Abstract: A network includes an appliance with a node on the network. The node has a unique software architecture that enables the node to expose its functionality to the network. A client has a driver to enable communication with the node so that the client can affect a cycle of operation in the appliance.

Abstract: A system comprising a memory heap generated dynamically by useful software and a data acquisition engine. The memory heap comprises a plurality of event structures, each including at least one each of pointers into memory external to the event structure, event operators, and arguments. The data acquisition engine is configured to look into the memory heap, evaluate event conditions as true or false based on the at least one each of the pointers, operators, and arguments, and generate a notification message when a true condition is found.

Abstract: A method for controlling a system of devices through a series of steps to perform a useful cycle of operation comprising the steps of running a control program for directing the operation of the devices through a series of steps; dynamically generating during the running of the control program a memory heap, the memory heap comprises a plurality of event structures each having condition parameters comprising at least one each of external memory pointers to the event structure, event operators, and arguments associated with an event; identifying event conditions that evaluate as true by looking into the memory heap of structures during the running of the control program and evaluating the condition parameters for the event structures; and generating a configurable notification message when a true condition is found.

Abstract: A data acquisition method comprising looking into a memory heap of event structures having condition parameters of at least one of memory pointers, event operators, and arguments; identifying event conditions that evaluate as true by evaluating the condition parameters for the even structures; and generating a notification message when a true condition is found.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for controlling a plurality of devices having at least two operating modes comprises a first software operating layer configured to control the operation of at least one of the devices in a first operational mode and a second software operating layer configured to control the operation of at least one of the devices in a second operational mode. In another embodiment, a control system for controlling a plurality of devices connected by a communications network comprises a user interface configured to receive the selection of a cycle of operation; a first system element isolated from the network and configured to implement the selected cycle of operation to define a first control state; and a second system element exposed to the network and configured to implement the selected cycle of operation to define a second control state.

Abstract: A method for treating waste fluids to remove selected chemicals such as minerals and metals wherein a bacterial culture that will attach to a selected chemical is transferred to a nutrient medium for a time period sufficient to produce satisfactory bacterial cell growth. The bacterial cells are then attached to a porous fiber webbing supported in a suitable container and the nutrient medium is then withdrawn from the container and waste fluid introduced into the container for a period of time sufficient to attach the chemical to the bacterial cells. The waste fluid is then removed from the container and the chemical separated from the fiber webbing.