Encoded electrical control systems

An electrical control system for remote control of devices powered from a common electrical distribution system, comprising:

• a controller containing one or more switches and associated encoder/transmitters each providing a different unique, encoded signal in response to actuation of a respective switch,
• transmission means for transmitting the encoded signals from said encoder/transmitters over said electrical distribution system, and
• respective receiver/decoder means associated with each device to be controlled, each receiver/decoder means being connected to receive the encoded signals transmitted over said distribution system and to effectuate control of said respective device in response to receipt only of the unique code associated with that specific receiver/decoder means, and wherein in addition to said encoded signal said encoder/transmitter also transmits a plurality of data bits that specify the condition of the associated switch, and wherein each receiver/decoder means further includes means, responsive to receipt of said plurality of data bits, for modifying the control effectuated by said receiver/decoder means in response to the contents of said data bits, and wherein:
• said plurality of data bits indicate the setting of a control member in said controller, and wherein:
• said receiver/decoder means effectuates proportional control of the associated device in response to the contents of said data bits.