Abstract:
Disclosed are various embodiments for locating utility metering devices. Utility metering devices that are lost or stolen and that are facilitating unauthorized utility service access. Many AMI and/or AMR deployments lack the ability to remotely deactivate a meter. Accordingly, embodiments of this disclosure can generate a zone of interest in which an unauthorized utility metering device is located, and the unauthorized utility metering device can be subsequently located within the zone of interest.
Abstract:
Disclosed are various embodiments for a workstation management application. An identification of a user is obtained in a user interface. A listing of workstations that the user has accessed is rendered in the user interface. A selection of one of the workstations is obtained in the user interface. A listing of management tasks configured for the workstation is rendered in the user interface. One of a plurality of management tools is launched to perform a selected one of the management tasks for the workstation.
Abstract:
A system for depressurizing and cooling a high pressure, high temperature fine solid particles stream having entrained gas therein. In one aspect, the system has an apparatus for cooling the high pressure, high temperature fine solid particles stream having entrained gas therein and a pressure letdown device for depressurization by separating the cooled fine solid particles from a portion of the fine solid particles stream having entrained gas therein, resulting in a lower temperature, lower pressure outlet of solid particles for disposal or handling by downstream equipment.
Abstract:
A system for notifying and/or warning of fallen or downed insulated conductor generally includes a distribution system for distributing a utility, such as power, and a sensor system for sensing whether the distribution system is properly operating. The warning system can include a support structure; an arm carried by the support structure and extending outwardly therefrom; a distribution system providing a utility via at least one wire, the wire held aloft from a below surface via the arm; a communication cable transmitting a signal; a disruption assembly carrying the communication cable and in communication with the support structure. The disruption assembly is loaded with the potential of disrupting the signal transmitted by the communication cable; and a sensor system is adapted to monitor the distribution system based on the signal transmitted by the communication cable.
Abstract:
A method for testing a line trap of the type whose blocking characteristics are a function of its resonant frequencies without requiring the line trap to be de-energized along with the transmission line to which the trap is connected by injecting a signal into the transmission line over a range of frequencies including at least one of the line trap's expected resonant frequencies; measuring the magnetic field strength produced by the current through the line trap's main coil and the total current flowing through the line trap, and computing the ratio of the magnetic fields where the ratio is computed over a range of frequencies that includes the expected resonant frequency(s) of the line trap, such that the resonant frequencies are indicated where said ratio is at a local maxima or minima.
Abstract:
A fall arrest system adapted to prevent falls while climbing structures. A fall arrest system adapted to prevent lineman from falling from power poles during maintenance or repairs to various elements associated with the suspension and switching on transmission and/or distribution power grids. The system can comprise a safety belt type device comprising an inner strap assembly and an outer strap assembly for encircling a structure to be climbed. The system can comprise many materials in order to meet certain criteria, such as strength and/or stiffness. Additionally, the system can be easily manipulated as the user climbs up or down the structure to maintain the proper angle of the belt with respect to the user.
Abstract:
A non-boring support system, or a temporary arm gain, is described. The support system enables attaching a supporting arm to an existing utility pole. The support system can include a securing assembly and a mounting member. The securing assembly can define an aperture sufficiently large enough to receive and secure the supporting arm. The mounting member can be adapted to mount the securing assembly to the utility pole.
Abstract:
A quick-release conductor head for engaging a conductor, but capable of quickly releasing the conductor, if necessary. The quick-release conductor head includes a body for receiving the conductor, a latch pivotally connected to the body, a locking system for temporarily maintaining the latch in a closed position, and an opening system for automatically moving the latch from the closed position to the open position. In the closed position, the conductor is maintained within the body, while in the open position the body can be easily disengaged from the conductor. The present invention can include a guide system adapted to guide the conductor towards the body and guide the latch towards the locking system, when the latch is moved towards the closed position. The opening system can include a triggering mechanism and a bias adapted to disengage the latch from the locking system and move the latch towards the open position.
Abstract:
An apparatus for charging an electrostatic precipitator, powered by a power supply and having a plurality of corona electrodes and a plurality of collector electrodes, such that a precipitator capacitance may be formed therebetween, includes a storage capacitor across the power supply, having a storage capacitance. A voltage switch is capable of selectively electrically coupling the electrostatic precipitator to the storage capacitor. The storage capacitance is sufficient to charge the electrostatic precipitator to a preselected operative voltage within a rise time greater than a first preselected value and less than a second preselected value.