Power distribution device

• US 8,159,084 B2
• Filed: 05/13/2009
• Issued: 04/17/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 05/13/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
• Original Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
• Inventors: Gilpatrick, Richard J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Paladini, Albert W
• Application Number:
  US12/465,378
• Publication Number:
  US 20100289333A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,070 Days
• Field of Search: 307/11, 307/12, 307/15
• US Class Current: 307/11
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/14 The load or loads being home appliances
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 3/14 by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 70/30 Systems integrating technologies related to power network operation and communication or information technologies for improving the carbon footprint of the management of residential or tertiary loads, i.e. smart grids as climate change mitigation technology in the buildings sector, including also the last stages of power distribution and the control, monitoring or operating management systems at local level
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 70/3225 Demand response systems, e.g. load shedding, peak shaving
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/222 Demand response systems, e.g. load shedding, peak shaving
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/242 Home appliances

Abstract

A window power distribution device includes a housing with an extension attached to the housing. Together, the housing and extension are designed to form a seal in a window opening. The window power distribution device also includes an electrical input attached to the housing, a display, and a socket, where the socket is wired to the input. The display is designed to provide information relating to the power distribution device.

Claims

1. A window power distribution device, comprising:

a housing;

an extension coupled to the housing, wherein the housing and the extension are configured to form a seal in a window opening;

an electrical input coupled to the housing;

a socket coupled to the input;

a sensor configured to detect a characteristic on an electrical circuit including the socket;

a first breaker switch positioned in electrical series between the input and the socket; and

a display configured to provide information relating to the power distribution device.

2. The power distribution device of claim 1, wherein the information comprises an indication of a fault.

3. The power distribution device of claim 2, further comprising an alarm configured to indicate whether the fault has occurred.

4. The power distribution device of claim 1, further comprising a manual reset coupled to the first breaker switch, wherein operating the manual reset closes the first breaker switch.

5. The power distribution device of claim 4, further comprising a second socket and a second breaker switch, wherein the second socket is coupled to the input, and wherein the second breaker is positioned in electrical series between the input and the second socket.

6. The power distribution device of claim 5, further comprising a load management controller, wherein the controller is configured to operate the first breaker switch and the second breaker switch in accordance with a priority order.

7. A power distribution and monitoring device, comprising:

a housing;

an extension coupled to the housing;

a fastener coupled to the housing for supporting a window pane, wherein the housing, the fastener, and the extension are configured to form a seal in a window frame;

an electrical input coupled to the housing;

a first socket, a second socket, and a third socket, the sockets coupled to the input;

a sensor configured to detect a characteristic of an electrical communication between the input and at least one of the first, second, or third sockets; and

a display configured to provide information relating to the characteristic, wherein the information comprises a fault code presented on the display; and

a first switch positioned in electrical series between the input and the first socket,

a second switch positioned in electrical series between the input and the second socket,

a third switch positioned in electrical series between the input and the third socket, and

a load management controller, wherein the controller is configured to operate the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch in accordance with a pre-defined priority order.

8. The device of claim 7, further comprising an alarm coupled to a security sensor, the alarm configured to indicate when the security sensor detects unauthorized activity.

9. The device of claim 7, further comprising a ground fault protection and a manual reset coupled to the first switch, wherein operating the manual reset closes the first switch.

10. A portable power distribution system, comprising:

a portable housing having an electrical input;

a first socket coupled to the input;

a first breaker switch positioned in electrical series between the input and the first socket;

a second socket configured for an electrical communication with the input;

a second breaker switch positioned in electrical series between the input and the second socket; and

a sensor that is sensitive to a parameter related to electrical load;

a load management controller in communication with the sensor and configured to operate the first breaker switch and the second breaker switch in a pre-assigned order in response to the load exceeding a threshold.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a manual reset coupled to the first breaker switch, wherein operating the manual reset closes the first breaker switch.

12. The system of claim 10, further comprising a display configured to provide information relating to a characteristic of the distribution system.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising an extension coupled to and extending from the housing.

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a portable generator coupled to the input by a power cord.