Abstract: A commercial refrigeration system has a control system which distributes intelligence to increase granularity of the control and simplify wiring, assembly and installation. Compressors of the refrigeration system each have a bus compatible compressor safety and control module including a processor and sensors. All control and safety modules communicate over a single power and communications line with the controller, providing digital transmissions to the controller of measurements taken by the sensors. The information provided may include that the compressor is outside of a specific safety parameter, so that the controller knows not only that a safety parameter has been traversed, but exactly which one. The control and safety modules are capable of executing commands from the controller to cycle the compressors. The control and safety modules preferably contain sufficient intelligence to continue system operation upon failure of the controller.

Abstract: An automatic turn signal monitor and warning device for use with a vehicle such as a motorcycle which requires manual deactivation of the turn signals. The device monitors turn signal activation which initiates a timer, and the timer activates a warning signal to remind the operator to deactivate the turn signal when the turn signal remains activated beyond an adjustable time interval after initiation. The warning signal can be produced by one or more audible, visual, or tactile mechanisms. The vehicle's hazard lights do not activate the device's timer, and the device's timer resets when the vehicle's brakes are applied. The device can be retrofitted onto an existing vehicle or included as original equipment when a vehicle is manufactured.

Abstract: Methods and devices utilizing operating system semaphores are described for managing access to limited-access resources by clients.

Abstract: Methods and devices utilizing operating system semaphores are described for managing access to limited-access resources by clients.

Abstract: A commercial refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, a valve, and an evaporator coil, all of which are in fluid communication. The refrigeration system further including a fixture adapted to be cooled by the evaporator coil, a system controller operable to control operation of the refrigeration system, and a subsystem controller in communication with the system controller. The subsystem controller being operable to monitor at least one parameter of a subsystem having at least one of the compressor, condenser, valve, and fixture, and being further operable to execute a command from the system controller to affect the operation of the subsystem.

Abstract: A commercial refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, a valve, and an evaporator coil, all of which are in fluid communication. The refrigeration system further including a fixture adapted to be cooled by the evaporator coil, a system controller operable to control operation of the refrigeration system, and a subsystem controller in communication with the system controller. The subsystem controller being operable to monitor at least one parameter of a subsystem having at least one of the compressor, condenser, valve, and fixture, and being further operable to execute a command from the system controller to affect the operation of the subsystem.

Abstract: A commercial refrigeration system has a control system which distributes intelligence to increase granularity of the control and simplify wiring, assembly and installation. Compressors of the refrigeration system each have a bus compatible compressor safety and control module including a processor and sensors. All control and safety modules communicate over a single power and communications line with the controller, providing digital transmissions to the controller of measurements taken by the sensors. The information provided may include that the compressor is outside of a specific safety parameter, so that the controller knows not only that a safety parameter has been traversed, but exactly which one. The control and safety modules are capable of executing commands from the controller to cycle the compressors. The control and safety modules preferably contain sufficient intelligence to continue system operation upon failure of the controller.

Abstract: A commercial refrigeration system has a control system (70) which distributes intelligence to increase granularity of the control and simplify wiring, assembly and installation. Compressors (14A-C) of the refrigeration system each have a bus compatible compressor safety and control module (48) including a processor and sensors. All control and safety modules (48) communicate over a single power and communications line (80) with the controller (70), providing digital transmissions to the controller of measurements taken by the sensors. The control and safety modules (48) are capable of executing commands from the controller (70) to cycle the compressors (14A-C). The control and safety modules (48) preferably contain sufficient intellignece to continue system operation upon failure of the controller (70). A compressor (14) is also disclosed which has an intelligent control and safety module.

Abstract: A commercial refrigeration system has a control system which distributes intelligence to increase granularity of the control and simplify wiring, assembly and installation. Compressors of the refrigeration system each have a bus compatible compressor safety and control module including a processor and sensors. All control and safety modules communicate over a single power and communications line with the controller, providing digital transmissions to the controller of measurements taken by the sensors. The information provided may include that the compressor is outside of a specific safety parameter, so that the controller knows not only that a safety parameter has been traversed, but exactly which one. The control and safety modules are capable of executing commands from the controller to cycle the compressors. The control and safety modules preferably contain sufficient intelligence to continue system operation upon failure of the controller.

Abstract: A commercial refrigeration system has a control system which distributes intelligence to increase granularity of the control and simplify wiring, assembly and installation. Compressors of the refrigeration system each have a bus compatible compressor safety and control module including a processor and sensors. All control and safety modules communicate over a single power and communications line with the controller, providing digital transmissions to the controller of measurements taken by the sensors. The information provided may include that the compressor is outside of a specific safety parameter, so that the controller knows not only that a safety parameter has been traversed, but exactly which one. The control and safety modules are capable of executing commands from the controller to cycle the compressors. The control and safety modules preferably contain sufficient intelligence to continue system operation upon failure of the controller.

Abstract: A commercial refrigeration network including refrigeration system units constructed and arranged for placement in strategic proximity to corresponding product cooling zones within the shopping arena of a food store, each refrigeration unit having a condensing unit rack configured to accommodate the maximum refrigeration loads of its associated zone with an optimum floor space footprint in the shopping arena, and the condensing unit rack including a plurality of multiplexed compressors, condenser and associated high side and low side refrigerant delivery and suction conduits operatively connected to evaporators for cooling the corresponding zone, and the network also including another cooling source remote from said modular refrigeration units and constructed and arranged for circulating a fluid coolant in heat exchange relationship with the condenser to obtain optimum condensing and efficiency of said evaporators in cooling the corresponding zone.

Abstract: A thread feeding device for use with multiple needles of a sewing machine wherein the thread feeding device includes an array of guide channels which have first openings at one end for receiving threads from supply spools and second openings at the remaining end for dispensing the threads to a sewing machine. A support plate provides a base for attachment of the guide channels above the sewing machine with the second openings oriented toward the user. The thread feeding device includes a strip of hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO.TM., spring element or other member for retaining ends of the threads exiting the second opening such that the threads remain accessible for ready grasp of the user. Also disclosed is a method of feeding thread to a sewing machine, including the step of affixing loose ends of the threads at the VELCRO.TM.