Abstract: An apparatus for generating trigger signals responsive to a selected pattern of event detection signals, the apparatus comprising an interim function bus, programmable means to selectively energize conductors of the interim function bus on detection of the selected event detection signal pattern, and programmable means to generate the trigger signal on detection of a selected pattern of interim function bus signals. The generating means are programmed for pattern recognition by binary data appearing on control lines from a shift register, the shift register being loaded by serial data from external control circuits. The apparatus also includes provisions for synchronizing the generation of signal patterns on the interim function bus to a system clock, and for synchronizing the generation of trigger signals to clocks associated with triggerable devices.

Abstract: An improved signaling system for command and information signaling over a power system interconnection comprising the utilization of pseudo-random binary pulse code with frequency modulation to overcome the extraordinarily high noise ambient while providing a way of achieving practicable transmission within the constraints typically inherent in a large interconnected power system.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling multiple light strings to achieve a wide variety of visual effects including, on the same string, variations in color, blink rate, and brightness.

Abstract: A signal selection circuit capable of automatically selecting an input signal in a device having digital and analog input terminals for one and the same audio source device comprises a switch for connecting either the analog input terminal or the digital input terminal to a post stage circuit and a circuit for causing the switch to connect the analog input terminal to the post stage circuit when an analog input signal only has been applied and causing the switch to connect the digital input terminal to the post stage circuit when a digital input signal only has been applied or when an analog input signal and a digital input signal have been applied simultaneously to these terminals. A digital signal which is an input signal of higher quality is automatically selected when an analog signal and a digital signal are applied simultaneously and the listener has only to select a source device so that the operation he is required to perform is simplified.

Abstract: An electric power control device is composed of plural resistor loads (1.sub.0 -1.sub.4) the heat-generating powers of which are different from one another, switch means (3.sub.0 -3.sub.4) connected in series to each of the resistor loads and adapted for the ON-OFF control of an ac power (2), and means (4.sub.0 -4.sub.4) for ON-OFF controlling the switch means so as to turn on or turn off the ac power and also for selectively controlling the individual resistor loads so as to adjust the heat-generating powers of all of the resistor loads in accordance with their corresponding desired heat-generating powers.

Abstract: A system for connecting sensor devices to actuating devices, the system substantially comprising a cable having a given number of signal conducting lines, a number of interface units each designed for assembly between the lines of the aforementioned cable and a respective sensor device or actuating device, and processing means designed to circulate, in the aforementioned cable, signals enabling data to be transmitted between the devices and the processing means.

Abstract: A controller for use with a computer terminal sequentially actuates a plurality of relays each coupled in a respective AC line wherein each of the AC lines is coupled to and energizes one of a plurality of computer terminal peripherals. The sequence in which the various peripherals are powered up is determined by the relative sensitivity of each peripheral to line voltage and switching transients, with the most sensitive peripherals energized last and the least sensitive peripherals energized first. A sufficient interval is provided between each sequential peripheral power up to allow for the settling out of switching transients. Upon computer terminal power down, the controller sequentially removes power from each of the peripherals in a reverse order with power first removed from those peripheral devices most sensitive to the aforementioned line voltage and switching transients. A time delay is also incorporated in the power down sequence to allow for the settling out of switching transients.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement having a plurality of circuit units (1-l to 1-n) each circuit unit (1-l to 1-n) having an input AI and and output AO. Each circuit unit (1-l to 1-n) includes an address generator which is incremented by a clock signal applied via terminal. Incrementation of the clock generator is inhibited when a logical `1` is applied to the input AI of a circuit unit. In order to generate addresses for all the circuit units they are connected in a daisy chain with the AO output of each circuit unit being connected to the AI input of the next circuit in the chain. The circuit units (1-l to 1-n) are arranged so that when a logical `1` is applied to its AI input a logical `1` appears at its AO output one clock period later. A monitoring unit may be provided to detect when all addresses have been set up by monitoring the state of the AO output of the last circuit unit (1-n) in the chain.

Abstract: An electrical power delivery system and method of operation particularly suitable for use in a vehicle is disclosed. A single wire power conductor is connected through remote power switches to a plurality of loads. The power conductor is sized such that its current-carrying capacity is less than the current required to simultaneously operate all the loads connected thereto. Logic means are provided for delivering a control signal to the remote power switches to selectively energize the appropriate loads. The logic means additionally includes means responding to excess current flow through the power conductor to schedule the control signals to prevent simultaneous operation of all the loads thereby limiting current flow through the power conductor to its current-carrying capacity.

Abstract: A step controller for a water heater includes a plurality of individual electrical elements to maintain a predetermined minimum temperature in accordance with a sensed temperature signal and a preset desired temperature signal in combination with a dead band signal. The heating elements are turned "on" and "off" in a random sequence whenever a change is required, and in accordance with a binomial distribution so as to substantially equalize the operating period of the heating elements. The controller includes a microprocessor unit to periodically sense the signals of a sensor and a preset potentiometer, and also operates to store the on-off status of the heating elements, each of which is assigned a binary load indentifying number. The microprocessor includes a psuedo-random binary number generator for generating the load identifying numbers.

Abstract: Certain calendar events, such as the standard/daylight time transition or a holiday such as Labor Day, always occur on the same alphabetic day always having the same relationship to the beginning or end of the same month in any year; however, their numeric day varies from year to year. In order to update the numeric day of such a calendar event that is used by a microprocessor of a programmable electronic real-time load controller, the microprocessor selects a reference day value representing the numeric day of the calendar event in a given year and selects a reference year value representing the numeric year of that year. At the beginning of each real-time year, the microprocessor determines a real-time year value representing the numeric year of the real-time year, determines a current numeric day value for the calendar event from the reference day value, the reference year value, and the real-time year value, and stores the current numeric day value for use during the current real-time year.

Abstract: An information transmitting apparatus includes a transmitting apparatus for transmitting control information; a receiving apparatus for receiving the control information; a transmission line provided between the transmitting apparatus and the receiving apparatus; and a load which operates in response to the output of the receiving apparatus; wherein the transmitting apparatus transmits the control information through the transmission line to the receiving apparatus within a given time period and the receiving apparatus makes the load operative on the basis of the control information received. The receiving apparatus has a circuit for detecting the reception interval of the transmission information from the transmission line and for generating an abnormality signal when that interval becomes a predetermined time or more.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing electrical remote control of several magnetic solenoid valves having a transmitter section and a receiver section. The transmitter includes a fixed frequency signal generator for producing signals having an adjustable duty cycle. The duty cycle of the periodic signals varies in accordance with the position or deflection of an adjustable control lever. The periodic signals are transmitted over a first transmission link to the receiver section for controlling the condition of the magnet valves. A second transmission link is utilized for transmitting digital coded address information concerning which of the magnetic valves is to be selected in the receiver section in accordance with the position of the control lever in the transmitter section.

Abstract: The system comprises a central control unit and a plurality of remote units connected to the control unit by a single, common, transmission link. This link acts simultaneously as a signalling link and as the electrical voltage supply line for the remote units. The control unit transmits electrical control signals to the remote unit by superimposing trains of pulses on the supply voltage that is fed via the transmission link to the remote units. Each remote unit is arranged to count the control signal pulses appearing on the line and to activate one or more controlled devices when the number of pulses counted corresponds to a unique number associated therewith. A first type of controlled device is constituted by sensor means arranged to monitor a physical quantity and to output, when activated, related electrical information signals indicating to the control unit the value of the monitored quantity; the information signals take the form of frequency modulation of the current flowing in the transmission link.

Abstract: A system for supplying power to and switching a number of electrical appliances each having a power consuming part and a switching part, each switching part having a unique address. A signal line is coupled to each of the switching parts, to a clock pulse generator and to individual signal transmitters, each transmitter corresponding to one switching part, for generating a control signal for addressing its corresponding switching part. The signal transmitters, when activated, generate a characteristic control signal in synchronism with the clock pulses from the clock pulse generator. No central encoder is required for controlling the individual electrical appliances. Rather, it is necessary only to activate the particular signal transmitter associated with the particular appliance.

Abstract: An electric energy meter for measuring various parameters of electrical energy consumption during time differentiated billing rate periods, and for controlling a load. A clock produces periodic timing pulses which are accumulated to represent the current time. Stored within the meter are a plurality of preselected rate change control points defining time intervals and their associated billing rates, i.e. on-peak, mid-peak, and base. The current time is compared with each rate change control point until a time interval into which the current time falls is found. The rate change control point defining this time interval, designated the current rate change control point, controls accumulation of the energy consumption data in accord with its billing rate data code. The load control bit associated with the current rate change control point determines whether the load is to be shed or reconnected during the time interval the current rate change control point controls accumulation of the energy consumption data.

Abstract: To enable a consumer of electrical energy to effect control of total energy consumption by various individual appliances and loads, each individual load has a control unit, conveniently in a plug top, which responds to pulses broadcast on the power supply wiring in the form of short duration interruptions of the waveform. At each appliance a microprocessor unit counts the number of successive pulses in a predetermined time interval and operates an electronic switch if the received count reaches a predetermined number, which may be different for different loads thereby enabling selective control of the loads. Provision is made for automatic restoration of supply if the overall energy consumption falls. Provision can also be made for automatic resumption of supply after a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A powerline carrier communications system includes a plurality of types of load management terminals, each of which has a unique address, and a combination field configuration and test terminal which can be plugged into the load management terminals. The combination terminal is coupled to the powerline through the connection to the load management terminal and generates a separate set of test commands for each type of load management terminal, which are transmitted over the powerline for execution by the connected load management terminal. Some types of load management terminals include an INITIALIZATION ENABLE line which, when activated by the connected combination terminal, commands the load management terminal to accept and store an address value received over the powerline as its new unique address.

Abstract: A load management system which includes a central message generator and a plurality of addressable remote load controllers which selectively connect and disconnect high power deferrable loads to and from a power source in response to transmitted messages. The load controllers include means for translating coded tone pair inputs into digital data. Tones selected from three such tone pairs are used in one scheme, where a tone selected from the first tone pair is used for the initial bit of a message, and subsequent tones are alternately selected from the remaining two tone pairs or the remaining bits. One of the tones of the first tone pair is utilized as a test tone which initiates a test routine sequence. The test tone can be transmitted by a portable, low power transmitter to test the functioning of the remote units. A message format includes two code sets, a zone code set and a command/address code set.

Abstract: The varying loads to which a power supply is subjected are anticipated before being placed across the power supply output by deriving device selection, direction of load change, and timing data from the control data transmitted to the load. The "on" and "off" times of the power transformer primary switch in a switching regulator power supply are adjusted for optimum power supply response to the changed load. The calculations and adjustment are made before any load change has occurred and the proper control signals to the switching regulator power supply are applied prior to or simultaneous with the load change.

Abstract: A switching system for sequential connection of a plurality of loads to an alternating current supply comprises a computer for generating switch selection data in the form of serial bits along a single line to a distributor arrangement which decodes the selection data and provides control signals to switch devices which connect the loads to the supply. The distributor arrangement includes a circuit for inhibiting supply of the control signals to the respective switch devices unless the voltage of the supply phase connected by the device is substantially zero. Additionally the control signals are time-advanced with respect to the zero voltage conditions so that the switch devices can be placed in states in which they can connect a load before disconnection of a preceding load.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling distributed electrical loads including a microprocessor based central controller coupled via a twisted pair bidirectional data line to a plurality of microcomputer based transceiver decoders. Each transceiver decoder is coupled to a plurality of relays, each relay associated with a particular load to be controlled. Override switches and sensors, coupled to transceiver decoders provide override requests and information related to ambient conditions at the site of a load. A user defined data base includes sub-sets of relays called sectors, patterns of relay states, remote switches, a time dependent schedule and condition responses. A communication protocall and arbitration scheme provide for interactive communication between the central controller and each transceiver decoder with interfacing with the operation of any other transceiver decoder. Enhanced data storage capacity is achieved through dynamic allocation of memory space for pattern data.

Abstract: A main control device comprises a plurality of lighting-control signal generators for generating lighting-control signals whose contents can be analogously varied, and a keyboard for specifying the contents of mode signals corresponding to those of the lighting-control signals. The lighting-control signals are supplied to the terminal control devices through a signal line. Mode signals and address signals are supplied to the terminal control devices through the signal lines. A terminal control device selected by the address signal selects a lighting-control signal corresponding to a mode signal. The selected lighting-control signal controls the lighting of a lighting load by phase control.

Abstract: The input interface unit of the present invention is equipped with plural input terminals to be connected to external switches respectively, plural output terminals to be connected to input bus lines running to a central control unit (CPU), and plural current-controlling input terminals. These input terminals are divided into plural groups, and the input terminals in each group are connected commonly to each other through pull-down resistors, and then connected through current-carrying switches independently grouped for each terminal group to a power supply equipment built in the unit. And each of these current-carrying switches can be selected and turned on or off for control in response to signals supplied from the central control unit to the current-controlling input terminals.

Abstract: Information is conveyed from a transmitting site to a consuming location in an electric power system by varying the frequency of the power from the nominal standard generating frequency. The signaled variation in frequency is detected at a power consuming location and a frequency indicating signal is generated. Frequency deviations of predetermined magnitude for a predetermined time duration signal a selected range of power system load while different deviations for different times signal automatic remote control of certain predetermined loads or other functions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing a load tap changing transformer as a control signal communicator.

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: A keyboard operated controller for controlling a plurality of lighting devices has a memory which includes a plurality of addressed multiposition registers wherein the positions store control indicia for the respective lighting devices. A finger-operated keyboard generates addresses which select the registers to control the states of the lighting devices. There is also provided means for loading the control indicia into the registers via another keyboard.

Abstract: A load management system which includes a central message generator and a plurality of addressable remote load controllers which selectively connect and disconnect high power deferrable loads to and from a power source in response to transmitted messages. The load controllers include means for translating coded tone pair inputs into digital data. Tones selected from three such tone pairs are used in one scheme, where a tone selected from the first tone pair is used for the initial bit of a message, and subsequent tones are alternately selected from the remaining two tone pairs or the remaining bits. One of the tones of the first tone pair is utilized as a test tone which initiates a test routine sequence. The test tone can be transmitted by a portable, low power transmitter to test the functioning of the remote units. A message format includes two code sets, a zone code set and a command/address code set.

Abstract: Control signals are transmitted through a.c. mains supply lines to control operation of electrical equipment powered from the supply lines. A near short-circuit condition is introduced across the a.c. mains supply lines, for example, by firing a thyristor connected in series with a fuse across the supply lines, for the final portion of positive half cycles of the mains supply voltage, thus holding the voltage to a near zero value for this length of time. A receiver coupled to the mains supply lines includes a zero crossing detector circuit which responds to the near zero voltage conditions across the supply lines to perform a particular control operation on an associated appliance connected to the receiver. Different control operations may be effected by defining the control signals over a group of half cycles of the a.c.

Abstract: A power control arrangement for controlling the power output of a resistive heating element of the type having a fast thermal response time and a highly variable resistance with temperature. The power control arrangement includes a plurality of operator selectable power settings and an electronic switching system responsive to operator selection of these settings to rapidly couple and decouple a power supply to the element. The switching action is selected to permit rapid heat up of the element without causing an unacceptable current to flow and to prevent excessive cooling of the element after it reaches operating temperatures during steady state operation.

Abstract: A step controller for a water heater having a plurality of individual electrical heating elements changes the number of energized elements to maintain a predetermined minimum temperature. A thermistor sensor monitors the temperature of the water and generates a proportional signal. Preset potentiometers establish set point temperature signal and a dead band signal. The number of "on" elements is related to the difference between the sensed water temperature and the preset water temperature divided by the dead band factor. The heating elements are turned "on" and "off" in a predetermined sequence whenever a change is required. The sequence includes turning on the heating element which has been off for the longest period and turning off the heating element which has been on for the longest period.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with an electronic control system that uses a common two wire lead with a plurality of detector units connected in parallel thereto in order to control a plurality of electrical loads. The common two wire lead is connected to a single master controller. Control modules or control elements have RF signals matched individually to each detector are mounted on the controller and move the loads coupled to each detector. This system finds great acceptance in regulating solenoid motors such as found in model railroad train layouts.

Abstract: A remote receiver for decoding and responding to control pulses imposed on the power lines of a power transmission system. A large number of receivers can be connected to the power lines in, for example, a centralized load management system and can switch associated loads as commanded by coded messages generated at a central station and injected onto the power lines for distribution. The receiver responds to a code which must have properly timed start, preselect and operate pulses in that order. Provision of the preselect code feature greatly increases the possible number of code groups in the system.

Abstract: A power control system is disclosed which controls the power output of one or more resistive heating elements in response to operator selected power level settings. Control of power to the elements is accomplished by generating a multi-bit binary word representing a selected power level, each bit being operative to control the application of power to the element during a different control interval. A control word is generated for each element and is updated once during every associated control period, a period comprising a number of intervals equal to the number of heating elements. The heating elements are of a type which draw a relatively high current during a transient heat-up period. The application of power to other elements is inhibited when one of the elements is having power applied thereto during its transient period. Power control for each element is staggered by testing a bit of different positional value in each word during any given interval.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which permits a power utility to have direct control of customers loads (CD) with a view toward facilitating enablement of a load management philosophy which includes peak shaving and load deferral. A master control station (MCS), which comprises a programmable microprocessor-based central controller, is in two-way communication with a plurality of substation injection units (SIU), one of each of which is positioned at a separate substation of the power utility. Each substation injection unit (SIU), under the control of its own microprocessor, responds to master control signals from the master control station (MCS) to inject a pulse code signal onto the power lines of the utility. The system includes a plurality of remote receiver units (RRU) which are positioned at and connected to control the on and off times of customer loads (CD).

Abstract: A universal power supplying module for controlling the application of power to a plurality of loads is disclosed. The universal power module receives a Pulse-Width Modulated (PWM) data signal which includes a plurality of PWM pulses. Each of the PWM pulses is associated with a respective one of the loads and has a width which is indicative of whether or not power is to be applied to its associated load. The universal power module stores binary information in accordance with the pulse width of the PWM pulses and controls the application of power to the loads as a function of the stored information.

Abstract: A power control system is disclosed for controlling the power output of a resistive heater element in response to operator selected power level settings by varying the rate at which a power pulse of constant duration is applied to the element. The system includes circuitry for generating a control signal representing a selected power output for the element, circuitry for identifying recurring patterns of a binary counter, the patterns recurring at different rates, and a logic arrangement for uniquely associating each of the patterns with a selected power setting. The binary counter and the power pulse control are synchronized with the power supply to trigger a power switching device at or near zero crossovers of the supply.

Abstract: Information is conveyed from a generating site to a consuming location in an electric power system by varying the frequency of the power from the nominal standard generating frequency. The signaled variation in frequency is detected at a power controlling or consuming location and a frequency indicating signal is generated. Frequency deviations of predetermined magnitude for predetermined time duration signal a selected range of power system load while different deviations for different times signal automatic remote control of certain predetermined loads or other functions.

Abstract: The remote control of electrical power through a number of outlets at selected locations in the walls and ceiling of a building structure is disclosed herein. This is accomplished by applying the electrical power from a source through the walls and ceiling of a building structure to the selected locations. At the same time a clock signal of predetermined frequency and amplitude is generated and carried by a cable to a number of encoders which are located at respective control stations remote from the outlets and also to a number of decoders which are located at and associated with the various outlets. Each of these encoders, when actuated, generates a distinct code signal which is carried to all of the decoders on a common line and in synchronism with the clock signal which is provided for coordinating operation of the encoders and decoders. A preselected one of the decoders responds to this coded signal and accompanying clock signal for automatically applying the electrical power to its associated outlet.

Abstract: A central controller is operable to transmit load shed commands to a plurality of power loads should power consumption become excessive. An improved timer at the load site responds to a shed command to cause the load to be shed for a random time period between predetermined minimum and maximum time limits. Because the loads return to the system at random times, peak instantaneous demands on the power generating equipment are avoided.

Abstract: A power management central controller is operable to transmit a sequential two tone load shed command to a plurality of power loads should power consumption become excessive. An improved detector at the load site detects the presence of the two tone signal and initiates the load shedding interval.

Abstract: A switching arrangement for remote-controlled electrical loads employing command transmitters, each of which is operatively connected to a switching device for control of a load over cooperable coder and decoders which are connected by electric lines, with the coded signal being supplied over a transmission channel to the decoder which converts the coded signal into a switching signal, operative to actuate the switching device with the construction being such that standardizable components and connection lines may be utilized in the system.

Abstract: Encoded electrical control systems for household applications each employ an encoder/transmitter that provides an encoded signal and a receiver/decoder which effectuates control of an associated device only upon receipt of a signal containing the code unique to that specific receiver/decoder.For household applications, a separate receiver/decoder, each having its own recognition code, is associated with each power outlet or electrical device to be controlled. A common controller includes an encoder/transmitter and a control switch for each device, along with means such as an rf carrier source and modulator, for transmitting all the encoder/transmitter outputs over the electrical distribution system. When a particular switch is actuated, the associated encoder/transmitter sends a signal containing the code of the corresponding receiver/decoder, which in turn effectuates the intended control function.

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: An electrical apparatus for installation particularly in an automotive vehicle, and which serves as an anti-theft device, and wherein a proper code in a proper order must be first depressed on a switch plate by the vehicle operator in order that the vehicle engine may be started, while at a same time a burglar alarm may be disabled on the automobile.

Abstract: An improved system and technique for testing power source characteristics simulating dynamic load power demand requirements using pulsating current waves. A plurality of load devices are connected in parallel across the output of a selected power source to be tested. Individual electronic switches are then inserted in series with each of a predetermined number of the loads to allow insertion of the load across the power source at selected times. Using a programmable logic control circuit, the switches are controlled to produce pulsating waves across the power source which simulate the input power demands of actual loads that may be applied to the power source during use. The logic control circuit is constructed to allow programming of plural pulsations per half cycle of an input waveform as well as variable frequency or random frequency control to allow detection of power source deficiencies under a variety of load conditions.

Abstract: An electrical control system for controlling a plurality of electrical loads comprises an electrical drive unit capable of providing a plurality of separate electrical signals each at a different reference level and a fixed frequency coded electrical interrogator signal, and for each electrical load there is provided a switching unit arranged to receive the signals from the drive unit and arranged to be connected via a control link for a different part of the interrogator signal to a contactor control unit and during that part of the interrogator signal a control signal representative of the condition of the switching unit is supplied to the contactor control unit. The contactor control units are connected to respective contactors in the supply circuits of separate electrical loads and the contactor control units serve to control the operation of the contactors in response to the signals received from the associated switching units.

Abstract: An anti-theft system for guarding a premises and providing entry thereto, includes a selector switch device which has both a plurality of buttons and a rotary dial with a plurality of numbered positions. The rotary dial is preset for a specific number corresponding to each button. The buttons are arranged to be depressed in a predetermined sequence. The dial must be positioned at the preset number and the corresponding button depressed in order to disengage the alarm. For each button, the proper positioning of the dial followed by the depressing of that button energizes the next button in the sequence. When the final dial position and corresponding button is depressed, the window, door, or the like, will be opened. The wrong sequence of buttons or the wrong position on the dial for its corresponding button, will immediately cause the alarm to be reset.