Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
  • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
  • H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
  • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
  • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
  • H01R13/717—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in light source
  • H01R13/7175—Light emitting diodes (LEDs)
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R25/00—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
  • H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
  • H02G3/02—Details
  • H02G3/08—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes
  • H02G3/18—Distribution boxes; Connection or junction boxes providing line outlets
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
  • H02J9/00—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting
  • H02J9/005—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting using a power saving mode
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
  • Y02B70/00—Technologies for an efficient end-user side electric power management and consumption
  • Y02B70/30—Systems integrating technologies related to power network operation and communication or information technologies for improving the carbon footprint of the management of residential or tertiary loads, i.e. smart grids as climate change mitigation technology in the buildings sector, including also the last stages of power distribution and the control, monitoring or operating management systems at local level
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
  • Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
  • Y04S20/00—Management or operation of end-user stationary applications or the last stages of power distribution; Controlling, monitoring or operating thereof
  • Y04S20/20—End-user application control systems

Definitions

• the present invention relates to reducing power consumption in electronic devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a circuit and method for disengaging an a power output from a power input in a power module, a wall plate system, and/or a power strip when idle load conditions are present.
• a computer, monitor, printer, scanner, and other electronic devices are connected to the wall plate. When not in use, these connected devices will often be left on and go into self-imposed idle modes that typically consume less than 1 watt per device. Even though each device is consuming standby power, the total power delivered by the wall plate can be as much as the number of outlets used times the idle power, perhaps as great as 4 watts or more. Similarly, power strips are used to multiply the number of AC outlets available from a single AC socket. In an office or home environment, a computer, monitor, printer, scanner, and other electronic devices are often connected to the same power strip. When not in use, these connected devices will often be left on and go into self-imposed idle modes that typically consume less than 1 watt per device.
• the total power delivered by the power strip can be as much as the number of outlets used times the idle power, perhaps as great as 6 watts or more. This multiplicity of wasted idle power can be reduced or eliminated if the wall plate or power strip can learn or be programmed to sense the idle condition of each outlet and turn that outlet off if idle conditions are present.
• a load condition controlled power module may be configured for reducing or eliminating power during idle mode by disengaging at least one power output from a power input.
• a power module may be connected to one or more power outputs, and a power input which may provide alternating current (AC) to the one or more power outputs.
• the power module may include a current measuring system, a control circuit, and a switch.
• the current measuring system provides an output power level signal that is proportional to the load at the power output.
• the switch facilitates disengaging of the power input from such power output.
• a wall plate system is configured for reducing or eliminating power during idle mode by disengaging at least one outlet from a power input.
• a wall plate system may include one or more outlets and one or more wall plate circuits, with AC power input connected to the outlets through the wall plate circuit(s).
• the wall plate circuit may include a current measuring system, a control circuit, and a switch. The current measuring system provides, through the switch, an output power signal that is proportional to the load at the outlet. In an exemplary embodiment, if behavior of the current measuring system indicates that at least one outlet is drawing substantially no power from the AC power input, the switch facilitates disengaging of the power input from such outlet.
• the wall plate system may also include both a standard wall plate and circuitry to reduce power during idle mode.
• the wall plate circuitry may be housed inside and to the rear of a standard wall plate.
• the wall plate system may be a wall plate adapter configured to fit over and connect to a standard wall plate.
• the wall plate adapter may connect to the standard wall plate by plugging into either one or more than one of the outlets of the standard wall plate, and an electronic device can plug into the wall plate adapter instead of the standard wall plate.
• a power strip is configured for reducing or eliminating power during idle mode by disengaging at least one outlet from a power input.
• a power strip may include one or more outlets and one or more outlet circuits, with AC power input connected to the outlets through the outlet circuit(s).
• the outlet circuit may include a current transformer, a control circuit, and a switch.
• the secondary winding of the current transformer provides an output power level signal that is proportional to the load at the outlet.
• the switch if behavior of the secondary winding of the current transformer indicates that at least one outlet is drawing substantially no power from the AC power input, the switch facilitates disengaging of the primary circuit of the current transformer from such outlet.
• FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary load condition controlled power module in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
• FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary load condition controlled power module in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
• FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary load condition controlled power module in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
• FIG. 4 illustrates a circuit diagram of an exemplary control circuit for use within an exemplary load condition controlled power module circuit in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
• FIG. 5A illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary load condition controlled wall plate system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
• FIG. 5B illustrates another block diagram of an exemplary load condition controlled wall plate system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
• FIG. 5C illustrates yet another block diagram of an exemplary load condition controlled wall plate system
• FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary load condition controlled wall plate system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
• FIG. 7 illustrates a circuit diagram of an exemplary control circuit for use within an exemplary load condition controlled wall plate system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
• FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary load condition controlled wall plate system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
• FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary control circuit for use within an exemplary load condition controlled wall plate system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
• FIG. 10 illustrates a drawing of an exemplary load condition controlled wall plate system as an adaptive device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
• FIG. 13 illustrates a circuit diagram of an exemplary control circuit for use within an exemplary load condition controlled power strip in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
• FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary load condition controlled power strip in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
• the present invention may be described herein in terms of various functional components and various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such functional components may be realized by any number of hardware or structural components configured to perform the specified functions.
• the present invention may employ various integrated components, such as buffers, current mirrors, and logic devices comprised of various electrical devices, for example, resistors, transistors, capacitors, diodes and the like, whose values may be suitably configured for various intended purposes.
• the present invention may be practiced in any integrated circuit application.
• a power module configured for reducing or eliminating power during idle mode.
• a circuit for implementing the power module is integrated into or otherwise a part of a larger device and controls power input to the larger device based on various load conditions.
• the power module is a component that could be removable or fixed as part of an electronic device.
• the power module may be a printed circuit board, a potted block, an integrated circuit, a MEMS device, or any other structure configured for implementation in a larger device or system.
• the power module may be within a housing configured to facilitate simple installation of the power module. This embodiment may be added to existing electrical devices.
• a power module configured for reducing or eliminating power during idle mode by disengaging a power input.
• a power module 100 comprises a power input 110, a power output 120 and a power module circuit 130.
• power module 100 can comprise any configuration of system where a power input is received, power is provided at a power output, and a circuit disengages the power provided to the power output in order to reduce power consumption.
• control circuit 232 may comprise at least one of, or a combination of: a latching circuit, an analog circuit, a state machine, and a microprocessor. In one embodiment, control circuit 232 monitors the condition of the secondary winding of current transformer 231 and controls the operation of switch 233. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, control circuit 232 receives a low frequency or DC signal from current transformer 231. The low frequency signal, for example, may be 60 Hz. This low frequency or DC signal is interpreted by control circuit 232 as the current required by the load at power output 120.
• Control circuit 232 can comprise various structures for monitoring the condition of the secondary winding of current transformer 231 and controlling the operation of switch 233.
• control circuit 232 includes a current sensor 301 and a logic control unit 302.
• Current sensor 301 monitors the output of a current measuring system, such as for example, the secondary winding of current transformer 231, which is an AC voltage proportional to the load current.
• current sensor 301 provides a signal to logic control unit 302.
• the signal may be a DC voltage proportional to the current monitored by current sensor 301.
• the signal may be a current proportional to the current monitored by current sensor 301.
• logic control unit 302 is powered by an energy storage capacitor.
• Logic control unit 302 may briefly connect the storage capacitor to power input 110 in order to continue powering logic control unit 302.
• logic control unit 302 may be powered by a battery or other energy source. This energy source is also referred to as housekeeping or hotel power; it functions as a low auxiliary power source.
• auxiliary power is taken from power input 110.
• logic control unit 302 is a microprocessor capable of being programmed prior to, and after integration of power module 100 in an electronic device.
• a user is able to connect to logic control unit 302 and customize the parameters of power module 100. For example, a user may set the threshold level and a sleep mode duty cycle of power module 100. Data from power module 100 could be transmitted regarding, for example, the historical power consumption and/or energy saved.
• the bidirectional data transfer between power module 100 and a display device may be achieved through a wireless signal, such as for example, an infra-red signal, a radio frequency signal, or other similar signal.
• the data transfer may also be achieved using a wired connection, such as for example, a USB connection or other similar connection.
• control circuit 232 may further comprise a power disconnect 303 in communication with logic control unit 302.
• Power disconnect 303 is configured to isolate logic control unit 302 from power input 110 and reduce power loss. While isolated, logic control unit 302 is powered by the storage capacitor or other energy source and logic control unit 302 enters a sleep mode. If the storage capacitor reaches a low power level, power disconnect 303 is configured to reconnect logic control unit 302 to power input 110 to recharge the storage capacitor.
• power disconnect 303 is able to reduce the power loss from a range of microamperes of leakage current to a range of nanoamperes of leakage current.
• an external controller may transmit a signal to turn power module 100 to an "on" or "off condition.
• switch 233 facilitates or controls disengaging of the primary circuit of current transformer 231 from power output 120.
• switch 233 facilitates the disengaging of a power source from power outlet 120.
• the secondary winding of current transformer 231 is monitored for an AC waveform at the AC line frequency of power input 110, where the AC waveform has an RMS voltage proportional to the load current passing through the primary circuit of current transformer 231 to power output 120.
• the AC waveform is rectified and filtered to generate a DC signal before being received by control circuit 232. The DC signal is proportional to the load current passing through the primary circuit of current transformer 231 to power output 120.
• switch 233 is configured to control the connection of the primary circuit of current transformer 231 to power output 120 and comprises a switching mechanism to substantially disengage the primary circuit of current transformer 231 from power output 120.
• Switch 233 may comprise at least one of a relay, latching relay, a TRIAC, and an optically isolated TRIAC.
• substantially disabling power output 120 is intended to convey that the output signal of the secondary winding of current transformer 231 has been interpreted by control circuit 232 as sufficiently low so that it is appropriate to disengage switch 233 and remove power from power output 120.
• power module circuit 130 further comprises a reconnection device 234, which is configured to enable the closure of switch 233 through logic control unit 302.
• the closure of switch 233 reconnects power output 120 to the primary circuit of current transformer 231 and power input 1 10.
• reconnection device 234 comprises a switch device that may be closed and opened in various manners.
• reconnection device 234 can comprise a push button that may be manually operated.
• the push button is located on the face of power module 100.
• reconnection device 234 is affected remotely by signals traveling through power input 110 that control circuit 232 interprets as on/off control.
• reconnection device memory state 304 provides a digital reading to the PBl input of logic control unit 302. If there is sufficient voltage at capacitor C5, the PBl input reads a "1". If there is insufficient voltage at capacitor C5, the PBl input reads a "0". The determination of what voltage is sufficient is dependent in part on the ratio of resistors R6 and R7 and can be interpreted by logic control unit 302, as would be known to one skilled in the art. Capacitor C5 serves to store the state of reconnection device 234 until the voltage of capacitor C5 can be read by logic control unit 302.
• switch 233 is automatically operated on a periodic basis. For example, switch 233 may automatically reconnect after a few or several minutes or tens of minutes, or any period more or less frequent. In one embodiment, switch 233 is automatically reconnected frequently enough that a battery operated device connected to power module 100 will not completely discharge internal batteries during a period of no power at the input to the connected device.
• power module circuit 130 tests for or otherwise assesses load conditions, such as the power demand at power output 120. If the load condition on power output 120 is increased above previously measured levels, power output 120 will remain connected to the primary circuit of current transformer 231 until the load condition has returned to a selected or predetermined threshold level indicative of a "low load".
• the determination of load conditions at re-connect are made after a selected time period had elapsed, for example after a number of seconds or minutes, so that current inrush or initialization events are ignored.
• the load conditions may be averaged over a selected time period of a few seconds or minutes so that short bursts of high load average out.
• power module 100 comp ⁇ ses a master reconnection device that can re-engage all power outputs 120 to power input 110
• power module 100 has switch 233 closed upon initial power-up, such that power flows to power output 120
• control circuit 232 opens switch 233 to create an open circuit and disengage power output 120 from the input power signal This disengaging effectively eliminates any idle power lost by power output 120
• the threshold level is a predetermined level, for example approximately one watt of power or less flowing to power output 120
• different power outputs 120 may have different fixed threshold levels such that devices having a higher power level in idle may be usefully connected to power module 100 for power management For example, a large device may still draw about 5 watts during idle, but would never be disconnected from power input 110 if the connected power output 120 had a threshold level of about 1 watt
• certain power outputs 120 may have a higher threshold levels to accommodate high power devices, or lower threshold levels for lower power devices
• the threshold level is a learned level
• the learned level may be established through long term monitoring by control circuit 232 of load conditions at power output 120
• a history of power levels is created over time by monitoring and may serve as a template of power demand
• control circuit 232 examines the history of power levels and decides whether long periods of low power demand were times when a device connected at power output 120 was m a low, or lowest, power mode
• control circuit 232 disengages power output 120 during low power usage times when the period of low power matches the template
• the template might demonstrate that the device draws power through power output 120 for eight hours, followed by sixteen hours of low power demand
• control circuit 232 determines the approximate low power level of the electronic device connected at power output 120, and sets a threshold level to be a percentage of the determined approximate low power level For example, control circuit 232 may set the threshold level to be about 100-105% of the approximate low power level demand In another embodiment, the threshold demand may be set at about 100-110% or 110-120% or more of the approximate low level power demand In addition, the low power level percentage range may be any variation or combination of the disclosed ranges.
• the learned threshold level can be manually set.
• a threshold level is set based in part by activating reconnect device 234 for a period of time and measuring a current power level. For example, a user may hold down reconnect device 234 for a few seconds when power module 100 operates in idle mode and measure the power level. The measured power level is used to set the power threshold level.
• the threshold level is set to a measured power level plus an offset value.
• the offset value can be configured at various power levels.
• the offset value may be increased or decreased as is suitable for a particular configuration. For example, if the measured threshold is about 1 W, and an offset value of about 0.5 W is used, then the threshold value is about 1.5 W.
• power module 100 is configured to operate in ultra-low idle mode if the load drops below about 1.5 W in this example.
• the threshold level is set more accurately by manually initiating a power level measurement.
• current transformer 231 and current sensor 301 combine to measure the current from power input 110 and convert said current to a proportional DC voltage that can be read by logic control unit 302.
• switch 233 may comprise a latching relay, such as relay coil Kl, that provides a hard connect/disconnect of power input 110 to power output 120 after a command from logic control unit 302. Switch 233 alternates between open and closed contacts. Furthermore, switch 233 holds its position until reset by logic control unit 302, and will hold position without consuming any power in a relay coil Kl .
• logic control unit 302 comprises a microcontroller that receives input of the current in the power input line, controls the state of switch 233 and reads or otherwise assesses the state or position of the contacts of reconnection device 234 and switch 233. In addition, logic control unit 302 learns and stores the power profile for an electronic device connected to power output 120.
• power module circuit 130 further comprises reconnection device 234 and reconnection device memory state 304. Reconnection device 234 is activated to turn on power output 120 when power module circuit 130 is first connected to power input 110 or when full power is needed immediately at power output 120. Reconnection device memory state 304 is configured to indicate to logic control unit 302 whether reconnection device 234 was recently activated.
• power disconnect 303 comprises a network of transistors Ql, Q2, Q3 which are used in conjunction with zener diodes Zl, Z2 to condition power input 110 to a safe level suitable for logic control unit 302 and isolate logic control unit 302 from power input 110.
• power disconnect 303 comprises relays in addition to, or in place of, the transistors of the prior embodiment.
• Initial connection of power module 400 involves connecting power module 400 to a power source, which may be AC or DC.
• a power source which may be AC or DC.
• all circuits of power module circuit 130 are dead and switch 233 is in the last position or state set by logic control unit 302. This initial condition may or may not provide power to power output 120.
• power disconnect 303 comprises transistors Ql, Q2, Q3 and capacitor C3.
• current transformer 231 provides dielectric isolation from primary side to secondary side so that only small leakage current flows due to the inter-winding capacitance of current transformer 231.
• a user may reconnect the circuit using reconnection device 234 to establish a current path through diode Dl, zener diode Zl, reconnection device 234, resistor R4, diode D6, and zener diode Z3.
• Diode Dl serves to half- wave rectify the AC line to drop the peak to peak voltage in half.
• Zener diode Zl further reduces the voltage from diode Dl, for example to about 20 volts.
• Zener diode Z3 and resistor R4 form a current limited zener regulator that provides an appropriate DC voltage at the VDD input to logic control unit 302 while reconnection device 234 is held.
• capacitor C2 smoothes the DC signal on zener diode Z3 and provides storage during the contact bounce of reconnection device 234.
• Capacitor C2 is sized to provide sufficient storage during the start-up time of logic control unit 302, and capacitor C2 in combination with resistor R4 provides a fast rising edge on the VDD input to properly reset logic control unit 302.
• diode D5 isolates capacitor C2 from capacitor CS so the rise time constant of capacitor C2 and resistor R4 is not affected by the large capacitance of capacitor CS.
• Diode D6 serves to isolate the voltage on capacitor C2 when reconnection device 234 is released. This allows the voltage stored on capacitor C5 during the closed time of reconnection device 234 to be retained when reconnection device 234 is open and inform logic control unit 302 of the open condition.
• logic control unit 302 is configured to initialize and immediately set up to provide its own power before reconnection device 234 is released. This is accomplished from voltage doubler outputs VD1-VD3 and ZGl of logic control unit 302. First, output ZGl is driven high to turn on transistor Q2. With transistor Q2 on, a current path is established through resistor R3 and zener diode Z2 providing a regulated voltage at the drain of transistor Q 1. This regulated voltage is similar to that produced by zener diode Z3 and is appropriate for the VDD input of logic control unit 302.
• outputs VD1-VD3 of logic control unit 302 begin switching to produce a gate drive signal to turn on transistor Ql .
• the signals produced by outputs VD1-VD3 and components including capacitor C3, transistor Q3, capacitor C4, diode D3 and diode D4 produce a voltage at the gate of transistor Ql that is about twice the voltage on VDD input of logic control unit 302. This voltage doubling turns transistor Ql on hard.
• capacitor CS is a large storage capacitor that is used to power logic control unit 302 when reconnection device 234 is not being activated.
• logic control unit 302 is operating off the stored charge in capacitor CS and not drawing power from power input 1 10.
• capacitor CS will continue to power logic control unit 302. If power output 120 is idling and drawing substantially no power, logic control unit 302 may be able to disengage from drawing power and enter a "sleep" mode.
• capacitor C6 is briefly charged by the CAPTIME output of logic control unit 302 and over time capacitor C6 discharge rate will mimic the decay of the voltage on capacitor CS.
• logic control unit 302 will set the state of outputs VD1-VD3 and ZGl to again recharge capacitor CS from the AC line. This process repeats over and over so power is never lost to logic control unit 302. The recharge process takes only a few milliseconds or less to operate, depending on the size of capacitor CS.
• logic control unit 302 when logic control unit 302 is not busy recharging capacitor CS, switching relay Kl, or measuring power drawn from power output 120, logic control unit 302 is operating in a deep sleep mode that stops all, or substantially all, internal activity and waits for capacitor C6 to discharge. This sleep mode consumes very little power and allows the charge on storage capacitor CS to persist for many seconds. If reconnection device 234 is activated during the sleep mode, capacitor C5 will be recharged and logic control unit 302 will resume normal operation and set or reset relay Kl . Alternatively, if capacitor C6 voltage falls too low, logic control unit 302 will again recharge capacitor CS and then return to sleep mode.
• power module 100 may continue to monitor for changes in the power drawn by the electronic device.
• logic control unit 302 while logic control unit 302 continuously goes in and out of sleep mode to re-power itself, logic control unit 302 will also periodically test the power being drawn from power output 120.
• the period of power testing is much greater than that of capacitor CS charging and, for example, may be only tested every ten or more minutes.
• relay Kl has been previously set to deliver power to power output 120 and power testing shows a negligible load current being drawn by the device connected.
• the "negligible load” may be some fixed value programmed into logic control unit 302, or it may be the result of a number of power tests and be the typical minimum found for this electronic device. In either case the action taken by logic control unit 302 will be to set relay Kl to an open condition by using outputs RELAY1-RELAY2 of logic control unit 302 to energize relay coil Kl .
• the state of relay Kl is determined by logic control unit 302 testing for the presence of resistor R5 at RELA Y3, since logic control unit 302 may not know the previous state of relay Kl, for example, starting from power off state.
• logic control unit 302 For the outcome when the switch is in a standby condition, that is, relay Kl has been set to remove power from power output 120, logic control unit 302 must set relay Kl to a closed condition to allow AC power to be applied to the power output.
• relay Kl Once relay Kl is set, a period of time is allowed to elapse before the power testing is done. This delay allows for the electronic device attached to power output 120 to initialize and enter a stable operating mode. Power measurements may now be made over some period of time to determine if the electronic device is in a low or high power state. If a high power state is determined, relay Kl remains set. If a low power state is determined, relay Kl is reset to open condition and power is again removed from power output 120.
• logic control unit 302 will again begin sleep mode cycling and power testing after a determined time period, for example, every ten minutes. If a user wants to operate a device that is connected to power output 120 and that power output is turned off, in an exemplary embodiment, activating reconnection device 234 will immediately wake logic control unit 302 from sleep mode. Since the wake up was from the activation of reconnection device 234 and not due to power testing or capacitor CS recharging, logic control unit 302 will immediately set relay Kl to closed position to power the electronic device connected to power output 120.
• power module 100 further comprises a "Green Mode” switch that enables or disables the "green" mode operation.
• the green mode switch may be a hard, manual switch or it may be a signal to logic control unit 302.
• Green" mode operation is the disengaging of power output 120 from power input 110 when substantially no load is being drawn at power output 120.
• a user may use the green mode switch to disenable green mode operation on various power outputs when desired. For instance, this added control may be desirable on power outputs that power devices with clocks or devices that need to be instantly on, such as a fax machine.
• power module 100 includes LED indicators, which may indicate whether a power output is connected to the power line and drawing a load current.
• the LED indicators may indicate that whether a power output is active, that is, power is drawn by an electronic device and/or the power output has power available even if an electronic device is not connected.
• a pulsing LED may be used to show when power testing is being done or to indicate the "heartbeat" of sleep mode recharging.
• power module 100 comprises at least one LCD display. The
• LCD display may be operated by logic control unit 302 to indicate the load power being provided to power output 120, for example during times of operation.
• the LCD may also provide information about the power saved or power consumed by operating power module 100 in or out of a "green" mode. For example, LCD may display the sum total of watts saved during a certain time period, such as the life of power module 100 or in a day.
• Various embodiments may also be used to enhance the efficient use of the power module and/or individual power outputs in the power module.
• One such embodiment is the implementation of a photocell or other optical sensor monitored by logic control unit 302.
• the photocell determines whether light is present in the location of power module 100 and logic control unit 302 can use this determination to disengage power output 120 depending on the ambient light conditions.
• logic control unit 302 may disengage power output 120 during periods of darkness.
• the power outputs of the power module may be turned off at night.
• Another example is devices that do not need power if located in a dark room, such as an unused conference room m an office
• the power outputs may be turned off when the ambient light conditions exceed a certain level, which may be predetermined or user determined
• power module 100 further comprises an internal clock Logic control unit 302 may use the internal clock to learn which time periods show a high power usage at power output 120 This knowledge may be included to determine when a power output should have power available
• the internal clock has quartz crystal accuracy Also, the internal clock does not need to be set to an actual time Furthermore, the internal clock may be used in combination with the photocell for greater power module efficiency and/or accuracy Wall Plate System
• a wall plate system configured for reducing or eliminating power during idle mode
• the wall plate system and associated circuitry is configured for coupling or engagement with a wall plate having one or more outlets
• the wall plate system can be housed inside and to the rear of a standard wall plate This embodiment may be added to existing standard wall plates m residential or commercial locations
• the wall plate system includes both a standard wall plate and circuitry to reduce power dunng idle mode
• a wall plate system as used herein may be defined as a wall plate adapter which is configured to fit over and connect to a standard wall plate The wall plate adapter may connect to the standard wall plate by plugging into either one or more than one of the outlets of the standard wall plate
• an electronic device can plug into the wall plate adapter instead of the standard wall plate
• Other configurations for coupling and/or engaging the wall plate system with electrical outlets are also contemplated within various embodiments of the present invention
• a wall plate system 500 configured for reducing or eliminating power during idle mode by disengaging power input from at least one outlet.
• a wall plate system 500 comprises two or more outlets 520 and a wall plate circuit 530
• wall plate system 500 comp ⁇ ses a single outlet 520 and a single wall plate circuit 530
• wall plate system 500 comprises at least one outlet 520 coupled with wall plate circuit 530 and at least one outlet 520 directly connected to an AC line input 510.
• wall plate system 500 comprises two or more outlets 520 and two or more wall plate circuits 530, with an individual wall plate circuit configured to control power input to an individual outlet 520.
• wall plate system 500 can comprise any configuration of system where a power input is received, power is provided at an outlet, and a circuit disengages the power provided to the outlet in order to reduce power consumption.
• wall plate system 500 comprises AC line input 510 communicatively coupled to wall plate circuit 530, which in turn is communicatively coupled to outlets 520. Outlet 520 is also connected or otherwise coupled to a ground line and a neutral line. Furthermore, AC line input 510 may be connected to a 110 volt or 220 volt power source in an exemplary embodiment.
• the wall plate circuit 530 comprises a current measuring system 631, a control circuit 632, and a switch 633.
• current measuring system 631 comprises a current transformer 631 having a primary circuit and a secondary winding.
• current measuring system 631 may also comprise a resistor with a differential amplifier, a current sensing chip, a Hall-effect device, or any other suitable component configured to measure current as now known or hereinafter devised.
• Current transformer 631 provides an output power signal that is proportional to the load at outlet 520.
• switch 633 connects the primary circuit of current transformer 631 to outlet 520.
• control circuit 632 may comprise at least one of, or a combination of: a latching circuit, an analog circuit, a state machine, and a microprocessor. In one embodiment, control circuit 632 monitors the condition of the secondary winding of current transformer 631 and controls the operation of switch 633. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, control circuit 632 receives a low frequency or DC signal from current transformer 631. The low frequency signal, for example, may be 60 Hz. This low frequency or DC signal is interpreted by control circuit 632 as the current required by the load at outlet 520. Control circuit 632 can comprise various structures for monitoring the condition of the secondary winding of current transformer 631 and controlling the operation of switch 633.
• control circuit 632 includes a current sensor 701 and a logic control unit 702.
• Current sensor 701 monitors the output of a current measuring system, such as for example, the secondary winding of current transformer 631, which is an AC voltage proportional to the load current.
• current sensor 701 provides a signal to logic control unit 702.
• the signal may be a DC voltage proportional to the current monitored by current sensor 701.
• the signal may be a current proportional to the current monitored by current sensor 701.
• wall plate circuit 530 of the wall plate system comprises a logic control unit 702 that is in communication with, and controls, more than one current transformer 631 and more than one switch 633.
• logic control unit 702 is powered by an energy storage capacitor.
• Logic control unit 702 may briefly connect the storage capacitor in order to continue powering logic control unit 702.
• logic control unit 702 may be powered by a battery or other energy source. This energy source is also referred to as housekeeping or hotel power; it functions as a low auxiliary power source.
• auxiliary power is taken from AC line input 510.
• logic control unit 702 is a microprocessor capable of being programmed prior to, and after integration of wall plate system 500 in an electronic device.
• a user is able to connect to logic control unit 702 and customize the parameters of wall plate system 500. For example, a user may set the threshold level and a sleep mode duty cycle of wall plate system 500. Data from wall plate system 500 could be transmitted regarding, for example, the historical power consumption and/or energy saved.
• the bidirectional data transfer between wall plate system 500 and a display device may be achieved through a wireless signal, such as for example, an infra-red signal, a radio frequency signal, or other similar signal.
• the data transfer may also be achieved using a wired connection, such as for example, a USB connection or other similar connection.
• control circuit 632 may further comprise a power disconnect 703 in communication with logic control unit 702.
• Power disconnect 703 is configured to isolate logic control unit 702 from AC line input 510 and reduce power loss. While isolated, logic control unit 702 is powered by the storage capacitor or other energy source and logic control unit 702 enters a sleep mode. If the storage capacitor reaches a low power level, power disconnect 703 is configured to reconnect logic control unit 702 to AC line input 510 to recharge the storage capacitor. In an exemplary embodiment, power disconnect 703 is able to reduce the power loss from a range of microamperes of leakage to a range of nanoamperes of leakage.
• control circuit 632 receives a control signal that is impressed upon AC line input 510 by another controller.
• the control signal may be, for example, the XlO control protocol or other similar protocol.
• Control circuit 632 may receive the control signal through the secondary winding of current transformer 631 , from a coupled AC line input 510, or any other suitable means configured to couple AC line input 510 to control circuit 632 as now known or hereinafter devised.
• This control signal may come from within wall plate system 500 or may come from an external controller.
• the control signal may be a high frequency control signal or at least a control signal at a frequency different than the frequency of AC line input 510.
• control circuit 632 interprets the high frequency control signal to engage or disengage switch 633.
• an external controller may transmit a signal to turn wall plate system 500 to an "on" or "off condition.
• switch 633 facilitates or controls disengaging of the primary circuit of current transformer 631 from outlet 520. In other words, switch 633 facilitates the disengaging of a power source from outlet 520.
• the secondary winding of current transformer 631 is monitored for an AC waveform at the AC line frequency, where the AC waveform has an RMS voltage proportional to the load current passing through the primary circuit of current transformer 631 to outlet 520.
• the AC waveform is rectified and filtered to generate a DC signal before being received by control circuit 632. The DC signal is proportional to the load current passing through the primary circuit of current transformer 631 to outlet 520.
• switch 633 is configured to control the connection of the primary circuit of current transformer 631 to outlet 520 and comprises a switching mechanism to substantially disengage the primary circuit of current transformer 631 from outlet 520.
• Switch 633 may comprise at least one of a relay, latching relay, a TRIAC, and an optically isolated TRIAC or other switching mechanisms for disengagement.
• control circuit 632 has been interpreted by control circuit 632 as sufficiently low so that it is appropriate to disengage switch 633 and remove power from outlet 520.
• wall plate circuit 530 further comprises a reconnection device 634, which is configured to enable the closure of switch 633 through logic control unit 702. The closure of switch 633 reconnects outlet 520 to the primary circuit of current transformer 631 and AC line input 510.
• reconnection device 634 comprises a switch device that may be closed and opened in various manners.
• reconnection device 634 can comprise a push button that may be manually operated.
• the push button is located on the face of wall plate system 500.
• reconnection device 634 is a wall switch remote to wall plate system 500 to allow a user to re-enable power to an outlet of wall plate system 500.
• reconnection device 634 is affected remotely by signals traveling through AC line input 510 that control circuit 632 interprets as on/off control.
• reconnection device 634 is controlled by a wireless signal, such as for example, an infra-red signal, a radio frequency signal, or other similar signal.
• switch 633 is automatically operated on a periodic basis. For example, switch 633 may automatically reconnect after a few or several minutes or tens of minutes, or any period more or less frequent. In one embodiment, switch 633 is automatically reconnected frequently enough that a battery operated device connected to wall plate system 500 will not completely discharge internal batteries during a period of no power at the input to the connected device.
• wall plate circuit 530 tests for or otherwise assesses load conditions, such as the power demand at outlet 520. If the load condition on outlet 520 is increased above previously measured levels, outlet 520 will remain connected to the primary circuit of current transformer 631 until the load condition has returned to a selected or predetermined threshold level indicative of a "low load". In other words, if the power demand at outlet 520 increases, power is provided to outlet 520 until the power demand drops and indicates a defined idle mode. In an exemplary embodiment, the determination of load conditions at re-connect are made after a selected time period had elapsed, for example after a number of seconds or minutes, so that current inrush or initialization events are ignored.
• wall plate system 500 comprises a master reconnection device that can re-engage all outlets 520 to AC line input 510.
• wall plate system 500 has switch 633 closed upon initial power-up, such that power flows to outlet 520.
• control circuit 632 opens switch 633 to create an open circuit and disengage outlet 520 from the AC power signal. This disengaging effectively eliminates any idle power lost by outlet 520.
• the threshold level is a predetermined level, for example approximately one watt of power or less flowing to outlet 520.
• control circuit 632 examines the history of power levels and decides whether long periods of low power demand were times when a device connected at outlet 520 was in a low, or lowest, power mode. In an exemplary embodiment, control circuit 632 disengages outlet 520 during low power usage times when the period of low power matches the template. For example, the template might demonstrate that the device draws power through outlet 520 for eight hours, followed by 16 hours of low power demand. In another exemplary embodiment, control circuit 632 determines the approximate low power level of the electronic device connected at outlet 520, and sets a threshold level to be a percentage of the determined approximate low power level. For example, control circuit 632 may set the threshold level to be about 100-105% of the approximate low power level demand. In another embodiment, the threshold demand may be set at about 100-110% or 110-120% or more of the approximate low level power demand. In addition, the low power level percentage range may be any variation or combination of the disclosed ranges.
• current transformer 631 and current sensor 701 combine to measure the current in AC line input and convert said current to a proportional DC voltage that can be read by logic control unit 702.
• switch 633 may comprise a latching relay that provides a hard connect/disconnect of AC line input 510 to outlet 520 after a command from logic control unit 702. Switch 633 alternates between open and closed contacts. Furthermore, switch 633 holds its position until reset by logic control unit 702, and will hold position without consuming any power in a relay coil Kl .
• logic control unit 702 comprises a microcontroller that receives input of the current in the AC line, controls the state of switch 633 and reads or otherwise assesses the state or position of the contacts of reconnection device 634 and switch 633. In addition, logic control unit 702 learns and stores the power profile for an electronic device connected to outlet 520.
• wall plate circuit 530 further comprises reconnection device 634, which is activated to turn on outlet 520 when wall plate circuit 530 is first connected to AC line input 510 or when full power is needed immediately at outlet 520.
• Initial connection of wall plate system 900 involves connecting wall plate system 900 to an AC power source.
• all circuits of wall plate circuit 530 are dead and switch 633 is in the last position set by logic control unit 702. This initial condition may or may not provide power to outlet 520.
• power disconnect 703 comprises transistors Ql, Q2, Q3 and capacitor C3.
• current transformer 631 provides dielectric isolation from primary side to secondary side so that only small leakage current flows due to the inter-winding capacitance of current transformer 631.
• a user may reconnect the circuit using reconnection device 634 to establish a current path through diode Dl, zener diode Zl, resistor R4, reconnection device 634 and zener diode Z3.
• Diode Dl serves to half-wave rectify the AC line to drop the peak to peak voltage in half.
• Zener diode Zl further reduces the voltage from diode Dl, for example to about 20 volts.
• Zener diode Z3 and resistor R4 form a current limited zener regulator that provides an appropriate DC voltage at the VDD input to logic control unit 702 while reconnection device 634 is held.
• capacitor C2 smoothes the DC signal on zener diode Z3 and provides storage during the contact bounce of reconnection device 634.
• Capacitor C2 is sized to provide sufficient storage during the start-up time of logic control unit 702, and capacitor C2 in combination with resistor R4 provides a fast rising edge on the VDD input to properly reset logic control unit 702.
• diode D5 isolates capacitor C2 from capacitor CS so the rise time constant of capacitor C2 and resistor R4 is not affected by the large capacitance of capacitor CS.
• logic control unit 702 is configured to initialize and immediately set up to provide its own power before reconnection device 634 is released. This is accomplished from voltage doubler outputs VD1-VD3 and output ZGl of logic control unit 702, similar to the reconnection operation associated with logic control unit 302. If outlet 520 is idling and drawing substantially no power, logic control unit 702 may be able to disengage from drawing power and enter a "sleep" mode. In an exemplary method, and with further reference to Figure 9, when logic control unit 702 is operating from the stored energy in capacitor CS, a timing function is enabled in logic control unit 702 that uses capacitor C5 to perform the timing function.
• logic control unit 702 when logic control unit 702 is not busy recharging capacitor CS, switching relay Kl, or measuring power drawn from outlet 520, logic control unit 702 is operating in a deep sleep mode that stops all, or substantially all, internal activity and waits for capacitor C5 to discharge. This sleep mode consumes very little power and allows the charge on storage capacitor CS to persist for many seconds. If reconnection device 634 is activated during the sleep mode, logic control unit 702 will resume normal operation and set or reset relay Kl. Alternatively, if capacitor C 5 voltage falls too low, logic control unit 702 will again recharge capacitor CS and then return to sleep mode. While an electronic device is in an idle mode, wall plate system 500 may continue to monitor for changes in the power drawn by the electronic device.
• activating reconnection device 634 will immediately wake logic control unit 702 from sleep mode. Since the wake up was from the activation of reconnection device 634 and not due to power testing or capacitor CS recharging, logic control unit 702 will immediately set relay Kl to closed position to power the electronic device connected to outlet 520.
• wall plate system 500 further comprises a "Green Mode” switch that enables or disables the "green" mode operation.
• the green mode switch may be a hard, manual switch or it may be a signal to logic control unit 702.
• Green" mode operation is the disengaging of outlet 520 from AC line input 510 when substantially no load is being drawn at outlet 520.
• a user may use the green mode switch to disenable green mode operation on various outlets when desired. For instance, this added control may be desirable on outlets that power devices with clocks or devices that need to be instantly on, such as a fax machine.
• the LCD display may be operated by logic control unit 702 to indicate the load power being provided to outlet 520, for example during times of operation.
• the LCD may also provide information about the power saved or power consumed by operating wall plate system 500 in or out of a "green" mode. For example, LCD may display the sum total of watts saved during a certain time period, such as the life of wall plate system 500 or in a day.
• Various embodiments may also be used to enhance the efficient use of the wall plate system and/or individual outlets in the wall plate system.
• One such embodiment is the implementation of a photocell or other optical sensor monitored by logic control unit 702.
• the photocell determines whether light is present in the location of wall plate system 500 and logic control unit 702 can use this determination to disengage outlet 520 depending on the ambient light conditions.
• logic control unit 702 may disengage output 520 during periods of darkness.
• the outlets of the wall plate system may be turned off at night.
• devices do not need power if located in a dark room, such as an unused conference room in an office.
• the power outputs may be turned off when the ambient light conditions exceed a certain level, which may be predetermined or user determined.
• wall plate system 500 further comprises an internal clock.
• Logic control unit 702 may use the internal clock to learn which time periods show a high power usage at outlet 520. This knowledge may be included to determine when an outlet should have power available.
• the internal clock has quartz crystal accuracy. Also, the internal clock does not need to be set to an actual time. Furthermore, the internal clock may be used in combination with the photocell for greater wall plate system efficiency and/or accuracy. Power Strip
• a power strip 1100 configured for reducing or eliminating power during idle mode by disengaging power input from at least one outlet.
• a power strip 1100 comprises two or more outlets 1120 and two or more outlet circuits 1130.
• power strip 1100 comprises a single outlet 1 120 and a single outlet circuit 1130.
• power strip 1100 comprises at least one outlet 1120 coupled with outlet circuit 1130 and at least one outlet 1120 directly connected to an AC line input 1110.
• power strip 1100 comprises AC line input 1 110 connected to outlet circuit 1130, which in turn is connected to outlet 1 120.
• the outlet circuit 1 130 comprises a current measuring system 1231, a control circuit 1232, and a switch 1233.
• current measuring system 1231 comprises a current transformer 1231 having a primary circuit and a secondary winding for illustration purposes.
• current measuring system 1231 may also comprise a resistor with a differential amplifier, a current sensing chip, a Hall-effect device, or any other suitable component configured to measure current as now known or hereinafter devised.
• Current transformer 1231 provides an output power level signal that is proportional to the load at outlet 1120.
• switch 1233 connects the primary circuit of current transformer 1231 to outlet 1120.
• AC line input 1110 is a standard 3 wire grounded plug and cord set that connects to the body of power strip 1100.
• AC line input 1110 can be suitably configured in any AC power input configuration or replaced with any other input power configuration.
• the AC line input 1110 is connected in parallel to a number of similar outlet circuits 1130 that lie between the AC line input 1110 and outletSj. N 1120.
• AC line input 1110 may be connected to a 110 volt or 220 volt power source in an exemplary embodiment.
• control circuit 1232 may comprise at least one of, or a combination of: a latching circuit, an analog circuit, a state machine, and a microprocessor.
• control circuit 1232 monitors the condition of the secondary winding of current transformer 1231 and controls the operation of switch 1233. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, control circuit 1232 receives a low frequency or DC signal from current transformer 1231.
• the low frequency signal for example, may be 60 Hz. This low frequency or DC signal is interpreted by control circuit 1232 as the current required by the load at outlet 1120.
• Control circuit 1232 can comprise various structures for monitoring the condition of the secondary winding of current transformer 1231 and controlling the operation of switch 1233.
• control circuit 1232 includes a current sensor 1301 and a logic control unit 1302.
• Current sensor 1301 monitors the output of a current measuring system, such as for example, the secondary winding of current transformer 1231, which is an AC voltage proportional to the load current.
• current sensor 1301 provides a signal to logic control unit 1302.
• the signal may be a DC voltage proportional to the current through current sensor 1301.
• the signal may be a current proportional to the current through current sensor 1301.
• outlet circuit 1130 of the power strip comprises a logic control unit 1302 that is in communication with, and controls, more than one current transformer 1231 and more than one switch 1233.
• logic control unit 1302 is powered by an energy storage capacitor.
• Logic control unit 1302 may briefly connect the storage capacitor to AC line input 1110 in order to continue powering logic control unit 1302.
• logic control unit 1302 may be powered by a battery or other energy source. This energy source is also referred to as housekeeping or hotel power; it functions as a low auxiliary power source.
• auxiliary power is taken from AC line input 1110.
• logic control unit 1302 is a microprocessor capable of being programmed prior to, and after integration of, power strip 1100 in an electronic device.
• a user is able to connect to logic control unit 1302 and customize the parameters of power strip 1100. For example, a user may set the threshold level and a sleep mode duty cycle of power strip 1100. Data from power strip 1100 could be transmitted regarding, for example, the historical power consumption and/or energy saved.
• the bidirectional data transfer between power strip 1100 and a display device may be achieved through a wireless signal, such as for example, an infra-red signal, a radio frequency signal, or other similar signal.
• the data transfer may also be achieved using a wired connection, such as for example, a USB connection or other similar connection.
• control circuit 1232 may further comprise a power disconnect 1303 in communication with logic control unit 1302.
• Power disconnect 1303 is configured to isolate logic control unit 1302 from AC line input 1110 and reduce power loss. While isolated, logic control unit 1302 is powered by the storage capacitor or other energy source and logic control unit 1302 enters a "sleep" mode. If the storage capacitor reaches a low power level, power disconnect 1303 is configured to reconnect logic control unit 1302 to AC line input 1100 to recharge the storage capacitor.
• power disconnect 1303 is able to reduce the power loss from a range of microamperes of leakage to a range of nanoamperes of leakage.
• control circuit 1232 receives a control signal that is impressed upon AC line input 11 10 by another controller.
• the control signal may be, for example, the XlO control protocol or other similar protocol.
• Control circuit 1232 may receive the control signal through the secondary winding of current transformer 1231, from a coupled AC line input 1110, or any other suitable means configured to couple AC line input 1110 to control circuit 1232 as now known or hereinafter devised.
• This control signal may come from within power strip 1 100 or may come from an external controller.
• the control signal may be a high frequency control signal or at least a control signal at a frequency different than the frequency of AC line input 1110.
• control circuit 1232 interprets the control signal to engage or disengage switch 1233.
• an external controller may transmit a signal to turn power strip 1100 to an "on" or "off condition.
• switch 1233 facilitates or controls disengaging of the primary circuit of current transformer 1231 from outlet 1120. In other words, switch 1233 facilitates the disengaging of a power source from outlet 1120.
• the secondary winding of current transformer 1231 is monitored for an AC waveform at the AC line frequency, where the AC waveform has an RMS voltage proportional to the load current passing through the primary circuit of current transformer 1231 to outlet 1120.
• the AC waveform is rectified and filtered to generate a DC signal before being received by control circuit 1232.
• the DC signal is proportional to the load current passing through the primary circuit of current transformer 1231 to outlet 1120.
• the phrase "substantially no power" is intended to convey that the output power is in the range of approximately 0 - 1% of a typical maximum output load.
• switch 1233 is configured to control the connection of the primary circuit of current transformer 1231 to outlet 1120 and comprises a switching mechanism to substantially disengage the primary circuit of current transformer 1231 from outlet 1120.
• Switch 1233 may comprise at least one of a relay, latching relay, a TRIAC, and an optically isolated TRIAC.
• substantially disabling outlet 1120 is intended to convey that the output signal of the secondary winding of current transformer 1231 has been interpreted by control circuit 1232 as sufficiently low so that it is appropriate to disengage switch 1233 and remove power from outlet 1120.
• outlet circuit 1130 further comprises a reconnection device 1234, which is configured to enable the closure of switch 1233 through logic control unit 1302. The closure of switch 1233 reconnects outlet 1120 to the primary circuit of current transformer 1231 and AC line input 1110.
• reconnection device 1234 comprises a switch device that may be closed and opened in various manners.
• reconnection device 1234 can comprise a push button that may be manually operated.
• the push button is located near outlet 1120 on power strip 1100, for example, on the same surface of power strip 1100 as outlet 1 120 or on an adjacent side of power strip 1100 to outlet 1120.
• reconnection device 1234 is located remote to power strip 1100 to allow a user to re-enable power to an outlet of power strip 1100 without having direct contact with power strip 1100.
• reconnection device 1234 is affected remotely by signals traveling through AC line input 1110 that control circuit 1232 interprets as on/off control.
• reconnection device 1234 is controlled by a wireless signal, such as for example, an infra-red signal, a radio frequency signal, or other similar signal.
• switch 1233 is automatically operated on a periodic basis. For example, switch 1233 may automatically reconnect after a few or several minutes or tens of minutes, or any period more or less frequent. In one embodiment, switch 1233 is automatically reconnected frequently enough that a battery operated device connected to power strip 1100 will not completely discharge internal batteries during a period of no power at the input to the connected device.
• outlet circuit 1130 tests for, or otherwise assesses, load conditions. If the load condition on outlet 1120 is increased above previously measured levels, outlet 1120 will remain connected to the primary circuit of current transformer 1231 until the load condition has returned to a selected or predetermined threshold level indicative of a "low load".
• the determination of load conditions at re-connect are made after a selected time period had elapsed, for example after a number of seconds or minutes, so that current inrush or initialization events are ignored.
• the load conditions may be averaged over a selected time period of a few seconds or minutes so that short bursts of high load average out.
• power strip 1 100 comprises a master reconnection device that can re-engage all outlets 1120 to AC line input 1 110.
• power strip 1100 has switch 1233 closed upon initial power-up, such that power flows to outlet 1120.
• control circuit 1232 opens switch 1233 to create an open circuit and disengage outlet 1120 from the AC power signal. This disengaging effectively eliminates any idle power lost by outlet 1120.
• the threshold level is a predetermined level, for example approximately one watt of power or less flowing to outlet 1 120.
• different outlets 1120 may have different fixed threshold levels such that devices having a higher power level in idle may be usefully connected to power strip 1 100 for power management.
• the threshold level is a learned level.
• the learned level may be established through long term monitoring by control circuit 1232 of load conditions at outlet 1120.
• a history of power levels is created over time by monitoring and may serve as a template of power demand.
• control circuit 1232 examines the history of power levels and decides whether long periods of low power demand were times when a device connected at outlet 1120 was in a low, or lowest, power mode.
• control circuit 1232 disengages outlet 1120 during low power usage times when the period of low power matches the template. For example, the template might demonstrate that the device draws power through outlet 1120 for eight hours, followed by 16 hours of low power demand.
• control circuit 1232 determines the approximate low power level of the electronic device connected at outlet 1120, and sets a threshold level to be a percentage of the determined approximate low power level. For example, control circuit 1232 may set the threshold level to be about 100-105% of the approximate low power level demand. In another embodiment, the threshold demand may be set at about 100-110% or 110-120% or more of the approximate low power level demand. In addition, the low power level percentage range may be any variation or combination of the disclosed ranges.
• the learned threshold level can be manually set.
• a threshold level is set based in part by activating reconnect device 1234 for a period of time and measuring a current power level. For example, a user may hold down reconnect device 1234 for a few seconds when power strip 1100 operates in idle mode and measure the power level. The measured power level is used to set the power threshold level.
• the threshold level is set to a measured power level plus an offset value.
• the offset value can be configured at various power levels
• the offset value may be increased or decreased as is suitable for a particular configuration. For example, if the measured threshold is about 1 W, and an offset value of about 0.5 W is used, then the threshold value is about 1.5 W.
• power strip 1100 is configured to operate in ultra-low idle mode if the load drops below about 1.5 W in this example.
• the threshold level is set more accurately by manually initiating a power level measurement.
• power strip 1100 further comprises an internal clock.
• Logic control unit 1302 may use the internal clock to learn which time periods show a high power usage at outlet 1120. This knowledge may be included to determine when an outlet should have power available.
• the internal clock has quartz crystal accuracy. Also, the internal clock does not need to be set to an actual time. Furthermore, the internal clock may be used in combination with the photocell for greater power strip efficiency and/or accuracy.

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