Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a system and method for using pre-established sub-networks within a larger network to improve the efficiency of transmitting media. Specifically, the current invention eliminates the need to re transmit a particular medium from its source to a sub-network. In using pre-established sub-networks, the present invention avoids the capital outlay that would be necessary to set up an infrastructure for new sub-networks.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which allows for power amplification of an input signal using power amplification combined by changing the center frequency with an up-converter to shift a baseband signal to a signal at a carrier frequency in the same process. This then provides a digital implementation that is power efficient and has little or no linearity issue-technology suitable for a silicon chip and broadband operation. In one embodiment, each input sample is replaced with a number of sub-samples within the same sample interval, the total weight of the sub-samples being equal to the replaced sample. This sample to sub-samples process alters the frequency response of the sampled signal and reduces the amplitude dynamic range of the load driver, thereby simplifying the filter requirements for digital to analog conversion while reducing linearity requirement of the load driver. This process can be implemented by digital circuits which results in broadband operation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods which permit a light switch or other control device to operate as a communications device as well as a switch. The light switch or other control device is mounted or otherwise attached to a wail and is capable of operating alternatively in, or in coordination with, at least two separate modes. The first mode is typically a power control mode and the second mode is a communications mode. In the power control mode the light switch can operate singularly or call communicate through a remote controller with a light or electrical outlet to turn on/off the light or outlet. In the communications mode the user speaks into the switch and receives responses at the switch. The transmission of this device communication is handled internal to the switch or by the remote controller.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which a utility control device is designed to anticipate the needs of user's and to conform to those anticipated needs. In one embodiment, the device senses the presence of a particular user and conforms its operation to operate in accordance with a pre-established user profile. The device can anticipate the user by directly sensing the user, such as by weight biometrics, size, voice recognition, electronic key tag, and the like or by time or location. The pre-established profile can, for example, be user programmed or can be based on previous actions taken by the user under the came conditions. In another embodiment, the user carries, in addition to his/her identity profile, the user's preferences in accessible electronic form to allow the utility control device to assemble a customized response without requiring a pre-established user profile.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to using a gateway, through which a user uses a communication device such as a computer to access a network, to strip data from communications to the user from the network. The present invention also adds new data to the communication to the user from the network based on the demographics of the user. The demographics of the user may be accessed by or stored on the gateway thus avoiding the security issues of having said demographics being on the network.

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. In one embodiment, a “shell” is inserted into a common utility box. The shell would then be wired to the building wiring on the “back-side” of the shell and when the shell is installed within the utility box the wiring is sandwiched inside the box and behind the shell and therefore not easily seen. A standard socket is positioned within the shell and provides a quick no-wiring required connection to the mating terminals on the actual device, for example a light-switch, or plug, or thermostat, or any other device normally installed and wired as a permanent fixture. 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: Utility control devices can, without the necessity for a common controller, be linked together to perform operations, control and/or messaging in unison. In one embodiment, all of the devices that are selected to perform a function based on the operation of a selected one of the devices are tagged and the selected controlling device (called herein the master device) then teaches the other devices to follow the lead of the master device for at least one operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and managing high-availability power infrastructures with flexible load prioritization are described. In one embodiment, a system comprises a switch control and monitoring center that monitors and controls a distributed array of remotely controllable switches to optimize power distribution in a high-availability infrastructure according to priority levels. The high-availability comprises an electric battery storage and/or auxiliary generation equipment. In another embodiment a software package performs power quality analysis, ranking, and optimization, thus enabling the assessment of overall local and grid power demand trends. Load priority adjustments may be made in real-time.

Abstract: A multiple-access contention-free environment is disclosed for a local area network without using centralized control and without using information contained in the data. Data collisions are eliminated by buffering data from connected devices when the bus (or other common transportation media) is not available for immediate use. In one embodiment, the buffering is controlled by hubs that can accept information or hold it up for a period of time until the buffer clears. Buffer fullness can be used, if desired, as a measure as to which buffer to draw from first. When buffers are full, signals are sent to the stations to reduce their access to the network on a temporary basis.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide a scheduled media access control (MAC) architecture are shown. Scheduled MAC architectures provided according to embodiments result in a one function-at-a-time approach, wherein stations are provided parallel process media access. A communication framework is established for communication among stations, wherein the communication framework preferably defines how to request to access, how to send data frames, and/or how to terminate a session in terms of functional intervals. The functional intervals are preferably arranged in such a manner that the fairness, throughput efficiency, contention, traffic flow management, and latency are considered. A super frame structure is preferably defined from the various functional intervals. The scheduled MAC architecture could co-exist with other MAC protocols such as those based on carrier sensor multiple access schemes.

Abstract: An electric power load management system and method that uses a multiplicity of remote power supplies in a controlled manner such that the aggregate system has the capacity to offset critical power company peak electric demand periods thereby preventing severe and detrimental power shortages and interruptions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which allows each end-user (or a combined number of end-users) to set controls for each of the user's energy using systems at one or more premises. Each end-user, for each premise, then can determine, based on a digital copy of a holistic view of the premise, how it will manage the premises. In one embodiment, this system and method ties into a network of sensors which, in turn, is tied into a larger service network that controls the distribution system services throughout a wide area. In operation, in one embodiment, sensors associated with each system, appliance, or piece of equipment on a premise feeds data back to a main control unit serving that premise or the plurality of premises so as to form the digital copy.