Automatic light switch with manual override

An automatic switch control includes a wheel member having a cam member with a ramp surface. A first plunger mechanism has a first spring member that is operable to urge a first cam follower into sliding engagement with the ramp surface. A second plunger mechanism has a second spring member that is operable to urge a second cam follower into sliding engagement with the ramp surface. The second plunger mechanism is disposed on an opposite side of the toggle from the first plunger mechanism when the automatic switch control is installed over the switch. An electric motor is operable to rotate the cam member to position the first plunger mechanism in a retracted condition and to position the second plunger mechanism in an extended condition that is operable to move the toggle to the on position.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to an automatic switch control and more particularly relates to an automatic switch control and related method for automatically actuating a switch, while permitting motion of a toggle by the switch or manually by a user.

BACKGROUND

Modern consumers are increasingly aware of technological advancements relating to maintenance and operation of their homes and businesses. Increasingly popular advancements involve controlling various devices through automation. Automation allows the consumer to control the various devices without physically contacting any such device.

A conventional light switch for example can include a toggle that opens and closes a circuit of the light switch between a power source and a light fixture. When the toggle of the light switch is in an off position, the circuit between the power source and the light fixture is open and no electricity is delivered to the light fixture. When the toggle is in an on position, the switch closes the circuit and electricity is delivered to the light fixture. In between the off position and the on position, the toggle can define a transition area where when left in this area, the toggle will retreat to the closest of the off position or the on position due to a spring in the light switch. There is also a middle position in the transition area where the spring is unable to cause the retreat of the toggle. The toggle can also be moved to positions that are immediately adjacent to the middle position where electrical contact is just barely made and undesirably tease the electrical connection but the switch is still unable to cause the toggle to retreat to either the on position or the off position.

SUMMARY

The present teachings generally include an automatic switch control that fits over a switch on a wall to move a toggle of the switch between an on position and an off position. The automatic switch control generally includes a housing and a wheel member rotatably supported by the housing. The wheel member has a cam member with a ramp surface. An electric motor is operable to rotate the wheel member about an axis of rotation that is generally perpendicular to the wall. A first plunger mechanism has a first spring member that is operable to urge a first cam follower into sliding engagement with the ramp surface. A second plunger mechanism has a second spring member that is operable to urge a second cam follower into sliding engagement with the ramp surface. The second plunger mechanism is disposed on an opposite side of the toggle from the first plunger mechanism when the automatic switch control is installed over the switch. The electric motor is operable to rotate the cam member to position the first plunger mechanism in a retracted condition and to position the second plunger mechanism in an extended condition that is operable to move the toggle to the on position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present teachings, their application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

With reference toFIG. 1andFIG. 2, an automatic switch control10can be mounted on a wall20of a room22. The automatic switch control10can connect to the wall20over a switch plate24that can already be installed over a switch26having a toggle28, as is known in the art. The automatic switch control10can turn the switch26on and off by moving the toggle28to an on position (e.g.,FIG. 2) and an off position (e.g.,FIG. 3), respectively. As described herein, a user30can rely on the automatic switch control10to move the toggle28to the on position or the off position in response to one or more signals and/or circumstances (singular or in combination) that can be sensed by the automatic switch control10. Further, responses by the automatic switch control10based on the one or more signals and/or circumstances can be programmed and re-programmed by the user30. The many signals and/or circumstances can include but are not limited to the detection or lack of detection of motion, heat, sound, ambient light, expiration of time, a signal from a wireless transmitter, and/or a signal from a computer network.

The automatic switch control10can be used with a second automatic switch control40with switches ganged next to one another. For example, the automatic switch control10and the automatic switch control40can both be mounted to the switch plate24and the automatic switch control40can control a toggle (not shown) of a switch42in a similar fashion to the automatic switch control10. The automatic switch control10can be mounted over the switch plate24to interface with the switch26on the wall20and the automatic switch control40can also be mounted on the switch plate24to interface with the switch42, or vice versa. The automatic switch control10and the automatic switch control40can be mounted in a generally horizontal fashion and provide access to a switch50that can be in between the switch26and the switch42. It will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that the automatic switch control10,40can be installed over a single switch or multiple switches in a multi-switch installation such as a three-gang switch installation54, a two-gang switch installation56, or a single switch installation58(FIG. 2).

The automatic switch control10and the automatic switch control40can be installed in an abutting relationship when installed over the switch26and the switch44that are already installed adjacent to another or can be installed spaced from one another when the switch26and the switch50are similarly spaced from one another. The automatic switch control10and the automatic switch control40can be installed over one or more switches26,44,50in the three-gang switch installation54and in doing so can be shown to maintain access to the one or more switches that do not have the automatic switch control10installed over it, e.g., the switch50as illustrated inFIG. 1.

With reference toFIG. 5throughFIG. 11, the toggle28on the switch26can have a range of motion60that can be bounded by the on position (e.g.,FIG. 6) and on an opposite side bounded by the off position (e.g.,FIG. 8). The range of motion60can define an entirety of an area in which the toggle28can move between the on position and off position. The switch26can also have a middle position62(FIG. 11) between the on position and the off position. The switch26, using a spring or suitable flexible member (not shown), can complete movement of the toggle28to the on position or to the off position. As such, the user30need not move the toggle28completely to the on position or completely to the off position because it can be shown that the user30can leave the toggle28in one of two intermediate positions. The first intermediate position can be a portion of the area of the range of motion60between the middle position62and the on position. The second intermediate position can be a portion of the area of the range of motion60between the middle position62and the off position. It can be shown that when the toggle28is left in either the first intermediate position or the second intermediate position, the switch26can return the toggle28to the on position or the off position, respectively, without leaving the toggle28in the middle position62.

While a portion of the area in the range of motion60that defines the middle position62is relatively small, leaving the toggle28in or near the middle position62can be shown to leave the switch26undesirably unable to complete the motion of the toggle28to the on position or the off position. In this regard, the automatic switch control10when installed over the switch26can be shown to move the toggle28to the on position and the off position but not leave the toggle28in the middle position62of the switch26. By not leaving the toggle28in the middle position62, the automatic switch control10can be shown to not leave the toggle28in the positions adjacent the middle position that could undesirably tease the connections of the switch26. To the end, the automatic switch control10, when installed over the switch26, can also be shown to move the toggle28completely to the on position or to the first intermediate position that results in the switch26under its own power moving the toggle28to the on position. Also, the switch26under its own power can move the toggle28to completely the off position or to the second intermediate position that results in the toggle28being moved to the off position by the switch26.

The automatic switch control10, when not moving the toggle28, can be shown to permit the user30to manually move the toggle28because the automatic switch control10is not engaged with the toggle28of the switch26to such an extent that manual movement would not be possible. In various examples, being disengaged from the toggle28can include completely avoiding contact with the toggle28when not moving the toggle28under the control of the automatic switch control. Being disengaged from the toggle28can also include having a portion of the automatic switch control10moving with the toggle28(e.g.: a yoke member602shown inFIG. 22), but this portion is otherwise disengaged from its respective drive mechanism and is able to move manually with the toggle28. Being disengaged from the toggle28can further include having a portion of the automatic switch control10continue to move after it moves the toggle28so as to move to position that is no longer engaged with the toggle28to, in turn, permit manual movement of the toggle28.

With reference toFIG. 2,FIG. 3, andFIG. 4, the automatic switch control10can include a housing70having a front shell member72and a rear shell member74that can be secured together. The rear shell member74can connect to the switch plate24so the toggle28of the switch26can partially protrude through an aperture76formed in the rear shell member74. The front shell member72can include a sensor housing80and a cover member82. The cover member82can be pivotally mounted to the front shell member72. The cover member82can be opened, and in doing so, can be pivoted away from the front shell member72. When the cover member82is opened, the cover member82can reveal a holder member84that can hold one or more batteries or other suitable power source that can provide electrical power to the automatic switch control10. The cover member82, when opened, can also reveal a first input mechanism86and a second input mechanism88that the user30can use to modify functionality of the automatic switch control10as desired.

The front shell member72of the housing70can define an aperture90through which a portion of a manual actuator member92can protrude. The manual actuator member92can connect to the toggle28at a connection point94and can urge the toggle28between the on position and the off position. The connection point94between the manual actuator member92and the toggle28can be located entirely inside the housing70when the automatic switch control10is installed on the switch26. In this regard, the connection point94is not visible to the user30when the automatic switch control10is installed on the switch26. A portion of the manual actuator member92that can protrude from an aperture96formed on the front shell member72can include a handle portion98. The handle portion98can be grasped by the user30to move the toggle28with the manual actuator member92through the entire range of motion60of the toggle28.

With reference toFIG. 4, the sensor housing80can contain one or more sensor modules behind a lens member100. The sensors can be used to detect, for example, motion, heat, ambient light, a signal from a wireless transmitter. The sensor housing80can also cover one or more light emitting modules102that can be used to indicate to the user30the detection or the lack thereof of motion, heat, ambient light, expiration of time, the signal from the wireless transmitter and/or the signal from the computer network. The light emitting module102can be a suitable light emitting diode that can be connected to a board member104that can be secured in the sensor housing80. The light emitting modules102can also emit light to indicate to the user30that voltage can be low in the automatic switch control10such that further operation is best accomplished with replacement of the batteries. The light emitting modules102can also emit light to indicate to the user30that power consumption in the automatic switch control10is indicative of a jammed condition. In a jammed condition, the automatic switch control10can stop attempting to move the toggle28and with the light emitting modules102can indicate to the user that the jammed condition is present.

A blocker member106can be disposed over the lens member100in the sensor housing80to obscure a view of the one or more sensors inside the sensor housing80. The blocker member106can be placed behind the sensor housing80in the housing70or can be connected to the sensor housing80outside of the housing70. The user30can selectively move the blocker member106to change what views through the lens member100can be obscured by the blocker member106.

With reference toFIG. 3, the rear shell member74of the housing70includes four apertures110that can accept fasteners112that can be used to secure the front shell member72of the housing70to the rear shell member74. The rear shell member74can also define a mounting plate aperture114that can be recessed (partially or wholly) in a rear surface116of the rear shell member74. The mounting plate aperture114can receive a mounting plate member118that can have connector members120that can secure the mounting plate member118to the rear shell member74. The mounting plate member118can include four of the connector members120that can each include a clip122. The clips122can releasably connect the connector members120to apertures124located in the mounting plate aperture114to connect the mounting plate member118to the rear shell member74. The mounting plate member118can define an aperture126that can cooperate with the aperture76formed in the rear shell member74to accept the toggle28from the switch26.

With reference toFIG. 2andFIG. 4, a front surface128of the rear shell member74of the housing70, can rotatably support a wheel member130that can spin around an axis of rotation132. The axis of rotation132of the wheel member130can be generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis134of the automatic switch control10. The wheel member130can be disposed on the rear shell member74so that the wheel member130can be directly above the toggle28when the automatic switch control10is installed to the switch26.

With reference toFIG. 4, the wheel member130can include gear teeth136. The gear teeth136can be circumferentially spaced on an outer periphery138of the wheel member130. The gear teeth136on the wheel member130can mesh with a gear assembly140. A worm drive142can connect to the gear assembly140to rotate the wheel member130about the axis of rotation132. The worm drive142and the gear assembly140can be positioned on a frame member144that can be formed from or be connected to the rear shell member74.

The worm drive142can include an output shaft150that can be selectively rotated by an electric motor152controlled by the automatic switch control10. The output shaft150can have gear teeth154and can engage the gear assembly140. The output shaft150can be positioned to be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis134of the automatic switch control10and can also be generally parallel to a direction of travel defined by the range of motion60of the toggle28.

With reference toFIG. 4, the drive member of the output shaft150can connect to a first gear member160. The first gear member160can include a first periphery162having gear teeth164that engage with the output shaft150. For example, the first gear member160can be a round spur gear that can connect to the output shaft150that can have longitudinally arranged helical gear teeth. The first gear member160can also include a second periphery170having gear teeth172that can engage with a first periphery180on a second gear member182. The second gear member182can include a second periphery184that can have gear teeth186. The second periphery184of the second gear member182can engage a first periphery190on a third gear member192. The first periphery190on the third gear member192can have gear teeth194that can mesh with the gear teeth186on the second periphery184of the second gear member182and can also mesh with the gear teeth136on the wheel member130.

The gear members160,182,192can be rotatably supported by the frame member144that is connected to the housing70. Each of the gear members160,182,192can define an axis of rotation200,202,204, respectively, that can be parallel to the axis of rotation132. The frame member144can cooperate with the rear shell member74to form a housing206around the electric motor152. The wheel member130can have a front surface210and a rear surface212. When the automatic switch control10is installed over the switch26, the rear surface212of the wheel member130can face the toggle28of the switch26. The front surface210of the wheel member130can include a cam member214that can be located on an opposite side of the wheel member130from the toggle28of the switch26.

The cam member214can define a ramp surface216. The ramp surface216can include a round portion218that can continuously connect with a flat portion220. In this regard, a total of 360 degrees of rotation of the ramp surface216can include the flat portion220, a transition222between the flat portion220and the round portion218, the round portion218, and a transition224between the round portion218and the flat portion220. Distances can be defined between circumferential positions on ramp surface216and the axis of rotation132. These distances can vary at different circumferential positions of the wheel member130. Put another way, the physical distance between the axis of rotation132and the ramp surface216remains constant, but an observer watching rotation of the wheel member130from a fixed location away from the axis of rotation132can observe the ramp surface216advancing toward them during the round portion218and then retreating away from them during the flat portion220.

A first plunger mechanism230can be disposed above the wheel member130and a second plunger mechanism232can be disposed beneath the wheel member130. The wheel member130can be disposed above the toggle28of the switch26when the automatic switch control10is installed on the switch26. When the automatic switch control10is installed on the switch26, the first plunger mechanism230can be disposed immediately above the on position of the toggle28and can thus move the toggle28of the switch26to the off position. The second plunger mechanism232can be disposed immediately below the off position of the toggle28and thus can move the toggle28of the switch26to the on position. The first plunger mechanism230and the second plunger mechanism232can be in vertical alignment with each other, with the longitudinal axis134and with the toggle28of the switch26, when the automatic switch control10is installed over the switch26.

The first plunger mechanism230can include a post member234having a head portion236and a cam follower238. The first plunger mechanism230can also include a spring member240that can connect the post member234to a mechanism housing242having a stop member244. The spring member240can urge the post member234from a retracted condition to an extended condition. The spring member240can bias the post member234toward the toggle28of the switch26and toward the second plunger mechanism232. The cam follower238of the post member234can ride the ramp surface216of the cam member214as the wheel member130rotates. By riding the round portion218of the ramp surface216, the cam follower238can urge the post member234of the first plunger mechanism230to the retracted condition. In doing so, the automatic switch control10can load (or further load) the spring member240When the cam follower238encounters the flat portion220, the flat portion220of the ramp surface216can also permit the first plunger mechanism230to move to the extended condition and unload the spring member240.

The second plunger mechanism232can include a post member250having a head portion252and a cam follower254. The second plunger mechanism232can also include a spring member256that connects the post member250to the mechanism housing242having a stop member258. The spring member256can urge the post member250from a retracted condition to an extended condition. The spring member256can bias the post member250toward the toggle28of the switch26and toward the first plunger mechanism230. The cam follower254of the second plunger mechanism232can also ride the ramp surface216of the cam member214as the wheel member130rotates. By riding the ramp surface216, the cam follower254can urge the post member250of the second plunger mechanism232to the retracted condition and load the spring member256. When the cam follower254encounters the flat portion220, the flat portion220of the ramp surface216can also permit the second plunger mechanism232to move to the extended condition and unload the spring member256.

In this arrangement, the distance between the ramp surface216of the cam member214and the axis of rotation132of the wheel member130can control the position of the post members234,250of the first and second plunger mechanisms230,232. With reference toFIG. 6andFIG. 7, the wheel member130can be in a rotational position where a maximum distance between the ramp surface216and the axis of rotation132can be disposed immediately beneath the first plunger mechanism230to keep the post member234of the first plunger mechanism230in the retracted condition. With reference toFIG. 8andFIG. 9, the wheel member130can continue to rotate and be in a rotational position where a minimum distance between the ramp surface216and the axis of rotation132can be disposed immediately beneath the first plunger mechanism230. Because the flat portion220of the ramp surface216continues to rotate out of an obstructing position with the cam follower238, the cam follower238can be free to fall along the along the flat portion220as the spring member240can be permitted to move the post member234to the extended condition. It will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that the cam follower238can disconnect from the ramp surface216as the flat portion220rotates past the cam follower238and the post member234can be thrust toward the manual actuator member92without any obstruction from any portion of the wheel member130.

With reference toFIG. 10, the wheel member130can also be in a rotational position where the maximum distance between the ramp surface216and the axis of rotation132can be disposed immediately above the second plunger mechanism232to keep the post member250of the second plunger mechanism232in the retracted condition. With reference toFIG. 11, the wheel member130can be in a further rotational position where the minimum distance between the ramp surface216and the axis of rotation132can be disposed immediately beneath the second plunger mechanism232as the flat portion220rotates by. This can permit the spring member256to move the post member250to the extended condition because the cam follower254is not obstructed by the flat portion220of the ramp surface216.

Furthermore and with reference toFIG. 6andFIG. 10, the wheel member130can be in a rotational position where the maximum distance between the ramp surface216and the axis of rotation132can be disposed immediately beneath the first plunger mechanism230and also can be disposed immediately beneath the second plunger mechanism232to keep the first plunger mechanism230and the second plunger mechanism232in the retracted condition.

With reference toFIG. 12, the ramp surface216can be configured to relatively gradually return the first plunger mechanism230and the second plunger mechanism232to their respective retracted conditions relative to the speed at which the first and second plunger mechanisms230,232move into the extended condition. In this regard, the flat portion220of the ramp surface216can be such that from the fixed location, the distance between the ramp surface216and the axis of rotation132can quickly decrease as the wheel member130rotates. After the flat portion220, a rate at which the distance increases for the round portion218of the ramp surface216can be slower compared to a rate at which the distance decreases over the flat portion220. As such, the automatic switch control10can move the post members234,250of the first and second plunger mechanisms230,232, respectively, to the retracted conditions at the rate that can be relatively slower than the rate that the flat portion220of the ramp surface216can permit the post members234,250, respectively, to move to the extended condition.

With the above in mind, the flat portion220of the ramp surface216can be configured to quickly allow the first plunger mechanism230and the second plunger mechanism232to move the post members234,250, respectively to the extended condition. In doing so, the flat portion220of the ramp surface216can be rotated so that flat portion220can move to the side of the cam follower238,254(i.e., do not obstruct the cam followers) allowing the spring member240,256to push the post member234,250to the extended condition. The motion of the post member234,250can terminate as the cam follower250,254can come back into contact with the round portion218of the ramp surface216. Being able to extend past the flat portion220of the ramp surface216without obstruction from the ramp surface216can be shown to increase an impulse that is delivered by the post member234,250to the manual actuator member92and ultimately to the toggle28of the switch26. Put another way, the post members234,250of the first and second plunger mechanisms230,232, respectively, can burst out of their housing242,258to move to the extended condition when the flat portion rotates beyond the post members234,250. When the cam member214on the wheel member130moves the post member234,250back to the retracted condition, the movement back to the retracted condition can be done more slowly relative to the movement into the extended condition.

As the wheel member130can permit the first and second plunger mechanisms230,232to move into the extended condition, the post member234,250of the first and second plunger mechanisms230,232can extend toward the manual actuator member92and can strike the manual actuator member92with the head portion236,252of the first or second plunger mechanisms230,232, respectively, to move the toggle28to the on position or to the off position. It will be understood in light of the disclosure that the manual actuator member92can move with the toggle28of the switch26between the on position and the off position. This motion can be accomplished while the post member250is held in the retracted condition by the ramp surface216.

The manual actuator member92can include a front surface270and a rear surface272. The front surface270can include the handle portion98that can extend from the front surface270out of the aperture96in the front shell member72of the housing70. The rear surface272can be closer to the switch26than the front surface270when the automatic switch control10installed over the switch26. The manual actuator member92can also include a toggle mover member274that can extend from the rear surface272of the manual actuator member92. The manual actuator member92can also include a channel portion276formed in the rear surface272. The channel portion276can slidingly accept the head portion252of the second plunger mechanism232.

In addition, the post member250can define a slot portion280. The slot portion280can accept the toggle mover member274that can extend from the rear surface272of the manual actuator member92. The toggle mover member274can move in the slot portion280formed in the post member250to move the toggle28between the on position and the off position. In this arrangement, the manual actuator member92can grab the toggle28with the toggle mover member274that is in itself disposed through the slot portion280formed in the post member250. The toggle mover member274can move between the on position and the off position with the toggle28while the post member250of the second plunger mechanism232can continue to be held in the retracted condition.

With reference toFIG. 4, the post member234of the first plunger mechanism230can include a first rail member290and a second rail member292. The first rail member290can be connected to a first slide member294that can be connected to the mechanism housing242. The second rail member292can also be connected to a second slide member296that can be connected to the mechanism housing242. The first rail member290can be slidably supported by the first slide member294and the second rail member292can be slidably supported by the second slide member296. In this regard, the first slide member294and the second slide member296can permit the post member234to move in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis134between the retracted condition and the extended condition. In the extended condition, the post member234can travel down the first and second slide members294,296so the head portion236can contact the manual actuator member92to move the toggle28of the switch26to the off position.

The post member250of the second plunger mechanism232can be slidably supported by the mechanism housing242. The mechanism housing242can permit the post member250to travel in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis134between the extended condition and the retracted condition. In the extended condition, the post member250can travel upward so the head portion252can contact the manual actuator member92to move the toggle28of the switch26to the on position.

The automatic switch control10can also include a position sensor300that can be connected to the mechanism housing242and can interact with a marker302on the manual actuator member92. The position sensor300can communicate with a control module306contained in the housing70that can also control the electric motor152. For example, the position sensor300can be a two-position switch where one position can correspond to the manual actuator member92being in the on position with the toggle28, while the second position can correspond to the manual actuator member92being in the off position with the toggle28. The position sensor300can also take the form of a hall-effect sensor, a light detection sensor or other suitable position or motion detection sensors. The marker302, for example, can be a physical protrusion formed on the front surface270of the manual actuator member92that can interact with the position sensor300. By way of the above examples, the protrusion on the manual actuator member92can move the two-position switch between its first and second position to indicate whether the toggle28with the manual actuator member92connected thereto is in the off position or the on position. In a further example, the position sensor300can be implemented as two limit switches, so that one of the limit switches can detect when the toggle28is in the on position, while the other limit switch can detect when the toggle28is in the off position. By way of this example, when the toggle28is in an in-between position, i.e., a fault position, neither of the limit switches will detect the manual actuator member92and in doing so the in-between position can be detected.

The automatic switch control10can also include a position sensor310connected to the rear shell member74that can interact with a marker312and a marker314on the wheel member130. The position sensor310can also communicate with the control module306contained in the housing70. In one example, the position sensor300can be a switch that can detect the marker312,314as the marker312,314can rotate past the position sensor310. The position sensor310can also take the form of a hall-effect sensor, a light detection sensor or other suitable position or motion detection sensors. In addition, the position sensor310can be associated with the electric motor152such that information descriptive of the radial position of the wheel member130can be determined by monitoring power consumed by the electric motor.

The marker312,314can be a physical protrusion formed on the rear surface212of the wheel member130opposite the front surface210on which the cam member214resides. The marker312,314can be formed from or connected to the wheel member130and can be formed in a partial round shape that can approximate the curvature of the wheel member130. The marker312can be radially opposed to the marker314so as to be on the opposite sides of the axis of rotation132.

With reference toFIG. 4,FIG. 6, andFIG. 7, the marker312can contact the position sensor310to indicate to the control module306to stop rotation of the wheel member130in the position where the round portion218of the ramp surface216is holding both the first and the second plunger mechanisms230,232in the retracted condition. In the same position, the flat portion220of the ramp surface216can be located such that when the wheel member130begins to rotate, the flat portion220of the ramp surface216will almost immediately rotate past the cam follower238of the post member234and into an unobstructed position. This can allow the post member234to burst out and contact the manual actuator member92to move the toggle28to the off position.

With reference toFIG. 4andFIG. 10, the marker314can contact the position sensor310to indicate to the control module306to stop rotation of the wheel member130in the position where the round portion218of the ramp surface216is also holding both the first and the second plunger mechanisms230,232in the retracted condition. In this rotational position, the flat portion220can be located such that the flat portion220of the ramp surface216will almost immediately rotate past the cam follower254of the post member250. As such, the flat portion220of the ramp surface216can move into an unobstructed position that can allow the post member250to burst out and contact the manual actuator member92to move the toggle28to the on position.

With reference toFIG. 4, the sensor housing80on the housing70can contain and provide a view for one or more sensor modules. The one or more sensor modules can include a motion detecting module320, a light detecting module322, and an RF detecting module324that can be connected to the board member104. The motion detecting module320can detect motion through the lens member100on the sensor housing80. The motion detecting module320can be configured to detect motion of the user30and/or any other human individuals. The motion detecting module320can also be configured to detect motion of certain pets such as a cat330, a dog332, or other similar animals, as shown inFIG. 1.

In contrast, the automatic switch control10can be configured by the user30to ignore the motion of certain pets. With reference toFIG. 1, the user30can configure the automatic switch control10so that the motion detecting module320can, for example, detect an average size human but ignore motion of smaller animals such as the cat330and/or the dog332. In doing so, the user30can configure the automatic switch control10by selecting a threshold for size the motion detecting module320. The threshold for size for example can be about 20 pounds or about 10 kilograms. The automatic switch control10can be provided to the user30already configured with appropriate increments of size shown by numerical markings and/or appropriate icons to make it relatively easy for the user30to configure the threshold size level.

With reference toFIG. 1andFIG. 4, the motion detecting module320can be configured to detect motion in one or more ways including detecting sound waves, sound levels, heat, interruptions of light, and/or one or more combinations thereof. For example, the motion detecting module320can emit light that can be sensed by a separate sensor or reflected back to the automatic switch control10so that interruption of the light can be a proxy for motion. In other examples, the motion detecting module320can emit ultrasonic acoustic waves. A change in acoustic signature in the room22can be a proxy for motion.

In further examples, the motion detecting module320can detect changes in the infrared spectrum by sensing heat. A change in the heat levels in the room22can be a proxy for motion. In this example, the user30can configure the size threshold so that the motion detecting module320can ignore a smaller thermal mass (e.g., the cat330) but not ignore the user30. The motion detecting module320can also transmit suitable electromagnetic waves and determine the time it takes the electromagnetic waves to reflect back to the motion detecting module320. In this regard, changes in the timing of the return of the reflection of the electromagnetic wave can be a proxy for motion. To further reduce power consumption, the detection of motion can be temporarily discontinued for a certain time period or entirely once motion has been detected. The motion detection can also be discontinued temporarily to avoid too frequent turning on or turning off of the switch26. In this regard, after the automatic switch control10has moved the toggle28due detection of motion once, further detection can be delayed for a predetermined amount of time. For example, the predetermined amount of time can be thirty seconds, one minute, two minutes, five minutes, etc. Moreover, the delay of further motion detection can be set and re-set by the user30.

The automatic switch control10can also delay moving the toggle28to the off position after being recently moved to the on position by the automatic switch control10. In doing so, the automatic switch control10can ignore any inputs for a delay period that would otherwise cause the automatic switch control10to move the toggle to the off position. For example, the delay period can be thirty seconds, one minute, two minutes, five minutes, etc. Moreover, the delay period can be set and re-set by the user30.

The light detecting module322can detect an ambient light level in the room. Light from a room light such as a lamp340or wall lights342can contribute to the ambient light level as well as light from windows344in the room22. The automatic switch control10can be configured by the user30to detect or ignore the ambient light level. The automatic switch control10can also be configured by the user30to set a threshold for the ambient light level and whether to ignore other inputs to move the toggle28of the switch26. The inputs can be ignored for a certain time period or entirely when the ambient light level is above the threshold. For example, when the light detecting module322detects the ambient light level as being higher than the threshold, the automatic switch control10can ignore signals from other sensor modules that would result in turning the switch26on by moving the toggle28to the on position when the automatic switch control10is installed. Put another way, the light detecting module322can cause the automatic switch control10to ignore a signal to turn on the switch26when connected to one or more lights in the room because the room22is already full of light.

The automatic switch control10can further be configured by the user30to set a threshold for the ambient light level that when exceeded can cause the automatic switch control10to move the toggle28to the off position. For example, when the light detecting module322detects the ambient light level as being higher than the threshold, the automatic switch control10can move the toggle28to the off position because the room22is already full of light and any additional lights to which the automatic switch control10could be connected would not be needed.

The RF detecting module324can detect radio frequency communications from one or more remote devices to cause the automatic switch control10to move the toggle28of the switch26. For example, the user30can use a remote control346. With the remote control346, the user30can command the automatic switch control10to turn the switch26to the on position or to the off position. The remote control346can be configured so that one input from the user30can cause the automatic switch control10to move the toggle28to the opposite position. In this regard, the user30can use the input (e.g., a button) on the remote control346to turn on or turn off the switch26. Other devices that can communicate with the automatic switch control10via a radio frequency with the RF detecting module324can include additional remote sensors such as separate motion detecting modules and/or separate light detecting modules placed at remote locations around the room22relative to the automatic switch control10. Additional suitable RF devices are disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,372,355 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/115,797 which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

With reference toFIG. 3andFIG. 4, a third input mechanism336and a fourth input mechanism338(FIG. 3) along with the first input mechanism86and the second input mechanism88(FIG. 4) can be set and re-set by the user30(FIG. 1) to control how the automatic switch control10works and responds including the delays for motion and threshold levels for ambient light detection. The input mechanisms86,88,336,338can be directly accessed by the user30or accessed remotely through a wired or wireless connection but still provide the same functionality as operating the input mechanisms86,88,336,338directly, as discussed herein. The input mechanisms86,88,336,338can be two-position or multi-position switches or switch wheels.

One of the input mechanisms, for example fourth input mechanism338, can be operable to switch polarity of the automatic switch control10. By being able to switch the polarity, the switch26can be already mounted upside-down, such that the off position is actually positioned in the top position and not the bottom position. Without requiring removal and re-installation of the switch26, the automatic switch control10can be re-configured by the user30with the fourth input mechanism338to accommodate such an upside-down installation of the switch26. By way of this example, the first input mechanism86can control the time that the automatic switch control10stays in the on position before returning to the off position after the detection of motion.

The second input mechanism88can control the time that the automatic switch control10can ignore the lack of motion. As such, the automatic switch control10can wait the amount of time set be the second input mechanism before the automatic switch control10responds to such lack of motion and moves the toggle28to the off position. In this regard, the automatic switch control10can turn lights on in the room22when motion is detected and keep the lights on for the time period set by the second input mechanism88. Upon expiration of the time period, the automatic switch control10can then turn the lights off. The third input mechanism336can control the ambient light level at which the automatic switch control10can ignore a command to turn on the switch26to avoid adding additional unwanted light to the room22. Moreover, the automatic switch control10can move the toggle to the off position based on the ambient light level that can be set by the third input mechanism336.

With references toFIG. 6throughFIG. 12, a progression of the rotation of the wheel member130is illustrated as the wheel member130can permit movement of the first and the second plunger mechanisms230,232to move the toggle28of the switch26between the on position and the off position. InFIG. 6andFIG. 7, the wheel member130can be positioned so the round portion218of the ramp surface216can contact and hold the cam followers238,254of the post members234,250in the retracted condition. The toggle28of the switch26can be connected to the toggle mover member274and the toggle28can be in the on position.

As the wheel member130rotates, the ramp surface216of the cam member214can be in the position so that the flat portion220of the ramp surface216can be almost at the cam follower238inFIG. 6andFIG. 7. As the wheel member130rotates further, the ramp surface216of the cam member214can be in the position so that the flat portion220of the ramp surface216can rotate past the cam follower238and into a position that does not obstruct the cam follower238. This position of the ramp surface216can allow the first plunger mechanism230to extend the post member234toward the manual actuator member92without obstruction from the wheel member130. The head portion236on the post member234can strike the manual actuator member92and can move the toggle28from the off position to the on position. Because the toggle28has been moved to the off position from the on position, the switch26can turn off to whatever the switch may be connected.

The wheel member130can continue to rotate in a clockwise direction and the cam follower238,254can follow the ramp surface216to return the post member234,250to retracted condition as illustrated inFIG. 10. The toggle28can remain in the off position. FromFIG. 10toFIG. 11, the wheel member130can rotate and the ramp surface216of the cam member214can be positioned so that the flat portion220of the ramp surface216can just rotate past the cam follower254and can move to a position that does not obstruct the cam follower254. This position of the wheel member130can allow the second plunger mechanism232to extend the post member250toward the manual actuator member92. The head portion252on the post member250can strike the manual actuator member92and can move the manual actuator member92and the toggle28from the off position to the on position. Because the toggle28has been moved to the on position from the off position, the switch26can turn on to whatever the switch may be connected. InFIG. 12, the wheel member130can continue to rotate and the round portion218of the ramp surface216can move to the position and can thus hold the post members234,250in the retracted condition.

With reference toFIG. 13, the automatic switch control10can be installed on the wall20that can terminate into a hallway350. The hallway350can be defined by a wall352that can bound the same room22as the wall20. The hallway350can also be defined by a wall354that is opposite the wall352. The motion detecting module320(FIG. 4) can receive electromagnetic waves to determine when there is motion in the room22. It will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that the motion detecting module320can be configured to only receive electromagnetic waves or can be configured to emit and to receive electromagnetic waves. The blocker member106, however, can be disposed in the sensor housing80to block a portion of the lens member100and therefore can limit a field of view358of the motion detecting module320. For example, the blocker member106can prevent the motion detecting module320from detecting motion in the hallway350because the blocker member106can limit the field of view358to omit the hallway350. It will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that the blocker member106can be moved to various locations in the sensor housing80and can selectively limit the field of view358of the motion detecting module320. In doing so, the user30can avoid the detection of motion in areas of the room22, where such detection may not be wanted such as the hallway350, the window344, a location where the dog332sleeps, etc.

While the automatic switch control10can be controlled by detection or lack of detection of motion, heat, sound, ambient light, expiration of time, or a signal from a wireless transmitter, the automatic switch control10can also be controlled by the user30communicating with the automatic switch control10via the internet such as through an internet protocol address. In doing so, the user30can directly interface with and can control the automatic switch control10and/or the user30can have a signal sent from a computer network that can be accessible from a computer360and/or a personal digital assistant362. Moreover, the automatic switch control10can send a signal through the computer network that can be accessible from the computer360and/or the personal digital assistant362that can indicate to the user the position of the toggle28, the position of the manual actuator member92, the status of the detection of motion and/or the status of the detection of ambient light. The user30can also communicate with the automatic switch control10through other network connections via a phone, a network interface made available on a television364, and/or configuring the remote control346to communicate the automatic switch control10via a local computer network. In this arrangement, the user30can control the automatic switch control10from within the room22or outside thereof either through a wired or a wireless connection on the premises or from remote locations with internet access.

With reference toFIG. 14,FIG. 15, andFIG. 16, an automatic switch control400can be similar to the automatic switch control10(FIG. 2) and can mount to the switch26to move the toggle28to the on position and the off position. The user30can program and re-program the automatic switch control400to move the toggle28to the on position or to the off position in response to one or more signals and/or circumstances similar to the automatic switch control10as described herein.

The automatic switch control400can include a housing402having a front shell member404and a rear shell member406that can be secured together. The rear shell member406can connect to the switch plate24so the toggle28of the switch26can partially protrude through an aperture408formed in the rear shell member406of the housing402. The front shell member404can include a sensor housing410and a cover member412. The cover member412can be pivotally mounted to the front shell member404of the housing70. The cover member412can be opened and in doing so can be pivoted away from the front shell member404of the housing402. When the cover member412is opened, the cover member412can reveal a holder member414that can hold one or more batteries or other suitable power source that can provide electrical power to the automatic switch control400.

With reference toFIG. 16, the front shell member404of the housing402can define an aperture420through which a portion of a manual actuator member422can protrude. The manual actuator member422can connect to the toggle28at a connection point424and can urge the toggle28between the on position and the off position. The connection point424between the manual actuator member422and the toggle28can be located entirely inside the housing402when the automatic switch control400is installed on the switch plate24of the switch26. In this regard, the connection point424between the toggle28and the manual actuator member422is not visible to the user30when the automatic switch control400is installed on the wall20. A portion of the manual actuator member422that can protrude from the aperture420on the front shell member404can include a handle portion426. The handle portion426can be grasped by the user30to move the toggle28with the manual actuator member422through the entire range of motion60(FIG. 6) of the toggle28.

The sensor housing410can contain one or more sensor modules that can be used to detect motion, heat, ambient light, expiration of time, the signal from the wireless transmitter, and/or the signal from the computer network similar to the automatic switch control10.

With reference toFIG. 2andFIG. 4, a front surface430of the rear shell member406of the housing402, can rotatably support a wheel member432that can spin around an axis of rotation434. The axis of rotation434of the wheel member432is generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis436of the automatic switch control400. The wheel member432can be located on the rear shell member406so that the wheel member432can be directly over the toggle28when the automatic switch control400is installed to the switch26in contrast to the automatic switch control10that is positioned above the toggle28. The wheel member130can include gear teeth438. The gear teeth438can be circumferentially spaced on an outer periphery440of the wheel member432.

With reference toFIG. 4, the gear teeth438on the wheel member432can mesh with a worm drive442. The worm drive442can be positioned on a frame member444that can be formed from or connected to the rear shell member406. The worm drive442can include an output shaft450that can be selectively rotated by an electric motor452controlled by the automatic switch control10. The output shaft450can have gear teeth454and can engage the wheel member432directly. The output shaft450can be positioned to be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis436of the automatic switch control400and can also be generally parallel to a direction of travel defined by a range of motion456of the toggle28.

In one example, the output shaft450can include longitudinally arranged helical gear teeth that can mesh with the gear teeth438on the wheel member432. The wheel member432can have a front surface460and a rear surface462. When the automatic switch control400is installed over the switch26, the rear surface462of the wheel member130can face the toggle28of the switch26. The rear surface462of the wheel member130can also include a cam member464such that the cam member464can face the toggle28of the switch26. The cam member464can define a ramp surface466. The ramp surface466can include a round portion468that can continuously connect with a flat portion470. In this regard, the total 360 degrees of rotation of the ramp surface466can include the flat portion470, followed by a transition472between the flat portion470and the round portion468, followed by the round portion468, followed by a transition474between the round portion468and then back to the flat portion470. Distances can be defined between circumferential positions on ramp surface466and the axis of rotation434. These distances can vary at different circumferential positions of the wheel member432similar to the wheel member130.

A first plunger mechanism480can be disposed above the wheel member432and a second plunger mechanism482can be disposed beneath the wheel member432. When the automatic switch control400is installed on the switch26, the first plunger mechanism480can be disposed immediately above the on position of the switch26and can move the toggle28of the switch26to the off position. The second plunger mechanism482can be disposed immediately below the off position of the switch26and can be arranged to move the toggle28of the switch26to the on position. The first plunger mechanism480and the second plunger mechanism482can be in vertical alignment with each other, with the longitudinal axis436and with the toggle28of the switch26, when the automatic switch control400is installed over the switch26.

The first plunger mechanism480can include a post member484having a head portion486and a cam follower488. The first plunger mechanism480can also include a spring member490that can connect the post member484to a mechanism housing492having a stop member494for the first plunger mechanism480. The spring member490can urge the post member484from a retracted condition to an extended condition. The spring member490can bias the post member484toward the toggle28of the switch26and toward the second plunger mechanism482. The cam follower488of the post member484can ride the ramp surface466of the cam member464as the wheel member432rotates. By riding the ramp surface466, the cam follower488can urge the post member484of the first plunger mechanism480to the retracted condition and can also permit the first plunger mechanism480to move to the extended condition.

The second plunger mechanism482can include a post member500having a head portion502and a cam follower504. The second plunger mechanism482can also include a spring member506that can connect the post member500to the mechanism housing492having a stop member508for the second plunger mechanism482. The spring member506can urge the post member500from a retracted condition to an extended condition. The spring member506can bias the post member500toward the toggle28of the switch26and toward the first plunger mechanism480. The cam follower504of the second plunger mechanism482can also ride the ramp surface466of the cam member464as the wheel member432rotates. By riding the ramp surface466, the cam follower504can urge the post member500of the second plunger mechanism482to the retracted condition and can also permit the second plunger mechanism482to move to the extended condition.

In this arrangement, the distance between the ramp surface466of the cam member464and the axis of rotation434of the wheel member432can control the position of the post members484,500of the first and second plunger mechanisms480,482. With reference toFIG. 17andFIG. 20, the wheel member432can be in a rotational position where the maximum distance between the ramp surface466and the axis of rotation434can be disposed immediately beneath the first plunger mechanism480and also can be disposed immediately beneath the second plunger mechanism482to keep the first plunger mechanism480and the second plunger mechanism482in the retracted condition. In this arrangement, the ramp surface466of the wheel member432can be in such a rotational position so that the cam member464can hold the post members484,500of the first and second plunger mechanisms480,482outside the area defined by the range of motion456of the toggle28.

Similar to the cam member214on the wheel member130, the flat portion470of the ramp surface466can be configured to quickly allow the first plunger mechanism480and the second plunger mechanism482to move the post members484,500, respectively to the extended condition. In doing so, the flat portion470of the ramp surface466can be rotated so that the flat portion470can move to the side of the cam follower488,504(i.e., not obstruct the cam followers) allowing the spring member490,506to push the post member484,500to the extended condition. The motion of the post member484,500can terminate as the cam follower488,504can contact the round portion468of the ramp surface466.

As the wheel member432can permit the first and second plunger mechanisms480,482to move into the extended condition, the post member484,500of the first and second plunger mechanisms480,482can extend toward the manual actuator member422and can strike the manual actuator member422with the head portion486,502of the first or second plunger mechanisms480,482, respectively, to move the toggle28to the on position or to the off position. It will be understood in light of the disclosure that the manual actuator member422can move with the toggle28of the switch26between the on position and the off position independently of any engagement with the post members484,500while both of the post members484,500are held in the retracted condition by the ramp surface466on the wheel member432.

The manual actuator member422can include a front surface520and a rear surface522. The front surface520can include the handle portion426that can extend from the front surface520out of the aperture420in the front shell member404of the housing402. The rear surface522can be closer to the switch26than the front surface520when the automatic switch control10installed over the switch26. The manual actuator member422can also include a toggle mover member524that can extend from the rear surface522of the manual actuator member422. The manual actuator member422can grab the toggle28with the toggle mover member524and move between the on position and the off position with the toggle28while the post member484,500of the first and the second plunger mechanisms480,482are held in the retracted condition.

The post member484,500of the first and second plunger mechanisms480,482can be slidably supported by the mechanism housing492. The mechanism housing492can permit the post member484,500to travel in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis436of the automatic switch control400between the extended condition and the retracted condition.

With references toFIG. 17throughFIG. 21, a progression of the rotation of the wheel member432is illustrated as the wheel member432can permit movement of the first and the second plunger mechanisms480,482to move the toggle28of the switch26between the on and the off positions. InFIG. 17andFIG. 20, the wheel member432can be positioned so the round portion468of the ramp surface466can contact and hold the cam followers488,504to hold the post members484,500in the retracted condition. The toggle28of the switch26is connected to the toggle mover member524and the toggle28can be in the on position.

FromFIG. 17toFIG. 18, the wheel member432can rotate and the ramp surface466of the cam member464can be positioned so that the flat portion470of the ramp surface466just rotates past the cam follower488and can move to a position that does not obstruct the cam follower488. This position of the wheel member432can allow the first plunger mechanism480to extend the post member484toward the manual actuator member422. The head portion486on the post member484can directly strike the toggle28and can move the toggle28from the off position to the on position. Because the toggle28has been moved to the off position from the on position, the switch26can turn off to whatever the switch may be connected.

With reference toFIG. 19, the wheel member432can continue to rotate in a clockwise direction and the cam follower488,504can follow the ramp surface466to return the post member484,500to the retracted condition. The toggle28can remain in the off position. FromFIG. 10toFIG. 11, the wheel member432can rotate and the ramp surface466of the cam member464can be positioned so that the flat portion470of the ramp surface466rotates just past the cam follower504and can move to a position that does not obstruct the cam follower504. This position of the wheel member432can allow the second plunger mechanism482to extend the post member500toward the manual actuator member422. The head portion on the post member500can strike the manual actuator member422and can move the manual actuator member422and the toggle28from the off position to the on position. Because the toggle28has been moved to the on position from the off position, the switch26can turn on to whatever the switch may be connected. InFIG. 12, the wheel member432can continue to rotate the round portion468of the ramp surface466and can move the hold the post members484,500back into the retracted condition.

With reference toFIG. 22andFIG. 23, an automatic switch control600in accordance with another example of the present teachings can be placed over the toggle28of the switch26and can move the toggle28between the on position and the off position. The automatic switch control600can also permit the user30(FIG. 1) to manually move the toggle28and permit the switch26to move the toggle28under its own power between the on position and the off position.

The automatic switch control600can include a yoke member602that can be rotatably supported on a housing604of the automatic switch control600. The yoke member602can have a pivot portion606on one side of the yoke member602that can be pivotally attached to the housing604with a pin member608. The pin member608can allow the yoke member602to pivot in a curved path relative to the toggle28that can move in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis610of the automatic switch control600.

The yoke member602can define a first aperture612and a second aperture614. The first aperture612can be completely internal within the yoke member602and thus can form an inner periphery616. The first aperture612can be sized to accept the toggle28of the switch26. The second aperture614can be formed at an end portion618of the yoke member602that can be opposite the pivot portion606. The second aperture614can be open to the end portion618and can accept a post member620that can be connected to a worm drive622. Movement of the post member620in the second aperture614can transfer the longitudinal motion of the post member620to pivotal motion of the yoke member602.

The worm drive622can have a drive member624that can be engaged by the electric motor626. The electric motor626can drive a gear assembly628that can connect the worm drive622to the electric motor626. The worm drive622, the gear assembly628, and the electric motor626can be connected to a rear shell member630the housing604. The worm drive622can also include a follower member632having an aperture634that can be threaded for rotation over the drive member624. The follower member632can also have the post member620that can extend from the follower member632and can be received in the second aperture614formed on the yoke member602.

The electric motor626can selectively apply rotational power to the worm drive622in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction to move the yoke member602and the toggle28to the on position or to the off position. As such, the user30can rely on the automatic switch control600to move the toggle28to the on position or to the off position in response to one or more signals and/or circumstances (singular or in combination) that can be detected by a sensor module636. The sensor module636can be connected to a control module638that can control the automatic switch control600similar to the automatic switch control10discussed herein.

The gear assembly628can include a centrifugal clutch640. The centrifugal clutch640can permit the gear assembly628to disengage from the worm drive622when the rotational speed of the gear assembly628at the centrifugal clutch640is below a threshold value. When the threshold value is exceeded, the centrifugal clutch640can close and thus engage the worm drive622to the electric motor626

The electric motor626can engage the worm drive622to move the follower member632and the yoke member602to the top position. In the top position, the yoke member602can contact a first position sensor642and can move the toggle28to the on position. The electric motor626can also engage the worm drive622to move the follower member632and the yoke member602to the bottom position. In the bottom position, the yoke member602can contact a second position sensor644and can move the toggle28to the off position. Also when the yoke member602contacts the first position sensor642or the second position sensor644, the electric motor626can stop driving the worm drive622and because the rotational speed drops below the threshold value, the centrifugal clutch640can open and thus disengage the electric motor626from the worm drive622.

When the centrifugal clutch640is open and the electric motor626is disengaged from the worm drive622, the yoke member602can be moved manually, that is without assistance from the electric motor626. For example, the user30(FIG. 1) can grasp the toggle28and can move the toggle28from the on position to the off position, or vice versa. The yoke member602can move with the toggle28by moving the follower member632that, in turn, can cause the drive member624to rotate. Even though the drive member624can rotate in response to manual movement of the toggle28and the yoke member602, the drive member624is not engaged and therefore does not back drive the gear assembly628and the electric motor626because the centrifugal clutch640can be open.

The first aperture612formed in the yoke member602can be sized to encircle the toggle28so some portions of the yoke member602can be present in the area defined by the range of motion60(FIG. 6) of the toggle28. Even though the toggle28must be in contact with at least a portion of the yoke member602to move through its range of motion60, the user30(FIG. 1) remains able to manually move the toggle28between the on position and the off position. Moreover, the switch26remains able to move the toggle28under its own power when the centrifugal clutch640is open. In this regard, the force required to move the follower member632longitudinally in the upward direction or the downward direction along the worm drive622can be shown to be less than the force exerted by the switch26on the toggle28that would be required to move the toggle28from one of the intermediate positions to the on position or the off position.

With reference toFIG. 22, when the toggle28is in the off position, the yoke member602can be in the corresponding bottom position. When the sensor module636receives one or more signals to activate the automatic switch control600, the control module638can start the electric motor626. Once the electric motor626rotates the gear assembly628beyond the threshold rotational speed, the centrifugal clutch640can close. When the centrifugal clutch640closes, the worm drive622can connect to the gear assembly628and rotate the drive member624to move the follower member632in an upward direction. By moving the follower member632in the upward direction, the yoke member602can move toward the top position and move the toggle28from the off position to the on position.

With reference toFIG. 23, the position sensor642can detect that the yoke member602has moved to the top position and can deactivate the electric motor626and the worm drive622can cease to rotate. At this time, when the user30manually moves the toggle28from the on position to the off position, the yoke member602can be pulled with the toggle28and the follower member632can move downward by rotating the worm drive622. This is possible because the worm drive622is not connected to the gear assembly628and the electric motor626because there is no rotational motion imparted by the electric motor626and, therefore, the centrifugal clutch640can remain open.

When the sensor module636receives another signal to activate the automatic switch control600, the control module638can start the electric motor626. With the toggle28in the on position, the drive member624can rotate in an opposite direction to move the follower member632in the downward direction. By moving the follower member632in the downward direction, the yoke member602can move back to the bottom position and can move the toggle28from the on position to the off position.

With reference toFIG. 22, the second position sensor644can detect that the yoke member602has moved to the bottom position. At this point, the control module638can deactivate the electric motor626and the worm drive622can cease to rotate. The user30(FIG. 1) nevertheless remains able to manually move the toggle28from the off position to the on position, or vice versa.

With reference toFIG. 24,FIG. 25, andFIG. 26, an automatic switch control650in accordance with another example of the present teachings can be placed over the toggle28of the switch26and can move the toggle28between the on position and the off position in a similar fashion to the automatic switch control600, as shown inFIG. 22. The automatic switch control650can also permit the user30(FIG. 1) to manually move the toggle28and permit the switch26to move the toggle28under its own power between the on position and the off position.

The automatic switch control650can include a yoke member652that can be rotatably supported on a housing654of the automatic switch control650. The yoke member652can have a pivot portion656on one side of the yoke member652that can be pivotally attached to the housing654with a pin member658. The pin member658can allow the yoke member652to pivot in a curved path relative to the toggle28that can move in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis660of the automatic switch control650.

The yoke member652can define a first aperture662and a second aperture664. The first aperture662can be completely internal within the yoke member652and thus can form an inner periphery666. The first aperture662can be sized to accept the toggle28of the switch26. The second aperture664can be formed at an end portion668of the yoke member652that can be opposite the pivot portion656. The second aperture664can be open to the end portion668and can accept a post member670that can be connected to a worm drive672. Movement of the post member670in the second aperture664can transfer the longitudinal motion of the post member670to the pivotal motion of the yoke member652.

The worm drive672can have a drive member674that can be rotated by an electric motor676. The electric motor676can drive a gear assembly678that can connect the worm drive672to the electric motor676. The worm drive672, the gear assembly678, and the electric motor676can be connected to a rear shell member680of the housing654. The worm drive672can also include a follower member682that can be threaded for rotation over the drive member674. The follower member682can also have the post member670that can extend from the follower member682and can be received in the second aperture664formed on the yoke member652.

The worm drive672can rotate the drive member674in the first direction and in the second, opposite direction to move the follower member682similar to the worm drive622of the automatic switch control600. As such, the user30(FIG. 1) can rely on the automatic switch control650to move the toggle28to the on position or the off position in response to one or more signals and/or circumstances (singular or in combination) that can be detected by a sensor module684. The sensor module684can be connected to a control module686that can control the automatic switch control650similar to the automatic switch control600, as shown inFIG. 22, discussed herein.

The gear assembly678can omit the centrifugal clutch640(FIG. 22) in contrast to the automatic switch control600. With this said, the electric motor676can rotate the worm drive672to move the follower member682and the yoke member652to the top position. In the top position, the yoke member652can contact a first position sensor688and move the toggle28to the on position, as shown inFIG. 26. The electric motor676can also rotate the worm drive672in the opposite direction to move the follower member682and the yoke member652to the bottom position, as shown inFIG. 24. In the bottom position, the yoke member652can contact a second position sensor690and move the toggle28to the off position.

In further contrast to the automatic switch control600(FIG. 22), the electric motor676of the automatic switch control650can also rotate the worm drive672to move the follower member682and the yoke member652to a neutral position, as shown inFIG. 25. In the neutral position, the yoke member652can contact a third position sensor692and move the toggle28to the off position. When the yoke member652contacts the first position sensor688, the second position sensor690, and/or the third position sensor692, the electric motor676can stop driving the worm drive672. When the control module686detects reduced power available to the automatic switch control650, the control module686can move the yoke member652to the neutral position to avoid leaving the yoke member652in a position other than the neutral position without sufficient power to move the yoke member652.

The first aperture662formed in the yoke member652can be sized to encircle the toggle28, but unlike the yoke member602(FIG. 22), no portion of the yoke member652is present in the area defined by the range of motion60(FIG. 6) of the toggle28, when the yoke member652is the neutral position. In this regard, the user30can remain able to manually move the toggle28between the on and the off positions and the switch26remains able to move the toggle28under its own power. As such, the first aperture662is large enough where the toggle28can move between the on position and the off position while not coming into contact with the yoke member652, when the yoke member652is in the neutral position.

With reference toFIG. 27andFIG. 28, an automatic switch control700in accordance with another example of the present teachings can be placed over the toggle28of the switch26and can move the toggle28between the on position and the off position. The automatic switch control700can also permit the user30(FIG. 1) to manually move the toggle28and permit the switch26to move the toggle28under its own power between the on position and the off position.

The automatic switch control700can include a yoke member702that can be slidably supported on a housing704of the automatic switch control700. The yoke member702can have gear teeth706on one side of the yoke member702that can permit the yoke member702to travel longitudinally with the toggle28and in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis708of the automatic switch control700. The yoke member702can define a first aperture710that can be sized to accept the toggle28. The gear teeth706on the yoke member702can engage a gear assembly712. The gear assembly712can connect a worm drive714to the yoke member702. The worm drive714can have a drive member716that can be rotated by an electric motor718. The worm drive714, the gear assembly712, and the electric motor718can be connected to a rear shell member720of the housing704.

The worm drive714can rotate the drive member716in a first direction. The yoke member702, in response, can move in an upward direction that can be parallel to the longitudinal axis708. The yoke member702can move upward and stop in a top position (FIG. 27) where the yoke member702can move the toggle28to the on position. When the worm drive714rotates the drive member716in a second, opposite direction, the yoke member702can move in a downward direction that can be parallel to the longitudinal axis708. The yoke member702can move downward and stop in a bottom position (FIG. 28) where the yoke member702can move the toggle28to the off position.

The electric motor718can selectively rotate the worm drive714in either direction to move the yoke member702and the toggle28to the on position or the off position. As such, the user30(FIG. 1) can rely on the automatic switch control700to move the toggle28to the on position or the off position in response to one or more signals and/or circumstances (singular or in combination) that can be detected by a sensor module722that can be connected to a control module724that can control the automatic switch control700similar to the automatic switch control600discussed herein.

The gear assembly712can include a centrifugal clutch726. The centrifugal clutch726can permit the yoke member702to disengage from the gear assembly712when the rotational speed of the gear assembly712at the centrifugal clutch726is below a threshold value. When the threshold value is exceeded, the centrifugal clutch726can close and can connect the yoke member702to the worm drive714and the electric motor718.

The electric motor718can rotate the worm drive714to move the yoke member702to the top position. In the top position (FIG. 28), the yoke member702can contact a first position sensor730and move the toggle28to the on position. The electric motor718can also rotate the worm drive714to move the yoke member702to the bottom position. In the bottom position (FIG. 27), the yoke member702can contact a second position sensor732and move the toggle28to the off position. Also, when the yoke member702contacts the first position sensor730or the second position sensor732, the electric motor718can stop driving the worm drive714and because the rotational speed drops below the threshold value, the centrifugal clutch726can open and can disengage the yoke member702from the worm drive714.

When the centrifugal clutch726is open, the yoke member702can be disconnected from the worm drive714and the yoke member702can be moved manually, that is without assistance from the electric motor718. For example, the user30can grasp the toggle28and can move the toggle28from the on position to the off position, or vice versa. The yoke member702can still connect to the gear assembly712but does not back drive the gear assembly712and the electric motor718because the centrifugal clutch726is open.

The first aperture710formed in the yoke member702can be sized to encircle the toggle28so some portions of the yoke member702are present in the area defined by the range of motion60(FIG. 6) of the toggle28. Even though the toggle28must be in contact with at least a portion of the yoke member702to move through its range of motion60, the user30(FIG. 1) remains able to manually move the toggle28between the on position and the off position. Moreover, the switch26remains able to move the toggle28under its own power when the centrifugal clutch726is open such that the force required to move the follower member632longitudinally in the upward direction or the downward direction is less than the force exerted by the switch26on the toggle28that would be required to move the toggle28from one of the intermediate positions to the on position or the off position.

With reference toFIG. 27, when the toggle28is in the off position, the yoke member702can be in the corresponding bottom position. When the sensor module722receives one or more signals to activate the automatic switch control700, the control module724can start the electric motor718. Once the electric motor718rotates the gear assembly712beyond the threshold rotational speed, the centrifugal clutch726can close. When the centrifugal clutch726closes, the gear assembly712can connect to the yoke member702to move the yoke member702toward the top position and move the toggle28from the off position to the on position.

With reference toFIG. 28, the first position sensor730can detect that the yoke member702has moved to the top position and can deactivate the electric motor718and the worm drive714can cease to rotate. At this time, when the user30manually moves the toggle28from the on position to the off position, the yoke member702can be pulled with the toggle28. This is possible because the yoke member702is not connected to the gear assembly712and the electric motor718because there is insufficient rotational motion imparted by the electric motor718and, therefore, the centrifugal clutch726can remain open. When the sensor module722receives another signal to activate the automatic switch control700, the control module724can start the electric motor718. With the toggle28in the on position, the drive member716can rotate in an opposite direction to move the yoke member702back to the bottom position and can move the toggle28from the on position to the off position.

With reference toFIG. 27, the second position sensor732can detect that the yoke member702has moved to the bottom position. At this point, the control module724can deactivate the electric motor718and the worm drive714can cease to rotate. The user30(FIG. 1) can nevertheless continue to manually move the toggle28from the off position to the on position, or vice versa. The yoke member702can be pulled with the toggle28because the yoke member702is not connected to the gear assembly712and the centrifugal clutch726can remain open.

With reference toFIG. 29,FIG. 30, andFIG. 31, an automatic switch control750in accordance with another example of the present teachings can be placed over the toggle28of the switch26and can move the toggle28between the on position and the off position in a similar fashion to the automatic switch control650, as shown inFIG. 24. The automatic switch control750can also permit the user30(FIG. 1) to manually move the toggle28and permit the switch26to move the toggle28under its own power between the on position and the off position.

The automatic switch control750can include a yoke member752that can be slidably supported on a housing754of the automatic switch control750. The yoke member752can have gear teeth756on one side of the yoke member752that can permit the yoke member752to travel longitudinally with the toggle28and in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis758of the automatic switch control750. The yoke member702can define a first aperture760that can be sized to accept the toggle28. The gear teeth756on the yoke member752can engage a gear assembly762. The gear assembly762can connect a worm drive764to the yoke member752. The worm drive764can have a drive member766that can be rotated by an electric motor768. The worm drive764, the gear assembly762, and the electric motor768can be connected to a rear shell member770of the housing704.

When the worm drive764rotates the drive member766in the first direction and in the second, opposite direction, the yoke member752can move in a longitudinal direction. As such, the user30(FIG. 1) can rely on the automatic switch control750to move the toggle28to the on position or the off position in response to one or more signals and/or circumstances (singular or in combination) that can be detected by a sensor module772. The sensor module772can be connected to a control module774that can control the automatic switch control750similar to the automatic switch control700discussed herein.

The gear assembly762can omit a centrifugal clutch in contrast to the automatic switch control700. The electric motor768can rotate the worm drive764to move the yoke member752to the top position. In the top position (FIG. 31), the yoke member752can contact a first position sensor776and move the toggle28to the on position. The electric motor768can also rotate the worm drive764to move the yoke member752to the bottom position. In the bottom position (FIG. 29), the yoke member752can contact a second position sensor778and move the toggle28to the off position.

In contrast to the automatic switch control700, the electric motor768of the automatic switch control750can also rotate the worm drive764to move the yoke member752to the neutral position, as shown inFIG. 30. In the neutral position, the yoke member752can contact a third position sensor780. When the yoke member752contacts the first position sensor776, the second position sensor778, and/or the third position sensor780, the electric motor768can stop driving the worm drive764. When the control module774detects reduced power available to the automatic switch control750, the control module774can move the yoke member752to the neutral position to avoid leaving the yoke member752in a position other than the neutral position without sufficient power to move the yoke member752.

The first aperture760formed in the yoke member752can be sized to encircle the toggle28. Unlike the yoke member702(FIG. 27), however, no portion of the yoke member752is present in the area defined by the range of motion60(FIG. 1) of the toggle28, when the yoke member752is in the neutral position. In this regard, the user30(FIG. 1) remains able to manually move the toggle28between the on and the off positions and the switch26remains able to move the toggle28under its own power. As such, the first aperture760can be large enough so the toggle28can move between the on position and the off position while not coming into contact with the yoke member752, when the yoke member752is in the neutral position. With the yoke member752in the neutral position, the user30(FIG. 1) can manually move the toggle28from the on position to the off position and the yoke member752is not pulled with the toggle28but can remain in the neutral position.

With reference toFIG. 32throughFIG. 36, an automatic switch control800in accordance with another example of the present teachings can be placed over the toggle28and can move the toggle28between the on position and the off position. The automatic switch control800can also permit the user30(FIG. 1) to manually move the toggle28and permit the switch26to move the toggle28under its own power between the on position and the off position.

The automatic switch control800can include a yoke member802that can be slidably supported on a housing804of the automatic switch control800. The yoke member802can move in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis806of the automatic switch control800. The yoke member802can define a first aperture808that can be sized to accept the toggle28. The yoke member802can also include a first set of gear teeth810and a second set of gear teeth812that are spaced from one another by a smooth portion814(i.e., no gear teeth) of the yoke member802.

A gear drive820can have a drive member822that can be rotated by an electric motor824. The drive member822can engage to and rotate a gear member826that can connect the gear drive820to the yoke member802. The gear drive820, the gear member826, and the electric motor824can be connected to a front shell member830of the housing804, while the yoke member802can be slidably connected to a rear shell member832of the housing804. The gear drive820can rotate the drive member822in a first direction and in a second, opposite direction to move the yoke member802. As such, the user30(FIG. 1) can rely on the automatic switch control800to move the toggle28to the on position or the off position in response to one or more signals and/or circumstances similar to the automatic switch control10discussed herein.

With reference toFIG. 32, when the toggle28is in the on position, the yoke member802can be in the corresponding top position. The electric motor824can rotate the drive member822to rotate the gear member826. The gear member826can be in engagement with the second portion of the gear teeth812to move the yoke member802in a downward direction. By moving the yoke member802in the downward direction, the yoke member802can move toward the bottom position and move the toggle28from the on position to the off position.

With reference toFIG. 33, the gear drive820can detect that the yoke member802has moved to the bottom position because the gear drive820can encounter the smooth portion814on the yoke member802and a load on the gear drive820can be shown to be reduced. When the gear drive820encounters the smooth portion814, the gear drive820can lift and disengage the gear member826from the yoke member802and in a sense the gear drive820can lift and idle the gear member826. With reference toFIG. 34, the gear drive820can pause with the gear member826disengaged from the yoke member802, so that the yoke member802can be moved manually with manual movement of the toggle28.

With reference toFIG. 35, the automatic switch control800can be commanded to move the toggle28from the off position to the on position. In doing so, the electric motor824can rotate the drive member822to rotate the gear member826. The gear member826can continue to rotate around the drive member822and come into engagement with the first set of the gear teeth810. Once the gear member826engages the first set of the gear teeth810, the gear drive820can move the yoke member802in an upward direction. By moving the yoke member802in the upward direction, the yoke member802can move toward the top position and move the toggle28from the off position to the on position.

With reference toFIG. 36, the gear drive820can detect that the yoke member802has moved to the top position because the gear drive820can encounter the smooth portion814on the yoke member802. When the gear drive820encounters the smooth portion814, the gear drive820can lift and therefore idle the gear member826from the yoke member802to once again allow manual movement of the toggle28.

With reference toFIG. 37,FIG. 38, andFIG. 39, an automatic switch control850in accordance with another example of the present teachings can be placed over the toggle28of the switch26and can move the toggle28between the on position and the off position in a similar fashion to the automatic switch control600, as shown inFIG. 22. The automatic switch control850can also permit the user30(FIG. 1) to manually move the toggle28and permit the switch26to move the toggle28under its own power between the on position and the off position.

The automatic switch control850can include a yoke member852that can be rotatably supported on a housing854of the automatic switch control850. The yoke member852can have a pivot portion856on one side of the yoke member852that can be pivotally attached to the housing854with a pin member858. The pin member858can allow the yoke member852to pivot in a curved path relative to the toggle28that in contrast can move in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis860of the automatic switch control850.

The yoke member852can define a first aperture862that can be completely internal within the yoke member852and thus can form an inner periphery864. The first aperture862can be sized to accept the toggle28of the switch26. The yoke member852can also define a tab member866at an end portion868of the yoke member852that can be opposite the pivot portion856. The tab member866can extend from the end portion868and can be accepted by a catch member870that can be connected to a worm drive872. The yoke member852can also include a spring member874that can connect to the housing804. Cooperation between the catch member870, the tab member866, and the spring member874can transfer the longitudinal motion of the catch member870to pivotal motion of the yoke member852.

The worm drive872can move the catch member870longitudinally when an electric motor876rotates. The electric motor876can rotate a drive member878that can be received for threaded engagement with the catch member870so that rotation of the drive member878can cause longitudinal movement of the catch member870. The worm drive872and the electric motor876can be connected to the housing854.

With reference toFIG. 37, when the toggle28is in the off position, the yoke member852can be in the corresponding bottom position. The spring member874can further hold the yoke member852in the bottom position. The electric motor876can rotate the drive member878to move the catch member870. A bottom stop member880formed on the catch member870can contact the tab member866and can move the yoke member852in an upward direction. By moving the yoke member852in the upward direction, the yoke member852can move toward the top position and move the toggle28from the off position to the on position.

With reference toFIG. 38, once the yoke member852has moved to the top position, the electric motor876can move the catch member870downward to a neutral position, as shown inFIG. 39. Once the catch member870reaches the neutral position, the electric motor876can be deactivated. With the catch member870in the neutral position, the user30(FIG. 1) can manually move the toggle28from the on position to the off position and the catch member870is not pulled with the toggle28but can remain in the neutral position. The user30can move the toggle28to enter the on position or the off position while the catch member870is in the neutral position. In doing so, the yoke member852can move with the toggle28and be held in the on position or the off position by the spring member874but otherwise not be obstructed by the catch member870. It will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that the spring member874can serve to make the neutral position (i.e., a middle position) of the yoke member852unstable, so that the toggle28is always forced to the on position or to the off position once the catch member870initiates any motion. In the event that the catch member870fails to complete its motion, the spring member874can ensure that the toggle28remains in either the on position or the off position.

With reference toFIG. 40,FIG. 41, andFIG. 42, an automatic switch control900in accordance with another example of the present teachings can be placed over the toggle28of the switch26and can move the toggle28between the on position and the off position in a similar fashion to the automatic switch control650, as shown inFIG. 24. The automatic switch control900can also permit the user30(FIG. 1) to manually move the toggle28and permit the switch26to move the toggle28under its own power between the on position and the off position.

The automatic switch control900can include a yoke member902that can be slidably supported on a housing904of the automatic switch control900. The yoke member902can be coupled to a drive member906so the yoke member902and the toggle28can move in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis908of the automatic switch control900.

The yoke member902can define a first aperture910that can be sized to accept the toggle28of the switch26. The drive member906can include a telescoping member912that can move the yoke member902longitudinally when an electric motor914rotates. The electric motor914can extend or retract the telescoping member912to cause the longitudinal movement of the yoke member902. The drive member906, the telescoping portion912, and the electric motor914can be connected to the housing904.

With reference toFIG. 40, when the toggle28is in the off position, the telescoping portion912can hold the yoke member902in the corresponding bottom position. The electric motor914can engage the drive member906to move the yoke member902in an upward direction. By moving the yoke member902in the upward direction, the yoke member902can move toward the top position and move the toggle28from the off position to the on position.

With reference toFIG. 41, once the yoke member902has moved to the top position, the electric motor914can have the drive member906move the yoke member902downward to a neutral position, as shown inFIG. 42. Once the yoke member902reaches the neutral position, the electric motor914can be deactivated and the telescoping portion912can hold the yoke member902in the neutral position. With the yoke member902in the neutral position, the user30(FIG. 1) can manually move the toggle28from the on position to the off position and the yoke member902is not pulled with the toggle28but otherwise can remain in the neutral position.

With reference toFIG. 43,FIG. 44, andFIG. 45, an automatic switch control950in accordance with another example of the present teachings can be placed over the toggle28of the switch26and can move the toggle28between the on position and the off position in a similar fashion to the automatic switch control600, as shown inFIG. 22. The automatic switch control950can also permit the user30(FIG. 1) to manually move the toggle28and permit the switch26to move the toggle28under its own power between the on position and the off position.

The automatic switch control950can include a yoke member952that can be slidably supported on a housing954of the automatic switch control950. The yoke member952can include a top slide member956and a bottom slide member958. A first plunger mechanism960can move the top slide member956toward the off position of the toggle28and a second plunger mechanism962can move the bottom slide member958toward the on position of the toggle28. The top and the bottom slide members956,958can move in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis964of the automatic switch control950.

The yoke member952can define a first aperture966between a tab member968on the top slide member956and a tab member970on the bottom slide member958that can be sized to accept the toggle28of the switch26. Above the tab member968, the top slide member956can also include a curved portion972and below the tab member970, the bottom slide member958can also include a curved portion974. The first plunger mechanism960can include a wire976that can be disposed around the curved portion972of the top slide member956and can be connected to posts978located at the bottom of the housing954. The second plunger mechanism962can include a wire980that can be disposed around the curved portion974of the bottom slide member958and can be connected to posts982located at the top of the housing954. The wire976,980can be a shape-memory alloy wire, such as nitinol, that can constrict in response to heating of the wire from a current applied to the wire. A spring member984can be disposed between a stop member986and the curved portion972of the top slide member956to urge the top slide member956toward the top of the housing954and away from the toggle28. A spring member988can be similarly disposed between a stop member990and the curved portion974of the bottom slide member958to urge the bottom slide member958toward the bottom of the housing954and away from the toggle28.

The toggle28is in the off position and the yoke member952is in the bottom position, as shown inFIG. 43. The first plunger mechanism960can constrict the wire976to urge the top slide member956toward the toggle28. With reference toFIG. 44, the second plunger mechanism962can constrict the wire980to move the bottom slide member958toward the toggle28and move the toggle28to the on position. With reference toFIG. 45, both the wires976,980can loosen such that the spring members984,988can urge the yoke member952to the neutral position, as shown inFIG. 45. In the neutral position, the tab member968on the top slide member956and the tab member970on the bottom slide member958can be located outside the range of motion60(FIG. 6) of the toggle28so that the toggle28can be moved manually or by the switch26under its own power.

With reference toFIG. 46,FIG. 47, andFIG. 48, an automatic switch control1000in accordance with another example of the present teachings can be placed over the toggle28of the switch26and can move the toggle28between the on position and the off position in a similar fashion to the automatic switch control600, as shown inFIG. 22. The automatic switch control1000can also permit the user30(FIG. 1) to manually move the toggle28and permit the switch26to move the toggle28under its own power between the on position and the off position.

The automatic switch control1000can include a yoke member1002that can be rotatably supported on a housing1004of the automatic switch control1000. The yoke member1002can have a pivot portion1006on one side of the yoke member1002that can be pivotally attached to the housing1004with a pin member1008. The pin member1008can allow the yoke member1002to pivot in a curved path relative to the toggle28that in contrast can move in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis1010of the automatic switch control1000.

The yoke member1002can define a first aperture1012that can be completely internal within the yoke member1002and thus can form an inner periphery1014. The first aperture1012can be sized to accept the toggle28of the switch26. The yoke member1002can also define gear teeth1016on an end portion1018of the yoke member1002that can be opposite the pivot portion1006. The gear teeth1016can extend from the end portion1018and can engage a drive member1020of a worm drive1022. Cooperation between the gear teeth1016on the yoke member1002and the worm drive1022can transfer the rotational motion of the worm drive1022to pivotal motion of the yoke member1002. An electric motor1024can rotate the drive member1020, so that gear teeth1026on the drive member1020can engage the gear teeth1016on the yoke member1002so that rotation of the drive member1020can cause pivotal motion of the yoke member1002. The worm drive1022and the electric motor1024can be connected to a rear shell member1028of the housing1004.

With reference toFIG. 46, when the toggle28is in the off position, the yoke member1002can be in the corresponding bottom position. The worm drive1022can hold the yoke member1002in the bottom position. The electric motor1024can rotate the drive member1020to pivot the yoke member1002in an upward direction. By pivoting the yoke member1002in the upward direction, the yoke member1002can move toward the top position and can, in turn, move the toggle28from the off position to the on position, as shown inFIG. 47.

With reference toFIG. 48, once the yoke member1002has moved to the top position (FIG. 47) or to the bottom position (FIG. 46), the electric motor1024can rotate the drive member1020to move the yoke member1002to a neutral position, as shown inFIG. 48. Once the yoke member1002reaches the neutral position, the electric motor1024can be deactivated. With the yoke member1002in the neutral position, the user30(FIG. 1) can manually move the toggle28from the on position to the off position and in doing so the yoke member1002is not pulled with the toggle28but can remain in the neutral position. Because the aperture1012can be large enough so that the inner periphery1014of the aperture1012can be disposed outside of the range of motion60(FIG. 6) of the toggle28, the aperture1012of the yoke member1002can be shown to not obstruct the movement of the toggle28to the off position or the on position when the yoke member1002is in the neutral position. Moreover, the yoke member1002can be shown to not have any direct contact with the toggle28during its movement to the off position or the on position when the yoke member1002is in the neutral position.

With reference toFIG. 49,FIG. 50, andFIG. 51, an automatic switch control1050in accordance with another example of the present teachings can be placed over the toggle28of the switch26and can move the toggle28between the on position and the off position in a similar fashion to the automatic switch control1000, as shown inFIG. 46. The automatic switch control1050can also permit the user30(FIG. 1) to manually move the toggle28and also permit the switch26to move the toggle28under its own power between the on position and the off position.

The automatic switch control1050can include a yoke member1052connected to a housing1054with a pivot portion1056on one side of the yoke member1052with a pin member1058. The pin member1058can allow the yoke member1052to pivot in a curved path relative to the toggle28that can move in a longitudinal direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis1060of the automatic switch control1050.

The yoke member1052can define a first aperture1062that can be completely internal within the yoke member1052and thus can form an inner periphery1064that can be sized to surround the toggle28of the switch26. The yoke member1052can also include gear teeth1066on an end portion1068of the yoke member1052that can be opposite the pivot portion1056. The gear teeth1066can extend from the end portion1068and can be engaged by a drive member1070of a worm drive1072. Cooperation between the gear teeth1066on the yoke member1052and the drive member1070of the worm drive1072can transfer the rotational motion of the worm drive1072to the pivotal motion of the yoke member1052. An electric motor1074can rotate the drive member1070so that gear teeth1076on the drive member1070can engage the gear teeth1066and cause the pivotal motion of the yoke member1052. The worm drive1072and the electric motor1074can be connected to a rear shell member1078of the housing1054.

The yoke member1052can include a spring member1080that can be connected to the yoke member1052with a pin member1082that can be disposed between the pin member1058and the toggle28when the automatic switch control1050is installed over the switch26. The spring member1080can be connected between the pin member1082and a toggle mover member1084that can pivotally supported by the pin member1082. The spring member1080can hold the toggle mover member1084in a neutral condition that can align the toggle mover member1084with an axis1086, as shown inFIG. 51. The toggle mover member1084can be deflected out of alignment with the axis1086(i.e., moved to a deflected condition) to generate a spring force in the spring member1080. The spring member1080can be a torsion spring that can connect to the pin member1082. When the toggle mover member1084is moved from the neutral condition to the deflected condition, the toggle mover member1084can wind up (i.e., load) the spring member1080. In the neutral condition, the spring member1080can be aligned with the axis1086that can extend from the pin member1082and can divide the aperture1062into two equal portions.

A first pin member1088and a second pin member1090can extend from the rear shell member1078in a perpendicular direction and can provide a fail-safe functionality to the automatic switch control1050. The fail-safe functionality can be shown to prevent the toggle mover member1084from leaving the toggle28in any position except at or near the top position or at or near the bottom position even when the automatic switch control10loses operability and the electric motor1074is unable to complete movement of the yoke member1052to the top position or to the bottom position. The first pin member1088and the second pin member1090can be connected to the rear shell member1078on an opposite side of the toggle28and the longitudinal axis1060from the pin member1058that can connect the yoke member1052to the rear shell member1078. The first pin member1088can be disposed above the toggle28and the second pin member1090can be disposed beneath the toggle28. The first pin member1088and the second pin member1090can both be in a position that can partially obstruct the movement of the toggle mover member1084.

The toggle mover member1084can ultimately push the toggle28into the on position or the off position and then the toggle mover member1084can skip over the toggle28as the yoke member1052can complete its motion to the top position or the bottom position, respectively. At that point, the yoke member1052can move into the neutral position (FIG. 51) that is disengaged from the toggle28and permits manual movement of the toggle28by the switch26or the user30(FIG. 1). As shown inFIG. 49, when the toggle28is in the on position, the yoke member1052can move toward the bottom position. The toggle mover member1084can come into contact with the pin member1088. As the yoke member1052continues to rotate, the toggle mover member1084can deflect (i.e., wind up) the spring member1080. When the yoke member1052arrives at (or near) the bottom position, the toggle mover member1084can skip past the pin member1088and can return to the neutral condition but in doing so can contact the toggle28to move the toggle28to the off position as the spring member1080unwinds (i.e., unloads) from being deflected against the pin member1088.

With reference toFIG. 50, the electric motor1074can rotate the drive member1070to rotate the yoke member1052toward to the top position. By rotating the yoke member1052in the upward direction, the toggle mover member1084can be deflected against the second pin member1090to once again wind up (i.e., load) the spring member1080. As the toggle mover member1084continues to move with the yoke member1052, the toggle mover member1084can move past the second pin member1090and can contact a bottom portion of the toggle28to move the toggle28toward the top position as shown inFIG. 51. It will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that the toggle mover member1084can be in the deflected condition as the spring member1080unwinds (i.e., unloads) and moves to the neutral condition, while moving the toggle28to the on position or to the off position.

With reference toFIG. 51, once the yoke member1052has moved to (or near) the top position, the toggle mover member1084can skip past the toggle28to a position just above the toggle28. The worm drive1072can hold the yoke member1052in the top position or in the bottom position. When the toggle mover member1084skips past the toggle28and returns to the neutral condition, the toggle mover member1084is no longer in contact with the toggle28and the yoke member1052can move to the top position. As such, the yoke member1052can be in the neutral position that is disengaged from the toggle28, and permits manual movement of the toggle28by the switch26or the user30(FIG. 1). With the yoke member1052in the neutral position, the electric motor1074can be deactivated. With the yoke member1052in the neutral position, the user30(FIG. 1) can manually move the toggle28between the on position and the off position and the yoke member1052is not pulled with the toggle28but can remain in the neutral position. The toggle28can move between the on position and the off position because the toggle mover member1084and the yoke member1052can remain outside of the range of motion60(FIG. 6) of the toggle28and therefore do not obstruct the motion of the toggle28.

With reference toFIG. 52,FIG. 53, andFIG. 54, an automatic switch control1100in accordance with another example of the present teachings can be placed over the toggle28of the switch26and can move the toggle28between the on position and the off position in a similar fashion to the automatic switch control1050, as shown inFIG. 49. The automatic switch control1100can also permit the user30(FIG. 1) to manually move the toggle28and also permit the switch26to move the toggle28under its own power between the on position and the off position.

The automatic switch control1100can include a yoke member1102that can be slidably supported on a housing1104of the automatic switch control1100. The yoke member1102can have gear teeth1106on one side of the yoke member1102that can be engaged to move the yoke member1102longitudinally with the toggle28and generally parallel to a longitudinal axis1108of the automatic switch control1100. The yoke member1102can define a first aperture1110that can be completely internal within the yoke member1102and thus can form an inner periphery1112that can be sized to surround the toggle28of the switch26. The gear teeth1106on the yoke member1102can be engaged by a drive member1114of a worm drive1116. Cooperation between the gear teeth1106on the yoke member1102and the drive member1114of the worm drive1116can transfer the rotational motion of the worm drive1116to the longitudinal motion of the yoke member1102. An electric motor1118can rotate the drive member1114to impart the longitudinal motion on the yoke member1102. The worm drive1116and the electric motor1118can be connected to a rear shell member1122of the housing1104.

The yoke member1102can include a spring member1124that can be connected to a pivot portion1126of the yoke member1102with a pin member1128. The spring member1124can be connected between the pin member1128and a toggle mover member1130that can be pivotally supported by the pin member1128. The spring member1124can hold the toggle mover member1130in a neutral condition that can align the toggle mover member1130with an axis1134, as shown inFIG. 54. The toggle mover member1130can be deflected out of alignment with the axis1134(i.e., moved to a deflected condition) to generate a spring force in the spring member1124. The spring member1124can be a torsion spring that can connect to the pin member1128. When the toggle mover member1130is moved from the neutral condition to the deflected condition, the toggle mover member1130can wind up (i.e., load) the spring member1128. In the neutral condition, spring member1124can be aligned with the axis1134that can extend from the pin member1128and can divide the aperture1110into two equal portions.

A first pin member1136and a second pin member1138can extend from the rear shell member1122in a perpendicular direction and can provide a fail-safe functionality to the automatic switch control1100. It will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that the automatic switch control10can move the toggle28near the on position or near the off position to permit the switch26to complete the motion. The first pin member1136and the second pin member1138can be connected to the rear shell member1122on an opposite side of the toggle28and the longitudinal axis1108from the pin member1058that can connect the yoke member1102to the rear shell member1122. The first pin member1136can be disposed above the toggle28and the second pin member1138can be disposed beneath the toggle28. The first pin member1136and the second pin member1138can both be in a position that can partially obstruct the movement of the toggle mover member1130. The fail-safe functionality can be shown to prevent the toggle mover member1130from leaving the toggle28in any position except at or near the on position or at or near the off position even when the automatic switch control10loses operability and the electric motor1118is unable to complete movement of the yoke member1102to the top position or to the bottom position.

The toggle mover member1130can ultimately push the toggle28into the on position or the off position and then the toggle mover member1130can skip over the toggle28as the yoke member1102can complete its longitudinal motion to the top position or the bottom position, respectively. At that point, the yoke member1102can move into the neutral position (FIG. 54) that is disengaged from the toggle28and permits manual movement of the toggle28by the switch26or the user30(FIG. 1). As shown inFIG. 52, when the toggle28is in the on position, the yoke member1102can move toward the bottom position. The toggle mover member1130can come into contact with the first pin member1136. As the yoke member1102continues to slide downward, the toggle mover member1130can deflect (i.e., wind up) the spring member1124. When the yoke member1102arrives at (or near) the bottom position, the toggle mover member1130can skip past the first pin member1136and can return to the neutral condition but in doing so can contact the toggle28to move the toggle28to the off position as the spring member1124unwinds (i.e., unloads) from being deflected against the first pin member1136.

With reference toFIG. 53, the electric motor1118can rotate the drive member1114to move the yoke member1102to the top position. By sliding the yoke member1102upward, the toggle mover member1130can be deflected against the second pin member1138to once again wind up the spring member1124. As the toggle mover member1130continues to move with the yoke member1102, the toggle mover member1130can move past the second pin member1138and can contact a bottom portion of the toggle28to move the toggle28to (or near) the top position, as shown inFIG. 54. It will be appreciated in light of the disclosure that the toggle mover member1130can be in the deflected condition as the spring member1124unwinds and moves to the neutral condition, while moving the toggle28to (or near) the top position or to the bottom position

With reference toFIG. 54, once the yoke member1102has moved to (or near) the top position, the toggle mover member1130can skip past the toggle28to a position just above the toggle28. The worm drive1116can hold the yoke member1102in the top position or in the bottom position. When the toggle mover member1130skips past the toggle28and returns to the neutral condition that is aligned with the axis1134, the toggle mover member1130is no longer in contact with the toggle28and the yoke member1102can move to the top position. As such, the yoke member1102can be in the neutral position that is disengaged from the toggle28and permits manual movement of the toggle28by the switch26or the user30(FIG. 1). Once the yoke member1102reaches the neutral position, the electric motor1118can be deactivated. With the yoke member1102in the neutral position, the user30(FIG. 1) can manually move the toggle28between the on position and the off position and the yoke member1102is not pulled with the toggle28but can remain in the neutral position. The toggle28can move between the on position and the off position because the toggle mover member1130and the yoke member1102can remain outside of the range of motion60(FIG. 6) of the toggle28and therefore do not obstruct the motion of the toggle28.

With reference toFIG. 55,FIG. 56, andFIG. 57, an automatic switch control1150in accordance with another example of the present teachings can be placed over the toggle28of the switch26and can move the toggle28between the on position and the off position in a similar fashion to the automatic switch control1100, as shown inFIG. 55. The automatic switch control1150can also permit the user30(FIG. 1) to manually move the toggle28and permit the switch26to move the toggle28under its own power between the on position and the off position.

The automatic switch control1150can include a yoke member1152that can be slidably supported on a housing1154of the automatic switch control1150. The yoke member1152can have gear teeth1156on one side of the yoke member1152that can be engaged to move the yoke member1152longitudinally with the toggle28and in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis1158of the automatic switch control1150. The yoke member1152can define a first aperture1160that can be completely internal within the yoke member1152and thus can form an inner periphery1162that can be sized to surround the toggle28. The gear teeth1156on the yoke member1152can engage a drive member1164of a worm drive1166. Cooperation between the gear teeth1156on the yoke member1152and the worm drive1166can transfer the rotational motion of the worm drive1166to longitudinal motion of the yoke member1152. The worm drive1166can rotate the drive member1164with an electric motor1168. Gear teeth1170on the drive member1164can engage the gear teeth1156so that rotation of the drive member1164can cause the longitudinal motion of the yoke member1152. The worm drive1166and the electric motor1168can be connected to a rear shell member1172of the housing1154.

The electric motor1168of the worm drive1166can rotate the drive member1164to move the yoke member1152to the bottom position, as shown inFIG. 55; the top position, as shown inFIG. 56; or to the neutral position, as shown inFIG. 57. As such, the user30(FIG. 1) can rely on the automatic switch control1150to move the toggle28to the on position or the off position in response to one or more signals and/or circumstances similar to the automatic switch control10discussed herein.

The first aperture1160formed in the yoke member1152can be sized to encircle the toggle28, where no portion of the yoke member1152is present in the area defined by the range of motion60(FIG. 6) of the toggle28when the yoke member1152is in the neutral position. In this regard, the user30(FIG. 1) remains able to manually move the toggle28between the on position and the off position and the switch26remains able to move the toggle28under its own power while in the neutral position. As such, the first aperture1160is large enough where the toggle28can move between the on position and the off position while not coming into contact with the yoke member1152, when the yoke member1152is in the neutral position.

With reference toFIG. 55, when the toggle28is in the off position, the yoke member1152can be in the corresponding bottom position. The worm drive1166can hold the yoke member1152in the bottom position. The electric motor1168can then rotate the drive member1164to pivot the yoke member1152in an upward direction. By pivoting the yoke member1152in the upward direction, the yoke member1152can move toward the top position and can, in turn, move the toggle28from the off position to the on position, as shown inFIG. 56.

With reference toFIG. 57, once the yoke member1152has moved to the top position (FIG. 56), the electric motor1168can rotate the drive member1164to move the yoke member1152to a neutral position (FIG. 60). Once the drive member1164reaches the neutral position, the electric motor1168can be deactivated. With the drive member1164in the neutral position, the user30(FIG. 1) can manually move the toggle28from the on position to the off position and the yoke member1152is not pulled with the toggle28but can remain in the neutral position. Because the first aperture1160can be large enough so that the inner periphery1162of the first aperture1160can be outside of the range of motion60(FIG. 6) of the toggle28, the first aperture1160of the yoke member1152can be shown to not obstruct the movement of the toggle28to the off position or to the on position when the yoke member1152is in the neutral position.

With reference toFIG. 58,FIG. 59, andFIG. 60, an automatic switch control1200in accordance with another example of the present teachings can be placed over the toggle28of the switch26and can move the toggle28between the on position and the off position in a similar fashion to the automatic switch control1150, as shown inFIG. 55. The automatic switch control1200can also permit the user30(FIG. 1) to manually move the toggle28and permit the switch26to move the toggle28under its own power between the on position and the off position.

The automatic switch control1200can include a yoke member1202that can be slidably supported on a housing1204. The yoke member1202can have gear teeth1206on one side of the yoke member1202that can permit the yoke member1202to travel longitudinally with the toggle28and in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis1208of the automatic switch control1200. The yoke member1202can define a first aperture1210that can be sized to accept the toggle28and thus can form an inner periphery1212.

The gear teeth1206on the yoke member1202can engage a drive member1214of a worm drive1216. When engaged, cooperation between the gear teeth1206on the yoke member1202and the worm drive1216can transfer the rotational motion of the worm drive1216to a longitudinal motion of the yoke member1202. An electric motor1218on the worm drive1216can rotate the drive member1214, so gear teeth1220on the drive member1214can engage the gear teeth1206and rotation of the drive member1214can cause the longitudinal motion of the yoke member1202. The worm drive1216and the electric motor1218can be connected to a rear shell member1222of the housing1204.

When the worm drive1216rotates the drive member1214in the first direction and in the second, opposite direction, the yoke member1202can move in a longitudinal direction. For example, the electric motor1218can rotate the worm drive1216to move the yoke member1202to the bottom position, as shown inFIG. 58and to the top position, as shown inFIG. 59. As such, the user30(FIG. 1) can rely on the automatic switch control1200to move the toggle28to the on position or the off position, respectively, in response to one or more signals and/or circumstances similar to the automatic switch control700discussed herein.

The first aperture1210formed in the yoke member1202can be sized to encircle the toggle28, where no portion of the yoke member1202is present in the area defined by the range of motion60(FIG. 6) of the toggle28when the yoke member1202is in a neutral position. To move the yoke member1202to the neutral position, the yoke member1202can be moved away from the drive member1214. In moving away from the drive member1214, the yoke member1202compresses a spring member1224fixed between the yoke member1202and the housing1204. The yoke member1202can also be moved away from the drive member1214when the yoke member1202is in the top or the bottom position so the yoke member1202can be manually moved to the neutral position without assistance from the worm drive1216. The yoke member1202can be held away from the drive member1214by a latch or a catch to which the user30can manually move the yoke member1202. Additional mechanisms can also be employed to automatically move the yoke member1202away from the drive member1214without intervention from the user30. The spring member1224typically urges the gear teeth1206into engagement with the drive member1214. For example, the spring member1224can be a leaf spring that can be compressed when moving the yoke member1202away from the drive member1214. The user30(FIG. 1) remains able to manually move the toggle28between the on and the off positions while the yoke member1202is in the neutral position.

With reference toFIG. 58, when the toggle28is in the off position, the yoke member1202can be in the corresponding bottom position. The worm drive1216can hold the yoke member1202in the bottom position. The electric motor1218may then rotate the drive member1214to pivot the yoke member1202in an upward direction. By pivoting the yoke member1202in the upward direction, the yoke member1202can move toward the top position and can, in turn, move the toggle28from the off position to the on position, as shown inFIG. 59.

With reference toFIG. 60, once the yoke member1202has moved to the top position (FIG. 59), the worm drive1216can move the yoke member1202to the neutral position. The user30(FIG. 1) can also manually disengage the yoke member1202from the drive member1214and the user30can move the toggle28from the on position to the off position and the yoke member1202can be moved to the neutral position. Once in the neutral position, the first aperture1210can be large enough so that the inner periphery1212of the first aperture1210can be outside of the range of motion60(FIG. 6) of the toggle28, so the yoke member1202can be shown to not obstruct the movement of the toggle28to the off position or to the on position.

With reference toFIG. 61,FIG. 62, andFIG. 63, an automatic switch control1250in accordance with another example of the present teachings can be placed over the toggle28of the switch26and can move the toggle28between the on position and the off position in a similar fashion to the automatic switch control950, as shown inFIG. 43. The automatic switch control1250can also permit the user30(FIG. 1) to manually move the toggle28and permit the switch26to move the toggle28under its own power between the on position and the off position.

The automatic switch control1250can include a yoke member1252that can be pivotally supported on a housing1254of the automatic switch control1250. The yoke member1252can include a top member1256and a bottom member1258. A first plunger mechanism1260can move the bottom member1258toward the on position of the toggle28and a second plunger mechanism1262can move the top member1256toward the off position of the toggle28. The top and the bottom members1256,1258can pivot about the housing1254and can contact the toggle28to move the toggle28in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis1264of the automatic switch control1250.

The first plunger mechanism1260can pivot the bottom member1258about a pin member1266. The first plunger mechanism1260can include a drive member1268that can be extended and retracted by an electric motor1270. The drive member1268can connect to a groove1272in the bottom member1258with a pin member1274that permits the drive member1268to move in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis1264, while the bottom member1258can travel in a curved path. The second plunger mechanism1262can connect to the top member1256that can pivot about a pin member1276. The second plunger mechanism1262can include a drive member1278that can be extended and retracted by an electric motor1280. The drive member1278can connect to a groove1282in the top member1256with a pin member1284to permit motion similar to the bottom member1256.

The first plunger mechanism1260can include a spring member1286that can urge the drive member1268to an extended condition and move the bottom member1258out of the range of motion60(FIG. 6) of the toggle28. For example, the first plunger mechanism1260can include a solenoid that can pull the drive member1268into a retracted condition against the spring member1286and can move the toggle28to the on position. The first plunger mechanism1260could also rotate the drive member1268between the retracted condition and the extended condition. In this example, the drive member1268can include a joint to permit rotation of one portion but then also connect to the bottom member1258with a portion of the drive member1268that does not rotate. Similarly, the second plunger mechanism1262can include a spring member1288that can urge the drive member1278to an extended condition and move the top member1256out of the range of motion60of the toggle28. For example, the second plunger mechanism1262can include a solenoid that can similarly pull the drive member1278into a retracted condition against the spring member1288and can move the toggle28to the off position. The second plunger mechanism1262could also rotate the drive member1278in a similar configuration to the drive member1268discussed herein.

With reference toFIG. 61, the toggle28is in the off position and the yoke member1252is in the bottom position. With reference toFIG. 62, the toggle28is in the on position and the yoke member1252is in the top position. With reference toFIG. 63, the yoke member1252is in a neutral position and the toggle28can be in the on position (as illustrated) or in the off position. When the yoke member1252is in the neutral position, the top and bottom members1256,1258are kept outside of the range of motion60(FIG. 6) of the toggle28so that the toggle28can be moved manually or by the switch26under its own power.

With reference toFIG. 64, an automatic switch control1300in accordance with another example of the present teachings can be placed over the toggle28of the switch26and can move the toggle28between the on position and the off position in a similar fashion to the automatic switch control600, as shown inFIG. 22. The automatic switch control1300can also permit the user30(FIG. 1) to manually move the toggle28and permit the switch26to move the toggle28under its own power between the on position and the off position. The automatic switch control1300can include a yoke member1302that can be slidably supported on a housing1304of the automatic switch control1300. The yoke member1302can include a cam member1306that can connect to a worm drive1308that can be connected to the housing1304. The yoke member1302can further include four grooves1310that are formed in the yoke member1302. Each of the grooves1310accept a post member1312that can extend from the housing1304. Each of the four grooves1310are configured so that the yoke member1302can travel in a partially arcuate path around the toggle28. In addition, the yoke member1302can define an aperture1314that can serve as a toggle mover member1316that can receive the toggle28for movement between the on position and the off position.

The worm drive1308can have a drive member1320that can connect to the cam member1306on the yoke member1302. An electric motor1322can rotate the drive member1320so that the cam member1306can rotate about the drive member1320thus moving the yoke member1302between a top position, a bottom position, and a neutral position. When the worm drive1308moves the yoke member1302to the top position, the toggle28can be moved to the on position. When the worm drive1308moves the toggle mover member1316to the bottom position, the yoke member1302can move the toggle28to the off position.

To move to the neutral position, the yoke member1302can deviate from longitudinal motion that can be parallel to a longitudinal axis1324and therefore can move in a partially lateral direction that can be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis1324. To make this possible, the grooves1310and the aperture1314that forms the toggle mover member1316can be elongated to permit such movement. With the yoke member1302in the neutral position, the user30(FIG. 1) can manually move the toggle28from the on position to the off position and in doing so the yoke member1302is not pulled with the toggle28but can remain in the neutral position.

With reference toFIG. 65, an automatic switch control1350in accordance with another example of the present teachings can be placed over the toggle28of the switch26and can move the toggle28between the on position and the off position in a similar fashion to the automatic switch control650as shown inFIG. 24. The automatic switch control1350can also permit the user30(FIG. 1) to manually move the toggle28and permit the switch26to move the toggle28under its own power between the on position and the off position.

The automatic switch control1350can include a yoke member1352that can be pivotally supported on a housing1354of the automatic switch control1350. The yoke member1352can have a pivot portion1356on one side of the yoke member1352that can be pivotally attached to the housing1354with a pin member1358. The pin member1358can allow the yoke member1352to pivot in a curved path relative to the toggle28that can move in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis1360of the automatic switch control1350.

The yoke member1352can define a first aperture1362that can be completely internal within the yoke member1352and thus can form an inner periphery1364. The first aperture1362can be sized to accept the toggle28. The yoke member1352can also define gear teeth1366on an end portion1368of the yoke member1352that can be opposite the pivot portion1356. The gear teeth1366can extend from the end portion1368and can be engaged by a drive member1370of a gear assembly1372. Cooperation between the gear teeth1366on the yoke member1352and the gear assembly1372can transfer the rotational motion of an electric motor1374and the gear assembly1372to the pivotal motion of the yoke member1352. The electric motor1374can rotate the drive member1370through the gear assembly1372that can include multiple gears that can place the electric motor1374at a location in the housing1354that is distal from the drive member1370. For example, the gear assembly1372can employ three reduction gear sets1376that can permit the electric motor1374to be disposed below the toggle28.

Once the yoke member1352has moved to the top position or the bottom position, the electric motor1374can move the yoke member1352to a neutral position as is shown inFIG. 65. Once the yoke member1352reaches the neutral position, the electric motor1374can be deactivated. With the yoke member1352in the neutral position, the user30(FIG. 1) can manually move the toggle28from the on position to the off position and in doing so, the yoke member1352is not pulled with the toggle28but can remain in the neutral position.

With reference toFIG. 66, an automatic switch control1400in accordance with another example of the present teachings can be placed over the toggle28of the switch26and can move the toggle28between the on position and the off position in a similar fashion to the automatic switch control1100, as shown inFIG. 52. The automatic switch control1400can also permit the user30(FIG. 1) to manually move the toggle and have the switch26move the toggle28under its own power between the on position and the off position.

The automatic switch control1400can include a yoke member1402that can be mounted for longitudinal movement on a housing1404of the automatic switch control1400. The yoke member1402can include a toggle mover member1406that can be attached to a follower member1408. The follower member1408can include an aperture1410that can receive a drive member1412of a worm drive1414that can move the follower member1408longitudinally to a top position and a bottom position. An electric motor1416can drive the drive member1412of the worm drive1414so the follower member1408translates longitudinally and generally parallel to a longitudinal axis1418. The toggle mover member1406can include a torsional spring1420that can connect to the follower member1408and maintain the toggle mover member1406in a neutral condition. A pin member1426and a pin member1428can extend from the housing1404generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis1418.

The yoke member1402can be moved to the top position to move the toggle28to the on position. The toggle mover member1406can begin movement upward with the yoke member1402and the toggle mover member1406can contact the pin member1128. In this regard, the yoke member1402deflects (i.e., winds up) the torsional spring1420. With continuing movement of the yoke member1402upward, the toggle mover member1406can skip past the pin member1428and can contact the toggle28to push the toggle28to the on position. The toggle mover member1406can skip past the toggle28and come to a rest position above the toggle28. In this position, the yoke member1402can be in a neutral position. The yoke member1402can also be moved by the worm drive1414to the bottom position. In doing so, the toggle mover member1406can wind up (i.e., load) against the pin member1126and then skip past it to move the toggle28to the off position. When the toggle mover member1406can move the toggle28to the off position, the toggle mover member1406can skip past the toggle28and come to a rest in a position beneath the toggle28. In this position, the yoke member1402is in a neutral position.

With reference toFIG. 67, an automatic switch control1450that can be similar to the automatic switch control10(FIG. 1) can include an adapter1452. The adapter1452can permit the housing1454of the automatic switch control1450to mount to the switch26on the wall20that does not include the switch plate24(FIG. 2). For example, the adapter1452can connect to a rear surface1456of a rear shell member1458of the housing1454. In doing so, the adapter1452can serve to visually extend the housing1454to fit securely around the switch26and to the wall20. The adapter1454can cover up the area between the rear surface1456of the automatic switch control1450and the wall20such that nothing is visible between the wall20and the housing1454but would have otherwise been open due to the omission of the switch plate24(FIG. 2). The adapter1452can connect to the housing1454of the automatic switch control1450using fasteners and/or adhesives. The adapter1452can also be held between the housing1454of the automatic switch control1450and the switch26by sandwiching the adapter1452against the housing1454and the wall20.

With reference toFIG. 1,FIG. 68andFIG. 69, the user30can install the automatic switch control10over an existing switch26with existing switch plate24. The user30can remove the conventional fasteners1500from the switch plate24and the switch26but can keep the switch plate24secured to the wall20with a piece of adhesive material such as tape or other fasteners. The user30can also hold the switch plate24to the wall20during the process. As shown inFIG. 69, the user30can secure the mounting plate member118over the switch plate24using a first fastener1512and a second fastener1514. This can permit the user30to attach the mounting plate member118to the already in place the switch plate24and connect to the already existing receptacles on the switch26where the previous fasteners1500were connected. Once the fasteners1512,1514are secured, the automatic switch control10can be secured to the mounting plate member118by pushing the automatic switch control10firmly onto the switch26, as shown inFIG. 2.

While specific aspects have been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements and components thereof without departing from the scope of the present teachings, as defined in the claims. Furthermore, the mixing and matching of features, elements, components and/or functions between various aspects of the present teachings are expressly contemplated herein so that one skilled in the art will appreciate from the present teachings that features, elements, components and/or functions of one aspect of the present teachings can be incorporated into another aspect, as appropriate, unless described otherwise above. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, configuration, or material to the present teachings without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present teachings not be limited to the particular aspects illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present teachings, but that the scope of the present teachings include many aspects and examples following within the foregoing description and the appended claims.