Intelligent control devices
AssigneeAT&T Intellectual Property, Inc.
InventorBarrett Kreiner
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A control device operates to selectively provision power. The control device can be implemented as part of an electrical apparatus, such as a computer, television, VCR, hairdryer or other device which operates on AC power. The control device can be also implemented as part of a common power outlet or breaker system typically found in businesses and households.
Claims20
A controller for use with an electrical receptacle capable of selectively delivering power to an electrical apparatus, the controller for providing a control signal, wherein the control signal is not equal to an operating frequency of the electrical apparatus, the controller being configured to utilize a leak current to provide power to the controller when the electrical apparatus is not turned on, the controller comprising:
- an input for receiving a first signal through an outlet from the electrical apparatus and for transmitting a second signal,
- a filter configured to be in electrical communication with a prong of a plug, the filter being configured to filter the first signal received from the electrical apparatus, and
- a control output for outputting the control signal upon receipt of the first signal from the filter;
- and
- a relay in electrical communication with the control output of the controller, the relay for selectively providing power to the outlet from a power source upon receipt of the control signal from the controller.
A controller for use with an electrical receptacle capable of selectively delivering power to an electrical apparatus,
- the controller for providing a control signal, the controller comprising:
- an input terminal for receiving an input signal through an outlet from the electrical apparatus and for transmitting an output signal, wherein the input signal is greater than or less than an operating frequency of the electrical apparatus,
- a filter in electrical communication with a prong of a plug, configured to filter the input signal received from the electrical apparatus, and
- a control output for outputting the output signal upon receipt of the input signal from the filter;
- an internal power supply configured to provide power to the electrical receptacle when the electrical apparatus is not in use;
- and
- a relay in electrical communication with the control output of the controller, the relay for selectively providing power to the outlet from a power source upon receipt of the output signal from the controller.
An electrical receptacle capable of selectively delivering power to an electrical apparatus comprising:
- an outlet configured for delivering power from a power source to the electrical apparatus;
- a controller configured to utilize a leak current to provide power to the controller when the electrical apparatus is not turned on for providing a control signal, the controller comprising:
- an input terminal for receiving a first signal through the outlet from the electrical apparatus and for transmitting a second signal, wherein the first signal is greater than or less than an operating frequency of the electrical apparatus,
- a tamper resistant mechanism configured to prevent at least one of the following:
- unauthorized manipulation of the controller and re-cording of an identification code stored in a controller memory;
- a first and second filter in electrical communication with a prong of a plug, configured to filter the first signal received from the electrical apparatus, and
- a control output for outputting the second signal upon receipt of the fist signal from the first and second filters;
- and
- a relay in electrical communication with the control output of the controller, the relay for selectively providing power to the outlet from the power source upon receipt of the second signal from the controller.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.