초록 ▼

A current sensing wafer fits about the blades of an AC power cord and is connectible to peripheral equipment for sensing when current is being drawn through the power cord, and thereby indicating when a power consuming device using the power cord is operating. The wafer, in a preferred embodiment, c

A current sensing wafer fits about the blades of an AC power cord and is connectible to peripheral equipment for sensing when current is being drawn through the power cord, and thereby indicating when a power consuming device using the power cord is operating. The wafer, in a preferred embodiment, comprises an insulating substrate which has thereon a loop of ferromagnetic material. Slots for fitting about the twin blades of an AC power cord plug extend through the wafer and the loop of ferromagnetic material extends about the slots, generally in a FIG. 8 pattern. This arrangement, extending about the positive and negative conductors, creates a magnetic current in the loop. A sensor coil is integrated into the loop and includes an amplifier circuit for signaling controlled peripheral equipment that current is flowing through the AC power cord, and therefor, electrical devices using the current are operating. The wafer device is particularly useful for remote control of home entertainment system devices, as it allows a controller to know if an item of equipment is operating.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:] [1.] A current sensing device for slipping on to the plug end of an AC power cord and fitting about the blades thereof, the device comprising in combination with the AC power cord:a) a thin, insulating substrate having a pair of slot

[ What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:] [1.] A current sensing device for slipping on to the plug end of an AC power cord and fitting about the blades thereof, the device comprising in combination with the AC power cord:a) a thin, insulating substrate having a pair of slots therethrough for slipping the device on to the blades of an AC power cord plug, the substrate being sufficiently thin so as not to interfere with the fit of the plug into a wall socket;b) a ferromagnetic loop on said substrate extending about said slots so that opposing currents in the current carrying blades of the AC power cord plug create a magnetic current in said ferromagnetic loop;c) a sensor coil integrated with said ferromagnetic loop for generating an electrical current responsive to a change in current through the blades of the AC power cord plug andd) an AC power cord having a plug end with spaced blades for insertion into a wall socket, the power cord connected to electricity using equipment which provides a change in current flow in operational and nonoperational states.