Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to a proximity detection system comprising an antenna configured to receive a signal provided by a device; a user interface; and at least one controller configured to determine, based on the signal, whether the device is known, generate, responsive to determining that the device is not known, one or more instructions instructing the proximity detection system to activate the user interface, and provide the one or more instructions to the proximity detection system.

Abstract: Systems for identifying a meter that is out of calibration and methods of controlling the same include obtaining a power measurement value for each of a plurality of metering devices in a hierarchy of metering devices, calculating virtual metering points for a candidate metering device using metering devices connected upstream and/or downstream to the candidate metering device, and identifying the candidate metering device as being out of calibration by leveraging the virtual metering points and the candidate metering device's specification.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing alarms in an electrical power system employ intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) equipped with alarm arbitration capability. This capability allows an IED to aggregate alarms from multiple other IEDs relating to the same event or overlapping alarm events and provide one report about the event to a monitor and control system. In some embodiments, the alarm arbitration is performed based on IED power levels, that the IED having the highest power level is designated as the owner of the alarm event for alarm reporting purposes. Such an arrangement allows one IED to send a single report to the monitor and control system instead of potentially dozens of individual reports being sent by potentially dozens of IEDs for the same event or overlapping alarm events.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing alarms in an electrical power system employ intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) equipped with alarm arbitration capability. This capability allows an IED to aggregate alarms from multiple other IEDs relating to the same event or overlapping alarm events and provide one report about the event to a monitor and control system. In some embodiments, the alarm arbitration is performed based on IED power levels, that the IED having the highest power level is designated as the owner of the alarm event for alarm reporting purposes. Such an arrangement allows one IED to send a single report to the monitor and control system instead of potentially dozens of individual reports being sent by potentially dozens of IEDs for the same event or overlapping alarm events.

Abstract: Systems for identifying a meter that is out of calibration and methods of controlling the same include obtaining a power measurement value for each of a plurality of metering devices in a hierarchy of metering devices, calculating virtual metering points for a candidate metering device using metering devices connected upstream and/or downstream to the candidate metering device, and identifying the candidate metering device as being out of calibration by leveraging the virtual metering points and the candidate metering device's specification.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present inventions are directed to systems, devices for use with systems, and method of mounting and retaining solar panels. A solar module mounting system may include: a support mechanism including a support post pivotably attached to a support base, and an attachment module for attaching a solar panel to the support mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present inventions are directed to systems, devices for use with systems, and method of mounting and retaining solar panels. A solar module mounting system may include: a support mechanism including a support post pivotably attached to a support base, and an attachment module for attaching a solar panel to the support mechanism.

Abstract: A method to improve a pallet may include joining into a pallet four C-brackets, a pallet-deck, a first bottom-deck member, and a second bottom-deck member where two of the four C-brackets insides face two of the other four C-brackets' insides. The method may also include sizing a port to receive load-handling equipment tines formed by the four C-brackets, the pallet-deck, the first bottom-deck member, and the second bottom-deck member.

Abstract: A method to improve a pallet may include joining into a pallet four C-brackets, a pallet-deck, a first bottom-deck member, and a second bottom-deck member where two of the four C-brackets insides face two of the other four C-brackets' insides. The method may also include sizing a port to receive load-handling equipment tines formed by the four C-brackets, the pallet-deck, the first bottom-deck member, and the second bottom-deck member.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method to operate a conventional 4 cylinder engine as an expander for any pressurized fluid (e.g., liquid, vapor, or gas). A poppet valve system is disclosed enabling upward lift of the inlet valve, with assist from cylinder compression pressure, together with downward lift from an exhaust valve, resulting in especially efficient expansion of fluid or gas in a thermodynamic power cycle. Further, it is described that a desmodromic valve operation system may be employed and provides essential guidance and opening closing actions for proper operation of the expander system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are presented herein for monitoring usage of at least one utility by a utility consuming system. One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of managing information in a utility monitoring system that includes a host computer and an array of monitoring devices operatively coupled together on a peer-to-peer network. The array of monitoring devices includes first and second monitoring devices each with a respective memory. The first and second monitoring devices are configured to receive and transmit data. The method includes: storing data received by the first monitoring device in the first memory; storing data received by the second monitoring device in the second memory; responsive to the first memory being below a threshold storage capacity, transferring data received by the second monitoring device to the first monitoring device; and storing the transferred data in the first memory.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are presented herein for monitoring usage of at least one utility by a utility consuming system. One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of managing information in a utility monitoring system that includes a host computer and an array of monitoring devices operatively coupled together on a peer-to-peer network. The array of monitoring devices includes first and second monitoring devices each with a respective memory. The first and second monitoring devices are configured to receive and transmit data. The method includes: storing data received by the first monitoring device in the first memory; storing data received by the second monitoring device in the second memory; responsive to the first memory being below a threshold storage capacity, transferring data received by the second monitoring device to the first monitoring device; and storing the transferred data in the first memory.

Abstract: A massively distributed processing system and associated methods are described that utilize an advantageous processing architecture for a multitude of widely distributed devices to process distributed workloads for a plurality distributed processing projects. To provide the infrastructure processing power for the distributed processing system, a modular client agent program, including a system component with a core agent module and a separate project component with at least one task module, is configured to operate on the distributed devices and to process a variety of project workloads. For each different distributed project, different project components or task modules may be provided by a server system to the distributed devices to run on the core agent module or system component. In addition, a capabilities database can be used by a server system to schedule workloads based upon the capabilities of the distributed devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present inventions are directed to systems, devices for use with systems, and method of mounting and retaining solar panels. A solar module mounting system may include: a support mechanism including a support post pivotably attached to a support base, and an attachment module for attaching a solar panel to the support mechanism.

Abstract: Dynamic coordination and control of network connected devices within a distributed processing platform is disclosed for large-scale network site testing, or for other distributed projects. For network site testing, the distributed processing system utilizes a plurality of client devices which are running a client agent program associated with the distributed computing platform and which are running potentially distinct project modules for the testing of network sites or other projects. The participating client devices can be selected based upon their attributes and can receive test workloads from the distributed processing server systems. In addition, the client devices can send and receive poll communications that may be used during processing of the project to control, manage and coordinate the project activities of the distributed devices.

Abstract: A massively distributed processing system and associated methods are disclosed that provide a processing architecture for utilizing a multitude of widely distributed devices to process distributed project workloads. To provide the processing infrastructure, a modular client agent program, which may include a system component and a separate project component, operates on the distributed devices to process workloads. For different projects, different project components may be provided to run on the base system component. In addition, a device capabilities database and an incentive database can be used by the server system to facilitate operations and encourage participation by client systems. Other databases may also be utilized to enhance system operations and functionality.

Abstract: A massively distributed processing system and associated methods are described that utilize an advantageous processing architecture for a multitude of widely distributed devices to process distributed workloads for a plurality distributed processing projects. To provide the infrastructure processing power for the distributed processing system, a modular client agent program, including a system component with a core agent module and a separate project component with at least one task module, is configured to operate on the distributed devices and to process a variety of project workloads. For each different distributed project, different project components or task modules may be provided by a server system to the distributed devices to run on the core agent module or system component. In addition, a capabilities database can be used by a server system to schedule workloads based upon the capabilities of the distributed devices.

Abstract: A microstructure is provided which facilitates alignment by allowing movement of the microstructure between one of a plurality of positions. The microstructure is included in an electromechanical machine which comprises a base layer, an actuator and two or more structural plates. One of the structural plates can be deflected to select a movement limit for the other structural plate. Methods for configuring the structural plates relative to each other to facilitate alignment are also provided.

Abstract: Dynamic coordination and control of network connected devices within a distributed processing platform is disclosed for large-scale network site testing, or for other distributed projects. For network site testing, the distributed processing system utilizes a plurality of client devices which are running a client agent program associated with the distributed computing platform and which are running potentially distinct project modules for the testing of network sites or other projects. The participating client devices can be selected based upon their attributes and can receive test workloads from the distributed processing server systems. In addition, the client devices can send and receive poll communications that may be used during processing of the project to control, manage and coordinate the project activities of the distributed devices.

Abstract: Dynamic coordination and control of network connected devices within a distributed processing platform is disclosed for large-scale network site testing, or for other distributed projects. For network site testing, the distributed processing system utilizes a plurality of client devices which are running a client agent program associated with the distributed computing platform and which are running potentially distinct project modules for the testing of network sites or other projects. The participating client devices can be selected based upon their attributes and can receive test workloads from the distributed processing server systems. In addition, the client devices can send and receive poll communications that may be used during processing of the project to control, manage and coordinate the project activities of the distributed devices.