Abstract: A system (30) for providing electrical-power to remote communities (34) widely distributed over an extended geographical area (38) includes a generating station (32) located proximate each of the communities, each generating station supplying only that community to which it is proximate. The generating stations are in electronic communication with a central computer (40). Each generating station includes a plurality of generators (54-56). Each of the generators is controlled by a microprocessor based controller (64). Each controller is arranged to operate the generating station cooperatively with the other controllers associated with other generators in the station, and to assume a supervisory role in doing so by a mutual arbitration procedure among the controllers. Each controller is also arranged to monitor important generator operating parameters and to communicate these parameters to the central computer.

Abstract: A system (30) for providing electrical-power to remote communities (34) widely distributed over an extended geographical area (38) includes a generating station (32) located proximate each of the communities, each generating station supplying only that community to which it is proximate. The generating stations are in electronic communication with a central computer (40). Each generating station includes a plurality of generators (54-56). Each of the generators is controlled by a microprocessor based controller (64). Each controller is arranged to operate the generating station cooperatively with the other controllers associated with other generators in the station, and to assume a supervisory role in doing so by a mutual arbitration procedure among the controllers. Each controller is also arranged to monitor important generator operating parameters and to communicate these parameters to the central computer.

Abstract: A work holder including a pusher or feed tube for an automatic machine tool, such as an automatic screw machine, with the work holder including a stock aligning and/or supporting bushing or collar member having a stock receiving opening therethrough with wedge block means coacting with the collar for selectively locking the collar in predetermined rotational position at the stock entry end of the feed tube. The locking arrangement provides for effective and rapid locking and unlocking of the collar to the feed tube, and permits ready changing or replacement of the collar member, thereby providing for rapid interchange for different sizes and/or cross sectional configurations of stock material to be fed into the feed tube.