Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved electrical power strip which will automatically energize and de-energize one or more devices which are plugged into the strip, upon receiving an electrical signal from the primary device, without the need for manual actuation of a switch on the electrical strip or an under monitor system by the user. This system senses the primary status of the power supply through a low voltage power tap connector which is plugged in any appropriate socket of the primary device (which may be a personal computer). The output signal triggers a synchronous transfer switch or relay which enables power to secondary devices (which may be a monitor, printer, scanner, sub woofer, modem, etc.), permitting them to be synchronously turned on or off depending on the computer system status (ON or OFF).

Abstract: A signaling circuit may be implemented with a connection comprised of signal lines having predefined signals and/or functions. The predefined signals and/or functions may be defined by an individual entity or standards organization. The signaling circuit transmits information not included in the predefined signals and/or functions. The information may be transmitted from a second device, such as a visual display screen, to a first device, such as a computing device, using at least one signal line in the connection. The information may include information about the state or status of the second device. The signaling circuit may, for example, activate, or turn on, the first device when a switch associated with the second device is depressed. Once the first device is activated, the signaling circuit may be disabled in order to allow the at least one signal line to be used for its predefined function.

Abstract: A power strip having a plurality of grounded outlet receptacles includes a motion sensor circuit. The motion sensor circuit controls operation of the power strip, and hence, operation of all electronic components plugged into the power strip.

Abstract: An electrical power supply circuit for an automobile vehicle includes a primary stage powered by a main energy source. This primary stage outputs an AC current to a current loop supplying power to at least one primary winding of a transformer. A converter converting AC current to direct current or voltage is associated with the secondary winding of the transformer to create an auxiliary direct current or voltage source.

Abstract: A method for controlling an emergency power supply of at least two power loads, includes steps of: assigning an energy storage device of the power supply to one of the at least two power loads; and after a failure of a power source for a predetermined autarchy time period, using the energy storage device to ensure that power is supplied to the one of the at least two power loads; and after an occurrence of at least one predetermined condition, using residual energy present in the energy storage device to supply power to another one of the at least two power loads. Preferably a firing device of a vehicle occupant protection system is used as one of the power loads.

Abstract: A complex home appliance and a method of controlling and installing the same. The complex home appliance includes a single power supply unit shared by two or more component home appliances of the complex home appliance. The two or more component home appliances are controlled by a single control unit of the complex home appliance. The complex home appliance can be operated in a simultaneous operation mode in which the two or more component home appliances are simultaneously operable, and an individual operation mode in which only one of the two or more component home appliances is operable. The complex home appliance includes a mode-setting unit to set the simultaneous or individual operation mode. The complex home appliance includes a power cut-off unit which supplies power to the single power supply unit and cuts off the supply of the power in response to being electrically opened at the time of an electrical overload.

Abstract: A presence detection and control system (2) outputs an identification code related to an individual, a motion signal in response to detecting motion in a field of view and/or a temperature signal related to an ambient temperature. A main control device (4) generates at least one wireless control signal based on the ID code, the motion signal and/or the temperature signal. A smart outlet (6) or a phone interrupter/dialer (8) can receive at least one wireless control signal. If the smart outlet (6) is responsive to the one wireless control signal, it connects an energy source to an energy consumption device (60, 62 or 64). If the phone interrupter/dialer (8) is responsive to the one wireless control signal, it conveys a message to a conductive communication line. This message is received by a central controller (90) which can log the message and/or a time the message was received.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical energy supply device, in particular for carriage on board an aerodyne, supplying DC current to electrical consumers (C1, C2, . . . Cn) from at least one electrical network (Rx) chosen by a selector circuit (32) of the device, from a plurality of electrical networks (R1, R2, . . . Rn).

Abstract: The present invention a method for stabilizing the voltage in an energy-supply system, particularly in a motor-vehicle electrical system, that is fed by a battery (1) and a generator (2). If the battery is weak or has completely failed, switching in a new consumer (3, 4, 5) may lead to a voltage dip in the system. To prevent this, it is proposed as a precaution to switch in a consumer (3) not needed at the moment. If, at this point, a new consumer (4) is to be switched in, the consumer (3) switched in as a precaution is automatically disconnected, and the excess energy therefrom is switched over to the new consumer (4).

Abstract: A control arrangement and method is provided for detecting and responding to disturbances in electrical power systems. In a preferred arrangement, an integration is initiated that is based on a comparison of actual voltage of a source and a reference voltage. When the integration exceeds a predetermined value, the source is considered unreliable. Also in a preferred arrangement, a determination is made as to whether or not the disturbance is a downstream fault condition. For example, this is useful for applications where a transfer is made from a first source to a second source when predetermined disturbances are detected. In this manner, the transfer of the load to a second source is avoided which would continue the supply of the downstream fault. Additionally, the arrangement distinguishes between various degrees of disturbances to permit appropriate response based on the severity and type of disturbance. For example, a first immediate response, i.e.

Abstract: In a system for feeding direct current into the alternating current network having a plurality of active inverters, which are in each case connected at their input sides to at least one direct current generator, and a measurement device, it is proposed to provide switching elements for carrying out a switching operation. According to the proposal, the switchover operation effects a separation of at least one current generator from a first inverter and a connection of this/these current generator(s) to a second inverter. To initiate the switchover operation, a control device is provided, which specifies the conditions necessary for initiating a switchover operation.

Abstract: Provision is made in the housing of a host to provide a socket, or sockets, to which a peripheral piece of equipment can be connected for receiving directly from the host the low voltage DC power it requires. The socket(s) are connected electrically to the outputs of a power supply (or regulator) of a host for providing the low voltage needed to power the peripheral. The power supply may be mounted on the rear face of a computer. The principal feature of the invention resides in the use of a connector for connecting the host DC power to the peripheral DC power usage device. The connector comprises pins connected to a selected resistor in the power supply. The resistor value (i.e., resistance) is selected to produce a pre-determined control voltage which is fed back to a DC to DC converter in the host's internal power supply. The converter comprises a pulse width modulation control device. The control voltage determines the duty cycle (i.e.

Abstract: A device for controlling a power distribution to subsystems, comprising a power input to be connected to a power source; a primary power output to be connected to a primary device; at least one secondary power output to be connected to at least one secondary system; sensing means for sensing when a current level falls below a threshold in response to the primary device being turned off and when the current level raises above a threshold in response to the primary device being turned on executing means operatively connected with said sensing means and operative for interrupting a power supply to said at least one secondary device when the sensing means sense the current level below the threshold and supplying power to said at least one secondary device when said sensing means sense the current level above the threshold correspondingly; power limiting means for limiting voltage across said sensing means and a low current operating means which increases the voltage to provide triggering of said executing means d

Abstract: A controlling device having programming which ensures an appliance will be placed into a desired power state. The controlling device transmits a query message to a power monitor associated with the appliance to obtain the current power state of the appliance. If the current power state does not correspond to the desired power state, the controlling device transmits a command to the appliance to effect a change in the current power state of the appliance.

Abstract: An electrical assembly including a plurality of electrical modules, each of the plurality of electrical modules being sequentially electrically connected to at least one other of the plurality of electrical modules. Each of the plurality of electrical modules including a coding circuit, each of the coding circuits interacting to identify a number of the plurality of electrical modules that are sequentially electrically connected.

Abstract: A device for curtailing electric demand is suitable as a tool for responding to the real-time pricing of electrical energy or for reducing demand during power shortages. The device (104) according to the present invention works in conjunction with an energy management system (40), which receives demand signals from an electric meter (24). Upon executing a curtailment command sent to the device (104) through a communications network (48, 50, 102), device intercepts and biases the signal going to the energy management system (40), which, in effect, coerces it to reduce the demand upon the meter (24) and upon the electric grid (20).

Abstract: An electronic control, with a floating ac power supply, that compares the digital signals produced by connections between ac circuit nodes and digital nodes to determine whether path(s) in ac circuits containing the ac nodes are intact or open. The connections are made through passive components which limit the current between nodes to levels the digital devices can safely handle. An open path indicates to the control that a switching device is open, a connection has failed, or a that a load component has failed or is missing. An intact path indicates a closed switch or a present and presumably functional load component. Proper connections enable the control to detect the state of multiple paths while still being able to detect zero crossings. The method can determine the state of ac paths even if hot and neutral connections are inadvertently reversed.

Abstract: A power supply status control circuit used in an electric outlet set having a main receptacle and multiple auxiliary receptacles, including a DC power circuit, a fuse, the fuse having a first end and a second end respectively connected to one end of the main receptacle of the electric outlet set and one end of AC power supply, an amplifier connected with its input end to the second end of the fuse, a comparator connected with its input end to the output end of the amplifier, and an electrically-controlled switch unit connected between the second end of the main receptacle and the second end of each auxiliary receptacle the electrically-controlled switch unit having a signal input end connected to the output end of the comparator to receive the output voltage of the comparator for on/off control. When the computer at the main receptacle is shut down, the auxiliary receptacles are electrically disconnected from the main receptacle to automatically turn off the peripheral apparatus.

Abstract: In a vehicle-mounted electrical component, potentially redundant resistances 4d, 4h, 4i and the corresponding voltage detecting circuit 5d, or the terminals 21, 22, 23, 24 and the switch for turning the switch interposed between the terminals 21 and 22, and the terminals 23 and 24 ON and OFF are exposed on the external surface of the main body so that setting according to the specifications can be performed outside the main body.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a plurality of units. Each of the units includes a power supply pad, a function circuit, and a power supply control circuit. The plurality of units each have a first state in which the function circuit is in an operating state by the power supply pad being at a prescribed operating potential and a second state in which the function circuit is in a non-operating state by the power supply pad being at a prescribed non-operating potential. The power supply control circuit includes a switching circuit for connecting the power supply pad to the prescribed non-operating potential. The power supply control circuit in each of the plurality of units closes the switching circuit when at least one of the other units is in the first state and opens the switching circuit otherwise.

Abstract: A method is described, for managing the energy consumption of electric users (LB, LS, FO, PG, CO), including household appliances, in a domestic environment (A), said users being operatively connected in a network (RE), each one of said users (LB, LS, FO, FG, CO) presenting an electric load to a source of electric energy, comprising the steps of: presetting an appropriate maximum limit of power (Pmax) which can be supplied by said source of electric energy, providing each user (LB, LS, FO, FG, CO) with control means for managing its own consumption of electric energy, measuring the instantaneous total consumption of the electric energy (Ply) supplied by said source to said domestic environment (A), transmitting to the control means of each one of said users (LB, LS, FO, FG, CO), by means of said network (RE), information relating to the instantaneous total consumption of the supplied electric energy (PIT), making the control means of each one of said users (LB, LS, FO, FG, CO) capable of adjusting the electri

Abstract: Resistance elements are inserted into a main power supply line and a main ground line so that offset differential amplifiers receive voltages developed across the same. The differential amplifiers control transistors connected to a sub power supply line and a sub ground line. Thus, a leakage current flowing from the sub power supply line to the main ground line and that flowing from the main power supply line to the sub ground line are regularly kept constant. Consequently, it is possible to prevent an operation delay in an initial stage of a standby state while keeping an effect of reducing a subthreshold leakage current in a semiconductor circuit device having a hierarchical power supply structure.

Abstract: A progammable power supply for providing a regulated DC output power is disclosed. The power supply provides the output power to any one of a plurality of electronic devices adapted for receiving the output power at an operational voltage or an operational current. The power supply receives a programming signal to maintain the output power at the operational voltage or operational current associated with a particular selected electronic device. Accordingly, by varying the programming signal, the power supply can be programmed to provide output power to any one of several electronic devices having differing input power requirements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for peak load distribution is disclosed. A peak load distributor reduces the demand on a power distribution system by controlling the power available to loads. The apparatus takes an AC current input and a micro-controller executes control algorithms to open and close power outputs to deferrable loads. The outputs are generally put in series with the power applied to a load to disable the load or to lower peak demand.

Abstract: An electrical power strip that can be used in conjunction with a computer so as to allow peripheral devices associated with the computer to be automatically turned on or off simultaneous with the computer being turned on or off. The power strip preferably includes a USB connector that allows the power strip to be connected to the power source provided by the USB port of a computer. The power strip further includes a relay element that effectively energizes the power strip when the connected computer is turned on and de-energizes the power strip when the computer is turned off. Thus, the user can utilize the power strip to ensure that any peripheral devices plugged into the power strip are automatically turned off when the connected computer is turned off and turned on when the computer is turned on.

Abstract: An electrical power strip that can be used in conjunction with a computer so as to allow peripheral devices associated with the computer to be automatically turned on or off simultaneous with the computer being turned on or off. The power strip preferably includes a USB connector that allows the power strip to be connected to the power source provided by the USB port of a computer. The power strip further includes a relay element that effectively energizes the power strip when the connected computer is turned on and de-energizes the power strip when the computer is turned off. Thus, the user can utilize the power strip to ensure that any peripheral devices plugged into the power strip are automatically turned off when the connected computer is turned off and turned on when the computer is turned on.

Abstract: A controllable power-economizing extension sockets includes a socket body, a main control socket and plural interactive sockets formed properly spaced apart in the socket body, a voltage stabilizer, and a capacitor and an electro-magnetic switch connected between the input terminal of power and the main control socket. The electro-magnetic switch is connected to each of interactive sockets to form a control circuit. The voltage stabilizer supplies a constant voltage to let the electro-magnetic switch operate to let the interactive sockets for peripheral electric or electronic appliances turned on or off synchronously with the main control socket.

Abstract: A dual output power converter, including a transformer having first and second secondary windings, a first synchronous rectifier coupled to the first secondary winding of the transformer for converting an alternating voltage at the first secondary winding to a first DC output voltage, a second synchronous rectifier coupled to the second secondary winding of the transformer for converting an alternating voltage at the second secondary winding to a second DC output voltage, and a drive circuit coupled to each of the first and second synchronous rectifiers for turning on the first and second synchronous rectifiers when the alternating voltage at the first and second secondary windings transition from a first polarity to a second polarity, and for turning off the first and second synchronous rectifiers when the alternating voltage at the first and second secondary windings transition from the second polarity to the first polarity.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus feeds a power to loads in response to a plurality of action modes. The electronic apparatus comprises a power source in the form of, e.g., an on/off controllable-DC/DC converter for providing a predetermined DC power as its output, a first switch circuit disposed on a power supply line extending from the power source to a first load, a second switch circuit disposed on a power supply line to a second load diverging from the input side of the first switch circuit, and a control circuit for providing an on/off control of the power source, the first switch circuit and the second switch circuit in response to the action modes.

Abstract: A load reduction system switches from a commercial power distribution system to an onsite power source when a fault in the commercial distribution system is detected, and reduces the drain on the on-site power source by effectively eliminating 240 volt loads such as an electric water heater or stove. This load reduction accomplished by shifting the phase of 120 volt AC power that is applied to a user line by approximately 180°, so that the potential difference between this user line and another user line that receives 120 volt AC power is reduced from 240 volts AC to a small value. Power can still be received by 120 volt loads from the two user lines and a further, neutral, user line. A load reduction system in accordance with the present invention may also be employed with a portable generator, for example, to permit selective removal of 240 volt loads while the generator continues to power 120 volt loads.

Abstract: An electric power demand adjusting system restrains fluctuation in an incentive required for adjusting the demand for electric power or fluctuation in an electric power demand adjustment amount caused by an incentive. The system includes a central apparatus, a plurality of lower units, and computing machine systems of consumers, which are connected through the intermediary of a communication network. The computing machine system of the central apparatus has a device for projecting a demand, a device for determining the electric power demand adjustment amounts to be sent to the lower units on the basis of the projected demand and the information that includes the history data regarding the electric power demand adjustments of the plurality of the lower units, and a device for transmitting the determined electric power demand adjustment amounts to the plurality of lower units. The arrangement restrains the fluctuation in incentives required for adjusting the demand for electric power.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) having n circuit portions (120a, 120b, . . . , 120n) each connected to a supply rail (102) through respective coupling elements (110a, 110b, . . . , 110n) is arranged for gradual self-timed powerup/powerdown of the n circuit portions (120a, 120b, . . . , 120n) under control of control circuit (240a, . . . , 240n−1) to prevent the occurrence of power surges during the powerup of the device (100). When the first circuit portion (120a) has sufficiently been powered up through supply rail (102) and the first coupling element (110a), control circuit (240a) switches second coupling element (110b) to a conductive state, thereby enabling the powerup of second circuit portion (120b). In a similar fashion, the electronic device (100) can be powered down in a gradual self-timed manner through coupling elements (112a, 112b, . . . , 112n), which respectively connect circuit portions (120a, 120b, . . . , 120n) to a further supply rail (104).

Abstract: A device for controlling a power distribution to subsystems which has a power input to be connected to a power source, a primary power output to be connected to a primary device, at least one secondary power output to be connected to at least one secondary device; sensing unit for sensing when a current level falls below a threshold in response to the primary device being turned off and when the level current raises above a threshold in response to the primary device being turned on; and executing unit operatively connected with the sensing unit and operative for interrupting a power supply to the at least one secondary device when the sensing unit sense the current level below the threshold and supplying power to the at least one secondary device when the sensing unit sense the current level above the threshold corresepondingly.

Abstract: A system for actuating electric functional elements comprising at least two physically separated actuating modules is provided. A defined electric function may be selectively triggered by any of the actuating modules. Each actuating module may have an electric actuating element for triggering the electric function and both actuating elements for triggering the electric function are connected parallel to each other. One electric subassembly may be connected in parallel to both actuating elements, whereby the subassembly is used to produce a characteristic electric code for the electric function which is to be triggered. A line controlled sensor circuit can thus be produced without any sensor prioritization.

Abstract: A power management system and associated method therefore includes a plurality of local wireless energy control units at remote sites for controlling power delivery to customer loads, and a central station with a wireless transmitter for broadcasting commands to the wireless energy control units. The wireless energy control units each comprise a bank of switches for controlling power delivery to electrical loads at each local site. The controllable switches preferably have a deformable bimetal member controlled by a heated coil for engaging and disengaging electrical contacts. Each wireless energy control unit is capable of being pre-configured so as to specify the order or priority in which electrical loads are disengaged, in response to commands to reduce power consumption received from the central station. The central station may issue power reduction commands according to different priority levels or alert stages.

Abstract: A computer system is adapted for dynamic replacement of a hot swap controller card. The computer system includes a circuit board, with the computer system comprising a first slot and a second slot coupled to the circuit board. The first slot includes a first connector and the second slot includes a second connector. The first and second connectors each have a column and row arrangement of connector-pins, with the first connector including first, second and third connector-pins and the second connector including fourth, fifth and sixth connector-pins. First, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth signal lines are connected to the first through sixth connector-pins, respectively. A primary hot swap controller has a first means for simultaneously turning on/off a first plurality of switches, a second means for driving signal lines connected to the first, second, fourth, and fifth connector-pins, and a third means for storing a status information of the signal lines.

Abstract: A power delivery control system includes a main receptacle and a plurality of secondary receptacles. Each receptacle is provided with a conductive member which is connected with a power source line via a respective one of a plurality of electrically-controlled switches. The power source line is connected to a power source. The electrically controlled switches are connected with a control unit for receiving an external electronic signal to bring about a control signal for controlling the electrically-controlled switches which in turn control the power supply between the power source line and the conductive members of the secondary receptacles.

Abstract: A device for controlling a power distribution to subsystems which has a power input to be connected to a power source, a primary power output to be connected to a primary device, at least one secondary power output to be connected to at least one secondary device; sensing unit for sensing when a current level falls below a threshold in response to the primary device being turned off and when the level current raises above a threshold in response to the primary device being turned on; and executing unit operatively connected with the sensing unit and operative for interrupting a power supply to the at least one secondary device when the sensing unit sense the current level below the threshold and supplying power to the at least one secondary device when the sensing unit sense the current level above the threshold correspondingly; and means for limiting voltage across said sensing means so as to limit heat produced by said sensing means but at the same time to allow tripping of said sensing means.

Abstract: In order to prevent the retrieval of data via the measurement of the power consumption in a data carrier provided with a data processing device, it is proposed to connect a load circuit to the power supply of the data carrier so as to influence the power consumption of the data carrier at least during security-relevant operations of the data processing device.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a power distribution to devices has a power inlet to be connected to a power source, a primary power outlet to be connected to a primary device, at least one secondary power outlet to be connected to at least one secondary device, a sensing unit for sensing when a current level falls below a threshold in response to the primary device being turned off and when the current level raises above a threshold in response to the primary device being turned on, and an executing unit operatively connected with the sensing unit and operative for interrupting a power supply to the at least one secondary power outlet when the sensing means sense the current level below the threshold and supplying power to the at least one secondary power outlet when the sensing means sense the current level above the threshold correspondingly, the sensing unit being formed as a high frequency current sensing coil.

Abstract: A system provides to respective appliances information relating to the total power consumption and, as appropriate, other information relating to the operating conditions of the other appliances and/or environmental conditions. The respective appliances process the information individually, to determine if they should alter their current levels of power consumption.

Abstract: In a power supply system supplying several loads (10, 11, 12) using a joint power bus (LB) and connecting electronic control units (&mgr;C) with each other and the loads by means of a control bus (CAN) for digital information and control data, a measuring resistor (21) connected in series with the power bus measures the total current of the loads connected, measurement information is transferred on the control bus (CAN), and the differential current resulting from a switching process is evaluated by the control system. The measuring resistor (21) comprising a metal alloy is integrated with a semiconductor chip with heat conducting connection directly or via a printed circuit board (PCB), which contains the whole evaluation and transmission electronics, into a small, compact current measuring module.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device has an output circuit composed of a P-channel transistor whose source is connected to a terminal for receiving a supplied voltage and an N-channel transistor whose source is connected to a terminal for receiving a ground voltage, with the node between the drains of the two transistors used as the output terminal of the output circuit. A capacitive circuit element is connected between the sources of the two transistors, and thus in parallel with the output circuit, so as to suppress variations that occur in the current supplied from the supplied power as a result of a current being fed through the output circuit to or from a load connected to the output terminal. This helps keep constant the voltage that is supplied to an internal circuit that is connected in parallel with the output circuit, and thereby stabilize the operation of the internal circuit.

Abstract: A method for controlling an emergency power supply of at least two power loads, includes steps of: assigning an energy storage device of the power supply to one of the at least two power loads; and after a failure of a power source for a predetermined autarchy time period, using the energy storage device to ensure that power is supplied to the one of the at least two power loads; and after an occurrence of at least one predetermined condition, using residual energy present in the energy storage device to supply power to another one of the at least two power loads. Preferably a firing device of a vehicle occupant protection system is used as one of the power loads.

Abstract: An improved circuit and device uses a set of eight switches, four of which are connected to the positive terminal, and four of which are connected to the negative terminal of a high voltage direct current power supply. The eight switches are attached in a distributed and overlapping manner to the inputs of up to six welding transformers. Pulse width modulation is utilized to distributively control power to the six welding transformers utilizing distributed control by a single controller. Phasing of the pulse width modulated power signal enables further optimization of the distributed control and is accomplished by a single controller and based upon feedback demand from the transformers utilizing typical measured parameters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a timed electrical outlet strip or timed power supply. An outlet bar unit has a plurality of plug opening sets or receptacles for receiving a plug-in portion of an electrical plug-in component. Power is uniquely supplied to the outlet bar through a controller unit. The control unit has its own control power component. The power supply is time controlled to provide a clearly displayed and easily set time period when the outlet bar is activated. A clock is set to display real-time and to provide a reference signal for setting the activation period of the outlet strip. Activation times can be accurately set to the nearest minute or less. Times are display in the conventional twelve hour increments and time set portions may include different colors for the morning (AM) hours compared with the afternoon (PM) hours. Overload protection and an on-off switch is also provided. A continuous power supply is provided by setting the activation period equal to zero.

Abstract: A “Sky Charger Node” or “Node” that contains programmed instructions and/or “intelligence” for monitoring communication traffic on a communications network such that appropriate reactions to commands received over the communications network occurs. The “Nodes” also broadcast commands and status information to the network for the purpose of being monitored and/or responded to by other “Nodes” on the network. The “Nodes” provide a way to monitor, control, provide information to or from, or react to, information provided by way of “Sky Charger” network(s).

Abstract: An AC sequencer receives source AC voltage via a sequence-mounted universally accepted connector, such as an IEC 309 compatible connector. Source AC is coupled by an AC connector plug and AC power cord from a wall socket to the AC sequencer via a mating connector. Although specifications for the AC power cord and AC connector will vary from country to country, the same AC sequencer may be used in many countries. Further, the AC sequencer receives control and status signals via sequencer-mounted universally accepted connectors, and can respond to signals that may be voltage-sourced, current-sourced, in addition to signals representing switch openings and closures. This permits a master server AC sequencer to be intelligently daisy-chained to remote slave units containing a similar AC sequencer, such that status information may be received from and control signals sent to the slave unit.

Abstract: A wireless transmitter associated with a switched electrical connection and a receiver therefor, adapted for connection in an electrical path between the source of power and a load, enables the load to be controlled by the switch originally used to control the switched electrical connection. The communication between the transmitter and receiver may be realized only when power is applied or removed from the switched connection, or, alternatively, this communication may be carried out on a per-cycle basis, enabling a phase-delay type of control over the relocated load, including dimming of the relocated load without requiring modification to a previously installed dimmer switch. The signal radiated by the transmitter may be of acoustic or electromagnetic origin, though IR transmissions are used in the preferred embodiment.