Energy consumption control system and method

Patent 4360881 Issued on November 23, 1982. Estimated Expiration Date:

July 7, 2000. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

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Inventor

Martinson, John R.

Application

No. 06/165853 filed on 07/07/1980

US Classes:

700/298, By voltage regulation340/825.69Radio link

Examiners

Primary: Wise, Edward J.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Anten; Lewis

International Classes

H02J 3/14 (20060101)
H02J 13/00 (20060101)
H02J 3/12 (20060101)

Abstract

An energy consumption control system and method for use by a utility company for reducing energy consumption during peak hours of demand. The system includes a centralized code signal generator for selectively generating one or more distinguishable control codes, a multiplexer for impressing these control codes upon the carrier of an existing commercial broadcast station, and a plurality of radio receivers each stationed at a selected customer location for disconnecting selected appliances upon receipt of one of said control codes. Each receiver includes a signal detector for detecting the reception of one of said control codes and a disconnect switch for disconnnecting selected appliances of the customer upon detection of one of said control codes. A timer may be used for sustaining the operation of the disconnect switch after detection of one of said control codes for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, a latching relay on microprocessor scheme may be used in which case the appliance will remain disconnected until the transmission of a second control code is detected.The system is disclosed as useful for controlling gas or water as well as electrical energy consumption.