The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 23, 1993
Filed:
Oct. 04, 1991
Michael J D'Aleo, Erwinna, PA (US);
Richard J Kwiatkowski, Allentown, PA (US);
Michael J Rowen, Center Valley, PA (US);
Lutron Electronics Co., Inc., Coopersburg, PA (US);
Abstract
A system to control power from a source to a load consists of a cover plate, a touch-operable device that is mounted behind a flexible area on the cover plate, and a power control circuit that responds in accordance with a signal generated by the touch-operable device. The system is operated by touching a point within the flexible area of the cover plate to activate the device. In a preferred embodiment, the system provides power over a continuous range of values, depending on the particular point at which the device is activated. Alternatively, the system operates as a switch, alternately turning power on or off when any point on the flexible area is touched. The control circuit preferably includes an electronically adjustable voltage divider. The system is well-adapted to permit control of power to a load from multiple locations. The appearance of the front surface of the cover plate can be dictated entirely by aesthetic considerations and can, if desired, be entirely featureless.