Abstract: A menu navigation engine that enables user configuration of a vortex flowmeter. The vortex flowmeter includes a memory device and a processor, among other hardware components. Software instructions stored on the memory device and executable by the processor implement the menu navigation engine by displaying use case identifiers on the user interface, receiving selections of use case identifiers via the user interface, generating a formatted hierarchical tree of vortex flowmeter configuration nodes associated with the selected use case, and displaying the generated tree on the user interface.

Abstract: System and method of securing a process control instrument of a process control system. An authorization server is configured to authenticate the process control instrument based on a unique secure code provided to the server in response to the process control instrument entering an enhanced secure mode as determined by a switch setting. In response to being authenticated in the enhanced secure mode, the process control instrument is configured to operate in a configuration state in which an authorized user is granted access to configure the security details of the process control instrument.

Abstract: Digital bridging of field devices to an industrial network using an Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer (Ethernet-APL) bridge device. The APL bridge device includes analog interfaces for current-driven and voltage-driven measurement devices and an Intrinsically Safe (IS) APL connection providing power to the bridge device and the measurement devices. The bridge device enables gateway functionality between field device protocols and industrial network protocols.

Abstract: An embedded device includes an Ethernet-APL interface through which to conduct communications and receive power over an Ethernet-APL network connection; an analog communication interface for establishing an analog connection with a field device/instrument; a memory; and a processor(s). The processor(s), in communication with the memory, is configured to: apply a firmware framework to implement a embedded platform without an operating system; and perform prioritized, multi-tasking of a plurality of run-to-complete tasks for monitoring and/or control of a plant or process according to the embedded platform. The tasks can include communications with at least one field device/instrument through analog connection via the analog communication interface. The communications include at least receiving measurement data from the at least one field device/instrument or outputting control data to the at least one field device/instrument. The embedded device can be a constrained edge device.

Abstract: An Intrinsically Safe (IS) Advanced Physical Layer (APL) based low power field device having a virtual controller implemented thereon. The virtual controller provides distributed control and one or more of historian, workstation, and HMI functionality on the field device.

Abstract: An Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer (Ethernet-APL) bridge system between an edge field device and an industrial network. The bridge system includes at least one Ethernet-APL switch and a plurality of redundant physical Ethernet-APL 10BaseT1L ports coupled to the at least one switch providing improved load distribution and high availability.

Abstract: A method is provided of configuring a field device for monitoring and/or controlling an operation(s) of a process or plant. The method includes conducting web-based communication between a networked computer device and the field device over an Ethernet-APL to allow the networked computer device to access and interact with a web page(s) or program(s) that is hosted on a web server running on the field device. The method also includes configuring at the field device an operation parameter(s) and/or setting(s) of the field device based on user input received across the Ethernet-APL by the field device from user interaction with the web page(s) or program(s) through the networked computer device.

Abstract: A method for automatic discovery of a Field Device during initial commissioning includes registering a Media Access Control (MAC) address of the Field Device with a Distributed Control System (DCS), and registering the Field Device with a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Server. An IP address may be assigned to the Field Device using the DHCP Server, and a DHCP client table may be polled using the DCS to recognize the MAC address of the Field Device. In response to the DCS recognizing the MAC address of the Field Device, the Field Device may be authenticated and authorized using the DCS.

Abstract: A menu navigation engine that enables user configuration of a vortex flowmeter. The vortex flowmeter includes a memory device and a processor, among other hardware components. Software instructions stored on the memory device and executable by the processor implement the menu navigation engine by displaying use case identifiers on the user interface, receiving selections of use case identifiers via the user interface, generating a formatted hierarchical tree of vortex flowmeter configuration nodes associated with the selected use case, and displaying the generated tree on the user interface.

Abstract: A menu navigation engine that enables user configuration of a vortex flowmeter. The vortex flowmeter includes a memory device and a processor, among other hardware components. Software instructions stored on the memory device and executable by the processor implement the menu navigation engine by displaying use case identifiers on the user interface, receiving selections of use case identifiers via the user interface, generating a formatted hierarchical tree of vortex flowmeter configuration nodes associated with the selected use case, and displaying the generated tree on the user interface.

Abstract: A crimper for managing the growth of a plant by controlling the position of a branch of the plant over the course of the plant's growth. The crimper includes a shaping tool and a growth control member. The shaping tool includes a gripping section and may also include a handle section, wherein the gripping section includes a first member and a second member, wherein the first member and the second member are curved in the same direction. The growth control member is arranged for placement about the branch of the plant, wherein actuation of the shaping tool causes the first member and the second member to squeeze the growth control member into a fixed curved shape about the branch of the plant.

Abstract: An ergonomic cutting tool configured to improve convenience and reduce pain and fatigue from repetitive cutting or trimming over an extended period of time. The tool includes a cutting component and a handle component joined to the cutting component, the handle component including a first handle and a second handle. The tool also includes a spring component coupled to the handle component and arranged to bias the handle component to an open position and a flexible member joined to an exterior surface of either of the first handle and the second handle to form a space therebetween, wherein the flexible member is arranged to enable removable retention of one or more of a user's fingers between the flexible member and the handle to which it is joined. An optional flip release section of the handle with the flexible member allows for expansion of the space therebetween.

Abstract: A system to improve plant growth including a building having an interior and an interior ceiling. The system also includes a series of tiered structures configured in a stepped manner within the building interior and a plurality of lights hung from the ceiling of the building in a stepped manner to mirror the stepped manner of the tiered structures. A series of shelves is positioned on the tiered structures and arranged to place a plurality of horticulture products thereon. The lighting may include solar cells and a solar recycling system associated with the lighting.

Abstract: An ergonomic harvesting bag is provided for attachment to a user's body via an adjustable strap around the waist and/or neck. It allows the user to comfortably trim in a reclined or standing position. The advantage of using the ergonomic harvesting bag is that the user does not need to reach with their arms or body to approach the work, or perform the task of trimming over a table or receptacle, or on the lap or floor because the receptacle is attached and close to the body. The ergonomic harvesting bag includes an upper section, a lower section, an opening and a cavity within which items of interest may be inserted, the adjustable strap coupled to the upper section of the harvesting bag and a filter mechanism removably positioned within the cavity of the harvesting bag.

Abstract: A menu navigation engine that enables user configuration of a vortex flowmeter. The vortex flowmeter includes a memory device and a processor, among other hardware components. Software instructions stored on the memory device and executable by the processor implement the menu navigation engine by displaying use case identifiers on the user interface, receiving selections of use case identifiers via the user interface, generating a formatted hierarchical tree of vortex flowmeter configuration nodes associated with the selected use case, and displaying the generated tree on the user interface.

Abstract: According to embodiments described in the specification, systems and methods are provided for natural language processing. A method in a server includes receiving, at the network interface device, an input for response from an electronic device, parsing the input to identify one or more entity data values and one or more relationship data values, populating a graph data structure with the identified entity data values, and the relationship data values, wherein the populating includes applying evaluation criteria-rating pair values, traversing the graph data structure to identify one or more problems indicated by the evaluation criteria-rating pair values, in response to the traversing, determining one or more changes to the graph data structure to satisfy one or more identified problems, if the determination is affirmative, populating a solution graph data structure that satisfies one or more identified problems, and transmitting, to the electronic device, a response to the input.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for facilitating secure payments to a payee. In accordance with the invention, a payee can enroll and/or register with a customized account processing center (CAPC). The CAPC can include payment information about the payee, such as the payee's account number and the payee's preferred payment format. When a payee is registered and elects payment via electronic funds transfer, the CAPC issues instructions to the bank to transfer funds from the payer's bank account to the payee's bank account which may be at the same bank or at a different bank. The CAPC can also create a detailed record of payment histories which are accessible to the payee. The CAPC also can send a notification to the payee when a payment is made.