Interactive appliances, appliance systems and appliance control methods, and controls therefor
US8304936B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 19, 2010 |
| Grant date | Nov 6, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 19, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B20/40
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An appliance control circuit has an occupancy sensor, a control signal receiver, a control signal transmitter, a control element, and a power supply. In operation, when the occupancy sensor senses an occupant, the occupancy sensor outputs a signal to cause the control element 9 to control power from the source of power to the appliance. Similarly, when a control signal is received by the control signal receiver the receiver outputs a signal to cause the control element to control power from the source of power to the appliance. At the same time, the control signal transmitter is activated based on the signal from the occupancy sensor. Multiple control circuits can be used to control one another. The appliance could be for example a light, a thermostat, or a camera.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.