Remote controlled wall switch actuator

A method of using a switch cover device on an installed switch having a switch toggle movable between a first position and a second position, the method comprising:

• disposing the switch cover device over the installed switch so the switch toggle extends through a housing of the switch cover device and into a switch yoke, said switch yoke is movable with the switch toggle between the first and the second positions;
• actuating the switch toggle manually without a force generated by the switch cover device so the switch toggle moves said switch yoke as the switch toggle is manually moved between the first and the second positions;
• applying a force on a first side of the switch toggle from the switch cover device to said switch yoke when said switch yoke is in the second position and a signal is received by the switch cover device so said switch yoke moves the switch toggle to the first position;
• applying a force on a second, opposite side of the switch toggle from the switch cover device to said switch yoke when said switch yoke is in the first position so said switch yoke moves the switch toggle to the second position when a signal is received by the switch cover device;
• permitting said switch yoke to move with the switch toggle as the installed switch completes the remaining motion of the switch toggle toward the first position or the second position when the switch toggle is neither in the first position or in the second position.

A switch cover device that fits over an installed switch having a switch toggle movable between a first position and a second position, the switch cover device comprising:

• a housing that defines an aperture that receives the switch toggle;
• a switch yoke pivotally coupled to said housing, wherein said switch yoke engages the switch toggle of the installed switch and pivots about said housing with the switch toggle between the first position and the second position;
• a first linkage connected between said housing and said switch yoke and disposed on a first side of the switch toggle, said first linkage applies a force in a first direction when the switch toggle is in the second position and in response to an input signal received by the switch cover device, wherein said force from said first linkage in said first direction pivots said switch yoke and moves the switch toggle to the first position
• a second linkage connected between said housing and said switch yoke and disposed on a second, opposite side of the switch toggle, said second linkage applies a force in a second direction opposite said first direction when the switch toggle is in the first position in response to an input signal received by the switch cover device, wherein said force from said second linkage in said second direction pivots said switch yoke and moves the switch toggle to the second position,
• said first linkage and said second linkage are slack unless applying a force in response to said input signal to permit the installed switch to complete remaining motion of the switch toggle toward the first or the second positions.