Abstract: Devices for and methods of connecting a buried tracer wire to a buried utility pipe are described. The devices and methods include providing a tracer wire connector connected to a clamp, attaching the clamp to a metal portion of the buried utility pipe, and placing an end of the buried tracer wire in the tracer wire connector so that a conductor in the tracer wire is in electrical communication with the buried utility pipe. A sacrificial anode may be conductively attached to the tracer wire connector.

Abstract: A device for interrupting the flow of electrical power in an electrical distribution system is provided. The device includes a sensor operably coupled to the electrical distribution system. A switching mechanism is coupled to the electrical distribution system, the switching mechanism movable between an open position and a closed position. A controller operably coupled to the sensor and the switching mechanism, the controller having a processor that is responsive to executable computer instructions when executed on the processor incrementing a first counter in a first mode of operation and a second counter in a second mode of operation. Wherein the processor is further responsive to executable computer instructions for switching from the first mode to the second mode in response to a signal from the sensor.

Abstract: An optical sensor for detecting motion or movement in an area of interest and a method of operation is provided. The system includes a CMOS sensor having an array of pixels that captures images in an area of interest. The system monitors the average pixel value for the array to define a first state. If the average pixel value changes beyond a defined threshold, the system defines a second state. For each change in state, a signal is generated. In one embodiment, the optical sensor is used with a meter having a dial with an indicator. The optical sensor generates a signal each time the indicator passes through the area of interest to allow for the remote monitoring of a consumable commodity.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for disconnecting electrical service includes a housing to be coupled to an electric meter socket, a first stationary connector protruding from a first side of the housing, the first stationary connector configured to connect to a first line of electricity and a second stationary connector protruding from the first side of the housing, the second stationary connector configured to connect to a second line of electricity. The apparatus also includes a first moveable connector coupled to the first side of the housing, a second moveable connector coupled to the first side of the housing, and a third moveable connector coupled to the first side of the housing.

Abstract: A tool for extracting a plug from a pipe containing a pressurized gas is provided. The tool includes a chamber member having an open end and a closed end, the closed end having a bore therethrough. An extractor member is provided having a handle on one end and a shaft portion extending through the bore. The shaft portion has at least first threaded portion opposite the handle and a second threaded portion adjacent the closed end. A lifting member is operably coupled to the second threaded portion.

Abstract: A device and method for determining communications parameters such as signal strength is provided. The device includes a plurality of meters, each having an associated transceiver configured to receive a different communications protocol. Communications signals are received by a communications module and transmitted to the plurality of meters. The plurality of meters provide an indication of a signal parameter, such as signal strength for example, to allow the operator to decide which communications protocol the end device should use.

Abstract: A pipe coupling assembly for preventing longitudinal movement of first and second coupling rings disposed on first and second pipe sections is provided. The pipe coupling assembly includes a first clamping assembly disposed around a portion of an outer surface of the first pipe section and to abut against the first coupling ring. The pipe coupling assembly further includes a second clamping assembly disposed around a portion of an outer surface of the second pipe section and to abut against the second coupling ring. The pipe coupling assembly further includes a first threaded shaft coupled to both the first clamping assembly and the second clamping assembly to prevent longitudinal movement of the first and second clamping assemblies.

Abstract: A device comprising: a first tube, the first tube configured to couple to a work surface; a second tube coupled to an end of the first tube and arranged substantially perpendicular to the first tube; a lower jaw coupled to the second tube, the lower jaw having a first semi-cylindrical surface opposite the second tube; a jaw adapter coupled to the semi-cylindrical surface; an upper jaw rotatably couple to the lower jaw, the upper jaw having a second semi-cylindrical surface disposed opposite the first semi-cylindrical surface; and, a coupling assembly arranged to couple the upper jaw to the lower jaw, the coupling assembly being disposed on one end of the upper jaw and lower jaw.

Abstract: A device for interrupting the flow of electrical power in an electrical distribution system is provided. The device includes a sensor operably coupled to the electrical distribution system. A switching mechanism is coupled to the electrical distribution system, the switching mechanism movable between an open position and a closed position. A controller operably coupled to the sensor and the switching mechanism, the controller having a processor that is responsive to executable computer instructions when executed on the processor incrementing a first counter in a first mode of operation and a second counter in a second mode of operation. Wherein the processor is further responsive to executable computer instructions for switching from the first mode to the second mode in response to a signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A device and method of counting pulse or switch contact signals over time from any commodity in various applications such as manufacturing and process control is provided. The device includes a pulse splitter relay that generates a first output pulse signal and a second pulse output signal. The first output pulse signal is transmitted to a recorder that receives the pulse signal and stores data such as date and time information when the pulse signal was received. The second output pulse signal is transmitted to a downstream system, such as a building management system for example. The data from the recorder and the downstream system may be compared to verify the pulse signals and identify potential sources for error.

Abstract: A portable device for generating two electrical phases from a single electrical phase. The portable device includes a watertight housing having a toroidal transformer therein. A terminal block is mounted within the housing and is electrically connected to the toroidal transformer. The portable device is sized to fit on the rear floor of a vehicle and an appropriate weight to be carried by a single person.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for disconnecting electrical service includes a housing to be coupled to an electric meter socket, a first stationary connector protruding from a first side of the housing, the first stationary connector configured to connect to a first line of electricity and a second stationary connector protruding from the first side of the housing, the second stationary connector configured to connect to a second line of electricity. The apparatus also includes a first moveable connector coupled to the first side of the housing, a second moveable connector coupled to the first side of the housing, and a third moveable connector coupled to the first side of the housing.

Abstract: A grating system such as that used in roadways or sidewalks is provided. The grating system includes a support ledge having a first surface. A surface frame is arranged adjacent the first surface, the surface frame having a plurality of second surfaces defining an opening. A grating frame is coupled to the plurality of second surfaces. At least one cover is removably coupled to the grating frame.

Abstract: A current sensor is provided for non-invasively measuring electrical current in an electrical conductor. The current sensor includes a housing having a Hall effect device and circuitry for transmitting a signal indicative of the current flowing through the electrical conductor. The current sensor includes a base having a surface for supporting an electrical conductor. A magnetic shielding member is coupled to the surface to shield the Hall effect device from stray or external magnetic fields. A compliant member is coupled to the magnetic shielding member opposite the surface. The compliant member compresses to allow the current sensor to accommodate a large variety of electrical conductor sizes. The compliant member further acts to bias the electrical conductor against the Hall effect device.

Abstract: A current sensor is provided for non-invasively measuring electrical current in an electrical conductor. The current sensor includes a housing having a Hall effect device and circuitry for transmitting a signal indicative of the current flowing through the electrical conductor. The current sensor includes a base having a surface for supporting an electrical conductor. A magnetic shielding member is coupled to the surface to shield the Hall effect device from stray or external magnetic fields. A compliant member is coupled to the magnetic shielding member opposite the surface. The compliant member compresses to allow the current sensor to accommodate a large variety of electrical conductor sizes. The compliant member further acts to bias the electrical conductor against the Hall effect device.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an autoloop system on an electrical distribution system is provided. The system includes a first branch circuit having a first recloser and a midpoint recloser and a second branch circuit having a second feeder recloser and a midpoint recloser. A tie recloser is electrically coupled between the first branch circuit and the second branch circuit wherein the tie recloser closes only after a fault is detected. A master controller associated with the first and second branch circuits communicates with the reclosers of the first and second branch circuits. The master controller includes a processor for blocking a fast tripping function of a feeder recloser in response to the detection of a fault on the other branch circuit. The portion of a circuit where a fault is detected may be isolated to minimize the portion of the first and second branch circuits without power.

Abstract: A meter disconnect adapter is provided that allows a utility meter to be connected to a meter socket while electrical service is disconnected to a facility. The meter disconnect adapter includes housing having an interior area. A plurality of terminals are coupled to the housing. Each terminal includes a stab portion and a jaw portion. The stab portion is sized to provide less than rated current flow to the utility meter. The jaw portion is sized to facilitate the coupling of the meter to the adapter. Use of this adapter enables the terminals to transfer only enough current to power the electrical meter whereby the utility may monitor and verify that no electrical power is being consumed.

Abstract: A system for collecting data and monitoring the operation of electrical circuits, such as branch circuits at a substation is provided. The system collects data from a plurality of sensors coupled to a plurality of electrical equipment associated with a circuit. The data from the sensors is collected and used to identify signatures in the data to ascertain potential issues in the electrical protective circuit. The data is further analyzed to determine signatures of abnormal operating conditions. The signatures are compared to reference signatures to identify the abnormal conditions and corrective action is initiated.

Abstract: A metering system for measuring the electrical power used to charge a vehicle is provided. The metering system includes an electrical meter operably coupled to a conductor connected to the vehicle and an electrical outlet. A controller receives signals from the meter to record the measured electrical consumption. The controller includes a plurality of communications devices for communicating with different communications carriers. In one embodiment, the controller selects one of the communications devices based on availability and a desired criterion. The selected communications device then transmits the measured electrical power consumption to a utility provider. In one embodiment, the metering system is mobile.

Abstract: A system and method for dead-line conductor phase identification is provided. The system includes a receiver unit having a set of current sensors, such as current transformers. The receiver unit current sensors are coupled to conductors having a known phase in a multiphase power line. The current sensors are positioned adjacent a transformer connected to a section of the power line having an open circuit condition. A transmitter unit transmits a current signal on to a conductor at the open circuit section of the power line. The current sensors detect the current signal and the receiver unit transmits a signal to the transmitter unit identifying the phase on which the current signal was transmitted.