Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems implementing multi-sensor agent devices are described herein. The agent devices can each include a plurality of sensors for measuring parameters of interest to an entity such as an electric power utility. The sensors can be organized in individually-IP-addressable sensor clusters, with each sensor cluster including an associated microcontroller. The agent devices can be controlled by a control center of the entity to operate in a coordinated manner, such as to gather and transmit data regarding parameters of interest. The agent devices can be transported to desired areas for data collection by unmanned aerial systems such as drones, and the collected data can be stored in a distributed blockchain ledger.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems implementing multi-sensor agent devices are described herein. The agent devices can each include a plurality of sensors for measuring parameters of interest to an entity such as an electric power utility. The sensors can be organized in individually-IP-addressable sensor clusters, with each sensor cluster including an associated microcontroller. The agent devices can be controlled by a control center of the entity to operate in a coordinated manner, such as to gather and transmit data regarding parameters of interest. The agent devices can be transported to desired areas for data collection by unmanned aerial systems such as drones, and the collected data can be stored in a distributed blockchain ledger.

Abstract: A modular connector having multiple ports, comprising a housing having a first end and a second end, a first optical port on the first end, a second optical port on the first end, a third optical port on the second end, a fiber bragg grating (FBG) within the housing optically connected to the first port, said FBG configured to reflect a set wavelength back and away from the first port, a coupler within the housing optically connected to the FBG, the second port, and the third port; and wherein each of said optical ports, once connected, is capable of supporting the housing without additional support.

Abstract: A modular connector having multiple ports, comprising a housing having a first end and a second end, a first optical port on the first end, a second optical port on the first end, a third optical port on the second end, a fiber bragg grating (FBG) within the housing optically connected to the first port, said FBG configured to reflect a set wavelength back and away from the first port, a coupler within the housing optically connected to the FBG, the second port, and the third port; and wherein each of said optical ports, once connected, is capable of supporting the housing without additional support.

Abstract: A process for producing alumina and other aluminia products where the formation of a Schiff base imine by reaction of a orgaonaluminum amide or imide oligomer with a carbonyl compound is promoted by the Lewis acid character of the oligomer. The water byproduct of the Schiff base serves as an in situ reagent for subsequent hydrolysis and sol-gel condensation of the aluminum species with concomitant production of alkane. The imine then is washed from the alumina with a suitable solvent. Any of a number of primary amines and aldehydes or ketones may be reagents. Calcining of the sol-gels yields high surface area alumina as characterized by scanning electron microscopy, and gas physisorption measurements. Microporous and/or mesoporous alumina is obtained depending on synthesis conditions. Alumina microspheres are obtained under certain conditions.