Programmable appliance controller
US4279012A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 23, 1978 |
| Grant date | Jul 14, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 23, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B19/102
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Programmable apparatus for providing random on/off control of electrical devices such as appliances. Such control may be programmed for an entire week, with different programming for each day, and with programming control over small blocks of time, e.g. thirty minutes. Programming is secured by the use of a combination or lock and, in addition, the AC line cord of the electrical device, which receives or does not receive AC power depending upon the status of the program, is locked into the apparatus. During operation, the program in the apparatus may be interrogated and displayed; otherwise the time of day is displayed. The apparatus also includes a look-ahead feature, turning on an appliance, such as a television set, earlier than programmed in order to provide sufficient warm-up time.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.