
Clarence L. Elder
1935
The Energy-Saving "Occustat"
Head of his own
research and development firm in Baltimore, Clarence Elder was awarded a patent
in 1976 for a monitoring and control energy conservation system. His
"Occustat" is designed to reduce energy waste in temporarily vacant
homes and other buildings, and may be especially valuable for motels and
hotels. The system consists of connecting each energy unit to an
electronic beam attached to the building entrance to monitor incoming and
outgoing occupants. When the house or apartment is empty of people, the
beam sets the Occustat system into motion, reducing energy demand and achieving
energy saving up to 30 percent.
Elder and his
associates also have developed other systems and devices for which they have
received 12 U.S. and foreign patents, trademarks and copyrights.
Born in Georgia, and
graduated from Morgan State College, Elder was awarded a plaque at the New York
International Patent Exposition in 1969 for "Outstanding Achievement in the
Field of Electronics."