Abstract: A programmable electronic real-time load controller includes: a plurality of load control circuits, each being adapted to be interconnected with a load; a hardware clock; and a data processor for executing a set of program instructions stored in a program memory to effect real-time control of the load control circuits by comparing real-time information from the hardware clock with a time schedule stored in an event memory of the data processor. The time schedule is in the form of one or more control events and corresponding event times for each load, with each control event representing a period of time during each predetermined control interval subsequent to its corresponding event time that a load is to be on. In order to permit the controller to adapt the time schedule to varying environmental conditions, the controller is provided with additional components including a second program memory, at least one indoor temperature sensor, and an outdoor temperature sensor.

Abstract: A programmable electronic real-time load controller includes: a plurality of load control circuits, each being adapted to be interconnected with a load; a hardware clock; and, a programmed data processor for responding to real-time information from the hardware clock to effect control of the status of each load control circuit in accordance with a predetermined time schedule that has been entered into the data processor. The data processor includes: a CPU; a program memory; an event memory; and a plurality of ports which permit a plurality of devices, including a keyboard, a plurality of displays, and the hardware clock, to interchange information with the data processor. The event memory includes a plurality of event memory locations for storing one or more control events and corresponding event times for each load.