Abstract: A method of supplying energy to a set of customer buildings having energy consuming appliances includes establishing a set of customer tolerances for conserving energy use in a set of customer buildings. A remote control system to control appliances in the customer buildings is established. At least some of the appliances in the set of buildings are controlled with the remote control system according to the customer tolerances to reduce the demand for energy.

Abstract: A method of supplying energy to a set of customer buildings having energy consuming appliances includes establishing a set of customer tolerances for conserving energy use in a set of customer buildings. A remote control system to control appliances in the customer buildings is established. At least some of the appliances in the set of buildings are controlled with the remote control system according to the customer tolerances to reduce the demand for energy.

Abstract: The present invention is a power supply (10) that starts a load (20) with a heavy start-up power draw from a power grid (12) and then switches the load to a generator (22) for lower power draw operation thereby avoiding the need for a large capacity generator capable of initial start-up of the load (20). The power supply comprises a conductor (15) for connecting to a power grid, an electrical power generation device (30), an electrical power using device or load (20) and a switching mechanism (40) for 1) isolating the power grid (12) from the power generation device (30), 2) connecting the power grid conductor (15) to the electrical power using device (20) for the initial start-up of the power using device (20), and 3) connecting the power generation device (30) to the power using device (20) after initial start-up.

Abstract: A compact, portable, thermoelectric cold trap for capturing certain gaseous species for analysis in gas chromatographs is disclosed. The U-shaped heat exchanger and T-shaped cold block for holding the adsorbent tube and heater allow the unit to operate over a temperature range from -45.degree. to 300.degree. C. The thermoelectric cold trap is portable and may be retrofitted to new or existing gas chromatographs. The adsorbent tube and heater are also replaceable. A method of assembling the thermoelectric cold trap and a method of operating the thermoelectric cold trap are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fusion joint test system for a saddle fusion joint on a pipe includes a movable sealing mechanism and computer for automatically testing a saddle interface, or fusion joint. The test system controllably pressurizes a substantially isolated area about the fusion joint to a set pressure using a fluid pressure source. A pressure sensor senses a change in pressure about the fusion joint after pressurization and a computer electronically determines whether the fusion joint is within an acceptable integrity range.

Abstract: A fusion joint test system for a saddle fusion joint on a pipe includes a test plug having a rotatable swivel base with a hard robber foot for accommodating the curvature of the pipe, and for preventing the base from rotating once it comes in contact with the pipe. The base is connected to a threaded shank that engages the internal threads of a cylindrical bore of a connector that forms the saddle. The shank has a top end for receiving an electronic torque wrench. The torque wrench applies a predetermined torque on the plug, which exerts an upward force on the saddle joint. The shank may also have an air channel for also allowing fluid pressure to be applied to the fusion joint.