Abstract: A method and system for enhancing communication signals in a power-line communications system, which uses high-voltage or medium-voltage power lines as a transmission medium. Because communication signals are subject to attenuation as they traverse the power-lines over a long distance, they are repeated and amplified by repeaters along the power-lines. The repeated signals are caused to interfere among themselves because of the delay and overlap of signals. By optically or wirelessly conveying communication signals between two phase-lines, and repeating signals in a phase-line hopping fashion, the distance between two adjacent repeaters on any one phase-line can be significantly extended in order to reduce interference.

Abstract: A network facility includes an interface device coupled between a processor member and a network device which has an integrated circuit coupled between an antenna and the interface device. The interface device has a chip selecting member coupled to the integrated circuit for accessing to the integrated circuit, and a reading and a writing control members coupled to the integrated circuit for reading and writing between the integrated circuit and the processor member. The interface device may have a waiting or a reset or an interrupting member coupled to the integrated circuit.

Abstract: An electrical appliance includes at least one sensor for recording at least one operating parameter and at least one actuator for influencing at least one operating parameter of the electrical appliance. The at least one sensor and the at least one actuator are conductively coupled with a central computing and control unit for controlling the electrical appliance. The central computing and control unit is coupled with a communication unit that allows a wireless communication with an external remote station. The communication unit is, preferably, a transponder for wireless radio communication.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for maintaining a first data transmission connection from a terminal device (PC) to a telecommunications network, the first data transmission connection comprising a first partial connection between the terminal device (PC) and a wireless communications device (MS) and a second partial connection between the wireless communications device (MS) and the telecommunications network. In the method, said second partial connection is suspended and the first partial connection between the terminal device (PC) and the wireless communications device (MS) is set to idle mode, meaning that the connection is terminated on the physical layer but maintained on a higher layer.

Abstract: A wireless repeater and controller is placed between a light socket and a light bulb, such as in a ceiling light fixture. The wireless repeater and controller has an extending threaded portion that screws into the light socket, and a recessed threaded portion that receives a light bulb. In this manner a wireless repeater may be installed very quickly without tools in any location where there is a lightbulb. When the light switch that would normally control the light bulb is on, power is provided to the wireless repeater and controller. When the wireless repeater and controller receives a wireless message, it repeats the wireless message at a predetermined power level. When the wireless repeater and controller receives a wireless command message to turn the light on, the wireless repeater and controller connects line power to the light bulb.

Abstract: Power line communication method and apparatus in which data modulated radio frequency carriers from two different sources are transmitted by the power line, the range of frequencies of the carriers from one source partially overlapping the range of frequencies of the carriers from the other source, and in which carriers of the one source are shifted to frequencies other than the overlapping frequencies when carriers at the overlapping frequencies and from the other source are present on the line. Optionally, the data signal sampling rate can be changed to simplify signal filtering requirements.

Abstract: A wireless communication system by using an electric power line as a data link network is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of primary wireless communication modules, a plurality of secondary wireless communication modules. Each of the primary wireless communication modules includes a data communication device coupled to a data link port of a controller, and a filter coupled between the data communication device and the electric power line. The system status memories of the primary wireless communication modules are synchronized to each other by transmitting the system status data therebetween according to a predetermined communication protocol on a selected communication channel through the electric power line.

Abstract: A dual transceiver enhanced bridge is provided for wirelessly radio frequency (RF) broadcasting messages received on a power line communication system. The dual transceiver enhanced bridge includes a power line carrier (PLC) modem connected to the power line by a connecting plug. The PLC modem is connected to a memory unit. The dual transceiver enhanced bridge also comprises an RF modem connected to the memory unit. A controller is connected to the PLC modem, the RF modem, and the memory unit to control transmission of messages from the connected devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for coupling communication signal modulated radio frequency signals between an electrical power distribution line and the electrical power wiring at a customer's premises which includes a first transceiver for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic energy is inductively coupled to the distribution line and a second transceiver for receiving electromagnetic energy from, and transmitting electromagnetic energy to, the first transceiver. The second transceiver is coupled to the customer's power wiring to receive communication signals from, and to supply communication signals to, the customer's power wiring. The electrical power for the first transceiver can be supplied by inductive coupling to the power line and/or a battery, the battery being a back-up source when both inductive coupling and a battery are present.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for data transmission in two-way communication via low-voltage systems that are linked to a higher order telecommunication network. Data transmission takes place within the low-voltage system at a high-frequency range of up to 30 MHz using band spreading of data signals and a transmit level below the specified radio interference or noise voltage limit, in that said band-spread data is given a direction coding to specify a logical direction within the low-voltage system using different sequences of a family of pseudo-random numbers to enable multiple-user operation, and in that the binary sequences of data with their user-specific spreading and direction-specific coding are identified by correlation using specified sequences at attenuation-dependent intervals within the low-voltage system, then said data sequences are regenerated and assigned new direction codes for forwarding.

Abstract: A data communications system including a local beacon (10; 9, 9′), on the one side being programmable and/or communicating with controlling and/or information communicating infrastructure means (16), for example a central service provider or the Internet and/or with one or more further local beacons and which, on the other side, contains for wireless communication with one or more end devices (17) located in its vicinity a transceiver combination or in special cases a transmitter only and which is located in or in place of a electric lighting equipment (1) is characterized in accordance with the invention in that the local beacon is provided with a smart cache and/or processing functionality for the data to be communicated wireless. The data communications system in accordance with the invention can be put to use for both communication and navigation by end device users.

Abstract: This invention discloses a local area network including a hub, a plurality of nodes, communication cabling connecting the plurality of nodes to the hub for providing data communication, and a power supply distributor operative to provide at least some operating power to at least some of the plurality of nodes via the communication cabling.

Abstract: A communication system comprises a network of beacons and a power line carrier arrangement providing a back-end path for the network. The carrier arrangement carries control and/or data signals to and from the beacons. A communication method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for extending the range of a base unit is disclosed. The system can include repeaters and/or network decoders, each of which is housed in a network module. The network module includes a first portion for insertion into a powered outlet. The first portion receives power from the powered outlet. The network module further includes a second portion for receiving a powered device, and an electronic housing that is coupled to the first and second portions. The electronic housing encloses an electronic unit for receiving power from the first portion and selectively providing power to the second portion. The electronic unit can also include a repeater for receiving commands and re-broadcasting the commands, and/or an active network device for receiving commands, decoding the commands, and controlling at least one device based on the command. The electronic unit can receive signals and transmit signals via a wired connection or a wireless link.

Abstract: A multicarrier transmitting modem is described.

Abstract: A loop-powered T1 digital radio is coupled to a powered T1 wireline. The radio not only interfaces digital T1 communication signals with the line, but is configured to extract and convert electrical power from the line to voltages necessary for operating the radio. The loop-powered T1 radio transmits and receives RF energy containing the T1 digital communication signals with respect to a remote digital radio, such as a ‘blue tooth’ type radio.

Abstract: A method and system for communication within an energy-transmission-limited environment. RF transceivers throughout the site are located site-wide such that areas within the site in which communications are desired are within range of at least one of the RF transceivers. At each location RF transceivers are connected to a control unit. The control unit provides power to the transceivers and allows bi-directional communication of audio/voice and/or digital information. The control units may be networked to each other using standard network type category-5 or equivalent cables and may communicate to one another via the network connection. The control units may also be networked via an alternating current powerline by using an alternating current modem. The transceiver of the present invention utilizes single sideband modulators to modulate voice and/or digital signals. The signals are demodulated and filtered at a receiving end of the transceiver. A comb filter attenuates noisy signals with drifting harmonics.

Abstract: A system and method to use a wired network to extend radio coverage of a wireless network is described. With respect to one embodiment, the method comprises converting incoming wireless signals sent by a wireless unit to intermediate frequency (IF) signals. The method further comprises transmitting the converted IF signals over a wired network and retrieving the transmitted IF signals from the wired network. In addition, the method comprises converting the retrieved IF signals to digital data that can be routed to a destination.

Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus is adapted to conduct stable wireless communication with one or more wireless communication sub-units and comprises a power supply connecting section connected to a power socket for lighting, communicating means connected to the power supply connecting section and conducting communication between one or more wireless communication sub-units and the other wireless communication main-units, and a lamp connecting section, electrically connected to the power supply connecting section and to which a power supply plug of an electric lamp is connected.

Abstract: RF digital information signals are interfaced with a medium voltage power line data channel. An interface circuit connects between the medium voltage and low voltage sides of a step-down power transformer. The interface circuit includes a metal oxide arrestor (MOV) and an opto-coupler. The MOV provides the needed capacitance and voltage rating without the bulk of a capacitor having similar capacitance and voltage rating. The opto-coupler provides an added margin of safety for coupling communications data while isolating the medium voltage power from the low voltage side of the transformer.

Abstract: An apparatus for interfacing at least one landline telephone service, at least one wireless cellular-type telephone service, at least one cellular-type wireless telephone and at least one standard telephonic type communication device through standard building interior telephone cable.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting the presence of an FM-modulated audio signal from an auxiliary source, and operating a switch to provide that audio signal to a tuner in lieu of the radio frequency signal received at the tuner antenna. The tuner can be a vehicle tuner. The system also comprises a modulator unit for modulating the audio signal and an output plug for insertion into a cigarette lighter receptacle or power receptacle of a vehicle. A radio frequency transmission line, such as a coaxial cable, connects the cigarette lighter receptacle or power receptacle to the vehicle battery and to an antenna switch unit and transports both DC power and the FM-modulated audio signal. The antenna switch unit comprises switched inputs for the vehicle antenna and the output from the modulator unit, and a radio frequency signal detection device for detecting when the FM-modulated audio signal is present. The antenna switch unit provides the output from the modulator unit to the tuner whenever it is detected.

Abstract: A method and system for the reception, conversion and distribution of wireless signals over AC power lines to one or more telephone communication devices within a building, office or complex is disclosed. This invention specifically provides for the reception of PCS, cellular and/or satellite communication signals, by receiving the wireless signal and providing an interface to standard generally available telephone equipment. By making use of the power line carrier channel, this invention provides for the reception of the wireless signals upon telephone equipment that is located in the building or complex in locations remote from standard telephone wiring. Moreover, by distributing such received wireless signals over the power line a number of telephone devices can be used to receive the distributed signals.

Abstract: A method and system for the reception, conversion and distribution of wireless communication signals received from such communication devices as PCS, Cellular, and Satellite over AC power lines commonly found within a building, office, home or other structure is disclosed. This invention specifically provides for the distribution of wireless signals in structures where otherwise signal degradation and/or blockage are common. Moreover, this invention takes advantage of the existing AC power lines to create a communication channel avoiding the necessity of rewiring the building or other structure. This invention provides important improvements to the signal coverage and reception of wireless transmitted signals within buildings and other structures and does so in an efficient and cost effective manner.

Abstract: A method for auditing databases containing records of varied record formats verifies records from a test database against records from a reference database. Records from the test database are converted to test tokens, and records from the reference database are converted to reference tokens. The tokens summarize select fields of data from the records. Thereafter, pattern recognition techniques are used to analyze the tokens to determine Whether the data in the test tokens matches to data in the reference tokens. When an erroneous test token is discovered, an update token is generated to correct a corresponding record in the test database. This method is particularly well suited for auditing enhanced 911 emergency telephone service selective router databases.

Abstract: A wireless power line carrier data communication device is provided. The device is specifically adapted to meet the requirements of high-speed modem data transmission, such as is typically required by digital computer networks and similar devices. The device employs an improved power line transmitter power output which reduces the effect of harmonic distortion and also employs a bit-stream sine wave generator with a digital to analog converter to producing a sine wave for the sub-audio carrier signal, which also reduces the effects of harmonic distortion. The device is specifically designed for data transfer over the AC power lines and is compatible with standard AC power signals as well as standard modem equipment and standard telephone connections.

Abstract: A telephone and auxiliary power distribution system in a building has a flexible multi-conductor signal and power distribution cable; which cable originates from a central signal & power management facility located near the point where the telephone utility line enters the building and extends from there to each of numerous locations within the building at which a fire-hazard-proof signal & power outlet is wanted; each of which outlets is adapted to service one of plural different loads, such as a wide variety of telephone and telephone-related instruments, smoke detectors, PC's, TV's & VCR's, clocks and timers, thermostats, door chimes and buttons, modems, fax machines, lamps & lights, Class-2 & Class-3 sub-circuits, etc.

Abstract: A wireless power line carrier voice and data communication device is provided. The device permits a user to connect one or more electronic devices to surge suppress and isolated AC power connections while simultaneously providing a communication channel between telephone equipment, such as telephone extensions, modems and/or facsimile machines, across the AC power lines to a remote telephone connection. This invention prevents the degradation of the voice and/or data signal across the power lines that would otherwise be induced by the AC connected electronic equipment. Furthermore, this invention provides a cost effective, convenient solution to the data processing user who requires access to telephone lines, for voice, data or both, as well as AC power outlets for electronic equipment all from a physical location some distance from a convenient phone connector. The isolation and surge suppression circuitry is designed specifically to address the power line carrier environment.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating information between subscribers over power transmission lines which normally convey electrical power to a plurality of diverse electrical sites for providing electrical power to electrical devices disposed at these diverse electrical sites. The subscribers on the communication network are located at these electrical sites. The electrical power conveyed over the power transmission lines is in the form of electromagnetic radiation which has an electrical field component and an associated magnetic field component. The information, such as telephonic voice communication or other data, is transmitted in the magnetic field component of the electromagnetic radiation carried over the power transmission line, such as by exciting the field with a MASER, in order to enable communication between the subscribers at the various electrical sites.

Abstract: A wireless power line carrier voice and data communication device is provided. The device permits a user to connect a caller identification unit to a telephone extension whose only connection to a telephone line is over an AC power line. The invention provides for appropriate amplification, joining with other audio paths, and transmission while requiring no hardware modifications of the extension unit or the wireless extension jack.

Abstract: A system and method to connect standard telephone subscriber equipment (telephone, facsimile, personal computer) to a fixed wireless terminal via power lines. The system comprises fixed wireless terminals connected to a power line interface device. Subscriber equipment is connected to the power line interface device thereby allowing telecommunication signals to be transmitted to the fixed wireless terminal for subsequent wireless transmission. The fixed wireless terminal exists at an individual subscriber's home/business within a given step-down power transformer cluster. The step-down power transformer provides signal isolation so that the same or similar addresses can be used between clusters without confusion as to the identity of the individual subscriber. The FWT is also connected to the power meter at a subscriber location such that power utilization can be communicated to the power company in a wireless fashion.

Abstract: A method and system for multiple access telephone communications is described. The system utilizes one or more base units connected to subscriber lines, and multiple extension units in communication with each base unit via building power lines. Secure multiple access coding is used to prevent eavesdropping and interference. Extension units may employ cordless telephone technology. Caller ID information transmitted with incoming telephone signals may be transmitted to extension units via building power lines and displayed on the extension handset or cradle.

Abstract: A radio-frequency (RF) distribution system carriers multi-carrier RF signals having frequencies above 500 Mb over existing electric power wiring between a transceiver and one or more antennas. The transceiver and antennas can be connected to the power wiring, disconnected from the power wiring, relocated, and reconnected to the power wiring without installing conventional transmission lines.

Abstract: The present invention is for a system which uses a non-telephone wiring network, such as the existing electrical low voltage wiring of the power line distribution network to provide telephone line service to individual users. The low voltage wiring referred to herein is that used to distribute power to individual businesses and residences, e.g., 120 V single phase residential service. The telephone line service is "on-demand" in the sense that any user can interface a telephone, or other communications device, to the electrical wiring and thereby instantly obtain telephone line service. The system of the present invention may be used to provide primary telephone service to those users who do not wish to pay the expense for dedicated line service. Alternatively, the system of the present invention may be used to provide secondary telephone service, i.e., second, third, . . . line, telephone service for those users who do not wish to pay the expense for dedicated secondary line service.