Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The Present application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/878,040, filed on Sep. 9, 2010, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/361,402, filed on Jul. 3, 2010, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to controlling power to an electrically powered device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method for controlling power to an electrically powered device. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     End Users are becoming increasingly empowered to manage and save electrical power in their everyday lives. They understand that small changes in their behavior coupled with the use of smart power saving devices can minimize their power usage and save on their perpetually increasing energy bills. Additionally, End Users are continually searching for ways to have more control and customization over their environment for enhanced aesthetics and personal preferences and convenience. 
     The prior art discusses various method and systems for controlling power to an electrically power device. 
     One example is Dresti et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,642,852 for a Remote Control Device With Appliance Power Awareness which discloses placing a device in a desired powered state through use of a infrared remote with radiofrequency capabilities. 
     Another is Lou et al, U.S. Patent Publication Number 2007/0115695 for a Power Supply With Low Standby Loss. 
     Yet another is Ewing et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,171,461 for a Network Remote Power Management Outlet Strip. 
     Yet another is Lee et al., U.S. Publication Number 2010/0079001 for a Outlet Switch Socket Device. 
     The prior art fails to disclose a system and method for remotely controlling power to an electrically powered device in a simple and efficient manner. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a system and method for controlling power to an electrically powered device in a novel and efficient manner. The present invention provides an effective component for power savings, control and customization for commercial and residential buildings. 
     One aspect of the present invention is a system for power control with remote Wi-Fi management using web based user interfaces accessible by a home PC, an office laptop or a smartphone such as an iPHONE available from Apple, Inc. The system is applicable to commercial and residential buildings. The features afforded to end-users (commercial building managers or homeowners) by the present invention allow for substantial reduction in energy consumption without having to rewire a building. 
     The present invention is designed and positioned as an easy to use and safe enhancement for controlling power to electrical devices by building managers, information technology managers and homeowners. The present invention relies on existing technologies, protocols to adhere to all necessary safety and regulatory requirements. 
     One aspect of the present invention is a system for controlling electrical power to an electrically-powered device. The system comprises an apparatus, an electrically-powered device and a controller. The apparatus comprises a cord, an alternating current outlet socket, an alternating current input plug, a latching relay, a processor and a transceiver. The alternating current outlet socket receives a plug from an electrically-powered device. The alternating current outlet socket is located at a first end of the cord. The alternating current input plug connects to an outlet to receive power. The alternating current outlet socket is located at a second end of the cord. The latching relay controls power to the alternating current outlet socket. The latching relay is electrically positioned within the cord between the alternating current input plug and the alternating current outlet socket. The processor is configured to instruct the latching relay to enable electrical power to the alternating current outlet socket and to disable electrical power to the alternating current outlet socket. The transceiver receives a plurality of commands to the apparatus from the controller utilizing a WIFI communication protocol. The transceiver transmits information from the apparatus utilizing a WIFI communication protocol. The transceiver is in electrical communication with the processor. The transceiver comprises an antenna that extends along a substantial length of the cord. The electrically-powered device is connected to the at least one power outlet connection of the at least on apparatus. The controller transmits a plurality of commands to the at least one apparatus utilizing a WIFI communication protocol. A command of the plurality of commands from the controller can control electrical power to the electrically powered device through the processor of the at least one apparatus which is configured to control electrical power to the electrically powered device from the at least one power outlet connection. 
     The antenna of the transceiver of the cord preferably extends along the entire length of the cord. 
     The length of the cord preferably ranges from four feet to ten feet, and the processor, latching relay and transceiver are located in a center region of the cord, with the center region having a length ranging from one foot to two feet. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is a system for controlling electrical power to an electrically-powered device. The system comprises an apparatus, an electrically-powered device, a controller and at least one wireless router. The apparatus comprises a cord, an alternating current outlet socket, an alternating current input plug, a latching relay, a processor and a transceiver. The alternating current outlet socket receives a plug from an electrically-powered device. The alternating current outlet socket is located at a first end of the cord. The alternating current input plug connects to an outlet to receive power. The alternating current outlet socket is located at a second end of the cord. The latching relay controls power to the alternating current outlet socket. The latching relay is electrically positioned within the cord between the alternating current input plug and the alternating current outlet socket. The processor is configured to instruct the latching relay to enable electrical power to the alternating current outlet socket and to disable electrical power to the alternating current outlet socket. The transceiver receives a plurality of commands to the apparatus from a remote controller through a wireless router. The transceiver transmits information from the apparatus. The transceiver is in electrical communication with the processor. The transceiver extends along at least 80% of the length of the cord. The electrically-powered device is connected to the at least one power outlet connection of the at least one apparatus. The controller transmits a plurality of commands to the at least one apparatus. The at least one wireless router receives each of the plurality of commands from the controller and wirelessly transmits each of the plurality of commands to the transceiver of the at least one apparatus. A command of the plurality of commands from the controller can control electrical power to the electrically powered device through the processor of the at least one apparatus which is configured to control electrical power to the electrically powered device from the at least one power outlet connection. 
     Having briefly described the present invention, the above and further objects, features and advantages thereof will be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of an apparatus for controlling power to an electrically powered device. 
         FIG. 2  is a back perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 3  taken along the line  4 - 4 . 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the cord shown in  FIG. 4  taken along the line  5 - 5 . 
         FIG. 6  is a circuit diagram of an apparatus for controlling power to an electrically powered device. 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for controlling power to an electrically powered device. 
         FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for controlling power to an electrically powered device. 
         FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a back view of the apparatus of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  is a side perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 14  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for controlling power to an electrically powered device. 
         FIG. 15  is a side perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a frontal elevation view of  FIG. 1  connected to a wall receptacle at one end and to a lamp at the opposite end, and a user controlling the apparatus with a wireless device. 
         FIG. 17  is a block diagram of a system for controlling power to an electrically powered device. 
         FIG. 17A  is a block diagram of a system for controlling power to an electrically powered device. 
         FIG. 18  is a flow chart of control logic for a method for controlling power to an electrically powered device. 
         FIG. 19  is a flow chart of control logic for a method for controlling power to an electrically powered device. 
         FIG. 20  is a flow chart for an interrupt command for an apparatus for controlling power to an electrically powered device. 
         FIG. 21  is a front view of a smart phone for use with a system for controlling power to an electrically powered device. 
         FIG. 22  is a screen view of a status chart of a system for controlling power to an electrically powered device. 
         FIG. 23  is a screen view of a report generated by a system for controlling power to an electrically powered device. 
         FIG. 24  is an elevational view of a cord embodiment of an apparatus with a junction box in a center region of the cord with exposed hot, neutral and ground wires. 
         FIG. 24A  is an elevational view of a cord embodiment of an apparatus with a junction box in a center region of the cord. 
         FIG. 25  is an elevational view of a cord embodiment of an apparatus with circuitry in a center region of the cord. 
         FIG. 25A  is an elevational view of a cord embodiment of an apparatus with circuitry in a center region of the cord and both ends of the cord with exposed hot, neutral and ground wires. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A preferred embodiment of an apparatus  10  utilized for controlling power to an electrically powered device is shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , in the form of an extension cord. The apparatus  10  comprises of at least one controlled socket  11 , a casing  12 , a plug  13 , a switch  14 , and a cord  15 . 
     In  FIG. 4 , the interior components of the apparatus  10  are shown and in  FIG. 6  a circuit block diagram for the apparatus  10  is shown. The apparatus  10  further comprises at least a radio transceiver  50   a , a microprocessor  41 , a switch  61 , and a power converter. Additionally, light-emitting diodes (LED)  16  provide status indication. 
     The plug  13  is used to receive alternating current (AC) power, and the switch  61  is connected in between the socket  11  and the plug  13 . 
     The microprocessor  41  receives direct current (DC) power, decodes a control signal from a remote control, such as a handheld device, via the radio transceiver  50   a , and then controls the switch  61  based on the decoded control signal. 
     The switch  61  is preferably a latching relay controlled by the microprocessor  41 , according to the control signal received from the remote control device. The latching relay minimizes the power usage of the electrical device connected to the apparatus  10 , independent of the state of the switch  61 . 
     Further embodiments of the present invention include additional onboard energy storage, with sensing or measuring capabilities, in various form factors embedded or interfaced with various electrical components such as, but not limited to; cords, outlets, converters, circuit breakers and surge protectors. Additional embodiments of the present invention include combining a single or multiple energy harvesting sources to provide power to control the relay. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the radio transceiver  50   a  preferably includes an antenna  50  positioned within the cord  15  in order to increase the reception power of transceiver. In addition to the antenna, the cord  15  also comprises of three wires  42 - 44  (hot, neutral and ground), which are further detailed in  FIG. 5 . The antenna runs parallel in the power cord for increased performance. 
       FIG. 5  shows the internal components of the cord  15 . There are conductors for the three wires  42 - 44  for the socket and a fourth encased conductor  55  for the antenna  50 , all preferably molded within insulating material  51 . The antenna  50  preferably comprises of a protective sleeve  52 , a shielding copper braid  53 , foam  54 , and a copper conductor  55 ; or other such materials typically used to protect the antenna  50  from interference of the other wires  42 - 44 . Further, the antenna  50  is preferably positioned as far as possible from the three other wires  42 - 44  to minimize the interference from the wires  42 - 44 . 
     The apparatus  10  of this embodiment preferably has two controlled sockets  11  located on the front of the module. The casing  12  is preferably injection molded insulating material. Both sockets  11  are controlled with the same ON/OFF command. The apparatus  10  is comparable in function and usability to standard extension cords and plugs. The mechanical interactions for the user using the apparatus  10  does not compromise safety or functionality compared to standard extension cords and plugs. The apparatus  10  plugs securely into a single outlet of a standard duplex wall receptacle and the plug  13  is configured in such a way that the other outlet is not impeded. Each socket  11  of the apparatus  10  preferably has a current rating of 15 amperes (A) at 120 volts in alternating current (V AC). 
     A pushbutton switch  14  on the apparatus  10 , when activated, preferably resets the apparatus  10  to the factory default conditions for the configuration settings. 
     The apparatus  10  has a LED indicator  16  that is ON when the apparatus  10  obtains and maintains a wireless connection to the LAN (local area network) and OFF when the apparatus  10  does not have a wireless connection to the LAN. 
     The LED indicator  16  also preferably represents the state of the outlet power for the apparatus  10  as well, which is preferably accomplished by blinking in a set pattern. Alternatively, the LED indicator  16  flashes accordingly to indicate the status of the wireless connection. 
     In the event of a power failure, the apparatus  10  automatically returns managed sockets  11  to the previous state, prior to power interruption. In the event of a dropped wireless connection, the apparatus  10  maintains port settings last set by the user, prior to the loss of wireless connectivity, until the wireless connectivity is restored or until the user disconnects the apparatus  10 . 
     A procedure for initializing an apparatus is shown in  FIG. 19 . At block  183 , after a power loss or when the apparatus  10  is plugged in, the microcontroller  41  executes a program  160  for initializing the apparatus  10 . At block  184 , the POWER ON timer is reset. 
     At decision  185 , if the Wi-Fi is not initialized, the LEDs for all of the relays are set to ON and the apparatus is the Wi-Fi timer is reset at block  189 , which times the seconds passed since the last ping. 
     If the Wi-Fi is initialized at decision block  185  and there is no ping timeout at decision block  187 , then the relays are set to the last command value before the loss of power  188 . If there is a ping timeout at decision block  187  then the relays are set to ON a block  186 , and then the Wi-Fi timer is reset at block  189 . 
     After resetting the Wi-Fi timer at block  189 , the program  160  checks for any pending Wi-Fi commands at decision block  191 . 
     If there are no pending Wi-Fi commands at decision block  191  and no ping timeouts at decision block  192 , then the program  160  returns to check for a Wi-Fi command at decision block  191 . If there is a ping timeout at decision block  192  then the Wi-Fi LED indicator  16  is set to OFF at block  193  and the timeout flag is set at block  194 . Then the program  160  returns to the Wi-Fi initialization step at decision block  185 . 
     If there are pending Wi-Fi commands at block  191  and there is a relay command at decision block  195 , then the new data from the command is written into the “LAST” command values block  196  and the program  160  returns to setting the relays and LED to the “LAST” command value at block  188 . If there is no relay command at decision block  195  then the program  160  checks for a CONFIG command at decision block  197 . 
     If there is a CONFIG command at decision block  197 , then the configuration information is updated at block  198  and the program  160  returns to checking for ping timeouts at decision block  192 . 
     If there is no CONFIG command at decision block  197 , then ERROR status bits are set and the program  160  returns to checking for ping timeouts at decision block  192 . 
     An alternative embodiment of an apparatus  20  utilized for controlling power to an electrically powered device is shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , in the form of a compact box style receptacle. 
     Yet another alternative embodiment of an apparatus  30  utilized for controlling power to an electrically powered device is shown in  FIGS. 10-13 , in the form of a compact box style receptacle. 
     The alternative embodiments are similar to the preferred embodiment, the distinction being in the physical type, and/or shape. 
     The apparatus  20 / 30  is preferably shaped as a rectangle and is approximately 2 inches×2 inches×1.5 inches. The apparatus  20 / 30  preferably has two controlled sockets  11  located on the sides of the module. The casing  12  is preferably injection molded insulating material. Both sockets  11  are controlled with the same ON/OFF command. The apparatus  20 / 30  is comparable in function and usability to standard extension cords and plugs. The mechanical interactions for the user using the apparatus  20 / 30  does not compromise safety or functionality compared to standard extension cords and plugs. The apparatus  20 / 30  plugs securely into a single outlet of a standard duplex wall receptacle and the plug  13  is configured in such a way that the other outlet is not impeded. Each socket  11  of the apparatus  20 / 30  has a current rating of 15 A at 120V AC. 
     The apparatus  20 / 30  has a LED indicator  16  that is ON when the apparatus  20 / 30  obtains and maintains a wireless connection to the LAN (local area network) and OFF when the apparatus  20 / 30  does not have a wireless connection to the LAN. 
     In the event of a power failure, the apparatus  20 / 30  automatically returns managed sockets  11  to the previous state, prior to power interruption. In the event of a dropped wireless connection, the apparatus  20 / 30  maintains port settings last set by the user, prior to the loss of wireless connectivity, until the wireless connectivity is restored or the user disconnects the apparatus  20 / 30 . 
     A pushbutton switch  14  on the apparatus  20 / 30 , when activated, preferably resets the apparatus  20 / 30  to the factory default conditions for the configuration settings. 
     Yet another embodiment of an apparatus  40  utilized for controlling power to an electrically powered device is shown in  FIGS. 14-15 , in the form of a power strip. 
     The embodiment of  FIGS. 14-15  is another variation of the apparatus  10  in the form of a power strip. The apparatus  40  is shaped similarly to currently available power strips. The casing  12  is preferably injection molded insulating material. The apparatus  40  preferably has six independently controlled sockets  110  and two sockets which remain constantly ON  111 . The device is comparable in function and usability to standard power strips and plugs. The mechanical interactions for the user using the apparatus  40  does not compromise safety or functionality compared to standard extension cords and plugs. 
     The apparatus  40  plugs securely into a single outlet of a standard duplex wall receptacle and the plug  13  is configured in such a way that the other outlet is not impeded. Each socket  110 - 111  of the apparatus  40  preferably has a current rating of 15 A at 120V AC. 
     The apparatus  40  has a LED indicator  112  that is ON when the device obtains and maintains a wireless connection to the LAN (local area network) and OFF when the device does not have a wireless connection to the LAN. 
     In the event of a power failure, the apparatus  40  automatically returns managed sockets  110  to the previous state, prior to power interruption. In the event of a dropped wireless connection, the apparatus  40  maintains port settings last set by the user, prior to the loss of wireless connectivity, until the wireless connectivity is restored or the user disconnects the apparatus  40 . 
     A pushbutton switch  114  on the device  40 , when activated, preferably resets the device  40  to the factory default conditions for the configuration settings. 
     A system  100  of the preferred embodiment is shown in  FIG. 16 . A table lamp  32  is plugged into one of the sockets  11  of the apparatus  10 , and the plug  13  at the other end of the cord  15  of the apparatus  10  is plugged into a typical wall outlet  31 . A user controls the lamp  32  from a distance using the touch screen commands  215  on a smartphone  210 . A WiFi signal is sent from the smartphone  210  and received at the antenna  50 , not shown in  FIG. 16 , of the transceiver of the cord  15 . The WiFi signal instructs the microprocessor  41  of the apparatus  10  to deactivate the electrical power to the table lamp  32 . 
     When the apparatus  10  is connected to electrical power from the wall outlet at block  161 , the microcontroller  41  executes a program  150 , which is shown in  FIG. 18 . 
     If the deployment configuration is not set up at decision block  162  on the apparatus  10 , then the switch  61  and the LED are turned on at block  163 . If there is a no Wi-Fi command received at decision block  164 , then the program  150  returns to check for the deployment configuration at decision block  162 . If there is a Wi-Fi command received at decision block  164  but there is no configuration command at decision block  165 , then the program  150  returns to check the deployment configuration at decision block  162 . If there is a configuration command at decision block  165 , then the configuration command is processed block  166  and the program  150  returns to check the deployment configuration at decision block  162 . 
     If the deployment configuration is set up at decision block  162  and there are ping timeouts at decision block  167 , then the switch  61  is set to ON at block  168  and the LED  16  is set to blink at block  169 . 
     If there are no ping timeouts at decision block  167 , then the program  150  checks if the pushbutton  14  was triggered at decision block  171 . If the pushbutton  14  was held for more than 3 seconds at decision block  172  but less than 20 seconds at decision block  173 , then the switch  61  is set to ON at block  175 . If the pushbutton  14  was held for more than 20 seconds at decision block  173 , then the factory default configuration is set at block  174  and the switch  61  is set to ON at block  175 . If the pushbutton  14  was held for less than 3 seconds at decision block  172  then the program  150  moves on to the next step at decision block  176 . 
     If a Wi-Fi command is received at decision block  176  then the ping timeout is reset block  177  and the command received is processed at block  178 . Then the program  150  moves on to the next step block  179 . 
     If a Wi-Fi command is not received at decision block  176 , then the program  150  tests for scheduled events block  179 . 
     If there is a scheduled event pending at decision block  181  then the switch  61  and LED  16  statuses are updated block  182  and the program  150  returns to check for ping timeouts decision block  167 . 
     If there are no scheduled events pending decision block  181  then the program  150  returns to check for ping timeouts decision block  167 . 
     In  FIG. 20 , a program  170  is executed when the microcontroller  41  receives an interrupt signal at block  201  from the radio  50 ; i.e., when the apparatus  10  receives a command, as in  FIG. 16 . 
     If the SSID and the IP (Internet Protocol) address are valid t decision block  202 , and there is a Wi-Fi ping at decision block  203 , then a ping response at block  204  is set up. The radio command is set to transmit a response packet at block  205 , and then the interrupt service routine (ISR) returns at block  213 . 
     If there is no Wi-Fi ping decision block  203  and the command is not valid decision block  206 , then the command ERROR flag is set block  207  and the ISR returns at block  213 . 
     If the command is valid decision block  206  and the read command is executed at decision block  208 , the new data is written into the transmit (TX) buffer at block  209  and the radio command is set to transmit a response packet at block  205 , and the ISR returns at block  213 . 
     If the READ command is not executed at decision block  208 , then data is retrieved from the receive (RX) buffer at block  211 , the command PENDING flag is set at block  212 , and the ISR returns at block  213 . 
     The apparatus  10  permits the user to configure the apparatus  10  out of the box using a web user interface (WebUI), a personal computer (“PC”) program or a WiFi enabled hand held device (smartphone) via ad-hoc wireless, allowing the user to program in home network information, such as the wireless router SSID (Service Set Identifier) and security keys, as necessary for web connectivity. 
     A networked system  140  of the preferred embodiment is shown in  FIG. 17 . 
     The WebUI is preferably hosted on the apparatus  10  and is accessible via interconnected network devices. The WebUI, PC program or WiFi enabled hand held is addressable via the assigned IP address of the apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  can be controlled from various devices such as, but not limited to, computers  143  or mobile handhelds  210 . In a typical network, the router  144  and the access point  145  provide the wireless connectivity between the apparatus  10  and the remote, such as a smart phone  210 . An alternative embodiment of the system  140  is illustrated in  FIG. 17A . In this embodiment, the mobile handheld device  210  wireless communicates directly with the antenna  50  of the apparatus  10  preferably using a WiFI communication protocol. 
       FIG. 21  shows a smart phone  210  displaying touch screen commands  215  of an application for controlling power to electrically powered devices plugged into the apparatus  10 . 
     In  FIG. 17 , a system  141  shows a television  146  plugged into the first installed apparatus  10 , which is plugged into a wall outlet  31 . Another system  142  shows a printer  146   a  and a monitor  146   b  plugged into a secondary apparatus  10   b , which is plugged into a wall outlet  31   b.    
     The first installed apparatus  10  is the master apparatus  10  and monitors the network for any additional apparatus  10   b . When a new apparatus  10   b  is detected on the network, the first apparatus  10  remotely manages other apparatus  10   b  using a single WebUI, PC program or WiFi enabled hand held. The user will either: a) logon to the original apparatus  10  and have selectable tabs and additional options to manage all of the apparatus  10   b  on the network; or b) manage each apparatus  10   b  discretely using individual IP addresses. Local user settings to the individual apparatus  10   b  supersede commands and/or timers from the master apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  is compatible with various web browsers such as, but not limited to, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Explorer and Google Chrome. 
     A simple WebUI home page allows individual management and supervision of each socket  11  such as, but not limited to, setting multiple timers and toggling ON/OFF selections of individual sockets  11 . An example of a web page, of a status window  190 , is shown in  FIG. 22 . The status page  190  displays the status of the devices and users can turn devices OFF or ON from this page. 
       FIG. 23  shows another example of a web page, a report window  200  that a user can access to generate a report in order to analyze or compare the consumption of energy by devices or activities or dates. 
     Yet another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 24 . In this embodiment, the apparatus  10  is a junction box with a cord  15  having the three wires  42 - 44  and the antenna  50 . The junction box contains a high power relay  49  and most of the circuitry  48  shown in reference to  FIG. 6 . The loose wires  42 - 44  can be hard wired to various electrical powered devices and a fixed (household) power source or a mobile (generator) power source. The junction box is preferably a 4 inch×4 inch non-metallic box. The junction box embodiment can be utilized with 115 volt applications, 220 volt applications and three-phase applications. 
     Yet another embodiment is shown in  FIG. 24A . In this embodiment, the apparatus  10  is a junction box with a cord  15  connected to plug  13  on one end and a socket on the other end. The junction box contains a high power relay  49  and most of the circuitry  48  shown in reference to  FIG. 6 . The junction box is preferably a 4 inch×4 inch non-metallic box. The junction box embodiment can be utilized with 115 volt applications, 220 volt applications and three-phase applications. 
     Yet another embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 25 . In this embodiment, the apparatus has a cord  15  with the circuitry is in a central region of the cord  15  and shown as a bulge  12  in the cord  15 . The cord has a plug  13  on one end and a socket  11  on the other end. A pushbutton switch  14  on the apparatus  10 , when activated, preferably resets the apparatus  10  to the factory default conditions for the configuration settings. The apparatus  10  has a pair of LED indicators  16  and  17  that are ON when the apparatus  10  obtains and maintains a wireless connection to the LAN (local area network) and OFF when the apparatus  10  does not have a wireless connection to the LAN. The LED indicators  16  and  17  also preferably represent the state of the outlet power for the apparatus  10  as well, which is preferably accomplished by blinking in a set pattern. Alternatively, the LED indicators  16  and  17  flashes accordingly to indicate the status of the wireless connection. 
     Yet another embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 25A . In this embodiment, the apparatus has a cord  15  with the circuitry is in a central region of the cord  15  and shown as a bulge  12  in the cord  15 . The cord has the three wires  42 - 44  and the antenna  50 . The loose wires  42 - 44  can be hard wired to various electrical powered devices and a fixed (household) power source or a mobile (generator) power source. A pushbutton switch  14  on the apparatus  10 , when activated, preferably resets the apparatus  10  to the factory default conditions for the configuration settings. The apparatus  10  has a pair of LED indicators  16  and  17  that are ON when the apparatus  10  obtains and maintains a wireless connection to the LAN (local area network) and OFF when the apparatus  10  does not have a wireless connection to the LAN. The LED indicators  16  and  17  also preferably represent the state of the outlet power for the apparatus  10  as well, which is preferably accomplished by blinking in a set pattern. Alternatively, the LED indicators  16  and  17  flashes accordingly to indicate the status of the wireless connection. 
     From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize the meritorious advancement of this invention and will readily understand that while the present invention has been described in association with a preferred embodiment thereof, and other embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous changes modification and substitutions of equivalents may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which is intended to be unlimited by the foregoing except as may appear in the following appended claim. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined in the following appended claims.

Technology Category: 4