The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 31, 1984
Filed:
Apr. 09, 1981
Jerry M Kennon, Raleigh, NC (US);
Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Abstract
A load management terminal is utilized as an end device in a utility's distribution network communication system. The distribution network carries electrical power as well as communication signals. The load management terminal is comprised of a power line coupling unit for connecting the load management terminal to the power distribution network. A signal receiver and conditioning unit produces a command signal in response to a received communication signal. A solid state memory contains preprogrammed instructions and data. A microprocessor performs load control functions in response to the command signal. The microprocessor additionally produces a diagnostic signal being in a low state in response to one of the preprogrammed instructions and being in a high state in response to another of the preprogrammed instructions. A reset circuit monitors the diagnostic signal and resets the microprocessor in response to irregularities in the diagnostic signal thereby greatly increasing the reliability of the load management terminal.