Abstract: Ground Potential Rise (GPR) systems and methods with depth sensing measure the GPR between the ground grid and the remote earth. Methods and systems described herein may provide a GPR measurement to an existing distance protection. A GPR system may comprise a set of potential transformers. The set of potential transformers may be coupled to different ground rods driven into the earth at different depths, respectively. One wire of the high voltage side of the potential transformer may be coupled to the ground grid of a substation, and the second wire of the potential transformer may be coupled to an insulated wire that is coupled to a ground rod or multiple of ground rods bonded together. The low voltage side of the potential transformer is used to connect Distance Relays, Voltage Relays, DFR or Alarms.

Abstract: Various dulling processes for dulling metallic surfaces are disclosed to produce or render galvanized metallic surfaces less shiny. Particular embodiments of dulling galvanized metallic surfaces, such as galvanized steel, iron, and aluminum surfaces, and processes are disclosed to treat galvanized objects for color variation or enhancement while still maintaining protection provided by the galvanized layer. The present disclosure is also directed to apparatus, product and system having dulled surfaces formed by the disclosed dulling processes.

Abstract: An adaptor for use to direct pressurized fluid into a glove to inflate the glove is disclosed. A kit for holding several test components for use to inflate a glove is also disclosed. The kit is provided for testing a glove for leakage. The components include an adaptor, a strap, and a portable pump, which can be either a DC-powered air compressor or a hand or foot pump. A method is also disclosed for inflating a glove to test the glove for leaks.

Abstract: Aerial markers are disclosed for hanging on overhead support cables at discrete spaced apart distances to warn passersby, such as airplanes, helicopters, hang gliders, hot air balloons, and the like of the presence of the cables. The aerial markers can be made in multiple parts, having various parting lines, including a vertical parting line, and can be hung in a spaced relationship to the support cables. To space the marker body from the support wire, a support frame is used to enable hanging the marker body via one or more external clamps. Direct connection is also possible.

Abstract: Work platforms are generally discussed herein for providing expanded work space for their users with specific discussions extended to portable work platforms that are mountable on vertical or horizontal poles and the like, such as utility poles, for expanding useful work space. The portable work platform has a deck attached to a base by a beam, which is made from a non-conducting material. A strap assembly having a webbing is connected to the base and configured for use with a ratchet mechanism to tension the webbing around a pole to mount to the platform. The beam enhances electrical isolation between the deck and the base.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting a falling power line in a power transmission or distribution system are described. Electrical measurements at various points in the power distribution system are used to detect changes in a power line indicating that the conductor has broken or become disconnected. Upon detection, control mechanisms are used to deenergize the conductor while the conductor is falling and/or before it contacts the ground.

Abstract: Work platforms are generally discussed herein for providing expanded work space for their users with specific discussions extended to portable work platforms that are mountable on vertical or horizontal poles and the like, such as utility poles, for expanding useful work space. The portable work platform has a deck attached to a base by a beam, which is made from a non-conducting material. A strap assembly having a webbing is connected to the base and configured for use with a ratchet mechanism to tension the webbing around a pole to mount to the platform. The beam enhances electrical isolation between the deck and the base.

Abstract: A method and application that utilizes a signal processing algorithm is provided for detecting plug-in electric vehicle charging events through interrogation of smart meter data. The method is a form of non-invasive load monitoring that allows the utility to track plug-in electric vehicle charging events in real time or over extended periods. These parameters are suitably flexible so as to accommodate diverse electric vehicle technologies and a range of electric vehicle owners' charging habits. Application of the method facilitates the integration of electric vehicles into utilities' electrical grids, protection of the utilities' assets, geographic mapping of electric vehicle owners and charging events, managed charging through communication between the utility and the vehicle or owner, managed charging through the offer of time of use rates for electric vehicle owners, and an enabling technology to accompany other Smart Grid functions such as Vehicle-to-Grid distributed energy storage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and computer program product for implementing a smart transformer, comprising a processor, and a balancing algorithm residing on the processor, wherein the balancing algorithm is stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium having computer executable program code embodied thereon, the computer executable program code configured to cause the system to monitor and control an electric customer load and generation in order to optimize the performance of a distribution transform wherein the processor receives a plurality of system inputs and uses the balancing algorithm to determine a rating of the transformer and an amount of customer load.