Single-chip microcomputer programmable power distributor

A method of controlling distribution of electrical power to a personal computer, personal computer peripherals, and other devices through a parallel port of the personal computer, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) connecting an intelligent power distributor to the parallel port of the personal computer to share the port with a peripheral computer device, the intelligent power distributor having a power cord for electrically connecting to an AC power source, AC electrical outlets for receiving the power plugs of the personal computer and other electrical devices, a single-chip microcomputer, and relays for connecting electrical power from the power cord to each of the AC electrical outlets;
• (b) connecting the power cord of the distributor to a power source;
• (c) connecting the electrical power plug of the personal computer to one of the AC outlets of the intelligent power distributor;
• (d) transmitting control data from the port of the personal computer to the intelligent power distributor;
• (e) validating the control data with the single-chip microcomputer of the intelligent power distributor by monitoring control signals of the parallel port of the personal computer;
• and
• (f) using the personal computer to instruct the intelligent power distributor to selectively connect at predetermined times electrical power from the power cord to one or more of the individual AC electrical outlets of the intelligent power distributor, thereby controlling the times power is supplied to the personal computer and any other devices plugged into the AC electrical outlets of the intelligent power distributor.

A programmable power distributor for selectively controlling and distributing electrical power from a power source to a personal computer and other electrical devices, the distributor comprising:

• (a) a power lead connectable to the power source;
• (b) a plurality of electrical sockets for receiving the power plugs of the personal computer and other electrical devices;
• (c) a plurality of relays operably connected to selectively and independently connect said power lead to each of said AC outlets;
• (d) a single-chip microcomputer for selectively and independently operating said relays, said single-chip microcomputer having an on-board clock, whereby it can selectively operate each relay of said plurality of relays at programmed times;
• and
• (e) a data transfer interface operably connected to said single-chip microcomputer, whereby said microcomputer can be connected through a parallel cable to a parallel port of the personal computer so that the personal computer can communicate program data instructions to said single-chip microcomputer, said single-chip microcomputer monitoring control signals of the parallel .port for distinguishing between instructions intended for the distributor and instructions intended for other personal computer peripherals so that the distributor can share the parallel port of the personal computer with another personal computer peripheral.