Abstract: A method includes receiving first data at a first I/O module from a second I/O module, where the first data defines a programmable device configuration. The method also includes configuring a programmable device in the first I/O module based on the first data, where the programmable device is associated with a first I/O channel of the first I/O module. The method further includes receiving second data at the first I/O module from the second I/O module, where the second data is associated with a second I/O channel of the second I/O module. In addition, the method includes synchronizing the first I/O channel with the second I/O channel based on the second data.

Abstract: A sample collection container adapted to be connected to, and disconnected from, a sample collection adapter and a sample collection container cap. The sample collection adapter has a downward sloping interior surface that provides a free-flowing path for samples provided by a subject to the sample collection container. The sample collection adapter may have a three-dimensional rim that is curved in two different non-parallel planes.

Abstract: A modular, electricity generating apparatus comprises an elongate, central member comprising a first end and a second end; at least one foil disposed about the central member in fluid interacting relation thereto; the first end and the second end dimensioned and configured to be connected to a connecting node; and, the elongate central member at least partially comprised of an electrically conductive material and configured to conduct electrical electricity from at least one of the connecting nodes to the other of the connecting nodes.

Abstract: A wind turbine and compressed gas storage system for producing electrical energy. A plurality of wind turbines is serially interconnected for staged compression to output high pressure compressed gas. Each wind turbine includes an upper head portion with two or more propellers, a gear box, a rudder and fin assembly, and a propeller feathering and braking system, all pivotally mounted on a lower storage tank portion. The storage tank portion houses a turbine compressor, and one or more internal tanks. Compressed gas, outputted from one or more of such lines, is directed into a reserve tank, comprising a plurality of concentric, scalloped, ring-like tanks, interconnected by pressure-actuated valves. Each tank is adapted for storing compressed gas at stepped pressures, varying from the highest pressure central tank to the lowest pressure outermost ring tank. Compressed gas from the outer ring tank drives one or more air turbines and respective electrical generators.

Abstract: A method includes receiving first data at a first I/O module from a second I/O module, where the first data defines a programmable device configuration. The method also includes configuring a programmable device in the first I/O module based on the first data, where the programmable device is associated with a first I/O channel of the first I/O module. The method further includes receiving second data at the first I/O module from the second I/O module, where the second data is associated with a second I/O channel of the second I/O module. In addition, the method includes synchronizing the first I/O channel with the second I/O channel based on the second data.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a first clock signal from a first clock source at a clock monitoring unit. The method also includes counting a first number of pulses in the first clock signal during a specified time period. The method further includes identifying a fault with the first clock source when the first number does not have an acceptable value. In addition, the method includes testing the clock monitoring unit by determining whether the clock monitoring unit identifies an artificial clock fault. The time period could be defined by receiving a second clock signal, counting a second number of pulses in the second clock signal, and signaling when the second number meets or exceeds a threshold value. In response to the identified fault with the first clock source, a second clock source could be used to provide a second clock signal.

Abstract: An Archimedean Modular/Multi-Axis Rotor (AMR) is a wind/fluid driven electrical generating device as described which utilizes a single foil rotor and appears in an elongated Archimedean curve tapering at its ends. A plurality of AMR's can be assembled in a multiplicity of tetrahedral or other 3-dimensional type structures that generate electric power. These structures would be manufactured to facilitate easy shipping, handling, assembly, erection and maintenance. The AMR is quiet (no prop buffeting), bird friendly, can accommodate any varying orientations to the wind/fluid direction and continues to operate even when in the direct shadow of adjacent AMR rotors.

Abstract: A wind turbine and compressed gas storage system for producing electrical energy. A plurality of wind turbines is serially interconnected for staged compression to output high pressure compressed gas. Each wind turbine includes an upper head portion with two or more propellers, a gear box, a rudder and fin assembly, and a propeller feathering and braking system, all pivotally mounted on a lower storage tank portion. The storage tank portion houses a turbine compressor, and one or more internal tanks. Compressed gas, outputted from one or more of such lines, is directed into a reserve tank, comprising a plurality of concentric, scalloped, ring-like tanks, interconnected by pressure-actuated valves. Each tank is adapted for storing compressed gas at stepped pressures, varying from the highest pressure central tank to the lowest pressure outermost ring tank. Compressed gas from the outer ring tank drives one or more air turbines and respective electrical generators.

Abstract: Methods, game entries, and systems are provided for allowing players to establish a social network for game play by transmitting play codes to additional players in order to increase the number of players participating in the game and link results between game entries to one another as well as to a future event.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a fuel preparation system. The feedstock preparation system includes an acoustic chamber configured to receive a fuel and at least one acoustic wave generator configured to generate acoustic waves to at least partially break up the fuel in the acoustic chamber.

Abstract: An industrial control configuration can be a dynamic entity where different controllers are added, are subtracted, fail, etc. When dynamic functions occur, bindings of the configuration can benefit from a modification. Therefore, automatic adjustment of bindings can occur to facilitated improved operation. Automatic adjustment can be practiced when the industrial control configuration is a distributed control configuration without reliance upon a central database.

Abstract: An industrial control configuration can be a dynamic entity where different controllers are added, are subtracted, fail, etc. When dynamic functions occur, bindings of the configuration can benefit from a modification. Therefore, automatic adjustment of bindings can occur to facilitate improved operation. Automatic adjustment can be practiced when the industrial control configuration is a distributed control configuration without reliance upon a central database.

Abstract: The invention provides (1) genes differentially expressed in animals administered fatty acid amides that affect one or more of food intake, satiety, lipid metabolism, and fat utilization and (2) compositions and methods relating to the use of the genes to identify new compounds that affect one or more of food intake, satiety, lipid metabolism, and fat utilization.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid delivery system having a first chamber, a second chamber and a third chamber; a flow-through pump element separating the first chamber from the second chamber; a moveable pump element separating the second chamber from the third chamber; a first outlet in communication with the third chamber; and second outlet in communication with the second chamber. Additionally, the present invention provides methods of operating a fluid delivery system having a first chamber, a second chamber and a delivery chamber by reducing the volume of the second chamber while increasing the volume of the delivery chamber without operation of a flow-through pump element that separates the second chamber from the first chamber.

Abstract: A structurally integrated modular system for energy recovery from vehicular traffic as further disclosed. The system comprises an “X” & “Y” axis horizontal array of Linear Electromagnetic Generators, (LEGs), in a close packed hexagonal or other shaped structural grid, as further disclosed. Each LEG is spring-less, using a high strength main core magnet, and a fixed lower magnet to repel the main core magnet at a designed coercive restoring force. The plurality of LEGs are contained within Modular Prefabricated Structural Sandwich Composite Panels, (MPSSCPs), designed to be placed upon a roadway surface, (whose upper surfaces are flexible and lower surfaces semi-rigid). The resultant energy recovery is thereby converted to electric power and heat. The MPSSCPs, and their accessory panels are thereby installed upon a roadway bearing surface to generate clean electric power and heat, which thaws ice and snow, when and where necessary.

Abstract: An integrated exercise workspace (100) comprises an exercise device (110), a work surface (120), and elbow supports (130a, 130b). The exercise device (110) is operable by a lower extremity of a user. The work surface (120) is supported at a work surface position (122) relative to the exercise device (110) and adapted to allow use of the work surface (120) by the user while operating the exercise device (110). The elbow supports (130a, 130b) are adapted to support elbows of the user at a support position (132a, 132b) to substantially isolate degrees of freedom with respect to hand movement from the elbows to hands of the user, so as to minimize movement of the user's hands due to movement of the lower extremity while operating the exercise device (110).

Abstract: The present embodiments are directed towards the cooling of a solvent of a gas treatment system using a fluid flow from an air separation unit. In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes an air separation unit. The air separation unit has an air inlet configured to receive an air flow, an oxygen outlet configured to output an oxygen flow, a nitrogen outlet configured to output a nitrogen flow and a cooling system configured to cool the air flow to enable separation of the air flow into the oxygen flow and the nitrogen flow, wherein the cooling system is configured to cool a first solvent of a first gas treatment system.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments allow executable graphical models, such as block diagram models, to be graphically partitioned for execution on concurrent computing resources. Embodiments allow model components to be grouped into subtasks that are affiliated with tasks associated with concurrent computing resources. Tasks and sub graphs can be mapped to concurrent computing resources according to characteristics, such as sample time, solver type, etc. Embodiments further allow mappings to be visually indicated to a user via various display techniques including color, text, icons, shading, grouping of identifiers, etc. Concurrently executing portions of a model allows model results to be obtained faster than can be obtained when models are executed on a single computing resource, such as a single processor.

Abstract: The specification discloses a portable shelter which is conveniently transportable, easy to set up, and structurally stable in a variety a situations. The portable shelter comprises a canopy which is supported by opposing side support structures connected by a lateral support member and canopy support beams. The portable shelter can be disassembled and/or folded for convenient transportation.