×

Low voltage load control switch

  • US 9,342,062 B2
  • Filed: 09/24/2012
  • Issued: 05/17/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/24/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method for controlling power delivered to a power-consuming device, the method comprising:

  • receiving, by a load control switch, a low voltage control signal from a thermostat, wherein the thermostat receives the low voltage control signal from a power source, wherein the low voltage control signal is less than a pre-determined threshold voltage, wherein the thermostat has an enabled state and a disabled state, wherein the enabled state allows the low voltage control signal to pass therethrough, and wherein the disabled state prevents the low voltage control signal from passing therethrough;

    converting, using a control transformer of the load control switch, the low voltage control signal to a transformed control signal;

    applying the transformed control signal to a power supply of the load control switch, wherein the power supply is activated upon receiving the transformed control signal, wherein the power supply, when activated, powers a plurality of components of the load control switch, wherein the plurality of components of the load control switch comprises a communication component and a timer;

    determining, using the communication component and the timer, a start time of a control event;

    terminating, using a relay at the start time of the control event, control power delivered to a contactor that feeds a power signal to the power-consuming device, wherein terminating the control power to the contactor prevents delivery of the power signal to the power-consuming device;

    delivering, using the relay at an end time of the control event, the control power to the contactor, wherein delivering the control power to the contactor delivers the power signal to the power-consuming device; and

    deactivating the load control switch when the low voltage signal from the thermostat is terminated,wherein the low voltage control signal being less than the pre-determined threshold voltage allows installation of the load control switch without a licensed electrician.

View all claims
  • 3 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×