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Intelligent electric socket

  • US 5,818,710 A
  • Filed: 06/02/1997
  • Issued: 10/06/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/23/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An intelligent electric socket controlled by a command signal transferred with a power signal on a power line of a power circuit, wherein the power circuit includes first and second terminals, carrying alternating current voltage, the socket comprising:

  • a semiconductor switch including a triac;

    an electromechanical switch connected in parallel with the semiconductor switch and including a mercury contact relay;

    a signal processor, coupled to the semiconductor switch and the electromechanical switch, controlling operation of the semiconductor switch and the electromechanical switch in response to the command signal, wherein the signal processor is controlled by an external component, wherein the power line of the power circuit is coupled to the signal processor and provides the power signal to the signal processor, wherein the signal processor closes the semiconductor switch before the electromechanical switch and opens the electromechanical switch before the semiconductor switch, and wherein the signal processor analyzes a waveform of the alternating current voltage and closes and opens the electromechanical switch when the alternating current voltage is at a predetermined value which is less than one-fourth of a peak amplitude of the alternating current voltage;

    a modem, coupled to the signal processor and the power line of the power circuit, the modem separating the command signal from the power signal on the power line and transferring the command signal from the power line of the power circuit to the signal processor; and

    a low-voltage regulator, coupled between the power line of the power circuit and the signal processor, receiving the power signal from the power line of the power circuit and providing the power to the signal processor.

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