Abstract: A connection system for allowing access to a primary power signal flowing through a utility meter. The connection system comprises a collar assembly, an adapter assembly, and adapter electronics. The collar assembly comprises a collar housing adapted to engage the wall box and the meter assembly, a plurality of main terminals, a plurality of secondary terminals. The adapter assembly comprises an adapter housing and a plurality of adapter contacts. The adapter housing is sized and dimensioned to be arranged in an engaged position relative to the collar housing. The adapter contacts engage the secondary contacts when the adapter housing is in the engaged position. The adapter electronics are contained within the adapter housing and are electrically connected to the adapter contacts.

Abstract: A system for equalizing the voltages across first and second batteries coupled in series at a common terminal comprising a capacitive storage element, first and second inductive storage elements, first and second switch circuits, and a control unit. The capacitive storage element is coupled to first and second nodes. The first inductive storage element is coupled between the first node and the first battery. The second inductive storage element is coupled between the second node and the second battery. The first switch circuit is coupled between the first node and the common terminal. The second switch circuit is coupled between the second node and the common terminal. The control circuit operates the first and second switch circuits to control current flow to the first and second batteries.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply system comprising a source of a utility power signal, a source of hydrogen, a fuel cell stack, first and second input circuits, an output circuit, and a control circuit. The fuel cell stack converts the hydrogen into a fuel cell output signal. The first input circuit is operatively connected to the utility power signal and outputs a first AC input signal based on the utility power signal. The second input circuit operatively is connected to the fuel cell output signal and generates a second AC input signal based on the fuel cell output signal. The output circuit is operatively connected to the first and second input circuits and outputs at least one output signal based on one of the first and second AC input signals. The control circuit operatively is connected to the fuel cell stack, the first input circuit, the second input circuit. The output circuit controls whether the output signal is generated based on the utility power signal or hydrogen.

Abstract: A UPS system for communications systems. The UPS system comprises an input stage that generates primary and standby AC power signals. The primary and standby AC power signals are passed through an isolation transformer and through an output rectifier to obtain an output DC power signal. A plurality of output inverters are used to generate a plurality of output AC power signals from the output DC power signal. A switch circuit is provided to connect one or more of the output DC power signals to one or more loads of the communications system.

Abstract: A system for generating electrical power signals from a fluid fuel source. The system comprises an engine and a generator. The engine burns the fuel and is connected to the generator such that the generator generates a raw power signal. An output stage generates an output power signal from the raw power signal. A control circuit controls the operation of the engine based on the output power signal. The control circuit further controls the operation of the engine based on an output current of the generator when this output current exceeds a current threshold level. The control circuit additionally controls the operation of the engine based on a temperature of the engine when the engine temperature exceeds a rated temperature level. The system thus generates sufficient power to supply a variable load but stays within an operating range defined by a rated power level and the rated temperature level.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the status of and controlling network devices distributed throughout a communications network. Each network device is provided with a server/interface module containing a device specific application for that particular network device. The device specific application contains a database of status and control information associated with its associated network device. The server interface module generates a web page that contains at least a portion of the database and is connected to the communications network so that a person using a standard internet browser can view and alter the data contained by the database. When changes and upgrades are made to network device, the browser need not be upgraded.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a power signal to a local service portion of a communication system located in a densely populated area. A power multiplexer is provided having first, second, and third input connector assemblies, an output connector assembly, and a switching network. The output connector assembly is connected to a load in the communications network that is normally provided by a local utility power source. The input connector assemblies are connected to remote power sources of the communication system located outside the given local service area. The switching network connects one of the input connectors to the output connector assembly to pass to the load, as necessary, a power signal generated by one of the remote utility power sources. Because the remote utility power service and the local utility power service are unlikely to be disrupted in many situations, reliable power can usually be obtained even if local service is disrupted.

Abstract: A power supply for generating an uninterruptible AC power signal. The power supply utilizes leakage inductance in its transformer to eliminate the need for an output inductor. In standby mode, the AC power signal is generated from a battery by a switching circuit. Certain components of the switching circuit are also used to charge the battery when the power supply is operating in line mode.

Abstract: A cable TV distribution system in which an AC power signal is generated according to the following steps: (a) generating an AC power signal having at least a positive half-cycle, where the positive half-cycle comprises a rising portion, a falling portion, and a central portion; and (b) limiting the slew rate of the AC power signal within the rising portion to a range of 30 V/ms and 50 V/ms inclusive. Preferably, the slew rate of the AC power signal within the falling portion is limited to the range of -30 V/ms and -50 V/ms inclusive.

Abstract: A broadband communications network having an uninterruptible power supply. The power supply has one input connected to AC line voltage and another input connected to a gas powered electrical generator. The power supply contains an uninterruptible power supply module having a controlled ferroresonant transformer and a battery. The power supply also contains a bypass module having a controlled ferroresonant transformer. Switches are provided to allow either of the inputs to be connected to either the UPS module or the bypass module for the generation of power signals for supplying power to the broadband communications network.