Abstract: A feature-rich, improved vehicle traffic signal control system that uses network technology is provided herein. For example, the improved vehicle traffic signal control system may include a control box and light heads that include processors. The control box in the improved vehicle traffic signal control system may include fewer components and/or fewer wires extending therefrom as compared to a typical control box. In particular, the control box in the improved vehicle traffic signal control system may not include relays, a conflict monitor, or other similar components. Rather, the improved control box may simply include a controller that is coupled to various light heads via Ethernet cables. The Ethernet cables can carry electrical power, thereby providing power to the light heads. The light head processors can use network technology to control light activation, to perform conflict monitoring, to receive data from various sensors to adjust traffic flow, etc.

Abstract: A feature-rich, improved vehicle traffic signal control system that uses network technology is provided herein. For example, the improved vehicle traffic signal control system may include a control box and light heads that include processors. The control box in the improved vehicle traffic signal control system may include fewer components and/or fewer wires extending therefrom as compared to a typical control box. In particular, the control box in the improved vehicle traffic signal control system may not include relays, a conflict monitor, or other similar components. Rather, the improved control box may simply include a controller that is coupled to various light heads via Ethernet cables. The Ethernet cables can carry electrical power, thereby providing power to the light heads. The light head processors can use network technology to control light activation, to perform conflict monitoring, to receive data from various sensors to adjust traffic flow, etc.

Abstract: A retrofit switch actuator for a circuit breaker control switch in a power distribution network provides for remote control and automation of the control switch. A solenoid of the switch actuator is energized to move the output shaft of the solenoid. The movement of the solenoid output shaft is converted into rotational motion by an adapter rotatably mounted at one end to the solenoid output shaft and fixedly mounted at the other end to the control shaft of the circuit breaker. The rotational motion of the control shaft mechanically engages the existing circuit breaker control switch.

Abstract: The power distribution control system of the present invention provides a distributed intelligence, data acquisition and control system which collects and analyzes large amounts of data representing power usage from a power distribution substation and remote control units spread throughout a power distribution network. The system also provides the capability of various control functions for the substation and remote locations such as capacitor banks and pole switches along a distribution line. The system provide communications capabilities between local devices and also with remote control units. The system provides real time monitoring of power usage and real time control of various functions in the power distribution network.

Abstract: The power distribution control system of the present invention provides a distributed intelligence, data acquisition and control system which collects and analyzes large amounts of data representing power usage from a power distribution substation and remote control units spread throughout a power distribution network. The system also provides the capability of various control functions for the substation and remote locations such as capacitor banks and pole switches along a distribution line. The system provides communications capabilities between local devices and also with remote control units. The system provides real time monitoring of power usage and real time control of various functions in the power distribution network.

Abstract: A remotely controlled actuator assembly is provided to switch a large power distribution switch used in an electrical utility power grid. The actuator of the assembly throws the switch between at least two positions to establish at least two power routing conditions. The actuator assembly includes a position-sensing device to repeatably and accurately indicate the position of the actuator. The position-sensing device generates a signal indicative of the extent of displacement of the actuator. The generated signal provides feed-back to a control system which control the extent of actuator travel.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and apparatus for reassigning switched capacitors which are lost as a result of circuit reconfiguration. A power distribution network includes a plurality of substations. Each substation includes a master controller which manages switching operations of a plurality of load regulation capacitors. The capacitors which are a part of the same circuit as a given master controller are normally under the control of that master controller. Each time a load regulation capacitor is connected or disconnected, a change in the voltage level and the VARs level is observed on the distribution line to which the capacitor was connected.

Abstract: A switch automation system which activates poletop power line switches in response to signals received from a remote location. An actuator piston and cylinder assembly is mounted to a power pole in alignment with existing actuator linkage. The piston and cylinder actuator assembly is translatable in response to pressurized fluid delivered through fluid lines to the cylinder. A control unit also mounted to the power pole, and in operative association with the piston and cylinder actuator assembly, houses a source of pressurized fluid. Manual operation of the poletop switches is retained by an existing operating lever. Adjustment linkage is provided for proper positioning of the actuator assembly with the existing actuator linkage. Operating signals received by the control unit result in activation of solenoids to deliver the pressurized fluid to the cylinder. Simplicity of design and linear alignment with the existing actuator linkage allow for easy installation and operation.

Abstract: The power distribution control system of the present invention provides a distributed intelligence, data acquisition and control system which collects and analyzes large amounts of data representing power usage from a power distribution substation and remote control units spread throughout a power distribution network. The system also provides the capability of various control functions for the substation and remote locations such as capacitor banks and pole switches along a distribution line. The system provides communications capabilities between local devices and also with remote control units. The system provides real time monitoring of power usage and real time control of various functions in the power distribution network.

Abstract: A phase identification system and method identifies the phase of a power signal at a remote location from a three-phase generator. The system has a radio transmitter which transmits a modulated representation of a voltage signal via radio frequency, and a remote field detector which receives and demodulates the transmitted signal to provide a reference signal. The field detector also includes an input probe for detecting the power signal having an unknown phase at the remote location. The field detector includes a phase comparator and a calibration phase corrector for determining the phase difference between the power signal having a known phase and the power signal having an unknown phase, thereby identifying the phase of the unknown signal at the remote location. The invention also includes a method of calibrating the phase identification system.

Abstract: A load bearing housing provides environmental protection and submergibility to an actuator and associated control electronics housed within, and effectively carries the resultant stresses and moments produced by the actuator when actuated. The housing comprises a plastic enclosure which generally seals the actuator and control electronics within an internal cavity. A metal bracket supports the actuator within the enclosure. The enclosure is connected to a rigid, metal strong back which reinforces the bottom and lower sides of the enclosure. The bracket also attaches to the strong back such that when the actuator is actuated, the bracket and strong back carry the resultant stresses and moments. The plastic enclosure is substantially isolated from such stresses, and, thus, is less likely to fracture.

Abstract: The monitoring and control system of the present invention provides a distributed intelligence, data acquisition and control system which collects and analyzes large amounts of data representing power usage from a power distribution substation. Using a Discrete Fourier Transform, the system provides accurate tracking of the primary frequency of the voltage and current waveforms in the power equipment, and determines the relative phase between the voltage and current waveforms. The system provides real time monitoring of power usage and real time control of various functions in the substation.

Abstract: The monitoring and control system of the present invention provides a distributed intelligence, data acquisition and control system which collects and analyzes large amounts of data representing power usage from a power distribution substation. The system also provides the capability of various control functions for the substation. The system provides communications capabilities between local devices and also with a remote computer. The system provides real time monitoring of power usage and real time control of various functions in the substation.