Remotely controlled power supply switching system
US6522078B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 18, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 25, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B20/40
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A remote power switching system capable of detecting the emission of infrared thermal energy from a human body or other objects and automatically controlling a supply of power to electric equipment is provided. A controller unit having a switching unit capable of connecting to a source of power and controlling the output of power to a device that utilizes the power, incorporates a wireless receiver unit for receiving control signals to operate the switching unit. The controller unit can further include electronic prongs and electrical receptacles for providing a plug in connection for the device to be controlled. A remote controller that can be portable and of hand size has a first sensor unit for determining the presence of an object that intrudes within the predetermined zone. A transmitter unit can transmit a wireless signal when a control unit receives a signal from the first sensor unit. A second sensor unit can determine ambient light conditions which can also be considered by the control unit in determining the appropriateness of sending a wireless signal. Finally, control members can be used to delay the activation of the remote controller for a predetermined time period.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.