William M Goss

US Patent:

20020185917, Dec 12, 2002

Filed:

Jun 8, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/877296

Inventors:

William Goss - Austin TX, US

International Classification:

H02J004/00

US Classification:

307/112000

Abstract:

A control apparatus which, in one particular aspect is accessible via the Internet, the control apparatus including in at least certain embodiments apparatus for controlling electrical power for an electrically powered device, the electrically powered device having a device power cord with a plug for connection into a power outlet, the control apparatus including an enclosure with an interior space, an opening through which a portion of the device power cord extends so that the plug of the power cord is positioned in the interior space of the enclosure, a power outlet within the enclosure to which the plug of the powered device is connected for providing electrical power to the powered device, an apparatus power cord extending from the power outlet from the enclosure, the apparatus power cord for connection to a power source for providing electrical power to the power outlet, a lockable switch interposed between the power outlet and the apparatus plug for selectively controlling the flow of power from the power source through the apparatus power cord to the power outlet and thus to the powered device, a communication system interconnected with the control apparatus and accessible via a remote device, the communication system providing communication between the control apparatus and the remote device to activate the control apparatus and to remotely operate the lockable switch, and a remote device for communicating with the communication system for remotely accessing, activating and operating the control apparatus.