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: A method for reducing a disparity between even and odd eye characteristics in recovered data includes: receiving an input serial data stream; performing independent data slicing of even and odd components in the serial data stream to generate corresponding even and odd discrete-time data samples, respectively; performing independent error slicing of even and odd components in the serial data stream to generate corresponding even and odd discrete-time error samples, respectively; deserializing the even and odd discrete-time data and error samples to generate the recovered data and recovered error, respectively; and controlling respective offsets for error slicing of the even and odd components independently so as to reduce the disparity between even and odd eye characteristics in the recovered data.

Abstract: A system and method which allow for uncapped bandwidth to internet users in a high density environment while ensuring a minimum ‘floor’ tier is retained using defined site bandwidth, defined default floor tier, unique algorithms for adjustments, and equal sharing distribution is described. The method includes the steps of: validating active devices for authentication; matching device with remotely and locally defined bandwidth floor tier; adding the device to a virtual pipe with the potential of a significant percentage of the total provisioned bandwidth; storing the virtual pipe within a container that ensures a minimum distribution of the defined floor tier; remaining bandwidth is distributed equally as needed to active devices in the container in real-time.

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: Techniques are disclosed for asynchronous calibration for eye diagram generation. For example, a method for calibrating a process for generating a data eye associated with a received signal comprises the following steps. Samples of the received signal are obtained for a first unit interval using a first data latch and a roaming latch. A delay offset is determined between the first data latch and the roaming latch by comparing at least one sample obtained using the first data latch and at least one sample obtained using the roaming latch, wherein the delay offset determined by the comparison is used to calibrate the process for generating the data eye associated with the received signal. A similar comparison may be done for a second data latch and used to calibrate the process. The method is able to find the accurate position of each data latch with respect to the roaming latch so as to improve the accuracy of data decoding in a digital receiver, i.e., provide receiver optimization.

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: A tracking/locating/paging system utilizes a “pre-established” local area network to determine essentially real-time information regarding one or more client devices within a closed communication environment (“pre-established” also considered as including an ad hoc network connection of devices deployed to serve a common interest). Particularly suited for arrangements such as an amusement park, college campus, shopping mall, etc., the service of the present invention utilizes conventional client devices and includes the ability to transmit an identification signal unique to each device. Various network access points distributed through the closed environment receive these unique identification signals and can therefore pinpoint the location of various client devices in real time. Accordingly, a paging function may be added to further enhance the communication aspects of the tracking and locating features of the present invention.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for asynchronous calibration for eye diagram generation. For example, a method for calibrating a process for generating a data eye associated with a received signal comprises the following steps. Samples of the received signal are obtained for a first unit interval using a first data latch and a roaming latch. A delay offset is determined between the first data latch and the roaming latch by comparing at least one sample obtained using the first data latch and at least one sample obtained using the roaming latch, wherein the delay offset determined by the comparison is used to calibrate the process for generating the data eye associated with the received signal. A similar comparison may be done for a second data latch and used to calibrate the process. The method is able to find the accurate position of each data latch with respect to the roaming latch so as to improve the accuracy of data decoding in a digital receiver, i.e., provide receiver optimization.

Abstract: A system and method for messaging and obtaining message acknowledgement on a limited-area network managed by a network management device connected to a wide-area network. The system allows messages to target individual end user devices and receive message acknowledgement from end users. The method allows the recipient of an individually targeted message to prevent service interruption or to be rewarded by acknowledging receipt of a message.

Abstract: A stethoscope protective-sleeve cartridge system of the invention includes a cartridge for mounting to a stethoscope, and for dispensing a protective sleeve into which a head of a stethoscope is placed. The cartridge includes a housing and a plurality of protective sleeves positioned in the housing. The housing defines an interior space and includes an opening through which the protective sleeves are drawn. Each sleeve includes a leading end, a trailing end, an interior, and an opening at a location between the leading and trailing ends. The stethoscope head is passed through the sleeve opening and into a portion of the interior of the sleeve.

Abstract: A retractor system and associated method are provided to manage soft tissue around a spinal surgical field. The system includes a hollow retractor with proximal and a distal apertures and an internal circumferential surface connecting the apertures, the surface and the apertures defining an operating volume and the area of the distal aperture defining an operating field. The system may further include other elements such as a handling tool to facilitate placement and removal of the retractor, a bone cutting tool, a trajectory control sleeve to guide the bone cutting tool, and/or an implantable bone plate upon which to position the retractor. A method for spinal surgery, particular from an anterior approach, includes positioning the retractor at a surgical site, and performing a medical procedure through the operating volume provided by the retractor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising: (i) a lipase; and (ii) a bleach catalyst that is capable of accepting an oxygen atom from a peroxyacid and transferring the oxygen atom to an oxidizeable substrate.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium for preventing denial of service attacks in a network, comprising counting a data packet generated by an address on the network and blocking access to the network of the address if the counted data packets exceeds a pre-defined threshold. In other embodiments, the counting may per performed per time unit, the blocking may be active for a pre-set interval, the address may be disabled, the address may be a media access control address, the counting could be performed at layer 2 or layer 1, the address may be identified upon connection to the network, the threshold may be based upon a number of computers utilizing the network, the defined threshold may be based upon a bandwidth of the network and the disinfecting may be done of the address exceeding the pre-defined threshold.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium for preventing denial of service attacks in a cellular network, that comprises, counting a data packet generated by an address on the cellular network and blocking access to the cellular network of the address if the counted data packets exceeds a pre-defined threshold.

Abstract: A slackless coupler assembly having a ball and race assembly provided in the coupler butt. The ball and race assembly comprises a ball member having a substantially spherical shape and a one piece race member which is formed integrally with at least a portion of the ball member in a manner so as to enable rotational movement of the ball member with respect to the one piece race member. The outer surface of the one piece race member has a shape which is capable of being placed within an aperture of a male connection member so as to enable rotational movement of the male connection member with respect to a female connection member. A telescoping spring is provided to maintain the coupler knuckle in a substantially vertical direction. A slackless coupler assembly of the present invention eliminates the need for expensive draft gears.

Abstract: A vacuum splint device for securely immobilizing an injured limb or other body part. The device includes a plurality of T-shaped straps for insertion through slots on the sleeve of the device. Each strap may be folded over the slots and back upon itself to fasten the end of the strap to the device. The sleeve of the device includes a plurality of particles that are initially separated by air to allow for the device to be flexible. Once placed on the injured body part, the air may be removed from the device using an intake/exhaust valve tube assembly to compress the particles together to form a substantially rigid sleeve. A filter on the valve tube assembly ensures that the particles remain within the sleeve. Once the air is removed from the device, a clamp may be used on the tube of the valve tube assembly to prevent any air from flowing into the tube. Upon removal of the device from the injured limb, the straps may be removed from the device for replacement or washing.

Abstract: The specification describes electrical assemblies comprising actively cooled components wherein a thermal interposer is used to limit heat transfer between the ambient and the cooled components. The thermal interposer is effective for transmitting signals for both power/ground and RF. Structurally, the thermal interposer comprises thin conductors in various configurations that convey electrical signals but significantly limit heat flow.

Abstract: The present invention increases the capacity and resistance to closure of the draft gear assembly wherein a portion of the lug supporting plates, usually the tapered plates, within the friction cushioning device is tapered or angled to increase the side force on the movable plates which increases the draft gear assembly's resistance to closure and increases the capacity of the draft gear assembly. Additionally or alternatively a tapered or angled top surface on the housing's third horizontal rib may be provided in the area that contacts or supports the bottom surfaces of the tapered plates. Providing a taper on the third horizontal lug which mates or cooperates with an angle on the bottom edge surface of the tapered plates increases the side force on the movable plates during the application of a buffing shock to the draft gear assembly.

Abstract: A device for providing self-lubrication to a slackless coupling system for a railway vehicle, specifically an articulated connector. The device comprises a self-lubricating member having a predetermined size and shape. The self-lubricating member is integrally formed from a non-stick material. The self-lubricating member has an inner surface and an outer surface, whereby such non-stick material will provide sufficient lubrication between the inner surface of the self-lubricating member, and a first surface of a spherical member coming in contact with the inner surface of the self-lubricating member, thereby allowing unrestricted movement of such spherical member there against, thus causing a reduction in L/V ratio when such self lubricating member is used in such coupling system.

Abstract: A vacuum splint device for securely immobilizing an injured limb or other body part. The device includes a plurality of T-shaped straps for insertion through slots on the sleeve of the device. Each strap may be folded over the slots and back upon itself to fasten the end of the strap to the device. The sleeve of the device includes a plurality of particles that are initially separated by air to allow for the device to be flexible. Once placed on the injured body part, the air may be removed from the device using an intake/exhaust valve tube assembly to compress the particles together to form a substantially rigid sleeve. A filter on the valve tube assembly ensures that the particles remain within the sleeve. Once the air is removed from the device, a clamp may be used on the tube of the valve tube assembly to prevent any air from flowing into the tube. Upon removal of the device from the injured limb, the straps may be removed from the device for replacement or washing.