Abstract: A method of enhancing network security involves causing a wireless network interface of a computing device to be disabled, in response to detection of a network connection between the computing device and a wired network. Related apparatuses, systems, computer programs, computer-readable media and signals for enhancing network security are also provided.

Abstract: A system, a method, and an article of manufacture for controlling operation of an electrical power generation system are provided. The electrical power generation system has a plurality of electrical generators electrically coupled to an electrical grid. The method includes obtaining a first output parameter value associated with the electrical power generation system. The method further includes determining an error value indicative of a difference between the first output parameter value and a desired output parameter value. The method further includes determining a first gain value based on at least one of the first output parameter value and a time-varying operational parameter of the electrical power generation system. The method further includes determining a first power value based on the error value and the first gain value.

Abstract: A system for providing anti-islanding protection of a synchronous machine based distributed generator includes a frequency sensor configured to generate a generator frequency signal, a bandpass filter configured for filtering the generator frequency signal, a governor controller configured for using the filtered frequency signal to generate a power feedback signal, and a governor summation element configured for summing the filtered frequency signal, the power feedback signal, and a reference power to provide an electrical torque signal. Another system includes a voltage sensor configured to generate a generator terminal voltage signal, a feedback power calculator configured for generating a reactive feedback power signal, a bandpass filter configured for filtering the terminal voltage signal, and a PI controller summation element configured for summing the filtered terminal voltage signal, the reactive power feedback signal, and a reference reactive power to provide an error signal.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a wind turbine system. The wind turbine system includes a wind turbine generator operable to supply wind turbine power to a utility system. A converter is coupled to the wind turbine generator and the utility system. The wind turbine system also includes a controller comprising an internal reference frame of the wind turbine generator, coupled to the converter, and configured for modulating flow of power through the converter in response to frequency disturbances or power swings of the utility system relative to the internal reference frame.

Abstract: A wind turbine includes an asynchronous generator having a rotor and a stator, means for determining an actual torque-speed curve of the generator, means for determining an actual grid frequency, and means for determining a shifted torque-speed curve in response to the determined actual grid frequency if the determined actual grid frequency is higher than a predetermined upper frequency limit or lower than a predetermined lower frequency limit. The means for determining a shifted torque-speed curve is further adapted to determine the shifted torque-speed curve such that an increase in the rotor voltage of said generator rotor is counteracted when shifting the actual torque-speed curve to the shifted torque-speed curve. The wind turbine further includes means for shifting the actual torque-speed curve of the generator to the shifted torque-speed curve.

Abstract: A power generation system including a wind turbine generator for generating electrical power, an alternate power source, and a processor programmed to control operation of the alternate power source to control a power output of the alternate power source at least partially based on at least one of a wind parameter, a wind forecast, a wind turbine condition sensor, and a power output of the electrical generator.

Abstract: Methods and devices for implanting spinal fixation implants and devices are provided. In one embodiment, a method for implanting a spinal fixation system is provided and it includes the steps of positioning a spinal fixation element to extend along a patient's spinal column adjacent to one or more vertebrae, determining an implant site on at least one vertebra, implanting at least one spinal anchor at the implant site on at least one vertebra, and coupling the spinal fixation element to each implant.

Abstract: The invention comprises an autonomous off-road vehicle capable of traveling at high speeds. Preferred embodiments of the invention comprise a system for sensory instrument stabilization comprises three axis assemblies movable about three orthogonal axes. The invention also comprises novel methods for generating a high accuracy route for a robotically controlled vehicle. Other aspects of the invention include drive time, perception-based path adjustments to steer a robotic vehicle within an intended corridor. Another embodiment of the invention comprises the consideration of vehicular dynamics in generating a high accuracy route and in steering a robotic vehicle within an intended corridor.

Abstract: A system for providing anti-islanding protection of a synchronous machine based distributed generator includes a frequency sensor configured to generate a generator frequency signal, a bandpass filter configured for filtering the generator frequency signal, a governor controller configured for using the filtered frequency signal to generate a power feedback signal, and a governor summation element configured for summing the filtered frequency signal, the power feedback signal, and a reference power to provide an electrical torque signal. Another system includes a voltage sensor configured to generate a generator terminal voltage signal, a feedback power calculator configured for generating a reactive feedback power signal, a bandpass filter configured for filtering the terminal voltage signal, and a PI controller summation element configured for summing the filtered terminal voltage signal, the reactive power feedback signal, and a reference reactive power to provide an error signal.

Abstract: A bookmark or promotional device comprises a plurality of pockets aligned side-by-side with the opening of the pocket being at the edge of the bookmark. The pockets contain advertising or other promotional material as inserts. The devices are produced in different versions for different audiences and are distributed through a variety of channels generally free of charge to customers.

Abstract: Real and reactive power control for wind turbine generator systems. The technique described herein provides the potential to utilize the total capacity of a wind turbine generator system (e.g., a wind farm) to provide dynamic VAR (reactive power support). The VAR support provided by individual wind turbine generators in a system can be dynamically varied to suit application parameters.

Abstract: An overflow chute for guttering includes an elongate member having a substantially U-shaped cross-section and includes a weir or barrier therein intermediate an overflow spout and an inlet adapted to engage a section of guttering. The inlet may include male and female coupling portions to link the chute to a standard section of guttering. The inlet may include a downpipe connector having a through-body aperture for directing rainwater into a downpipe. The aperture may be protected by a leaf guard to prevent an accumulation of debris in the downpipe.

Abstract: An overflow chute (1) for guttering, the chute comprising an elongate member (2) having a substantially U-shaped cross-section and including a weir or barrier (10) therein intermediate an overflow spout (3) and an inlet (4) adapted to engage a section of guttering. In a preferred arrangement, the inlet (4) includes male (18) and female (17) coupling portions to link the chute (1) to standard section of guttering (not shown). The inlet (4) further includes a downpipe connector (5) having a through-body aperture (2) for directing rainwater into a downpipe (D). The aperture (6) is protected by a leaf guard (15) to prevent an accumulation of debris in the downpipe (D).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for varying the effective cross sectional area of an opening through a nozzle provides a controller 78 that pulses a fluidic cross flow through an injector associated with the nozzle 68 proximate to the opening of the nozzle. The controller 78 directs the injector 76 to provide a pulsed cross flow having a predetermined frequency, amplitude, or wave form. The pulsed cross flow interacts with a primary flow 14 through the nozzle 68 to partially block the nozzle's opening 72, thereby effectively decreasing the cross sectional area of opening 72 in a jet engine 42. A plurality of pulsed cross flows proximate to a nozzle's throat 70 permits effective afterburner 64 operations even with a fixed geometry nozzle by allowing throttling of the primary flow 14. Further, variations in the cross flow's orientation pulse frequency, amplitude or wave form, or the cross flow's mass flow characteristics can allow vectoring of the primary flow 14.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for varying the effective cross sectional area of an opening through a fixed geometry nozzle provides a fluidic cross flow with an injector incorporated in the throat of the nozzle 68 proximate to the subsonic portion of the flow through the nozzle. One or more injectors 76 are directed at an injector angle opposed to the subsonic portion of the flow. The opposed cross flow from injector 76 interacts with a primary flow 14 through the nozzle 68 to partially block the nozzle's opening 72, thereby effectively decreasing the cross sectional area of opening 72 in a jet engine 42. A plurality of cross flows proximate to a nozzle's throat 70 permits effective afterburner 64 operations even with a fixed geometry nozzle by allowing throttling of the primary flow 14. Further, variations in the cross flow's mass flow characteristics or injection angle can allow vectoring of the primary flow 14.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ensuring periodic adjustment of vehicle braking systems to maintain brake mechanism motion within prescribed bounds are disclosed and include an arrangement for monitoring motion of a selected brake mechanism component each time the vehicle brakes are applied and triggering a visible indicator only when the application of the vehicle brakes results in movement of the monitored component beyond a predetermined distance. Once triggered, the indicator remains triggered or "on" until manually reset.

Abstract: A safety device for a revolver is disclosed which automatically interposes a hammer blocking member immediately adjacent the hammer to prevent the hammer being retracted or cocked each time the cylinder of the revolver is opened as for example, when loading the cylinder. Further deliberate action by the user independent of either the loading process or the firing process is required to unblock the hammer and ready the gun for firing.