Importance

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Abstract

Disclosed is a control circuit for dual function electrical appliances such as multi-speed ceiling fans having light fixtures. The circuit uses the hot line of a cable to carry power to the appliance and to carry two distanct signals for remote control thereof. A two button switch intercepts the hot line at a convenient position and provides means for selectively half-wave rectifying AC current therein. Two independent signals, positive and negative pulses, are produced at the two button switch and transmitted to the appliance through the hot line of the cable. These signals are received in control circuitry within the appliance housing which senses the pulses, identifies whether each pulse is positive or negative and counts the number of pulses in both the positive and negative phase caused by toggling the two button switch. Signals are processed in the control circuitry to switch different functions within the dual function appliance and the number of pulses are counted to provide switches to different operational states within either of the two functions. In the ceiling fan embodiment illustrated, pulses in the positive phase control light and pulses in the negative phase control the motor and differing counts of negative pulses trip various combinations of relays to provide a plurality of motor speeds.

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First Claim