Power management control unit for a computer peripheral
US5603040A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 2, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 2, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/3218
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A power management control unit and system is provided for selectively controlling ac power to one or more computer peripheral devices. The power management control unit includes a power cord connected to an ac supply and an outlet pin capable of electrically receiving the peripheral device. The management control unit also includes an ac switch electrically coupled between the power cord and the outlet pin, such that the switch can modulate conduction between the power cord and the outlet pin during use. The power management control unit is maintained separate from existing computers and peripherals such that computers and peripheral devices need not be retrofitted or adapted with the control unit. The control unit takes advantage of video control signals available at the computer video output in order to turn off or on ac power to the outlet pin.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.