Abstract: Embodiments of a fairing of the present invention generally include a V-shaped frontal geometry and linear or non-linear fins. In certain embodiments, the V-shaped frontal geometry is formed by the intersection of substantially linear frontal end segments, while in other embodiments the V-shaped frontal geometry is formed by the intersection of frontal end segments wherein one of both thereof are non-linear. Embodiments of a method of using embodiments of an apparatus of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a fairing of the present invention generally include a pair of fins that intersect at a first closed end thereof forming a V-shaped/pointed frontal geometry and are connectable at a second end thereof via a fin connection assembly, wherein the fairing is adapted and configured to be engaged about at least a portion of a tie-down strap that is securing a cargo object to a cargo support structure, wherein the first closed end is directionally oriented such that air flow resulting from transportation of the cargo object impinges thereupon, and wherein the first closed end geometry is adapted and configured to shield the tie-down strap from excessive vibration during transportation of the cargo object. Embodiments of a method of using embodiments of fairings of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to token-based authentication that uses authentication data including a personal identification number (PIN). For example, an issuer may obtain privilege information including the PIN. The issuer may combine the privilege information with authentication information. The issuer may determine an issuer hash value based on the combined privilege information and authentication information. The issuer may determine an encrypted hash value based on the issuer hash value and a private key of the issuer. The issuer may combine the privilege information with the encrypted hash value as a token. The issuer may then issue the token. The receiver can restrict allowed operations appropriately based on success decrypting the encrypted hash.

Abstract: Metallic structures having acoustic-based tamper detection sensors are disclosed. The acoustic-based tamper detection sensors may have contact microphones in direct contact with the metallic structures. Upon detection of tamper based on acoustic signals, the tamper detection sensors may broadcast a tamper warning signal or data and/or store the tamper warning data in a memory.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for managing physical access to an access-controlled area using a local access control system. In certain embodiments, information that may be used in access control determinations managed by a remote domain controller may be communicated to a local access control system for use in connection with local access control determinations performed by the access control system independent of the domain controller. In some embodiments, such a configuration may allow for access control determinations to be performed when communication with the domain controller is interrupted and/or otherwise limited.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide for physical access management of an access-controlled area of a distributed site of an electric power delivery system using one or more one or more articulated access control policies. In some embodiments, to authenticate rights to access an access-controlled area, a first user may provide an associated access control system with credentials satisfying first authentication requirements based on an applicable policy. In connection with subsequent access authentication requests, the access control system may accept credentials satisfying second authentication requirements that may be different than the first authentication requirements. In this manner, access control requirements to the access-controlled area may be managed based on an associated articulated policy.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide for physical access management of an access-controlled area of a distributed site of an electric power delivery system using one or more one or more articulated access control policies. In some embodiments, to authenticate rights to access an access-controlled area, a first user may provide an associated access control system with credentials satisfying first authentication requirements based on an applicable policy. In connection with subsequent access authentication requests, the access control system may accept credentials satisfying second authentication requirements that may be different than the first authentication requirements. In this manner, access control requirements to the access-controlled area may be managed based on an associated articulated policy.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide for managing transient assets used in connection with an access-controlled area of a distribution site of an electric power delivery system. In some embodiments, one or more users entering and access-controlled area may be identified via physical access control credentials provided to an associated access control system. Transient assets brought within an access-controlled area may be detected via one or more wired and/or wireless communication channels and may be associated with the one or more identified users located within the access-controlled area.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for managing physical access to an access-controlled area using a local access control system. In certain embodiments, information that may be used in access control determinations managed by a remote domain controller may be communicated to a local access control system for use in connection with local access control determinations performed by the access control system independent of the domain controller. In some embodiments, such a configuration may allow for access control determinations to be performed when communication with the domain controller is interrupted and/or otherwise limited.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for managing physical access to an access-controlled area using a local access control system. In certain embodiments, information that may be used in access control determinations managed by a remote domain controller may be communicated to a local access control system for use in connection with local access control determinations performed by the access control system independent of the domain controller. In some embodiments, such a configuration may allow for access control determinations to be performed when communication with the domain controller is interrupted and/or otherwise limited.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide for management of resources of one or more systems included in an access-controlled area of a distributed site of an electric power delivery system. In certain embodiments, one or more users entering and access-controlled area may be identified via physical access control credentials provided to an associated access control system. A determination may be made as to whether the users have access rights to one or more hardware and/or software resources of systems included in the access-controlled area. Based on the determination, control signals may be generated by the access control system to enable and/or disable associated resources.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide for managing transient assets used in connection with an access-controlled area of a distribution site of an electric power delivery system. In some embodiments, one or more users entering and access-controlled area may be identified via physical access control credentials provided to an associated access control system. Transient assets brought within an access-controlled area may be detected via one or more wired and/or wireless communication channels and may be associated with the one or more identified users located within the access-controlled area.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide for managing transient assets used in connection with an access-controlled area of a distribution site of an electric power delivery system. In some embodiments, one or more users entering and access-controlled area may be identified via physical access control credentials provided to an associated access control system. Transient assets brought within an access-controlled area may be detected via one or more wired and/or wireless communication channels and may be associated with the one or more identified users located within the access-controlled area.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide for managing transient assets used in connection with an access-controlled area of a distribution site of an electric power delivery system. In some embodiments, one or more users entering and access-controlled area may be identified via physical access control credentials provided to an associated access control system. Transient assets brought within an access-controlled area may be detected via one or more wired and/or wireless communication channels and may be associated with the one or more identified users located within the access-controlled area.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide for management of resources of one or more systems included in an access-controlled area of a distributed site of an electric power delivery system. In certain embodiments, one or more users entering and access-controlled area may be identified via physical access control credentials provided to an associated access control system. A determination may be made as to whether the users have access rights to one or more hardware and/or software resources of systems included in the access-controlled area. Based on the determination, control signals may be generated by the access control system to enable and/or disable associated resources.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for managing physical access to an access-controlled area using a domain controller. In certain embodiments, physical access attribute and/or credential information may be managed as part of a user entry in a directory service managed by the domain controller. Using this information, the domain controller and/or a communicatively coupled access control system may perform physical access control determinations based on physical access control requests received from a user wishing to gain physical access to an access-controlled area.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for managing physical access to an access-controlled area using a local access control system. In certain embodiments, information that may be used in access control determinations managed by a remote domain controller may be communicated to a local access control system for use in connection with local access control determinations performed by the access control system independent of the domain controller. In some embodiments, such a configuration may allow for access control determinations to be performed when communication with the domain controller is interrupted and/or otherwise limited.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a variety of systems and methods for authentication physical access to a distributed site of an electric power generation and delivery system. According to various embodiments, a mobile device may be utilized as an input device for a physical access control system associated with a distributed site. Authentication credentials entered by a user using the mobile device may be communicated to the physical access control system for use in connection with authentication and/or access control decisions. Using the mobile device may, among other things, allow for users to provide certain authentication credentials to the physical access control system without the need to utilize certain input devices that may be prone to damage and/or failure due to exposure to environmental conditions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vortex induced vibration inhibitor (“VIVI”) comprising a hollow cylindrical housing having an elongated opening defined by locking edges. The housing is operable between an open and a closed position. Connecting assemblies include barbed connector pins received in grooved housings. Connector slots are provided in the connector and receptor housings. Retainer pins provide for release of connecting assemblies. Spacers are provided to limit movement of the housing in relation to the surrounded structure. An alignment stub is provided.

Abstract: A fairing for the reduction of vortex-induced vibration and the minimization of drag about a substantially cylindrical element immersed in a fluid medium. The fairing also eliminates the galloping phenomenon typically associated with a teardrop-shaped fairing. The fairing having a U-shaped cylindrical shell with opposing edges defining a longitudinal gap and parallel fins extending outwardly from the opposing edges of the shell, the parallel fins being positioned so as to reduce vortex-induced vibration, minimize drag and to eliminate the galloping phenomenon on the cylindrical element.