Abstract: An inverter controller for controlling a three-phase inverter used for generation and subsequent injection of pulse code signals on power lines in a utility load management system is disclosed. The controller includes read-only-memory devices (208, 210) for generating address bus information, read-only-memory devices (212, 214, 216) for generating gate control signals for inverter main valve SCRs, and read-only-memory devices (236, 238) for generating timing sequence control signals. The controller is responsive to microprocessor initiated control signals and features a state machine design.

Abstract: A communication signal is coupled simultaneously to all three phases of a three-phase power line through a three-phase open delta transformer with the communication signal being applied across the low voltage pair of windings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting intelligence over a carrier wave are disclosed in which a signal waveform is 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 waveform 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 waves 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 therein as the carrier wave.

Abstract: A load management system utilizing a three phase solid state inverter for applying a ripple signal on a high voltage line with the system having means (a) for conducting backfeed current from the line through a portion of the inverter, (b) for balancing the current and phase distribution through an isolation transformer, (c) for selectively sequentially connecting and disconnecting the transmission of the ripple signal from the high voltage line, (d) for providing a wide angle of conduction to assure conduction of the solid state devices over a wide time period to avoid current imbalance and core saturation.

Abstract: An applicance control system comprises a data transmitter and plurality of slave units plugged into outlet sockets of a power main of a building, appliances being coupled to the slave units. The transmitter housing includes a data input arrangement by which slave unit addresses and operation signal can be input and means for producing therefrom digital address and operation signals injected onto the main for receipt by the slave units. Each slave unit is enabled by a digital signal complying its address to effect an appliance operation as defined by a received digital operation signal.

Abstract: A three phase ripple control system for feeding a control signal onto each phase line employs an injection transformer having a primary winding and three secondary windings. A control signal generator is connected in circuit with the primary winding and serves to provide a signal thereto. A respective inductor is connected in series in each phase line and is connected in parallel with a respective one of the secondary windings. The inductors have a value of inductance arranged such that their impedance at line frequency is substantially smaller than the magnetizing impedance of the transformer. The secondary winding thereby introduce a common control signal onto each of the three phase lines.

Abstract: A dimmer circuit for providing gate signal to a gated semiconductor connected for at least partial bypass operation of a ballast element of an HID lamp, the gate signal being derived from a high frequency voltage in a predetermined range. The high frequency voltage is separated from other frequencies and converted to a voltage proportional to the frequency. The voltage is then converted to a pulse within the timed operational limits of the line voltage for gating the semiconductor, and hence producing a brightness of the lamp between predetermined limits of full dim to full bright. Preferably, the high frequency voltage carrying the control information arrives superimposed on the line voltage to thereby avoid having to use a separate set of leads to the lamp to provide light level control signalling.

Abstract: A carrier control method using phase-pulse signals in which a plurality of terminal-selection channels and a plurality of returning channels having a predetermined phase width respectively are provided in one cycle of an alternating current carrier wave. At the center, a terminal-selection phase-pulse signal comprising a combination of existence and non-existence of a phase pulse for each terminal-selection channel is injected in the terminal-selection channels, corresponding to a code assigned to each terminal equipment. At the terminal equipment, the terminal-selection phase-pulse signal is received. When the code of the signal coincides with the code of the terminal equipment, a returning phase-pulse signal comprising a combination of existence and non-existence of a phase pulse for each returning channel is injected in the returning channels, corresponding to a datum stored at the terminal in the electrically readable state, and the signal is received at the center.

Abstract: An electronic control system which can control the operation of a number of electrical devices such as lights, outlets, sensing apparatus, etc., all of which are energized from the same power lines. Each of the electrical devices is respectively connected to the power lines by an addressable switch unit. A central control unit is connected to the power line and generates a binary coded time division multiplex signal, including an address portion and a command portion. The encoded signal is transmitted directly onto the power lines and is received by the addressed switch, which responds to the command to control the state of the electrical device, and in turn sends a status response onto the power lines which is received at the central unit.

Abstract: A system and method for regulating power demand in a power distribution system by means of time-of-day metering or remote control of energy-consuming appliances. The system provides means for producing control signals which can be reliably sent to numerous customers over a power distribution system from a central location. Means located at each electric power meter or controlled appliance monitors the signal on the power line to detect an incoming control signal. When a signal reaches the customer, a switch is operated either changing the metering rate or controlling the electricity supply to an appliance. Steps in the preferred method include modulating the line frequency by means of at least one signal frequency. The incoming power signal is continuously monitored at the customer load or meter and any control signals detected serve to actuate a load control switch or the like.

Abstract: This invention discloses a load management system for reducing the peak load in an electrical power distribution network. This invention monitors, records and reduces the peak load present in an electrical distribution network by deferring power service from and cycling power service to preselected transformer loads during periods of peak power demand. The peak load control function of the present invention is controlled by a power monitor which is located at the distribution transformer. The power monitor measures the ambient temperature and the power load on an associated distribution transformer and initiates the peak load control function whenever the product of the temperature factor and the measured load rises above a preset control point. Initiation of the peak load control function completely defers power service from a first group of low priority loads and activates a timing and switching mechanism which cycles power service among selected groups of controlled loads in a preselected order.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for a remote control receiver, especially a ripple control receiver, which receives remote control signals from a power mains, comprising means for reducing the ambiguity of the response characteristic of the remote control receiver caused by at least one non-linear circuit element connected with the input of a selective receiver section of the remote control receiver.

Abstract: A cycloconverter apparatus and method is disclosed in which the cycloconverter works into an active load. The cycloconverter is connected between an external power source and a load so that the load current flows through the cycloconverter. In the preferred embodiment, the cycloconverter is used to impress a signaling voltage waveform upon the voltages of the three phases of an electric power distribution feeder. This voltage is impressed by injecting it between the common point of the wye-connected secondary of the substation transformer and the grounded neutral that serves all phases of the distribution feeder. The neutral current of the distribution feeder flows through the cycloconverter. Protective by-pass circuitry is provided to maintain the integrity of the neutral path in the event of a phase-to-neutral short circuit or a failure of the cycloconverter.

Abstract: A touch controlled switch system operable by human touch inputs includes an intercommunication feature to enable communication between remote touch controlled switch units over a power line. The system comprises a transmitting unit including a first touch receptor operable by touch inputs for applying coded message signals to the power line and a receiving unit including a second touch receptor operable by touch inputs and a control switch circuit for operating a load coupled to the circuit in response to touch inputs applied to the second touch receptor. The receiving unit also includes a message sensing circuit responsive to the coded message signals on the power line for operating the control switch circuit in response to touch inputs applied to the first touch receptor. The system allows devices at remote locations to be operated either by touch inputs applied at remote receiving units or by touch inputs at one or more master transmitting units to generate coded message signals on the power line.

Abstract: First and second bands of separate frequencies are coupled through hybrid transformers and frequency isolation filters to each of three phase wires of a power transmission line. The hybrid transformers and filters are arranged so that both bands of frequencies are transmitted and received even though there is an open or short circuit on one of the feed lines or one of the phase wires, thus providing the reliability desired or needed, particularly when the frequency bands provide relaying functions.

Abstract: A control system including a programmable multiple channel digital controller which is operable to generate control signals which are transmitted over electrical power lines of a building complex for enabling receivers associated with functional devices for controlling the operation of functional devices, the transmitter being operable to transmit control signals during selected ones of a plurality of data channels which define a data frame, and in one embodiment, different ones of the receivers are programmed to respond to control signals transmitted in different data channels for controlling the associated functional device. In another embodiment, the transmitted control signals are coded to represent an address of one or more of the receivers and a control command, each receiver comparing its address with the transmitted address, and the addressed receiver effecting the control function represented by the control command.

Abstract: A signal combiner for combining two out-of-phase signals wherein one of these signals increases in amplitude over a range of frequencies at a rate of 6dB per octave. The resultant output signal obtained from the combiner appears to be that of two signals which are in-phase and have a constant ratio of amplitude therebetween. A specific application for this signal combiner is to combine the signals obtained from a sense antenna and from a loop antenna in an automatic direction finding device.

Abstract: An automatic temperature setback system for controlling a heating unit includes the use of two devices. One device includes a oscillator circuit which is actuated by a timer control. The oscillator circuit can be an astable or free-running multivibrator. The output from such device is coupled across the low voltage secondary transformer winding of a typical heating system control unit so that, at specific timed intervals, the low voltage (i.e., 24 volts RMS) can have high frequency modulations superimposed upon either the positive cycles of such voltage or alternatively the negative cycles or alternatively both cycles. Such one device could be termed, in general, means for half-wave modulating the low alternating voltage carrier from a typical heating system control unit. The low voltage wires from the typical heating system control unit, in a conventional household, are coupled through the house to a low voltage thermostat located in one of the rooms of the house.

Abstract: Means for better balancing and controlling of circuit loadings in electric power transmission networks to significantly reduce the number and/or cost of the transmission lines and facilities required to make a specific power transfer by significantly increasing the transmission capability of a given network by superimposing controlled circulating alternating currents for redistribution of power and current flows in the network.