Infrared remote controlled in-line power switch

• US 5,977,882 A
• Filed: 08/22/1995
• Issued: 11/02/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 08/22/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Clayton K. Moore
• Original Assignee: Clayton K. Moore
• Inventors: Moore, Clayton K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Horabik, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): Beaulieu, Yonel
• Application Number:
  US08/518,078
• Time in Patent Office: 1,533 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.72, 340/825.69, 340/825.22, 340/825.57, 307/115, 307/116, 307/125, 307/139, 307/140, 307/141.8, 307/112-3, 359/142, 359/145-8, 323/318, 315/149, 315/291, 315/297, 315/194, 315/292, 315/4, 315/316
• US Class Current: 340/12.22
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0209 in terminal devices terminal devices per se H04W88/02
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 39/088 by wireless means, e.g. infrared transmitting means
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

A switch (10) utilizes an infrared detector (22) that can be operated by existing wireless television or stereo remote control transmitters. Output from a triac (14) of a switch (10) to a load (11) can be varied remotely. In addition, a variety of load (11) types and ratings can be controlled.

Claims

1. A method of controlling an electrical power switch connected in series with a load and connected to a single inclusive electronic control comprising:

transmitting infrared signals from a remote control transmitter designed to operate other equipment;

receiving said infrared signals at a receiving means of said switch;

amplifying and filtering said received infrared signals in order to convert said infrared signals into a clock pulse signal;

altering a staging means with each clock pulse signal; and

driving at least one of a plurality of electron valve circuits in order to vary said load based on an output of said staging means.

2. An in-line electrical switch comprising:

a. A means for receiving infrared signals from a remote control transmitter designed to operate other equipment;

b. means for amplifying said received infrared signals;

c. means for filtering said amplified signals in order to convert said infrared signals into a clock pulse signal;

d. means for altering staging from each clock pulse signal; and

e. means for controlling an output produced by said switch, being singlely self-powered from an alternating current (AC) power supply, feeding at least one of a plurality of impedance and power rated loads by said switch based on an output of said staging means.