Electrical connection safety apparatus and method
US5946180A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 26, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S439/955
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electrical connection safety apparatus which eliminates the risk of fire or electric shock associated with current overload faults in electrical systems. The apparatus senses or detects the electrical current rating of electrical cords or connectors which are plugged into electrical outlets and disconnects power to the outlet and connector whenever the cord current rating is exceeded. Connector current rating is indicated by the length of connector prongs and the connector current rating is detected by a movable member within an electrical receptacle when the connector prongs are plugged into the receptacle. Circuitry monitors the load current delivered to the receptacle and connector and compares the load current to detected current rating. When a current overload occurs, power to the receptacle and connector is disconnected. The receptacle resets itself when the connector is unplugged. The electrical connection safety apparatus can be used in the form of adaptors which couple to conventional electrical connectors and electrical outlets.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.