Abstract: A building electrical system provides electrical mounting plates which are embedded inside of building walls and covered by a finishing panel which electrically isolates the electrical mounting plate from the exposed surface of the finishing panel. The electrical mounting plates provide power to low voltage electrical fixtures such as motorized window coverings and allow the fixtures to be mounted and operated without external wiring.

Abstract: A building electrical system provides electrical mounting plates which are embedded inside of building walls. The electrical mounting plates provide power to low voltage electrical fixtures such as motorized window coverings and allow the fixtures to be mounted and operated without external wiring.

Abstract: A building electrical system provides electrical mounting plates which are embedded inside of building walls. The electrical mounting plates provide power to low voltage electrical fixtures such as motorized window coverings and allow the fixtures to be mounted and operated without external wiring.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling synchronous and asynchronous communications in an avionic network. The method includes receiving one or more asynchronous messages and one or more synchronous messages, allocating each of the synchronous messages to a corresponding predetermined time slot while producing an unoccupied portion in at least one of the predetermined time slots, and allocating the asynchronous messages to one or more of the unoccupied portions of the predetermined time slots.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for redundant switched communications among end users in a network. The apparatus includes an interface for coupling to a corresponding end user, a first channel for processing a communication from the end user, a second channel for processing the communication, and a multiplexer coupled to the interface and the first and second channels. The multiplexer selects at least one of the first and second channels to transmit the communication. The method includes receiving a data communication via first and second switches, each of the first and second switches having first and second channels, and routing the data communication through at least one of the first and second channels of the first and second switches.

Abstract: Discovery, maintenance, and representation of entities in a managed system environment are described. Apparatus described herein includes one or more agents that run on respective serves that are managed within a management system, and that generate discovery data in response to a discovery rule. The apparatus also includes a management server that is adapted to transmit the discovery rules for execution by the agent, and to receive the discovery data from the agent. Methods described herein include defining the rules for discovering data about an entity on the server, and receiving the discovery data in response to the rule being executed in an environment in which the entity is deployed. Several types of user interfaces for presenting the discovery data are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling synchronous and asynchronous communications in an avionic network. The method includes receiving one or more asynchronous messages and one or more synchronous messages, allocating each of the synchronous messages to a corresponding predetermined time slot while producing an unoccupied portion in at least one of the predetermined time slots, and allocating the asynchronous messages to one or more of the unoccupied portions of the predetermined time slots.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for redundant switched communications among end users in a network. The apparatus includes an interface for coupling to a corresponding end user, a first channel for processing a communication from the end user, a second channel for processing the communication, and a multiplexer coupled to the interface and the first and second channels. The multiplexer selects at least one of the first and second channels to transmit the communication. The method includes receiving a data communication via first and second switches, each of the first and second switches having first and second channels, and routing the data communication through at least one of the first and second channels of the first and second switches.

Abstract: Discovery, maintenance, and representation of entities in a managed system environment are described. Apparatus described herein includes one or more agents that run on respective serves that are managed within a management system, and that generate discovery data in response to a discovery rule. The apparatus also includes a management server that is adapted to transmit the discovery rules for execution by the agent, and to receive the discovery data from the agent. Methods described herein include defining the rules for discovering data about an entity on the server, and receiving the discovery data in response to the rule being executed in an environment in which the entity is deployed. Several types of user interfaces for presenting the discovery data are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playbook automation are described. In one aspect, a user selects operational knowledge associated with an application. The user associates one or more playbook-based tasks, playbook-based views, or playbook-based links with the operational knowledge. The playbook-based tasks, playbook-based views, and playbook-based links are for diagnosing, resolving, and/or verifying a problem associated with the application. The systems and methods generate an integrated management pack from the associated operational knowledge and at least one of the one or more playbook-based tasks, playbook-based views, or playbook-based links.

Abstract: A system and method for generating computer network topological and management information in a graphical user interface are provided. A management computer obtains a request to generate application topological and management information for two or more sites within a computer network. The management computer obtains site attribute information and processes the information to generate topological and management information. The resulting information is stored and formatted for generation on a graphical user interface. The topological and management information may be updated.

Abstract: A backshell for forming an electrical connection with a cabinet, the backshell including at least one electrical connector, a deflection arm coupled to one end of the backshell for engaging a cam on a cabinet which holds a receiving connector, and a fastener on the opposite end of the backshell from the deflection arm. The deflection arm provides a clamping force when the fastener is fully engaged, and helps form a strong mechanical connection.

Abstract: A backshell for forming an electrical connection with a cabinet, the backshell including at least one electrical connector, a deflection arm coupled to one end of the backshell for engaging a cam on a cabinet which holds a receiving connector, and a fastener on the opposite end of the backshell from the deflection arm. The deflection arm provides a clamping force when the fastener is fully engaged, and helps form a strong mechanical connection.

Abstract: An interface method and system for interfacing a DC unbalanced databus with a DC balanced databus suited for use in an aircraft. The system includes a DC unbalanced databus and a controller coupled to the DC unbalanced databus. An alternating DC unbalanced voltage differential signal is transmittable from the controller to a first transformer which is coupled to the controller. The alternating DC unbalanced voltage differential signal may be stepped-up and DC balanced by the first transformer to create a DC balanced voltage differential signal. A transmitter is coupled to the first transformer, where the transmitter comprises a high power differential voltage driver. The DC balanced voltage differential signal may be stepped up by the transmitter to a high drive current signal. A second transformer is coupled to the transmitter, and at least one DC balanced databus is coupled to the second transformer. A waveform shaping network may be coupled between the second transformer and DC balanced databus.

Abstract: The present invention is a backplane for printed circuit board modules. The backplane includes first and second redundant, signal transmission channels. Multiple pairs of substantially identical first and second connectors are mounted on the backplane. The first connector of each of the multiple pairs is connected to the first channel and the second connector is connected to the second channel. The first and second connectors each have a long dimension and a short dimension, and are positioned on the backplane with the first connector above the second connector and with the short dimensions of the first and second connectors being most proximate. Modules connected to the second connectors of are oriented substantially 180° opposite to the modules connected to the first connectors. This allows modules on the first channel to be quickly discerned from the modules of the second channel.

Abstract: A communications system capable of providing enhanced data integrity and reliability through redundant buses, and a network interface controller for use therewith. Redundant conductors conforming to well-known ethernet standards interconnect electronics components. Each component communicates with the conductors through a single network interface card (NIC). Each NIC comprises an ethernet compliant transceiver for each ethernet conductor in communication with the component. Microcontrollers embedded in each NIC synchronously and deterministically place data on the ethernet conductors according to a timing scheme stored in a non-volatile memory means. A heartbeat/power monitor is also provided to ensure that data cannot be transmitted in the event of a microcontroller failure. The communications system provides a high degree of redundancy and fault-tolerance and is therefore well-suited to critical applications in avionics communication.