Abstract: Methods are provided for providing location information associated with a mobile device. A request for presence information is transmitted from a location circuit to an identification circuit associated with the mobile device. The presence information is associated with the mobile device. The requested presence information is received at the location circuit responsive to the transmitted request. Related location circuits and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: An automated meter reading power line communications system is provided, which may include, in one embodiment, measuring the utility usage of a first customer premises to provide first utility usage data, storing the first utility usage data in memory of a first device, wirelessly transmitting the first utility usage data from the first device, receiving the wirelessly transmitted first utility usage data at a second device coupled to a medium voltage power line, and transmitting the first utility usage data over the medium voltage power line.

Abstract: Communication apparatus, comprising: a network of power lines; and first, second and third transceivers, coupled to the network, the first transceiver being adapted to transmit a first signal over the network to the second transceiver within a selected frequency band at a transmission power level sufficiently strong that the first signal can be decoded by the second transceiver, but is attenuated sufficiently when it reaches the third transceiver so that the third transceiver can receive a second signal over the network in the selected frequency band substantially without interference by the first signal.

Abstract: A carbon monoxide detector and method for installing a carbon monoxide detector. The carbon monoxide detector is capable of being hardwired into an installed wall electrical outlet box without reduction of the number of available electrical receptacles.

Abstract: A system for communicating across conventional HVAC wiring is provided. The system includes a communication device having a communication module capable of inducing low power, high frequency current signals into a single control wire coupling, for example, a thermostat with a compressor. The communication module includes a power supply module that draws power sufficient to operate the communication module from the existing HVAC wiring, so as to eliminate any need for batteries or external power sources. A second communication module may be coupled to the single control wire. The second communication module operates as a transceiver sending communication signals to, and receiving communication signals from, the communication module. In one embodiment, the communication module is disposed within a building, for example coupled to an electronic thermostat, while the second communication module is disposed outside the building near the compressor.

Abstract: A midspan power sourcing equipment (PSE) for operation with power over Ethernet (PoE). The midspan PSE provides powering over wire pairs that are also used for data communication. To reduce costs by the midspan manufacturer, the midspans can be designed without the use of data transformers. Rather, midspans can include transmit/receive couplers that have blocking capacitors and divider trees for the insertion of power.

Abstract: In a fire alarm system, a message is sent on a pair of power lines to a notification appliance. The notification appliance responds to the message by activating one or more of its notification devices. In a standby mode, only enough power is supplied to the plural notification appliances, at a first voltage level, to support two-way communications between a system controller and the notification appliances. In an active mode, power is supplied at a second voltage sufficient to operate audible and visible alarms of the notification appliance. The notification appliance may include an addressable speaker. The addressable speaker connects to and receives messages over the pair of power lines, has plural taps for selecting audio power. In response to a command, a selector in an addressed smart speaker selects a tap to select a particular audio power.

Abstract: A peripheral load driver that utilizes the power, wiring, and primary load of a conventional doorbell system to drive a doorbell system peripheral load at a higher current without risk of inadvertently energizing the primary load of the conventional doorbell system. The peripheral load driver comprising a power converting means for converting power extracted from the conventional doorbell system from a higher-voltage-at-a-lower-current to a lower-voltage-at-a-higher current wherein the higher-voltage-at-a-lower-current is insufficient to energize the primary load of the conventional doorbell system and the lower-voltage-at-a-higher-current is compatible with the doorbell system peripheral load.

Abstract: A pressure sensor portion includes a plurality of pressure sensors arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns inside a pressure-sensor-equipped carpet. The pressure sensor portion senses a pressure applied to the surface thereof and outputs a pressure value to a control portion. In an initial learning mode, a storage portion stores, as an initial value, the pressure value output from the pressure sensor portion. In a sensing operation mode, the control portion outputs to a modem portion a data signal indicating that an abnormal event is sensed, when the pressure value output from the pressure sensor portion is larger than the initial value stored in the storage portion by at least a prescribed threshold value. The modem portion superimposes the data signal received from the control portion on a power carrier wave (with a frequency of 50-60 Hz) and outputs the data signal to a power supply plug.

Abstract: A method, system and circuit arrangement exchange data and supply power to at least one current sink connected via at least one data line pair to a fire alarm control unit. A pulsed voltage is used as the supply voltage for the current sink connected via at least one data line pair. Useful data is transmitted to the fire alarm control unit between two voltage pulses. The voltage required to transmit the useful data to the fire alarm control unit is used by a capacitor of a circuit arrangement in the current sink charged beforehand by the supply voltage.

Abstract: The invention provides a power-line carrier communication apparatus including a transmission unit with a signal point mapping device for mapping a plurality of bit streams produced from transmission data, a wavelet inverse transforming device for modulating the respective sub-carriers by wavelet waveforms which are orthogonal to each other for producing temporal waveform series data, and a D/A converter for converting the temporal waveform series data into an analog temporal waveform series signal; and a reception unit with an A/D converter for obtaining sampling-series waveform data from a power-line communication signal, a wavelet transforming device for wavelet-transforming the sampling-series waveform data into signal point data of the respective sub-carriers, and a symbol judging device for judging bit streams mapped by the signal point mapping device by inverse-mapping a plurality of these signal point data, and for synthesizing the judged bit streams with each other as a reception data series.

Abstract: Utility outlets that function as a security system in a premises is disclosed. Utility outlets that function as a security system reduces the number of devices that need to be installed in a premises, thereby by reducing overall costs in installing a security system. Additionally, using utility outlets as a security system allows the security system to encompass the movement of electrical devices or the operation of electrical devices as security breach conditions.

Abstract: A method for detecting noise location information in a power line distribution system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of receiving link quality data for a first power line communication link between a first and second power line communications device, determining an asymmetry in the link quality data of the link, and determining location information for the noise source based on the location of the first power line communications device or the location of the second power line communications device.

Abstract: A system for operating a power line communications system is provided. One embodiment is comprised of a plurality of network elements, which may take the form of repeaters, bypass devices, backhaul devices, wireless backhaul devices, enhanced bypass device, communication interface devices and others. In one embodiment, two groups of network elements in the same electrical distribution system are isolated except selected communication link.

Abstract: A power line communication system includes a master ECU for supplying electric power, a plurality of slave ECUS and a plurality of power-supply lines connecting the slave ECUS to the master ECU respectively. The power-supply lines including at least one first power-supply line on which a control signal is superimposed and at least one second power-supply line on which no control signal is superimposed. The control signal is superimposed on the first power-supply line by the master ECU and also communicated between the master ECU and the slave ECUS connected to the first power-supply line. Impedance per unit length of the first power-supply line is set smaller than impedance per unit length of the second power-supply line.

Abstract: A terminating device enables power line communication to be performed while suppressing degradation of the communication quality without decreasing the communication efficiency. The terminating device includes power supply plugs, a terminating circuit, a changeover switch, and power jack terminals, which are housed in an adapter case. The terminating circuit has an impedance corresponding to the impedance between power lines in the used frequency band of power line communication and is connected or disconnected between the power supply plugs by the changeover switch.

Abstract: In a circuit delivering common mode inline power over a pair of conductors imbalance in the current carried by the first and second conductors of the pair of conductors is detected and compensated with a bias current applied to counter the imbalance.

Abstract: Data signals are communicated between a power line and a computer, wherein the power line provides power to the computer via a distribution transformer and the computer is in communication with a wireless communication path. A first data signal is communicated with the power line. A conversion is made between the first data signal and a second data signal capable of being communicated wirelessly. The second data signal is wirelessly communicated with the wireless communication path.

Abstract: A device and method for providing power line communications via an underground residential distribution power system is provided. One embodiment of the present invention includes a medium voltage interface device that may include a first port configured to communicate over the power line and a network interface. A first amplifier may form part of a first communication path between the first port and the network interface and be configured to amplify data signals transmitted via the first port. In addition, a second amplifier may form part of a second communication path between the first port and the network interface and be configured to amplify data signals received via the first port. In addition, the embodiment may include a diplexer forming part of the first communication path between the first amplifier and the first port and forming part of the second communication path between the second amplifier and the first port.

Abstract: A multi-sensor network having a plurality of receivers and sensors connected to a common communication line is provided. A controller will activate one of the plurality of receivers, thereby allowing one of the plurality of sensors to transmit data to the communication line. The plurality of sensors each individually have a logic device preventing more than one sensor from transmitting data in a given time interval.

Abstract: A method of communicating utility usage data is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises transmitting real-time utility usage data from a plurality of utility meters, receiving the real-time utility usage data from the plurality of utility meters, storing the real-time utility usage data in a memory, storing address information of the plurality of utility meters in memory, receiving requests from a plurality of utility users for real-time utility usage information and wherein the requests traverse a communication path that includes the Internet, processing the utility usage data of the utility users to provide the real-time utility usage information for each utility user, and transmitting the real-time utility usage information to the utility users over a communication path that includes the Internet.

Abstract: The invention refers to remote monitoring of power objects and is designed for collecting data on OHTL conductor status and passing such to data collection point (dispatch point for example). The invention's objective is to exclude necessity to produce and maintain specialized technological applications for measuring conductor's attitude parameters and/or communication with measurements collection point, and thus improve reliability of the device operation as an autonomous element of system of monitoring of OHTL conductor status. The device contains a housing, equipped with a mean for attachment to OHTL conductor, and located therein power supply and measuring-transmitting module. Invention options provide for introduction into the measuring-transmitting module of interface with utility cellular telephony channel and/or Global Positioning System signals receiver identifying its three-dimensional coordinates.

Abstract: A configurable power control system is disclosed. The power control system can include a control module, an enable/disable module coupled to a power rail (i.e. an internal power line) to enable and disable power to the power rail. The system can also include a sequencer module coupled to the first and a second power rail to sequence power to the power rail(s). The system can also include a fault detect module to detect system parameters. Additionally, the system can include a memory module to store user input and can store detected faults to be utilized by the control module and other modules to control interrelationships between the enable module, the sequencer module, the fault detect module, power in, and power provided via the power rails.

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: A selectable mode field transmitter is configurable to operate in one of a plurality of operating modes having different combinations of function, performance, and power consumption. The selectable mode field transmitter includes a housing, a sensor located within the housing, and transmitter circuitry for transmitting data provided by the sensor to a receiver external to the housing. The transmitter circuitry includes a controller that electrically configures the transmitter circuitry to one of a plurality of operational modes in response to mode selection data received from a source external to the housing. Therefore, the selectable mode field transmitter can be configured based on the needs or requirements of a particular application.

Abstract: A line-powered module that is selectively operable in one of a plurality of modes of operation based upon the value of a selection signal. The line-powered module includes a control unit that selectively operates the module in one of the plurality of modes of operation based upon the value of a selection signal received by the control unit. The line-powered module includes a selection input that is coupled to the control unit such that the selection signal can be received at the selection input. Preferably, the selection input receives a selection wire that can be moved between different points of connection to define the plurality of states of the selection signal. Based upon the connection of the selection wire, the control unit operates the line-powered module in one of the plurality of modes of operation.

Abstract: Plural communication areas are provided, and plural electronic control units for mutually making communication in each of the communication areas are provided. A vehicular power line communication system includes a power line coupling the respective communication areas to one another, branch power lines coupling the respective electronic control units in each of the communication areas to one another, and a battery for supplying electric power to the electronic control units through the power line and the branch power lines. The power line is formed of a +B line turning to a positive polarity and a ground line turning to a negative polarity, which are cabled to be spaced from each other in a part of the power line. The branch power lines superpose communication data thereon, thereby making data communication.

Abstract: A communication system associated with premises power distribution lines can be used to transmit audio data via the distribution lines. First and second transceivers can communicate bi-directionally over the distribution lines to transmit the audio data. The audio data can be provided by a computer coupled to one of the transceivers. One or more portions of the premises power distribution lines can be used as radiators to wirelessly transmit the audio data to one or more devices.

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: An apparatus for converting a low voltage alternating current (AC) wiring circuit to a high speed data communications link, comprising a primary coupling circuit and a secondary coupling circuit. The apparatus provides low voltage AC power to a data device and couples data signals between the data device and the AC power line via the converted low voltage AC wiring circuit. An example is provided for retrofitting a door chime system to a high speed data link such as a video camera system.

Abstract: A system for distinguishing between a first condition corresponding to a living subject being directly in contact with an object of interest, and a second condition corresponding to the absence of contact between the living subject and the object of interest. A transducer, which may be a MEMs sensor, is disposed in predetermined relationship to the object of interest and produces a transducer signal responsive to a pressure wave resulting from the living subject being directly in contact the object of interest. A database stores data corresponding to the first condition and may contain additional data corresponding to the second condition. A processor calculates an algorithm of a non-linear short-term frequency-selective energy distribution of the transducer signal over time to produce transducer signal data.

Abstract: A method and network device increases the power of the signal transmitted by the device on a wired communications network, such as a powerline communications (PLC) network, without exceeding the maximum allowable common-mode (CM) current specified by regulatory bodies. The device is first tested for regulatory body compliance on a standard network. The output voltage of the device is adjusted until the maximum allowable CM current is detected, and this voltage level and CM current are recorded and stored in non-volatile memory of the device. The device is then connected to the actual network and the output voltage set to the previously recorded value. At this voltage level, the CM current in the actual network is measured and recorded.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for coupling communications signals onto a medium-voltage power line includes a metal oxide varistor, a disconnect device and a capacitor. The metal oxide varistor is electrically coupled to the medium voltage power line. The disconnect device includes a resistor in parallel with an air gap and is electrically coupled in series between the metal oxide varistor and a communications device. The capacitor is electrically coupled to the metal oxide varistor and the communications device in parallel with the disconnect device.

Abstract: A system for bidirectional data and power transmission is shown and described. In an embodiment, a network power controller provides power to a node and communicates bidirectionally with the node. In an embodiment, the network power controller is coupled to an AC power source and provides both AC and DC power to the node. In an embodiment, the network power controller and node are coupled via a conduit comprising three wires, wherein the first wire carries DC power and communications, the second wire carries AC power, and the third wire is the neutral/ground line. In another embodiment, the network power controller and node are coupled via a conduit comprising two wires, wherein the first wire carries AC power and communications and the second wire is the neutral/ground line. In an embodiment, AC power having one phase or more can be controlled at the network power controller and the node.

Abstract: Method and device for detecting the presence and type of trailer which may have been connected to a vehicle including arrangements for applying a first voltage to a first amount of power lines for a first sub system in the trailer and arrangements for measuring the individual currents consumed by components in the first sub system. An arrangement is also included for comparing the individual currents to a first predefined threshold. The device additionally has arrangements for applying a second voltage to a second amount of power lines in the first sub system in the trailer and an arrangement for measuring the total current in the second amount of power lines, together with an arrangement for comparing the total current in the second amount of power lines to a second threshold. An arrangement for making decisions is provided and adapted to decide which kind of trailer, if any, is connected to the towing vehicle based on the measured currents.

Abstract: A system is described for transmitting video signals over various communication media using digital signal processing techniques. An embodiment of the system uses an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation process that enables high-speed data communications of Ethernet and/or MPEG or JPEG or H264 compressed or uncompressed digital video. A second embodiment frequency modulates the OFDM modulated signal (FM-OFDM). The first and second embodiments are implemented with a transmit Ethernet interface, an MPEG or JPEG or H264 compressed or uncompressed digital video capture device, and a modem including a modulator and demodulator that provides communication with several other modem devices along communication media such as power lines, wireless (air), cable, or twisted pairs.

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: A vehicle such as an aircraft (400) is provided (101) with a source of power having a power output such as a source of light (401). This power output can then be combined with an identifier (103, 416) that is substantially unique to the aircraft. An optical conduit (405) can then be used (104) to couple this source of light to a light-to-electricity conversion apparatus (406). So configured, the optical conduit delivers light from this source of light to the light-to-electricity conversion apparatus such that the light source then serves as a source of electricity in the vehicle and as a source of a substantially unique identifier as corresponds to the vehicle is available for such use as may be appropriate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for interfacing a power line communications (PLC)-enabled communication device in a building with a power network are disclosed. In various embodiments, a system can include a specially-configured coupler that enables a common PLC communications signal to be injected into the same power phase line of the power network, but at different service panels.

Abstract: A data display system including a plurality of data sources; a data transmitter coupled to the data sources and to a transmission network comprising a power line; wherein the data transmitter comprises means for modulating the data as a frequency modulated carrier and means for transmitting the carrier over the power line; and a plurality of gauges each having a display and coupled to the power line, and a data receiver comprising means for demodulating the carrier and means for translating the data to the display. The gauges are coupled to the data transmitter only by the power line, disregarding any ground connections, and the power line provides power to the gauges and the data transmitter.

Abstract: A communication system includes a power line, a plurality of PLC networks connected to the power line in common, and an electronic control unit for controlling an electric equipment, connected to the power line between the PLC networks. The electronic control unit includes a bypass capacitor that attenuates a communication signal transmitting over the power line.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating audio signals between an input device and an output device via a network. The output device can include loudspeakers and headphones. In some embodiments an output device, for example a center channel speaker, transmits audio signals to other output devices. In some embodiments, the output device is coupled to, or combined with, a speaker stand or speaker bracket. The network can be wireless, wired, infrared, RF, and powerline.

Abstract: An electric power line communication system operates with an electric power distribution system to provide, via premises power distribution lines, communication links among power line communication devices associated with the premises power distribution lines. A sensor unit and a first communication device may engage in two-way communication through the premises power distribution lines. The sensor unit may communicate data to a remote monitoring location via the first communication device or, if the first communication device is unreachable, via a second communication device. Alternatively, units associated with the premises power distribution lines may be arranged in a master-slave configuration, with a first unit configured to verify the functioning of two-way communication with the second unit. Also, a first unit may be connected to a high-voltage premises power distribution line, while a second unit may be connected to a low-voltage premises power distribution line.

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: Temperature measurement data obtained by measuring the temperature of a cable clamp (31) by a temperature sensor (320) is radio-transmitted from a temperature sensing unit (32) at a predetermined timing, and the radio-transmitted temperature measurement data is received by a receiving station (5), classified by the temperature sensing unit number, and stored in a temperature measurement data storage area (502A). The temperature measurement data transmitted from twelve temperature sensing units (32) can be received by one receiving station (5).

Abstract: A system and method for configuring and monitoring devices utilizing a power line network is provided herein. Each network device (e.g., programmable logic controller, machine, or sensor) contains a power line interface to facilitate communication over a power line network. The power line interfaces contain at least one unique identifier to distinguish the interface and its associated network device from other devices on the same network and thereby enable device message exchange. The ubiquity of power lines in an industrial environment or any environment for that matter provides an accommodating medium of communication, which the subject invention exploits to set-up, configure, and program industrial control devices connected thereto. Furthermore, the subject invention can utilizes power lines after configuration, during system operation, or upon device failure to monitor, diagnose, and/or predict the health of a system device.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting and receiving data between a power supply and a remotely located load, by use of standard data communication cable has functional data transmitted via the power line of such data communication cable in order to decrease the number of required conductors. This auxiliary data is encoded by altering the current balance between two conductors, conducting a current I from the receiver to the transmitter or vice versa in two branches.

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: A combined doorbell and smoke detection device includes a housing that has monolithically formed sides. One side includes openings formed adjacent to the housing top corners for receiving fasteners therethrough. Nested within the housing are a door bell chime, a first control unit, a carbon monoxide smoke detector, and an ionization smoke detector. A second control unit is coupled to the carbon monoxide and ionization smoke detectors, and includes an amplifier. A power interrupt diverting switch is disposed within the housing and is mated to an external power source. An internal power supply source is nested within the housing and is coupled to the power interrupt diverting switch. A transformer is coupled to the power interrupt diverting switch, and the first and second control units for converting a first voltage level to a second voltage level transmitted to the first and second control units respectively.

Abstract: A load control apparatus is connected to a master station through a power line supplied with direct-current power. The load control apparatus is driven by the direct-current power supplied from the power line to communicate with the master station through the power line. The load control apparatus includes a PLC part, first and second branch lines, connected to the power line, an impedance element connected to only the second branch line, a motor connected to only the first branch line, a condenser connected in parallel with the motor, the condenser having a capacitance resonating with an inductance component of the motor and frequency of the communication signal, a control part configured to perform a variety of processes, based on the communication signal received by the communication part communicating with the master station, and a circuit power part connected to the second branch line through the impedance element and configured to supply the PLC part and the control part with the desired power.