Patent ID: 7409270

Claim:
A control apparatus for controlling an electrical load, comprising: a housing; a plug mounted to the hosing for connecting the control apparatus to a power outlet; a socket mounted to the housing for connecting the control apparatus to the electrical load; first and second internal wires connecting the plug to the socket; a first switch located in the second internal wire between the plug and the socket; a ripple control receiver unit mounted within the housing and coupled to the wires connecting the plug and the socket, wherein the receiver unit is configured to receive a control signal that is indicative of an impending congestion period, and wherein the receiver unit is configured to interrupt supply of power to the socket upon receipt of the control signal by opening the first switch in the second internal wire; and wherein the ripple control receiver has a relay coil connected to the first internal wire, and also connected to the first switch by a control line, a second switch connected to the relay coil and also to the second internal wire between the plug and the first switch, whereby the control receiver controls the second switch and the energization of the relay coil by activation or deactivation of the relay coil to thereby control opening or closing of the first switch.