Networking power plug device with automated power outlet control
First Claim
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1. A power plug device comprising:
- a housing;
a power plug connected on the housing for obtaining electrical power and for sending and receiving communications signals therein of a first communications protocol type;
a communications port for establishing a connection to a computer network, the communications port capable of sending and receiving communications signals of a second communications protocol type;
a telephone jack for establishing a connection to a telephone network, the telephone jack capable of sending and receiving communications signals of a third communications protocol type;
at least one power socket module comprising a socket switch and a power socket, wherein the power socket is electrically connected to the power plug via the socket switch and provides electrical power to a plugged external device, an on/off state of the socket switch determining whether or not the power socket provides electrical power to the external device; and
an embedded controller electrically connected to the power plug, the communications port, the telephone jack and the socket switch, the embedded controller comprising;
a switch controlling circuit that controls the on/off state of the socket switch;
a communications circuit for receiving communications signals from and sending communications signals to the power plug, the telephone jack and the communications port;
a processor electrically connected to the communications circuit and to the switch controlling circuit; and
a memory electrically connected to the processor, the memory comprising a communication/control program that controls operations of the embedded controller, providing the embedded controller conversion capabilities between the first, second and third communications protocol types to enable the communications circuit to relay communications signals between the power plug, telephone jack and communications port, and providing switching capabilities to direct the switch controlling circuit to control the on/off state of the socket switch according to communications signals received from the communications circuit.
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Abstract
A power plug device has a power plug, at least one switched power socket at least one socket switch, a embedded controller and a telephone jack. The embedded controller can send and receive network signals across a telephone line through the telephone jack, or across a power line through the power plug of the power plug device. The power plug device may switch on or off its power sockets depending on networking signals that come from the power or telephone lines. The power plug device can also send networking signals out along the telephone or power line. The power plug device also has a networking communications port. Two such power plug devices enable two or more computers to communicate with each other using the existing power and telephone lines within a building.
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Citations
5 Claims
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1. A power plug device comprising:
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a housing;
a power plug connected on the housing for obtaining electrical power and for sending and receiving communications signals therein of a first communications protocol type;
a communications port for establishing a connection to a computer network, the communications port capable of sending and receiving communications signals of a second communications protocol type;
a telephone jack for establishing a connection to a telephone network, the telephone jack capable of sending and receiving communications signals of a third communications protocol type;
at least one power socket module comprising a socket switch and a power socket, wherein the power socket is electrically connected to the power plug via the socket switch and provides electrical power to a plugged external device, an on/off state of the socket switch determining whether or not the power socket provides electrical power to the external device; and
an embedded controller electrically connected to the power plug, the communications port, the telephone jack and the socket switch, the embedded controller comprising;
a switch controlling circuit that controls the on/off state of the socket switch;
a communications circuit for receiving communications signals from and sending communications signals to the power plug, the telephone jack and the communications port;
a processor electrically connected to the communications circuit and to the switch controlling circuit; and
a memory electrically connected to the processor, the memory comprising a communication/control program that controls operations of the embedded controller, providing the embedded controller conversion capabilities between the first, second and third communications protocol types to enable the communications circuit to relay communications signals between the power plug, telephone jack and communications port, and providing switching capabilities to direct the switch controlling circuit to control the on/off state of the socket switch according to communications signals received from the communications circuit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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Specification
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Current AssigneePrimax Electronics Limited
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Original AssigneePrimax Electronics Limited
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InventorsWang, Jong-Ding, Pan, Chih-Hao
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Primary Examiner(s)Sircus, Brian
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Assistant Examiner(s)Deberadinis, Robert L.
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Application NumberUS09/637,109Time in Patent Office753 DaysField of Search340/825.72, 340/635, 340/652, 307/40, 307/38, 307/39, 307/41, 307/139, 307/140, 307/85US Class Current307/40CPC Class CodesH01R 13/665 with built-in electronic ci...H01R 2201/04 for network, e.g. LAN conne...H01R 2201/06 for computer peripheryH01R 25/003 the coupling part being sec...H04B 2203/5437 Wired telephoneH04B 2203/5454 Adapter and plugsH04B 3/54 Systems for transmission vi...
