Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a directed acyclic graph (DAG) is described. In one embodiment, an algorithm enables encryption of a DAG given a start node (an entrypoint), the node key for that node, and a path to traverse in the graph. A unique and cryptographically random key is generated for each node (sometimes referred herein as a unique node key). The node key encrypts the node it is generated for and also any edges exiting the node. The node key is stored on the incoming edge to the node (the edge from its parent node) encrypted with the node key of the parent node. Storing the keys on the edges of the DAG instead of on nodes of the DAG enables efficient querying of the DAG and the ability for a node to have multiple parents that may change without affecting the node's relationship with the non-changing parents.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are provided for maintaining an electrical network model describing an electrical network. A fault detection, fault isolation, and load restoration (FDIR) component, a voltage/var control (VVC) component, and/or other components may be provided with access to the electrical network model so that the components may have access to relatively up-to-date and/or accurate information describing the electrical network when executing functionality for the electrical network. For example, the FDIR component and the VVC component may be synchronized based upon the electrical network model so that the FDIR component may have notice of network changes by the VCC component, and/or the VCC component have may have notice of network changes by the FDIR component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a directed acyclic graph (DAG) is described. In one embodiment, an algorithm for encrypting a DAG is described that enables encryption of a DAG given a start node (an entrypoint), the node key for that node, and a path to traverse in the graph, where keys are stored on the edges of the DAG instead of on nodes of the DAG. Storing the keys on the edges of the DAG instead of on nodes of the DAG enables efficient querying of the DAG and the ability for a node to have multiple parents that may change without affecting the node's relationship with the non-changing parents. A unique and cryptographically random key is generated for each node created within the DAG (sometimes referred herein as a unique node key). The node key encrypts the node it is generated for and also any edges exiting the node. The node key is not stored with the node.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are provided for monitoring an operating condition of an electrical component, such as electrical switchgear. In one example, temperatures associated with an electrical conductor connection within the electrical component may be evaluated against one or more expected temperatures curves derived from a linear regression model to determine whether the electrical conductor connection has failed or is starting to fail. In another example, temperature readings may be monitored to determine whether a temperature reading at one location is out of sync with temperature readings at other locations. An electrical conductor connection associated with a location of the out of sync temperature may be determined as faulty. In another example, a Euclidean distance model and/or a correlation coefficient model may be used to identify a faulty electrical conductor connection. In this way, failure and/or potential failure of the electrical component may be predicted.

Abstract: A system and method for developing, deploying and implementing computer applications for a power system has an open software framework for developing mobile applications. The mobile applications are developed by combining predefined modules having functionality to monitor a power system, change configuration settings within devices installed on the power system and allow utility personnel to quickly respond to events occurring on the power system.

Abstract: A system and method for developing, deploying and implementing computer applications for a power system has an open software framework for developing mobile applications. The mobile applications are developed by combining predefined modules having functionality to monitor a power system, change configuration settings within devices installed on the power system and allow utility personnel to quickly respond to events occurring on the power system.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are provided for maintaining an electrical network model describing an electrical network. A fault detection, fault isolation, and load restoration (FDIR) component, a voltage/var control (VVC) component, and/or other components may be provided with access to the electrical network model so that the components may have access to relatively up-to-date and/or accurate information describing the electrical network when executing functionality for the electrical network. For example, the FDIR component and the VVC component may be synchronized based upon the electrical network model so that the FDIR component may have notice of network changes by the VCC component, and/or the VCC component have may have notice of network changes by the FDIR component.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are provided for monitoring an operating condition of an electrical component, such as electrical switchgear. In one example, temperatures associated with an electrical conductor connection within the electrical component may be evaluated against one or more expected temperatures curves derived from a linear regression model to determine whether the electrical conductor connection has failed or is starting to fail. In another example, temperature readings may be monitored to determine whether a temperature reading at one location is out of sync with temperature readings at other locations. An electrical conductor connection associated with a location of the out of sync temperature may be determined as faulty. In another example, a Euclidean distance model and/or a correlation coefficient model may be used to identify a faulty electrical conductor connection. In this way, failure and/or potential failure of the electrical component may be predicted.

Abstract: An automated meter reading system is provided. The system includes a host server interfaced to a plurality of nodes where each node communicates with a number of utility meters. The system selects a group of noninterfering nodes and uses an RF broadcast from the host server to initiate the reading of meters and the uploading of meter data provided by those meters to the nodes and, ultimately, to the host server. The system also has a number of gateways that communicate with a plurality of nodes, grouped to form sets of noninterfering gateways. In this embodiment, the system selects a set of noninterfering gateways and uses an RF broadcast from the host server to initiate the reading of meters and the uploading of meter data provided by those meters to the nodes and, ultimately, through the gateways to the host server. A method for using an outbound RF channel to automatically read meters is also provided.

Abstract: An automated meter reading system is provided. The system includes a host server interfaced to a plurality of nodes where each node communicates with a number of utility meters. The system selects a group of noninterfering nodes and uses an RF broadcast from the host server to initiate the reading of meters and the uploading of meter data provided by those meters to the nodes and, ultimately, to the host server. The system also has a number of gateways that communicate with a plurality of nodes, grouped to form sets of noninterfering gateways. In this embodiment, the system selects a set of noninterfering gateways and uses an RF broadcast from the host server to initiate the reading of meters and the uploading of meter data provided by those meters to the nodes and, ultimately, through the gateways to the host server. A method for using an outbound RF channel to automatically read meters is also provided.

Abstract: An automated meter reading system is provided. The system includes a host server interfaced to a plurality of nodes where each node communicates with a number of utility meters. The system selects a group of noninterfering nodes and uses an RF broadcast from the host server to initiate the reading of meters and the uploading of meter data provided by those meters to the nodes and, ultimately, to the host server. The system also has a number of gateways that communicate with a plurality of nodes, grouped to form sets of noninterfering gateways. In this embodiment, the system selects a set of noninterfering gateways and uses an RF broadcast from the host server to initiate the reading of meters and the uploading of meter data provided by those meters to the nodes and, ultimately, through the gateways to the host server. A method for using an outbound RF channel to automatically read meters is also provided.

Abstract: A solid state electrical meter incorporates the ability to support two-way radio, dialback telephone and CEBus personal LAN. These three communications media require different protocols to meet their respective requirements. Embedding multiple protocols within the meter controller makes the device extremely flexible for current and future applications.

Abstract: A rotary feed structure for a gunite-conveying machine includes a polymeric body to resist sticking of gunite even if the latter includes silica fume, and even if it has set. The body has chambers in a circle. Preferably the body is urethane, self-bonded to a Ni-hard wear plate to eliminate radial leakage, and the mounting, (typically holes for studs), at least in part, is integral with the plate. A metal axial spacer is preferably next to the plate, but only within the innermost radius of chambers and with a sizable wall thickness. The body is preferably a feed-bowl type, with chambers formed as generally U-shaped pockets. A gunite machine using the polymeric feed structure also has a hopper, delivery tube, support and rotation of the feed structure, compressed-air for expelling the particulate material from the chambers into the tube, and provision for transporting the hopper, tube, body, and other apparatus. Chambers are selectively sealed to the expelling device and delivery tube.

Abstract: A slip ring assembly having a rotatable chamber including a shaft rotatably mounted therein. A plurality of slip rings are provided within a ring section of the rotatable chamber and are mounted to the shaft for rotation therewith. The plurality of slip rings for a group of preselected pairs of slip rings. An electrical conductor is connected to each slip ring with each electrical conductor being twisted to at least one adjacent electrical conductor through a central core in the shaft to thereby cancel alternating current due to self-generated voltages. The slip ring assembly also includes a brush assembly having at least one brush support associated with each slip ring with each brush support having brushes extending therefrom in contact with its corresponding slip ring at at least two brush contacts. The brush contacts for each slip are orientated approximately 180 degrees apart.