California Eastern Laboratories, Inc.

Tendril Networks, Inc.

Christopher C Dalla

An apparatus and method for minimizing inrush power. The method includes transmitting a load energization signal from a primary microcontroller to a logic latch or secondary microcontroller, transmitting a zero-cross voltage signal from a zero-cross sensor coupled to the load power to the logic latch or secondary microcontroller, and transmitting an energize signal from the logic latch or secondary microcontroller to a relay after the receipt of an energize signal from the primary microcontroller and after receipt of a zero-cross signal.

Apparatuses and methods of minimizing inrush

A communications bridge facilitates communication between an automatic meter reading (AMR) meter and a home area network (HAN) that uses the ZigBee smart energy (SE) protocol. The communications bridge includes a variety of components, including an AMR receiver, a microcontroller, and a ZigBee radio. The AMR receiver reads AMR data, which is not compatible with the ZigBee SE protocol, from the AMR meter. The microcontroller parses the received AMR data and translates it into corresponding ZigBee data. This ZigBee data is transmitted to other devices on the HAN via the ZigBee radio. The translated AMR meter data can then be presented to a consumer in real-time, enabling the consumer to better understand and manage his or her energy usage.

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Westminster, CO, United States of America

Christopher C Dalla