Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an electrically “closed” method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data signals over a high voltage power line. Inductive coupling is employed for coupling and decoupling the data signal directly on to and off of a single power line wire. An exemplary device includes a high frequency inductive coupling toroid for data signals, a second (50-60 Hz) inductive coupling toroid for providing power, signal conditioning electronics for the receive and transmit signal, a fiber optics interface for electrical isolation purposes, and a weather-proof enclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the toroids are hinged for ease of installation on a power line. A pair of such couplings on either side of a fiber-optic isolator can be used to bridge transformers.

Abstract: A power line modem interface includes a modem that modulates an RF signal with digital data and demodulates an RF signal to recover digital data. A filter is connected to the modem and to a DC power line that supplies power to a local power supply. The filter couples the RF signals from the modem to the DC power line and filters the RF signals out of the local power supply. The filter includes: a first inductance connected to a hot side of the DC power line; a second inductance connected in series with the first inductance and connected to the local power supply; and a capacitance with a first plate connected between the first inductance and the second inductance and a second plate connected to the modem so that the RF signal is passed between the modem and the DC power line.

Abstract: A portable electronic device connected to a network for receiving electrical power from the network. The portable electronic device includes a circuit for detectingand receiving electrical power over the network, and a power converter electrically connected to the circuit for receiving the electrical power from the circuit, converting the received electrical power such that converted electrical power has power characteristics compatible with the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A method for concurrently communicating over each phase of an electrical power distribution network (N). A first outbound signal (SO1) is transmitted over one phase (AN-A) of a bus (S) by an outbound modulation unit. The unit is released as soon as the first outbound signal (SO1) is transmitted so the unit can transmit a second outbound signal (SO2) over a second phase (BN-B or CN-C) of the bus. The second outbound signal is transmitted concurrently with an inbound signal (IB1) sent in response to the first outbound signal (SO1). The unit is again released, as soon as the second outbound signal (SO2) is transmitted, so the unit can transmit a third outbound signal (SO3) over the third phase (BN-B or CN-C) of the bus. This third outbound signal is transmitted concurrently with a second inbound signal (IB2) sent in response to the second outbound signal (SO2). The method allows concurrent communications over all three phases of the network (N).

Abstract: A power line communication device for a vehicle is provided with an internal electronic control unit connected to a connection point on a power line, which communicates with an external electronic control unit by a communication signal superimposed on a supply voltage applied to the power line, and an impedance element inserted between the connection point and an external load. The impedance element suppresses attenuation of the communication signal.

Abstract: A dimmer control system has a communication control loop that connects a master unit in series with a plurality of remote units, and it is superimposed in series on the dimmer load line so as to allow two-way communication between the master unit and remote units without affecting the operation of the load. Communications from the master to the remote units are encoded in loop current fluctuations, whereas communications from any remote to the master unit are encoded in loop voltage fluctuations. The master unit has a switched power supply, for use during normal LOAD ON operation, in tandem with a capacitive power supply, for use during LOAD OFF operation of the control units so as to minimize hum. The master unit power supply circuit provides an output rail voltage comprised of a reference voltage for the load superimposed with a control loop voltage for the voltage drop across the series-connected remote units.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying a three-phase power distribution network in a building in order to provide data communication by using a Power Line Carrier (PLC) signal to an approximate electrical central location point of Wye-connected and Delta connected power distribution system remote from the data entry point of the building. A passive coupler device is attached to a centrally located service panel. The passive coupler receives the Power Line Carrier (PLC) signal from the remote entry point in the building and conditions the signal for entry at the service panel onto each phase of the three phase power distribution network.

Abstract: Capacitive couplers and methods for communicating data over an electrical power delivery system are disclosed. A device for coupling a signal onto a conductor of an electrical power delivery system includes a conductive member having a length of at least six inches but less than 200 feet and a data signal generator connected to the conductive member for supplying a data signal to the conductive member. The conductive member is adapted to capacitively couple the data signal onto the conductor. The conductive member may comprise an outer layer of a coaxial cable wherein an inner conductor of the coaxial cable is adapted to be connected to the conductor of the electrical power delivery system. The conductor may comprise a grounding wire of a surge arrester wherein the conductive member comprises a conductive medium adapted to be wrapped around the grounding wire. A method of installing a device for capacitively coupling a signal onto a conductor of an electrical power delivery system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Power supply current, sufficient to power a remote network device, is transmitted concurrently with a network data signal over a transmission line. A power-sourcing network device that can include a coupling circuit provides power and data to the remote network device. The coupling circuit can also be included in a stand-alone device. The remote network device (which can be a wireless access point) can separate the power signal from the data signal and use the power supply current to further process or retransmit the data signal. The power signal may be a low frequency relative to the frequency of the data signal, or it may be DC.

Abstract: A method for time reference compensation in a power metering system, the method comprising monitoring a time-dependent characteristic of incoming AC power over a predetermined local time interval, comparing the monitored characteristic over the predetermined local time interval with the expected value of the characteristic based upon the nominal frequency of the AC power, and calculating a correction to one or more of local real-time and time-based measurements of the power metering system, based on the comparing.

Abstract: To provide a phase detector circuit that prevents a significant loss of lock during input of CIDs (Consecutive Identical Digits) and have a high linearity of a phase to voltage conversion characteristic around phase-locked point in an operation of comparing phases of random NRZ signals in a phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmitter of an analog order over an A.C. supply line meant for a load, including a one-way conduction element in parallel with a resistive element having a value that is a function of the analog order to be transmitted.

Abstract: An Apparatus for extracting communications signals from power lines, which lines are arranged such that leakage of signals occurs between them. The apparatus receives a signal from each of at least two of lines (blue, red, yellow) and combines the received signals so as to increase the ratio of wanted signal to interference plus noise S/(1+N). Preferably the combining is achieved by weights WB, WR, WY and a summer. The weights phase shift and scale the received signals in amplitude. The apparatus can also be used for transmitting in the downstream direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a signal connection installation including a signal connection device connected to a power fuse holder, in which the power fuse holder holds a power fuse cartridge which carries a supply of mains electrical power in use and in which a conductive component of the signal connection device makes electrical contact with a conductive component of the power fuse cartridge wherein the signal connection device is releasably secured to the fuse holder and the signal connection device includes a signal path interconnecting the mains supply and a communication signal connection, which signal path includes a filter which presents a low impedance to communication signals and a high impedance to mains electricity.

Abstract: This invention discloses an optical resonator (24) including at least one spiral optical element (44) operative to change the angular phase distribution of modes in the optical resonator (24), thereby to generally eliminate undesirable modes.

Abstract: A circuit and a method are disclosed for a power start-up reset circuit which is self-timing and which can be fully integrated in a standard CMOS or BiCMOS process along with other digital circuits. The circuit provides a system reset signal which is issued only after all circuit have stabilized by making the issuance of this system reset signal dependent on an oscillator becoming stable and a subsequent count of a fixed number of system clock cycles derived from that oscillator.

Abstract: Power line coupling circuits and adapters for coupling carrier frequency current signals between power lines. The coupling circuits can be arranged between outlets on different power lines, either single-phase or three-phase, within a building and power distribution systems in different buildings. The adapters are arranged to contain the coupling circuits.

Abstract: Communications signals are transmitted over a power distribution network. A plurality of communications stations which are coupled to the power lines are served by a base station. Communications signals are coupled between the base station and the distribution network, and the flow of the communications signals is controlled according to the station that it is desired to communicate with by preferentially transmitting along or receiving from a power line to which the desired communications station is coupled. The base station can be coupled to each of the power lines or to the busbars at a distribution station.

Abstract: A system that monitors and controls electrical power consumption that will be retrofitted to a typical consumer electrical power arrangement (typical arrangement-electrical feed line from a provider, a meter, a circuit breaker and individual input wiring to a plurality of electrical devices, appliances and outlets). The system includes a control unit which receives information from an electromagnetic pickup device from which real time electrical consumption is determined over very short periods of time. The control unit has a main data processing and storage processor for retaining information and it may include a communication microprocessor for sending signals to corresponding modules. The electromagnetic pickup device uniquely measures the electromagnetic flux emanating at each output wire from each of the individual circuit breakers in a breaker box. The modules have filters which release electrical power to the individual electrical devices, appliances and outlets at a controlled, economic rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing power line communication signal attenuation is disclosed. This apparatus provides for reduction of power line communication signal attenuation by balancing reactance between chosen circuit elements and the typical impedances found in a house, structure, or similar entity. The present invention uses a series resonant circuitry to couple the communication signal to the power line. The inductance in the series resonant circuitry is chosen to compensate for the de-tuning effect of the typical power line to which it's coupled in the communication system.

Abstract: A universal phase-controlled reversible power converter having one transformer with multiple windings couples a d.c. voltage to an associated transformer winding through a fixed port having controllable switches; and further simultaneously couples any number of a.c., d.c., combination a.c. and d.c. or stochastic voltages, each to an associated transformer winding and each through an associated variable port having a filter with an inductor and controllable switches. All couplings, transpiring in any number of relatively independent ports, are to an equal duty cycle substantially constant amplitude square wave within the transformer's windings. Any number of relatively independent open-loop transfer functions, or closed feedback control loops, may be simultaneously active (i) to control switching in variable ports so as to continuously couple power regardless of its waveform or distortion, or regardless of variations in waveform or distortion even so far as changes between a.c. and d.c.

Abstract: Self-pumped phase conjugation is achieved for optical beams with very short pulse durations by a transient energy transfer mechanism. A probe beam is transmitted through a non-linear optical medium, generating a noise beam from the medium. The probe and noise beams are directed along equal time duration paths, preferably contra-directional to each other, back into the non-linear medium where they mix with each other. The peak probe pulse is thus mixed with the peak noise pulse to optimize gain. The thickness and optical coupling coefficient of the non-linear medium, and the angle between the returned probe and noise beams, are selected to produce a noise beam gain which is sufficient to generate a phase conjugate of the input probe beam.

Abstract: An inverter-type electronic fluorescent lamp ballast powers a fluorescent lamp with a sinusoidal current that is modified by insertion of a measured amount of properly phased third harmonic current, thereby attaining a lamp current crest factor that is substantially better than the 1.4 crest factor associated with a purely sinusoidally-shaped current.

Abstract: Waveforms are derived from each primary of a multi-phase electric distribution system, which derived waveforms include at least a carrier component. At least some of which derived waveforms include a signal component. The waveform of one of the primaries is adjusted in amplitude and phase so that the carrier components of the derived waveforms substantially cancel when the waveforms are summed together.

Abstract: A control device for an active filter according to the present invention comprises a ROM circuit for producing output signals sin .theta. and cos .theta. from a phase signal generated from a PLL circuit, a first multiplier for multiplying a load current detection signal by the output signals sin .theta. and cos .theta., a sample-holding circuit for integrating the output signal of the first multiplier and holding the integrated value to produce peak values of valid current component and invalid current component for constituting the basic wave component of the load current, a second multiplier for multiplying the peak values by the output signals sin .theta. and cos .theta., and a PWM control circuit for PWM-controlling the input current of the active filter with a harmonic current signal obtained as the difference between a basic wave current signal of the load current during a period of next one period of the single-phase a.c.

Abstract: A transmitter with controlled switches for use in a process for the generation of transmission current signals in an alternating current distribution network is connected to the supply network. When operated, this transmitter generates a series of current impulses. The moments in time of the generation of these current impulses and/or their duration are so chosen that the resulting transmission signal corresponds at least approximately to a desired theoretical signal. The transmitter contains at least two energy storages or energy storage devices and at least two switches for controlling the energy exchange between the two storages. These switches are so controlled that the exchange current flows through the mains, whereby the aforesaid current pulses are generated.It is thereby possible to use substantially only loss-free elements for the transmitter.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an asymmetrical bidirectional optical communication system of the type comprising a central station, a plurality of user stations, and a plurality of bidirectional optical transmission paths, one of which connects the central station and one of the user stations. The central station is provided with a laser for initiating in the optical transmission path the propagation at a wavelength in the 1100-1700 nm window of a single-mode signal. Each user station is provided with a light source which initiates in the optical transmission path the propagation at a wavelength in the 700-950 nm window of a few-mode signal. Each optical transmission path comprises an optical fiber having transmission characteristics such that the single-mode signal propagates with a total dispersion less than 5 ps/km-nm and the few mode signal propagates with a bandwidth greater than 1 GHz-km.

Abstract: An a-c drive having a plurality of parallel connected polyphase d-c link power converters is operated in currents and with the alternating output currents contributed by the respective power converters phase shifted by an amount which reduces selected harmonics in the composite output current.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement having a purely capacitive power supply, at least one power consumer, and a control element for causing power to be supplied to the power consumer. The power supply, the power consumer and the control element form a series circuit. The power consumer has a relay activated by a switching transistor, the switching transistor is connected to the control element. The purely capacitive power supply has a series capacitor for defining the current flow in the series circuit. The circuit arrangement may have a plurality of power consumers connected in series with each other and in series with the power supply and the control element.

Abstract: A method of proving safe operation of a complex electronic circuit, and apparatus for carrying out the method, in which a proving signal having known characteristics is superimposed on an input to the circuit and the output is searched for said characteristics. An example involves the use of a microprocessor arranged to evaluate a fast Fourier transform algorithm on the coded carrier signal of a railway automatic train protection system or of railway a.c. track circuit arrangement.

Abstract: An energy convertor for generating a power output waveform that contains a fundamental sine wave and a controlled amount of the third harmonic wave to eliminate the sinusoidal peaks and to provide a desired flat top at reduced amplitude. The synchronized generation of the third harmonic is achieved in combination with a new inductor that enhances the harmonic in the magnetic path around the inductor.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a load circuit coupled to an AC power distribution circuit includes an encoder which may be mounted in a wall switch box and coupled to a single conductor of the AC power distribution circuit for imposing thereon control signals by lengthening the zero crossings of the AC voltage. A decoder, also connected to the AC power distribution circuit at a remote location, detects the lengthened zero crossings and closes an electronic switch for energizing the load circuit. The encoder may be disconnected from the AC power distribution circuit, in which case the load circuit may be controlled by an external condition responsive device, such as a passive IR sensor. Visible light-responsive means may be provided for disabling the IR sensor during the day. The load circuit and the decoder can be turned off from the encoder location.

Abstract: To ensure the safe operation of an electronic circuit, for example an amplitude modulated carrier signal generator, an output of the circuit is analyzed to prove the presence of predetermined signal characteristics, for example the carrier signal, or a modulation frequency. The predetermined signal alternatively may be superimposed on an input to the electronic signal and proved subsequently to be present in the output. The output of the circuit is passed inhibited, according to whether or not the signal characteristics are proved present, by means of an output enable gate which is self-latching providing the output continues to be proved correct. A start-up circuit delays a possible inhibit for a limited period following initial power connection to the circuit in order that the output can become established.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting intelligence over a carrier wave are provided in which a signal wave form is indirectly added to a carrier wave to produce a composite wave having a recognizable pattern of variations in intervals that are defined by preselected locations in the composite wave. The pattern of variations in intervals resulting from the addition of the signal wave form to the carrier wave represents at least a portion of the intelligence to be transmitted over the carrier wave. The variations in intervals defined by the preselected locations in the carrier wave are detected and the detected interval variations are converted into a signal which has a characteristic that is a function of the recognizable pattern of interval variations. In the preferred embodiment, the intelligence is transmitted over an electric power distribution network utilizing the alternating voltage thereon as the carrier wave.

Abstract: A communications terminal for transmitting and receiving communication signals over a power line communications network and including an interface circuit for coupling the terminal to the power line of the network is disclosed. One embodiment of the network includes a transformer for coupling communication signals between the power line and terminal. The coupled communication signals are measured from the secondary of the transformer and used to govern an amplifier circuit which generates matched signals, representative of the measured communication signals. The matched signals are inverted in polarity at the output stage of the amplifier and applied to the secondary winding of the transformer to cancel substantially the electromagnetically coupled communication signals from the power line, thereby providing a high bridging impedance to the power line communication signals without impeding substantially the coupling of the terminal's own communication signals.

Abstract: A driver circuit for applying a first signal having a desired wave form, frequency and peak to peak voltage to a coaxial transmission line which also has applied to it a second signal having a substantially higher frequency. An operational amplifier has the first signal applied to its noninverting input terminal. The output of the operational amplifier is applied across the primary winding of a driver coupling transformer through an inductor which provides high impedance to the second signal. The voltages induced in the secondary winding of the driver transformer are applied to the transmission line. The primary winding of a feedback transformer is connected in parallel with the secondary winding of the driver transformer. The voltage induced in the secondary winding in the feedback transformer are applied by a feedback circuit including an R.C. filter to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier. The signal applied to the inverting input terminal includes both an A.C. component and a D.C.

Abstract: A solid state remote monitoring transmitter which transmits a 40 bit word that contains status information about a transformer via the secondary of a power distribution network to a central receiver associated with the primary (feeder) cable supplying the transformer. A program card specifies the carrier signal frequency and the identification of the transmitter. Multiple analog inputs are switched through a multiplexer to an A/D converter, the output of which is stored in a shift register to form the 40-bit word. The word is DPSK-coded by clock pulses in synchronism to the 60 Hz zero crossings of the AC power source and amplified by an unregulated power supply which is also powered by the AC power source. The phase transitions of th DPSK-coded word occur at the zero crossings diminishing any transients in the transmitter circuitry which would be caused by the phase transitions.

Abstract: An address discrimination channel and terminal selection channels are established in the low-noise region of a first one of two succeeding cycles of an alternating current carrier wave, whereas returning channels are established in the low-noise region of the second cycle of the same. A receiver inserts an address discrimination phase-pulse signal and a terminal selection phase-pulse signal, respectively, into the address discrimination channel and the terminal selection channels of the aforementioned first cycle. A terminal equipment inserts a returning phase-pulse signal into the returning channels of the aforementioned second cycle when it detects the address discrimination phase-pulse signal on the address discrimination channel, and the terminal selection phase-pulse signal having an address code coinciding with the address code of said terminal equipment on the terminal selection channels.

Abstract: A system transmits and receives control signals for various types of indoor devices using the existing power wiring in houses and buildings. The transmitter section of the power wiring transmission system is provided with a circuit in which the output of a sine wave oscillator is fed to an emitter-follower through a photocoupler and this output is then fed to the indoor power distribution line through a series resonance circuit after stepping down with a transformer; and the receiving section is provided with a circuit in which the signal from the distribution line is fed to a parallel resonance circuit after passing through a series resonance circuit. Moreover, the input and output sections are resistor terminated.

Abstract: An improved electronics system for transmission of low level analog signals rom a remote sensor to a control terminal utilizing a single pair of unshielded wires. A bi-directional exchange occurs between the sensor and control terminal which results in power and control being provided to the sensor which transmits analog signals and sensor status to the control terminal.

Abstract: A circuit is described for bi-directionally coupling a communication signal around a distribution transformer. The circuit includes a single-phase coupling transformer with a primary to secondary voltage ratio approximately equal to that of the distribution transformer. A capacitor is connected to one of the secondary terminals of the coupling transformer. The capacitor is chosen so that the series circuit including the capacitor, the self inductance of the coupling transformer and, possibly, the series inductance of interconnecting lines is resonant at the carrier frequency of the communications signal. The series combination of the capacitor and the secondary of the coupling transformer can be connected between two of the conductors on the secondary side of the distribution transformer which are selected for communication signal propagation.

Abstract: A circuit for bi-directionally bypassing a delta-wye transformer with a balanced phase-to-neutral power line communications signal, using passive components. The circuit includes a set of three capacitors connected in a wye configuration, each having one side connected to one of the three phase power lines on the delta side of the transformer. The circuit further includes a network connected from the node of the wye configuration of capacitors to the neutral conductor or conductors associated with the power lines on the two sides of the delta-wye transformer. The network includes a single phase transformer, as well as a capacitance connected from the secondary of this transformer to the node of the wye of the delta-wye transformer. The network further includes an inductive reactor connected from the neutral on the wye side of the delta-wye transformer to the node of the wye transformer.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for coupling a power line communications signal between two three-phase power lines, with the signal being transmitted in a balanced phase-to-neutral mode on the first line and in a phase-to-phase mode on the second line. The circuit includes two coupling transformers, one open-wye to open-delta, and the other open-delta to open-delta. The primary of one of the transformers is connected to one of the three-phase lines, while the primary of the other transformer is connected to the other three-phase lines. The secondaries of the transformers are connected together at one terminal of each and interconnected by a capacitor at the other terminal of each. Signal and power voltage ratios between the two power lines are matched, and the capacitor is selected to provide series resonance in the secondary loop of the coupling circuit at the power line communications signal carrier frequency.

Abstract: An arrangement for transferring both power and information on one or more common AC power lines in which a first type of information is transmitted by terminating the current from the power supply in periods which constitute a fraction of a halfwave cycle. The transmission of this first type of information is dependent upon the frequency of the AC power supply. A second type of information is transmitted during the periods in which the current from the power supply is terminated, and the second type of information is transmitted at a higher frequency independent of that of the AC power supply.

Abstract: In a system for transmitting information on an a.c. line from a transmitter unit to a receiver unit which is connected to the line at a great distance from the a.c. source supplying said line than the transmitter unit, information is transmitted on one of the phase conductors of the line in a form of a series of short-duration pulse-like amplitude reductions in the alternating voltage waveform on said phase conductor during one and the same half cycle of the waveform, whereat the pulses are mutually arranged in the pulse series to form a binary code word representing the desired information.

Abstract: To transmit signals over an alternating current power distribution network, the network load parameters are modulated by means of non-linear elements or by varying the characteristics of components by electrical action dependent on a reference signal. A reference current, a capacitor voltage, a correction signal for varying an inductance of the network load, the network voltage, an external current source, the total current flowing through a divided network load or its zero passages and those of the network current form the reference signal. The network load is connected by a transformer to the network and comprises at least one series-resonant circuit.

Abstract: A ripple control relay is arranged (i) to delay implementation of a received command until the end of a predetermined time interval following reception of the command; (ii) to delay implementation as in (i), and to implement the complementary command automatically after a further predetermined interval; or (iii) to repeat the sequence as in (ii) cyclically.

Abstract: An electrical information transmitting means for consumer load control comprises a transmitter which transmits a coded signal through the conductors of an alternating current electrical distribution network as a sequence of wave-form distortions to a receiver which decodes the signal. The receiver comprises two correlators connected in quadrature, and the transmitters and each correlator synthesize synchronous signals from the power frequency, all of which is locked thereto. The D.C. voltage outputs of the correlators are squared and summed so that the receiver is independent of phase angle.

Abstract: Power line carrier frequency signals are provided at a distribution transformer primary winding by controlled current injection onto the neutral and phase conductors of the distribution transformer secondary winding circuit, with the direction of current flow in each half of the secondary winding being controlled in in-phase additive fashion. Apparatus for causing in-phase distribution secondary winding current flow includes a pair of electronic current control means supplying in-phase currents to a pair of secondary windings of an auxiliary transformer having its primary winding coupled to half of the distribution transformer secondary winding and having the auxiliary transformer secondary winding center tap coupled to local neutral through a band-stop filter and to the remaining distribution transformer secondary winding through a band-pass filter for augmentation of signal current flow into the distribution transformer.

Abstract: A powerline carrier control system having a carrier transmitter which delivers an audio-frequency output voltage, subdivided into transmitted pulses, to a power-line carrier control receiver via a coupling unit and the power distribution network. In order to reduce ringing (after-oscillation) of the coupling unit, an auxiliary decay circuit switches the AC voltage being transmitted into a phase shift or into phase opposition to offset the after-oscillation. In this manner, distortion of the transmitted information is largely avoided.