AC power line signaling system
First Claim
1. A system for electrical signaling over an AC power distribution circuit carrying a periodic AC voltage having a positive zero crossing and a negative zero crossing during each cycle, said system comprising:
- transmitter means coupled to the AC power distribution circuit for imposing control signals thereon solely by increasing the duration of at least one zero crossing in each cycle of the AC voltage, and receiver means coupled to the AC power distribution circuit for detecting said control signals.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for controlling the operation of a load circuit coupled to an AC power distribution circuit includes an encoder which may be mounted in a wall switch box and coupled to a single conductor of the AC power distribution circuit for imposing thereon control signals by lengthening the zero crossings of the AC voltage. A decoder, also connected to the AC power distribution circuit at a remote location, detects the lengthened zero crossings and closes an electronic switch for energizing the load circuit. The encoder may be disconnected from the AC power distribution circuit, in which case the load circuit may be controlled by an external condition responsive device, such as a passive IR sensor. Visible light-responsive means may be provided for disabling the IR sensor during the day. The load circuit and the decoder can be turned off from the encoder location.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for electrical signaling over an AC power distribution circuit carrying a periodic AC voltage having a positive zero crossing and a negative zero crossing during each cycle, said system comprising:
- transmitter means coupled to the AC power distribution circuit for imposing control signals thereon solely by increasing the duration of at least one zero crossing in each cycle of the AC voltage, and receiver means coupled to the AC power distribution circuit for detecting said control signals.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A system for controlling a load circuit connected to an AC power distribution circuit carrying a periodic AC voltage having a positive zero crossing and a negative zero crossing during each cycle, said system comprising;
- electrically operated switch means connected in series with the load circuit and operative in response to an actuating signal to establish a conductive circuit between said power distribution circuit and said load circuit, encoder means coupled to the AC power distribution circuit for imposing control signals thereon solely by increasing the duration of at least one zero crossing in each cycle oof the AC voltage, decoder means coupled to the AC power distribution circuit for detecting said control signals and producing an output signal in response thereto, and actuating means responsive to said output signal for applying said actuation signal to said switch means.
- View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A system for controlling a load circuit connected to an AC power distribution circuit carrying a periodic AC voltage having a positive zero crossing and a negative zero crossing during each cycle, said system comprising:
- electrically operated switch means connected in series with the load circuit and operative in response to an actuating signal to establish a conductive circuit between said power distribution circuit and said load circuit, encoder means coupled to the AC power distribution circuit for imposing control signals thereon solely by increasing the duration of at least one zero crossing in each cycle of the AC voltage, decoder means coupled to the AC power distribution circuit for detecting said control signals and producing a first output signal in response thereto, condition sensing means responsive to a predetermined external condition for producing a second output signal, and actuating means coupled to said decoder means and to said condition responsive means and responsive to either of said first or second output signals for applying said actuating signal to said switch means.
- View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
Specification