Abstract: A lighting control system is operable to be coupled to a security system and is pre-programmed such that the control devices of the lighting control system behave out-of-box in a predetermined manner in response to the security system. The lighting control system comprises a contact closure input that is operable to be simultaneously coupled to both a momentary contact closure output and a maintained contact closure output of the security system. Preferably, the lighting control system enters a first mode of operation when the contact closure input detects a closure, enters a second mode of operation if the contact closure input continues to detect the closure after a predetermined amount of time, and enters a third mode of operation if the contact closure input no longer closed. Accordingly, the lighting control system is responsive to either the momentary contact closure output or the maintained contact closure output.

Abstract: A lighting control system having a plurality of control devices coupled to a communication link operates with a communication protocol that allows the system to expeditiously process high-priority events while operating communicate at a low enough baud rate to allow for a free-wiring topology of the communication link. The transmission of regular-priority messages is suspended if any of the control devices has a high-priority message to transmit. To signal that a control device has a high-priority message to transmit, each control device is operable to transmit a break character in a predetermined time period after the transmission of one of the digital messages. After the transmission of the break character, the transmission of the regular-priority messages on the communication link is suspended to allow the high-priority message to be transmitted quickly.

Abstract: The method of the present invention allows a first wireless control device that is operable to communicate on a predetermined one of a plurality of channels to establish communication with a second wireless control device that may be communicating on any of the plurality of channels. A beacon message is first transmitted repeatedly by the wireless control device on the predetermined channel. The second wireless control device listens for the beacon message for a predetermined amount of time on each of the plurality of channels. When the second control device receives the beacon message on the predetermined channel, the second control device begins communicating on the predetermined channel. The second wireless device may begin listening for the beacon message in response to powering up.

Abstract: An electric cooking assembly includes a main body portion that defines a cooking area. First and second cooking surfaces are contained within the cooking area. A first electric heating element arranged to provide heat to at least a portion of the first cooking surface, and a second electric heating element is arranged to heat at least a portion of the second cooking surface. The main body portion may include first and second hood members. The first hood member defines the cooking area and the second hood member is positioned at least partially within the cooking area and configured to decrease heat lost from the cooking assembly during preparation of food products in the cooking area. The second hood member is configured for adjustment between an open position providing access to the cooking surface and a closed position covering at least a portion of the cooking surface.

Abstract: A company project management system. The novel system includes a database server for providing multiple users with access to a project file, which includes a schedule for a project with a plurality of tasks and task dependencies, and a statusing system for concurrently obtaining performance updates from multiple users and updating the schedule in the project file with the performance updates in real time as the performance updates are obtained. In a preferred embodiment, the statusing system is adapted to control when tasks can be updated based on task dependencies such that updating for a task with dependencies is disabled unless the dependencies have been fulfilled. The statusing system may also include a tool for allowing a user to add a plurality of sub-tasks to a parent task and enter performance updates for the sub-tasks. The statusing system automatically updates the parent task based on the updates obtained for the sub-tasks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of assigning a unique device address to a remotely-located control device in a wireless lighting control system having a plurality of control devices. Each of the control devices is operable to couple to a source of power and to be assigned a unique device address. The method first comprises cycling power to the remotely-located control devices, i.e., interrupting and restoring power to the control devices. The control device transmits wirelessly a signal uniquely identifying the control device within a predetermined amount of time after the cycling of power. A list of unaddressed control devices that have recently been power cycled is generated. Each of the control devices on the list is then assigned and transmitted a unique device address.

Abstract: An electric cooking assembly includes a main body portion that defines a cooking area. First and second cooking surfaces are contained within the cooking area. A first electric heating element arranged to provide heat to at least a portion of the first cooking surface, and a second electric heating element is arranged to heat at least a portion of the second cooking surface. The main body portion may include first and second hood members. The first hood member defines the cooking area and the second hood member is positioned at least partially within the cooking area and configured to decrease heat lost from the cooking assembly during preparation of food products in the cooking area. The second hood member is configured for adjustment between an open position providing access to the cooking surface and a closed position covering at least a portion of the cooking surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of discovering a remotely-located control device in a wireless control system having a plurality of control devices. Each of the control devices of the control system has a unique serial number. A query message is first transmitted to the plurality of control devices. An acknowledgement message is transmitted from the first control device in response to the query message. The acknowledgement message is transmitted in a random transmission slot and contains a random data byte. The first control device is identified by the random transmission slot and the random data byte. The serial number of the first control device is requested, and transmitted from the first control device. At this time, the control device is operable to be assigned a unique device address.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence and level of microorganisms and/or chemicals in samples taken from generally any non-laboratory substance or environment. The method preferably comprises one or a combination of the steps of (a) prescreening for threshold levels of targeted microorganisms and/or (b) confirming the presence of targeted microorganisms or chemicals by mass spectrometry fingerprint analysis.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, kits, and apparatus for increasing the sensitivity of immunoassays performed on environmental samples by reducing sample matrix effects.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods for positioning and securing a window or door unit within a rough opening of a building or other structure. In one example, the assembly includes a jamb member and a jamb liner coupled with the jamb member. The jamb liner includes a retaining member sized and shaped to receive and engage a fastener at a plurality of locations therein. In another example, the retaining member includes at least one flange to engage the fastener and a groove to seat a fastener head.

Abstract: A window or door assembly including a jamb member and a jamb liner having a fastener opening coupled along the jamb member. A sash is moveably coupled along the jamb liner. The window or door assembly includes a structural filler coupled over a portion of the jamb liner, and the structural filler substantially conceals the fastener opening. The structural filler includes a flange sized and shaped to engage with the sash, and the flange substantially prevents movement of the sash over the structural filler. In one option, the flange extends along the structural filler and the sash. The structural filler further includes a contact surface engaged with the jamb liner and a projection rotatably coupled with the jamb liner, and the structural filler rotates in a first direction around the projection.

Abstract: A method of processing objects using a bilateral architecture. The method comprises the steps of: arranging a plurality of instruments around a bi-directional conveyance device, the instruments spaced at fixed pitch intervals along the conveyor device; assigning dedicated movers to each of the instruments, the dedicated movers for loading and unloading of the objects to and from the instruments and the conveyance device; and controlling the operation of the conveyance device to have an interrupted motion, the interrupted motion for co-ordinating the loading and unloading of the objects; wherein the dedicated movers are positioned such that adjacent movers operate independently of one another. The method can be operated on an automated robotic system having a modular architecture.

Abstract: A window drive mechanism includes a bracket and a cam slide moveably coupled to the bracket. In one option, the bracket is coupled to a window frame. An elongate arm is rotatably coupled to a sash substantially adjacent to a first end of the arm. In one option, the elongate arm is rotatably coupled to the bracket substantially adjacent to a second end of the arm. In another option, the elongate arm is moveably coupled to the cam slide between the first end and the second end. An actuator arm is coupled to the cam slide and operable to move the cam slide. A method for making a window assembly optionally includes providing a window frame and coupling a window drive mechanism to the window frame.

Abstract: A Postal Authority regulated e-Mail messaging application is provided over a public network to a plurality of mailers and addressees using authenticated transaction records. The application transmits at least one e-Mail message through at least one e-Mail account configured for a specific class of service. The application creates transaction records relevant to the specific class of service based upon details of completed transactions. Electronic postmarks are obtained to authenticate transaction records. Authenticated transaction records are sent to the mailer. A unique identifier of an electronic postmark is embedded in the e-Mail message. The e-Mail message incorporating the unique identifier is sent to at least one addressee. Authenticated e-Mail messages and transaction records are created and protected from undetectable modification.

Abstract: An impact resistant window assembly includes a bracket assembly that has a bracket portion with a first position and a second position. The bracket assembly is disposed within the window jamb assembly when the bracket portion is disposed in the first position, and the bracket portion disposed over a portion of the interior portion of the sash when the bracket portion is disposed in the second position.

Abstract: A wireless control system for lighting or the like has a central processor that receives commands from keypads and other control devices, and sends commands to dimmers and other controlled devices. The central processor also receives status reports from the dimmers and sends updates to the keypads, in order to ensure that displays on the keypads are up to date.

Abstract: A conveyor system for moving articles, such as microtiter plates and the like, includes an endless belt with dividing ribs spaced to accommodate and position the plates to be moved. The belt is driven by a servo motor.

Abstract: An articulating table can be easily adjusted by meeting participants, thereby suiting a wide range of meeting conditions without lifting, carrying or requiring specialized help. Rollers and/or electric motors make this transition easy. The articulating table includes two or more leaves coupled to each other by a large horizontal pivot. These leaves can be moved to different angles relative to each other, allowing for changes in configuration and capacity. The articulation can be accomplished using a rule joint, wherein the pivoting members are attached with offsets allowing the leaves to be placed in the same plane. The rule joint is divided into two or more parts, each attached to a leaf. These pivot parts are circular and have either a protrusion or depression concentric to their center, which fits into a corresponding part on the other member. This male/female arrangement provides a bearing surface and maintains alignment as the leaves pivot.