Abstract: A reactance (capacitive and/or inductive) module that may be connected to an electrical power system of a real estate property such as a residential or commercial property. If the electrical power system has a net reactance power that is degrading a power factor of the electrical power system, the reactance module may compensate at least in part for this net reactance power by turning on and off various reactance banks. For instance, net inductance can be compensated for by turning capacitive banks on and off An external monitoring entity may receive remote communications from the reactive bank, allowing the external entity to track energy savings, energy credits, and perhaps even control the reactance module to improve power factor.

Abstract: The harvesting of energy credits due to the transformation of a real estate property. The transformation results in improved energy usage of the real estate property, resulting in energy credits being earned by the owner of the real estate property. The energy credits are obtained by monitoring the power usage of the real estate property before the transformation, and after the transformation. An entity other than the owner of the real estate property facilitates the transformation by providing products or instructions that help make the transformation, or perhaps even by the entity taking at least partially responsibility for making the transformation. In consideration for the facilitation of the transformation, the entity receives at least a portion of the energy credits that result from the transformation.

Abstract: A system for distributing electronic information signals throughout a structure, particularly a residential dwelling, is disclosed. The system adapts a plurality of electronic information signals to be received by one or more information utilizing devices which are located throughout a structure. The system provides for adapting a multi-line telephone signal distribution hub for use with a one or two telephone lines allows the wiring for an internal telephone system to be installed immediately with a single telephone line interfaced to the multi-line telephone signal distribution hub while a control box and additional telephone lines from the telephone service utility can be readily connected at a later date. Further, the system distributes electronic signals within a room equipped for audio and video presentations and having a plurality of speaker connection locations for use in home theater applications, thus allowing home theater components to be easily and properly set up or changed.

Abstract: A system and method for retrofitting appliances for use with an appliance automation system and for augmenting and expanding the function of an existing appliance automation system. A universal transmitter is provided which can receive instructions from a central audio/visual controller or from any instruction issuing appliance automation controller. The universal transmitter is configured for use with a single appliance and can be used with any appliance having an infrared receiver to which it transmits infrared signals. Control signals, issued by a hand-held infrared transmitter or any appliance automation controller which is connected to the signal-carrying bus, direct the universal transmitter to transmit infrared signals to the appliance being controlled. The present invention also senses whether the appliance is in an on or off state and operates to prevent a power on command from being issued if the appliance is already on.

Abstract: A system for distributing electronic information signals throughout a structure, particularly a residential dwelling, which adapts a plurality of electronic information signals into a signal which can be received by one or more information utilizing devices which are located throughout a structure. In accordance with particular aspects of the present invention, an improved structure and method of installing a plurality of communication cables in a wall adjacent to an existing electrical box attached to a building member is provided. An apparatus for adapting a multi-line telephone signal distribution hub for use with a single telephone line, or two telephone lines, is also included which allows the wiring for an internal KSU/PBX telephone system to be installed immediately and a single telephone line readily interfaced with a multi-line telephone signal distribution hub while a KSU/PBX control box and additional telephone lines from the telephone service utility can be readily connected at a later date.