Abstract: The present technique relates to the distribution of power and data signals throughout a networked system. For example, three-phase power may be conducted to a device over a set of conductors. One of the conductors, however, may be configured to conduct, in conjunction with a neutral conductor, both one phase of three-phase power as well as data signals in accordance with a predetermined data communications protocol. As an alternate example, the present technique may comprise a set of a first power conductors configured to conduct three-phase power and a secondary power conductor which works in conjunction with an auxiliary conductor to conduct power and data signals. Additionally, the present technique provides for the maintenance data communications and a level of power upon the interruption of three-phase power to a particular component or device.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for use with a system including networked resources where communication between resources is via a dual packet protocol wherein a first protocol includes a frame that specifies a destination device/resource and a data field and the second protocol specifies a final destination device/resource and includes a data field and where the second packets are encapsulated in the first protocol packet frames the method including the steps of specifying access control information for resources, for each first protocol packet transmitted on the network, intercepting the first protocol packet prior to the first protocol destination resource, examining at least a subset of the additional embedded packet information to identify at least one of the intermediate path resources and the final destination resource, identifying the access control information associated with the identified at least one of the intermediate path resources and the final destination resource and restrictin

Abstract: The present technique relates to the distribution of power and data signals throughout a networked system. For example, three-phase power may be conducted to a device over a set of conductors. One of the conductors, however, may be configured to conduct, in conjunction with a neutral conductor, both one phase of three-phase power as well as data signals in accordance with a predetermined data communications protocol. As an alternate example, the present technique may comprise a set of a first power conductors configured to conduct three-phase power and a secondary power conductor which works in conjunction with an auxiliary conductor to conduct power and data-signals. Additionally, the present technique provides for the maintenance data communications and a level of power upon the interruption of three-phase power to a particular component or device.

Abstract: A method and system for providing information related to a set of automated resources that may cooperate in an environment to perform an automated process, the method comprising the steps of associating a specific environment location with the automated process, determining the locations of resources with respect to the specific location and, where resources are proximate the specific location, providing information related to the automated process. Also a method for facility communication between distributed resources where location or an attribute akin thereto is used to tag data and to monitor network data for specific required data.

Abstract: A system that facilitates enhanced security with respect to an industrial automation environment comprises a legacy device that is existent within an industrial automation system and a central access authority that provides access rules to a proxy. The proxy receives an access request directed to the legacy device and determines whether the access request is permitted based at least in part upon characteristics of the access request and the access rules provided by the central access authority.

Abstract: The present technique relates to a power and data signal transfer assembly including a plurality of conductors. Through the transfer assembly, power and data signals may be distributed and transferred to a wide variety of devices and locations. Moreover, in one example, power and data signals may be carried over a power conductor working in conjunction with a further conductor. In a further example, the assembly may include advantageous features, such as circuit protection circuitry and LEDs.

Abstract: A technique is provided for defining a self-forming sleeve between a male shaft and a female or hollow shaft. The self-forming sleeve prevents wear and fretting at the interface between the male shaft and the hollow shaft while permitting torque to be transmitted through the interface. The self-forming sleeve may be made of a curable liquid, such as an adhesive or sealing compound. The sleeve material is applied either to the hollow bore, to the male shaft, or to both immediately prior to an assembly step. Following curing or bonding of the self-forming sleeve, the sleeve will not drain, flow or otherwise be extruded from the interface between the male shaft and hollow bore, providing continued operation with a minimal degree of wear and fretting at the interface. The self-forming sleeve allows the mating male and hollow shafts to be disassembled, after extensive periods of operation, without excessive force and without significant damage to shafts and connected machinery.

Abstract: A system that facilitates protecting an internal network from internal attacks comprises an entity that requests access to the internal network, wherein the internal network includes a plurality of items. A multi-layered security component determines that the entity is authorized to access the internal network, and restricts access of the entity to a subset of the items. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a switch can be employed to restrict access of the entity to a subset of the items.

Abstract: A technique for controlling a switching circuit, such as a relay, includes one or more sensing circuits that generate signals based upon the presence of an actuating object and upon a randomly applied strobe signal. The generated signals are sampled and are used as a basis for determining the state of an output signal. The sensing circuit may generate the signals based upon capacitive coupling with the actuating object. The randomization of the sampling provides enhanced immunity to periodic or cyclic noise. Where more than one sensing circuit is included, the output of the circuits may be considered together for determining the state of the output signal, such as based upon predetermined ranges of signal levels. Signals of the sensing circuit may be sampled in the absence of the strobe to provide an indication of the relative noise level. If the noise level is determined to be elevated, the output signal may not change states.

Abstract: Transmission of electrical signals can be conducted over a rail. The rail, which may be an at least partially open rail structure, may be disposed within an enclosure, and can be used to transmit data and power signals to an assembly of electrical components. A connector assembly may also be provided to facilitate the transmission of data and power signals between the components and the rail.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the components within each respective unit of the MCC are connected powered by a connector assembly that is directly engaged to secondary power and network data conductors disposed of within the enclosure. The connector assembly, if so desired, will maintain connection even upon disengagement of the unit from the main power supply. This service position can be employed to provide a safe environment for diagnostic testing and repair of the unit. In another embodiment, the secondary power and network data conductors may by carried over an open rail system. This embodiment provides a convenient means of quickly and easily engaging the secondary power and network data conductors to the unit. Another embodiment provides a method for placing the unit into a service position.

Abstract: The present technique relates to the distribution of power and data signals throughout a networked system. For example, three-phase power may be conducted to a device over a set of conductors. One of the conductors, however, may be configured to conduct, in conjunction with a neutral conductor, both one phase of three-phase power as well as data signals in accordance with a predetermined data communications protocol. As an alternate example, the present technique may comprise a set of a first power conductors configured to conduct three-phase power and a secondary power conductor which works in conjunction with an auxiliary conductor to conduct power and data signals. Additionally, the present technique provides for the maintenance data communications and a level of power upon the interruption of three-phase power to a particular component or device.

Abstract: A flight control system and method for controlling a circle-to-land (“CTL”) maneuver utilizes an airborne area navigator. The area navigator receives inputs on aircraft category, aircraft position and speed, airport navigation data and pilot supplied data. In response to this data, the area navigator calculates the necessary conditions for executing the CTL maneuver and outputs control commands to a flight director. The pilot then executes the CTL maneuver either manually using the information provided by the area navigator or by using the aircraft autopilot under the direction of the flight director.

Abstract: Precast concrete panels are laid end to end on the field sides and between the rails of a track to form a grade crossing. In one embodiment, the panels are screwed to wooden rails upon which they rest. In another embodiment, straps are used to bolt the ends of adjacent panels together to form an integrated unit of large size and mass which is resistant to movement. In making the panel, the top surface of the precast concrete panel is cast against the bottom surface of a mold having an insert therein which forms recesses on the top and end surfaces of each panel into which the strap is received to bolt the panels together.

Abstract: An extended nip press apparatus is disclosed for removing water from a web. The apparatus includes a rotatable backing roll and an elongate shoe which cooperate with the backing roll for defining therebetween an extended nip for the passage therethrough of the web. The shoe defines a concave surface. A bearing blanket is movably disposed between the backing roll and the concave surface. The arrangement is such that the web is supported by the blanket with the web being disposed between the blanket and the backing roll. A lubricant is supplied between the concave surface and the blanket such that the blanket is slidingly supported by the concave surface during passage of the blanket through the extended nip. The concave surface encompasses a pocket defined by the shoe.

Abstract: A mounting bracket is disclosed that is intended to be used, in conjunction with other identical mounting brackets, to facilitate the insertion and removal of certain printed circuit boards known as AT style cards into and out of passive backplane or motherboard slots in a computer housing, as well as to protect the AT style computer cards from damage while they are resident in the housing. The mounting bracket of the present invention is adaptable to fit an AT style card of any length, and is capable of providing close spacing between inserted cards.

Abstract: A lift system for individually elevating one or more harvesting units of a cotton harvester through a range of movement extending between an operational position and a raised position while maintaining other harvesting units in an operational position relative to the harvester. The lift system includes a source of actuating fluid, a fluid pressure actuator connected to each harvesting unit for elevating a respective harvesting unit, and a control system connected between the source of actuating fluid and each fluid pressure actuator for selectively controlling the elevation of the harvesting units relative to the chassis of the harvester. The control system includes ground sensors for individually maintaining the harvesting units in a preselected elevational position relative to the harvester.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for driving component parts such as harvesting units of a cotton harvester head assembly. The hydraulic drive system includes a source of actuating fluid and fluid pressure actuators for driving the harvesting units independently of each other. Suitable conduit structure connects each fluid pressure actuator to the source of actuating fluid. The conduit structure is preferably flexible to facilitate transverse positioning of the harvesting units on the head assembly. A control valve assembly is connected to the conduit structure and is operably interposed between the source of actuating fluid and the fluid pressure actuators for selectively interrupting and effectuating the supply of actuating fluid from the source of actuating fluid and each of the fluid pressure actuators thereby influencing operation of the harvesting units.

Abstract: An optical coupler is provided for connecting between optical fibers and electro-optical elements in optical communication systems. The coupler comprises one element consisting of a connector fiber within a support tube fixedly attached to the electro-optical elements at one end and optically polished at the other end. Connection between the connector fiber and an optical communication fiber is provided by means of a second element consisting of a dual diameter connector tube. The dual diameter tube slidingly engages the support tube at one end and the systems fiber at an opposite end to provided close optical proximity between the systems fiber and the connector fiber.

Abstract: Rapid interconnection between electro-optical elements and optical fibers is provided by a two-piece coupler. One element consists of a light conducting fiber within a rigid support tube which is secured both to the electro-optical element support and to the electro-optical element cap. The other element consists of a dual diameter connector tube which fits over the support tube at one end and accommodates an optical fiber at the other end. Insertion of the optical fiber within the connector tube provides close optical coupling between the electro-optical element and the optical fiber by means of the light conducting fiber within the support tube.