Importance

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Abstract

A current sensing wafer fits about the blades of an AC power cord and is connectible to peripheral equipment for sensing when current is being drawn through the power cord, and thereby indicating when a power consuming device using the power cord is operating. The wafer, in a preferred embodiment, comprises an insulating substrate which has thereon a loop of ferromagnetic material. Slots for fitting about the twin blades of an AC power cord plug extend through the wafer and the loop of ferromagnetic material extends about the slots, generally in a FIG. 8 pattern. This arrangement, extending about the positive and negative conductors, creates a magnetic current in the loop. A sensor coil is integrated into the loop and includes an amplifier circuit for signaling controlled peripheral equipment that current is flowing through the AC power cord, and therefor, electrical devices using the current are operating. The wafer device is particularly useful for remote control of home entertainment system devices, as it allows a controller to know if an item of equipment is operating.

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First Claim