Abstract: A stake system for providing a removable support for articles being transported on flatbed vehicles is provided. The stake system has a composite body with a cap on one end and a boot on the opposite end. A cover layer is shrink wrapped over the composite body and may include a heat-activated adhesive. The boot includes a flange that contacts the flatbed vehicle when the stake system is inserted into pockets formed in the flatbed vehicle. A pin is tethered to the boot and may be inserted into a hole in the boot adjacent to the underside of the flatbed vehicle. The pin provides a convenient means for locking the stake system to the vehicle and prevents the stake system from disengaging during operation.

Abstract: A stake system for providing a removable support for articles being transported on flatbed vehicles is provided. The stake system has a composite body with a cap on one end and a boot on the opposite end. A cover layer is shrink wrapped over the composite body and may include a heat-activated adhesive. The boot includes a flange that contacts the flatbed vehicle when the stake system is inserted into pockets formed in the flatbed vehicle. A pin is tethered to the boot and may be inserted into a hole in the boot adjacent to the underside of the flatbed vehicle. The pin provides a convenient means for locking the stake system to the vehicle and prevents the stake system from disengaging during operation.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an autoloop system on a electrical distribution system is provided. The system includes a master controller that is disposed in communication with controllers associated with reclosers and switches coupled to a first and second branch circuit. The system is arranged to momentarily block the one fast tripping function of a feeder recloser in response to the detection of a fault on the other branch circuit. The system further includes means for isolating a segment on which a fault is located and restoring electrical power service to those areas upstream and downstream from the isolated segment.

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: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.

Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.

Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.

Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.

Abstract: A portable device for generating two electrical phases from a single electrical phase. The portable device includes a housing having a toroidal transformer therein. An input terminal block and an output terminal block are mounted to the housing and are 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: 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.

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 current transformer cabinet is disclosed having an electrical meter coupled to current transformers. One or more disconnect switches arranged between the source conductors and the load conductors. The disconnect switches include a link member that allows the disconnecting of electrical service from the load conductors by rotation of the link from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts.

Abstract: A portable device for generating two electrical phases from a single electrical phase. The portable device includes a housing having a toroidal transformer therein. An input terminal block and an output terminal block are mounted to the housing and are 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: An electrical adapter for temporarily tapping into an electrical circuit external to the adapter having a first fuse holder member capable of receiving a first fuse holder member of the electrical circuit external to the adapter and a second fuse holder member capable of receiving a second fuse holder member of the electrical circuit external to the adapter. The fuse holder members or other temporary electrical quick disconnect connectors may be connected by cables to a power outlet or may be connected by cables to bare wires that may provide power to another circuit when clamped to the bare wires. When connected to an electrical circuit external to the adapter, the electrical adapter provides a source of electrical power while the electrical circuit external to the adapter is maintained and independently operated.

Abstract: A method for managing corrosion of an underground structure includes placing an anode in the ground and electrically connecting it to the underground structure. Access to the ground is obtained through a container at least partially buried in the ground, such that the surface of the ground proximate the container does not need to be penetrated in order to position the anode. A hole is bored through a wall of the container to access the ground proximate the container. Material is removed from the ground to provide a location for the anode. The anode is placed in the ground and backfilled with an electrically conductive backfill. A wire leading from the anode is then terminated inside the container at an electrical connection with another electrical conductor connected to the underground structure. The lid is replaced on the container, and the entire process is performed without penetrating the surface of the ground proximate the container.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for measuring the thickness of one liquid layer overlying another liquid layer. The liquid thickness measuring device consists of a tubular casing, constructed of a transparent material, a resiliently biased valve member and a retaining member. The resiliently biased valve member is pivotally movable between open and closed positions to alternatively allow liquid to be sampled to enter the casing when in the open position and to seal the liquid sample when in the closed position. In operation, with the valve member disengaged from the bottom of the tubular casing, the measuring device is slowly lowered into the enclosed device. As a result, the liquid present in the enclosed structure is conductible through the opening of the tubular casing, to seek its level in the tubular member. The retaining member, which engages and holds the valve in an open position, is then released and the valve is allowed to move to the closed position.

Abstract: Organic materials are mixed with metal oxide, such as hydrated metal oxides, prior to or during heat treatments in aerated or oxygenated environments to stabilize thermal decomposition or incineration of the organic materials and to suppress the emission of volatile, hazardous organic compounds. The organic materials may be ion exchange resins and polymeric sorbents, for example, and include contaminated materials such as hazardous wastes. The hydrated metal oxides may be hydrated ferric oxide, hydrated aluminum oxide or hydrated titania oxide, for examples. Ferrihydrite is preferred. The heat treatment may be a preparation for a waste disposal process, such as immobilization in ferric oxide, cement, concrete, a polymer, bitumen or glass, for example. Immobilization processes in ferric oxide are also discussed, including the use of additives such as magnesium oxide, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate and phosphoric acid, enabling consolidation at room temperature and pressures less than 15,000 psi.

Abstract: A device for repairing a pipe internally includes a body and a drill assembly mounted on the body. The drill assembly has upper and lower arms, pivotable between a closed position in which the arms occupy a radial area not substantially greater than a diameter of the body and an open position in which the arms bear against substantially opposing points of the pipe wall to stabilize the drill assembly within the pipe. In the preferred embodiment for repairing pipe joints a hydraulic drill head bears against the pipe wall when the arms are in the open position and drills a hole for a sealant nozzle mechanism mounted on the upper arm, which swings into position in front of the drill head to inject a sealant into the pipe joint through the drill hole and seal the joint.

Abstract: Processes for immobilizing solid contaminated materials, such as radioactive species, hazardous species, or combinations of both radioactive and hazardous species, comprise mixing the contaminated materials with hydrated ferric oxides, and then pressing the mixture at a temperature of at least about 150.degree. C. and gradually removing a large part of the water while under pressure to produce a solid composition. The water content of the mixture is adjusted if necessary. Contaminated materials dissolved or suspended in an aqueous solution can be immobilized by precipitating hydrated ferric oxide in the solution, and adjusting the water content and pressing, as above. In another process in accordance with the present invention, hydrated ferric oxides are deposited on metal surfaces. The deposited ferric oxide is pressed to produce a solid coating adhered to the surface, to retard corrosion. A ceramic body of ferric oxide composition may also be made in accordance with the present invention.