Patent ID: 6243626
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: F25B,F25D,G07F,H02M

Abstract:
A system for controlling the power delivered to an appliance from a power source, said system comprising:a power input for electrically coupling to said power source;a power output for electrically coupling to said appliance;a switch for selectively coupling and uncoupling said power output to and from said power input, said switch having a switch control input;a timer for providing a shutdown-time indication, said timer having a timer output at which said shutdown-time indication is provided;a current sensor for providing current-level indications of current through said switch; anda controller for controlling said switch as a function of current and the presence said shutdown indication, said controller causing said switch to uncouple said power output from said power input when said timer has provided said shutdown-time indication provided said current sensor indicates said current is not above a predetermined upper-current threshold, said controller being coupled to said current sensor for monitoring said current, said controller being coupled to said timer control input for activating said timer and to said timer output for receiving said shutdown-time indication.