Abstract: A universal device for saving the standby power consumption of a functional group of appliances that can be constituted equally well by a set of items of computer equipment or a set of items of audiovisual equipment. The device includes at least one control device for switching on the functional group that is exclusively dedicated to the device, parts for connection to the electricity network and parts for connection to at least one main controlled appliance.

Abstract: According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a device 1 for saving electric energy providing at least one override operating mode. With the invention it is possible to handle in a particularly optimized way the power supply of appliances such as for example video recorders, decoders, appliances comprising a rechargeable battery, computers, appliances entering the category of large or small electric domestic appliances. According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a configurable device, a system comprising such a device and a configuration method particularly suitable for allowing configuration by the general public of devices comprising at least one microprocessor and a non-volatile memory.

Abstract: The invention relates to a configurable device 1, a system comprising such a device and a configuration method particularly suitable for allowing configuration by the general public of devices comprising at least one microprocessor and a non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A universal system for recharging at least one portable appliance, the dedication of which is being capable from a device (4) of suiting any portable appliance version by means of at least one adapter (6) which may be specific in all or part of the relevant portable appliance. The invention, in its preferred alternative embodiments, allows simultaneous or sequential recharging of a plurality of portable appliances. With the invention it is further possible to save electric energy in a stand-by mode and the risks of fire and electrocution in the case of any dysfunction are reduced as compared with the solutions of the state of the art.

Abstract: The invention relates to device for receiving and exploiting satellite and/or terrestrial broadcasted signals in vehicles of all types and in buildings. A device according to the invention distributes locally the signals to terminals for use inside a vehicle or deep inside a building.

Abstract: Apparatus for combining powers coming from a plurality of I/O ports. Use of the apparatus to power electronic appliances that can require more power than can be delivered by a single I/O port, e.g. in order to charge more quickly energy storage means forming part of the portable electronic appliance connected to the apparatus.

Abstract: A universal device for saving the standby power consumption of a functional group of appliances that can be constituted equally well by a set of items of computer equipment or a set of items of audiovisual equipment. The device includes at least one control device for switching on the functional group that is exclusively dedicated to the device, parts for connection to the electricity network and parts for connection to at least one main controlled appliance.

Abstract: An automatic determination of an address suitable for a functional unit connected to other similar functional units via a bidirectional communication network. A field of possible addresses are scanned and a status request is transmitted for each address. In response to the request, if an answer is received, this means the address is already allocated, the address is incremented and the process is restarted. If no answer is received, then a second test is performed on the same address. If there is still no answer, meaning the address is available and not taken by another functional unit, the address is adopted.

Abstract: At each local data collection site, the local collection devices are arranged so as to identify and collect the data originating from acquisition devices, which data is transported on a first communication network serving the local site, and containing a local storage device for storing this data. The central site contains a device for transferring, via a second communication network, the data stored in each local site in the local collection device to the central monitoring and processing device, each data transfer being asynchronously initiated by the local collection device concerned at a moment in time or within a time interval which has been determined beforehand and communicated by the central monitoring and processing device.

Abstract: Systems (1) for remote data collection at an assembly of local sites (S1, S2, SN, SL) towards a central site (SC), comprising a central control and processing unit (6, 7), each local site (SC) comprising local data collection devices (D1, D2, DN, 10). In each local site (S1, S2, SN, SL), the local data collection devices (D1, D2, DN, 10) are arranged to identify and collect the data moving in a telecommunication line (L1, L2, LN, 9) and data emitted by external control and processing equipment (P1, P2) and comprise local memories (MR) to store these data. The central site (SC) is arranged to transfer via the telephone network (2) the stored data so as to be processed by the central control and processing unit (6, 7). Use for the collection and processing of data for statistical purpose, particularly in the field of pharmacological distribution.

Abstract: At one stage of an organization process for a home network, an electrical equipment waits for the designation of another remote electrical equipment in the same network. The waiting equipment transmits a designation request via the network. The electrical equipments affected by the request make their presence known, to an operator, in particular by flashing their indicator lamps. The operator designates one of the equipments by acting on any control of this object. The designated equipment transmits an answer message, which is accepted by the equipment initiating the designation request. The actions on the part of the operator create and organize a home network which is user friendly and simple to set up.

Abstract: Method for managing electric power in a network (R) to which are connected, on the one hand, appliances capable of 2-way communication with each other, each appliance consisting of a power subassembly and a control subassembly and, on the other hand, a so-called power manager unit designed to manage load shedding and reconnection functions exclusively affecting the said power subassemblies of each appliance with each disconnectable appliance being disconnected a priori.Any request for significant electric power made by a disconnected appliance results in a transaction between the said appliance and the power manager during which the said requesting disconnected appliances supplies the said power manager with information of a quantitative and qualitative nature concerning the power requested and on completion of which the said power manager authorizes or does not authorize reconnection of the power subassembly of the said requesting appliance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method allowing the management of electric power on the basis of the tariff schedules in force in a network (20) within a dwelling. The method according to the invention is based on communication which is established automatically between domestic appliances (201-205, 207, 210) and a so-called electric power manager unit (211) of which the task is, in particular, to coordinate the management of tariff schedules. The method makes it possible to slave the operation of appliances (201-205, 207, 210) to the tariff status in force which is known to the manager (211) by means of a link with an electricity meter (200) fitted in the network (20).