Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which includes a new optimization algorithm that not only optimizes the given system but provides sensitivity factors that provide the effect of changes in the system and how the changes are going to affect the overall performance of the system.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to using utility outlets as remote control repeaters. Using utility outlets as remote control repeaters extends the coverage distance of the remote controller. Additionally, using the utility outlets as repeaters avoids interferences such as walls in premises.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to using utility outlets as wireless hubs within a premise so as to avoid the use of stand-alone wireless access points. Using utility outlets as wireless hubs requires the use of less cables and enhances security of wireless communication in a premises.

Abstract: A utility control device, such as a light socket, a switch or a plug socket, is designed with universal terminals so that when plugged into a pre-wired utility box (box socket), the terminals will make the proper electrical connections with the premises wiring. Systems and methods are disclosed for arranging the premises power grid such that any device type can be “plugged” into the shells that are pre-wired inside the utility box.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide communications to a subscriber level of a network using a hybrid communication network. Preferred embodiments of a hybrid communication network of the present invention provide communications using both fiber media and electrically conductive media. Preferred embodiments of the present invention bring fiber optic cables to a point just beyond the last transformer before a subscriber in the power grid. At a point on the subscriber side of the last transformer, e.g., a low voltage subscriber distribution point transformer, the communication signal is preferably coupled from the fiber optic cable of the preferred embodiment to the power transmission line.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which allows a user to renew, expand, or reduce a utility device by changing, adding, or subtracting only the module that needs to be renewed, added, or removed as opposed to replacing the entire device. In one embodiment, the device is constructed in modular format such that the user need only replace the module portion of the device that has expired (or been used) instead of being required to replace the entire device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which allows a user to mount a utility function monitoring element in a location where the monitoring element can detect a desired stimulus, even when the mounting location is remote from an access point to the premises infrastructure wiring. In one embodiment, the monitoring element is registered with a control device mounted within a particular utility box. In such a situation, the monitoring element communicates with the utility box control device either wirelessly or via the premises electrical wiring.

Abstract: A surveillance system can be designed to take advantage of the disruption of the electromagnetic propagation (EMP) of the radio waves as they propagate through a spatial volume from a transmitter to a receiver. This disruption is well-known in the RF field and is usually removed from becoming a problem in any bidirectional transmission by a variety of sophisticated techniques. Advantage is taken of the fact that the presence and/or movement of objects within the range of the transmission has some effect on the resultant reception. Thus, the disruption of the EMP between two points can be used to provide surveillance information over a wide area. In one embodiment, radios are used that can detect and adapt to changes in the EMP medium and thus are able to adapt to changing circumstances in real-time.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a utility device faceplate that allows a user to change its orientation with respect to the user. In one embodiment, the orientation is a swivel up, down or from side to side so as to present the front surface of the faceplate substantially perpendicular to the user regardless of the orientation of the device or the wall that contains the utility box it is mounted within. In another embodiment, the faceplate can be removed and viewed and/or operated from a location remote from the physical location of the utility device to which it pertains. In one embodiment, the faceplate anticipates the user's position and adjusts itself to accommodate the user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which allows a display to have a dimension significantly greater than the actual dimension of the matching utility box or traditional utility box device faceplate. Thus, by making the size of the faceplate independent from the size of the matching utility box or traditional utility box faceplate, larger displays are possible which allows for larger size lettering and pictures and also allows for increased electronics within the display itself. In one embodiment, faceplate displays having double, triple or even quad-gang size can be positioned over a single-gang utility box thereby increasing the space for electronics as well as increasing the amount of (or size of) displayable material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a power grid by controlling individual power outlets with respect to a premises. The outlets are each assigned a priority level and when management is necessary, the system operates to activate/deactivate the outlets by changing the priority level. The outlets then each respond according to their individual programming. In one embodiment, certain devices, or certain outlets in a chain of outlets, may remain activated under control of auxiliary power even when the outlet is deactivated. In one embodiment, the auxiliary power is common to a group of devices.

Abstract: A utility control device, such as a light socket, a switch or a plug socket, is designed with universal terminals so that when plugged into a pre-wired utility box (box socket), the terminals will make the proper electrical connections with the premises wiring. Systems and methods are disclosed for arranging the premises power grid such that any device type can be “plugged” into the shells that are pre-wired inside the utility box.

Abstract: System and methods in which endpoint control devices, such as, for example, switches and wall sockets, are arranged to monitor the power used by the controlled load as well as the power-factor of the load. In one embodiment, the monitored power and power-factor of a controlled device is fed back to a central point within the premises and then sent on to a more global monitoring point. In one embodiment, the endpoint device can send power parameter data to another location and receive instructions as to maximum allowable loads for a given power parameter or power-factor.

Abstract: Systems and methods in which utility outlets present images of a premises to the occupant of the premises. The images are presented to the occupant when there is an alarm condition. The images provided by the utility outlets are easily accessible to the occupant of the premises because utility outlets are pervasive in most buildings.

Abstract: Utility outlets that function as a security system in a premises is disclosed. Utility outlets that function as a security system reduces the number of devices that need to be installed in a premises, thereby by reducing overall costs in installing a security system. Additionally, using utility outlets as a security system allows the security system to encompass the movement of electrical devices or the operation of electrical devices as security breach conditions.

Abstract: Utility outlets such as light switches, power sockets and permanently mounted light sockets for detecting, measuring and reporting user parameters and/or media based activity in a premises. System and methods for measuring media activity in a premises using utility outlets.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods that are capable of dynamically indicating emergency evacuation routes in a premises. In the premises, utility outlets such as electrical sockets and light switches are used to indicate, visually and/or audibly, an evacuation route. The use of utility outlets to indicate the evacuation routes takes advantage of devices that must be installed in virtually all buildings at predictable locations.