Wall mounted programmable timer system

Abstract

A timing device is disclosed which is for controlling electronic devices and which is mounted in a wall switch box. This timing device comprises at least one controller, at least one transceiver in communication with the controller, at least one interface; and at least one cover plate. This device can also include at least one key coupled to the cover plate for interacting with the interface when said cover plate is inserted onto said at least one interface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cover plate for an electrical device having a processor, and an interface, the interface for configuring operation of the electrical device, the cover plate comprising:
 a front face;   a back face; and   a key comprising a protrusion extending from said back face;   wherein said key is adapted and configured to interact with the interface such that the processor performs a set of predetermined instructions to reconfigure operation of the electrical device.   
     
     
         2 . The cover plate as in  claim 1 , wherein said key coupled to said protrusion forms a L-shaped extension, extending from said back face of said cover plate. 
     
     
         3 . The cover plate as in  claim 1  wherein said protrusion is formed with said cover plate. 
     
     
         4 . The cover plate as in  claim 1 , wherein said cover plate includes at least one opening in the cover plate for receiving at least one button coupled to the electrical device. 
     
     
         5 . The cover plate as in  claim 1 , wherein the cover plate is configured to cover over unused actuators on the electrical device. 
     
     
         6 . The cover plate as in  claim 1 , wherein the cover plate is configured to receive indicia. 
     
     
         7 . A process for programming an electrical device comprising:
 a) selecting a cover plate having a key used for selecting a set of predetermined instructions;   b) coupling said cover plate to a body of the electrical device so that said key engages an interface of the electrical device; and   c) configuring operation of the electrical device according to said set of predetermined instructions.   
     
     
         8 . The process as in  claim 7 , wherein the step of selecting a cover plate further comprises selecting a cover plate from a plurality of different cover plates, wherein each of the plurality of different cover plates includes a different key. 
     
     
         9 . The process as in  claim 7  wherein said step of configuring operation of the electrical device comprises registering said key with the electrical device. 
     
     
         10 . The process as in  claim 7 , wherein said step of selecting a cover plate comprises selecting a cover plate based upon a geometry of said key. 
     
     
         11 . The process as in  claim 7 , wherein said step of selecting a cover plate comprises selecting a cover plate based upon a geometry of said cover plate. 
     
     
         12 . The process as in  claim 7 , wherein the interface of the electrical device comprises a plurality of contacts, wherein said step of coupling the cover plate with the electrical device comprises positioning said key to contact at least one of said plurality of electrical contacts of said electrical device. 
     
     
         13 . The process as in  claim 12 , wherein said step coupling the cover plate with the electrical device comprises contacting said key to at least one of said plurality of contacts so that a set of timing instructions is sent from at least one of said plurality of electrical contacts to an associated controller to program the predetermined instructions. 
     
     
         14 . The process as in  claim 7 , wherein said step of configuring operation of the electrical device comprises configuring at least one of timer settings or dimmer settings. 
     
     
         15 . An electrical wall box mountable self-programmable electrical device for controlling an electrical load comprising:
 a) a housing adapted to be mounted in an electrical wall box;   b) a controller disposed within said housing; and   c) an interface in communication with said controller;   
       wherein said housing is adapted and configured to removably receive a cover plate having a key, said interface being arranged and configured to interact with said key;
 wherein said interface causes said controller to perform a predetermined set of instructions upon interaction with said key. 
 
     
     
         16 . The device as in  claim 15 , wherein said interface is adapted and configured to interact with said key in the form of a physical protrusion extending from said cover plate. 
     
     
         17 . The device as in  claim 15 , said interface comprising at least one electrical contact in electrical communication with said controller such that when said key interacts with said interface, a signal is provided to said controller. 
     
     
         18 . The device as in  claim 15 , further comprising at least one memory disposed in said housing and in communication with said controller, said at least one memory configured to store a plurality of predetermined instructions. 
     
     
         19 . The device as in  claim 15  wherein said plurality of predetermined instructions comprises at least one of: a predetermined number of settings, a set of values for each setting, and controller instructions for said controller. 
     
     
         20 . The device as in  claim 15 , further comprising a button in electrical communication with said controller, wherein said predetermined set of instructions configures operating instructions for said at least one button. 
     
     
         21 . The device as in  claim 15 , further comprising a plurality of buttons in electrical communication with said controller, wherein said predetermined set of instructions configures operating instructions for said plurality of buttons. 
     
     
         22 . The device as in  claim 15 , further comprising a memory, wherein when said key contacts said at least one interface, said at least one interface sends instructions to said controller, such that said controller selects a set of predetermined instructions to be performed by said controller when said at least one button is pressed, and then stores said selection in said memory.