Signal Activated Circuit Interrupter

Abstract

The current invention is an automatic AC power interruption system built into a portable power strip or a portable casing or integrated into an appliances control circuitry. The invention monitors the environment for hazard alarms, for example, a T3 signal smoke detector alarm, and responds by tripping open the power supply circuit to the power strip's receptacles and thus interrupts AC power to the protected appliances the user has chosen to plug into them. One alternate form of the invention uses a portable casing that can be plugged into a power receptacle and, when a hazard alarm is detected, trip off the nearest GFCI. Other alternate forms of the invention are integrated within an individual appliance's control circuitry and may interrupt power using a built-in switch or by tripping off the nearest GFCI device. The invention's purpose is to help prevent death, injury, and property damage by preventing fires or facilitating fire suppression; more particularly, by interrupting electrical power to problematic appliances, such as toasters, space heaters, battery chargers, stoves, and motors, when a hazardous condition alarm is emitted. It further interrupts power to the problematic appliances when a detector emits an alarm indicating toxic fumes, natural gas, radon, carbon monoxide, or whatever other detector-alarm the consumer installs in the area to be protected.

Therefore I claim: 
     
         1 . A device for sensing the reason for and provides the signal or means for interrupting appliance or machine power which:
 a. receives and converts to electrical impulses, sound or other signals (fire alarm audible, radio frequency, or direct wired from a thermocouple or other device.) from an external to the appliance or machine or integrated in the appliance or machine sensor-signal generator   b. transmits the appropriate activation signal via electrical, radio frequency, or optical signal to an integral or external circuit interrupter, circuit breaker or valve or other turn-off device.   
     
     
         2 . A device of  claim 1 , wherein it is enclosed in a power strip configuration/circuit breaker capability. 
     
     
         3 . A device of  claim 1 , wherein the device interacts directly with the internal safety circuitry of the appliance or machine. causing upon receipt of the signal the interruption of the power to the appliance or device. 
     
     
         4 . A device of  claim 1 , where in the device is enclosed in an extension of the electric circuit outlet said enclosure also includes the shut-off circuitry necessary to interrupt the flow of power to the appliance or machine. 
     
     
         5 . A device of  claim 1  wherein the device interacts with a GFIC equipped circuit interrupter