Automation lies at the core of much of our modern lives. However, it evolves at radical speeds. The simple concept, to build a machine to perform a task without human intervention, was the engine of the industrial revolution. Now that concept is the driving force behind robotics, self-driving vehicles, and a wide range of advanced technologies.

Most automated tasks are part of a closed-loop system. This system is designed so that the outputs are monitored and fed back to the controller. The controller changes its operation as needed. An example of a closed-loop system is a home thermostat, which monitors the air temperature. When the low set-point is reached, a contact closes in the thermostat, beginning a furnace lighting cycle. As the furnace runs, the room air temperature increases until the high set-point is reached. The contact opens and ends the furnace burn cycle. This is automation.

With electrical relays, it is possible to achieve a variety of automatic functions. A motor starter uses a relay to close a contact that sends electrical power to a motor. In addition, it closes a set of auxiliary contacts that keep the main relay closed. A control mechanism, such as a temperature input or a stop button, can be wired in series with the auxiliary contact. This allows for control of the motor. An expansion of relay logic is the programmable logic controller or PLC. Instead of mechanical relays, a PLC uses a set of input and output contacts connected to a computer controller. Software in the controller then dictates how the inputs and outputs interact. They additionally execute specific patterns of operations, based on programmed ladder logic.

It is that time of year again—the holidays are here and family is calling, the darkness falls early and our homes are starting to feel more like hibernation dens…. it is time to refresh our interior environment and get set for the winter months ahead.

Combat the oppressiveness that comes with the shorter days and decreased sunshine…bring in the light, uplifting accessories and comfortable décor to make your home or office space a more easeful and gratifying place to grow, work and dwell.

1.  Invest in the best lamps (bulbs) –instant on/off, quiet operation, dim ability and the most welcoming lighting effects are available in the latest energy-efficient LED, CFL and halogen light sources.

2.  Shaded fixtures—Dark Sky outdoor fixtures, as well as, decorative shades for indoor light fixtures make a huge difference in allowing for control and providing welcoming and soothing illumination.

3.  New LED reading lamps and desk lamps are designed to offer plentiful, focused illumination for the comfort and health of your eyes.

4.  Novel lighting controls and updated switches give you the utmost in convenience and energy-savings for all your lamps and light fixtures. In larger homes or offices, it is a good idea to install switches, novel  lighting controls and automated systems that may be digitally programmed and labeled.  This is also an energy-saver, as it limits the chances of you mistakenly turning on and off the wrong lamps and having to constantly think about which switch goes with which light.

5.  Work with the natural light streaming in through windows and skylights.  A couple of task lights and a single torch lamp may be all you need to provide comfort and illumination in rooms with generous windows and plentiful exposure to bright sunlight.

6.  Accessories such as comfy pillows and throws will not only dress up your seating areas and bedrooms, they are essential in blanketing your home with warmth both visually and functionally.

7.  Choose just the right occasional tables and whimsical furniture for form and function.  Look for dual-purpose accessories to make the most of your interior space.

8.  Candles, tea lights and mini portable lamps provide soothing illumination and create ambience for quiet relaxation and romantic lighting effects.

9.  Invest in LED night lights for hallways and bathrooms to supply energy-efficient security lighting and comfort.

10. Above all else:  Do not stress about getting everything done. Enjoy the decorating process and take your time to find just the items that help to define your space according to your specific needs and unique style.

The right illumination has been known to help us cultivate healthier habits whether it be eating more slowly or studying more intently.  Make it your intention this year to surround yourself in the right light.  Comfort is really the ultimate luxury and the right lighting is the key to comfort.

Satisfy your hunger for delectable design with novel accessories and light fixtures.  Visit a Capitol Lighting showroom or 1800lighting.com to view the latest in comfort and control for the most luxurious holiday season ever!

Fun Fact:  “To talk turkey,” means to speak candidly, directly, plainly and/or bluntly. There are several possible explanations to the origin of this phrase.  Some support a link to uncensored familial conversation around the Thanksgiving dinner table; Others say the phrase is linked to the actual sounds a turkey makes, because the male turkey’s “gobble, gobble” is a basic, unadorned, matter-of-fact kind of vocalization.

Wherever your holiday “turkey talk” may lead, Capitol Lighting’s Thanksgiving feast is sure to please everyone with custom designed lighting at unbeatable prices.  The lighting experts at Capitol will help you to illuminate your home for the holidays…elegantly, efficiently and affordably.

A little light goes a long way to bring charm and soothing illumination to the home environment.  Crystal mini chandeliers, mini table lamps, and other mini lighting fixtures create the stylized finish to designer decorated home interiors.  Feast your eyes on Capitol Lighting’s most outstanding selection of the season!

Add to your Thanksgiving holiday with the latest lighting designs from American Brass and Crystal Lighting.  Capitol Lighting invites you to take advantage of promotional pricing on ABC’s masterful works of art, including mini table lamps and crystal mini chandeliers available in a myriad of finishes including Antique Pewter, White Nickel and True Brass with crystal options ranging from Golden Teak Strass Teardrops to colorful Strass pendoloques.

Give Thanks for the Little Things

Capitol Lighting Highlights the “Mini Strass”

Warm up the room.  Instantly create elegance. Provide your home with charm! The mini chandelier has become an increasingly popular lighting fixture and accessory in home decorating schemes due to its versatility and small size. With extraordinary styling and imaginative design motifs, mini table lamps, too, are gracing more homes than ever.

Capitol Lighting’s Top 5 “Mini Must-dos” for a Superb Finish

To view the latest in home lighting and accessories and for more designing ways to put the mini on your menu this Thanksgiving, visit with the lighting professionals at Capitol Lighting.

Enjoy designer discounts on the best from American Brass and Crystal Lighting available this week at Capitol.

American Brass & Crystal (ABC Lighting) has built a reputation as one of the premier manufacturers of the finest quality cast brass and crystal mini chandeliers. All crystal chandelier and cast brass frames are molded in Italian casts by some of the finest metal craftsman in Europe and are then adorned with genuine Strass crystal from Swarovski. Each crystal mini chandelier from American Brass & Crystal Lighting is available in any of their 17 custom finishes and a multitude of different crystal grades, shapes and colors.

Visit a Capitol Lighting showroom or shop on-line at 1800lighting.com to custom designs your holiday illumination.  Enjoy promotional values on the latest mini lighting fashions from ABC.  The options abound; with American Brass & Crystal you create a design in a crystal chandelier that is uniquely your own and each one is hand made by American artisans with meticulous care.