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  Uninterrupted power supply with ir control linkUSPTO Application #: 20060208573Title: Uninterrupted power supply with ir control link Abstract: A Universal Power Supply (UPS) protects audio/visual (A/V) components from damage that may occur due to a sudden power loss by first, providing back up power via a battery, and then initiating the normal, that is powered, shut down of the protected component via an infrared control signal. The infrared control signal is learned from the A/V components remote control unit. (end of abstract) Agent: Hogan & Hartson L.L.P. - Los Angeles, CA, US Inventor: Gerald B. Hoopes USPTO Applicaton #: 20060208573 - Class: 307066000 (USPTO) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060208573. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] None BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a method of protecting audio-visual electronic equipment from damage to power loss, and in particular when such method utilizes an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) [0003] Uninterrupted power supplies are frequently deployed for protecting computers from the loss of sensitive data that would be otherwise lost in a power failure. The UPS includes a back up battery coupled to a transformer to deliver the line voltage to the protected electronic equipment in the event that the direct line voltage is lost. As the battery has a finite life, during which the return of power can never be assured, the UPS also provides means to either alert the user that the equipment should be shut down as soon as can be safely done so, or automatically controls the equipment. [0004] Prior methods of notifying the user or prompting an automatic shut down sequence require a sophisticated electronic interface between the UPS and the protected equipment. [0005] Technical advances in audio/visual (A/V) equipment systems, and in particular in sophisticated home theater systems, have resulted in the deployment of visual displays and other equipment that can be damaged if power is turned off abruptly. Also of significance is the application of computer systems and home entertainment systems have become intertwined with the advent of digital recording technology and the ability of consumers to edit video for creating there own DVD's there is increasing need to prevent power losses to A/V equipment to avoid data loss. [0006] While UPS systems have been developed that can automatically interface with the dominant operating systems used in personal computers, this is not the case for A/V equipment, as a larger number of OEM's each utilize largely proprietary firmware and software, generally without providing an interface for external control. [0007] It is therefore a first object of the present invention to provide for the protection of A/V equipment susceptible to damage from an uncontrolled loss of power. [0008] It is yet another object to provide such a UPS with a flexible response time [0009] It is a further object to provide for such a UPS that can protect multiple A/V components. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0010] In achieving the present invention, the inventor came to appreciate that while A/V equipment frequently lacks any or a universal electronic communication means to interface with a UPS, most A/V equipment comes equipped with a remote control system. This led to the realization that it should be possible to meet the unfulfilled needs of providing UPS technology to A/V systems by utilizing the remote control system as the interface between the UPS and the protected equipment. It further became apparent that although such remote control systems utilize proprietary infrared (IR) signal to communicate between the device and the controller, the recording, learning and mimicking of these signal could provide a practical control means if integrated into the functionality of the UPS device. [0011] Therefore the first object of the invention has been achieved by providing a UPS device that comprises a battery, a power input port, a power output port, IR signal output port, IR signal input port, means to learn a signal pattern received at the IR input port, and means to send the learned IR signal via the output port in response to a loss in power at the power input port. [0012] A second aspect of the invention is characterized in the UPS device includes means to send the learned signal via the output port in response to a low battery in the UPS. [0013] The above and other objects, effects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a UPS device as deployed in conjunction with an A/V system. [0015] FIGS. 2B and C are timing diagram showing the alternative sequence of alert signals in response to a power transient shown in FIG. 2A. [0016] FIG. 3 is a first flow chart illustrated an embodiment of steps in programming the UPS device of FIG. 1 to respond as illustrated in FIG. 2 [0017] FIG. 4 is a second flow chart illustrating the function performed by the electrical circuit of FIG. 5, in providing the response of FIG. 2B or 2C. [0018] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a control panel for programming and testing the IR signals and associated I/O devices in accordance with FIG. 3. [0019] FIG. 6 is an electrical schematic of the circuit operative to provide the response of FIG. 2 as indicated by the steps shown in the flow charts of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Continue reading... Full patent description for Uninterrupted power supply with ir control link Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Uninterrupted power supply with ir control link patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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