Universal control apparatus and methods
US7400239B2 · kind B2 · utility
108Cited by
25References
46Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 2, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S20/14
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for control of one or more functions within a premises. In one embodiment, the control apparatus comprises a “universal” electronic switch which can be configured according to any number of different desired functional and/or aesthetic schemes. The apparatus uses removable and replaceable control elements which are purely mechanical in nature, thereby allowing consolidation of all electrical functions within the parent control module. An improved control circuit including thermal overload protection is also disclosed, as are methods of operating and manufacturing the apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.