Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided directed to a synchronous and adaptive capacitor switch controller for minimizing transients in the power factor correction of an electric power distribution system or transmission line. In particular, a capacitor, operatively associated with an electrical bus for distributing electric power, is provided for varying a capacitance on the electrical bus to perform power factor correction. A mechanical switch having a variable switch delay is provided for electrically connecting and disconnecting the capacitor to the electrical bus. A disturbance detector for measuring a voltage disturbance on the electrical bus upon connection and disconnection of the capacitor is further included.

Abstract: A system for securely distributing a communications key from a master unit to a remote unit for use in cryptographic communications between the master and remote units employs first and second secret numbers stored in both the master and remote units, and a random number generated in the master unit which is combined with the first secret number to produce a first intermediate number which is in turn combined with the second secret number to produce a second intermediate number. The second intermediate number is combined with the communications key to produce a transmission number sent with the random number to the remote unit. The remote unit, using the random number, the transmission number, and the first and second secret numbers, is able to reproduce the communications key.