Electronic clock and timed outlet strip

• US 6,476,523 B1
• Filed: 03/17/2000
• Issued: 11/05/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/17/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kathleen L. Lee
• Original Assignee: Kathleen L. Lee
• Inventors: Lee, Kathleen L.
• Primary Examiner(s): FLEMING, FRITZ M
• Application Number:
  US09/527,770
• Time in Patent Office: 963 Days
• Field of Search: 307/38-41, 307/116, 307/139, 307/141
• US Class Current: 307/141
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/443 Dummy plugs
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/70 with built-in switch
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 25/003 the coupling part being secured only to wires or cables
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/54 according to a pre-established time schedule
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/14 by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 90/20 Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector smart grids supporting the management or operation of end-user stationary applications in general, or like technologies with no associated climate change mitigation effect Y04S20/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/00 Management or operation of end-user stationary applications or the last stages of power distribution; Controlling, monitoring or operating thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a timed electrical outlet strip or timed power supply. An outlet bar unit has a plurality of plug opening sets or receptacles for receiving a plug-in portion of an electrical plug-in component. Power is uniquely supplied to the outlet bar through a controller unit. The control unit has its own control power component. The power supply is time controlled to provide a clearly displayed and easily set time period when the outlet bar is activated. A clock is set to display real-time and to provide a reference signal for setting the activation period of the outlet strip. Activation times can be accurately set to the nearest minute or less. Times are display in the conventional twelve hour increments and time set portions may include different colors for the morning (AM) hours compared with the afternoon (PM) hours. Overload protection and an on-off switch is also provided. A continuous power supply is provided by setting the activation period equal to zero.

Claims

1. An outlet bar unit in combination with a controller unit defining an outlet device for providing a timed power supply for all plug-in components connected to the outlet bar unit from a main power cable, said device comprising:

a plurality of serially arranged plug opening sets to receive the plug-in components and connect the power supply to the plug-in components;

a controller unit having a plurality of electrical components (of the controller unit) connected between the outlet bar unit and the main power cable for establishing and controlling daily 24 hour time intervals when the power supply is provided to all the plug opening sets;

a time set portion of said controller unit including a real-time 24 hour clock for establishing a real-time reference signal during a 24 hour time period, an on-time device including an on-time set portion for establishing an on-time signal when the power supply is to be turned on, and an off-time device including an off-time set portion for establishing an off-time signal when the power supply is to be turned off, wherein said real-time reference signal and said on-time and said off-time signals are digitally displayed on said display face of said controller unit to be manually set by a user;

a logic controller of said control unit for receiving said reference signals and establishing a daily activation period for all outlets defined by when said real-time is greater than said on-time and when said real-time is less than said off-time so that all the plug opening sets receive electrical power daily during said activation period;

said logic controller includes a logic control switch to receive the power supply and activate the outlet bar unit when said activation period exists; and

said controller unit includes an on-off master switch located between said logic control switch and said outlet bar unit for said user to manually interrupt the power supply to said outlet bar unit at any time;

whereby electrical power is delivered to all said plug opening sets on a daily basis during said activation as long as said master switch is on.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said logic controller has a constant activation period corresponding to a condition where said user sets on-time equal to off-time, wherein said logic control switch provides a uninterrupted power supply to said outlet bar unit.

3. The device of claim 1 including a current overload protector arranged between said power supply and said logic control for interrupting the power supply to said outlet bar unit when a total power being supplied to the plug-in components is greater than a predetermined value and a reset button for restoring the power supply when said total power is less than the predetermined value.