Current sensing load demand apparatus and methods

Abstract

An apparatus supplies AC power to a load. The apparatus includes a set output terminals, a primary circuit, and a load sensing circuit. The primary circuit is electrically coupled to a source of AC power and to the output terminals for selectively providing power at a low voltage at the output terminals or electronically coupling the source of AC power directly to the output terminals. The load sensing circuit coupled to the primary circuit and the source of AC power for determining a resistance associated with the load at initial application of the load and controlling the primary circuit to electronically couple the source of AC power directly to the output terminals if a proper load is detected.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A power receptacle device, comprising:
 a housing;   a primary circuit contained within the housing and being electrically coupled to a source of power for controllably providing electrical power to a load; and,   a controller coupled to the primary circuit and controlling operation of the load sensing circuit as a function of conditions.   
     
     
         2 . A power receptacle device, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the controller is networked to an external system and receives the conditions from the external system. 
     
     
         3 . A power receptacle device, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the controller monitors operations conditions of the primary circuit and/or load and responsively controls load limitations of the primary circuit. 
     
     
         4 . A power receptacle device, as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a receptacle contained within the housing and being connected to the primary circuit, the receptacle having a plurality of openings for receiving an electrical plug. 
     
     
         5 . A power receptacle device, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the conditions are predefined. 
     
     
         6 . A power receptacle device, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the conditions are programmable. 
     
     
         7 . A power receptacle device, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the controller is coupled to the external system using a network. 
     
     
         8 . A power receptacle device, as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the network may include wired and/or wireless data connections. 
     
     
         9 . A power receptacle device, as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the network is implemented using a data bus. 
     
     
         10 . A power receptacle device, as set forth in  claim 9 , wherein the data bus is Wireless, Power Line Carrier, Category 5 Network, USB, Firewire, Serial or Parallel. 
     
     
         11 . A power receptacle device, as a set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the controller communicates with a portable device for receiving data used in the control of the primary circuit. 
     
     
         12 . A power receptacle, as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the controller communicates with the portable device using a wired or wireless connection. 
     
     
         13 . A power receptacle, as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the controller communicates with the portable device using one of radio frequency, magnetic fields, or optics. 
     
     
         14 . A power receptacle device, as set forth in  claim 7 , further comprising a sensing device for sensing a parameter of the primary circuit or the load, the controller for communication the sensed parameter to the external system. 
     
     
         15 . A power receptacle device for use with an external system, comprising:
 a primary circuit electrically coupled to a source of power for controllably providing electrical power to a load;   a sensing device coupled to the primary circuit for sensing a parameter associated with the power circuit and responsively controlling the primary circuit as a function of the sensed parameter; and,   a controller coupled to the primary circuit for overriding operation of the load sensing circuit as a function as function of a set of conditions.   
     
     
         16 . A power receptacle device, as set forth in  claim 15 , wherein the controller is networked to an external system and receives the conditions from the external system. 
     
     
         17 . A power receptacle device, as set forth in  claim 15 , wherein the controller monitors operations conditions of the primary circuit and/or load and responsively controls load limitations of the primary circuit. 
     
     
         18 . A power receptacle device, as set forth in  claim 15 , further comprising a receptacle contained within the housing and being connected to the primary circuit, the receptacle having a plurality of openings for receiving an electrical plug. 
     
     
         19 . A power receptacle device, as set forth in  claim 15 , wherein the conditions are predefined. 
     
     
         20 . A power receptacle device, as set forth in  claim 15 , wherein the conditions are programmable. 
     
     
         21 . A power receptacle device, as set forth in  claim 15 , wherein the controller is coupled to the external system using a network. 
     
     
         22 . A power receptacle device, as set forth in  claim 21 , wherein the network may include wired and/or wireless data connections. 
     
     
         23 . A power receptacle device, as set forth in  claim 21 , wherein the network is implemented using a data bus. 
     
     
         24 . A power receptacle device, as set forth in  claim 23 , wherein the data bus is Wireless, Power Line Carrier, Category 5 Network, USB, Firewire, Serial or Parallel. 
     
     
         25 . A power receptacle device, as set forth in  claim 15 , further comprising a sensing device for sensing a parameter of the primary circuit or the load, the controller for communication the sensed parameter to the external system. 
     
     
         26 . A power receptacle device, as a set forth in  claim 15 , wherein the controller communicates with a portable device for receiving data used in the control of the primary circuit. 
     
     
         27 . A power receptacle, as set forth in  claim 26 , wherein the controller communicates with the portable device using a wired or wireless connection. 
     
     
         28 . A power receptacle, as set forth in  claim 26 , wherein the controller communicates with the portable device using one of radio frequency, magnetic fields, or optics.