Plug-in amp/watt power meter
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A power meter comprising:
- a plug adapted to be engaged with a conventional electrical outlet;
a plurality of receptacles, each adapted to receive a respective plug from a respective electrical device; and
an analog measuring circuit connected between the plug and the plurality of receptacles, the measuring circuit including an amplifier and a switch operably connected to the amplifier, the switch operable to change the operation of the amplifier and the measuring circuit to determine an instantaneous current or wattage draw for any electrical devices connected to the plurality of receptacles.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A power meter has a measuring circuit composed entirely of analog components that measures the instantaneous current draw of one or more electrical devices, such as home appliances. The power meter may be in the form of a hand-held device that includes elongated connections that allow a homeowner to measure the current draw of an electrical device without significant displacement of the electrical device. In addition to measuring current draw, the power meter may provide an estimated wattage consumed by the measured electrical devices.
55 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A power meter comprising:
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a plug adapted to be engaged with a conventional electrical outlet; a plurality of receptacles, each adapted to receive a respective plug from a respective electrical device; and an analog measuring circuit connected between the plug and the plurality of receptacles, the measuring circuit including an amplifier and a switch operably connected to the amplifier, the switch operable to change the operation of the amplifier and the measuring circuit to determine an instantaneous current or wattage draw for any electrical devices connected to the plurality of receptacles. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A power meter comprising:
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a housing; an analog measuring circuit disposed in the housing, the measuring circuit including an amplifier and a switch operably connected to the amplifier, the switch operable to change the operation of the amplifier and the measuring circuit to measure different electrical parameters; a first cord extending from the housing and electrically connected to the measuring circuit, and having a plug adapted to engage a conventional electrical outlet; and a receptacle formed in the housing and electrically connected to the current measuring circuit, the receptacle adapted to receive a conventional plug of an electrical device. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A power meter comprising:
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a plug adapted to be engaged with a conventional electrical outlet; an outlet adapted to receive a plug of an electrical device; a measuring circuit composed entirely of analog components and including an amplifier, the measuring circuit electrically interconnected between the plug and the outlet and adapted to measure various electrical parameters for the electrical device connected to the outlet; and a switch operably connected to the amplifier to change the operation of the amplifier and the measuring circuit to measure different electrical parameters. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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18. A power meter comprising:
- an interface adapted to be engaged with a conventional electrical outlet;
at least one receptacle adapted to receive a plug from a electrical device; and
an analog measuring circuit connected between the plug and the at least one receptacle, the measuring circuit including a switch operable to change the operation of the measuring circuit to determine different electrical parameters for an electrical device connected to the at least one receptacle;
wherein the measuring circuit includes an amplifier operably connected to the switch, and wherein the switch is operable to alter the operation of the amplifier to measure different electrical parameters for the electrical device connected to the at least one receptacle.
- an interface adapted to be engaged with a conventional electrical outlet;
Specification