Abstract:
A device to actuate a switch. The switch has a switch toggle movable between a first position and a second position. The device includes a switch yoke movable between the first position and the second position adapted to engage the switch toggle and move therewith. The device also includes a first linkage connected to the switch yoke. The first linkage applies a force in response to an input signal to move the switch yoke from the first position to the second position. The first linkage includes a shape memory alloy. The device is configured to permit manual actuation of the switch toggle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/539,551, filed on Jan. 27, 2004, entitled Remote Controlled Wall Switch Actuator. The disclosure of the above provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
     
    
     FIELD  
       [0002]     The present invention generally relates to remote actuation of a switch and more particularly to actuation of a switch using shape memory alloys, while maintaining the ability to manually actuate the switch.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     There are many specialty stores, publications and television programs about home improvement, renovation and construction. As a result, modern consumers are increasingly aware of advancements in technologies relating to the maintenance and operation of their homes. One increasingly popular trend in home technology concerns home automation wherein various devices can be controlled by remote actuation. Remote actuation allows the consumer to control the various devices beyond the reaches of any such device.  
         [0004]     Typically, many devices are already controlled by switches and already integrated into the wiring of the building or location. One of the more prevalent examples may be a room light controlled by a conventional switch at the entrance to the room. It will be appreciated that many devices located in buildings or various locations, whether outside or inside, may be already controllable by conventional switches.  
         [0005]     With reference to  FIG. 1 , a conventional wall switch is shown and generally indicated by reference numeral  10 . A conventional double gang box is shown and generally indicated by reference numeral  12 . The switch includes a mounting plate  14  and a switch lever  16 . The mounting plate  14  is configured so that the switch  10  can be mounted to the gang box  12  by conventional methods. It will be appreciated that a second light switch (not shown) can be mounted by conventional methods to the gang box  12 .  
         [0006]     The configuration of the gang box  12  is typically standardized so that many different configurations of the wall switch  10  can be installed into the gang box  12 , for example, lever switches, rocker switches, and/or dimmer switches, which may be collectively referred to as switch toggles. Nevertheless, many of the switches  10  generally conform to a set geometry, such that a distance  18  between each of the light switches  10  (one of which is shown) in the gang box  12  is standard and is about two inches (about 50 millimeters). It will be appreciated that if the gang box held more than two of the switches  10 , the distance  18  between each of the switches  10  would be about the same.  
         [0007]     The mounting plate  14  includes a first pair of apertures  20  and a second pair of apertures  22 . The first pair of apertures  20  is configured so that the switch  10  may be secured to the gang box  12  with conventional fasteners  24 . The second pair of apertures  22  is configured so that a switch cover (not shown) can be secured to the switch  10  with conventional fasteners (not shown). It will be appreciated that the double gang box  12  is configured to optionally contain two of the switches  10 ; therefore, the switch cover (not shown) can be configured to attach over two of the switches  10  by inserting conventional fasteners through the switch cover (not shown) into the second set of apertures  22 .  
         [0008]     The switch  10  may be configured with standard distances between the first pair of apertures  20  and the second pair of apertures  22 . As such, the distance between the first pair of apertures  20  is about three and one-quarter inches (about 82 millimeters) and is indicated by reference numeral  26 . The distance between the second pair of apertures  22  is about two and one-half inches (about 63 millimeters) and is indicated by reference numeral  28 .  
         [0009]     The switch lever  16  or switch toggle, in the conventional switch  10 , opens and closes a circuit to which the switch  10  can be attached. The switch lever  16  in a first position typically corresponds to an “on” position. The on position refers to the switch  16  closing—thus completing—the circuit to which it is attached and ultimately delivering electricity to a device also on the circuit. The circuit, for example, could be a simple household power source connected to a lamp and the switch  10 . The lamp may be plugged into a wall electrical socket that is controlled by the switch  10 . With this arrangement, when the switch  10  is on or in the first position, the lamp will be on. When the switch  10  is off or in the second position, the light is turned off. It will be appreciated that when the switch lever  16  is in an up position, it is typically in the on position, which is also defined as the first position. As such, when the switch lever  16  is in a down position, it is typically in the off position, which is also defined as the second position.  
         [0010]     The switch lever  16  contains a conventional spring (not shown) within the switch  10 . As such, a force need not be applied to the switch lever  16  throughout the entire motion from the first position to the second position. The switch lever  16 , therefore, need only be moved approximately 85% from one position toward another, as the spring will complete remaining motion.  
         [0011]     The conventional switch  10  can be integrated into many applications such as residential, commercial or industrial buildings. The switch  10  can be electrically connected to many devices. As such, it is desirable to control any such device at a location beyond the reach of its respective switch. It also desirable to maintain the ability to manually actuate the switch  10  when in close proximity to the switch  10 .  
         [0012]     Implementations of remote switch actuators that are installed over, or in lieu of, conventional household switches have been very bulky and/or difficult to install. Some implementations require the consumer to replace a conventional light switch or cover up the light switch entirely with the remote actuator. Other implementations are configured so that the remote actuator is installed over an existing light switch where the lever extends through the actuator but still does not allow manual actuation of the light switch. The bulkiness of previous implementations has also not been visually appealing to the consumer as the bulkiness manifests itself in the large device extending from the wall.  
         [0013]     Other implementations of remote actuators have included rather complex and expensive systems to actuate the light switch. Previous exemplary systems have included worm drive systems and/or various gear assemblies to actuate the light switch. These systems only allow the user to actuate the light switch with the remote control actuator and eliminate the ability to actuate the light switch manually. Other implementations have also resulted in a shorter battery life or the requirement to hardwire the remote actuator into the building electrical system to avoid the short battery life problem.  
         [0014]     It is desirable to provide a remote actuation unit that does not rely on complex, bulky, and otherwise expensive gearing assemblies. It is also desirable to provide a slim and visually appealing package for the remote actuation device. It is additionally desirable to maintain the ability for the consumer to manually actuate the switch without regard to the position of the remote actuation device. It is also desirable to provide at least the above functionality and provide substantial battery life.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0015]     In one form, the teachings of the present invention provide a device to actuate a switch. The switch has a switch toggle movable between a first position and a second position. The device includes a switch yoke movable between the first position and the second position adapted to engage the switch toggle and move therewith. The device also includes a first linkage connected to the switch yoke. The first linkage applies a force in response to an input signal to move the switch yoke from the first position to the second position. The first linkage includes a shape memory alloy.  
         [0016]     Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]     The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a conventional switch mounted in a conventional double gang box;  
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is a front view of a remote controlled wall switch actuator and a remote transmitter constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  is a front view of an alternate remote controlled wall switch actuator showing no switch installed;  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  is an internal view of  FIG. 2  showing internal components of the wall switch actuator;  
         [0022]      FIG. 5A  is a simplified representation of  FIG. 4  showing a switch yoke in the first position, a first linkage in a relaxed condition, and a second linkage in a relaxed condition;  
         [0023]      FIG. 5B  is a view similar to  FIG. 5A  but showing the switch yoke in a second position, the first linkage in a constricted condition, and the second linkage in the relaxed condition;  
         [0024]      FIG. 5C  is a view similar to  FIG. 5A  but showing the switch yoke in the second position, the first linkage in the relaxed condition, and the second linkage in the relaxed condition;  
         [0025]      FIG. 5D  is a view similar to  FIG. 5A  but showing the switch yoke in the first position, the first linkage in the relaxed condition, and the second linkage in the constricted condition;  
         [0026]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the actuator and the remote transmitter of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an actuator similar to the actuator of  FIG. 2  but including an optional on/off switch;  
         [0028]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged view of a portion of the internal view of  FIG. 4  showing the switch installed in the actuator;  
         [0029]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 8  illustrating the second post and shape memory alloy wires connected thereto in greater detail;  
         [0030]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 8  showing the linkage connection point and the pivot point on the switch yoke in greater detail;  
         [0031]      FIG. 11  is a simplified representation of  FIG. 4  showing a grounded switch yoke and the respective linkages and position-sensing switches;  
         [0032]      FIG. 12  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 11  but showing switch yoke at a supply voltage, the respective linkages, and position-sensing switches;  
         [0033]      FIG. 13  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 11  but showing a switch yoke, the respective linkages, and alternative position-sensing switches;  
         [0034]      FIG. 14  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 11  but showing an electrically isolated switch yoke, the respective linkages, and the alternative position-sensing switches;  
         [0035]      FIG. 15  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 11  showing the switch yoke, the respective alternative linkages, and the position-sensing switches;  
         [0036]      FIG. 16  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the remote controlled wall switch actuator constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;  
         [0037]      FIG. 17  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 16  showing the linkage connection point, the pivot point, and the switch yoke in greater detail;  
         [0038]      FIG. 18  is simplified view of a conventional rocker switch;  
         [0039]      FIG. 19  is simplified view of another alternative embodiment of the remote controlled wall switch actuator constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the switch actuator being shown in operative association with the conventional rocker switch such that the rocker switch is placed in the first position; and  
         [0040]      FIG. 20  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 19  but illustrating with the rocker switch in the second position.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0041]     The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application or uses.  
         [0042]     With reference to  FIG. 2 , a remote controlled wall switch actuator is generally indicated by reference numeral  100 . A transmitter is generally indicated by reference numeral  102 . The actuator  100  includes a housing  104 , which encases internal components of the actuator  100 . The housing  104  can be configured in many shapes, for example but not limited to those shown in  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 11 . The housing  104  also includes a removable power supply cover  104   a . In various embodiments, the actuator  100  is sized to be secured over a single light switch  106 , but it will be appreciated that the housing  104  may be sized in various configurations to fit over a single light switch or multiple light switches, as partially depicted in  FIG. 1 . Some exemplary configurations that secure over multiple light switches will be discussed below.  
         [0043]     A pair of fasteners  108  can be used to secure the housing  104  to the light switch  106 . It will be appreciated that the fasteners  108  may be used to secure the housing  104  to the switch  106  using the second pair of apertures  22  ( FIG. 1 ) that are otherwise available to secure the conventional light switch cover (not shown) to the switch  106 . It will also be appreciated that the fasteners  108  may also be used to secure the housing  104  to the switch  106  using the first pair of apertures  20  ( FIG. 1 ) that is also used to secure the switch  106  to the conventional gang box  12  ( FIG. 1 ). It will be appreciated that many methods exist to secure the actuator  100  to the conventional switch  106 , some such exemplary methods including mechanical fastening, bonding, magnetic coupling and combinations thereof.  
         [0044]     A switch yoke  110  may be partially visible through the housing  104 . The switch yoke  110  is used to move a switch lever  112  or a switch toggle of the switch  106  from a first position to a second position. It will be appreciated that the first position may correspond with an “on” position of the switch  106  and a second position may correspond to an “off” position of the switch  106 . It will be further appreciated that the “on” and “off” positions of the switch  106  are in reference to the conventional household switch  10  ( FIG. 1 ). As such, the labels OFF and ON are depicted throughout the figures for clarity, but it will be appreciated that the first position and the second position need not correspond to the on position or the off position in other installations.  
         [0045]     The transmitter  102  includes a remote transmitter housing  114 , a first button  116 , a second button  118 , a third button  120 , a fourth button  122  and a fifth button  124 . The aforementioned buttons may be hereinafter collectively referred to as buttons  126 . The first button  116  can be configured to control the actuator  100 . As such, a user (not shown) may select the first button  116 , which in turn will control the actuator  100  to move it from its current position to a new position, for example, if the actuator  100  is in the first position, selection of the first button  116  will control it to the second position. If the actuator  100  is in the second position, selection of the first button  116  will control the actuator  100  to the first position. It should therefore be noted that controlling the actuator  100  from the first position to the second position necessarily encompasses controlling the actuator  100  from the second position to the first position.  
         [0046]     Either the first button  116 , the second button  118 , the third button  120 , the fourth button  122  or the fifth button  124  can be configured to control the remote actuator  100 . It will be appreciated that multiple remote controlled wall switch actuators  100  can be installed in a given location. If, for example, five actuators  100  were installed in a given location, the buttons  126  of the remote transmitter  102  may be individually assigned to control an associated one of the actuators  100 . It will be further appreciated that the individual buttons  126  of the remote transmitter  102  may control multiple actuators  100 , for example, the second button  118  may control three actuators  100  at once. In that example, selecting the second button  118  will control the three actuators  100 , and if all of the actuators  100  are in the same position, selection of the second button  118  will control the actuators  100  to the other position. It follows that regardless of the position of the actuators  100 , selection of the second button  118 , in that example, will control the actuators  100  to the opposite position.  
         [0047]     Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from the disclosure that two of the buttons may be employed to control one of the actuators  100 . For example, the actuator  100  may respond to a signal, which is generated by the transmitter  102  in response to the actuation of button  116 , to cause the switch yoke  110  to move the switch lever  112  to the “on” position only if the switch lever  112  is not in the “on” position when the signal is generated. Similarly, the actuator  100  may also respond to a signal, which is generated by the transmitter  102  in response to the actuation of button  118 , to cause the switch yoke  110  to move the switch lever  112  to the “off” position only if the switch lever  112  is not in the off” position when the signal is generated.  
         [0048]     It will be additionally appreciated that one or more of the buttons  126  can be configured, so that when selected control one or more actuators  100  from the first position to the second position. For example, the fourth button  122  can be configured to turn off all of the actuators regardless of the position of the actuator, such that some actuators may be in the second position and remain in the second position while others may be in the first position and will move to the second position. It follows, therefore, that one or more of the buttons  126  can be configured so that the actuator  100  responds by moving from the second position to the first position, such that some of the actuators may be in the first position and remain in the first position while others may be in the second position and will move to the first position.  
         [0049]     With reference to  FIG. 3 , the remote controlled wall switch actuator  100  is shown with the housing  104  configured with a different decorative appearance indicated by reference numeral  104 ′. A removable power supply cover is indicated by reference numeral  104   a ′. Regardless of the housing  104 ′ configuration or appearance, the actuator  100  can be sized to be secured over the single light switch  106  ( FIG. 2 ) or multiple light switches, as partially depicted in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0050]     It will be appreciated that the housing  104  may be configured to fit over the single switch or multiple switches. To that end, multiple housings may be attached to multiple switches or a larger housing may be attached to the multiple switches. It will be further appreciated that in applications where the larger housing is used to actuate multiple switches, the power supply, the actuation assembly and the controller module will be modified to accommodate the additional switches.  
         [0051]     With reference to  FIG. 4 , the exemplary internal components of the actuator  100  are shown along with the remote transmitter  102 . In the various embodiments, a rear portion  128  of the housing  104  is shown containing the exemplary internal components of the actuator  100 , which includes an actuation assembly  130 , a power supply  132  and a controller module  134 . The actuation assembly  130  includes the switch yoke  110  that pivots on a pivot point  136 . The switch yoke  110  includes a first contact point  138   a  and a second contact point  138   b ; hereinafter collectively referred to as contact points  138 . The contact points  138  are configured to make contact with the switch lever  112  ( FIG. 2 ).  
         [0052]     On the switch yoke  110 , opposite the rounded contact points  138 , is a linkage contact point  140 . A first linkage  142  connects a first post  144  to the linkage contact point  140 . A second linkage  146  connects a second post  148  to the linkage contact point  140 . The first linkage  142  and the second linkage  146  are comprised of at least one shape memory alloy wire  150 . The first linkage  142  and the second linkage  146  may be comprised of two shape memory alloy wires  150 .  
         [0053]     The shape memory alloy wire  150  is available from many sources and in many configurations; as such, various compositions and dimensions of the wire  150  may be used in the actuator  100 . In the various embodiments, the wire  150  can be a nitinol wire obtained from Dynalloy, Inc (Costa Mesa, Calif.) under the trade name Flexinol®. The wire  150  begins to constrict when heated above its transformation temperature, which is about 194 degrees Fahrenheit (about 90 degrees Celsius). The wire  150  will begin to cool and resort to its relaxed condition when its temperature drops below the transformation temperature.  
         [0054]     In the embodiment illustrated, the two wires  150  have a diameter of about 0.008 inches each (about 0.2 millimeters) and apply about 1.3 pounds (about 5.8 Newtons) of force each when they are heated above their transformation temperature. It will be appreciated that thicker wires can be used to apply the same force but inherent in a larger diameter wire is a longer relaxation time, hence a longer cooling time. It will be appreciated that this is due to a smaller ratio of surface area to cross-sectional area, relative to several thinner wires. As such, two thinner wires may apply the same force as a single thicker wire but cool faster, or varying size wires may be used to apply a suitable force with a suitable relaxation time.  
         [0055]     The actuator  100  may also include a first position-sensing switch  152  and a second position-sensing switch  154 . The switch yoke  110  may be configured to make contact with the first position-sensing switch  152  when the switch yoke  110  is in the first position. In turn, the switch yoke  110  may also be configured to make contact with the second position-sensing switch  154  when the switch yoke  110  is in the second position. It will be appreciated that when the switch yoke  110  is in the first position, the linkage contact point  140  has pivoted away from the first post  144  and that when the switch yoke  110  is in the second position, the linkage control point has pivoted away from the second post  148 .  
         [0056]     It will be appreciated that the actuator  100  can be manually actuated regardless of the position of the switch yoke  110 . It will be further appreciated that manual activation refers to the user moving the switch lever  112  independent of any control of the actuator  100 . As such, when the switch lever  112  is moved to a first position, the switch yoke  110  will move to a first position and thus make contact with the first position-sensing switch  152 . It follows, therefore, that when the switch lever  112  moves to the second position, the switch yoke  110  makes contact with the second position-sensing switch  154 .  
         [0057]     Even when the switch  106  is manually actuated, the actuator  100  detects the position of the switch  106 . The actuator  100 , therefore, when activated will move the switch  106  from its current position to a new position. For example, if the user (not shown) moves the switch  106  to the first position from the second position and then the actuator  100  is activated, the actuator  100  will move the switch  106  from the second position to the first position. It will be appreciated therefore, that the actuator  100  can be used to actuate the switch  106  remotely without any manual actuation of the switch  106 . With the actuator  100  installed, the switch  106  can also be used exclusively via manual actuation. The switch  106  can also be actuated manually from the first position to the second position and then return to the first position using the actuator  100 . It follows that the actuator  100  can move the switch  106  from the first position to the second position and then the switch  106  can be manually actuated back to the first position.  
         [0058]     With continuing reference to  FIG. 4 , the actuator  100  includes the power supply  132 . In the various embodiments, the power supply  132  includes a three-volt power source  156  and a nine-volt power source  158 . The power supply  132  provides power to the controller module  134 , which in turn controls the actuation assembly  130 . The controller module  134  contains a processor  160  and a remote control receiver module  162 . The three-volt power source  156  provides power to the processor  160 , while the nine-volt power source  158  provides power to the remote control receiver module  162 . It will be appreciated that the power supply  132  may be configured with a single voltage power supply to supply both the processor  160  and the remote control receiver module  162 . While individual batteries are shown in  FIG. 4 , it will also be appreciated that the power supply  132  may be configured with rechargeable batteries, hard-wired into the home power supply with or without suitable transformers, or provided with various other power supply configurations.  
         [0059]     In the control module  134 , the processor  160  is configured to control the actuator  100 . The remote control receiver module  162  is configured to receive radio frequency (RF) transmissions from the remote transmitter  102 . It should be appreciated that the remote transmitter  102  is only one type of transmitter that can be used to activate the actuator  100  by sending an input signal. Other such input signals to activate the actuator  100  can be sent from motion sensors, proximity sensors, timers, light sensors or any combination of these devices.  
         [0060]     With reference to  FIG. 5A, 5B ,  5 C, and  5 D the actuator  100  is shown in a simplified form and generally indicated by reference numeral  100 ′. The switch yoke  110  is connected to the first linkage  142  and the second linkage  146  at the linkage contact point  140 . The first linkage  142  connects to the first post  144  and the second linkage  146  connects to the second post  148 . The first post  144  includes a first latch circuit  164  and a first driver  166 . The second post  148  includes a second driver  168  and a second latch circuit  170 . The switch yoke  110 , when in the first position, makes electrical contact with the first position-sensing switch  152 , and in the second position makes electrical contact with the second position-sensing switch  154 .  
         [0061]     The processor  160  is connected to the remote control receiver module  162 , which may receive the input signals from many sources. Some sources that can send input signals may be, for example, the remote transmitter  102 , a timer  172 , a light sensor  174  or a motion or proximity sensor  176  all of which can send an input signal via RF communication  178 . It will be appreciated that the processor  160  can be configured to receive signals directly from the remote transmitter  102 , the timer  172 , the light sensor  174 , or the motion or proximity sensor  176  or other logic components can be configured to receive the same signals and direct them to the processor  160 . Regardless of the source of the input signal, the remote control receiver module  162  responds to the input signal by generating an actuation signal. It will be appreciated, however, that the either the timer  172 , the light sensor  174 , or the motion or the proximity sensor  176  may be integral to the actuator  100  or may be installed remotely and send signals to the actuator via RF communication  178  or any other suitable form of electromagnetic wave communication. It will also be appreciated that the processor  160  can be configured as a single or multiple integrated circuit controllers or multiple logic components.  
         [0062]     The remote control receiver module  162  may also be configured to receive an audio input signal such as a clapping sound or a voice command. It will be appreciated that the actuator may be close enough to a user to receive audio input, but still may be far enough away where manual actuation is not possible. To that end, the actuator  100  can be configured to receive audio inputs and thus generate the actuation signal.  
         [0063]     The remote control receiver module  162  may also be configured to receive an input signal through a home automation system, such as through household electrical system using the X10® protocol. The remote control receiver module  162  may also be configured to receive signals from a universal remote control. Integration of the X10® protocol and use of universal remote controls are more fully discussed in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/697,795, titled Home Automation system, and filed Oct. 30, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.  
         [0064]     With reference to  FIG. 5A , the switch yoke  110  is shown in the first position. The first linkage  142  and the second linkage  146  are in rest condition. Upon receipt of the input signal, the remote control receiver module  162  sends an actuation signal to the processor  160 . The processor  160 , in turn, causes the actuator  100  to move the switch lever  112  ( FIG. 2 ) from the first position to the second position, which typically turns the switch  106  ( FIG. 2 ) off, as depicted in  FIG. 5B .  
         [0065]     In the various embodiments, this is accomplished by the processor  160  sending a signal to the first latch  164 . The first latch  164  activates the first driver  166 , resulting in the driver  166  heating the first linkage  142 . Heating of the shape memory alloy wires  150  ( FIG. 4 ) in the first linkage  142 , causes the first linkage  142  to constrict and apply a force to the switch yoke  110 . The force applied to the switch yoke  110  causes the switch yoke  110  to move from the first position to the second position, as shown in  FIG. 5B .  
         [0066]     Once the switch yoke  110  reaches the second position and makes contact with the second position-sensing switch  154 , the processor deactivates the first driver  166 . The first driver  166  will remain on until the switch yoke  110  moves into the second position and makes contact with the second position-sensing switch  154 , or until a maximum actuation time has elapsed. In the various embodiments, the maximum actuation time can be about one second. If the driver has been on for more than the maximum actuation time and the yoke has not completed the motion from the first to the second position, the processor turns off the driver. The processor will turn off the driver, in this scenario, to prevent possible damage to the actuator  100 .  
         [0067]     The processor  160 , after sending a signal to the first latch  164 , will not send any more signals for a predetermined lock-out time. The lock-out time may be about five seconds. The lock-out time may include an actuation time, a shape memory alloy relaxation time and a system delay. The actuation time refers to the time it takes to move the switch yoke between the first position and the second position when the actuator  100  is actuated. The shape memory alloy relaxation time refers to the time it takes for the shape memory alloy wire to cool after being heated. In the particular example provided, the actuation time is about one second, the shape memory alloy relaxation time is about two and one half seconds, and the system delay is about one second. It will be appreciated that changes to the shape memory alloy, system geometry, or various other design changes may necessitate changes to either the actuation time, the shape memory alloy relaxation time or the system delay.  
         [0068]     With reference to  FIG. 5B , the switch yoke  110  is shown in the second position. The first linkage  142  is taut, as it is still in a constricted condition from being heated by the first driver  166 . The second linkage  146  is in a relaxed condition. With the switch yoke  110  in the second position, the switch yoke  110  makes electrical contact with the second position-sensing switch  154 . The processor  160  detects the switch yoke  110  in the second position by detecting the contact between the switch yoke  110  and the second position-sensing switch  154 . If the first driver  166  is still on, the processor  160  will turn off the first driver  166  and the first linkage  142  will begin to cool. As the first linkage  142  cools, both the first linkage  142  and the second linkage  146  will be in a relaxed condition, as shown in  FIG. 5C .  
         [0069]     With reference to  FIG. 5C , the switch yoke  110  is shown in the second position. The first linkage  142  and the second linkage  146  are in a relaxed condition. Upon receipt of the input signal, the remote control receiver module  162  sends an actuation signal to the processor  160 , which in turn causes the actuator  100  to move the switch lever  112  ( FIG. 2 ) from the second position to the first position, which typically would turn the switch  106  ( FIG. 2 ) on, as shown in  FIG. 5D .  
         [0070]     In the various embodiments, this is accomplished by the processor  160  sending a signal to the second driver  168 , which heats the second linkage  146 . Heating of shape memory alloy wires  150  ( FIG. 4 ) in the second linkage  146 , causes the second linkage  146  to constrict and apply a force to the switch yoke  110 . The force applied to the switch yoke  110  causes the switch yoke  110  to move from the second position to the first position, which is shown in  FIG. 5D .  
         [0071]     Once the switch yoke  110  reaches the first position and makes contact with the first position-sensing switch  152 , the processor deactivates the second driver  168 . The processor  160 , after sending a signal to the second driver  168 , will not send any more signals for the predetermined lock-out time.  
         [0072]     With reference to  FIG. 5D , the switch yoke  110  is shown in the first position. The second linkage  146  is taut, as it is still in a constricted condition from being heated by the second driver  168 . The first linkage  142  is in a relaxed condition. With the switch yoke  110  into the first position, the switch yoke  110  has made electrical contact with the first position-sensing switch  152 . The processor  160  detects the switch yoke  110  in the first position by detecting the contact between the switch yoke  110  and the first position-sensing switch  152 . If the second driver  168  is still on, the processor  160  will turn off the second driver  168  and the second linkage  146  will begin to cool. As the second linkage  146  cools, both the first linkage  142  and the second linkage  146  will resort to the relaxed condition, as shown in  FIG. 5A .  
         [0073]     It will be appreciated that various designs of the components can be incorporated into the processor or configured as separate components. For example, the processor provides, among other things, a timing circuit to turn off and on the driver. One skilled in the art will appreciate that various processors can be configured to provide the functionality of a discrete logic component that functions as a timing circuit. On the other hand, discrete logic components can be configured to accomplish the same task whether or not a processor is utilized.  
         [0074]     With reference to  FIG. 6 , two actuators  100  are shown with two transmitters  102 . Two configurations of the housing  104  and  104 ′ are shown, along with two configurations of the removable power supply cover  104   a  and  104   a ′. The switch yoke  110  is partially visible through the housing  104  and  104 ′. The switch yoke  110  is shown engaged with the switch lever  112  in one of the actuators. An optional on/off switch  180  is shown, which is configured to disconnect the actuator  100  from the power supply  132 , when switched off. Switching off the on/off switch  180  necessarily turns off the remote control receiver module  162 , which is the only component that uses power unless the actuator  100  is activated.  
         [0075]     With reference to  FIG. 7 , the actuator  100  is shown including the housing  104  and the removable power supply cover  104   a . The optional on/off switch  180  is also shown. The switch yoke  110  is partially visible through the housing  104 . The switch yoke  110  is shown engaged with the switch lever  112 . An additional fastener  108 ′ is shown to additionally secure the removable power supply cover  104   a  to the housing  104 .  
         [0076]     With reference to  FIG. 8 , a partial rear view of the actuator  100  is shown with the switch  106  installed. The fasteners  108  are shown secured to the second pair of apertures  22  ( FIG. 1 ). Portions of the actuation assembly  130  are shown including the switch yoke  110  that pivots on an alternatively configured pivot point  136 ′. The first linkage  142  is shown connecting the linkage contact point  140  on the switch yoke  110  to the first post  144 . The second linkage  146  connects the second post  148  to the linkage contact point  140 .  
         [0077]     With reference to  FIG. 9 , a partial rear view of the actuator  100  is shown with the switch  106  installed. The second post  148  is shown with the second linkage  146  woven into a second post attachment point  182 .  
         [0078]     With reference to  FIG. 10 , a partial rear view of the actuator  100  is shown with the switch  106  installed. The alternatively configured pivot point  136 ′ is shown disassembled. The pivot point  136 ′ includes a pair of opposed flanges  184  that capture switch yoke  110  but still allow it to pivot. A cap  186  has a middle post  188  that secures the switch yoke  110 , when the cap  186  is secured to the pair of the opposed flanges  184  with the conventional fasteners  108 . The pair of opposed flanges also have pins  190  that mate with the cap  186 , when the cap  186  is secured to the opposed flanges  184 .  
         [0079]     In the various embodiments, the remote controlled wall switch actuator can be electrically connected in various ways. In  FIG. 11 , for example, the switch yoke  110  is shown electrically connected to the first linkage  142  and the second linkage  146 . The switch yoke  110  is at electrical ground, so that when the switch yoke  110  is in the first position it makes electrical contact with the first position-sensing switch  152 . Power to either linkage flows through the switch yoke  110  to ground to complete the circuit. Upon switching to either the first or the second position, the switch yoke  110  contacts either position-sensing switch, thus grounding the position-sensing switch. When the position-sensing switch goes to ground, it can be interpreted as one logical state, such as logical zero or low.  
         [0080]     With reference to  FIG. 12 , the switch yoke  110  is electrically connected to a supply voltage, for example three volts. Each linkage electrically connects the switch yoke  110  to the respective drivers to complete the circuit. When the switch yoke contacts either position-sensing switch, it changes the voltage at the position-sensing switch to, for example three volts, which can be interpreted as one logical state such as logical one or high.  
         [0081]     With reference to  FIG. 13 , the switch yoke  110  is electrically connected to ground or a supply voltage, as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12  respectively. When the switch yoke contacts either position-sensing switch, it mechanically activates one of the position sensing switches by making contact with that switch. Unlike  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a sensing voltage does not flow through the switch yoke  110 . As such, contact with the first position-sensing switch  152 , for example, can notify the processor that the switch yoke  110  has moved into the first position.  
         [0082]     With reference to  FIG. 14 , the switch yoke  110  is electrically isolated from the sensing voltage and the linkages. When the switch yoke  110  contacts either position-sensing switch, it mechanically activates one of the position sensing switches by making contact with that switch. Unlike  FIGS. 11, 12 , and  13 , the sensing voltage neither flows through the switch yoke  110  nor are the linkages electrically connected to the switch yoke  110 . As such, contact with the first position-sensing switch  152  can notify the processor  160  ( FIG. 5A ) that the switch yoke  110  has moved into the first position. It will be appreciated that the switch yoke  110  could also be electrically isolated from the linkages but make electrical contact with the position-sensing switches as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12  or other combinations thereof.  
         [0083]     With reference to  FIG. 15 , the switch yoke  110  is electrically connected to ground or a supply voltage, as sown in  FIGS. 11 and 12  respectively. When the switch yoke contacts either position-sensing switch, it changes the voltage at the position sensing switch to, for example, zero or three volts, which can be interpreted as zero or one, respectively, or low or high, respectively as mentioned above. As such, contact with the first position-sensing switch  152 , for example, can notify the processor the switch yoke  110  has moved into the first position. The switch yoke  110  is electrically insulated from the linkage wires, which are configured in a doubled-over configuration. The doubled-over configuration provides a mechanical advantage when the linkage pulls the switch yoke  110 . Furthermore, the wires of the linkage are longer, rather than two wires connected in parallel, to increase the resistance over the wire. The higher resistance allows a for reduced peak current draw from the battery ( FIG. 4 ), which may in turn increase battery life. Less current draw may also allow for the use of less-expensive components. It will be appreciated that wires of the linkage could be configured with multiple wires, where the wires act mechanically in parallel, but are electrically connected in series.  
         [0084]     With reference to  FIG. 16 , another embodiment of a remote controlled switch actuator is shown and generally indicated by reference numeral  200 . A housing  202  is shown including the exemplary internal components of the actuator  200 , which includes an actuation assembly  204  and a power supply  206 . The actuation assembly  204  includes a switch yoke  208  that pivots on a pivot point  210 . The switch yoke  208  and a switch lever  212  or switch toggle are shown in the second position. The switch yoke  208  includes a first contact point  214   a  and a second contact point  214   b  collectively referred to as contact points  214 . The contact points  214  are configured to make contact with the switch lever  212 .  
         [0085]     On the switch yoke  208 , opposite the contact points  214 , is a linkage contact point  216 . A first linkage  218  connects a first post  220  to the linkage contact point  216 . A second linkage  222  connects a second post  224  to the linkage contact point  216 . The first linkage  218  and the second linkage  222  are comprised of at least one shape memory alloy wire  226 . In the various embodiments, the first linkage  218  and the second linkage  222  are comprised of two shape memory alloy wires  226 .  
         [0086]     The actuator  200  also includes a first position-sensing switch  228  and a second position-sensing switch  230 . The switch yoke  208  is configured to make contact with the first position-sensing switch  228  when the switch yoke  208  is in the first position. In turn, the switch yoke  208  is also configured to make contact with the second position-sensing switch  230  when the switch yoke  208  is in the second position. It will be appreciated that while the configuration of the actuator  200  is different from the actuator  100 , many aspects of the functionality remain the same. As such, the actuator  200  can be manually actuated regardless of the position of the switch yoke  208 .  
         [0087]     With reference to  FIG. 17 , a partial rear view of the actuator  200  is shown with the switch lever  212  in the second position. The first post  220  is shown with the first linkage  218  woven into a first post attachment point  232 .  
         [0088]     With reference to  FIG. 18 , a conventional rocker switch is generally indicated by reference numeral  300 . The rocker switch  300  moves about a pivot  302 . With reference to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , a remote-controlled wall switch actuator  304  is placed over the rocker switch  300  to provide remote actuation of the rocker switch  300 . Similar to the functionality of the remote-controlled wall switch actuator  100  ( FIG. 4 ), the respective linkages can be constricted to move the rocker switch  300  from a first position to a second position.  
         [0089]     In various embodiments, a first linkage  306  constricts to move the rocker switch  300  to the first position, as shown in  FIG. 19 . A second linkage  308  constricts to move the rocker switch  300  to the second position, as shown in  FIG. 20 . As the linkages constrict, the remote-controlled wall switch actuator  304  presses against the rocker switch  300  to move it into position. As such, the remote-controlled wall switch actuator  304  is similar in configured similarly to the remote-controlled wall switch actuator  100  except that it is configured to connect with a rocker-style wall switch  300 .  
         [0090]     The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.