Radioshack Corporation

Dwayne Campbell

Peter Griffin

An apparatus, and an associated method, for powering a powerline network apparatus, such as a HOMEPLUG&#x2122; transceiver. A data signal sensor is positioned to sense a data signal that is to be operated upon by the powerline network apparatus. When a data signal is sensed, an indication is formed, and the indication is used to control the switch positioning of a switch that interconnects a power supply with the powerline network apparatus. When the indication of sensing of the data signal is formed, the switch is closed, and the power supply is connected to the powerline-network apparatus operative power is provided to power the powerline network apparatus.

Apparatus and method for providing operative power to powerline-network device

A weather station for providing weather information to a user, especially weather information related to lightning and severe thunderstorm activity. In accordance with the present invention, the weather station includes one or more antennas for receiving GPS transmissions, weather radio transmissions, and a separate radio band, such as the AM radio band for use in detecting lightning strikes. The GPS signal is used to determine the position of the user. A lightning detector coupled to the antenna for receiving the AM (or other band) signal calculates the proximity of any detected lightning strikes. The national weather radio band antenna receives information from NOAA and similar organizations and presents it to the user in the normal fashion. In accordance with the present invention, the weather station may take storm data from NOAA and compare it to lightning proximity data that it has already obtained at a particular location and present to the user an indication of the relative location of the severe thunderstorm activity and its direction of movement.

Growing community of inventors

Fort Worth, TX, United States of America

Dwayne Campbell