Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for percutaneous closure of intra-cardiac openings, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). In one embodiment, a delivery system includes a first attachment mechanism and a second attachment mechanism attached to a closure device for implantation in an intra-cardiac opening. The delivery system can be used to deliver a closure device to the intra-cardiac opening, or to retrieve or re-position a closure device within the intra-cardiac opening.

Abstract: An industrial automation proxy server comprises an interface that receives data related to legacy software, where the data is associated with a legacy protocol. Additionally, the industrial automation proxy server includes a protocol transformation component that converts the data associated with the legacy protocol to a disparate protocol. Furthermore, the industrial automation proxy server can include a routing component that redirects the data to a remote device over an internet connection.

Abstract: The subject disclosure pertains to the communications configuration of programmable logic controller modules in an industrial automation environment. Systems and methods are provided that automatically enables a programmable logic controller module to operate on a communications network once communicatively coupled thereto. Other control modules, a personal computer, or the like can access and/or otherwise interact with a module as soon as it coupled to a network. Accordingly, manual module configuration it is not required prior to access and interaction in an industrial control system.

Abstract: The subject disclosure pertains to transparent communications in an industrial automation environment amongst automation system components. PLC modules can be provided with unique network addresses such as IP addresses and accessed over a network using those addresses. The actual protocol and route employed to communicate with the PLC modules need not be known to a client system in order to access the PLC modules. Industrial control system configurations can be modified and expanded without affecting the client system ability to function in the environment.

Abstract: An industrial automation device comprises a reception component that receives a request for data resident within the industrial automation device. An encoding component communicatively coupled to the reception component that receives a binary bit stream associated with the request and encodes a payload of the bit stream as XML data, the encoding component further communicates the encoded payload by way of an industrial automation protocol. Furthermore, the industrial automation device can include a compression component that compresses the XML data.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for occluding or closing a patent foramen ovale of a patient (PFO). The invention includes a catheter carrying an energy delivery element. The catheter introduces the energy delivery element into the patent foramen ovale of a patient's heart. Once appropriately positioned, the energy delivery element applies energy, such as radiofrequency energy, to the tissues surrounding the patent foramen ovale. The application of energy causes the tissues to join together, occluding the patent foramen ovale. The energy delivery element may be removable or permanently implanted in the patent foramen ovale.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for occluding an anatomical aperture, such as an atrial septal defect (ASD) or a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The occluder includes two sides connected by a central tube. The occluder is formed from a tube, which is cut to produce struts in each side. Upon the application of force, the struts deform into loops. The loops may be of various shapes, sizes, and configurations, and, in at least some embodiments, the loops have rounded peripheries. In some embodiments, at least one of the sides includes a tissue scaffold. The occluder further includes a catch system that maintains its deployed state in vivo. When the occluder is deployed in vivo, the two sides are disposed on opposite sides of the septal tissue surrounding the aperture and the catch system is deployed so that the occluder exerts a compressive force on the septal tissue and closes the aperture.

Abstract: Delivery (and recovery) devices and techniques for delivering an implant into a desired location within the body and catch systems for such implants. The devices and techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder made from a polymer tube. A catch system maintains an occluder in a deployed configuration by holding it in a reduced axial length position. Some embodiments have a compressible tip. Some embodiments have temporary catching mechanisms.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a system and method of interacting with industrial automation devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs). A client computer can include a browser and one or more application components such as applets that are executed by the browser. The application components retrieve and receive data from automation devices in their native protocol and present such data to a browser for display to a user. The application components, as well as other browser data, can be stored locally on a computer readable medium associated with the client computer to facilitate expeditious access thereto, among other things. Furthermore, the application components can implement and apply digital rights management technology to increase control and security with respect to execution of the application components.

Abstract: The subject invention provides reliable messaging with and within a control environment. The systems and methods utilize a message broker that facilitates message exchange. The message broker can be located within an industrial controller, as a dedicated entity within a control environment and/or an entity external to the control environment. Messages transmitted from an industrial controller and/or the external entity can be routed through the message broker prior to reaching a destination, wherein the message can be stored in the message broker and subsequently obtained by a recipient. The message broker decouples the message sender (e.g., an industrial controller, an external entity . . . ) from the message recipient (e.g., an industrial controller, an external entity . . . ) such that messages can be successfully transmitted (to the message broker) regardless of a state of the recipient, and messages can be retrieved (from the message broker) regardless of a state of the sender.

Abstract: An industrial control system includes a central controller having a memory containing programmable data including operating programs for operating the controller, control program for controlling an industrial process, and configuration data configuring values used by the operating program and control program. The central controller is designed to control multiple devices also having memory holding programmable data including operating programs and configuration data. A program is executable by the central controller that causes the central controller to identify memories distributed through the industrial control system having programmable data and collect the programmable data from the memories. Accordingly, the collected programmable data may be used to substantially recreate operation of the industrial control system in a second industrial control system having another central controller substantially identical to the industrial controller and multiple devices connected to the central controller.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a framework for integrating control and business systems and/or applications without middleware. The systems and methods include an integration component that provides for cross-platform connectivity with integration servers, databases, computers, etc. associated with the business systems and/or applications. Such connectivity can include TCP/IP based communication between any controller within the control system and the business systems and/or applications. Suitable controllers can reside within any industrial network, including non-TCP/IP industrial networks. The TCP/IP connection can be utilized by the controllers to: serve up web pages, data views, web objects, CIP objects and XML, publish messages, electronic product data, data, tags, status, state and error messages, and subscribe to receive information from an integration server, a database, a broker and/or a computer.

Abstract: Devices, delivery systems and delivery techniques for an occlusion device for the closure of physical anomalies, such as an atrial septal defect, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and other septal and vascular defects are described. The devices, delivery systems and delivery techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder made from a polymer tube. Specifically, a petal-shaped occluder with a catch system is provided within a delivery sheath. In certain embodiments, the delivery system includes a first securement system for securing a first end of the occluder and a second securement system for securing a second end of the occluder to a delivery catheter and a delivery wire contained in the delivery system. The securement enable the deployment (and retrieval) of the device. The securement systems enable pushing and pulling of respective ends of the occluder to expand and contract the device by varying its axial length.

Abstract: A self-testing and correcting read only memory (RAM) device and methodology is disclosed herein. The device includes at least one array of memory to enable data storage and self-testing RAM interface for evaluating, correcting, and/or compensating for memory cell errors. The RAM device, via the self-testing RAM interface, supports interaction with a central processing unit (CPU) to facilitate testing of the CPU to memory interface as well as the device memory array. Furthermore, the subject invention provides for a system and method of securely storing data to volatile memory. More specifically, the RAM interface component can be employed to, among other things, store data in noncontiguous locations, encrypt/decrypt data as well as perform authentication checks to ensure the integrity of data and/or deter attacks thereon. All or significant portions of such functionality can be performed without burdening the CPU and affecting processing speed or efficiency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling resources integrated to perform a process on a work product within an environment where at least one of a first of the resources and the work product is a moveable item that moves during the process, the method comprising the steps of providing an information device on the moveable item, ascertaining the location of the information device and controlling at least a first of the resources as a function of the location of the information device.

Abstract: The present invention concerns application of digital rights management to industrial automation devices including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), I/O devices, and communication adapters. Digital rights management involves a set of technologies for controlling and managing access to device objects and/or programs such as ladder logic programs. Access to automation device objects and/or programs can be managed by downloading rules of use that define user privileges with respect to automation devices and utilizing digital certificates, among other things, to verify the identity of a user desiring to interact with device programs, for example. Furthermore, the present invention provides for secure transmission of messages to and amongst automation devices utilizing public key cryptography associated with digital certificates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a plurality of resources integrated within a space for performing a process and a program run by a processor for controlling the process, the method for associating the program with the resources and comprising the steps of identifying at least a first reference point within the space, identifying the relative juxtaposition of at least a first resource with respect to the first reference point and associating the first resource with the program as a function of the relative juxtaposition of the resource to the reference point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a component assembly that forms part of an enterprise and at least one processor, the processor programmed to perform at least one diagnostic process on the assembly and to at least periodically perform at least one summary process on the assembly, the method for commencing the at least one summary process and comprising the steps of specifying at least one triggering relationship between at least a first enterprise user and the assembly that is to initiate the at least one summary process, determining when the at least one triggering relationship occurs and, when the at least one triggering relationship occurs, causing the processor to perform the at least one summary process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to shaving compositions that include water insoluble lubricating polymer particles and/or one or more water soluble polymers. Some preferred compositions include a lubricating agent that contains water insoluble lubricating polymer particles and a blend of two or more water soluble polymers having different molecular weights. The invention is also directed to methods of shaving in which a shaving composition of the present invention is applied to an area of skin, then said area is shaved, preferably with a wet razor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods that employ scalable vector graphics (SVG) to view and effectuate an industrial device from a remote Web interface. The systems and methods can be utilized to retrieve an SVG XML markup language-based file associated with the device and execute the SVG file via basic ASCII drawing commands. Thus, a faceplate of an industrial device and/or other device-related information can be represented via SVG syntax and stored with the device. A user can employ a Web browser from a remote location (e.g., via a Web client) to retrieve the SVG file, wherein the file can be loaded within the Web browser and/or an open source software package. The SVG file can be executed to render an interactive graphical faceplate that can depict LEDs, alphanumeric displays, inputs/output, etc., trending mechanisms (e.g., graphs, charts, etc.), and capabilities to load parameters.