Abstract: The present invention is a novel device, system, and method for runtime extension framework architecture for extending a system. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a runtime extension framework architecture may have an event manager for identifying and coordinating handling of events. The architecture may have two or more event handlers. Some event handlers may be dedicated to handling events associated with interfacing with an application program interface and some of the internal event handlers handle events as directed by the event manager.

Abstract: A method of sorting mail according to the invention includes the steps of receiving a plurality of first mail pieces of unknown origin in a first apparatus for bulk processing of the mail pieces, processing the mail pieces in the first apparatus by one of testing the mail pieces to determine if a potentially dangerous microorganism is present, sterilizing the mail pieces to destroy microorganisms on mail pieces, or both, and then if no contamination is detected or if sterilization is carried out, combining first the mail pieces at a later stage of postal processing with second mail pieces from senders identified as having a lesser risk of contamination than the first mail pieces of unknown origin. The invention further provides mail contaminant detection and sterilization systems suitable for use in such a method.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed to improve the ability of a machine vision system to distinguish desired features of a target by taking images of the target under different one or more lighting conditions and using image analysis to extract information of interest about the target. Ultraviolet light is used alone or in connection with direct on-axis and/or low angle lighting to highlight different features of the target. One or more filters disposed between the target and the camera help to filter out unwanted light from the one or more images taken by the camera. The images may be analyzed by conventional image analysis techniques and the results recorded or displayed on a computer display device.

Abstract: A method for optically detecting an electrical arc in a power supply. The method includes capturing light with a light pipe, transmitting the captured light along at least a portion of a length of the light pipe, optically detecting the transmitted light with a photodetector which is optically coupled to the light pipe, generating a signal indicative of an intensity of the detected light, and determining whether the detected light is associated with an electrical arc.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a system, which can comprise a bypass hub for an electrical meter. The bypass hub can comprise an electrically conductive blade comprising a first socket engageable end and a second socket engageable end. The electrically conductive blade can define a through-hole. The electrically conductive blade can be coupled to a shaft via at least one blade retainer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a load center comprising a basepan with fastener devices for securing bus bars, neutral bars, and a variety of other electrical components to the basepan. Each fastener device comprises a self aligning support post flush with two extending side walls and an arm with engaging lock. The self aligning support post and the two extending side walls are integrally formed where the self aligning support post projects away from the basepan first surface. The self aligning support post consists of at least one angled surface to facilitate assembly of the electrical component to the first surface of the basepan. The engaging lock has a first surface with an inclined angle with respect to the basepan and a second surface angled at zero degrees with respect to the basepan to facilitate securing the electrical component to basepan first surface.

Abstract: A method and occupancy-based control device in a trip unit of a main circuit breaker, with the circuit breaker coupled to an electrical distribution system including at least one feeder circuit breaker and a load circuit. The occupancy-based control device comprises an input device associated with the electrical distribution system and coupled to the trip unit. A selector is coupled to the trip unit and configured to select a first set of parameters and a second set of parameters, with each set of parameters defining a mode of operation of the trip unit. A means for selecting one of the first set of parameters and a second set of parameters in response to a signal from the input device is provided wherein, the trip unit operates based on the selected set of parameters.

Abstract: A system for selecting coil voltage in an electrical device comprises a housing and a coil in the housing having a plurality of windings. Each winding has a pair of pins. A slider supports a plurality of moveable contacts and is moveably mounted in the housing proximate the coil so that the plurality of moveable contacts selectively make or break electrical contact between the winding pins to select coil voltage.

Abstract: A system for selecting coil voltage in an electrical device comprises a housing and a coil in the housing having a plurality of windings. Each winding has a pair of pins. A slider supports a plurality of moveable contacts and is moveably mounted in the housing proximate the coil so that the plurality of moveable contacts selectively make or break electrical contact between the winding pins to select coil voltage.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system, method and computer program product are described for instantiating additional programmable logic controller (PLC) functionality. In accordance with one embodiment, an extension for a PLC may be identified and loaded into a memory space of the PLC. The loaded extension has an initialization interface that may be exposed to the PLC. When the initialization interface is invoked, functionality of the PLC may be passed to the extension as at least one parameter of the invoked initialization interface. The extension can then be initialized utilizing the passed functionality.

Abstract: A method of sorting and bundling mail for delivery to a plurality of delivery points includes sorting the mail pieces in one or more passes through an automated sorting machine using destination codes associated with the mail pieces that are scanned and stored by a computer so that the mail pieces are ordered such that a final sort to a plurality of locations using at least part of the destination codes will place the mail pieces in delivery order and transferring and feeding the mail pieces to a plurality of bundling machines as a singulated stream and sorting the mail pieces to the bundling machines so that mail pieces having the same destination code are sorted to the same machine where the mail pieces are bundled by destination code for delivery.

Abstract: A method and system for generating programming code and/or configuration data for programmable controller and the networks on which they operate is disclosed. In one embodiment, programming code is generated on a centralized server having a web-enabled engineering tool. The engineering tool operates on client devices that are in communication with the server over a network, such as the Internet. Preferably, the engineering tool runs in a browser application (or other network-interfacing-application) on the client device and a user generates the programming code on the server with the aid of the client device. By centralizing the engineering tool, which may contain a configuration editor and a configuration management tool having version management functionality, a new business paradigm for providing engineering tool services to customers having programmable controllers. In addition, new methods and tools for collaborative engineering of programming code are enabled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a load center comprising a basepan with a plurality of fastener devices for securing bus bars, neutral bars, and a variety of other electrical components to the basepan. Each fastener device comprises a self aligning support post and an arm with engaging lock affixed thereto. The self aligning support post projects away from the basepan first surface. The self aligning support post consists of a plurality of angled surfaces to facilitate assembly of the electrical component to the first surface of the basepan. The engaging lock has a first surface with an inclined angle with respect to the basepan and a second surface angled at zero degrees with respect to the basepan to facilitate securing the electrical component to basepan first surface. The fastening device may also include a swing snap and an angled arm for securing electrical components to basepan first surface.

Abstract: A conveyor stop assembly for stopping objects traveling along a conveying path includes a magnetically attractable stop member pivotally mounted for movement out of the conveying path when contacted by an object traveling along the conveying path and an electromagnet that generates an electromagnetic field that acts on the stop member to hold the stop member in the conveying path and stop an object traveling along the conveying path when the electromagnet is energized.

Abstract: A system and method for manipulating articles includes providing a bed having at least one conveying surface. The conveying surface is adapted to move articles in a direction of conveyance from an upstream end to a downstream end of the bed. At least one sensor is provided to determine the position of any articles on the bed. Selected articles are moved in the direction of conveyance at a speed that is generally higher than articles traveling on the bed that have yet to be manipulated and the articles are selectively rotated.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a computer-assisted method for specifying a customized product, the method comprising: responsive to a request for product information from a user, identifying the product; if a standard product corresponds to the identified product: automatically initiating transmission of at least one document related to the standard product to the user in real-time; and if no standard product corresponds to the identified product: electronically forwarding the request for product information to an engineering entity.

Abstract: A method and a current sensor for measuring a current in a conductor. The sensor comprises a non-magnetic, flexible core member having a first end and a second end. A locking head having a channel therethrough is coupled to the first end of the core member. A first sensor conductor winding layer is mounted on the core member. Wherein the second end releasably engages the locking thread in the channel and adjustably configures the core member to surround the conductor as the second end is moved through the channel. In another embodiment the current sensor includes a locking tang within the channel and a plurality of sought tooth members on a portion of the core member and configured to selectively engage the locking tang as the second end of the core member is moved through the channel.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments provide a method comprising automatically enforcing user compliance with a plurality of predetermined steps of a computer-assisted verification test of a safety feature for a machine system; inducing an error condition in the machine system; and collecting data regarding a response of the machine system to the error condition.

Abstract: A data mining system directed to industrial applications gathers data remotely from a plurality of industrial plants or sites and makes the gathered data available over a network to a user running a data mining application or on-line analytical process means to generate and, if desired, visualize results. Access to a service of this nature may be made available in connection with an on-line service, such as a website, that also provides access to industrial products and services. Subscribers to the on-line service, who may be charged a fee to subscribe, may be given an incentive to continue their subscription in the form of an offer of free or reduced-cost access to the above-described data mining system during their on-line service sessions.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method comprising receiving a connection request at a modem integral to a programmable logic controller, and allowing access to the programmable logic controller via the modem. At least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a method comprising establishing a connection between a calling device and a modem integral to a programmable logic controller, and allowing the calling device access to the programmable logic controller via the modem. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).