Abstract: A device and method for producing a reformate fuel from a hydrocarbon gas source. The invention enables the conversion of a dilute hydrocarbon gas into a more easily consumable reformate fuel. Gases having low concentrations of hydrocarbons are concentrated using a concentrator into a gaseous or liquid concentrated VOC fuel. The concentrated VOC fuel is then converted into a reformate using a reformer. The reformate is more easily consumed by an energy conversion device such as a combustion engine, fuel cell, sterling engine or similar device that converts chemical energy into kinetic or electrical energy. The reformer enables complex hydrocarbon fuels that are not normally suitable for use in an energy conversion device to be converted into a reformate. The reformate may be directly supplied into the energy conversion device.

Abstract: A device and method for producing a reformate fuel from a hydrocarbon gas source. The invention enables the conversion of a dilute hydrocarbon gas into a more easily consumable reformate fuel. Gases having low concentrations of hydrocarbons are concentrated using a concentrator into a gaseous or liquid concentrated VOC fuel. The concentrated VOC fuel is then converted into a reformate using a reformer. The reformate is more easily consumed by an energy conversion device such as a combustion engine, fuel cell, sterling engine or similar device that converts chemical energy into kinetic or electrical energy. The reformer enables complex hydrocarbon fuels that are not normally suitable for use in an energy conversion device to be converted into a reformate. The reformate may be directly supplied into the energy conversion device.

Abstract: A device and method for producing a reformate fuel from a hydrocarbon gas source. The invention enables the conversion of a dilute hydrocarbon gas into a more easily consumable reformate fuel. Gases having low concentrations of hydrocarbons are concentrated using a concentrator into a gaseous or liquid concentrated VOC fuel. The concentrated VOC fuel is then converted into a reformate using a reformer. The reformate is more easily consumed by an energy conversion device such as a combustion engine, fuel cell, sterling engine or similar device that converts chemical energy into kinetic or electrical energy. The reformer enables complex hydrocarbon fuels that are not normally suitable for use in an energy conversion device to be converted into a reformate. The reformate may be directly supplied into the energy conversion device.

Abstract: A device and method for producing a reformate fuel from a hydrocarbon gas source. The invention enables the conversion of a dilute hydrocarbon gas into a more easily consumable reformate fuel. Gases having low concentrations of hydrocarbons are concentrated using a concentrator into a gaseous or liquid concentrated VOC fuel. The concentrated VOC fuel is then converted into a reformate using a reformer. The reformate is more easily consumed by an energy conversion device such as a combustion engine, fuel cell, sterling engine or similar device that converts chemical energy into kinetic or electrical energy. The reformer enables complex hydrocarbon fuels that are not normally suitable for use in an energy conversion device to be converted into a reformate. The reformate may be directly supplied into the energy conversion device.

Abstract: A tote for carrying electric meters includes a lid section having a hinged connection to a base section for pivotal movement between open and closed positions, and a latching system releasably securing the lid and base sections together. Each of the sections is provided with a plurality of cavities. When the lid section is closed, the cavities in the lid section confront the cavities in the base section to provide a plurality of pockets. Each pocket is adapted to receive and locate one of the meters. The sections may be separable from one another. The hinged connection permits the lid section to be raised to clear the meters prior to being pivoted open. The cavities in the two sections may be formed by panel inserts which are removable for replacement by other panel inserts adapted to accommodate larger or smaller meters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for on-line detection of partial discharge events in an a.c. power system, in which high frequency electromagnetic pulses generated by partial discharge events are detected and analyzed in the frequency domain and the time domain to determine the type and location of the partial discharge event. The phase relationship between the partial discharge events and the on-line power signal is also examined to help indicate severity of the insulation anomaly giving rise to the partial discharge events.

Abstract: A marker pen has a marker tip at one end and a reservoir for marker fluid adjacent the other end. The pen is pivoted between the marker tip and the reservoir to one end of a support arm for pivotal movement from a position of use to a stored position. In the position of use, the support arm rests between the thumb and index finger of the user and the reservoir extends upwardly above the marker tip. In the stored position, the reservoir extends alongside the support arm.

Abstract: A tire block is made of a plurality of elongated tire tread strips arranged end-to-end and wound in a spiral wrap of overlying convolutions. Fasteners secure the tire tread strips together. The tire tread strips are made from motor vehicle tires by removing the side walls and transversely splitting the tread.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring interruptions in utility power that includes a utility power plug for connection to a utility wall socket to provide a signal indicative of loss of utility power. A counter is responsive to such signal for counting and displaying the number of power interruptions, and a timer is responsive to such signal for measuring and displaying time duration of power interruptions. An operator switch is coupled to the timer for selectively measuring and displaying either duration of the latest power interruption or total duration of all power interruptions. The counter and timer may be reset at the option of an operator.

Abstract: A load shed module for use in a power distribution system that includes facility for delivering both electrical power and electrical power rate information from a utility supplier. The load shed module includes an enclosure having a power plug for receipt in a standard utility power outlet such as a wall socket, and a power socket on the enclosure for connection to a power load. A relay switch is disposed within the enclosure for selectively electrically connecting the plug to the socket to deliver electrical power to the load coupled to the socket. A rotary switch is mounted on the enclosure, and rotary rate indicia is provided on the enclosure adjacent to the rotary switch and coordinated with position of the rotary switch for operator selection of a rate tier at which the socket is to be disconnected from the plug. Utility power rate information is received from the utility supplier and compared with the rate tier selected by the operator at the rotary switch.

Abstract: A wireless telecommunication antenna mount has a platform which carries a plurality of antennas. The platform is mounted on a pedestal in an angularly adjusted position. The pedestal is mounted on the top of an electric power transmission tower in a position above the tower.

Abstract: A packing for preventing leakage of air between a rotating yoke of a coal pulverizer and an annular seal surrounding an extension of the yoke. The packing is a ring of compressible graphite. A band encircles the graphite ring and clamps it tightly against the yoke extension and against the seal.

Abstract: A variable orifice for controlling the flow of pulverized coal and air in a pipe leading to a cool burner comprises a plurality of flow restriction poles extending into the pipe. The poles are radially adjustable to vary the amount of restriction to flow. Indicia are provided to indicate the position of the inner ends of the poles.

Abstract: A pretensioning device for causing an automatic line splice to exert a strong grip on the ends of two cables inserted into opposite ends of the automatic line splice. The pretensioning device has a rack supported for sliding movement in a rectangular tube. The rack has a series of teeth along its length. A sled mounted on the rectangular tube has a dog engageable with any one of the teeth on the rack. A cam on the rectangular tube is provided for moving the sled lengthwise of the rectangular tube while the dog engages a tooth of the rack to extend the rack. A clamp on the rectangular tube grips one of the cables and a clamp on the rack grips the other cable.

Abstract: A computer-based meter provides a real time graphic display indicative of the operating point, in terms of watt and var flow, of a generator in relation to the capability curve of the generator. Data representative of the capability curve of the generator is stored in memory, processed by a computer and then displayed on the face of the meter. Data representative of watt and var flow is likewise stored and processed and displayed to indicate the operating point of the generator in relation to its capability curve. The meter is software driven so that it can be easily tailored to any generator by merely changing the program stored on a memory chip.

Abstract: A programmable thermostat is provided for the selective operation either of a fossil fuel furnace or a heat pump. The thermostat is programmed to operate the fossil fuel furnace when the outside temperature is below a preselected temperature range, and to operate the heat pump when the outside temperature is above the preselected temperature range. Within the preselected temperature range, the fossil fuel furnace may be operated during certain time periods and the heat pump may be operated during other time periods.

Abstract: An electric utility sub-station having two transformers which transmit electric energy to customers in different service areas. A throwover is provided which is operative, when a failure occurs in one transformer, to switch the load normally carried by the failed transformer over to the other transformer which then carries the load of both transformers. Operation of the throwover is blocked when the total demand load on both transformers exceeds the capacity of either transformer.

Abstract: A self-cleaning hot line clamping device used by electric utilities, having clamps for electrically connecting a line conductor to another piece of electrical equipment such as a second line conductor or tap conductor. At least one of the clamps has a first jaw in the form of a V-shaped recess, and a second jaw to force a line conductor into the recess in wedging contact with the converging surfaces of the recess. The converging surfaces of the recess are serrated to have a wiping action on the line conductor at the contact points so that when the line conductor is forced into the recess surface oxide on the line conductor at the contact points will be removed.

Abstract: A fixture for assisting in clamping the folded-back end portion of a cable to the load supporting main portion of the cable by clamps spaced apart lengthwise of the cable portions. Two elongated members of the fixture are pivoted together at one end for movement from an open position to a closed position. The members have confronting surfaces which in the closed position retain the cable portions in side-by-side relation when disposed lengthwise between the members. The confronting surfaces of the members have opposed recesses which in the closed position firmly grip the clamps so that the clamps may be tightened by means of a wrench or similar tightening device.

Abstract: Structure for and method of automatically testing an electrical transmission powerline carrier channel on a programmable basis electronically from any end of a multi-ended powerline, including an electronic control unit located at each end of the powerline for transmitting a signal over the channel for a predetermined time, and receiving signals back from the control units of the other ends of the powerline for predetermined times and determining the condition of the powerline carrier channel based on the length of time transmission is received at the end of the powerline where the transmission was initiated. Supervisory testing, resetting and test-inhibiting from a remote location as well as manual initiation of tests at a test unit remote location are also provided. A remote master test structure and method tests the electronic circuit through which a test was initiated.