Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems for identifying a target location to an occupant are provided. The apparatus comprises a laser rotatably coupled to a body of the apparatus, and at least one sensor connected to the body. The at least one sensor is configured to detect an alarm, and when the at least one sensor detects the alarm, the laser is configured to emit a laser beam to indicate a target location to an occupant. The method for identifying or indicating a target location comprises detecting, by a sensor of an apparatus, an alarm, in response to detecting the alarm, outputting, by the sensor, a signal, in response to the signal, activating a laser rotatably coupled to a body of the apparatus to identify or indicate the target location. The invention may be used for emergency situations to indicate a target location such as an exit for occupants of a building or residence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting remote network devices. In one embodiment, the method comprises detecting an event and a) transmitting a message requesting a response from one or more remote network devices, the message comprising a first network identification code, and b) determining whether a response to the message has been received, the response transmitted by a remote network device after receiving the message and determining that the first network identification code matches a second network identification code stored within the remote network device, the response comprising identification information of the remote network device. If c) a response has not been received, terminating the method for detecting remote network devices if a pre-determined time period has elapsed since transmitting the message. If d) a response has been received, storing identification information associated with the responding remote network device and repeating steps a-d until no further responses are received.

Abstract: A method of calculating a current correction formula may include first measuring voltage values at each of current measuring parts configured to measure currents in socket parts of a power strip in a state in which no current flows in the socket parts, second measuring the voltage values at each of the current measuring parts in a state in which a current flows in one of the socket parts, and calculating a correction formula formed by a inverse matrix of a matrix having as its elements differences between the voltage values measured by the second measuring and the voltage values measured by the first measuring.

Abstract: An interlocking outlet includes terminals configured to electrically connect to a power source; a receptacle structured to receive a plug; at least one sensor; and a control unit structured to determine whether an electrical condition is met and the plug is physically inserted into the receptacle based on outputs of the at least one sensor and to electrically connect the receptacle to the terminals when the electrical condition is met and the plug is physically inserted into the receptacle to energize the receptacle.

Abstract: A method for fault prediction in electrical systems. It includes a network of recording nodes that transmit data to multi-channel recorder. The nodes monitor power quality based on a number of system parameters. These data are assembled into data blocks and are analyzed to determine load factors for the system over time. Data blocks are collected over 22 cycle periods and are evaluated against a derived standard deviation factor for the given system. The standard deviation is used to determine alert and alarm levels. The constant monitoring allows the system to alert workers of a potential upcoming fault in one or more system components. In this way repairs can be made before the component fails and the system experiences a fault condition.

Abstract: A system for fault prediction in electrical systems. It includes a network of recording nodes that transmit data to multi-channel recorder. The nodes monitor power quality based on a number of system parameters. These data are assembled into data blocks and are analyzed to determine load factors for the system over time. Data blocks are collected over 22 cycle periods and are evaluated against a derived standard deviation factor for the given system. The standard deviation is used to determine alert and alarm levels. The constant monitoring allows the system to alert workers of a potential upcoming fault in one or more system components. In this way repairs can be made before the component fails and the system experiences a fault condition.

Abstract: A method for establishing a connection between a first electronic computing device and a second electronic computing device includes moving the second electronic computing device so that it is proximal to the first electronic computing device. When the first electronic computing device detects the proximity of the first electronic computing device relative to the second electronic computing device, a radio on the first electronic device is set to a connectable and discoverable state. A wireless connection is automatically established between the first electronic computing device and the second electronic computing device. Data is transmitted between the first electronic computing device and the second electronic computing device.

Abstract: A bicycle electrical system is provided with a first electric component, a second electric component, and a third electric component. The first electric component includes a first electric power line communication section. The second electric component includes a second electric power line communication section. The third electric component includes a third electric power line communication section. The first and second electric power line communication sections are connected with a first electric power line such that the first and second electric power line communication sections conduct communications via the first electric power line. The second and third electric power line communication sections are connected with a second electric power line such that the second and third electric power line communication sections conduct communications via the second electric power line.

Abstract: A power connector has a plate member that has a central opening therethrough, and a front side and rear side. An electrical connector member is attached to the plate member and positioned within the central opening. The electrical connector member has a base that is attached to the plate member and a plurality of power pole electrical conductors. The plurality of power pole electrical conductors comprises four power pole electrical conductors arranged in two columns wherein each column has two power pole electrical conductors. Two brackets are attached to the front side of the plate member. Each bracket is substantially perpendicular to the front side of the plate member and the electrical connector member is located between the pair of brackets. The plate member has through holes sized for receiving fasteners, so as to allow the plate member to be attached to a wall, article of furniture or other structure.

Abstract: A control system (300) allows recognized standard premise electrical outlets, for example NEMA, CEE and BS, among others to be remotely monitored and/or controlled, for example, to intelligently execute blackouts or brownouts or to otherwise remotely control electrical devices. The system (300) includes a number of smart receptacles (302) that communicate with a local controller (304), e.g., via power lines using the TCP/IP protocol. The local controller (304), in turn, communicates with a remote controller (308) via the internet.

Abstract: A power line communications system includes slave apparatuses individually connected to multiple electric power line wirings; a master apparatus connected to one of the multiple electric power line wirings; and couplers each connected between the master apparatus and the others of the multiple electric power line wirings. The master apparatus includes a communicator for performing power line communications with the slave apparatuses via the electric power lines; a power supply terminal device connected to the one electric power line wiring; a communication connector provided between the communicator and the power supply terminal device; and a coupler connecting terminal device connected to each of the couplers via a signal line.

Abstract: A network of power and communication receptacle devices having a plurality of power and communication receptacle devices. Each power and communication receptacle device has at least one power receptacle, at least one communication receptacle, and a power cable assembly having a dual power head. The power cable assembly is configured to provide electrical power to the power receptacle. The network includes a plurality of interconnecting power cables. Each power cable has a first power feeder electrically connected to the dual power head of one of the power and communication receptacle devices and a second power feeder electrically connected to the dual power head of a next power and communication receptacle device. The network includes a power feeding cable having electrically connected thereto a power feeder for connection to a dual power head of a first one of the power and communication receptacles and a device for connection to a power source.

Abstract: An adapter may couple an electronic device to a host such as a computer. When coupled in this way, the host may transfer media files to the device. The host may also supply power to the electronic device using power lines in the adapter. The electronic device may have a status indicator such as a light-emitting diode status indicator. The adapter may also have a status indicator. During operation, the electronic device may transmit coded information on the current state of the status indicator in the electronic device by modulating the status indicator or other load in the device at a selected frequency. Control circuitry in the adapter may detect the transmitted state information by monitoring the power lines. The control circuitry may control the status indicator in the adapter so that the status indicator in the adapter replicates the current state of the status indicator in the electronic device.

Abstract: A communications system for an alarm panel including: an alarm panel adaptor in operable communication with the alarm panel generating analog alarm signals; a first powerline communications device in operable communication with a the alarm panel adaptor converting the analog alarm signals to powerline alarm signals; a second powerline communications device receiving the powerline alarm signals over an electrical grid and converting the powerline alarm signals to internet protocol alarm signals; and a broadband connection in operable communication with the second powerline communications device for transmitting the internet protocol alarm signals to a remote central control station.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus with an alarm includes an electrical device and an alarm system, the electrical device and the alarm system being both connected to an external power supply. The alarm system includes a wireless communication circuit and a control module. The control module is connected between the external power supply and the wireless communication circuit. The control module controls the wireless communication circuit to send an alarm notification when the electrical device is disconnected from the external power supply.

Abstract: A wireless transceiver includes a microprocessor for processing signals and communication circuitry coupled to the microprocessor. The communication circuitry includes input/output circuitry for receiving signals from a plurality of wireless devices over a wireless communication path, for providing the signals to the microprocessor, and for transmitting processed signals from the microprocessor to the plurality of wireless devices. The input/output circuitry of the transceiver includes a non-wireless connection coupling the wireless transceiver to a test and measurement device. The test and measurement device receives the processed signals from the microprocessor, processes the received signal and data and/or information encoded therein, and performs a predetermined response thereto.

Abstract: A system for testing PLC equipment, network conditions, and protocol performance is provided. Noise measurements can be made at a single point, and protocol traffic, signal levels, and upper-layer parameters of any transmissions by other equipment on the same network are logged. Alternatively, a plurality of units located at different points in the PLC network are at least part of a distributed test system. As a result, coordinated tests can be conducted by multiple nodes, such as point-to-point network transfer function measurement and analysis, estimation of the location of noise sources and system null and resonances, receiver operating curve (ROC) measurements with actual protocol modulation, or any other suitable tests. Preferably, the test devices are able to test using a plurality of PLC protocols. In some devices, PLC protocol-specific modules can be added or removed as desired to increase, decrease or change the test device's protocol abilities.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for reducing inbound interference in a broadband powerline communication system. Data modulated on first and second carrier frequencies is received via respective first and second lines of the powerline system. A characteristic of at least one of the carrier signals (e.g., phase or amplitude) is adjusted at the receiver in order to reduce the effects of inbound interference on the transmission system. The adjustment parameters may be determined by adjusting the parameters, during a period of no data transmission, until the output of a differential receiver is zero.

Abstract: An electronic device, which for example includes a sensor element such as a rotational speed sensor, comprises a first network (4) having a first microcontroller (8) and a first supply voltage source (10). It also comprises a second network (4) having a second microcontroller (8) and a second supply voltage source (30). The electronic device is also provided with decoupling elements (42-50) which are adapted to decouple the networks (4, 6) form interferences.

Abstract: A bridge system for installing electronic appliance to light source socket and a bridge method are disclosed. The system includes a light source plug, a power line communication module and a connection unit. The light source plug is electrically connected to the light source socket to perform data communication through the power lines. The power line communication module is electrically connected to the light source plug to convert AC power into DC power and perform analog-to-digital data conversion simultaneously through the power lines. The connection unit is electrically connected to the electronic appliance to provide AC or DC power and transmit converted digital data to the electronic appliance. Accordingly, there is no need to add power cables or power adapters.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for coupling communications signals to an underground medium-voltage power line includes a medium-voltage power line, a ground conductor, one or more ferrites, and a low-voltage communications line. The medium-voltage power line includes a center phase conductor and a concentric neutral conductor. The ground conductor couples the concentric neutral conductor to a ground connection. The one or more ferrites substantially surround at least a portion of the ground conductor. The low-voltage communications line includes a first conductor and a second conductor. The first conductor is coupled to the ground conductor between the one or more ferrites and the concentric neutral conductor. And the second conductor is coupled to the ground conductor between the one or more ferrites and the ground connection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power line broadband communication system having broadband coupler devices capable of direct electrical connection to an energized power line. The coupler includes a conductive portion movable by an adjustable member from a non-conducting retracted position spaced apart from the power transmission line to a forward conducting position in electrical contact with the power line. An insulated arm supports the coupler on the power line. A base on the coupler is engageable with a remotely activated tool in order to accomplish the electrical connection in a safe and secure manner. Broadband data signals are sent to and from customer premises along the shared energized power lines. New coupler connections to the energized power lines allow the additional broadband customers and/or repeaters to join the communication system. Also couplers may provide connections to control electronics, routers, wireless transceivers, and may allow the broadband signals to bypass transformers on the power lines.

Abstract: An accessory-type GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver comprises a mobile terminal side plug connector, and a cradle/hand-free side receptacle connector disposed substantially opposite thereto. The GPS receiver further comprises a power supply that receives power from a mobile terminal power charge line being operatively coupled between the mobile terminal side plug connector and the cradle/hand-free side receptacle connector. The plug connector is used to pass GPS data directly to a mobile terminal. The receptacle connector is used to pass non-GPS data to the mobile terminal via the plug connector.

Abstract: A bridge system for installing electronic appliance to light source socket and a bridge method are disclosed. The system includes a light source plug, a power line communication module and a connection unit. The light source plug is electrically connected to the light source socket to perform data communication through the power lines. The power line communication module is electrically connected to the light source plug to convert AC power into DC power and perform analog-to-digital data conversion simultaneously through the power lines. The connection unit is electrically connected to the electronic appliance to provide AC or DC power and transmit converted digital data to the electronic appliance. Accordingly, there is no need to add power cables or power adapters.

Abstract: A powerline network device includes both power suppression and networking functions, and passes through power and data signals. The networking functions can include one or more of hub, router, and/or switch function, and therefore can form a subnet of devices plugged into the outlets of the device.

Abstract: A communications system for an alarm panel including: an alarm panel adaptor in operable communication with the alarm panel generating analog alarm signals; a first powerline communications device in operable communication with a the alarm panel adaptor converting the analog alarm signals to powerline alarm signals; a second powerline communications device receiving the powerline alarm signals over an electrical grid and converting the powerline alarm signals to internet protocol alarm signals; and a broadband connection in operable communication with the second powerline communications device for transmitting the internet protocol alarm signals to a remote central control station.

Abstract: Power quality detection, monitoring, reporting, recording and communication in a revenue accuracy electrical power meter is disclosed. Transient events are detected by monitoring the wave shape of the electrical power and comparing deviations to a known threshold. Sags and Swells are detected by computing root mean square value over a rolling window and comparing the computed value with a known threshold. Harmonic frequencies and symmetrical components are quantified by a known algorithm and compared with a known threshold. Incoming waveforms are stored to memory. All recorded and computed data is moved to non-volatile storage via direct memory access transfer in the event that a power quality event jeopardizes the operating power of the meter. Further, the meter provides a power supply utilizing high and low capacitive storage banks to supply sufficient energy to survive short duration power quality events which jeopardize the meter's operating power.

Abstract: There is provided a system that includes an AC power input port for connection to an AC power line, an AC power output port for providing power from the AC power line, an AC power surge suppression circuit for limiting voltage at the AC power output port, a data port, a capacitive data coupler for coupling a data signal between the AC power input port and the data port, and a data port surge suppression circuit for limiting voltage at the data port.

Abstract: A signal processing section 11 decodes an in-vehicle device signal S3 supplied to signal input terminals 141 to 14n and generates a decoded signal S2. An output terminal 13 is connected with a terminal device 30 and receives the decoded signal S2 generated by the signal processing section 11.

Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a transmission signal generation section 1, a transmission signal control section 2, a transmission section 3, a leakage electric power detection section 4, and an electric power control judgment section 5. The transmission signal generation section 1 generates a transmission signal for carrying out transmission using a plurality of sub-carriers, under control of the transmission signal control section 2, and has a transmission electric power control function with respect to each sub-carrier. The leakage electric power detection section 4 detects electric power which is leaked from a transmission line 9 among transmission electric power.

Abstract: The last portion of the electrical distribution system is used to provide high-speed communications to residential homes. An aggregation point interfaces a medium voltage power line with a point-of-presence, and a power line bridge enables flow of communications signals between the medium voltage power line and a low voltage power line across a distribution transformer.

Abstract: A digital intercom device consistent with certain embodiments uses power line communication (PLC). A power line interface connects to a power line serving as a communication medium. An audio codec is coupled to the power line interface for encoding and decoding digital data to and from data suitable for use by the power line interface. A digital to analog converter receives digital decoded data from the codec and converts the digital coded data to a received analog signal. A receive audio amplifier amplifies the received analog signal to a level adequate to drive a speaker. A transmit audio amplifier amplifies a transmit audio signal and provides an amplified transmit audio signal as an output. An analog to digital converter converts the amplified transmit audio signal to a digital representation thereof and passes the digital representation to the codec. A control processor controls operation of the interface and the audio codec.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power line broadband communication system having broadband coupler devices capable of direct electrical connection to an energized power line. The coupler includes a conductive portion movable by an adjustable member from a non-conducting retracted position spaced apart from the power transmission line to a forward conducting position in electrical contact with the power line. An insulated arm supports the coupler on the power line. A base on the coupler is engageable with a remotely activated tool in order to accomplish the electrical connection in a safe and secure manner. Broadband data signals are sent to and from customer premises along the shared energized power lines. New coupler connections to the energized power lines allow the additional broadband customers and/or repeaters to join the communication system. Also couplers may provide connections to control electronics, routers, wireless transceivers, and may allow the broadband signals to bypass transformers on the power lines.

Abstract: Normal hard-wired domestic burglar alarms have cables with six conductors extending between the alarm controller and each remote input/output device (such as an entry keypad). The present alarm system has an alarm controller, a remote input/output device, a cable extending from the alarm controller to the remote input/output device, the cable comprising two conductors only, providing power to the remote input/output device. A signal processor at the controller monitors and processes voltage and current in the conductors to affect functions of the alarm system. A mixer at the remote input/output device processes voltage and current in the conductors to affect functions of the alarm system.