Load condition controlled power strip

Abstract

In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a method and circuit for reducing power consumption of a power strip is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a power strip is configured for reducing or eliminating power during idle mode by disengaging an outlet from power input. A power strip may include two or more outlets and two or more outlet circuits, with AC power input connected to the outlets through the outlet circuit(s), which may include a current transformer, a control circuit, and a switch. The current transformer secondary winding provides an output power level signal proportional to the outlet load. If behavior of the current transformer secondary winding indicates that the outlet is drawing substantially no power from the AC power input, the switch facilitates disengaging of the current transformer primary from the outlet.

1 . A power strip configured to reduce power during idle operation of an electronic device, said power strip comprising:
 a plurality of outlets configured to transmit power to the electronic device;   an outlet circuit configured to receive power from an alternating current (AC) line input and transmit power to a first outlet of said plurality of outlets;   a control circuit configured to receive an output power level signal and control the connection between said first outlet and the AC line input; and   a reconnection device configured to override said control circuit and reengage said first outlet and the AC line input, and wherein said reconnection device is further configured to disengage said first outlet and the AC line input.   
     
     
         2 . The power strip of  claim 1 , wherein said outlet circuit comprises:
 a current measuring system configured to monitor current from the AC line input, wherein said current measuring system provides the output power level signal;   wherein said outlet circuit disengages transmitting power to said first outlet in response to said first outlet drawing substantially no power.   
     
     
         3 . The power strip of  claim 1 , further comprising a green mode switch configured to select an operating mode of said first outlet, wherein said operating mode is at least one of a normal mode and a green mode. 
     
     
         4 . The power strip of  claim 1 , wherein said reconnection device is located remotely from said power strip. 
     
     
         5 . The power strip of  claim 1 , wherein said reconnection device is configured to override a single control circuit. 
     
     
         6 . The power strip of  claim 1 , wherein said reconnection device is configured to override a plurality of control circuits. 
     
     
         7 . A power strip configured to efficiently provide power to an electronic device, said power strip comprising:
 a plurality of outlets configured to provide power to said electronic device; and   a control circuit configured to control the coupling of said plurality of outlets to an alternating current (AC) line input;   wherein said control circuit decouples said plurality of outlets in response to the current drawn by said plurality of outlets being below a threshold level, such that said plurality of outlets is effectively disengaged from the AC line input.   
     
     
         8 . The power strip of  claim 7 , further comprising a reconnection device configured to override said control circuit and re-engage said plurality of outlets to the AC line input. 
     
     
         9 . The power strip of  claim 7 , wherein said threshold level is a percentage of a determined approximate low power level of said electronic device, and wherein said percentage of said determined approximate low power level is at least one range of approximately 100-105%, approximately 100-110%, and approximately 110-120%. 
     
     
         10 . The power strip of  claim 7 , wherein said plurality of outlets comprises a first outlet with a first threshold level and a second outlet with a second threshold level, wherein said first threshold level is different from said second threshold level.