Abstract: An orientation device (200) for use in mitral valve repair surgery is provided and includes a catheter (202) catheter insertable percutaneously through the mitral valve into a chamber of a heart. At least one pressure sensor (216, 218) and two generally arcuate commissural arms (208, 210) are provided at or near the distal end (204) of the catheter (202). The arms (208, 210) are deployable from a stowed condition, in which the catheter (202) can be introduced percutaneously into the heart, to an operative condition in which they extend outwardly in generally opposite directions. Each arm (208, 210) is shaped to be locatable within a mitral valve commissure and has an indentation (212) shaped to extend, in use, at least partially about a mitral valve commissure to limit movement of the device (200) relative to the mitral valve in the axial direction of the catheter (202).

Abstract: A magnetically mounted template for identifying the optimum installation location for a door hardware device. The template has a working element that engages a cooperating door hardware device, for example, a working latch that engages a bolt. The template is particularly suitable for installing electrically operable door hardware devices, such as electric strikes, which require wiring as well as mechanical attachment to a door frame or door.

Abstract: A process/method is provided for the next generation of electricity market systems that support competitive trading of electric energy and ancillary services within day-ahead and real-time market operation frameworks. The invention comprises the systems and methods related to advances in electricity market architecture, functionality, and performance. The systems and methods of the invention ensure system operation reliability and maximize market economic efficiency of energy and ancillary services trading in competitive market environment. A process/method comprising optimal clearing and competitive price formation for a variety of market commodities that are supplied and consumed by a numerous market entities of a variety of types. The solution process is arranged and facilitated in controllable and efficient manner.

Abstract: Transvascular access devices and methods for transvascular access are provided. The transvascular access devices can include a guidewire lumen and a guide tube and stylet disposed in a second lumen. The guide tube can be used to control the orientation of the stylet and provide additional support for the stylet. The methods include providing a second entry point in a vessel of a patient remote from a first entry point. A vascular catheter can enter the vascular system of a patient at a first entry point and be advanced to a second entry point. A guide tube can be advanced out the second lumen of the vascular catheter with a stylet advanced out of the guide tube to pierce the vessel wall and skin of the patient at the second entry point. A catheter can be introduced to the vascular system at the second entry point.

Abstract: A process/method is provided for the management of electric distribution system operations, including accurate and efficient communications and interfaces between the transmission, distribution and residential distribution systems, managed by a distribution system operator responsible for energy balance and reliability through control on a local distribution area, namely between end use customers and the transmission node of the electrical system.

Abstract: A method and system of optimizing microgrid operations is provided. One or more intelligent microgrid coordinators interface with the microgrid such that those microgrid coordinators are able to measure and control all microgrid asset activities. The microgrid coordinator is used to forecast the microgrid's demanded load more accurately, and assign asset commands so as to optimize microgrid consumption, generation, and storage of load. The method and system incorporate a valuation of dispatchable load in optimization functions. The microgrid coordinator is further used to protect the microgrid assets from over-current situations when the microgrid is connected to the bulk electric system and when islanded. The method and system provide a means to test the microgrid controller prior to implementation on the microgrid in order to assure proper operation.

Abstract: An enabling platform is provided where an installed agent (e.g., device-side software) may be installed on a mobile device to decode chipset level information readable on the mobile device. Such readable chipset level information can then be transmitted and/or accessed in real-time via a central server for dynamic, real-time, geo-location for mobile device and network performance enhancement. An important feature of the embodiments of the present invention include the ability to decode and transmit chipset level information from a mobile device in real time so that remote field service data gathering, and local headquarter service assessment and issue resolution, may occur more on a contemporaneous basis, permitting faster issue assessment and resolution, which benefits the telecommunications providers and their customers.

Abstract: A method for providing a wireless Internet connection to WiFi-enabled devices (STAs) comprising: wirelessly connecting a first STA to the Internet through a first AP with a first SSID; remaining connected to the first Access Point (AP), the first STA creates a software-based wireless AP with a second SSID for wirelessly connecting other STAs to the Internet through the first STA. A software module running on the first STA allows a second STA a wide access to the Internet only if the second STA has a copy of the software module running installed and active therein. A method for configuring STAs to connect to a wireless network, comprising: a customer first connects a STA by wire to its network; a software on the STA copied to the STA the security information gained through the wired connection, thus setting the security parameters for the STA.

Abstract: A magnetically mounted template for identifying the optimum installation location for a door hardware device. The template has a working element that engages a cooperating door hardware device, for example, a working latch that engages a bolt. The template is particularly suitable for installing electrically operable door hardware devices, such as electric strikes, which require wiring as well as mechanical attachment to a door frame or door.

Abstract: A process/method is provided, which facilitates achieving and obtaining realistic, accurate voltage observability of end customer service delivery points within the secondary distribution level using the alarming capability of intelligent data gathering and communication technology devices such as, but not necessarily limited to SCADA systems, distribution system RTU or SCADA, smart meters, smart gateways, and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters, or any device known in the art capable of sending alarm signals when voltage is detected above or below a predetermined threshold (generally herein defined as “Advanced Meters”). Such system and methods can be applied for many uses comprised of monitoring the energy grid, energy demand management and other energy industry applications, while minimizing operating and infrastructure/hardware costs.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions, methods, devices and kits relating to the infusion of a catheter lock solution into an indwelling catheter. Inventive compositions, methods, devices and kits aid in diminishing the effects of microbial infection in catheters and occlusion of the catheters. A lock solution provided by the invention includes citrate and a paraben. The solution preferably has a density suitable for retention of the solution in a catheter during the lock period. Another lock solution provided by the invention includes citrate, a paraben and a photo-oxidant, such as, for example, methylene blue.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided, which facilitate the integration of energy trading, transmission management and scheduling. The systems and methods facilitate the posting of bids and offers to buy and sell energy or capacity, allow users to view the bids and offers of others, negotiate the details of bids and offers, and permit deal formation for the purchase and sale of bids and offers. The disclosure also facilitates issuing proposals and counteroffers to enter into deals for power transmission. The disclosure also enables the scheduling of transmission including facilitating communication with various other systems. The disclosed systems and methods further enable the creation, modification and storing of transmission paths for recall and then evaluation in the scheduling of transmission path. The systems and methods are linked to and receive input from various sources of data and may facilitate two way communication with other systems in order to enable certain functionality.

Abstract: A system and method such that users subject to greenhouse gas programs, such as the California Air and Resource Board Cap-and-Trade program, can identify what allowances and obligations said user has at any point in time. The invention will allow for data to be received from any source of carbon trades, emission forward prices, electronic tags (e-Tags), or other relevant emissions attributes. The invention will have all formulas and data necessary to determine a user's position. The invention will create reports necessary to show compliance with greenhouse gas programs.

Abstract: A system and method for optimally assigning energy generation and procurement resources whereby information needed to calculate an optimal-cost generation plan is obtained by a database connected to the calculation module. Data from the database is automatically checked for errors, formulated into an objective function representing hypothetical generation plans, and framed within mathematical constraints by the module. Generation plans are automatically delivered in customizable formats, and functionality allowing for considerations beyond cost can be implemented. Functionality to automate the method based for periodic or event-based operation is also included. Further calculations based on hypothetical values are possible to determine how said hypothetical values would affect generation plans, or whether increasing generation-fleet output could result in added profits.

Abstract: A system and process/method is provided, which economically optimizes the dispatch of various electrical energy resources. The disclosed process/method is linked to and communicates with various sources of input data, including but not limited to, EMS/SCADA legacy Energy Management Systems (EMS), legacy Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Systems, Demand Response (DR) and Distributed Energy Resources (DER) monitor, control, schedule, and lifecycle management systems (DR/DER Management System), and Energy Markets, electrical energy commodity trading systems (Trading Systems), and Operations System (OPS) in order to compute optimal day-ahead, day-of, and real-time schedules of various durational length for generation, demand response and storage resources while taking into account bilateral contracts and market-based trade opportunities.

Abstract: A system and method which allows end users of electrical energy to engage in, comply with, and otherwise make use of a smart grid program. The invention allows end users to engage with an entity running a smart grid program through such actions as sending notifications, agreeing to events, paying bills, reviewing contracts, and updating information. The invention receives data from and sends messages to any smart meters, AMI or HAN, the end user has in their service location necessary to comply with the smart grid program. The invention supports the use of any smart meters the end user employs for home automation network functionality, enabling the end user to activate, deactivate, or otherwise modulate any devices enabled with a smart meter at their service location. The invention receives data from and sends messages to any demand response system the entity running the smart grid program employs to support the smart grid program.

Abstract: A process is provided, that facilitates the use of value-at-risk analysis in industries with dynamic market data. The method utilizes past market data to estimate future market parameters. The method includes identifying and removing seasonal patterns from said past market data and normalizing deseasonalized market data with a repeated method of replacing large outliers with mean values. Outliers and normalized data are then grouped separately. Forecasts of normalized future market data and forecasts of future outlier patterns are then determined from said separate groups. In this way parameters used for value-at-risk analysis can be accurately estimated, leading to precise value-at-risk-analysis results.

Abstract: A system and method for producing recommended Transmission Service Reservation (TSR) actions based upon existing TSRs and existing rights of first refusal on those TRSs whereby challengers are identified, defenders are identified, and TSRs are evaluated for Preemption and Competition to produce a preemption and completion report containing recommended TSR actions. Such a method uses a capacity computation, existing TSR records, and the event of a newly pending TSR in its procedures. Recommended TSR actions may include confirmation of TSRs, recalling of TSRs, and submitting of matching TSRs.

Abstract: A system and process/method of modeling demand-response (DR) and distributed-energy resource (DER) assets is provided, facilitating the aggregation of said assets in virtual power plants (VPPs), and using VPPs to provide energy balancing services needed to minimize the impact of Variable Energy Resources (VER) on power system. The method accurately accounts for assets by qualifying assets based on various parameters and by forecasting the capabilities of the resulting VPPs for provision of balancing services. Asset performance factors that may affect the aggregated VPP's capabilities are monitored and recalculated when necessary. Near-term forecasted VPP capability is compared to near-term forecasted imbalances in the electric-power-supply system, and the VPP is dispatched to minimize the system imbalances. The dispatch signal is disaggregated to control commands to individual assets.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing recommended Transmission Service Reservation (TSR) actions whereby a Criteria Monitoring Process and Tag Identification and Action Process uses CCO Criteria, Capacity, Curtailment Interval, Model Elements Monitor, Tag Transactions, and Capacity Computation results to produce Recommended TSR Actions and Recommended Tag Actions based upon existing Conditional Curtailment Options on TSRs. Additional systems and methods disclosed further include the previous systems and methods with the additional ability to take action of the Recommended TSR Actions and Recommended Tag Actions.