System and apparatus for providing and managing electricity

• US 9,965,007 B2
• Filed: 02/21/2014
• Issued: 05/08/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 08/21/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: 286 TWO LLC
• Original Assignee: N2 Global Solutions, Inc.
• Inventors: Amelio, Alfonso, Amelio, Paul, Katz, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Lyons, Michael A
• Assistant Examiner(s): Dzierzynski, Matthew T
• Application Number:
  US14/187,211
• Publication Number:
  US 20150244121A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,537 Days
• Field of Search: 439345, 439373, 439538, 439535, 439638, 439639, 439 761, 174 53, 174 50, 174520, 174 59, 174 60, 174 66, 174 54, 174 58
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/26 Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof for memories G11C
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/063 Operations research, analysis or management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0833 Tracking
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/1091 Recording time for administrative or management purposes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0202 Market predictions or forecasting for commercial activities
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/06 Energy or water supply
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2300/03 Application domotique, e.g. for house automation, bus connected switches, sensors, loads or intelligent wiring
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6683 with built-in sensor
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6691 with built-in signalling means H01R13/717 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/78 with additional earth or shield contacts
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/165 following a pre-assigned programmed sequence; Logic control [LC]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/175 by remote control
• 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 10/50 Systems or methods supporting the power network operation or management, involving a certain degree of interaction with the load-side end user applications
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/14 Protecting elements, switches, relays or circuit breakers

Abstract

A system and device for providing power to and monitoring the energy usage of a device connected thereto includes a unit having one or more circuit boards having components for detecting the energy usage of the connected device and an interface for electrically connecting to the device. The unit communicates with a coordinator regarding the connected device or the state of the unit itself. Depending on the communication received from the unit, the coordinator relays the received data to a server and awaits instruction, or immediately commands the unit to take a certain action. If the server receives data from the coordinator, it sends such data to a remote server, saves it, generate reports based thereon, and/or alerts a user regarding same. The user can choose to send a command to the unit or device through the system, for example, to shut down, turn on, or to adjust the power being supplied to the device. The unit includes terminals for receiving connectors crimped onto neutral, ground and hot wires, to electrically connect the unit to the power source. The connectors are designed to snap into the terminals.

Claims

1. An electrical outlet kit comprising:

an electrical outlet, comprising;

a first front panel comprising a plug-receiving portion for receiving prongs of a power plug of an electrical device;

a circuit board electrically coupled to and positioned behind the first front panel, the circuit board comprising;

a transceiver communicatively coupled to a network and configured to receive, over the network, command information for controlling the electrical device; and

a processor configured to process the command information received by the transceiver;

a rear panel electrically coupled to and positioned behind the circuit board, wherein a back side of the rear panel comprises at least one terminal, said terminal constructed to receive one connector; and

a housing in which the circuit board and the rear panel are housed, the housing and the circuit board mounted within an electrical box, the first front panel removably attachable to the housing; and

at least one connector constructed to connect to at least one electrical wire, wherein electricity flows between the at least one electrical wire and the connector when connected;

wherein electricity flows between the at least one electrical wire and the terminal via the connector when the connector is connected to the terminal;

wherein the first front panel is removably attachable and electrically coupled to the circuit board, the first front panel comprising first circuitry for a first power outlet interface and at least one of a first sensor and a first data port, the first circuitry in electrical communication with the processor of the one circuit board positioned in the housing, wherein the first front panel is removably interchangeable with a second front panel that may be detachably and electrically coupled to the circuit board, the second front panel having an interface different from the interface of the first front panel, the second front panel comprising second circuitry for a second power outlet interface and at least one of a second sensor and a second data port, the second circuitry in electrical communication with the processor of the circuit board positioned in the housing.

2. The electrical outlet kit of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of removable faceplates, each of the removable faceplates comprising a coupling mechanism to directly connect the faceplate to a front side of the first front panel.

3. The electrical outlet kit of claim 1, wherein the rear panel comprises three terminals for receiving an electrical connector connected to a wire, wherein a first of the three terminals receives an electrical connector connected to a hot wire, a second of the three terminals receives an electrical connector connected to a neutral wire, and a third of the three terminals receives an electrical connector connected to a ground wire.

4. The electrical outlet kit of claim 1, wherein the processor selectively limits current flow to provide a reduced flow of current to the electrical device.

5. The electrical outlet kit of claim 4, wherein the processor limits current flow to the device based on a total wattage of a load.

6. The electrical outlet kit of claim 1, wherein the electrical outlet is in wireless communication with a coordinator, the coordinator being able to wirelessly control a device connected to the electrical outlet.

7. An electrical outlet unit comprising:

a first front panel having a plug-receiving portion for receiving prongs of a power plug of an electrical device, the plug-receiving portion having a plurality of electrical contacts constructed and arranged to contact the prongs of the power plug when said power plug is received within the plug-receiving portion;

a circuit board electrically coupled to and positioned behind the first front panel, the circuit board comprising;

a transceiver communicatively coupled to a network and configured to receive, over the network, command information for controlling the electrical device; and

a processor configured to process the command information received by the transceiver;

a rear panel electrically coupled to and positioned behind the circuit board, wherein the rear panel comprises at least one terminal for receiving an electrical connector connected to a wire, said wire connected to an electrical power source; and

a housing in which the circuit board and the rear panel are housed, the housing and the circuit board mounted within an electrical box, the first front panel removably attachable to the housing; and

wherein the at least one terminal electrically connects electrical contacts to said electrical power source when the electrical connector is connected to the terminal, such that power flows to the power plug and to the electrical device when the power plug is received in the plug-receiving portion;

wherein the first front panel is removably attachable and electrically coupled to the circuit board, the first front panel comprising first circuitry for a first power outlet interface, and at least one of a first sensor and a first data port, the first circuitry in electrical communication with the processor of the circuit board positioned in the housing, wherein the first front panel is removably interchangeable with a second front panel that may be detachably and electrically coupled to the circuit board, the second front panel having an interface different from the interface of the first front panel, the second front panel comprising second circuitry for a second power outlet interface and at least one of a second sensor and a second data port, the second circuitry in electrical communication with the processor of the circuit board positioned in the housing.

8. The electrical outlet unit of claim 7, wherein the unit is designed and constructed to fit within a single gang electric box having an opening, and the first front panel is designed and constructed to at least partially cover said opening of said electric box.

9. The electrical outlet unit of claim 7, wherein the rear panel comprises three terminals for receiving an electrical connector connected to a wire, wherein a first of the three terminals receives an electrical connector connected to a hot wire, a second of the three terminals receives an electrical connector connected to a neutral wire, and a third of the three terminals receives an electrical connector connected to a ground wire.

10. The electrical outlet unit of claim 7, wherein a front side of the first front panel comprises a coupling mechanism for directly and removably coupling the first front panel to each of a plurality of faceplates.

11. The electrical outlet unit of claim 7, wherein at least one of the first front panel or rear panel further comprises a coaxial cable port, an optical port, an Ethernet port, or a CAT 5 port.

12. The electrical outlet unit of claim 7, further comprising an environmental sensor electrically coupled to the circuit board, wherein the processor processes electrical input signals generated by the environmental sensor, and wherein the transceiver transmits the processed electrical input signals to a second electrical outlet unit over the network.

13. The electrical outlet unit of claim 7, wherein the circuit board further comprises:

a power supply electrically coupled to the terminal; and

a control relay electrically coupled to the power supply, wherein the processor is configured to activate or deactivate the control relay based on the command information received over the network.

14. The electrical outlet unit of claim 13, wherein the circuit board comprises a first circuit board mechanically and electrically coupled to a second circuit board, wherein the first circuit board comprises the processor and transceiver, and wherein the second board comprises the power supply and the control relay.

15. The electrical outlet unit of claim 7, wherein the processor selectively limits current flow to provide a reduced flow of current to the electrical device.

16. The electrical outlet unit of claim 15, wherein the processor limits current flow to the device based on a total wattage of a load.

17. The electrical outlet unit of claim 7, wherein the electrical outlet unit is in wireless communication with a coordinator, the coordinator being able to wirelessly control a device connected to the electrical outlet.

18. A system comprising:

an electrical unit, comprising;

a first front panel having a device connecting portion for electrically connecting said electrical unit to an electrical device;

a circuit board electrically coupled to and positioned behind the first front panel, the circuit board comprising;

a transceiver communicatively coupled to a network and configured to receive, over the network, command information for controlling the electrical device; and

a processor configured to process the command information received by the transceiver;

a rear panel electrically coupled to and positioned behind the circuit board, wherein the rear panel comprises at least one terminal; and

a housing in which the circuit board and the rear panel are housed, the housing and the circuit board mounted within an electrical box, the first front panel removably attachable to the housing; and

at least one wire connected to a power source, neutral or ground; and

at least one electrical connector constructed and arranged to receive the wire and secure said wire to the terminal;

wherein electricity flows from the wire to the terminal to the electrical device connected to the first front panel;

wherein the first front panel is removably attachable and electrically coupled to the circuit board, the first front panel comprising first circuitry for a first power outlet interface and at least one of a first sensor and a first data port, the first circuitry in electrical communication with the processor of the circuit board positioned in the housing, wherein the first front panel is removably interchangeable with a second front panel that may be detachably and electrically coupled to the circuit board, the second front panel having an interface different from the interface of the first front panel, the second front panel comprising second circuitry for a second power outlet interface and at least one of a second sensor and a second data port, the second circuitry in electrical communication with the processor of the circuit board positioned in the housing.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the device connecting portion includes a conduction portion to provide power to the electrical device via conduction.

20. The system of claim 18, further comprising a plurality of removable faceplates, each of the removable faceplates comprising a coupling mechanism to directly connect the faceplate to a front side of the first front panel.

21. The system of claim 18, wherein the electrical unit further comprises an environmental sensor electrically coupled to the circuit board, wherein the processor processes electrical input signals generated by the environmental sensor.

22. The system of claim 18, further comprising a second electrical unit, the second electrical unit comprising:

a front panel having a device connecting portion for electrically connecting the second electrical unit to an electrical device;

a circuit board electrically coupled to and positioned behind the front panel, the circuit board comprising;

a processor configured to generate the command information for controlling the electrical device of the first electrical outlet unit; and

a transceiver communicatively coupled to the network and configured to transmit, over the network, the command information to the transceiver of the first electrical outlet unit; and

a rear panel electrically coupled to and positioned behind the circuit board, wherein the rear panel comprises a port for receiving a power source that powers an electrical device connected to the front panel of the second electrical outlet unit.

23. The system of claim 18, wherein the circuit board fits within a single gang electric box having an opening, and wherein the first front panel and the second front panel are each configured to cover the opening of the electric box when coupled to the circuit board.

24. The system of claim 18, wherein the processor selectively limits current flow to provide a reduced flow of current to the electrical device.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the processor limits current flow to the device based on a total wattage of a load.

26. The system of claim 18, wherein the electrical unit is in wireless communication with a coordinator, the coordinator being able to wirelessly control a device connected to the electrical outlet.

27. An interchangeable power receptacle for a building comprising:

a base unit mountable in an electrical box of the building, said base unit including at least one circuit board for connection to an AC power line of the building, a microcontroller unit, and at least one transceiver; and

a front panel removably attachable to the base unit, the front panel including a power outlet interface, a processor, at least one of a sensor and a data communications port, and a coupling mechanism for removably attaching the front panel to the base unit, the front panel including circuitry for electrically connecting the power outlet interface and the at least one sensor and the data communications port of the front panel to the at least one circuit board of the base unit;

wherein the front panel is removably attachable to the base unit outside the electrical box.

28. The interchangeable power receptacle of claim 27, wherein the processor selectively limits current flow to provide a reduced flow of current to the electrical device.

29. The interchangeable power receptacle of claim 28, wherein the processor limits current flow to the device based on a total wattage of a load.

30. The interchangeable power receptacle of claim 27, further comprising a rear panel electrically coupled to and positioned behind the circuit board, wherein a back side of the rear panel comprises at least one terminal, said terminal constructed to receive one connector.

31. The interchangeable power receptacle of claim 30, wherein the rear panel comprises three terminals for receiving an electrical connector connected to a wire, wherein a first of the three terminals receives an electrical connector connected to a hot wire, a second of the three terminals receives an electrical connector connected to a neutral wire, and a third of the three terminals receives an electrical connector connected to a ground wire.

32. The interchangeable power receptacle of claim 31, wherein at least one of the front panel or rear panel further comprises a coaxial cable port, an optical port, an Ethernet port, or a CAT 5 port.

33. The interchangeable power receptacle of claim 27, wherein a front side of the front panel comprises a coupling mechanism for directly and removably coupling the front panel to a plurality of faceplates.

34. The interchangeable power receptacle of claim 27, further comprising an environmental sensor electrically coupled to the circuit board, wherein the microcontroller processes electrical input signals generated by the environmental sensor, and wherein the transceiver transmits the processed electrical input signals to a second electrical outlet unit over the network.

35. The interchangeable power receptacle of claim 27, further comprising a second front panel having a switch interface, the second front panel being detachably and electrically coupled to the circuit board and removably interchangeable with the first front panel.

36. The interchangeable power receptacle of claim 27, further comprising a coordinator in wireless communication with the interchangeable power receptacle, the coordinator being able to wirelessly control a device connected to the interchangeable power receptacle.

37. An interchangeable power receptacle for a building comprising:

a base unit mountable in an electrical box of the building, said base unit including at least one circuit board for connection to an AC power line of the building, a microcontroller unit, and at least one transceiver; and

a front panel removably attachable to the base unit, the front panel including a power switch interface, a processor, at least one of a sensor and a data communications port, and a coupling mechanism for removably attaching the front panel to the base unit, the front panel including circuitry for electrically connecting the power switch interface and the at least one sensor and the data communications port of the front panel to the at least one circuit board of the base unit;

wherein the front panel is removably attachable to the base unit outside the electrical box.

38. The interchangeable power receptacle of claim 37, wherein the processor selectively limits current flow to provide a reduced flow of current to the electrical device.

39. The interchangeable power receptacle of claim 38, wherein the processor limits current flow to the device based on a total wattage of a load.

40. The interchangeable power receptacle of claim 37, further comprising a rear panel electrically coupled to and positioned behind the circuit board, wherein a back side of the rear panel comprises at least one terminal, said terminal constructed to receive one connector.

41. The interchangeable power receptacle of claim 40, wherein the rear panel comprises three terminals for receiving an electrical connector connected to a wire, wherein a first of the three terminals receives an electrical connector connected to a hot wire, a second of the three terminals receives an electrical connector connected to a neutral wire, and a third of the three terminals receives an electrical connector connected to a ground wire.

42. The interchangeable power receptacle of claim 37, wherein a front side of the front panel comprises a coupling mechanism for directly and removably coupling the front panel to a plurality of faceplates.

43. The interchangeable power receptacle of claim 37, wherein at least one of the front panel or rear panel further comprises a coaxial cable port, an optical port, an Ethernet port, or a CAT 5 port.

44. The interchangeable power receptacle of claim 37, further comprising an environmental sensor electrically coupled to the circuit board, wherein the microcontroller processes electrical input signals generated by the environmental sensor, and wherein the transceiver transmits the processed electrical input signals to a second electrical outlet unit over the network.

45. The interchangeable power receptacle of claim 37, further comprising a second front panel having a power outlet interface, the second front panel being detachably and electrically coupled to the circuit board and removably interchangeable with the first front panel.

46. The interchangeable power receptacle of claim 37, further comprising a coordinator in wireless communication with the interchangeable power receptacle, the coordinator being able to wirelessly control a device connected to the interchangeable power receptacle.