Programmable wall switch controller

• US 8,084,700 B1
• Filed: 09/10/2009
• Issued: 12/27/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/18/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Paul Mantoura
• Original Assignee: John Dominic Massaro, Michael James Massaro
• Inventors: Massaro, Michael James, Massaro, John Dominic
• Primary Examiner(s): GIRARDI, VANESSA MARY
• Application Number:
  US12/584,673
• Time in Patent Office: 838 Days
• Field of Search: 200/38.R, 200/38.E, 200/331, 315/362, 315/293, 307/141
• US Class Current: 200/38.R
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2071/006 Provisions for user interfaces for electrical protection devices
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 23/22 with means for introducing a predetermined time delay
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2300/03 Application domotique, e.g. for house automation, bus connected switches, sensors, loads or intelligent wiring
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 3/26 using dynamo-electric motor for storing energy in a spring motor H01H3/30
• 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 20/14 Protecting elements, switches, relays or circuit breakers

Abstract

A programmable switch lever control timer device that fits over a standard wall switch with the switch lever engaged by a cam on the device. Rotational motion of the cam provided by a geared DC motor moves the switch lever arm to one of its two end-of-travel positions of operation. Programming and control means are provided by a microprocessor and motor driver circuitry. The programming and control means provides power from a battery source to the geared DC motor in accordance with a user selectable 24-hour program. Proper and accurate alignment of the switch lever and cam during installation is provided by a key-holed alignment plate that is attached to a standard wall switch cover plate prior to installing the device housing. The housing of the device attaches to the alignment plate allowing the housing to properly fit over the switch lever. All of the operating parts including a self-contained battery power source are within the device housing that fits over the standard wall switch cover plate.

Claims

1. A device for operation of a switch, which has a switch lever movable between at least two operational positions, said device comprising:

a housing comprising a front cover and a back cover defining an enclosure within which is contained a cam having cam rotation means, and a timer;

a power supply operates the timer and cam rotation means;

mounting means comprising a key-holed plate;

means to attach the housing to the key-holed plate such that the switch lever is engaged with the cam;

a lever arm extending outward from said housing through an opening in the front cover;

wherein

said cam further comprises means for engaging and moving the switch lever position during rotation of the cam;

said cam manually operable with the lever arm;

said cam rotation means comprising electromechanical means and control means, which facilitate cam rotation in a forward direction and a reverse direction;

said timer comprising a programmable microprocessor integrated circuit which activates said cam rotation means at preset time intervals.

2. A device for operation of a switch defined by claim 1 wherein said timer further comprises pushbutton or rotary type switches.

3. A device for operation of a switch defined by claim 1 further comprising pushbutton switches on an exterior surface of said housing allow manual activation of the cam rotation means.

4. A device for operation of a switch defined by claim 2 wherein said timer further comprises switching means to stop and start program execution.

5. A device for operation of a switch defined by claim 1 further comprising a flashing light indicating replacement interval of said power supply means.

6. A device for operation of a switch defined by claim 1 wherein said control means governs power consumption of the electromechanical means.

7. A device for operation of a switch defined by claim 1 wherein said microprocessor integrated circuit electrically activates said cam rotation means at the beginning of said preset time intervals.

8. A device for operation of a switch defined by claim 1 further comprising a pushbutton panel and display screen, wherein power supply means is deactivates display means upon completion of programming operations.

9. A device for operation of a switch defined by claim 1 wherein said cam rotation means makes physical contact with the switch lever arm during movement of said switch lever arm.