Abstract: Methods and systems are described managing module for remotely managing hardware of at least one of a plurality of distributed remote storage devices. A computer implemented method includes locally monitoring a system (including, for example, a core operating system) of the hardware, locally detecting an abnormal or unresponsive state of the system, generating a notice when the abnormal or unresponsive state is detected, delivering the notice to a remotely located central service, and automatically rebooting the hardware when the abnormal or unresponsive state is detected.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for remotely monitoring a plurality of distributed remote storage devices. An example computer implemented method includes locally collecting monitoring data for one of the plurality of distributed remote storage devices, and periodically sending at least one of an aggregate of the locally recorded monitoring data and a summary of the locally recorded monitoring data to a remote location. The remote location includes at least one of another one of the plurality of distributed remote storage devices, at least one central server, and a set of the plurality of distributed remote storage devices.

Abstract: A scalable and adaptive technique determines which particular software features should be installed in a device (such as a data collection device) without rebuilding the operating system of the device. The device stores a product configuration matrix (PCM) that provides identification information, including which software features should be installed in the device. A configuration control file (CCF) is externally stored at any suitable location, such as in a local file system or on a network. The CCF contains product configuration masks, identifications of external locations where software features can be obtained, and identifications of locations within the device where the software feature is to be loaded. During an installation process, the PCM is read from the device and compared with the product configuration mask in the CCF. When there is a match, the software features corresponding to the matching product configuration mask are obtained and loaded into the device.

Abstract: A method of handling a compound storage vessel (4) disposed in a cavity in a rack, the cavity having an upper and lower opening. The method includes introducing a lifting pin (15) into the cavity through the lower opening to urge the compound storage vessel upwards within the cavity. A lifting head (16) may be placed above the rack for receiving compound storage vessels.

Abstract: Automatic data collection devices such as barcode readers, RFID readers, magnetic stripe readers and the like may be tested using ADC device test executables, modules or processes stored at a variety of network locations. One or more sets of tests or work lists may be defined to facilitate testing. Tests may be identified by name and/or keyword. Keywords may be indicative one or more functionalities tested by the respective ADC device test module.

Abstract: Transmission of power and/or signal across a machine tool spindle shank is disclosed. Contacts (340) on the shank are connectable to tracks (24/22) on the spindle (210). A circuit (e.g. FIG. 15) is used to determine the orientation of the contacts relative to the tracks when the shank is inserted in an unknown orientation into the spindle.

Abstract: A method for creating a facies probability cube is disclosed. A S-grid containing facies is first created. The grid includes layers of cells and columns of cells. Vertical facies proportion data for the layers of cells is derived from sources such as well data, conceptual vertical geologic sections and graphs describing the proportion of facies found in each of the layers. Areal depocenter maps are created which have defined boundaries to create depocenter regions in which respective facies are likely to occur. Ideally, the boundaries for the depocenter regions for each of the facies are sequentially and independently defined. Horizontal or map facies proportion data are generated for the columns of cells preferably by filtering the depocenter regions so that the proportion of each of the facies ranges from a maximum value to a minimum value.

Abstract: A method for creating a reservoir facies model is disclosed. A S-grid is created which is representative of a subterranean region to be modeled. A training image is constructed which includes a number of facies. The training image captures facies geometry, associations and heterogeneity among the facies. A facies probability cube corresponding to the S-grid is derived from a geological interpretation of the facies distribution within the subterranean region. Finally, a geostatistical simulation, preferably a multiple-point simulation, is performed to create a reservoir facies model which utilizes the training image and facies probability cube and is conditioned to subsurface data and information. Ideally, the facies probability cube is created using an areal depocenter map of the facies which identifies probable locations of facies within the S-grid.

Abstract: Reconfiguration and/or upgrade of Automatic Data Collection (ADC) devices such as barcode readers, RFID readers and/or magnetic stripe readers is facilitated by performing adequate testing, prompt accurate analysis of the results of such testing, and prompt delivery of the analysis to those involved with the development of ADC device builds, associated components and/or functionality. The functionality of ADC devices and/or ADC device platforms is determined and appropriate tests are selected and provided to the ADC device and/or ADC device platform for execution. Results are received, analyzed and provided to appropriate users.

Abstract: A scalable and adaptive technique determines which particular software features should be installed in a device (such as a data collection device) without having to rebuild the operating system of the device. The device stores a product configuration matrix (PCM) that provides identification information, including which software features should be installed in the device. A configuration control file (CCF) is externally stored at any suitable location, such as in a local file system or on a network (wired or wireless). The CCF contains product configuration masks, identifications of external locations where software features can be obtained, and identifications of locations within the device where the software feature is to be loaded. During an installation process, the PCM is read from the device and compared with the product configuration mask in the CCF.

Abstract: A method and a pig feeder is described for mixing metered amounts of liquid and dry feed. Both are caused to migrate in a downward direction over a mixing region to a feeding region of a feeding trough. The liquid and dry feed are both dispensed from above the mixing region so as to fall onto the mixing region in a generally downward manner, and are delivered onto the mixing region in a predetermined dispersal pattern. The liquid is delivered on to the mixing region in a similar pattern, typically by means of a spray nozzle. The delivery of feed and water is animal activated, and the animal activation is inhibited at intervals so that the feeding cycle of the animals is controlled. To this end the intervals between inhibition and/or the duration of each inhibition is adjustable. The level of feed in the trough is sensed to prevent build up of uneated mixed feed in the trough.