Apparatus and a method for temporarily disabling the operation of a noise-producing electrical device or internal combustion engine upon detection of a predetermined awareness condition, such as an incoming telephone call, doorbell ring, security system alarm or other awareness condition. For disabling operation of an electrical device, the apparatus includes a command module and one or more switchable power receptacles that respond to a control signal from the command module, de-energizing the electrical device, when at least one of the predetermined awareness conditions is detected. Control signals are communicated to the switchable power receptacles via either a radio frequency signal, or by a modulated signal that is conveyed over an alternating current electrical power circuit to which the command module and switched power receptacle(s) are connected. For disabling operation of an engine, the apparatus includes a command module that sends a wireless signal to a shutdown module to control operation of the engines ignition or fuel systems, so that operation of the engine is disabled when the shutdown module is switched to a shutdown mode. Disabling operation of a noise-producing device enables a signal that is produced in conjunction with the awareness condition, such as a telephone or doorbell ring, to be more easily perceived.
A power source cut-off system enabling the user to cut off power supply from an outlet even when user is out comprises an outlet tap for supplying power to an electric apparatus by connecting it to a home commercial power source and a telephone set for controlling this outlet tap and connected to an external telephone line. The outlet tap comprises an outlet to which the electric apparatus is connected, a power cut-off means for cutting off the power source at this outlet, a reception means for receiving a radio signal transmitted from the external telephone set, and a control means for cutting off the power source at the outlet by the power source cut-off device according to the radio signal received by this reception means. The telephone set comprises a control signal reception means for receiving a control signal transmitted via an external communication apparatus, and a transmission means for transmitting a radio signal to the outlet tap on the basis of the control receiving means.
A device monitors an appliance that receives power from a source. The device includes a first coupler that couples the device to the power source. A second coupler couples the device to the appliance. A monitoring circuit is connected to the first coupler and the second coupler to monitor power supplied by the source to the appliance. A communications circuit also is provided. The monitoring circuit provides data based on the monitored power to the communications circuit for output to the first coupler. The communications circuit may include a receiver that receives a signal from the first coupler to control the monitoring circuit. The communications circuit also may include a transceiver that receives a signal from the first coupler to control the monitoring circuit and to transmit monitored power data.
A plug which is attached to a power cord of an appliance, such as a clock or an appliance having an internal clock, includes a battery that will supply power to the appliance during a failure of utility power whereby the clock associated with the plug need not be reset after restoration of power. The plug is interposed between the plug of the appliance associated therewith and the source of utility power.
A voice control apparatus of a vacuum cleaner includes: a sense signal detector for detecting a sense signal provided from a user to provide a voice recognizable environment in an ambience; a voice command recognizing unit for temporarily stopping a driving of a motor upon receiving the detected sense signal and, at the same time, outputting a voice command control signal previously set in a voice command set corresponding to a voice command instructed by the user; and a driving command controller for controlling a function and a mode of a vacuum cleaner upon receiving the voice command control signal. By providing a voice recognizable environment, the vacuum cleaner can be effectively controlled through a user's voice command even in an environment with a strong noise.
The invention is a power strip with an internal smoke detection device, which cuts off AC electrical power to attached electrical devices if smoke is detected.
