Abstract: An improved synchronization system and method for copies of data in a computer system. The computer system comprises a cluster, wherein each computer in the cluster may store a local copy of a data set along with a validity flag for the local copy. The computer system further comprises a coupling system which is connected to each of the computers in the cluster through a coupling system interface program, wherein the coupling system is configured to coordinate the data sharing and workload of the cluster. The computer system also comprises an external data storage shared by the computers in the cluster. One of the computers may read a first copy of the data set from a primary data set on the external data storage. The computer may then store the first copy locally and set a first validity flag to indicate that the first copy is valid. Another computer, server, or application program may make a second copy of the primary data set and set a second validity flag to valid.

Abstract: A lighting fixture having a socket housing and a removable lamp housing. The socket housing includes a socket for receiving a lamp and for connecting the lamp to a power supply. The lamp housing has a first end for emitting light from the lamp and a second end that is removably coupled to the socket housing. The lamp housing least partially encloses the lamp when connected to the socket housing. The second end of the lamp housing is wider than the lamp, so as to allow the lamp housing to be removed from the socket housing without first removing the lamp from the socket. Removing the lamp housing from said socket housing substantially exposes the socket to view and allows for installation of a lamp into the socket without having to re-position or re-aim the track light fixture.

Abstract: A lamp adjustment assembly for a light fixture includes a socket platform having a base and hollow neck. A socket mounts to the base. The interior of the hollow neck includes at least three spaced-apart cam followers. A cam having spiral grooves includes a first portion that fits at least partially within the interior of the hollow neck. The cam followers mate with the grooves. An adjustment knob is coupled to a second portion of the cam and rotatably coupled to a socket housing that at least partially encloses the lamp adjustment assembly. Alignment wings extend from the base of the socket platform and are sized to fit within slots in the interior of the socket housing. The slots prevent the socket platform from rotating and limit the linear range of motion of the socket platform. A spring applies force to the base and the adjustment knob.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for engaging and disengaging a track lighting assembly with respect to a track in a track lighting system. The apparatus includes a track engaging apparatus that includes a housing. The housing includes a rotation inhibitor that has a protruding end that protrudes from the housing for engaging with the track and preventing the track engaging apparatus from rotating with respect to the track. The rotation inhibitor further includes a receiving member for translating a force in a first direction into motion of the rotation inhibitor in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The apparatus further includes an actuator for applying the force in the first direction to the receiving member.

Abstract: Lighting systems and methods are described, including track lighting systems and methods.

Abstract: Lighting systems and methods are described, including track lighting systems and methods.

Abstract: Lighting systems and methods are described, including track lighting systems and methods.

Abstract: Lighting systems and methods are described, including track lighting systems and methods.

Abstract: A child carrier (100) having a compartment (102) for housing one or more children. The child carrier may further include an attachment assembly (112) for removably attaching the child carrier to a shopping cart, the attachment assembly including a quick release assembly (114) for releasably coupling the child carrier to the shopping cart without tools. The child carrier may include a support system (104) for supporting the compartment upon a surface (106). The support system may include a plurality of wheels (108) adapted to fully support the child carrier upon the surface such that the child carrier can be moved upon the plurality of wheels as a separate unit from the shopping cart. The child carrier (100) may include a media system (200) for providing users information and entertainment.

Abstract: An improved synchronization system and method for copies of data in a computer system. The computer system comprises a cluster, wherein each computer in the cluster may store a local copy of a data set along with a validity flag for the local copy. The computer system further comprises a coupling system which is connected to each of the computers in the cluster through a coupling system interface program, wherein the coupling system is configured to coordinate the data sharing and workload of the cluster. The computer system also comprises an external data storage shared by the computers in the cluster. One of the computers may read a first copy of the data set from a primary data set on the external data storage. The computer may then store the first copy locally and set a first validity flag to indicate that the first copy is valid. Another computer, server, or application program may make a second copy of the primary data set and set a second validity flag to valid.

Abstract: Lighting systems and methods are described, including track lighting systems and methods.

Abstract: Lighting systems and methods are described, including track lighting systems and methods.

Abstract: Lighting systems and methods are described, including track lighting systems and methods.

Abstract: Lighting systems and methods are described, including track lighting systems and methods.

Abstract: An improved synchronization system and method for copies of data in a computer system. The computer system comprises a cluster, wherein each computer in the cluster may store a local copy of a data set along with a validity flag for the local copy. The computer system further comprises a coupling system which is connected to each of the computers in the cluster through a coupling system interface program, wherein the coupling system is configured to coordinate the data sharing and workload of the cluster. The computer system also comprises an external data storage shared by the computers in the cluster. One of the computers may read a first copy of the data set from a primary data set on the external data storage. The computer may then store the first copy locally and set a first validity flag to indicate that the first copy is valid. Another computer, server, or application program may make a second copy of the primary data set and set a second validity flag to valid.

Abstract: An improved synchronization system and method for copies of data in a computer system. The computer system comprises a cluster, wherein each computer in the cluster may store a local copy of a data set along with a validity flag for the local copy. The computer system further comprises a coupling system which is connected to each of the computers in the cluster through a coupling system interface program, wherein the coupling system is configured to coordinate the data sharing and workload of the cluster. The computer system also comprises an external data storage shared by the computers in the cluster. One of the computers may read a first copy of the data set from a primary data set on the external data storage. The computer may then store the first copy locally and set a first validity flag to indicate that the first copy is valid. Another computer, server, or application program may make a second copy of the primary data set and set a second validity flag to valid.

Abstract: A process module tuning method characterizes a process module by gathering data using a process condition measuring device to measure process outputs while inputs are excited. The data is used to identify a dynamic process model. The dynamic process model is then be used to determine process input settings that will produce desired outputs. For multi-zone process modules, the interactions between zones may be modeled.

Abstract: An improved synchronization system and method for copies of data in a computer system. The computer system comprises a cluster, wherein each computer in the cluster may store a local copy of a data set along with a validity flag for the local copy. The computer system further comprises a coupling system which is connected to each of the computers in the cluster through a coupling system interface program, wherein the coupling system is configured to coordinate the data sharing and workload of the cluster. The computer system also comprises an external data storage shared by the computers in the cluster. One of the computers may read a first copy of the data set from a primary data set on the external data storage. The computer may then store the first copy locally and set a first validity flag to indicate that the first copy is valid. Another computer, server, or application program may make a second copy of the primary data set and set a second validity flag to valid.

Abstract: A shopping trolley has a passenger compartment, and an entertainment system such as sound or sound and video providing device. In use a child may be placed inside the passenger compartment and entertained while an adult shops using the trolley to carry goods as well as the child.

Abstract: An improved method and system for logging transaction records in a computer system. The method may include writing a confirmation log record to the log file for a transaction that completes normally, and not writing a confirmation log record for transactions that are aborted. The log file may be unloaded periodically by an unload program. The unload program may write transaction log records accompanied by a confirmation log record to a good output file and transaction log records not accompanied by a confirmation log record to a suspended output file. On a subsequent execution, the unload program may combine the log records in the log file and the suspended file. The unload program may write transaction log records accompanied by a confirmation log record to a good output file. The unload program may write transaction log records not accompanied by a confirmation log record and which have not exceeded a transaction time limit to a suspended output file.