Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with controlling distributing of electrical power in a power distribution region. To effectively control the distribution of power in the distribution region, the substation of the region is provided with a distribution controller or Intelligent Substation Control System (ISCS). The distribution controller is connected to various process devices, which in turn are connected to primary devices of the region. The process devices send data corresponding to the primary devices to the distribution controller, and the distribution controller includes a processor which proposes a set of actions based on the received data. Further, the distribution controller includes a coordinating device which selects the final action from the set of proposed actions. The final action is implemented on the primary devices of the distribution region.

Abstract: A device and method for discovering, identification and monitoring of mechanical flaws in metallic structures is disclosed, based on magneto-graphic/magnetic tomography technique to identify stress-related defects. The technique is specifically optimized for extended, not-accessible underground and underwater metallic structures quality control, emergency alarms as well as timeline planning for structural repairs and maintenance work. Examples of the technique implementation include pipes for oil and gas industry, detection of flaws in rolled products in metallurgical industry, welding quality of heavy duty equipment such as ships, reservoirs, etc. It is especially important for loaded constructions, such as pressured pipes, infrastructure maintenance, nuclear power plant monitoring, bridges, corrosion prevention and environment protection.

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: Apparatus, methods, and systems for providing comprehensive control and monitoring of an electrical system are presented. The envisioned invention according to at least one aspect provides for control and monitoring functions that include main circuit level functions and sub-circuit level functions. The control and monitoring function further provides for communication with a remote central control center to send commands to and receive data from the main circuit control and/or sub-circuit(s). Information from the monitoring function may be used to alter the operation of the system, aid in diagnostic response, and ultimately, improve the safety and reliability of the electrical system.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for configurable ground monitoring of a workbench, and the method comprises the steps as follows. The step of detecting if each of monitored objects of a monitor device is enable should be performed first. A digital value of each of the monitored objects according to detecting result is then calculated and accumulated. The step of detecting if each of the monitored objects reaches a predetermined number of samples is performed, and the step of calculating an average value of each of the monitored objects according to detecting result is followed. The average measured value is compared with a predetermined digital limit-value of each of the monitored objects; furthermore, a corresponding alarm will be sounded when the average measured value exceeds the predetermined digital limit-value. The digital value and a compared result are then sent, and then the step of detecting if the operator ground connection is enabled is performed.

Abstract: This invention related to a kind of energy-saving control circuit connected between the electrical appliance and commercial power for turning on and off the power supply of the electrical appliances, said energy-saving control circuit comprises a relay control circuit for connecting and disconnecting the power supply of the electrical appliance; a main control module; a power conversion module; a circuit for collecting working current signals; said energy-saving control circuit further features: comprising at least a remote induction circuit at least provided with features of induction and receiving of remote signals, said remote induction circuit is connected to the main control module, said main control module, after said remote induction circuit received remote signals, will export control signals to the relay control circuit for connecting the power supply of the electrical appliance.

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: Systems and methods of controlling a fan in an electronic system are disclosed. One example method includes obtaining a control setting of the fan and current speed of the fan. The example method further includes determining a fan speed threshold associated with the obtained control setting. The example method further includes comparing the fan speed threshold to the current speed. The example method further includes generating an alert based on the comparison.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a temperature control switch. The temperature control switch includes a bistable resistance element. The bistable resistance element includes a low-conductivity matrix; and a number of high conductivity particles dispersed in the matrix. The bistable resistance element switches from a low resistance state to a high resistance state by receiving a temperature change applied to the bistable resistance element. The present disclosure also relates to a method for using the temperature control switch and an alarm system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for the detection of plasma excursions, such as arcs, micro-arcs, or other plasma instability, during plasma processing by directly monitoring direct current (DC) bias voltage on an RF power electrode of a plasma processing chamber. The monitored DC bias voltage is then passed through a succession of analog filters and amplifiers to provide a plasma excursion signal. The plasma excursion signal is compared to a preset value, and at points where the plasma excursion signal exceeds the preset value, an alarm signal is generated. The alarm signal is then fed back into a system controller so that an operator can be alerted and/or the processing system can be shut down. In certain embodiments, multiple processing regions can be monitored by a single detection control unit.

Abstract: An approach to cable management is presented. A bi-stable liquid crystal display that requires no power to maintain an image is attached to a communications cable. A bi-stable liquid crystal display may be attached to each end of the cable. The bi-stable liquid crystal displays may be built into the connectors. A display module connects to the bi-stable liquid crystal display and receives signals associated with a message about the communications cable. The display module causes messages to be shown on the bi-stable liquid crystal display in response to receiving the signal. The signal may be generated by a user with a hand held driver. The signal may also be generated automatically by computing devices (such as switches) that are attached to the communications cable. Users may easily determine information about the communications cable by looking at the messages on the bi-stable liquid crystal displays.

Abstract: A method and system for detection of intrusion in networked control systems, is provided. The method includes generating an operating model of a system being controlled. The operating model of the system comprises a relationship between a plurality of components in the system defined by a plurality of parameters. Further, the method includes calculating an estimated value of at least one parameter for at least one component in the system. The operating model is used to calculate the estimated value of the at least one parameter. Furthermore, the method includes measuring a latest value of at least one parameter at a predefined interval. The method also includes triggering an alert for intrusion for the at least one component based on an analysis of at least one of the latest value and the estimated value of at least one parameter.

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: An optical interrogator system including a broad spectrum light source capable of emitting light having a spectral width spanning at least approximately 20 nm, and at least one optical sensor coupled to the broad spectrum light source by at least one multimode optical fiber, wherein the at least one multimode optical fiber is configured to support a plurality of propagation modes, and a method of using the same are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a safety notification system includes first, second, third and four outputs configurable for first and second wiring configurations of notification appliance circuits. The arrangement also includes a configurable terminal arrangement having first and second configurations corresponding to the first and second wiring configurations, and an end-of-line resistor. The configurable terminal arrangement in the first configuration couples the end-of-line resistor between the third and fourth outputs. The configurable terminal arrangement in the second configuration decouples the end-of-line resistor from the third and fourth outputs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pressure control switch. The pressure control switch includes a bistable resistance element. The bistable resistance element includes an organic, soft, low-conductivity matrix, and a plurality of high conductivity particles dispersed in the matrix. The bistable resistance element switches from a low resistance state to a high resistance state by receiving a pressure change applied to the bistable resistance element. The present disclosure also relates to a method for using the pressure control switch and an alarm system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for analyzing time-base electrical load characteristics of an electrical appliance on a micro-grid, to identify the type of the appliance and to monitor its utility usage and operational condition. The apparatus has a signal conditioner; a signature engine; an ID-engine; and a database. A system manager provides control and external communications. The signal conditioner receives load character input signals, and generates a conditioned signal containing the load's electrical characteristics and sends the signal to the signature engine. The signature engine generates a signature signal based on the conditioned signal. The ID-engine takes the signature signal, analyzes it in view of signature ID criteria stored in the database to identify the type of the attached electrical appliance, and stores the identity in the database. The database can be utilized to identify the type of other appliances and to monitor their utility usage and operational condition.

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

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a safety notification system includes a source of negative voltage, a first resistor arrangement, and a circuit arrangement. The first resistor arrangement is coupled between the source of negative voltage and the signal output of the safety notification system. The circuit arrangement is configured to detect a first voltage at the signal output of the safety notification system, and to generate a trouble signal output if the first voltage at the signal output is above a first threshold or below a second threshold.

Abstract: A power outlet locator for locating concealed inductive power outlet. A sensor is provided for detecting a signal emitted by an inductive power outlet. A processor uses the detected signal to compute location coordinates of the power outlet. A user interface is provided to communicate the location of the power outlet to a user.

Abstract: A method for testing a power converter having at least one power transistor is disclosed. The method may include receiving a power transistor test request, and resetting a fault flag. The method may also include applying a gate driver signal to each power transistor, receiving a feedback signal from each power transistor, and determining a difference between the gate driver signal and the feedback signal associated with a respective power transistor. The method may further include identifying a fault if the difference exceeds a threshold profile, and setting a fault flag when a fault is identified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a charge status indicator and a charger. The charger comprises a charging power supply and a charge status indicator, wherein, the charge status indicator comprises a detecting chip for monitoring charge status connected between the primary winding of transformer and ground, and a display module used for displaying the charge status, wherein, said detecting chip for monitoring charge status comprising: a detecting module for detecting the charging state of the charge power supply; a comparing module for determining the current charge status based on the detected charging state. By employing the charger or the charge status indicator for a charger, a primary-side feedback control Flyback SMPS may be employed, just a simple and reliable circuit is needed, and higher efficient can be achieved.

Abstract: A circuit where a rotary push switch module with first and second switches are closed and first and second terminals of a NAND gate receive high level signals. An output terminal of the NAND gate outputs a low level signal. A light emitting diode (LED) is not lit. A voltage output terminal outputs a standby voltage. When the first switch is opened, and the second switch is closed, the first and the second input terminals of the NAND gate respectively receive a high level signal and a low level signal. The output terminal of the NAND gate outputs a high level signal. The LED is lit. The voltage output terminal does not output the standby voltage.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) panel monitoring apparatus includes a monitoring module for measuring parameter values related to PV panel output, comparing measured values against minimum and maximum values saved in the monitoring module, and outputting an alarm signal when a measured value is outside a range defined by the minimum and maximum values. An alarm signal causes a visual indicator to activate and an audible indicator to sound, thereby assisting maintenance personnel in locating a PV panel with an out-of-range parameter value. The monitoring module further includes a PV panel identification memory for saving an identification code for each PV panel in a PV array. The identification code is transmitted with time, date, and parameter data when the monitoring module detects an out-of-range parameter value. Data may optionally be transmitted from the monitoring module through a communications input/output port or through a wireless transmitter to an external monitoring and control system.

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: An electronic trip device is described that includes a test signal generator coupled to at least one of a line conductor and a neutral conductor and configured to create a test signal. The electronic trip device also includes a leakage current detection circuit configured to compare a current in the line conductor and a current in the neutral conductor, the leakage current detection circuit configured to output an error signal if the test signal is not detected.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to early detection of low bicarbonate level. In certain aspects, a method includes receiving a first signal from a conductivity detector connected to a line through which a solution of salt concentrate and fluid flows and determining a first conductivity of the solution based on the first signal. The method also includes receiving a second signal from the conductivity detector at a time after receiving the first signal, determining a second conductivity of the solution based on the second signal, and determining whether the second conductivity is less than the first conductivity by at least a threshold amount.

Abstract: A magnetic field strength threshold alarm that includes sensing means responsive to a magnetic field and actuating in response to field strength above a predetermined threshold, the sensing means being configured to be operational and able to actuate without consumption of energy; and alarm means for outputting an alarm responsive to the sensing means actuation, the alarm means being configured not to consume energy prior to actuation of the sensing means and only consuming energy subsequent to actuation of the sensing means. So, energy is not consumed by the alarm means prior to actuation. The alarm may be considered to include energy storage means for providing electrical energy, wherein the sensing means, the alarm means and energy storage means being operatively connected such that the electrical energy from the energy storage means is provided only when the sensing means is actuated.

Abstract: A smart grid device display control system can include a demand response management system, a smart meter operatively coupled to the demand response management system, and a smart grid device operatively coupled to the smart meter, the smart grid device including a lighted display configured to power cycle in response to a power cycle indication.

Abstract: An externally-applied heat exchange pad has three layers laminated together, an inner and outer non-conductive layer and a middle conductive layer. A leak in the inner layer causes coolant to contact the middle layer and change impedance, which can be sensed and used as an indication of an impending total leak of the pad.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a safety notification system includes an alarm signal power source, a first semiconductor device, a current sensing unit, and a controller unit. The alarm signal power source is configured to generate bias power for activating a notification appliance circuit of a notification system. The first semiconductor device has a load path coupled between the alarm signal power source and the notification appliance circuit. The current sensing unit is operably coupled to generate a sensing signal that is dependent on the current in the load path. The controller circuit is operably connected to receive the current sensing signal and to control the first semiconductor device responsive to a current sensing signal that exceeds an in-rush current threshold.

Abstract: Load current from an electrical AC supply circuit is monitored so that both high frequency (10-100 kHz), and low frequency (60 Hz) signal current components are measured over certain time periods. A high frequency energy component is measured in an integral fashion, e.g., summing a plurality of samples taken. A certain amount of high frequency energy during a half-cycle is required to indicate an arc event. A certain number of these arc events per half-cycle must occur within a specific time period to indicate the presence of an arc. The root-mean-square (RMS) value of the low frequency energy component is used to determine the severity of the arc. The higher the amperage of the load current arc, the faster the arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) will respond by disconnecting the arcing load from the AC supply circuit, e.g., fewer number of arc events necessary for tripping of the AFCI.

Abstract: A method and system for remotely monitoring the status of a standby generator. The system includes a PLC transmitter in communication with the control unit for the generator. The PLC transmitter receives error codes from the control unit of the generator and transmits encoded error codes over the power distribution network in a home using a PLC frequency. A remote status display device can be connected to the power distribution network in the home at any convenient location. The remote status display device includes a PLC receiver that decodes the error codes. The decoded error codes are displayed on a display of the remote status display device for viewing by the home occupant at a location remote from the standby generator.

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: The invention provides a battery maintenance alert process and device capable of tracking one or more operational variables for a lead-acid battery and lead-acid battery-operated equipment and alerting the user of the battery or battery-operated equipment when it is time to perform battery maintenance or service.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting against electrocution hazards that arise when an appliance is electrically connected to a miswired single-phase AC electrical source which includes an energized ground lead are described. The apparatus includes one or more sensors that detect electrical energy in the ground lead combined with a miswiring condition in the hot and common leads. A tester embodiment is also illustrated. The method includes the steps of detecting if the putative ground of the electrical source is energized and whether the hot and common leads are reversed.

Abstract: Activity sensing in the home has a variety of important applications, including healthcare, entertainment, home automation, energy monitoring and post-occupancy research studies. Many existing systems for detecting occupant activity require large numbers of sensors, invasive vision systems, or extensive installation procedures. Disclosed is an approach that uses a single plug-in sensor to detect a variety of electrical events throughout the home. This sensor detects the electrical noise on residential power lines created by the abrupt switching of electrical devices and the noise created by certain devices while in operation. Machine learning techniques are used to recognize electrically noisy events such as turning on or off a particular light switch, a television set, or an electric stove. The system has been tested to evaluate system performance over time and in different types of houses. Results indicate that various electrical events can be learned and classified with accuracies ranging from 85-90%.

Abstract: An electrical appliance (100) comprises a digital control system (SC), configured for enabling the performance of a plurality of pre-determined basic functions, and an auxiliary device (200) comprises means (PM, 230-231) for acquiring and/or processing auxiliary information. The electrical appliance (100) and the auxiliary device (200) moreover comprise respective communication means (270), for setting up between them a bi-directional communication of data. The control system (SC) of the electrical appliance (100) is provided for enabling execution of additional functions with respect to the basic functions and for sending to the auxiliary device (200), via the communication means (270), requests for auxiliary information, necessary for the performance of said additional functions.

Abstract: An energy management system. The energy management system includes at least one energy monitoring and control device configured to monitor the power usage of one or more electrical devices, and a security system communicatively coupled to at least one energy monitoring and control device and having at least one sensor configured to sense a security event. The security system is configured to receive information about the power usage of the electrical device and to determine an abnormal operation of the electrical device based, at least in part, on the received information about the power usage of the electrical device and a state of the security system.

Abstract: A tamper sensing system mounted with respect to a protected structure so as to have corresponding stress changes occur therein in response to selected kinds of tamperings with said protected structure comprising a first pair of stress affected magnetoresistive memory devices each capable of having a magnetic material layer therein established in a selected one of a pair of alternative magnetization states if in a first kind of stress condition and of being established in a single magnetization state if in an alternative second kind of stress condition, and the magnetic material layer in each having a magnetization in a first direction in one of the pair of alternative magnetization states and in a second direction in that remaining one of the pair of magnetization states.

Abstract: An object locating device containing a transmitter, receiver, and adapted battery. The receiver and adapted battery are sized to correspond to a standard sized battery and fit into the battery compartment of the object to be located. The transmitter, when activated, emits a radio frequency that is received by the receiver. Upon receipt of this signal, receiver emits an audible tone allowing the user to locate a missing object. The receiver includes a power source, circuit board, and voltage bridge. Adapted battery contains an increased voltage to compensate for the loss of power from the receiver, wherein a user will remove two of the existing batteries from the device and replace them with adapted battery and receiver.

Abstract: An audio warning monitoring device, system and method including an audio detector, one or more audio screens to determine if monitored sound is an alarm, a processor or logic device to potentially analyze sound data and then instruct a transmitter to send a message with the monitoring device identification and signals representing sound detected by the audio detector to a server. The computer server analyzes the message and authenticates the audio detector, looks up user data associated with the detector, and contacts a user from previously stored user data in order to notify of the alert and then relay the audio signals in an audio file. At the user's option, the server may contact a staffed or automated monitoring center. Here a human operator may listen to the signals in the audio file and take appropriate action, such as calling the location of the alarm for verification or contacting a professional first responder(s).

Abstract: An apparatus, system and methods system for reducing power consumption in a network including electrical appliances connected via electrical outlets to an electricity supplier and/or a system managing power consumption. The system comprises a management system and apparatuses, each comprising a measurement unit, a processing unit, an optional communications unit and a control unit, such that each apparatus is connected to an electrical outlet and is associated with an appliance or a group of appliances. Control units inject electrical signals via the associated electrical outlet to the electrical appliance. The measurement unit measures electrical parameters at the outlet, and the processing unit analyzes the electrical parameters measured in view of the electrical signal and detects the electrical signature of the associated electrical appliance therefrom. The electrical signature is utilized to characterize various characteristics of the electrical appliances and manage power consumption of the network.

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: A method and related apparatus, the method comprising: detecting, in a device, an event triggering a web resource related to a web page; estimating energy consumption of the event triggering the web resource; comparing the estimated energy consumption to a predetermined value of available energy budget; and in response to the estimated energy consumption exceeding the predetermined value of the available energy budget, indicating the exceeding to the user of the device.

Abstract: A secure insert comprises a shell including a lid and a container configured to receive and encase one or more circuit cards, wherein the shell is further configured to be inserted into and engage a card slot area of a chassis. A bridge connector is disposed inside the shell and configured to couple the one or more circuit cards to a chassis connector. A tamper sensor is disposed inside the shell and configured to detect unauthorized tamper events.

Abstract: A faulted circuit indicator (FCI) for providing an indication of a fault on a monitored conductor, determining whether the FCI is near the end of its useful life (or entered into an end-of-life mode) and altering an operation of the FCI if the useful life of the FCI has reached a select threshold. The operation alteration may include an alteration of the display and/or deactivation of certain features and/or functions of the FCI. Thus, the useful life of the FCI will be increased. Further, utility personnel will be more likely to notice that the FCI is in end-of-life mode. The FCI may also include a battery discharge module and a thyristor for discharging the battery for disposal upon decommissioning of the FCI.

Abstract: A method of parsing a natural language phrase to retrieve data associated with a power monitoring system. An input receives a natural language phrase including terms, one of which indicates a data manipulation action for manipulating data of the power monitoring system. A parser component parses the phrase to extract the terms and maps those terms to corresponding category items. The parser component constructs a structured query based on the category items and provides the query to a processor component that retrieves the data from a data source specified in the submitted phrase. The processor component also manipulates the data according to the data manipulation action. The output from the processor component is provided to a presentation component that formats the manipulated data for presentation on a video display, and the formatted manipulated data is displayed on the video display.

Abstract: An electrical tripping mechanism for protecting an electrical device from mechanical and over temperature problems. The tripping mechanism includes a copper conductor encased within an insulative layer, where the insulative layer is provided with a helically wound metallic strip amenable to easy tearing when subjected to mechanical damage. When the continuity of the strip is broken, a sensor detects the damage and shuts-down the electrical device.

Abstract: A system for indicating a power condition in a conductor includes an indicator constructed to provide notification to a user of a utility power condition, and a sensor non-electrically connected to a utility conductor to control operation of the indicator in response to detection of power in the utility conductor.