Networking power plug device with automated power outlet control
US6445087B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 11, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 15, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04B2203/5454
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A power plug device has a power plug, at least one switched power socket at least one socket switch, a embedded controller and a telephone jack. The embedded controller can send and receive network signals across a telephone line through the telephone jack, or across a power line through the power plug of the power plug device. The power plug device may switch on or off its power sockets depending on networking signals that come from the power or telephone lines. The power plug device can also send networking signals out along the telephone or power line. The power plug device also has a networking communications port. Two such power plug devices enable two or more computers to communicate with each other using the existing power and telephone lines within a building.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.