| CONSOLIDATED EDISON COMPANY OF NEW YORK, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120081101 | DEAD-LINE PHASE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - A system and method for dead-line conductor phase identification is provided. The system includes a receiver unit having a set of current sensors, such as current transformers. The receiver unit current sensors are coupled to conductors having a known phase in a multiphase power line. The current sensors are positioned adjacent a transformer connected to a section of the power line having an open circuit condition. A transmitter unit transmits a current signal on to a conductor at the open circuit section of the power line. The current sensors detect the current signal and the receiver unit transmits a signal to the transmitter unit identifying the phase on which the current signal was transmitted. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120077527 | NETWORK EVENT IDENTIFICATION AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A method and apparatus for detecting events in an electrical network is provided. The method and apparatus measure a plurality of electrical parameters on the electrical network. A precursor event is detected. The measured parameters are captured and analyzed. The precursor event is categorized and a plurality of notifications having integrated data related to the event are electronically transmitted. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120068886 | GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM TRACKING DEVICE - A global positioning system (GPS) tracking device that includes a casing including a GPS transmitting and receiving unit configured to transmit and receive GPS signals including GPS routing information; a signal amplifying unit coupled with the GPS transmitting and receiving unit and configured to amplify cell signals; and a timing unit configured to receive power from an external power supply unit and to control power supply to the GPS transmitting and receiving unit and the signal amplifying unit for a predetermined time period | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120025759 | Electric Charger for Vehicle - A charger for an electric vehicle is provided. The charge provides for multiple inputs that are combined to provide a single output at higher charging level. The charger includes a toroidal transformer that is electrically coupled between the multiple inputs and the output. The charge may also include a connection to allow an electrical vehicle to communicate with external controllers or servers. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120019203 | ENERGY STORAGE AND VEHICLE CHARGING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION - An energy storage system for a substation on an electrical power network is provided. The energy storage system is coupled to receive and store electrical power. The stored electrical power may then be used to either charge vehicles or meeting the needs of other discretionary or interruptible loads with an electric propulsion, or to provide electrical power a feeder connected to essential service loads such as police stations, hospitals and traffic control. In one embodiment, the substation also utilizes the energy storage system in a peak shaving mode of operation. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20110304336 | Device and Method For Locating A Conduit - A system and method of locating a conduit, such as an underground conduit is provided. The system includes a tracing device that is adapted to be coupled to a valve. The tracing device includes a bypass member that is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the bypass member extends through the valve when in the second position. A tracing member is sealingly coupled to the tracing device and extends through the bypass member. An electrical signal is applied to the tracing member and a monitoring device is used to locate an electrical field created by the electrical signal. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110298300 | Power Outlet for Air Conditioning Appliance and Method of Operation - A power outlet device for regulating the operation of an appliance, such as a window mounted air conditioner is provided. The device includes a power inlet and a power outlet coupled to a switch. A controller having a communications device controls the state of the switch. The controller is connected to a temperature sensor that measures the ambient temperature of the room. A user interface allows the user to define a maximum temperature for the room. In response to the receipt of a signal via the communications device, the controller regulates the flow of electrical power to the appliance based on the defined maximum temperature. A timer is also provided that minimizes short time period cycling of the appliance. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110285544 | PULSE VERIFIER AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A device and method of counting pulse or switch contact signals over time from any commodity in various applications such as manufacturing and process control is provided. The device includes a pulse splitter relay that generates a first output pulse signal and a second pulse output signal. The first output pulse signal is transmitted to a recorder that receives the pulse signal and stores data such as date and time information when the pulse signal was received. The second output pulse signal is transmitted to a downstream system, such as a building management system for example. The data from the recorder and the downstream system may be compared to verify the pulse signals and identify potential sources for error. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110282703 | CONTINGENCY ANALYSIS INFORMATION FOR UTILITY SERVICE NETWORK - A system and computer-implemented method of providing contingency analysis information for a utility service network that includes obtaining contingency analysis information from a plurality of external sources, integrally combining the contingency analysis information obtained from each of the plurality of external sources into a single application and prioritizing the contingency analysis information in a predetermined order, dynamically updating, the contingency analysis information obtained from each of the plurality of external sources and the prioritization of the contingency analysis information based on status information, and displaying the contingency analysis information to a user via a graphical user interface. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110264276 | INTERCONNECTED ELECTRICAL NETWORK AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A system for interconnecting electrical network control centers and building management systems is provided. The interconnected system monitors the operational status of the electrical network from a control center. In response to detecting the signature of an imminent electrical network event, the control center transmits a signal to the building management system. In response to receiving the signal, the building management system initiates a series of actions to mitigate or reduce the impact of the electrical network event. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110254557 | ELECTROMECHANICAL RELAYS INCLUDING EMBEDDED SENSORS - An electromechanical protective relay includes a base and an electromechanical coil supported on the base. The relay also includes a load sensor electrically coupled to the electromechanical coil that measures a current passing through the electromechanical coil and that is supported on the base, a trip contact supported on the base and located and configured such that it completes a circuit when the electromechanical coil senses an undesirable condition, and a trip sensor electrically coupled to the trip contact that measures a current passing through the trip contact and that is supported on the base. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110237118 | ADAPTER FOR ELECTRICAL METER - A meter disconnect adapter is provided that allows a utility meter to be connected to a meter socket while electrical service is disconnected to a facility. The meter disconnect adapter includes housing having an interior area. A plurality of terminals are coupled to the housing. Each terminal includes a stab portion and a jaw portion. The stab portion is sized to provide less than rated current flow to the utility meter. The jaw portion is sized to facilitate the coupling of the meter to the adapter. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110236842 | System and Method for operating steam systems - A system and method for operating a steam system, such as a district heating system is provided with provisions for predicting potential water hammer conditions. The system measures steam parameters as inputs into a steam system engine. The steam system engine uses physics models and empirical steam flow behavior models to determine a condensate parameter such as rate of condensate generation and condensate levels within the system. When the condensate parameter exceeds a threshold, a signal is transmitted to the system operator so that actions may be taken to alleviate or prevent undesired conditions. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110169658 | DEVICE FOR DETERMINING COMMUNICATIONS PARAMETERS AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A device and method for determining communications parameters such as signal strength is provided. The device includes a plurality of meters, each having an associated transceiver configured to receive a different communications protocol. Communications signals are received by a communications module and transmitted to the plurality of meters. The plurality of meters provide an indication of a signal parameter, such as signal strength for example, to allow the operator to decide which communications protocol the end device should use. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110159725 | BRIDGING ADAPTER - Apparatus for connecting an inoperable phase of electricity with an operable phase of electricity includes an electricity meter, a socket, and an electricity meter adapter having at least one first connector for a first phase of electricity and at least one second connector for a second phase of electricity, a bridging adapter connected between the at least one first connector for a first phase of electricity and the at least one second connector for a second phase of electricity thereby connecting together the first and second phases of electricity, wherein the electricity meter adapter is connected with the socket and the electricity meter is connected with the electricity meter adapter. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110158783 | LADDER SYSTEM - A ladder system is provided for facilitating access through a confined opening. The system includes a support arrangement having a first bar. The first bar may be positioned on a surface adjacent an opening. A removable ladder support cradle, including a pair of ladder supports, is coupled to the first bar. A ladder is removably coupled to the support cradle within the opening. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110153131 | METERING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A metering system for measuring the electrical power used to charge a vehicle is provided. The metering system includes an electrical meter operably coupled to a conductor connected to the vehicle and an electrical outlet. A controller receives signals from the meter to record the measured electrical consumption. The controller includes a plurality of communications devices for communicating with different communications carriers. In one embodiment, the controller selects one of the communications devices based on availability and a desired criterion. The selected communications device then transmits the measured electrical power consumption to a utility provider. In one embodiment, the metering system is mobile. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110147425 | VEHICLE EQUIPMENT MOUNT - A vehicle equipment mount for mounting one or more pieces of equipment within a vehicle, the vehicle equipment mount includes a base component that includes a floor plate, a middle plate, and an instrument mount plate, wherein the middle plate is movable with respect to the floor plate, and wherein the instrument mount plate connects with the middle plate. At least one first cradle connects to the instrument mount plate, the at least one first cradle being operable to hold a piece of equipment therein. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110100488 | STEAM TRAP ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A steam trap arrangement is provided. The steam trap includes an inlet header having an inner bore. A strainer having a plurality of perforations is positioned within the inner bore. A plurality of discharge ports couple the inlet header to a conduit, where each conduit includes a steam trap. The conduits are arranged to be offset from the discharge ports. The conduits fluidly couple the inlet header to an outlet header. The outlet header includes a discharge port for draining condensate from the system. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110087384 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONSERVING ELECTRICAL CAPACITY - A system and method of operating a complex system, such as an electrical transmission and distribution system is provided. The system includes a plurality of local assets that are used to form a contingency asset pool in the event that an operational issue is detected. The contingency assets may include dispatchable loads and on-site electrical power generation including diesel and natural gas fueled generators, and renewable power energy sources. The contingency asset pool conserves the capacity of the system on a local level and allows the system operator to maintain a high level of reliability while minimizing some of the costs associated purchasing, installing and maintaining redundant equipment. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110079607 | SEALANT SYSTEM - A sealant system is provided having a first container with a hollow interior containing a reaction material. A second container having reactant material is arranged within the hollow interior. To use the sealant system, an operator ruptures the second container releasing reactant material into the hollow interior. The reaction and reactant material are mixed to form a sealing material. The container may include an elongated portion with a removable end to facilitate dispensing of the sealing material. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110056240 | FREEZE PLUG SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A freeze and thaw system using knowledge-based hardware and methodology is provided for repair of oil-filled pipes. Liquid nitrogen is boiled off inside freeze jackets installed over the pipe, exiting in a superheated vapor state. Liquid nitrogen flow rates, controlled by the temperature controllers, are based on the requirements of the freeze process to maintain a desired level of superheat. The freeze operation is divided into distinct phases each with a different nitrogen superheated exhaust temperature. At the end of the repair, electric heaters wrapped over the pipe proceed to thaw the frozen oil. The heater controller thaws the frozen plugs based on an embedded time versus temperature protocol. The freeze prevention heaters are wrapped over the freeze jackets to prevent ice formation over the cold freeze jackets while the freeze plug is formed and maintained. This technology results in less thaw and freeze time at reduced liquid nitrogen usage. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110012603 | PROTECTIVE RELAY MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF COMPARING BEHAVIOR PATTERNS - A system for collecting data and monitoring the operation of electrical circuits, such as branch circuits at a substation is provided. The system collects data from a plurality of sensors coupled to a plurality of electrical equipment associated with a circuit. The data from the sensors is collected and used to identify signatures in the data to ascertain potential issues in the electrical protective circuit. The data is further analyzed to determine signatures of abnormal operating conditions. The signatures are compared to reference signatures to identify the abnormal conditions and corrective action is initiated. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20100321153 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING A SEQUENCE OF OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS - An apparatus and method of performing a sequence of steps is provided. The apparatus includes a controller that stores the sequence of steps and displays the steps in order to the operator. The apparatus includes a positioning module that confirms the operator position and a reader module to confirm the identification of the equipment to be worked on. An programmable key is also provided for storing a sequence of unlock codes that allows the operator open the equipment and cabinets in the same sequence as the sequence of steps. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100315063 | METER DEVICE AND METHOD OF TESTING A CUT NEUTRAL CONDUCTOR - A meter device for checking the measurements of an electrical meter, such as that used by electrical utilities is provided. The meter device has a base with electrical phase conductors arranged to couple with a meter socket. A housing is attached to the base. Electrical connectors are arranged on the end of the phase conductors within the housing. The electrical connectors are arranged to couple with an electrical meter. One or more lead conductors is also provided. Each lead conductor has a first end coupled to the electrical connector and a second end coupled to the associated phase conductor. Each lead conductor includes a middle portion arranged outside of the housing. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100292857 | ELECTRICAL NETWORK COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A system is provided that allows the aggregation of a plurality of inputs from an electrical grid and the display of the plurality of inputs on a single integrated display for a network operator. The system accepts signals from electrical loads and generation devices and analyzes the inputs to determine potential issues or trends, including fault predictions and recommends contingency plans. The system presents these potential issues and possible corrective actions to the network operator. The network operator may initiate actions, such as dispatching loads or activating generation capacity for example, in response. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100237853 | CURRENT MEASURING DEVICE - A current sensor is provided for non-invasively measuring electrical current in an electrical conductor. The current sensor includes a housing having a Hall effect device and circuitry for transmitting a signal indicative of the current flowing through the electrical conductor. The current sensor includes a base having a surface for supporting an electrical conductor. A magnetic shielding member is coupled to the surface to shield the Hall effect device from stray or external magnetic fields. A compliant member is coupled to the magnetic shielding member opposite the surface. The compliant member compresses to allow the current sensor to accommodate a large variety of electrical conductor sizes. The compliant member further acts to bias the electrical conductor against the Hall effect device. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100236639 | System And Method For Accessing A Pressurized Gas Pipeline - A system and method for inhibiting gas release while accessing a pressurized gas pipeline includes a magnetic plug holder for magnetically engaging a pipe plug to a rod. A housing is sealingly engaged to a valve attached to the pipeline, and the rod is movable through the housing in a sealing fashion such that the plug holder can be moved linearly and rotationally relative to the housing. The housing can be sealingly attached to a portion of the valve, the valve can be opened, and the plug holder with a threaded plug magnetically engaged thereto lowered through the valve. The rod can be rotated from outside the housing to thread the plug into the threaded hole in the pipeline. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100231198 | CURRENT MEASURING DEVICE - A current sensor is provided for non-invasively measuring electrical current in an electrical conductor. The current sensor includes a housing having a Hall effect device and circuitry for transmitting a signal indicative of the current flowing through the electrical conductor. The current sensor includes a base having a surface for supporting an electrical conductor. A magnetic shielding member is coupled to the surface to shield the Hall effect device from stray or external magnetic fields. A compliant member is coupled to the magnetic shielding member opposite the surface. The compliant member compresses to allow the current sensor to accommodate a large variety of electrical conductor sizes. The compliant member further acts to bias the electrical conductor against the Hall effect device. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100201514 | REMOTE MONITORING SYSTEM - A monitoring system is provided that allows for monitoring and reporting of operational parameters for processes and devices in a subterranean environment. The system includes a plurality of interface devices coupled to sensors at a desired process or device. The interface devices transmit the measured data to a coordinator device through a personal area network. The coordinator device aggregates data from multiple interface devices and transmits the data to a remote service through a communications network. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100200735 | OPTICAL READING SYSTEM - An optical sensor for detecting motion or movement in an area of interest is provided. The optical sensor includes a base having optical filtering properties. A sensor assembly having a light emitting diode, a CMOS sensor and a pair of lens is mounted to said base. The CMOS sensor has a range of wavelengths of light to which it has an increased sensitivity. The optical filtering properties of the base are ranged to absorb wavelengths of light in the range of increased CMOS sensor sensitivity. In this way, the effects of ambient light on the optical sensor are reduced. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100200732 | OPTICAL READING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION - An optical sensor for detecting motion or movement in an area of interest and a method of operation is provided. The system includes a CMOS sensor having an array of pixels that captures images in an area of interest. The system monitors the average pixel value for the array to define a first state. If the average pixel value changes beyond a defined threshold, the system defines a second state. For each change in state, a signal is generated. In one embodiment, the optical sensor is used with a meter having a dial with an indicator. The optical sensor generates a signal each time the indicator passes through the area of interest to allow for the remote monitoring of a consumable commodity. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100199747 | GAS METER READING SYSTEM - A gas meter reading system is provided that allows automated meter reading capability to be incorporated with sealed mechanical type gas meters. The reading system is mounted to the window of the meter adjacent to the measurement dial. The reading system senses the rotation of the dial and provides data, such as a pulse, that may be recorded by an external source. A method of detecting for leaks with a gas meter having a reading system is also provided. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100192373 | DEVICE FOR INSTALLING AERIAL ELECTRICAL POWER LINES AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A device for installing aerial electrical power conductors on utility poles and a method of operation is provided. The device includes a frame having a plurality of anchors. The anchors are arranged to provide a place for securing a plurality of pull ropes during installation of the conductors. The device includes a post sized to be received in a hitch on a vehicle. In one embodiment, the device is sized to fit into an aerial platform, such as that used on utility bucket trucks. The device may be lifted to the point of connection on the utility pole. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100145641 | SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND ASSESSING ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A system for collecting data and monitoring the operation of electrical circuits, such as branch circuits at a substation is provided. The system collects data from a plurality of sensors coupled to a plurality of electrical equipment associated with a circuit. The data from the sensors is collected and used to determine the activation of the electrical equipment, such as a protective relay for example. The data is further transformed to allow assessment of the circuit's performance against desired parameters. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100100342 | METERING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A metering system for measuring the electrical power used to charge a vehicle is provided. The metering system includes an electrical meter operably coupled to a conductor connected to the vehicle and an electrical outlet. A controller receives signals from the meter to record the measured electrical consumption. The controller includes a plurality of communications devices for communicating with different communications carriers. In one embodiment, the controller selects one of the communications devices based on availability and a desired criterion. The selected communications device then transmits the measured electrical power consumption to a utility provider. In one embodiment, the metering system is mobile. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100090683 | CURRENT MEASURING DEVICE - A current sensor is provided for non-invasively measuring electrical current in an electrical conductor. The current sensor includes a housing having a Hall effect sensor and circuitry for transmitting a signal indicative of the current flowing through the electrical conductor. The current sensor further includes a clamp that allows an operator to easily and repeatedly install and remove the current sensor from electrical conductors. The current sensor may also include a mu-metal device for shielding the Hall effect sensor for stray magnetic fields generated by adjacent electrical conductors. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100087962 | ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION FEEDER SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A system and method for operating a transferable feeder system on an electrical distribution system is provided. The system includes a controller that is disposed in communication with switches associated with feeders of a first substation and circuit breakers associated with a second substation. The first substation and second substation are electrically coupled in a manner to allow load transfer from the first substation to the second substation. The system is arranged to disconnect a first pair of circuits from the first substation before connecting the pair of circuits to the second substation while leaving a third circuit coupled to the first substation. During the entire process of transferring load from one substation to the second substation, customer load does not experience any interruption in electrical service. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100072780 | STAKE SYSTEM FOR FLATBED VEHICLES - A stake system for providing a removable support for articles being transported on flatbed vehicles is provided. The stake system has a composite body with a cap on one end and a boot on the opposite end. A cover layer is shrink wrapped over the composite body and may include a heat-activated adhesive. The boot includes a flange that contacts the flatbed vehicle when the stake system is inserted into pockets formed in the flatbed vehicle. A pin is tethered to the boot and may be inserted into a hole in the boot adjacent to the underside of the flatbed vehicle. The pin provides a convenient means for locking the stake system to the vehicle and prevents the stake system from disengaging during operation. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100072771 | STAKE SYSTEM FOR FLATBED VEHICLES - A stake system for providing a removable support for articles being transported on flatbed vehicles is provided. The stake system has a composite body with a cap on one end and a boot on the opposite end. A cover layer is shrink wrapped over the composite body and may include a heat-activated adhesive. The boot includes a flange that contacts the flatbed vehicle when the stake system is inserted into pockets formed in the flatbed vehicle. A pin is tethered to the boot and may be inserted into a hole in the boot adjacent to the underside of the flatbed vehicle. The pin provides a convenient means for locking the stake system to the vehicle and prevents the stake system from disengaging during operation. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100072770 | STAKE SYSTEM FOR FLATBED VEHICLES - A stake system for providing a removable support for articles being transported on flatbed vehicles is provided. The stake system has a composite body with a cap on one end and a boot on the opposite end. A cover layer is shrink wrapped over the composite body and may include a heat-activated adhesive. The boot includes a flange that contacts the flatbed vehicle when the stake system is inserted into pockets formed in the flatbed vehicle. A pin is tethered to the boot and may be inserted into a hole in the boot adjacent to the underside of the flatbed vehicle. The pin provides a convenient means for locking the stake system to the vehicle and prevents the stake system from disengaging during operation. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100036538 | AUTOLOOP SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A system and method for operating an autoloop system on a electrical distribution system is provided. The system includes a master controller that is disposed in communication with controllers associated with reclosers and switches coupled to a first and second branch circuit. The system is arranged to momentarily block the one fast tripping function of a feeder recloser in response to the detection of a fault on the other branch circuit. The system further includes means for isolating a segment on which a fault is located and restoring electrical power service to those areas upstream and downstream from the isolated segment. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100023178 | HYBRID VEHICLE RECHARGING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100020506 | PORTABLE DEVICE FOR GENERATING TWO PHASES FROM A SINGLE ELECTRICAL PHASE - A portable device for generating two electrical phases from a single electrical phase. The portable device includes a watertight housing having a toroidal transformer therein. A terminal block is mounted within the housing and is electrically connected to the toroidal transformer. The portable device is sized to fit on the rear floor of a vehicle and an appropriate weight to be carried by a single person. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100017044 | HYBRID VEHICLE RECHARGING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100017043 | HYBRID VEHICLE RECHARGING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100012406 | HYBRID VEHICLE RECHARGING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20090289616 | DEAD-LINE PHASE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - A system and method for dead-line conductor phase identification is provided. The system includes a receiver unit having a set of current sensors, such as current transformers. The receiver unit current sensors are coupled to conductors having a known phase in a multiphase power line. The current sensors are positioned adjacent a transformer connected to a section of the power line having an open circuit condition. A transmitter unit transmits a current signal on to a conductor at the open circuit section of the power line. The current sensors detect the current signal and the receiver unit transmits a signal to the transmitter unit identifying the phase on which the current signal was transmitted. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090184689 | METERING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A metering system for measuring the electrical power used to charge a vehicle is provided. The metering system includes an electrical meter operably coupled to a conductor connected to the vehicle and an electrical outlet. A controller receives signals from the meter to record the measured electrical consumption. The controller includes a plurality of communications devices for communicating with different communications carriers. In one embodiment, the controller selects one of the communications devices based on availability and a desired criterion. The selected communications device then transmits the measured electrical power consumption to a utility provider. In one embodiment, the metering system is mobile. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090109632 | CURRENT TRANSFORMER DISCONNECT SWITCH - A current transformer cabinet is disclosed having an electrical meter coupled to current transformers. One or more disconnect switches arranged between the source conductors and the load conductors. The disconnect switches include a link member that allows the disconnecting of electrical service from the load conductors by rotation of the link from a first position to a second position. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090062967 | HYBRID VEHICLE RECHARGING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A system and method for recharging a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The system includes a controller that schedules the recharging of the vehicles on local electrical distribution networks. The system arranges the schedule to minimize the demand loading on the local distribution network to more efficiently operate power plants providing electrical power to the distribution networks. A system for collecting charges associated with the recharging of plug-in hybrid vehicles is also disclosed providing for prepaid utility accounts. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090059638 | PORTABLE DEVICE FOR GENERATING TWO PHASES FROM A SINGLE ELECTRICAL PHASE - A portable device for generating two electrical phases from a single electrical phase. The portable device includes a housing having a toroidal transformer therein. An input terminal block and an output terminal block are mounted to the housing and are electrically connected to the toroidal transformer. The portable device is sized to fit on the rear floor of a vehicle and an appropriate weight to be carried by a single person. | 03-05-2009 |
