Switch remoting system
First Claim
1. A system for extending the function of an electrical switch wired to control an alternating current (AC) switched outlet receptacle so that, in its extended function, the switch controls AC power available at one or more remote AC electrical outlets, said system comprising:
- a plug-in control unit disposed in the switched AC outlet receptacle for monitoring each power transition and resulting on-off state of the AC power controlled by the switch whose function is being extended, and wherein the control unit comprises means for generating correspondingly encoded switching control signals and relaying them to a companion plug-in remote switching unit;
and wherein the companion remote switching unit comprises means for receiving and decoding relayed switching control signals, and in response thereto, energizing and de-energizing power available at an integral AC outlet receptacle into which a switchable device can be plugged.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A switch remoting system for extending the function of an existing wired switch in a residence or other building, so that, in its extended function, the switch controls AC power available at one or more additional AC outlets. The basic system comprises two plug-in modules including a control unit and a remote switching unit. The control unit is plugged into an AC outlet controlled by the switch whose function is being extended. When that switch is actuated, the AC power transition and the resulting "on" or "off" power state is sensed and corresponding encoded switching control signals are generated and relayed to the remote switching unit. There, the switching control signals are decoded, and actuate an internal AC switch that controls AC power to an integral AC outlet receptacle in the remote switching unit. A lamp or other device plugged into the AC receptacle of the remote switching unit is thereby switch controlled by action of the switch whose function is being extended.
91 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A system for extending the function of an electrical switch wired to control an alternating current (AC) switched outlet receptacle so that, in its extended function, the switch controls AC power available at one or more remote AC electrical outlets, said system comprising:
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a plug-in control unit disposed in the switched AC outlet receptacle for monitoring each power transition and resulting on-off state of the AC power controlled by the switch whose function is being extended, and wherein the control unit comprises means for generating correspondingly encoded switching control signals and relaying them to a companion plug-in remote switching unit; and wherein the companion remote switching unit comprises means for receiving and decoding relayed switching control signals, and in response thereto, energizing and de-energizing power available at an integral AC outlet receptacle into which a switchable device can be plugged. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification