Abstract: A distributed process control equipment ownership arbitration system and method for arbitrating equipment ownership conflicts are disclosed. Individual control modules representing various process control entities within a process control system define a plurality of lists or queues for storing equipment arbitration information. Requests by one process control entity to acquire ownership over another process control entity are represented by an arbitration token that represents the ownership relationship sought by the acquiring process control entity. Copies of the arbitration token are communicated between the respective control modules and stored in the various arbitration queues defined by the control modules, depending on the status of the acquisition request.

Abstract: A modular, expandable, growing season augmentation system is described. The system can employ multi-purpose, modular panels to create a free-standing, adjustable shelf system that can be enclosed via an adjustable cover. The shelf system is designed to hold a growth medium in which plants can be nurtured. The system is modular so that a given panel can be employed in numerous roles. Further, the system can be expanded or reduced in size by simply attaching or removing panels and cover components. The cover can be adjusted to minimize the wasted space above the top of the growing plants and can be removed as desired. The cover includes access ports allowing access to the plants therein. Manual or automatic vents can be incorporated in the cover. The cover is supported by an adjustable and removable support structure that can be configured to hold grow lights and/or heating elements.

Abstract: A paperless coupon redemption system, consisting of manufacturers or distributors loading coupons into a database for use by consumers. Consumers being able to access an internet interface to view, find and select coupons, and redeem them at the point of sale with an issued PVC card containing a unique reference number. The point of sale terminals are equipped with a hardware or software module which facilities the interaction between the POS machines and coupon database. The hardware and software modules work by collecting the UPC codes of products to be purchased, and transmitting these to a server along with the customer reference number. The server returns the UPC codes of applicable coupons, which are then transmitted into the POS system.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are provided of apparatus and methods relating to antenna multiplexers and demultiplexers are disclosed. In exemplary embodiments, antenna multiplexers include two or more inputs for receiving a corresponding number of signals from multiple antennas. The antennas may include world cell antennas, AM/FM antennas, SDARS antennas, GPS antennas, and/or antennas combining the preceding. Exemplary antenna multiplexers also include an output for simultaneously outputting the combined signals received by the multiplexer. Demultiplexers for receiving such combined signals and outputting each signal via a separate output are also disclosed.

Abstract: Cabinets adapted for non-level garage floors and out-of-plumb garage walls with leveling controls operated from inside each cabinet. The cabinets have in common that they are attachable to a garage wall and each has at least one adjustment panel forming a part of the back of the cabinet. Each adjustment panel has a hand screw for extending behind the cabinet to engage the wall to provide back-to-front leveling and to prevent installation of fasteners, such as screws, from pulling the cabinet closer to the wall during installation. Each adjustment panel also has horizontal slots in a staggered arrangement in two horizontal rows for receiving fasteners. Floor-standing cabinets have feet that are adjustable from inside the cabinet. Wall-hanging cabinets have a top bracket that provides side-to-side leveling form inside. Floor-standing cabinets are modular and stackable, using an included adapter and door-handle coupler to enable stacked cabinet doors to open as one.

Abstract: A combination of interlocking primary, top, and bottom interlocking panels (or slats) and slat wall pegs, where the primary panels each have two horizontal spaced-apart slots positioned such that the spacing between slots on a panel and slots across a panel boundary is the same. The interlocking features conceal fasteners that are used proximate the interlock, providing an improved appearance. The top panels attach by spring clips for manual installation and removal. The bottom panels fasten to the wall. Attachment flanges on primary and bottom panels have a groove for fastener alignment. The pegs have resilient arcuate bases with a top flange for engaging a flange channel in the top of a slot and a bottom flange for engaging a floor and back wall of a lower slot. Pegs may be slotted for ease of storage.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to manage testing of a process control system are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes generating a test application from a process control routine, the test application including at least one test that is to be performed within a time period, monitoring an operation of the process control routine, determining if the operation of the process control routine during the time period includes an execution of a portion of the process control routine that is substantially similar to the at least one test, and updating the test application by indicating that the at least one test has been performed within the time period.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to adjust control loop timing in a process control system are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving a first input signal generated via a first process control device within a process control system, determining within the process control system if the first input signal is received during a first scheduled time period of a control loop, and adjusting within the process control system a timing of a subsequent input signal received from the first process control device to cause the subsequent input signal to be received during a subsequent scheduled time period of the control loop, wherein the timing of the subsequent input signal is based on at least when the first input signal was received.

Abstract: Sensor devices and sensing methods are provided. A sensor device is provided two flow channels, each comprising a sensor, and analyte flow is alternated between the two channels such that the sensors alternately serve as a sensor and a reference, thereby increasing accuracy of the sensors. The device is useful, for example, in chemical sensing using a variety of sensor types including without limitation: chemiresistors, gravimetric sensors, optical sensors, among others. Related sensing methods also are provided.

Abstract: The claimed system provides an I/O card that is used to interface two process controllers over a communication line that is separate from a primary communication line connecting the two process controllers to a workstation. The process controllers can access the I/O cards in a similar manner to I/O cards used to connect to field devices. In this manner, the physical hardware and software architecture does not need to be modified for inter-controller communications. Inter-controller communications can be programmed as general I/O communication.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to conceal portions of a visual object diagram in a process control system are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving a selection to conceal a first functional block within a visual object diagram, wherein the first functional block is associated with a first view parameter, determining a link from a process control parameter within the first functional block to a first intersection within a second functional block within the visual object diagram, wherein the link is associated with a second view parameter, coupling the first view parameter and the second view parameter to the first intersection, and concealing the link and the first functional block.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are provided of apparatus and methods relating to antenna multiplexers and demultiplexers are disclosed. In exemplary embodiments, antenna multiplexers include two or more inputs for receiving a corresponding number of signals from multiple antennas. The antennas may include world cell antennas, AM/FM antennas, SDARS antennas, GPS antennas, and/or antennas combining the preceding. Exemplary antenna multiplexers also include an output for simultaneously outputting the combined signals received by the multiplexer. Demultiplexers for receiving such combined signals and outputting each signal via a separate output are also disclosed.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to configure a process control system using an electronic description language (EDL) script are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises loading a first script representative of a process plant, the first script comprising an interpretive system-level script structured in accordance with an electronic description language, and compiling the first script to form a second script, the second script structured in accordance with a vendor-specific configuration language associated with a particular process control system for the process plant.

Abstract: Example removable security modules for use with process control devices and related methods are disclosed. An example removable security module includes a body configured to be removably coupled to the process control device and a memory disposed in the body with a shared secret stored in the memory. The example removable security module also includes a processing unit disposed in the body, coupled to the memory and configured to read information from the process control device, compare the information to the shared secret and authenticate the process control device based on the comparison.

Abstract: Example apparatus and methods to communicatively couple field devices to controllers in a process control system are disclosed. An example method of changing a communication protocol of a first field device in a process control system includes decoupling from the first field device a first removable communication module configured to communicate using a first communication protocol. The example method also includes coupling to the first field device a second removable communication module configured to communicate using a second communication protocol. After coupling the second removable communication module, the first field device is configured to communicate using the second communication protocol.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to configure process control system inputs and outputs are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises obtaining a tag of a process control device from the input/output device, and associating the process control device with a process control module based on the obtained tag.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture related to safety relays having independently testable relay contacts are disclosed. In one disclosed example, a safety relay includes a plurality of relay coils, each of which is coupled in parallel to a first node via a respective one of a plurality of switches. The disclosed example also includes and a plurality of relay contacts, each of which corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of relay coils. The relay contacts of the safety relay are coupled in series and independently controllable by respective ones of the switches.

Abstract: A method of enlarging a ring. A ring to be enlarged is severed, preferably with an end mill, and then expanded. The end mill will preferably cut a circular section from the ring, so that the ends of the now severed ring are concave. A plurality of preformed bars are also provided. The bars will have curved ends that match the curvature of the ring ends. The curvature of the bars and the ring will also match. The width of the various bars, between the ends, will be selected to correspond to desired increases in the ring circumference. A cross-sectional slice will be cut from a bar of the appropriate width and inserted into the severed ring. The ring and the cross-section will then be joined together, preferably with an induction welder, which can be used to quickly heat only a limited portion of the ring and insert.

Abstract: A fuse block which provides for holding a plurality of fuses in parallel in order to reduce fuse block size and to maximize the surface area of electrical contact in order to reduce electrical resistance in the electrical contact. The block holds the fuse electrical contacts clamped in trapezoidal cavities in terminals. A fuse block, comprising a first multi-fuse coupler to electrically and mechanically couple with one first electrical contact of each of a plurality of fuses, in a first single tightening operation; a second multi-fuse coupler to electrically and mechanically couple with one second electrical contact of each of such plurality of fuses, in a second single tightening operation; and a base sized, shaped, and arranged to maintain said a first multi-fuse coupler and said a second multi-fuse coupler in opposing, aligned, and spaced-apart relationship.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of formula (I): pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, processes for preparing the same and their use as pharmaceutical agents.