Automatic power control module for battery powered devices
First Claim
1. A self-contained power control module for a battery operated device comprising:
- a support base for the module constructed and configured to be removably installed in a battery compartment, and conformable to standard battery configurations;
first and second normally open electrical terminals positioned and configured to couple the module between a battery and a load device when the module is installed in the battery compartment;
an electronic switch coupled between the first and second terminals, the switch being operable between conductive and non-conductive states by control signals applied thereto to close and open a circuit between the first and second terminals;
a control unit for providing control signals to the electronic switch;
a timer including reset capability; and
a motion detector responsive to motion of the module to provide a reset signal for the timer, and wherein;
the timer is operative when reset to initiate a predetermined timing interval; and
the control unit is operative during the timing interval to maintain the electronic switch in the conductive state, and to maintain the electronic switch in the non-conductive state otherwise.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A power control module which can be used to automatically open a power circuit for electrically operated devices, particularly battery operated devices, during predetermined periods of non-use. A timer is reset by a motion detector indicating continuing use. The timer controls a transistor switch which closes and opens the power circuit as required. The timing interval can be user-selected e.g., by programming a microprocessor controller. The transition time between conductive and non-conductive states of the transistor can also be controlled to prolong the life of incandescent bulbs or other sensitive load devices.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A self-contained power control module for a battery operated device comprising:
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a support base for the module constructed and configured to be removably installed in a battery compartment, and conformable to standard battery configurations;
first and second normally open electrical terminals positioned and configured to couple the module between a battery and a load device when the module is installed in the battery compartment;
an electronic switch coupled between the first and second terminals, the switch being operable between conductive and non-conductive states by control signals applied thereto to close and open a circuit between the first and second terminals;
a control unit for providing control signals to the electronic switch;
a timer including reset capability; and
a motion detector responsive to motion of the module to provide a reset signal for the timer, and wherein;
the timer is operative when reset to initiate a predetermined timing interval; and
the control unit is operative during the timing interval to maintain the electronic switch in the conductive state, and to maintain the electronic switch in the non-conductive state otherwise. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 17)
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- 12. A small thin disc configured and sized for insertion in a battery cavity between a load device and the battery having an automatic shut off timing device whose action is inhibited by a motion detector.
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15. A self-contained electrical circuit for insertion in series with a battery power source for battery powered load device including a timer that automatically times out and shuts off the battery power to the load device at a predetermined time after the load device is turned on.
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18. A self-contained power control module for an electrically operated load device comprising:
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a normally open circuit path operable to be closed to couple the module between a power source and a load device;
an electronic switch connected in the normally open circuit path, the switch being operable between conductive and non-conductive states by control signals applied thereto to close and open the circuit path;
a programmable master controller which is operable to;
provide control signals to the electronic switch;
provide a timer including reset capability; and
a motion detector responsive to motion module to provide a reset signal for the timer, and wherein;
the timer is operative when reset to measure a predetermined timing interval;
the controller is operative during the timing interval to drive the electronic switch into the conductive state, and otherwise to drive the electronic switch into the non-conductive state, and the controller is further operative to provide a gradual transition between the conductive and non-conductive states of the electronic switch, whereby the current in the circuit path changes gradually when the load device is energized and de-energized. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A self-contained power control module for an electrically operated load device comprising:
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a normally open circuit path operable to be closed to couple the module between a power source and a load device;
an electronic switch connected in the normally open circuit path, the switch being operable between conductive and non-conductive states by control signals applied thereto to close and open the circuit path;
a programmable master controller which is operable to;
provide control signals to the electronic switch; and
provide a gradual transition between the conductive and non-conductive states of the electronic switch, whereby the current in the circuit path changes gradually when the switch changes from its conductive to its non-conductive state.
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Specification