Abstract: A device monitors an appliance that receives power from a source. The device includes a first coupler that couples the device to the power source. A second coupler couples the device to the appliance. A monitoring circuit is connected to the first coupler and the second coupler to monitor power supplied by the source to the appliance. A communications circuit also is provided. The monitoring circuit provides data based on the monitored power to the communications circuit for output to the first coupler. The communications circuit may include a receiver that receives a signal from the first coupler to control the monitoring circuit. The communications circuit also may include a transceiver that receives a signal from the first coupler to control the monitoring circuit and to transmit monitored power data.

Abstract: A unit is attached to a refrigeration appliance, such as a freezer, or refrigerator, to alert the user of a sensed condition within the appliance that food spoilage may occur. The unit can monitor temperature within the compartment and determine how long until food spoilage occurs. The unit also can alert a user, monitoring service, or call a repairperson. The unit may be retrofit into existing appliances.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a home marketing system may include an appliance, a communications network connected to the appliance, a processor connected to the communications network for monitoring appliance data signals, and a service provider. The service provider may provide a service based on the monitored data appliance signals. The service provided may be information about the appliance, maintenance of the appliance, or an extended warranty for the appliance.

Abstract: A unit is attached to a refrigeration appliance, such as a freezer, or refrigerator, to alert the user of a sensed condition within the appliance that food spoilage may occur. The unit can monitor temperature within the compartment and determine how long until food spoilage occurs. The unit also can alert a user, monitoring service, or call a repairperson. The unit may be retrofit into existing appliances.

Abstract: A wireless damper include a register, a controller regulating the amount of air flow provided by the register, and a radio frequency communications circuit. The radio frequency communications circuit provides a signal to the controller to adjust the air flow. A register regulation mechanism opens and closes the register in response to a signal from the controller to regulate air flow through the damper. The register regulation mechanism can be a variable switch, that adjusts the amount of air flow through the damper or a magnetic latch. A battery supplies power to the controller, the register regulation mechanism, and the radio frequency communications circuit.

Abstract: A device monitors an appliance that receives power from a source. The device includes a first coupler that couples the device to the power source. A second coupler couples the device to the appliance. A monitoring circuit is connected to the first coupler and the second coupler to monitor power supplied by the source to the appliance. A communications circuit also is provided. The monitoring circuit provides data based on the monitored power to the communications circuit for output to the first coupler. The communications circuit may include a receiver that receives a signal from the first coupler to control the monitoring circuit. The communications circuit also may include a transceiver that receives a signal from the first coupler to control the monitoring circuit and to transmit monitored power data.