, and (c) means for sensing the power provided to each of said loads, whereby power to each of said loads is selectably controlled by said master control means or said corresponding three-way controls.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
95 words
A system to control electrical power from a source, through a plurality of three-way controls, to corresponding loads, comprising, in combination: (a) electrically-operable three-way switch means for connecting and disconnecting said source through said three-way controls to said corresponding loads, (b) master control means to provide a signal to said switch means to determine the power provided to each of said loads, and (c) means for sensing the power provided to each of said loads, whereby power to each of said loads is selectably controlled by said master control means or said corresponding three-way controls.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 47 wherein said plurality of three-way controls comprises a three-way dimmer.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 48 wherein said master control means comprises means for indicating the power delivered to said loads.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 47 wherein said master control means is adapted to substantially simultaneously turn on or off the power delivered to said loads.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 50 wherein said switch means comprises a three-way relay.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 47 wherein said master control means comprises means for indicating the power delivered to said loads.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 52 wherein said power sensing means comprises a relay coil.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 52 wherein said power sensing means comprises an optically coupled device.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 47 further comprising a second master control means for controlling power to said loads.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 55 wherein said power sensing means comprises an optically coupled device.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 47 wherein said signal is a momentary switch closure.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 57 wherein said master control means is adapted to substantially simultaneously turn on or off the power delivered to said loads.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 47 wherein said power sensing means comprises an impedance device electrically connected in series with said load.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 59 wherein said plurality of three-way controls comprises a three-way dimmer.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 47 wherein said power sensing means comprises a current transformer.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 47 wherein said power sensing means comprises an optically coupled device.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 62 wherein said plurality of three-way controls comprises a three-way dimmer.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 47 wherein said power sensing means comprises means for sensing the state of said switch means.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 47 wherein said power sensing means comprises a relay coil.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 47 wherein said switch means comprises a three-way relay.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 66 wherein said power sensing means comprises a relay coil.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 47 wherein said master control means is adapted to independently control the power delivered to each of said loads.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 68 wherein said master control means is adapted to substantially simultaneously turn on or off the power delivered to said loads.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 69 wherein said master control means comprises means for indicating the power delivered to said loads.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
165 words
Apparatus for controlling the connection of electrical power from a source to a plurality of loads, comprising: (a) three-way switch means between the source and the loads, said three-way switch means being operatively associated with corresponding loads and selectably switchable between first and second states, (b) electrically-operable three-way switch means between the source and the three-way switch means associated with the loads, said electrically-operable three-way switch means being selectably switchable between first and second states, the first and second states of the electrically operable switch means corresponding to the first and second states of the switch means associated with the loads, such that power is connected to a corresponding load when both switch means are in the same state and is disconnected from the load otherwise, and (c) master control means for selectably switching the electrically-operable switch means between said first and second states, whereby power to the loads is selectably controlled by the master control means and the switch means associated with the loads.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
165 words
Apparatus for controlling the connection of electrical power from a source to a plurality of loads, comprising: (a) three-way switch means between the source and the loads, said three-way switch means being operatively associated with corresponding loads and selectably switchable between first and second states, (b) electrically-operable three-way switch means between the source and the three-way switch means associated with the loads, said electrically-operable three-way switch means being selectably switchable between first and second states, the first and second states of the electrically operable switch means corresponding to the first and second states of the switch means associated with the loads, such that power is connected to a corresponding load when both switch means are in the same state and is disconnected from the load otherwise, and (c) master control means for selectably switching the electrically-operable switch means between said first and second states, whereby power to the loads is selectably controlled by the master control means and the switch means associated with the loads.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 71 wherein said three-way switch means associated with said loads comprise three-way dimmers.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 71 wherein said master control means comprises a wireless transmitter.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 71 wherein said master control means includes means for independently controlling the power delivered to each of said loads.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 74 wherein said master control means includes means for turning on or off the power delivered to said loads substantially simultaneously.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 71 wherein said master control means includes means for turning on or off the power delivered to said loads substantially simultaneously.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 71 wherein said master control means further comprises dimming means for controlling the power delivered to said loads.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 71 wherein said master control means further comprises means for disabling said three-way controls.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
170 words
Apparatus for controlling the connection of electrical power from a source to a plurality of loads, comprising: (a) three-way switch means between the source and the loads, said three-way switch means being operatively associated with corresponding loads and selectably switchable between first and second states, (b) electrically-operable three-way switch means between the source and the three-way switch means associated with the loads, said electrically-operable three-way switch means being selectably switchable between first and second states, the first and second states of the electrically operable switch means corresponding to the first and second states of the switch means associated with the loads, such that power is connected to a corresponding load when both switch means are in the same state and is disconnected from the load otherwise, and (c) a plurality of master control means for selectably switching the electrically-operable switch means between said first and second states, whereby power to the loads is selectably controlled by the plurality of master control means and the switch means associated with the loads.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
170 words
Apparatus for controlling the connection of electrical power from a source to a plurality of loads, comprising: (a) three-way switch means between the source and the loads, said three-way switch means being operatively associated with corresponding loads and selectably switchable between first and second states, (b) electrically-operable three-way switch means between the source and the three-way switch means associated with the loads, said electrically-operable three-way switch means being selectably switchable between first and second states, the first and second states of the electrically operable switch means corresponding to the first and second states of the switch means associated with the loads, such that power is connected to a corresponding load when both switch means are in the same state and is disconnected from the load otherwise, and (c) a plurality of master control means for selectably switching the electrically-operable switch means between said first and second states, whereby power to the loads is selectably controlled by the plurality of master control means and the switch means associated with the loads.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 79 wherein said three-way switch means associated with said loads comprise three-way dimmers.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 80 wherein said switch means comprise three-way relays.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 79 wherein said master control means comprise a wireless transmitter.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 79 wherein said master control means includes means for turning on or off the power delivered to said loads substantially simultaneously.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 79 wherein said switch means associated with said loads comprise three-way relays.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 79 wherein each of said master control means include means for independently controlling the power delivered to said loads.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 85 wherein said master control means includes means for turning on or off the power delivered to said loads substantially simultaneously.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
177 words
Apparatus for controlling the connection of electrical power from a source to a plurality of loads, comprising: (a) three-way switch means between the source and the loads, said three-way switch means being operatively associated with corresponding loads and selectably switchable between first and second states, (b) electrically-operable three-way switch means between the source and the three-way switch means associated with the loads, said electrically-operable three-way switch means being selectably switchable between first and second states, the first and second states of the electrically operable switch means corresponding to the first and second states of the switch means associated with the loads, such that power is connected to a corresponding load when both switch means are in the same state and is disconnected from the load otherwise, (c) master control means for selectably switching the electrically-operable switch means between said first and second states, and (d) means for sensing the power provided to each of said loads, whereby power to the loads is selectably controlled by the master control means and the switch means associated with the loads.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
177 words
Apparatus for controlling the connection of electrical power from a source to a plurality of loads, comprising: (a) three-way switch means between the source and the loads, said three-way switch means being operatively associated with corresponding loads and selectably switchable between first and second states, (b) electrically-operable three-way switch means between the source and the three-way switch means associated with the loads, said electrically-operable three-way switch means being selectably switchable between first and second states, the first and second states of the electrically operable switch means corresponding to the first and second states of the switch means associated with the loads, such that power is connected to a corresponding load when both switch means are in the same state and is disconnected from the load otherwise, (c) master control means for selectably switching the electrically-operable switch means between said first and second states, and (d) means for sensing the power provided to each of said loads, whereby power to the loads is selectably controlled by the master control means and the switch means associated with the loads.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 87 wherein said master control means includes means for turning on or off the power delivered to said loads substantially simultaneously.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 87 wherein said switch means associated with said loads comprise three-way relays.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 87 wherein said power sensing means comprises a relay coil.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 87 wherein said power sensing means comprises an optically coupled device.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 87 further comprising a second master control means for controlling power to said loads.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 87 wherein said power sensing means comprises an impedance device electrically connected in series with said loads.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 87 wherein said power sensing means comprises a current transformer.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 87 wherein said power sensing means comprises means for sensing the state of said switch means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-12-08 | 1996-06-08 | 1996-12-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-12-08 | 2000-06-08 | 2000-12-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-12-08 | 2004-06-08 | 2004-12-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |