Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computer system for monitoring for electrostatic discharge (ESD) events. An ESD monitor for potential of electrostatic discharge events in a sensed area through a plurality of ESD sensors coupled to the ESD monitor. The monitor senses for a charge level which could cause ESD event and entry of an operator into a sensed area. If an ESD event is detected, issue an ESD event alert to the operator and recording data to a tangible storage device; determine environmental factors at time and date of the ESD event; compare the ESD event and associated environmental factors to other ESD events with associated environmental factors; and determine if a correlation exists between the ESD event and associated environmental factors and the other ESD events with associated environmental factors.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method of lowering power consumption. The method includes temporarily disabling a plurality of status indicators on a plurality of electronic components without disabling the operation of the electronic components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method providing for detecting and responding to high voltage electrolysis within an electric vehicle battery enclosure to limit possible excessive thermal condition of the battery cells and modules. The present invention includes embodiments directed towards detection algorithms and apparatus for promoting the use of voltage, current, humidity, temperature, and pressure sensors for the purpose of detecting high voltage electrolysis. Additionally, the present invention includes response processes and structures to address high-voltage electrolysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for displaying the lifecycle of a surge protection device, and more particularly to a device and method for displaying the lifecycle of a surge protection device, which detects an increase in leakage current according to a deterioration in performance of the surge protection device in order to provide notice of a replacement time for the surge protection device. According to the present invention, it is possible to for a user to provide notice of a replacement time by displaying the lifecycle of a surge protection device (SPD) to the outside. Additionally, as another effect of the present invention, it is possible to confirm an amount of leakage current flowing into the ground of the SPD and whether the SPD is properly installed on a ground line by using a current and ground state detecting sensor.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for monitoring including detecting internal faults especially inter-turn faults of a synchronous generator and thus protecting the synchronous generator. The synchronous generator includes a winding for each phase of a power network, a terminal for each phase arranged on a terminal side of the synchronous generator, and connected to the respective winding, the terminals on the terminal side are connected to an electrical power network, and the synchronous generator is arranged to input power to the electrical power network by means of the terminals.

Abstract: A user display for a healthy home or like building structure. The user display includes a hardware housing and a display device coupled to the hardware housing. The user display further includes a plurality of graphical objects corresponding respectively to a plurality of different loads numbered from a through N, where N is an integer greater than 1. The loads can include, among others, air conditioning, water, heat, electricity, swimming pool, and others. Each of the graphical objects is displayed in a common unit of measurement and comprises a total demand portion and a fraction of renewable energy portion.

Abstract: A method for audibly detecting a fluid flow state change in a flow meter pipeline. The flow state change may be identified as an upset in the normal flow state. The upset may be corrected to improve the accuracy of the flow meter. A system includes acoustic sensors mounted in the flow meter pipeline, and a computer to collect audible data from the acoustic sensors and compare the audible data to a baseline to detect an upset in the normal fluid flow state.

Abstract: An open fuse block is provided having a visual indicator or light assembly connected in parallel with a replaceable fuse mounted in the fuse block. When the fuse is blown, the corresponding visual indicator is illuminated to identify the blown fuse, thereby facilitating quick and easy replacement of the fuse. Since the visual indicator is connected in parallel with the fuse element, when the fuse is blown, the fuse results in an open circuit and the flow of electricity is rerouted through the visual indicator. The visual indicator is thereby illuminated and the corresponding blown fuse can be easily identified. The visual indicator or light assembly can include, for example, a neon bulb, light emitting diode, fluorescent bulb, incandescent bulb, or any other visual indicator that emits light.

Abstract: An indicator system for an alternating current power bus includes an electret operatively associated with the alternating current power bus. The electret includes an output having an alternating current voltage when the alternating current power bus is energized. A rectifier includes an input electrically interconnected with the output of the electret and an output having a direct current voltage responsive to the alternating current voltage of the output of the electret. An indicator includes an input electrically interconnected with the output of the rectifier and an indication output responsive to the direct current voltage of the output of the rectifier.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a remote annunciator 10 that includes an enclosure 11 and a control 12 within the enclosure 11. The control 12 receives signals S from a plurality of transfer switches 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D and at least one generator 14 that is connected to at least one of the transfer switches 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D. The control 12 displays a status of electrical connections that include the plurality of transfer switches 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D and the at least one generator 14. In some embodiments, the control 12 recognizes when the plurality of transfer switches 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D and the at least one generator 14 are connected to the control 12.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a cantilevered element including a coating material having an affinity for at least one compound. The apparatus further includes a first capacitive plate and a second capacitive plate that are each spaced from and capacitively coupled to the cantilevered element. The first capacitive plate is configured to induce a vibration in the cantilevered element at a frequency related to a mass of the cantilevered element. A frequency detector is coupled to the second capacitive plate to detect a change in vibrational frequency of the cantilevered element as a result of at least one particle of the at least one compound coupling to the coating material.

Abstract: A protection system is described herein for an electrical connector providing power to a grounded aircraft. The system includes receiving a sensing device electrically coupled to each of a number of power conductors. The sensing device generates an operating parameter. The system also includes a protection device that measures the operating parameter, determines that the operating parameter exceeds a threshold, and sends an overcurrent notification. The system may also include a shunt that is electrically coupled to the power conductors and generates a different operating parameter. The protection device may determine a difference between operating parameters of the shunt and sensing device and send an overtemperature notification when the difference exceeds an operating threshold. The system may also include a ground fault detection device. Some or all components of the system may be located in a removable adapter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monitoring device (9) for an electric appliance (1), comprising electronic control means and data and/or information storage means. Said monitoring device (9) is typically connected to a first communication network (70A, 70B) through first interface means (7) and to a second communication network (80) through second interface means (8). Said first communication network (70A, 70B) is adapted to connect at least one sensing device (93, 94, 95, 96), being capable of measuring at least one value of at least one physical quantity related to the monitored electric appliance (1), to the monitoring device (9). According to the present invention, the monitoring device (9) receives the value of at least one physical quantity through the first interface means (7), and the electronic control means use said value of at least one physical quantity in order to obtain at least one piece of information related to the monitored electric appliance (1).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating a disconnection within a Distributed Generator (DG). In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an alarm module electrically coupled to a conductive portion of a component within the DG, wherein the conductive portion is grounded via a ground rod system, and wherein the alarm module (i) is further coupled to a ground line, (ii) couples a monitoring current to the conductive portion, (iii) monitors flow of the monitoring current to determine a change in the flow, and (iv) generates, as a result of the change in the flow, a notification of the disconnection.

Abstract: Use of and performance of ostomy appliances are enhanced by providing one or more sensors to an ostomy pouch; collecting sensor data by sensors to form a history of events impinging on the ostomy pouch and conditions of the pouch over time; comparing the sensor data to historical sensor data for a similar ostomy pouch to predict a reduction in nominal wear time; and notifying a user of the predicted reduction in nominal wear time.

Abstract: A building equipment control system comprises a remote transceiver module including a plurality of remote transceivers for remotely receiving multi-channel alarm signals, and each of the remote transceivers including a plurality of input points; a remote indication module including a plurality of remote indicators for performing alarm indication according to the multi-channel alarm signals, and each of the remote indicators including a plurality of output points; a remote main system controller for remotely setting characteristics and authorities of the input and output points; a remote compiler for remotely changing system settings of the remote main system controller and characteristics of the input points. The wiring of the system could save about 70-90% cables and 90-95% junction boxes, and reduce about 70% period of time for wiring and 90% period of time for testing and debugging needed for the conventional building equipment control system.

Abstract: When one of six FETs has short-circuit faulted, a controllable region identification unit stops driving of an electric motor, and then performs processes for determining whether a short-circuit fault has occurred, and when a short-circuit fault has occurred, for identifying the position of the FET that has short-circuit faulted based on phase voltages (induced voltages) VU, VV, and VW of phases. When the position of the FET that has short-circuit faulted is identified, the controllable region identification unit performs a controllable region identification process. In detail, the controllable region identification unit identifies a “possible region,” an “indeterminate region,” and a “impossible region” based on phase voltages VU, VV, and VW of the phases.

Abstract: Proper insertion of medical leads into medical devices is detected at the time the lead is being inserted. An external device initiates impedance testing by the medical device that is receiving the lead prior to the insertion of the lead being completed. The medical device reports back the results of the impedance testing so that the external device can determine whether the lead is properly inserted at the time of lead insertion and can provide an output to a user to indicate whether the lead insertion is proper. The medical device may poll only a last connector expected to be connected before responding, test other connector combinations before or after responding, and so forth.

Abstract: A battery load detecting device includes: a battery check pulse generator generating a check pulse in response to a check enable signal; a constant voltage regulator generating a battery status signal in response to a first battery check signal; and a battery detection determining unit comparing a predetermined reference signal with the battery status signal to generate a comparison result signal, using the comparison result signal and the check pulse to generate a second battery check signal, and using the second battery check signal to generate a battery detection signal indicating whether a chargeable battery is electrically connected to the constant voltage regulator.

Abstract: A detection and alarm system comprises a piezoelectric film sensor and associated circuitry. The sensor detects acoustic emission signals from metallic objects under stress upon which it is affixed. The associated circuitry receives electronic signals from the sensor, creates and evaluates a sensor output value including rate ratio and frequency content of such signals within preset time limits. This data allows the detection of impending failure, an alarm condition, of the metallic object by identifying significant changes in the rate of emission of such sensor signals. An alarm condition may then trigger an alarm signal to warn of such impending failure.

Abstract: A solar powered device and a method of operating such a device to allow it to receive and store information about its physical location, from which it can determine the minimum expected solar energy levels that will be available to it. Based on the minimum expected levels, the device then limits its configurable settings to preferably enable only those configurations having maximum energy demands that can be met or exceeded by the minimum expected energy levels.

Abstract: Some embodiments can concern an apparatus configured to detect an electrical state of one or more electrical devices. The one or more electrical devices are coupled to an electrical power infrastructure and generate one or more high-frequency electrical signals on the electrical power infrastructure. The apparatus can include: (a) a processing module configured to run on a processor of a computational unit; and (b) a sensing device configured to be coupled to an electrical outlet. The sensing device can have: (a) a data acquisition receiver configured to receive the one or more high-frequency electrical signals via the electrical outlet and convert the one or more high-frequency electrical signals into one or more first data signals when the sensing device is coupled to the electrical outlet. The electrical outlet can be electrically coupled to the electrical power infrastructure. The sensing device is in communication with the computational unit.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus of the present invention includes: a light source; a power source unit arranged to power the light source; a detector unit arranged to detect the deterioration of ability of the power source unit to power the light source; and a determination unit arranged to determine the life of the power source unit in response to the detector unit.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and kits are provided for mitigating single point failure of at least one device in an analyte monitoring system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting stray voltage anomalies in electric fields are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for detecting an electrical field may comprise: at least one sensor probe for generating data corresponding to an electrical field detected by the at least one sensor probe, wherein the at least one sensor probe comprises at least one electrode; a processor, coupled to the at least one sensor probe, for analyzing the data to identify a voltage anomaly in the electric field; and an indicator, coupled to the processor, for alerting a user to a presence of the voltage anomaly in the electric field.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for preventing overheating of a computer comprising sensing a disengagement action for the computer, detecting a power setting associated with the disengagement action, and performing, when the power setting is detected to be set to a preset mode, at least one of alerting the user regarding the power setting and forcing the computer into a low power state.

Abstract: A method for managing consumption of heterogeneous resources includes: receiving resource consumption information of a target; calculating a total energy consumption value that is associated with the target based on the resource consumption information of the target; generating a high consumption alert when the calculated total energy consumption value is higher than a first predetermined threshold value; and generating a low consumption alert when the calculated total energy consumption value is not higher than a second predetermined threshold value that is lower than the first predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A system and method for filtering electric power system data communicated from faulted circuit indicators (FCIs) and at least one other source before the electric power system data is further communicated to a monitoring system such as SCADA. The power system data from the FCIs may include an event such as a fault on the electric power system. To avoid sending incorrect or excess information along to the monitoring system, the present disclosure describes a system and method for comparing data from the FCIs against electric power system data gathered either directly from the electric power system or from an intelligent electronic device (IED). If the two sets of data agree, then the information is passed on to the monitoring system. The FCIs may communicate to a transceiver interface periodically, upon detection of an event, and/or upon interrogation by the transceiver interface.

Abstract: A system and method for predictive modeling of building energy consumption provides predicted building energy load values which are determined using kernel smoothing of historical building energy load values for a building using defined scaling factors for scaling predictor variables associated with building energy consumption. Predictor variables may include temperature, humidity, windspeed or direction, occupancy, time, day, date, and solar radiation. Scaling factor values may be defined by optimization training using historical building energy load values and measured predictor variable values for a building. Predicted and measured building energy load values are compared to determine if a preset difference threshold has been exceeded, in which case an alert signal or message is generated and transmitted to electronically and/or physically signal a user.

Abstract: A building automation system including a controller, at least one outlet for providing electrical energy to one or more electrical devices, at least one sensor for detecting one or more characteristics of the electrical devices, and a communication link configured to allow communication between the controller and other components of the system, wherein the controller is configured to control (e.g., interrupt, change, adjust, terminate, increase, and/or meter) the supply of power to the at least one outlet based, in part, on one or more characteristics of the electrical device.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing a battery pack for a vehicle includes a temperature measurement module for measuring temperature of the battery pack; a current measurement module for measuring a charge/discharge current of the battery pack when the measured temperature is not within a predetermined temperature range; a time measurement module for measuring the time while the measured charge/discharge current is over a predetermined current value; a storage module for accumulating and storing the measured time; and a control module for determining a state of the battery pack according to the accumulated and stored time and providing the state information to a user.

Abstract: An Ethernet-based transmission system using a dying gasp according to the present invention includes an SMPS for supplying power to an Ethernet-based lower level system, detecting a state of a power fault, and outputting a dying gasp alarm signal. A CPU receives the dying gasp alarm signal, and generates and transmits an alarm packet. A PHY chip receives the alarm packet, and uplinks the alarm packet so that the alarm packet is transferred to a higher level stage. An L3 switch receives the alarm packet and determines whether a power fault has occurred in the lower level system. Accordingly, the present invention applies a dying gasp to an Ethernet-based or EPON-based transmission system and is then capable of generating and transmitting an alarm packet so that when a power fault occurs, a device in a higher level network can rapidly determine the occurrence of the power fault.

Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.

Abstract: A power providing system for transferring power from an inductive power outlet to an inductive power receiver. The power providing system includes a targeting apparatus capable of detecting the location of the inductive power receiver adjacent to said extended surface and driving a primary inductor in the vicinity of the inductive power receiver. Optionally, the inductive power outlet includes a moving primary inductor which may move into alignment with the receiver. Alternatively, the inductive power outlet includes an array of primary inductors and a primary inductor may be selected in the locality of the inductive power receiver.

Abstract: A floating roof monitoring system is disclosed. According to embodiments, the floating roof monitoring system includes a monitoring device and a floating roof tank. The monitoring device can generate a current for a monitoring loop that includes one or more electrical connections between the monitoring device and the floating roof tank. A resistance value for one or more points within or along the monitoring loop can be determined and monitored. The monitoring device can determine, based upon the resistance value, if an action is to be taken.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting a signal quality decrease are disclosed. A sensor or probe may be used to obtain a plethysmograph or photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal from a subject. A wavelet transform of the signal may be performed and a scalogram may be generated based at least in part on the wavelet transform. One or more characteristics of the scalogram may be determined. The determined characteristics may include, for example, energy values and energy structural characteristics in a pulse band, a mains hum band, and/or a noise band. Such characteristics may be analyzed to produce signal quality values and associated signal quality trends. One or more signal quality values and signal quality trends may be used to determine if a signal quality decrease has occurred or is likely to occur.

Abstract: A method and associated system for monitoring electrical demand performance in a building, industrial complex or university campus is disclosed. According to a preferred method, historical data is initially complied and statically analyzed to determine demand forecast for a baseline day. Further according to the method, electrical demand is plotted with another indication, more particularly outside air temperature. Additionally the invention provides an electronic alert to building engineers when demand falls outside the expected demand range. Still further a control chart is provided with the expected electrical load range. Outside air temperature is also optionally considered historically and in real time in the method. The invention further contemplates commissioning building engineers to reduce demand when a real time demand is higher than an expected energy demand. A system is also disclosed herein having instrumentation and electronic devices controlled by software and transmitting data.

Abstract: A frequency/timing measurement apparatus includes a reference source having a reference source output terminal. At least one target source has a target source output terminal. The at least one target source is communicatively coupled to the reference source. A frequency timing measurement block has a first input terminal electrically coupled to the reference source output terminal. A second input terminal is electrically coupled to the target source output terminal and at least one output terminal. The frequency timing measurement block is configured to perform a noise shaping technique to reduce measurement error attributable to a phase noise that is correlated between the reference source and the target source, and to provide a reduced correlated noise measurement at the at least one output terminal. A method to reduce correlated noise is also described.

Abstract: An electrical sensor is described. The electrical sensor including an electrical signal input configured to receive an electrical signal, an alarm, one or more inputs configured to set a configuration value corresponding to one or more indicators on the electrical sensor, and monitor. The monitor is coupled with the electrical signal input, the alarm, and the one or more inputs. Further, the monitor is configured to determine a characteristic of the electrical signal received on the electrical signal input. And, the monitor is configured to activate the alarm based on the configuration value set by the one or more inputs and the characteristic of the electrical signal.

Abstract: A system for detecting stray voltage in a conductive object is disclosed herein. The system includes a pick-up element, electrical circuitry, a housing for enclosing the circuitry, a support for mounting the housing, and an indicator. The pick-up element is separated from the conductive object and capable of detecting an electric field from the conductive object. The support of the housing is such that the pick-up element remains separated from the conductive object. The electrical circuitry determines a voltage level corresponding to the electric field detected by the pick-up element and generates, based on a comparison of the determined voltage level relative to a reference voltage level, an indicator signal representative of whether stray voltage is present in the conductive object. Based on the indicator signal, the indicator indicates to a user of the system whether stray voltage is present in the conductive object.

Abstract: System and method for detection of oversize particles in the underflow of a vibratory separator and method for measuring the operability of a vibratory separator. The system comprises a sampling line connected to the underflow discharge line of the vibratory separator for sampling a portion of material, a centrifugal sensing pump powered by an electric motor with a power supply measuring device, a sampling screen, and a return line. A reduction in power supplied to the electric motor indicates a reduction in flow of material through the sampling screen as a result of oversize particles in the underflow of the vibratory separator. A baseline amount of power supplied to the electric motor may be measured and recorded. The subsequent amount of power supplied to the electric motor may then be compared to the recorded baseline amount to measure the operability of the vibratory separator.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a household electrical appliance easily to know whether electricity rates are high or low when using the household electrical appliance, even in the variable rate system.

Abstract: An apparatus generates an audio and/or visual signal or message when a container having an opening mechanism is opened. An activation trigger is coupled to the container to determine when the container has been opened. An integrated circuit is mounted on or within the container or opening mechanism and coupled to the activation trigger to determine the sealing status of the container and to generate the audio and/or visual signal or message when a determination is made that the container has been opened. An output device is coupled to the integrated circuit for outputting a signal related to a status of container usage, a last opening of the container and/or scheduled next opening of the container.

Abstract: A fan rotation speed test device for testing rotation speed of a plurality of fans, includes a plurality of connectors, a display, a display control switch, and a single chip microcomputer (SCM). Each connector is connected to a corresponding fan, to output pulse signals in response to rotation of the corresponding fan. The SCM is electronically connected to the connectors, the display, and the display control switch. The SCM receives the pulse signals from the plurality of connectors, calculates and stores the rotation speed of each fan, and displays the rotation speed of one of the fans on the display at each close of the display control switch.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and controlling a household appliance is provided. The method has the steps of: monitoring and sampling the power of the household appliance to obtain a first standby power range; monitoring and sampling the power of the household appliance to obtain a set of first real-time power data; calculating a first standby confidence level based on the number of times that the first real-time power data fall within the first standby power range; and determining that the household appliance is in a standby state if the first standby confidence level is greater than or equal to a standby confidence level threshold.

Abstract: A server includes a motherboard, a first test unit, and an indication device. The first test unit is connected to a first voltage terminal of the motherboard to receive a first voltage. The first test unit determines whether the received first voltage is within a range between a first predetermined voltage and a second predetermined voltage. If the first voltage is not within the range between the first predetermined voltage and the second predetermined voltage, the indication device indicates that the first voltage is abnormal.

Abstract: An integrated system and method are provided for energy, state and operation monitoring and control of restaurant kitchen and non-kitchen/building equipment. The system includes sensors and other data transmitting equipment communicatively connected to a local server and a computing device via a router. The data transmission equipment and server preferably utilize power-line data transmission as well as wireless data transmission. A dashboard application of the system provides a user interface guiding user responses to energy, state, and operational/service alerts and enabling user-input scheduled control settings. The system may also provide automatic feedback control of restaurant equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus that enables indication of power utilization from an electrical outlet to be visually provided to a user, comprising receptacles, an illumination means, and a toggle switch. When an electrical power cord is plugged into the apparatus and is drawing any amount of current above zero (0) amps, the illumination means will activate, thereby alerting the user that the device is drawing power, even if the device is turned off, and allowing the user to take corrective action if necessary. The integral toggle switch deactivates the power to the device while leaving it plugged in.

Abstract: A network device receives notification configuration information that includes a time interval criteria and a selected geographical area for providing power outage notifications. The network device receives, during a particular time interval, a loss-of-power alarm from a network interface device (NID) associated with a customer premises. The loss-of-power alarm includes a particular NID identifier. The network device retrieves, from a database, customer configuration information that associates the particular NID identifier with a particular address and identifies a power outage in a particular region associated with the particular address. The identifying is based on receiving the loss-of-power alarm and determining if other loss-of-power alarms have been received from other NIDs in the same region and within the particular time interval.

Abstract: Methods and structures provide an electrostatic discharge (ESD) indicator including an electric field sensitive material configured to undergo a specific color change in response to an electric field. An exposure of the structure to an ESD can be visually determined via the specific color change of the ESD indicator.