Generics Invents Energy Saving Device for the Home

Generics Invents Energy Saving Device for the Home The Generics Group ('Generics'), the integrated technology development, consulting and investment organisation, has invented an energy saving technology for use in the home. 'BrightSwitch' is a low-cost add-on device that can reduce energy costs for the consumer by up to 75%. 12V light fittings must be powered by transformers to provide safe low voltages. As the switch is ideally placed on the light fitting and not the transformer, the transformer is continuously powered, even when the light is off. By attaching the BrightSwitch to the transformer, it is automatically disconnected from the incoming mains voltage when the light is switched off. When it is switched on, the device restores power to the transformer. The BrightSwitch carries the additional benefit of being a simple add-on part with no impact on the rest of the electrical design. It can be easily incorporated into existing products at the mains inlet, on the mains lead or at the wall plug and costs under £1/unit to produce. It has applications in domestic appliances - for example, lighting fixtures, fixed appliances and outdoor and portable devices - as well as audio systems, medical electronics, test and measurement systems and industrial controls. Generics has filed a patent disclosure for the technology and carried out a laboratory proof of principle. The technology relies on the use of an electronic switch to control the power into the transformer. The controller uses the information from the built-in sensor to determine whether or not the load is connected even when the transformer is off. The device has its own internal power supply and will operate as soon as it is connected to the mains. Joss Langford, inventor of the BrightSwitch, said: "We are confident this product would be welcomed by the 'green consumer' who is looking for ways of making his or her home more environmentally friendly. The BrightSwitch's potential in business to business markets is also significant. What we need now is a partner who will help us to exploit the product commercially." Notes for Editors: The Generics Group The Generics Group (Generics) is a leading integrated technology consulting, development and investment organisation, with an international reputation for successfully commercialising emerging science and technology. Generics invests in and develops technologies that underpin the future of the widest range of industries. Its key areas of expertise include: engineering, materials, telecommunications, life sciences, business innovation and electronics. Generics' facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories and are located in Europe in Cambridge, Frankfurt, Zürich, Switzerland and Stockholm; and in Boston and Baltimore in the USA. Generics has over 250 employees, of which 170 are high-calibre technology professionals. Contacts: Ruth Shaw, PR Manager, ruth.shaw@genericsgroup.com Tel: +44 (0) 1223 875200 Web: www.genericsgroup.com ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/04/02/20030402BIT00710/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/04/02/20030402BIT00710/wkr0002.pdf