Abstract: An exemplary apparatus and method for detecting substances are provided for allowing any of a variety of substances, such as natural gas, to be detected from a distance. The apparatus for detecting a substance includes a pole, a probe, and an elastic tube. The pole includes a first end, a second end, a first opening, a second opening, and a passage extending in the pole from the first opening to the second opening. The probe receives the substance and couples to the second opening of the pole, and the elastic tube is positioned within the passage of the pole and extends from the second opening of the pole to the first opening. A method for making an apparatus to detect a substance is also provided.

Abstract: A system used to manage a network by monitoring at least one interface of the network comprises a poller, a server, and a database, all in communication with one another. The poller continuously checks the at least one interface of the network by continuously sending out a poller query message to at least one interface of the network. The poller suspects a first interface of at least one interface of failing when the poller does not receive a poller reply message in response to the query messages from the first interface within a first time period. The poller sends an alert signal to the server notifying the server that the first interface of the at least one interface may be failing when the poller suspects the first interface of the at least one interface is failing.

Abstract: A control system comprises a utility power line; a first meter, a first generator, a second meter and a programmable logic controller. The utility power line provides power. The first meter is positioned to measure power provided by a utility company via the utility power line. The first generator generates additional power. The second meter is positioned to measure power generated by the first generator. The programmable logic controller is in communication with the first meter and the second meter to receive input information. The programmable logic controller is also in communication with the first generator to selectively control the first generator in response to the input information. The programmable logic controller controls the first generator to keep power provided by the utility company via the utility power line below a first amount at a first time.

Abstract: Preferred processes to separate metallic and non-metallic constituent components of at least one electronic product are generally comprised of the following steps: (a) repeatedly crushing the at least one electronic product to create a plurality of crushed electronic components; (b) repeatedly screening the plurality of crushed electronic components to ensure that the plurality of crushed electronic components substantially conform to a specific size; and (c) repeatedly separating portions of the plurality of crushed electronic components after steps (a) and (b) into non-metallic constituent components, metallic constituent components and mixed constituent components by weight, the mixed constituent components having both non-metallic constituent components and metallic constituent components; and (d) returning the mixed constituent components to be recrushed, rescreened, and reseparated in steps (a), (b), and (c).