Electrical switched load relocation apparatus

Abstract

A wireless transmitter associated with a switched electrical connection and a receiver therefor, adapted for connection in an electrical path between the source of power and a load, enables the load to be controlled by the switch originally used to control the switched electrical connection. The communication between the transmitter and receiver may be realized only when power is applied or removed from the switched connection, or, alternatively, this communication may be carried out on a per-cycle basis, enabling a phase-delay type of control over the relocated load, including dimming of the relocated load without requiring modification to a previously installed dimmer switch. The signal radiated by the transmitter may be of acoustic or electromagnetic origin, though IR transmissions are used in the preferred embodiment. The transmitter module includes means for making electrical contact to a switched electrical connection, and means for transmitting a wireless signal in response to the application of electrical Dower to the switched electrical connection, and the receiver module includes means for making electrical contact to a source of electrical power, means for making contact to an electrical load, and means for routing electrical power from the source to the load in response to the signal transmitted by the transmitter module. Exposed wires, plug- and socket-type connections may be utilized as alternatives depending upon physical implementation.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to electrical switching and control, and, more particularly, to apparatus enabling an electrically switched load, including a load operated using a dimmer function, to be relocated to another location where power is available.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe rooms in many homes are illuminated with ceiling lights, which are efficient in terms of coverage, but often cast harsh shadows or make the room seem small. Often times rooms can be made more appealing with floor or table lamps used to create particular functional areas or moods. Accordingly, some homes are built in such a way than when one enters a room and turns on the lightswitch, a wall outlet is powered at the same time or instead of a ceiling fixture, enabling the lightswitch to control a floor or table lamp for a higher degree of ambiance.Unless the structure is already wired to switch a wall outlet upon entry into a particular room, the options for utilizing flo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a wireless transmitter associated with a switched electrical connection, and a receiver adapted for connection in an electrical path between the source of power and a load, enabling the load to be controlled by the switch originally used to control the switched electrical connection. The communication between the transmitter and receiver may be realized only when power is applied or removed from the switched connection, or, alternatively, this communication may be carried out on a per-cycle basis, enabling a phase-delay type of control over the relocated load, including dimming of the relocated load without requiring modification to a previously installed dimmer switch.

Problems solved by technology

The rooms in many homes are illuminated with ceiling lights, which are efficient in terms of coverage, but often cast harsh shadows or make the room seem small.

Unless the structure is already wired to switch a wall outlet upon entry into a particular room, the options for utilizing floor or table lamps instead of overhead fixtures are limited or difficult to implement.

Although this is inconvenient, it produces the desired effect.

Alternatively, the homeowner can have particular rooms rewired for switched wall outlets, but this necessitates a great degree of inconvenience and expense.

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