Abstract: Interconnection meter socket adapters are provided. An interconnection meter socket adapter comprises a housing enclosing a set of electrical connections. The interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a standard distribution panel and a standard electrical meter, thereby establishing connections between a distribution panel and a user such that electrical power may be delivered to the user while an electrical meter measures the power consumption of the user. An interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a DC-AC converter, which may be coupled to various energy sources. As such, the energy sources are coupled to an electrical power system. In addition, a connector such as a flexible cable or flexible conduit containing insulated wires can be provided for connecting various energy sources and/or sinks.

Abstract: An electrical waveform is received over an electrical power line. A plurality of nominal electrical parameters are determined for the electrical power network and the plurality of nominal electrical parameters are associated with a state of the electrical power network in the absence of at least one transitory electrical fault in the network. Subsequently, a plurality of electrical parameters of the electrical waveform are sampled when the at least one transitory electrical fault exists in the network. A plurality of inductances are determined based at least in part upon a comparison of the nominal electrical parameters and the plurality of sampled electrical parameters. The plurality of inductances are representative of inductances present in the network when the at least one transitory electrical fault exists in the network. The plurality of inductances are analyzed to determine a distance and/or direction to the at least one electrical fault.

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.

Abstract: An anchor for supporting guy wires for transmission towers and other structures. The anchor includes a cradle or base skid which supports a plurality of modular deadweight bodies which may interlock to increase the overall stability of the anchor.

Abstract: A hydraulic swivel connector which includes a block and a stem with a female quick disconnect coupler extending from the stem. Such an arrangement has a very compact design which allows the connector to be used to provide a swivel connection between a hydraulic hose and a tool head for constricted working environments.

Abstract: Apparatus provides for testing a fault indicator of the type which has a surge-current detection portion and a settable fault indicating portion and which is widely used in electric power distribution systems. Such a fault indicator must meet certain performance specifications including a maximum allowable reaction-time specification relating to the time required for the detection portion first to detect a surge current flowing in a conductor as a result of a down-line fault and then to set the fault indicating portion accordingly. The testing apparatus of this invention provides for effectively simulating field conditions, and to this end includes current-drive circuitry for supplying a test surge current to the fault indicator under test. Substantially simultaneously with the start of the test surge current, a timing-initiation signal is produced to enable interval-timing circuitry in the testing apparatus. To designate the end of the interval being timed, there is produced a timing-completion signal.

Abstract: Liquid natural gas is odorized with either ethyl or methyl mercaptan by initiallly mixing the odorant with a diluent and then introducing the resultant mixture into the liquid natural gas. It is preferred that the diluent have a freezing point below the boiling point of liquid natural gas. It is theorized that with the diluent the mercaptans either do not freeze or are dispersed sufficiently in the liquid natural gas to reduce the particle size of frozen odorant. In any event, the result is effective odorization of natural gas drawn from a liquid natural gas storage tank regardless of the amount of liquid and gaseous natural gas left in the tank.