State change devices for switched electrical receptacles

Abstract

A state change device may be electrically connected to a switched receptacle, or to both the switched and unswitched receptacles, of an outlet. The state change device may generate a change of state signal when power is applied to, or removed from, the switched receptacle. The state change device may wirelessly communicate the signal. The state change device may include a load control circuit that may be configured to control the amount of power delivered to an electrical load that is electrically connected to the state change device. The state change device may receive commands directed to the load control circuit. The state change device may be deployed in a load control system and may operate as a control entity, such that the state change device may issue commands to one or more load control devices, responsive to the application or removal of power at the switched receptacle.

1 . An electrical switching device configured to be electrically connected to a receptacle, the device comprising:
 at least one male connector to receive a power signal;   at least one female connector conductively coupled to the at least one male connector, the at least one female connector to provide a power signal to an external device operatively coupled to the at least one female connector;   switching circuitry operatively coupled between the at least one male connector and the at least one female connector, the switching circuitry reversibly transitionable between an electrically conductive state and an electrically non-conductive state;   wireless communication circuitry;   control circuitry communicatively coupled to the wireless communication circuitry and to the switching circuitry, the control circuitry to:   cause a transition of the switching circuitry between the electrically conductive state and the electrically non-conductive state responsive to receipt of a wireless signal via the wireless communication circuitry.   
     
     
         2 . The electrical switching device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 one or more actuators, the one or more actuators to cause a transition of the switching circuitry between the electrically conductive state and the electrically non-conductive state responsive to receipt of a manual actuation of the one or more actuators.   
     
     
         3 . The electrical switching device of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a housing having an external surface, the housing disposed about the at least one female connector, the switching circuitry, the wireless communication circuitry, the one or more actuators accessible from the external surface of the housing.   
     
     
         4 . The electrical switching device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 one or more visual indicators, the one or more visible indicators to provide an indication of Whether the switching circuitry is in the electrically conductive state or the electrically non-conductive state.   
     
     
         5 . The electrical switching device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 memory circuitry communicatively coupled to the control circuitry.   
     
     
         6 . The electrical switching device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one occupancy sensor communicatively coupled to the control circuitry.   
     
     
         7 . The electrical switching device of  claim 1  wherein the switching circuitry includes:
 a first switching circuit operatively coupled between the at least one male connector and a first female connector; and 
 a second switching circuit operatively coupled between the at least one male connector and a second female connector.