Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a new and improved system and method for determining a weight rating for a surface road transporter by using a computing system and digital camera to identify various attributes of the transporter and then, based on those attributes, to determine a maximum allowable load limit for that transporter in a given jurisdiction. In addition, embodiments of the present invention may include a digital optical device and related software configured to scan and decipher a QR code printed on an “overweight” permit issued by a local jurisdiction, where the overweight permit authorizes a specific transporter to carry a load that exceeds its normal gross allowable weight by a specified amount or percentage. Embodiments of the present invention may incorporate the specified overage amount or percentage in its determination of the gross allowable weight rating for that transporter.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a communicating device (e.g., either a ground station server or a particular distributed module of a satellite communication system) mitigates congestion on a particular return communication path via an intermediate satellite from the plurality of distributed modules to the ground station server. In particular, in response to determining that the level of congestion is above a threshold, then the communication device mitigates the congestion by, e.g.

Abstract: A method of operating a diagnostic data collection device and a diagnostic data bus for an HVAC system are disclosed. In an embodiment, the diagnostic data collection device includes a diagnostic communication interface and a flexible interface module. The interface module measures electrical properties associated with an HVAC component. Electrical properties may include a sensor output and may include analog and digital signals. The diagnostic data collection device generates an exception message if the sensed property is out of specification. Evaluation rules are provided to detect various types of failures, including transient failures, steady state failures, and trending failures. The diagnostic data collection device self-calibrates by recording electrical properties during normal operation of the HVAC equipment. A plurality of diagnostic data collection devices may be coupled by a diagnostic data bug independent of the HVAC system's control bus, to ensure operational integrity of the diagnostic system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a ground station server of a satellite communication system mitigates congestion on a particular forward communication path via an intermediate satellite from the ground station server to a plurality of distributed modules. In particular, in response to determining that the level of congestion is above a threshold, then the ground station server mitigates the congestion by, e.g.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a communicating device (e.g., either a ground station server or a particular distributed module of a satellite communication system) mitigates congestion on a particular return communication path via an intermediate satellite from the plurality of distributed modules to the ground station server. In particular, in response to determining that the level of congestion is above a threshold, then the communication device mitigates the congestion by, e.g.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving network performance include automatically setting the activation state of a termination resistor of a network device. A network communications error rate and, optionally, the identity of the network nodes associated with the errors, is determined. The error rate is compared to threshold criteria. If the error rate exceeds a predetermined threshold, the activation state of the termination resistor is toggled. If no improvement to the error rate is detected, the termination resistor is reverted to its original activation state.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a communicating device (e.g., either a ground station server or a particular distributed module of a satellite communication system) mitigates congestion on a particular return communication path via an intermediate satellite from the plurality of distributed modules to the ground station server. In particular, in response to determining that the level of congestion is above a threshold, then the communication device mitigates the congestion by, e.g.

Abstract: A method of operating a diagnostic data collection device and a diagnostic data bus for an HVAC system are disclosed. In an embodiment, the diagnostic data collection device includes a diagnostic communication interface and a flexible interface module. The interface module measures electrical properties associated with an HVAC component. Electrical properties may include a sensor output and may include analog and digital signals. The diagnostic data collection device generates an exception message if the sensed property is out of specification. Evaluation rules are provided to detect various types of failures, including transient failures, steady state failures, and trending failures. The diagnostic data collection device self-calibrates by recording electrical properties during normal operation of the HVAC equipment. A plurality of diagnostic data collection devices may be coupled by a diagnostic data bug independent of the HVAC system's control bus, to ensure operational integrity of the diagnostic system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a communicating device (e.g., either a ground station server or a particular distributed module of a satellite communication system) mitigates congestion on a particular return communication path via an intermediate satellite from the plurality of distributed modules to the ground station server. In particular, in response to determining that the level of congestion is above a threshold, then the communication device mitigates the congestion by, e.g.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a ground station server of a satellite communication system mitigates congestion on a particular forward communication path via an intermediate satellite from the ground station server to a plurality of distributed modules. In particular, in response to determining that the level of congestion is above a threshold, then the ground station server mitigates the congestion by, e.g.

Abstract: A diagnostic data collection device and a diagnostic data bus are disclosed. In an embodiment, the diagnostic data collection device includes a diagnostic communication interface and a flexible interface module. The interface module is configurable to measure one or more electrical properties associated with an HVAC component, such as voltage, current, resistance. Electrical properties may include a sensor output and may include analog and digital signals. The diagnostic data collection device generates an exception message if the sensed property is out of specification. Evaluation rules are provided to detect various types of failures, including transient failures, steady state failures, and trending failures. The diagnostic data collection device self-calibrates by recording electrical properties during normal operation of the HVAC equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extending component life in a motor drive having a stator heating mode is disclosed. The current supplied to stator windings is cycled through a set of primary stator power transistors to increase the overall lifespan of the drive, thus preventing premature failure of the stator power transistors by splitting the workload between them, rather than having a single transistor supply the bulk of the stator heating current.

Abstract: A system to display a flag and a method of manufacturing the flag display system are described. The system includes an attachment member configured to affix the system to a structure horizontally, vertically, or at an angle in between. The system also includes a flag housing configured to house a flag, the flag housing being coupled to the attachment member, a roller member disposed in the flag housing, the flag being disposed to roll onto and off of the roller member to be stored or displayed, respectively, and a guide member coupled to the roller member at a first end in the flag housing, the guide member being configured to maintain alignment between the flag and the roller member when the flag is rolled onto and off of the roller member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving network performance include automatically setting the activation state of a termination resistor of a network device. A network communications error rate and, optionally, the identity of the network nodes associated with the errors, is determined. The error rate is compared to threshold criteria. If the error rate exceeds a predetermined threshold, the activation state of the termination resistor is toggled. If no improvement to the error rate is detected, the termination resistor is reverted to its original activation state.

Abstract: A system for exchanging messages between a business user and another messaging-capable device, and associated methods are presented. The system may include a business server, an application programming interface (“API”) and/or an SMS database. The business server may be configured to exchange messages with the business user and to obtain a public identifier for the business user to enable duplex message exchange between the business user and the messaging-capable device by either retrieving the public identifier or associating the business user with the messaging-capable device and a public identifier. The system may accommodate temporary events, such as emergencies, by associated a public identifier with a business user initiating the temporary event and one or more messaging-capable devices involved in the event.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extending component life in a motor drive having a stator heating mode is disclosed. The current supplied to stator windings is cycled through a set of primary stator power transistors to increase the overall lifespan of the drive, thus preventing premature failure of the stator power transistors by splitting the workload between them, rather than having a single transistor supply the bulk of the stator heating current.

Abstract: A system for exchanging messages between a business user and a mobile device, and methods for making and using the same. The system may include a business server, an application programming interface (“API”) and/or an SMS database. The business server may be configured to exchange messages with the business user and to obtain a public identifier for the business user to enable duplex message exchange between the business user and the mobile device by either retrieving the public identifier or associating the business user with the mobile device and a public identifier. The business user may be unambiguously determined according to the public identifier or a combination of the mobile device and the public identifier, which may enable the mobile device to direct a reply message to the business user that may be the sender of a direct message.

Abstract: A system to display a flag and a method of manufacturing the flag display system are described. The system includes an attachment member configured to affix the system to a structure horizontally, vertically, or at an angle in between. The system also includes a flag housing configured to house a flag, the flag housing being coupled to the attachment member, a roller member disposed in the flag housing, the flag being disposed to roll onto and off of the roller member to be stored or displayed, respectively, and a guide member coupled to the roller member at a first end in the flag housing, the guide member being configured to maintain alignment between the flag and the roller member when the flag is rolled onto and off of the roller member.

Abstract: One embodiment is a diagnostic method for a system including setting a first diagnostic code based upon a condition of a DC bus of a variable frequency drive during a first drive state, setting at least one additional diagnostic code based upon a condition of at least one motor phase current during a second drive state, outputting first diagnostic information indicating a malfunction of the variable frequency drive if the first diagnostic code indicates a first error, and outputting second diagnostic information indicating a malfunction of a motor or a connector coupling the motor and the drive if the at least one additional diagnostic code indicates a second error.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and diagnosing faults in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a remote server receiving data from sensors associated with the HVAC system. The data received includes measured sensor data, from both HVAC equipment and co-located sensors, and identifying criteria for identifying the piece of equipment associated with the sensor and/or identifying a location of the sensor, which may or may not be on or in the HVAC equipment. A probability that a fault exists and/or a likelihood of occurrence of a fault in one of the pieces of the equipment is calculated based on the data received, and an alert is generated in accordance with an analysis thereof, which may include comparison of the probability and/or likelihood with predetermined threshold(s).