Modified electrical devices
AssigneeSnapPower
InventorsJeremy C. Smith, Sean D. Watkins, Martin Johnson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In one example, a modified electrical device includes a body and at least one connector on the body to make power and control connections with an active cover plate. A system includes an active cover plate comprising low voltage circuitry and a first interface and a modified electrical device. The modified electrical device includes high voltage circuitry and a second interface to connect to the first interface to supply low voltage to the active cover plate. A method for controlling a flow of power through a modified electrical device is also provided.
Claims18
A modified electrical device comprising:
- a body;
- at least one connector on the body to make power connections and a control connection with an active cover plate.
A system comprising:
- an active cover plate comprising low voltage circuitry and a first interface;
- and
- a modified electrical device comprising:
- high voltage circuitry;
- and
- a second interface to connect to the first interface to supply low voltage to the active cover plate.
A method for controlling a flow of electrical power comprising:
- making electrical contact between an active cover plate and a modified electrical device by pressing at least one connector on the active cover plate into a mating connector on the modified electrical device;
- generating, with internal circuitry in the active cover plate, a control signal;
- and
- sending the control signal from the active cover plate through the male prong to the female port to control a flow of electricity through the modified electrical device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.