David L Bowles

US Patent:

6535797, Mar 18, 2003

Filed:

Feb 1, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/495846

Inventors:

Scott D. Bowles - Fort Wayne IN
Craig W. Trowbridge - Fort Wayne IN
David L. Bowles - Leo IN

Assignee:

Spectrum Engineering Corporation - Leo IN

International Classification:

G06K 1500

US Classification:

700286, 700291, 700292, 700297

Abstract:

An electrical distribution system includes a communications network; a transmission circuit; a plurality of distribution feeder circuits; at least one monitoring device; and a plurality of substations. Each monitoring device is associated with an operating parameter of the transmission circuit or one of the distribution feeder circuits. Each of the substations is electrically connected between the transmission circuit and at least one of the distribution feeder circuits. Each substation includes at least one controllable device and a control unit. The control unit at each substation includes a communications device and a processing circuit. The communications device is independently coupled with the communications network for providing data to and receiving data from the communications network. The processing circuit is coupled with the communications device and at least one monitoring device. The processing circuit at least intermittently receives an output signal from the monitoring device and at least intermittently transmits an output signal to the communications network via the communications device.