Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for training an image analysis engine to identify surface features of the Earth consistent with subsurface hydrogen accumulation. An example method includes receiving, by communications circuitry, a training dataset of labeled images illustrating surface features consistent with subsurface hydrogen accumulation, the surface features consistent with subsurface hydrogen accumulation comprising ovoid surficial depressions. The example method further includes training, by a model generator and using the training dataset, an image classification model of the image analysis engine to identify whether new images contain surface features consistent with subsurface hydrogen accumulation. The example method further includes hosting the image classification model by the image analysis engine.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes a collar, which may be formed of a porous, sintered material, the collar being located around the needle and allowing a restricted fluid pathway, such as orifices through the collar, between first and second volumes of fuel, the collar being located in a section of the nozzle body which has a greater cross-sectional area than the rest of the bore.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes a collar, which may be formed of a porous, sintered material, the collar being located around the needle and allowing a restricted fluid pathway, such as orifices through the collar, between first and second volumes of fuel, the collar being located in a section of the nozzle body which has a greater cross-sectional area than the rest of the bore.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving the esophagus includes an elongate body having a distal tip, a controlled curvature section, and a flexible section. A handle is coupled to the flexible section to adjust the curvature of the controlled curvature section. The length of the controlled curvature section is less than the length of the thoracic portion of the esophagus. Further, a method of adjusting the curvature of the esophagus during a therapeutic procedure in a treatment area outside of the esophagus includes positioning within the esophagus an elongate body having a distal tip, a controlled curvature section, and a flexible section and adjusting the curvature of the controlled curvature section to increase the distance between the esophagus and a treatment area outside of the esophagus.

Abstract: Reticulated vitrified carbon compositions which contain particles of Cu, Sn, Zn, Pb, Ni, Fe, or alloys or mixtures thereof dispersed therein and reticulated vitreous carbon compositions wherein some or all of said metal or alloy particles have been converted into salts or mixtures of salts thereof. Processes for the preparation of such compositions.

Abstract: A carbon based electrode for the electrochemical reduction of sulfur or oxygen, which comprises an electrode core and, in electrical contact therewith, a structure comprising a porous particulate activated carbon bonded with a polymeric binder material, characterised in that the structure is at least 1 mm thick, in that the particulate activated carbon is prepared from a lignocellulosic material and has the following properties: i) a particle size in the range of from 200 to 850 &mgr;m; ii) a pore volume of from 0.45 to 1.0 cm3 per gram; iii) a surface area in the range of from 800 to 1500 m2/g; and in that the binder is used in an amount not exceeding 25% by weight based upon the mixture of activated carbon and binder material.

Abstract: A static VAR generator for providing reactive power compensation to an n-phase AC network subject to transient surge currents utilizing mechanically switched shunt circuits in parallel with the thyristor arrays.

Abstract: A distribution network power line communication system divided into addressable communication zones defined by signal repeaters located at spaced intervals along the distribution network. The signal repeaters are switchably disposed in signal communication between the primary and grounded neutral conductors of the primary distribution network. Each repeater, when uniquely addressed by an interrogation signal from a central communication terminal, transfers the interrogation signal from the primary conductor to the primary grounded neutral conductor whereon it is transmitted to a uniquely addressed remote communication terminal coupled to a secondary neutral conductor within the communication zone of the signal repeater. A timely response signal from the remote communication terminal on the grounded neutral conductor is transferred by the repeater to the primary conductor and then to the central communication terminal.

Abstract: An automated electric power distribution network includes a radio communication system for transmitting multipurpose, multitone signals in one or more signaling channels over the auxiliary channel or channels of one or more commercial broadcast stations. Energy management terminals receive the signals at remote locations served by the distribution network. Radio receivers at the terminals have frequency selective detectors responsive to different multitone signals. The selective allocation of the multitone signals at different remote locations provides different communication links for effecting common or different electric energy usage related responses at grouped or separate locations. Complex address and/or function encoded signal information is reduced by providing the frequency selective reception of the several multitone signaling channels available in a radio or television station auxiliary channel.

Abstract: A high voltage signal coupler couples carrier communication signals between a distribution network primary conductor and communication elements located at spaced intervals on the distribution network. A single bushing, high frequency, coupling capacitor communicates the carrier communication signals between one of the distribution network primary conductors and a conductor which is at ground or real earth potential with respect to power current frequencies. A parallel resonant circuit, formed by a tuning capacitor and a hollow core of magnetic material inductively surrounding the power frequency ground conductor, couples the carrier communication signals to the communication elements connected thereto at a predetermined frequency without interfering with the operation of the ground conductor at the frequency of the power current.

Abstract: A distribution network power line communication system which includes coupling means for applying a carrier current communication signal to the polyphase primary distribution conductors with a proportional relationship between the signal voltages applied to the various conductors selected to provide a predetermined propagation mode. Impedance elements are connected between the conductors at selected points remote from the coupling point, such as at the location of unbalanced loads, line taps, branches, capacitor banks, distribution transformers, and other line discontinuities which may cause mode conversion. The impedance elements are selected and connected to re-establish the predetermined propagation mode.

Abstract: Carrier current signals are impressed to and detected from grounding conductors connected to the power system and to real earth ground. The communication links provided by the grounded neutral conductors of the power system and by the real earth ground return path transmit the carrier communication signals between a substation communication terminal and remote communication terminals at the premises of utility company customers. The communication signals are coupled to the ground conductors by transformer-type couplers in which the grounding conductor constitutes one winding of the transformer.

Abstract: A distribution power line communication system wherein communication signals are transferred between a communication terminal at a substation and communication terminals at customer locations. The communication signals are transferred between the terminals by using a two-conductor line, with one of the conductors effectively grounded and with the other of the conductors effectively isolated from ground. The conductor which is isolated from ground provides a conduction path which travels along the primary distribution line to a distribution transformer location. At this location, the conduction path is transferred to a messenger wire which supports other transmission lines between various distribution transformer locations. The messenger wire is suitably isolated from ground and the conduction path is transferred to separate secondary distribution lines adjacent to the messenger wire.

Abstract: An arrangement of components for a distribution line communication system. Two or more independent secondary distribution lines are connected, through distribution transformers, to a primary distribution line. Carrier communication signals are transferred between the primary distribution line and one of the secondary distribution lines by a repeater located near one of the transformers. The carrier communication signals are propagated directly along this secondary distribution line and through associated service lines to communications terminals located near the electrical loads. Coupling apparatus is connected between the two independent secondary distribution lines to provide a path for the communication signals between the repeater and the communications terminals associated with the other secondary distribution line. The coupling apparatus provides a low-impedance path for the communication signals and a high-impedance path for signals at conventional electrical power frequencies.

Abstract: Apparatus for powering a signal amplifier or repeater connected to the primary or high-voltage portion of a power distribution system. Oscillator and amplifier circuits are energized by power from the secondary or low-voltage portion of the power distribution system. The oscillator and amplifier circuits are connected to the primary winding of an air-core transformer. A capacitor is also connected to the primary winding to make the primary circuit of the air-core transformer resonant at the frequency of the oscillator. The secondary winding of the air-core transformer is connected to a resonating capacitor and to transformer and rectifier circuits which convert the AC voltage into DC voltage for powering the signal amplifier. Electrical isolation between the high-voltage and low-voltage portions of the distribution system is provided by the separation distance between the primary and secondary windings of the air-core transformer.

Abstract: An arrangement of communication components to provide communications between a central control center and various customer load locations in an electrical power distribution system. Control or interrogation signals are originated at the control center and transmitted over a suitable facility, such as a telephone line, to an FM broadcast station. The control signals frequency modulate an ultrasonic subcarrier which modulates the FM broadcast transmitter simultaneously with the normal broadcast program material. Radio receivers at the customer load locations receive, filter, and decode the broadcast signals which are used to activate the control or logic circuits associated with the customer location. A reply signal is generated at the customer location and applied to the power lines by carrier techniques. The power line carrier reply signal is remotely detected by a suitable receiver and transferred over a suitable wire line facility which terminates at the control center.

Abstract: A distribution network power line communication system which is divided into addressable communication zones defined by repeaters located at the distribution transformers of the distribution network. Each repeater, when uniquely addressed by an interrogation signal from an interrogating source, strips its address from the interrogation signal and sends the resulting modified interrogation signal to its associated remote communication terminals, by-passing the associated distribution transformer. A timely, error-free response signal from a remote communication terminal is modified by a repeater to include the repeater address, and the modified response signal is sent back to the interrogating source. The binary base band interrogation and response signal information is preferably pulse width modulated to provide a self clocking format, and this self clocking signal is passed through two stages of frequency modulation to provide a signal which makes the receivers thereof substantially immune from drift.

Abstract: A distribution powerline carrier communication system for providing distribution automation functions. The communication system includes a distribution powerline, with inductive couplers and frequency translating repeaters cooperating to circumvent signal obstructions, such as distribution transformers, and to increase the signal strength. The inductive couplers pick up the communication signals without metallic contact to the primary distribution lines, and the repeaters change the frequency band of the communication signals, enabling the amplifier gain of the repeaters to be selected without limitation due to undesirable feedback and oscillation.

Abstract: A distribution network power line communication system including a central communication terminal at a distribution substation in signal communication with a plurality of remote communication terminals via the electrical distribution power lines. The central communication terminal uniquely addresses a selected remote communication terminal with an interrogation signal which requests the performance of a selected distribution automation function. The selected remote communication terminal performs the requested function and sends a response signal back to the central communication terminal. Signal amplifying repeaters are disposed in signal communication with the electrical distribution power lines, which ensure that the interrogation and response signals are at usable signal levels when they reach their intended destinations.