Computer assisted electric power management
First Claim
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1. An electric power controller, comprising:
- (a) a power input means for receiving electric power,(b) a power output means for releasing electric power,(c) a power control means connected intermediate the power input means and the power output means for permitting the flow of electricity from the power input means to the power outpost means responsive to a switch on signal and for disrupting said flow of electricity responsive to a switch off signal,(d) a computer interface means for allowing signals to pass between a parallel port of a computer and the controller, said computer interface means comprising a first conductor with means for connecting to a signal path of a first predetermined uutput pin of said parallel port and a second conductor with means for connecting to a signal path of a second predetermined output pin of said parallel port, and(e) a governing means connected to the computer interface means and the power control means for sending a switch on or switch off signal to the power control means responsive to a predetermined enable signal presented to the computer interface means, said enable signal comprising a low logic level on said first conductor and a high logic level on said second conductor, whereby such combination of logic levels allows the computer to power on and power off without causing false switching of the power controller.
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Abstract
Methods and electric power control apparatus connected to a parallel port of a computer. The methods and apparatus permit sharing the parallel port with a printer and allow computer power off without being disturbed. The apparatus transmits status information back to the computer and also reacts to a signal from a timer, a telephone call, user switch, etc. The apparatus is also used for powering on and powering off connected equipment automatically.
152 Citations
18 Claims
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1. An electric power controller, comprising:
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(a) a power input means for receiving electric power, (b) a power output means for releasing electric power, (c) a power control means connected intermediate the power input means and the power output means for permitting the flow of electricity from the power input means to the power outpost means responsive to a switch on signal and for disrupting said flow of electricity responsive to a switch off signal, (d) a computer interface means for allowing signals to pass between a parallel port of a computer and the controller, said computer interface means comprising a first conductor with means for connecting to a signal path of a first predetermined uutput pin of said parallel port and a second conductor with means for connecting to a signal path of a second predetermined output pin of said parallel port, and (e) a governing means connected to the computer interface means and the power control means for sending a switch on or switch off signal to the power control means responsive to a predetermined enable signal presented to the computer interface means, said enable signal comprising a low logic level on said first conductor and a high logic level on said second conductor, whereby such combination of logic levels allows the computer to power on and power off without causing false switching of the power controller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An electric power controller, comprising:
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(a) a power input means for receiving electric power, (b) a power output means for releasing electric power, (c) a power control means connected intermediate the power input means for permitting the flow of electricity from the power input means to the power output means responsive to a switch on signal and for disrupting said flow of electricity responsive to a switch off signal, (d) a computer interface means for allowing signals to pass between a parallel port of a computer and the controller, said computer interface means comprising a first conductor with means for connecting a signal path of a first predetermined output pin of said parallel port and a second conductor with means for connecting to a signal path of a second predetermined output pin of said parallel port; and (e) a governing means connected to the computer interface means and the power control means for sending a switch on or switch off signal to the power control means responsive to a predetermined enable signal presented to the computer interface means, said enable signal comprising a change in logic level on said first conductor followed by a change to the opposite logic level on said second conductor, whereby such combination of logic level changes allow the computer to power on and power off without causing false switching of the power controller. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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- 16. A method of electric power flow management of a computer with a peripheral device comprising in combination the steps of installing an electric power controller between said peripheral device and an electric power source, connecting said electric power controller to a plurality of conductors of a parallel port of the computer for control of the peripheral device, and activating a routine in said computer memory to monitor demand on the peripheral device, upon sensing demand computer activating power flow through controller by means of a predetermined signal in said parallel port.
Specification