Abstract: Techniques are described for restricting the use of electricity at a service site that is “restricted,” such as for non-payment. A threshold value is set, indicating a maximum rate of electricity usage. The threshold value may be set based in part on an ambient temperature or to exclude the use of certain appliances, such as air conditioners. In example operation, it is determined that a consumption level at the service site exceeds the threshold value. Accordingly, electricity is turned off at the service site. After a period of time, that allows customers to turn off one or more appliances, electricity is restored to the customer's service site, and a second consumption level is determined. It is determined if the second consumption level exceeds the second threshold level. If the second consumption level exceeds the second threshold value, then the service is again shut off.

Abstract: Embodiments may provide techniques that protect voice-controllable devices and systems such that the microphone can be shielded from attacking modulated laser beams. Embodiments may provide a physical device that may include two or more layers of integrated material that sits on top of the microphones of the voice-controllable devices and/or systems. The device may act as a physical barrier against the injected malicious laser beams while allowing sound waves reach the microphone for normal operation. For example, in an embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a first layer including at least one opening and a second layer including at least one opening, wherein the at least one opening in the first layer and the at least one opening in the second layer are arranged so as to block the passage of light, but to allow the passage of sound.

Abstract: Networked utility services handle data-flow in a system to operate electrical vehicle charging stations. In an example, first and second utility companies may operate in first and second respective areas. A user may have a residence in the first area and may have an electric vehicle at a vehicle charging station in the second area. The user may provide identification at the vehicle charging station in the second area, and the user's vehicle may be charged at that location using electricity from the second utility. Data including the user's identification and the electricity consumed in the charging may be sent to the first utility serving the area including the user's residence. The first utility may bill the user for the electricity used to charge the user's vehicle at the remote vehicle charging station. The charging station, both utilities and/or other parties may share in the receipts.

Abstract: Networked utility services handle data-flow in a system to operate electrical vehicle charging stations. In an example, first and second utility companies may operate in first and second respective areas. A user may have a residence in the first area and may have an electric vehicle at a vehicle charging station in the second area. The user may provide identification at the vehicle charging station in the second area, and the user's vehicle may be charged at that location using electricity from the second utility. Data including the user's identification and the electricity consumed in the charging may be sent to the first utility serving the area including the user's residence. The first utility may bill the user for the electricity used to charge the user's vehicle at the remote vehicle charging station. The charging station, both utilities and/or other parties may share in the receipts.

Abstract: A system for neutralizing odors present in exhaust air extracted from a space via an exhaust air duct, the system including an air intake chamber; an air intake means for bringing environmental air into the air intake chamber and a corona chamber in air flow communication with the air intake chamber, and adapted to receive air from the air intake chamber. The corona chamber includes at least two spaced apart and perforated corona plates with perforated stainless steel mesh providing a dielectric medium into which an electrical spark voltage is provided to generate ozone from oxygen present in the environmental air to thereby transform the environmental air into ozone-rich air. A reaction chamber is also provided and adapted to receive the exhaust air and the ozone rich air allowing the mixing of the exhaust air and the ozone-rich air to thereby neutralize the odors before being discharged via an air outlet into the environment.

Abstract: Embodiments may provide techniques that protect voice-controllable devices and systems such that the microphone can be shielded from attacking modulated laser beams. Embodiments may provide a physical device that may include two or more layers of integrated material that sits on top of the microphones of the voice-controllable devices and/or systems. The device may act as a physical barrier against the injected malicious laser beams while allowing sound waves reach the microphone for normal operation. For example, in an embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a first layer including at least one opening and a second layer including at least one opening, wherein the at least one opening in the first layer and the at least one opening in the second layer are arranged so as to block the passage of light, but to allow the passage of sound.

Abstract: Networked utility services handle data-flow in a system to operate electrical vehicle charging stations. In an example, first and second utility companies may operate in first and second respective areas. A user may have a residence in the first area and may have an electric vehicle at a vehicle charging station in the second area. The user may provide identification at the vehicle charging station in the second area, and the user's vehicle may be charged at that location using electricity from the second utility. Data including the user's identification and the electricity consumed in the charging may be sent to the first utility serving the area including the user's residence. The first utility may bill the user for the electricity used to charge the user's vehicle at the remote vehicle charging station. The charging station, both utilities and/or other parties may share in the receipts.

Abstract: A system for neutralizing odors present in exhaust air extracted from a space via an exhaust air duct, the system including an air intake chamber; an air intake means for bringing environmental air into the air intake chamber and a corona chamber in air flow communication with the air intake chamber, and adapted to receive air from the air intake chamber. The corona chamber includes at least two spaced apart and perforated corona plates with perforated stainless steel mesh providing a dielectric medium into which an electrical spark voltage is provided to generate ozone from oxygen present in the environmental air to thereby transform the environmental air into ozone-rich air. A reaction chamber is also provided and adapted to receive the exhaust air and the ozone rich air allowing the mixing of the exhaust air and the ozone-rich air to thereby neutralize the odors before being discharged via an air outlet into the environment.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the concentration of a gas in an enclosed space is provided. A gas is injected into the space, by a gas injection system. The concentration of the gas is measured using a gas sensor. The concentration is compared with predetermined limits, and the gas injection system is shut off if the concentration is above one of the predetermined limits. In addition, hardware, software, and signal control elements which perform the monitoring, are continuously monitored for faults, and if a fault is detected, the gas injection system is shut off.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the concentration of a gas in an enclosed space into which the gas is being injected by a gas injection system. The system includes means for carrying out the method that includes measuring a parameter indicative of gas concentration using a gas sensor, comparing the parameter with a predetermined limit value of the parameter using a micro-processor, and if the parameter is greater than the predetermined limit value then activating a shut-off of the gas injection system. Furthermore, continuously monitoring at least one of a hardware element, a software function and a control signal used to carry out the method to identify faults in at least one of the hardware element, the software function and the control signal; and if a fault is detected activating the shut-off of the gas injection system.