The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 15, 1997
Filed:
Apr. 20, 1993
Burke J Crane, Lombard, IL (US);
Garth S Jones, Virginia Beach, VA (US);
Kevin L Nelson, Virginia Beach, VA (US);
Molex Incorporated, Lisle, IL (US);
Abstract
An automatic switched power receptacle includes an outlet receptacle adapted to receive a plug. A relay is connected between the power receptacle and a source of power to selectively power the receptacle. A plug presence sensor in proximity to the receptacle senses presence of a plug in the receptacle. The plug presence sensor comprises a light source and light sensor, the light source and light sensor being disposed on opposite sides of a path of movement of a plug being inserted in the receptacle. An automatic control circuit is connected between the relay and the plug presence sensor for selectively energizing the relay to power the receptacle incident to the sensor sensing presence of a plug.