Patent: Active Sensing and Switching Device

Patent issued for active sensing and switching device. Patent  6,998,807

An active sensing and switching device for use in controlling current to a load, comprising a controller means (U1) for disconnecting the load from a power source by providing a switch-open control signal based on a signal indicating a sensed value of electrical current to the load, characterized in that the controller means (U1) determines a nominal value for the electrical current to the load based on monitoring the signal indicating the sensed value of electrical current to the load. A load control system is also provided, including a single ASSD adapted to receive signals indicating sensed values of electrical current to a plurality of respective loads, and further comprising a plurality of load control modules adapted so as to be disposed in proximity to respective loads or a main power line, wherein the load control modules provide respective signals indicating sensed values of electrical currents to the respective loads.