Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a system for controlling fluid systems and for remotely controlling fluid control devices. In some described embodiments, the system includes at least one fluid control device, a proportional valve driver coupled to the at least one fluid control device, a wireless network, and at least one user controller device coupled to the proportional valve driver through the wireless network. In some described embodiments, the proportional valve driver comprises a wireless transceiver, a proportional translation unit, and a parameter unit. The proportional valve driver comprises a wireless transceiver operable to establish a communication channel with a user controller, receive a request signal, transmit the request signal to a processor for deconstruction and execution, and transmit a response signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining a defibrillation treatment protocol in an external defibrillator whereby a user may override a CPR-first default protocol. The method includes following steps configured in a defibrillator controller of issuing an inquiry; waiting for a response to the inquiry for a set time; ordering a CPR treatment protocol if no response is received within the set time; analyzing a response; ordering a CPR treatment protocol upon receiving a non-affirmative response to the inquiry; and ordering a shock treatment protocol upon receiving an affirmative response to the inquiry. Upon selecting a shock treatment protocol, the defibrillator performs a shock analysis under the shock treatment protocol, and either orders a CPR treatment protocol if shock treatment is not indicated by the shock analysis or provides a defibrillation shock if shock treatment is indicated by the shock analysis. Queries may be presented to a user in visual, audible, or both visual and audible format.

Abstract: A control system for a refrigeration circuit having one or more working fluid refrigerant sensors capable of measuring the fluid energy value of the refrigerant along a low side of the refrigeration circuit and regulating the flow of refrigerant to the circuit low side through reference to expected refrigerant fluid energy values.

Abstract: A solenoid operated valve includes a valve block defining a valve lumen, a poppet slidably disposed within the valve lumen, a solenoid including a core defining a core lumen aligned with the valve lumen, and an armature assembly. The armature assembly includes an armature disc, an armature guide having a hollow cylindrical body defining an armature guide passage, and an armature stud disposed within the armature guide passage. The armature stud is in communication with the poppet so that axial movement of one is translated into axial movement of the other. The valve further includes a coil cover enclosing the solenoid, and a guard disposed to prevent contact between the armature assembly and an adjacent component of the valve. A method of assembling a solenoid operated valve includes placing a shim between the armature disc and the core, and pressurizing and energizing the valve.

Abstract: An actuation mechanism used in, for example, a missile assembly is disclosed, as are methods of its use. The actuation mechanism is locked in a first orientation and is unlocked in a second orientation. Locking and unlocking of the actuation mechanism is achieved by way of a locking mechanism that responds to a certain stimulus. In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism is incorporated into a sub-assembly of a missile to assist in controlling the missile's flight.

Abstract: In embodiments, an external medical device is intended to care for a patient. If it receives an input that signifies that ventilation artifact is present in a signal of the patient, it transmits a corrective signal responsive to the received input. In further embodiments, a patient signal is received, which is generated from a patient while the patient is or was receiving chest compressions at a frequency Fc, and also receiving ventilations at frequency Fv. At least one filter mechanism may be applied to the patient signal to substantially remove artifacts at a) frequency Fc, b) a higher harmonic of frequency Fc, and c) a third frequency substantially equaling frequency Fc plus or minus frequency Fv, while substantially passing other frequencies between them. As a result, the patient signal can be cleaner, for diagnosing the patient's state more accurately.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a multi-double block and bleed configuration in an orifice fitting to provide an additional barrier of protection between the pressurized flow stream and the environment outside the flowmeter. The multi-double block and bleed system includes a first pair of blocking valves located below a second pair of blocking valves. The multi-double block and bleed system further includes a first vent valve positioned between blocking valves of the first pair blocking valves, a second vent valve positioned between blocking valves of the second pair of blocking valves, and a third vent valve positioned between the first and second pairs of blocking valves. The pairs of blocking valves and the vent valves are arranged to provide double block and bleed during all phases of orifice plate installation and removal.

Abstract: Devices and techniques related to landfill gas extraction are disclosed. A technique for controlling extraction of landfill gas from a landfill through a gas extraction system is described. The method may include measuring a plurality of values indicating conditions associated with the landfill; computing, based at least in part on the plurality of values and on a model of the landfill, a predicted future state of the landfill; determining, based at least in part on the predicted future state of the landfill, one or more control parameters for one or more respective control devices configured to control operation of the gas extraction system; applying the one or more control parameters to the one or more respective control, and with the one or more control devices, controlling extraction of the landfill gas from the landfill based, at least in part, on the one or more respective control parameters.

Abstract: In many aspects, a system for a beverage dispenser can include smartcups and smartcup application management systems configured to validate and identify smartcups for dispensing a beverage. Identifying and validating the authenticity of smartcups as well as identifying registered consumers associated with smartcups may provide more secure beverage dispensers that may be placed in public with minimal oversight. Additionally, by identifying registered users associated with a registered smartcup and providing an individualized and streamlined consumer experience, consumer interactions can be improved with a beverage dispenser/provider and may lead to increased usage by consumers.

Abstract: An override board of a programmable logic controller includes a manual switch such as a push button for manual selection between a first “auto” mode where the output is controlled by the programmable logic controller, a second mode where the output is energized, and a third mode where the output is de-energized. The override board can be switched back to the “auto” mode electronically, without physically obtaining access to the controller and without moving the manual switch. The override clear signal is preferably provided on a power connection with the programmable logic controller and to a microprocessor on the override board which controls the output mode.

Abstract: According to one aspect, data identifying a component is received, wherein the component is part of a system associated with a wellhead. A location at which the component is positioned relative to one or more other components is identified. The useful remaining operational life of the component is predicted based on at least an operational parameter specific to the location, and the operational history of the component or one or more components equivalent thereto. According to another aspect, a model representing at least a portion of a proposed system associated with a wellhead is generated, the model comprising a plurality of objects, each of which has a proposed location and represents an existing component. The useful remaining operational life for each object is predicted based on an operational parameter at the corresponding proposed location, and data associated with the respective operational history of the existing component.

Abstract: A system and method to supply nitrogen gas is provided. Ambient air is compressed and stored in a storage receiver and then nitrogen is separated from the compressed air in a nitrogen membrane separation unit. The separated nitrogen is stored in a nitrogen storage tank under pressure and released through a pressure control valve. The system is confined to a small footprint and is useful as a nitrogen source where conventional compressed nitrogen tanks are a safety or space issue. Systems to prepare nitrogen infused beverages are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for ultrasonic flow metering of viscous fluids. In one embodiment, an ultrasonic flow metering system includes an ultrasonic flow meter, a flow conditioner, and a reducer. The ultrasonic flow meter includes a pair of ultrasonic transducers arranged to exchange ultrasonic signals through a fluid stream flowing between the transducers. The flow conditioner is disposed upstream of the ultrasonic flow meter. The reducer is disposed between the flow conditioner and the ultrasonic flow meter to reduce the cross sectional area of the fluid stream flowing from the flow conditioner to the ultrasonic flow meter.

Abstract: Techniques and devices for extending a piston, for example connected to a medical device such as a mechanical CPR device, to accommodate different sized patients, are described herein. In some cases, a piston of a mechanical CPR device may include an inner piston at least partially slidable into an external piston sleeve. In one aspect, an external piston spacer may be attached to an outward surface of the inner piston to extend the length of the piston. In another aspect an internal bayonet sleeve may contact one or more locking rods at various positions, enabling adjustment of the length of the inner piston. In yet another aspect, a piston adapter may be removably attached to the end of the piston. In all aspects, the change in length of the piston may be detected and used to modify movement of the piston, for example to more safely perform mechanical CPR.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (“HVAC”) controller has near field communication (“NFC”) capability and allows communications with an NFC-enabled PC, Tablet or Smartphone device, allowing initial configuration to be performed with or without building power being supplied to the controller. The NFC transmitted information is a subset of all the configuration settings, arranged in a particular order from most commonly changed to least commonly changed. After building power has been connected, firmware on the HVAC controller then combines the NFC transmitted initial configuration information with other stored or received configuration information so the HVAC controller properly communicates and carries out applications in the HVAC network and system.

Abstract: A skid for supporting a reciprocating pump assembly, the reciprocating pump assembly including a power end frame assembly having a pair of end plate segments and a plurality of middle plate segments disposed between the end plate segments. The end plate segments each have at least a pair of feet and the middle plate segments each having at least one foot. The skid includes a base and a plurality of pads extending from the base. At least a portion of the plurality of pads correspond to the end plate segment feet and at least another portion of the plurality of pads correspond to the at least one foot of each middle plate segment.

Abstract: Intelligent safety management for a battery is performed by applying a charging voltage to the battery, monitoring an actual charge level of the battery, determining a first charging voltage and a first charge level for the battery for charging the battery, and determining a second charging voltage and a second charge level for the battery that substantially reduces or eliminates a safety hazard associated with the battery. The second charging voltage is less than the first charging voltage and the second charge level is less than the first charge level. The applied charging voltage is limited so that the actual charge level of the battery does not exceed the second charge level.

Abstract: The combination of an electronic device and a security system therefor. The electronic device has a first component with an upper surface and a second component configured to be moved relative to the first component around a first axis. The security system has a holding system with a first holding assembly and at least one track assembly configured to guide translational movement of the first holding assembly in a path relative to the electronic device in a display position relative to a support at a display location. The at least one track assembly is secured to the support. The first holding assembly is guided from a starting position into a holding position. The first holding assembly in the holding position has a portion that resides over the upper surface of the first component adjacent to the first axis with the electronic device in the display position so as to engage the upper surface to thereby limit upward movement of the first component relative to the support.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in medical emergencies are disclosed herein. The systems and methods include receiving at a first UAV an indication of a medical emergency and coordinating with a second UAV based on the second UAV's capabilities. The first UAV determines if the capabilities of the second UAV complement the capabilities of the first UAV based on the indicated medical emergency. The disclosed systems and methods deploy both the first and second UAVs to the medical emergency if the capabilities of the second UAV complement those of the first UAV.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods in which a user can treat a patient or monitor a parameter of the patient or both may include a housing, a patient module located within the housing that is used for treating the patient, monitoring the patient or both, and a control panel. The control panel is attached to the housing and has a first surface and a second surface and is positionable between a first position and a second position with respect to the housing. The first position exposes a user to a first surface of the control panel and the second position exposes the user to a second surface of the control panel. A first set of user controls are located on one or the other of the first surface and the second surface and are structured to allow the user to interact with the patient module.