Load control device having a visual indication of energy savings and usage information
US8274233B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2010 |
| Grant date | Sep 25, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B20/40
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A dimmer switch for controlling the amount of power delivered to and thus the intensity of a lighting load comprises a visual display operable to provide a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information. The dimmer switch comprises an intensity adjustment actuator, such as a slider knob or a rotary knob, which may be coupled to a potentiometer for adjusting the amount of power delivered to the lighting load. The potentiometer may comprise a dual potentiometer including a resistive element and a conductive element having a cut. The visual display may comprise a single visual indicator, which may be illuminated a first color, such as green, when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the eco-level intensity, and illuminated a second different color, such as red, when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the eco-level intensity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.