Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, an adapter for connecting a network device is provided. The adapter includes adapter housing. The adapter housing further includes a base and a wall, such that the wall extends axially from the base. The base of the adapter housing also includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The adapter includes a plurality of socket openings that extend across the base between the inner surface and the outer surface. The plurality of socket openings extend axially, the socket openings continue across the inner surface of the base through the first end of the rim and the second end of the rim. In one embodiment, the adapter includes a bypass circuit. The bypass circuit allows a network device to get power from a line side of a power meter and the consumer to get power from the load side of the power meter.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a system is provided that uses historical and current energy usage data generated by advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) meters to allow users conduct an analysis of energy usage via a portal. In accordance with one embodiment, a tool is provided to allow customers to display an estimated next month bill.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring degradation of a device having a metal layer and a composite layer, such as a vehicle-mounted boom arm. The system can include a collar mounted on an outer surface of the device, a radiography device movably coupled to the collar, and a monitor. The radiography device can include a source of radiography signals positioned to direct radiography signals through at least a portion of the device and a detector to detect radiography signals that have passed through the device. The monitor can be connected to the detector to display an image of the device generated from the detected radiography signals. Anomalies in the device image can represent degradation in the device.

Abstract: A system for measuring and reporting changing levels of liquids in a storage tank includes a sensing device having a fluid level sensor, an accelerometer, a wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller for detecting the volume of liquid in the storage tank in response to determining that the storage tank is not moving and sending an alert message if the volume of liquid in the storage tank has changed from a previous volume by a threshold amount. The system also includes a central tracking computer having a tracking database and being interfaced to the Internet, and a master control unit attached to the storage tank. The master control unit is for: receiving the alert message from the sensing device; obtaining the location of the storage tank; and communicating the alert message and the location of the storage tank to the central tracking computer for storage in the tracking database.

Abstract: A system for maintaining and hosting an AMI command and control application is disclosed. The system includes an AMI command and control application module in a network compartment for measuring energy usage from customer meters, managing an AMI network, and executing connect/disconnect orders; and a plurality of firewalls to provide a security perimeter to the AMI command and control application module when the module is accessed by a vendor network or a utility network. The AMI command and control application module includes a VPN concentrator and a 6 in 4 router to provide a security perimeter between the AMI command and control application module and the AMI network.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a system is provided that uses historical and current energy usage data generated by advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) meters to allow users conduct an analysis of energy usage via a portal. In accordance with one embodiment, a tool is provided to allow customers to display an estimated next month bill.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for remotely controlling an AMI is disclosed. The method includes receiving at an AMI controller module, meter event data from a remote command and control module; generating, at a third module, rules for the management, implementation and compliance documentation of connect/disconnect orders; processing, at the third module, the meter event data based on those rules to aggregate, batch, filter, or prioritize execution of individual connect/disconnect orders; communicating the connect/disconnect execution orders and policy compliance verification information to the AMI controller module; and, at the AMI controller module, executing connect/disconnect operations via the command and control module.

Abstract: A focal display panel is situated in a parabolic solar energy collection array having reflective surfaces and a tube containing a working fluid to be heated. The panel comprises a target area to display patterns of light and shadow reflected from the array, and provides a visual means for determining the amount, if any, by which the focal point of the parabolic array misses the center of the tube containing the heated working fluid.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a gateway node having a housing, a bracket mounted relay and wireless communication capabilities. The gateway node is connected to a pad mount transformer.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, an adapter for connecting a network device is provided. The adapter includes adapter housing. The adapter housing further includes a base and a wall, such that the wall extends axially from the base. The base of the adapter housing also includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The adapter consists of a plurality of socket opening that extend across the base between the inner surface and the outer surface. The plurality of socket openings extending axially, the socket opening continue across the inner surface of the base through the first end of the rim and the second end of the rim. In addition, the adapter may have a bypass circuit. The bypass circuit may allow a network device to get power for a line side of a power meter and the consumer may get power from the load side of the power meter.

Abstract: Combustion turbine air intake filter assemblies, their components, and methods of use are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the assemblies may be useful, inter alia, for extending high efficiency filter life, reducing turbine downtime for filter assembly changeouts, or adjusting filter assemblies to address changing local conditions after the assemblies have been put into service.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring equipment performance and predicting failures. The system can include a data historian that stores data for a piece of equipment and designates the data to tags. The tags can correspond to sensors that gather the data from the piece of equipment. A matrix model builder application can allow a user to generate regression models for various time spans to determine whether new data is within a normal operating range.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring equipment performance and predicting failures. The system can include a data historian that stores data for a piece of equipment and designates the data to tags. The tags can correspond to sensors that gather the data from the piece of equipment. A matrix model builder application can allow a user to generate regression models for various time spans to determine whether new data is within a normal operating range.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring equipment performance and predicting failures. The system can include a data historian that stores data for a piece of equipment and designates the data to tags. The tags can correspond to sensors that gather the data from the piece of equipment. A matrix model builder application can allow a user to generate regression models for various time spans to determine whether new data is within a normal operating range.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring degradation of a device having a metal layer and a composite layer, such as a vehicle-mounted boom arm. The system can include a collar mounted on an outer surface of the device, a radiography device movably coupled to the collar, and a monitor. The radiography device can include a source of radiography signals positioned to direct radiography signals through at least a portion of the device and a detector to detect radiography signals that have passed through the device. The monitor can be connected to the detector to display an image of the device generated from the detected radiography signals. Anomalies in the device image can represent degradation in the device.

Abstract: System and method for monitoring and controlling one or more valves. The method can include sensing a condition of a valve, transmitting the condition to a sensor server, and transmitting a data stream including the condition to an assessment application. The method can also include generating a predictive model and comparing the condition to the predictive model. The method can further include transmitting a control instruction to at least one of a valve positioner and the sensor server and varying the position of the valve based on the control instruction.

Abstract: System and method for monitoring and controlling one or more valves. The method can include sensing a condition of a valve, transmitting the condition to a sensor server, and transmitting a data stream including the condition to an assessment application. The method can also include generating a predictive model and comparing the condition to the predictive model. The method can further include transmitting a control instruction to at least one of a valve positioner and the sensor server and varying the position of the valve based on the control instruction.

Abstract: Excess oxygen in the combustion process of a facility that bums carbon-based fuels may cause a visible plume in the atmosphere at the stack of the facility. Traditional optical based opacity monitors may be unable to detect this plume or the plume may form at a location downstream from the opacity monitor toward the stack. The present invention discloses methods to utilize common combustion control variables to detect and signal the presence of a visible plume of exhaust gasses. Also disclosed are systems that detect the visible plume and provide a signal so that the combustion process may be manually or automatically adjusted to reduce or eliminate the visible plume.

Abstract: Excess oxygen in the combustion process of a facility that bums carbon-based fuels may cause a visible plume in the atmosphere at the stack of the facility. Traditional optical based opacity monitors may be unable to detect this plume or the plume may form at a location downstream from the opacity monitor toward the stack. The present invention discloses methods to utilize common combustion control variables to detect and signal the presence of a visible plume of exhaust gasses. Also disclosed are systems that detect the visible plume and provide a signal so that the combustion process may be manually or automatically adjusted to reduce or eliminate the visible plume.