Patent ID: 6380852
Filing Date: 2002-04-30
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
An apparatus comprising(a) a transmitter for sending a signal directly or indirectly to a switchable power receptacle in response to the occurrence of a predetermined awareness condition, said transmitter including at least one of (i) sensing means for sensing the occurrence of at least one predetermined awareness condition or (ii) input means for receiving an input from such a sensing means and (b) at least one remote switchable power receptacle that includes (i) outlet means for receiving an electrical supply line for an electrically powered device, (ii) connection means for connecting said receptacle to an electrical power supply, said connection means being in electrical communication with said outlet means though (iii) switch means having an â€œonâ€  and â€œoffâ€  position such that electrical power is supplied to said outlet means when said switch means is in an â€œonâ€  position and electrical power to said outlet means is interrupted when said switch means is in an â€œoffâ€  position, and; (iv) receiving means for receiving said signal directly or indirectly from said transmitter and operating said switch means in response to said signal wherein said sensing means is a sound detector, motion detector, light detector, heat detector, smoke detector or a device that detects the operation of another electrical device or component thereof, said transmitter is a radio frequency transmitter, AC line power carrier transceiver, ultrasound transmitter, infrared or visible light transmitter or microwave transmitter, and said receiving means is correspondingly a radio frequency receiver, an AC line power carrier transceiver, an ultrasound receiver, an infrared or visible light receiver or a microwave receiver.