US 11967857

Here's a concise summary of US Patent 11967857:

Title: Power source load control

Assignee: PSLC LLC

Inventors: J. Carl Cooper

Filing Date: November 18, 2020

Issue Date: April 23, 2024

Abstract:
A method is disclosed for controlling a load on a power source. This involves knowing parameters of the power source, sensing its output power, and calculating available power. Parameters of a desired load are also known, including its priority. The method determines if the load can be supported by the available power and connects it if sufficient power exists. The system continuously compares available power to required load and connects/disconnects loads based on changing conditions and priorities. This prevents overloading and can also optimize power source efficiency. The invention can be used with various power sources like generators, solar panels, and the power grid.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Independent Claim 1: This claim describes a method for managing power from a source (like a generator or the power grid) to multiple devices (loads). The method involves knowing the limits of the power source and the power requirements of each device, including its importance (priority). It measures the actual power being used and calculates how much power is still available. Before connecting a new device, the system checks if there's enough available power for it. If there is, and it's a priority, the device is connected. This process continuously monitors the power source and connected devices, turning devices on or off as needed to prevent the power source from being overloaded and to maintain its efficient operation.
• Independent Claim 11: This claim outlines a power management system that includes a power source (which could be a backup generator, solar panels, or the grid) and several devices (loads). It has a transfer switch to choose which power source to use and a control unit (processor circuit). The system uses sensors to monitor the power source's output and the individual loads. It stores information about the power source's capabilities, load characteristics, and load priorities. The control unit makes decisions to connect or disconnect loads based on available power and priorities, ensuring the power source is not overloaded and operates efficiently.
• Independent Claim 17: This claim is directed to a load control system for managing a load (device) connected to a power source. The system includes a control unit that knows the power source's capabilities and the load's power requirements and priority. It also features a load switch or a load limit device that can connect/disconnect the load or control the amount of power it draws. The control unit receives real-time information about the power source's output and the load's consumption. It uses this information to determine if connecting the load would cause an overload or exceed specific operational limits, and it controls the load switch or limit device accordingly to prevent such conditions.

CAFC 2026 Dockets:
The patent document for US11967857 explicitly mentions several related litigation events in 2026:

• PTAB case IPR2026-00023 filed (Not Instituted - Procedural).
• PTAB case IPR2026-00024 filed (Not Instituted - Procedural).
• PTAB case IPR2026-00022 filed (Not Instituted - Procedural).
• A US case filed in Wisconsin Eastern District Court (case 2:24-cv-01270).

While the general search for CAFC 2026 dockets showed active patent litigation and PTAB appeals at the Federal Circuit, direct docket entries specifically for these IPRs (IPR2026-00023, IPR2026-00024, IPR2026-00022) or the Wisconsin Eastern District Court case related to US11967857 were not found in the provided search snippets. However, the existence of PTAB cases in 2026 indicates potential or ongoing review by the Federal Circuit if those PTAB decisions were to be appealed.