Patent ID: 7511633
Filing Date: 2009-03-31
Classification: G01R,G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method for providing estimated power costs incurred by an electrical appliance to be implemented using an extension cord, the extension cord including a receptacle that is coupled to a power cord of the electrical appliance, and an electric cord that couples the receptacle to a power source, said method comprising: enabling operation of the extension cord so as to measure electric current flowing through the receptacle, so as to compute an amount of electricity consumed by the electrical appliance within a predetermined period of time based on the electric current measured by the extension cord, so as to compute the estimated power costs incurred by the electrical appliance based on the amount of electricity computed by the extension cord, and so as to inform the costs computed by the extension cord to a user; receiving a control signal adapted to control operation of the extension cord; and allowing the user to enable or disable the extension cord from receiving the control signal.