Abstract: A system includes an intelligent electronic device (IED) configured to perform operations that include receiving a first user input and deriving a first connectivity association key (CAK) based on the first user input. The system also includes a gateway configured to perform operations that include receiving a second user input, deriving a second CAK based on the second user input, identifying the first CAK of the IED, establishing an adoption link with the IED based on a match between the first CAK and the second CAK, generating a third CAK, and distributing a copy of the third CAK to the IED via the adoption link to establish a MKA connectivity association with the IED.

Abstract: An intelligent electronic device (IED) includes memory and a processor operatively coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to establish, over a communication network of a power system, a connection association (CA) with a receiving device using a MACsec Key Agreement (MKA). The processor is configured to automatically send an announce message indicating a set of enabled application protocols on the IED to the receiving device.

Abstract: An intelligent electronic device (IED) includes memory and a processor operatively coupled to the memory. The IED establishes, over a communication network of a power system, a connection association (CA) with a receiving device using a media access control security (MACsec) Key Agreement (MKA) protocol. The IED automatically sends an announce message indicating a set of enabled application protocols on the IED to the receiving device.

Abstract: A method for injection of a lift gas into a wellbore production string comprises determining production pressure within the production string, and autonomously controlling a variable orifice gas lift valve in accordance with the determined production pressure, wherein the variable orifice gas lift valve controls the injection flow rate of the lift gas into the production string. A valve comprises a housing defining an inlet, an outlet and a flow path therebetween, and a valve member linearly moveable within the housing between first and second positions to vary flow along the flow path, wherein the valve member is prevented from rotation relative to the housing during linear movement between the first and second positions. The valve further includes a rotary drive and a transmission arrangement interposed between the rotary drive and the valve member for converting rotation of the rotary drive to linear movement of the valve member.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for managing physical access to an access-controlled area using a local access control system. In certain embodiments, information that may be used in access control determinations managed by a remote domain controller may be communicated to a local access control system for use in connection with local access control determinations performed by the access control system independent of the domain controller. In some embodiments, such a configuration may allow for access control determinations to be performed when communication with the domain controller is interrupted and/or otherwise limited.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for managing physical access to an access-controlled area using a local access control system. In certain embodiments, information that may be used in access control determinations managed by a remote domain controller may be communicated to a local access control system for use in connection with local access control determinations performed by the access control system independent of the domain controller. In some embodiments, such a configuration may allow for access control determinations to be performed when communication with the domain controller is interrupted and/or otherwise limited.

Abstract: A method for injection of a lift gas into a wellbore production string comprises determining production pressure within the production string, and autonomously controlling a variable orifice gas lift valve in accordance with the determined production pressure, wherein the variable orifice gas lift valve controls the injection flow rate of the lift gas into the production string. A valve comprises a housing defining an inlet, an outlet and a flow path therebetween, and a valve member linearly moveable within the housing between first and second positions to vary flow along the flow path, wherein the valve member is prevented from rotation relative to the housing during linear movement between the first and second positions. The valve further includes a rotary drive and a transmission arrangement interposed between the rotary drive and the valve member for converting rotation of the rotary drive to linear movement of the valve member.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for managing physical access to an access-controlled area using a local access control system. In certain embodiments, information that may be used in access control determinations managed by a remote domain controller may be communicated to a local access control system for use in connection with local access control determinations performed by the access control system independent of the domain controller. In some embodiments, such a configuration may allow for access control determinations to be performed when communication with the domain controller is interrupted and/or otherwise limited.

Abstract: A method for assessing performance of a cell in a network in which data is passed between layers in a protocol stack implemented by the cell. The method comprises calculating a data efficiency of data passing through a physical layer in the protocol stack via one or more higher layers in the protocol stack based on a comparison of a number of physical resource data units allocated to that data at the physical layer with a data throughput of one or more of the layers of the protocol stack. The method further comprises calculating an average efficiency by averaging the data efficiency over a predetermined time and normalizing the average efficiency with respect to a predetermined efficiency so as to generate a normalized average efficiency. The method also comprises comparing the normalized average efficiency with a target threshold and adjusting the operation of the cell if the normalized average efficiency differs from the target threshold by greater than a threshold amount.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a self organizing network comprising a plurality of cells. The method comprises monitoring performance measurement data indicative of performance of one or more cells in a group of cells in the network, and monitoring trace data indicative of traffic statistics within the cells of the group. The method comprises generating, from the performance management data and the trace data, a plurality of key performance indicators each indicative of performance of an aspect of a cell in the group, and processing the key performance indicators so as to generate a hotspot value indicative of general performance of the cell in the group. The method comprises comparing the hotspot value with a threshold hotspot value, and if the hotspot value is greater than the threshold hotspot value, processing attribute data from the cells in the group so as to generate cause data indicative of a cause associated with the hotspot value exceeding the hotspot threshold value.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for managing physical access to an access-controlled area using a local access control system. In certain embodiments, information that may be used in access control determinations managed by a remote domain controller may be communicated to a local access control system for use in connection with local access control determinations performed by the access control system independent of the domain controller. In some embodiments, such a configuration may allow for access control determinations to be performed when communication with the domain controller is interrupted and/or otherwise limited.

Abstract: A communication gateway consistent with the present disclosure may detect unauthorized physical or electronic access and implement security actions in response thereto. A communication gateway may provide a communication path to an intelligent electronic device (IED) using an IED communications port configured to communicate with the IED. The communication gateway may include a physical intrusion detection port and a network port. The communication gateway may further include control logic configured to evaluate physical intrusion detection signal. The control logic may be configured to determine that the physical intrusion detection signal is indicative of an attempt to obtain unauthorized access to one of the communication gateway, the IED, and a device in communication with the gateway; and take a security action based upon the determination that the indication is indicative of the attempt to gain unauthorized access.

Abstract: A method for assessing performance of a cell in a network in which data is passed between layers in a protocol stack implemented by the cell. The method comprises calculating a data efficiency of data passing through a physical layer in the protocol stack via one or more higher layers in the protocol stack based on a comparison of a number of physical resource data units allocated to that data at the physical layer with a data throughput of one or more of the layers of the protocol stack. The method further comprises calculating an average efficiency by averaging the data efficiency over a predetermined time and normalising the average efficiency with respect to a predetermined efficiency so as to generate a normalised average efficiency. The method also comprises comparing the normalised average efficiency with a target threshold and adjusting the operation of the cell if the normalised average efficiency differs from the target threshold by greater than a threshold amount.

Abstract: A method for optimising a self organising network comprising a plurality of cells. The method comprises monitoring performance measurement data indicative of performance of one or more cells in a group of cells in the network, and monitoring trace data indicative of traffic statistics within the cells of the group. The method comprises generating, from the performance management data and the trace data, a plurality of key performance indicators each indicative of performance of an aspect of a cell in the group, and processing the key performance indicators so as to generate a hotspot value indicative of general performance of the cell in the group. The method comprises comparing the hotspot value with a threshold hotspot value, and if the hotspot value is greater than the threshold hotspot value, processing attribute data from the cells in the group so as to generate cause data indicative of a cause associated with the hotspot value exceeding the hotspot threshold value.

Abstract: A communication gateway consistent with the present disclosure may detect unauthorized physical or electronic access and implement security actions in response thereto. A communication gateway may provide a communication path to an intelligent electronic device (IED) using an IED communications port configured to communicate with the IED. The communication gateway may include a physical intrusion detection port and a network port. The communication gateway may further include control logic configured to evaluate physical intrusion detection signal. The control logic may be configured to determine that the physical intrusion detection signal is indicative of an attempt to obtain unauthorized access to one of the communication gateway, the IED, and a device in communication with the gateway; and take a security action based upon the determination that the indication is indicative of the attempt to gain unauthorized access.

Abstract: A side-pocket mandrel is used for a gas lift system. The mandrel has two external ports, which can use external check valves when deployed downhole. Before installing the mandrel, operators preferably pressure test the interface of a gas lift valve in the pocket of the mandrel. Internal pressure testing is performed. The mandrel, however, is suited for external-pressure testing, which is impractical for other types of side-pocket mandrels. In the external pressure test, a pressure test line is coupled to the inlet port on the mandrel, which is already threaded in a reinforced area of the mandrel to receive a check valve. The other inlet port is closed off with a plug or with a check valve. When external pressure is applied with the test line, operators can determine if the gas lift valve is properly seated (i.e., whether the latch is properly engaged in the pocket). Operators can also determine if the seals between the gas lift valve and the pocket are capable of holding external pressure.

Abstract: A test head assembly for supporting at least a portion of a protective mask to be tested for leaks. Preferably, the test head assembly includes a test head having a test space that is generally coextensive with an inner surface of the protective mask being tested. Although the test space is generally coextensive with the inner surface of the protective mask being tested, it is designed such that it has minimal volume to enhance the testing process by expediting test response time, reducing the time period it takes for a mask tester to reach one or more prerequisite test conditions, eliminate or greatly reduce lag time when the mask tester is operating in the probe mode and prevent dilution of challenge concentration. Preferably, the test head is formed from two or more removable sections to allow the size of the test head to be readily modified.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a protective mask. The apparatus includes a testing unit for testing a protective mask. The testing unit includes a headform upon which a protective mask to be tested is mounted. The testing unit is configured to take a sample of the challenge from two different locations about the protective mask. The testing unit may also be configured to inflate and deflate a neck seal protective mask when mounted on the headform prior to performing a mask leakage test to eliminate or significantly reduce pockets or folds that may hide a leak.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in testing a protective mask for leaks. The apparatus includes a test head assembly for supporting at least a portion of a protective mask to be tested for leaks. The test head assembly may be freestanding or it may be mounted directly on the mask tester. Preferably, the test head assembly includes a test head having a test space. The test space is operably associated with a mask tester such that a fluid from the test space is directed to the mask tester for analysis to determine if a leak exists in the mask. The test space is generally coextensive with the inner surface of the protective mask being tested. Although the test space is generally coextensive with the inner surface of the protective mask being tested, it is designed such that it has minimal volume to enhance the testing process by expediting test response time, reducing the time period it takes for a mask tester to reach one or more prerequisite test conditions (e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a protective mask. The apparatus includes a testing unit for testing a protective mask. The testing unit includes a headform upon which a protective mask to be tested is mounted. The testing unit is configured to take a sample of the challenge from two different locations about the protective mask. The testing unit may also be configured to inflate and deflate a neck seal protective mask when mounted on the headform prior to performing a mask leakage test to eliminate or significantly reduce pockets or folds that may hide a leak.