Abstract: A fault-tolerant failsafe computer voting system including a first voting module that generates a first key based on a comparison between a first data packet and a copy of a second data packet. The first voting module determines whether the first key and a second key are valid keys. The second data packet is a copy of the first data packet. A second voting module generates the second key based on a comparison between the second data packet and a copy of the first data packet. A processing module generates an outgoing data packet based on the first data packet in response to determining whether the first key and the second key are valid keys. The first voting module is inhibited from generating the second key and the second voting module is inhibited from generating the first key.

Abstract: A system includes a first fail-safe chassis (FSC) receives module health signals from a plurality of modules and generates a first chassis health signal. The chassis health signal includes first and second portions. A plurality of modules receives the chassis health signal. The FSC determines whether one or more of the module heals signals indicates an associated module is unhealthy by comparing the module health signals and a predetermined health value. The FSC selectively de-asserts the first chassis health signal based on the comparison. A second FSC operates similarly. A safety relay box determines the health of the system in accordance with the first and second chassis health signals.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant failsafe computer voting system including a first voting module that generates a first key based on a comparison between a first data packet and a copy of a second data packet. The first voting module determines whether the first key and a second key are valid keys. The second data packet is a copy of the first data packet. A second voting module generates the second key based on a comparison between the second data packet and a copy of the first data packet. A processing module generates an outgoing data packet based on the first data packet in response to determining whether the first key and the second key are valid keys. The first voting module is inhibited from generating the second key and the second voting module is inhibited from generating the first key.

Abstract: A system includes a first fail-safe chassis (FSC) receives module health signals from a plurality of modules and generates a first chassis health signal. The chassis health signal includes first and second portions. A plurality of modules receives the chassis health signal. The FSC determines whether one or more of the module heals signals indicates an associated module is unhealthy by comparing the module health signals and a predetermined health value. The FSC selectively de-asserts the first chassis health signal based on the comparison. A second FSC operates similarly. A safety relay box determines the health of the system in accordance with the first and second chassis health signals.

Abstract: A system includes a safety relevant component that generates a data packet in response to receiving a request to perform a task and that communicates the data packet. The system further includes a first fail-safe chassis (FSC) that continuously generates a first and second chassis health signals, that determines whether the data packet is valid, and that selectively determines whether to de-assert the first and second chassis health signals based on the determination. The system also includes a second FSC that continuously generates a third a fourth chassis health signals, that determines whether a data packet is valid, and that selectively determines whether to de-assert the third and fourth chassis health signals based on the determination. The system includes a direct connect algorithm state machine that determines whether to instruct the one of the first and second FSCs to operate in a predetermined mode based on the chassis health signals.

Abstract: A system includes a safety relevant component that generates a data packet in response to receiving a request to perform a task and that communicates the data packet. The system further includes a first fail-safe chassis (FSC) that continuously generates a first and second chassis health signals, that determines whether the data packet is valid, and that selectively determines whether to de-assert the first and second chassis health signals based on the determination. The system also includes a second FSC that continuously generates a third a fourth chassis health signals, that determines whether a data packet is valid, and that selectively determines whether to de-assert the third and fourth chassis health signals based on the determination. The system includes a direct connect algorithm state machine that determines whether to instruct the one of the first and second FSCs to operate in a predetermined mode based on the chassis health signals.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting water leaks is disclosed. The method and device comprise an odorant in a water soluble barrier. The odorant and water soluble barrier can be contained in a housing and placed in a location where water leakage can occur. In the method and device described herein, leaking water dissolves the barrier and releases the odorant into the atmosphere thereby alerting persons to the presence of water as a result of a leak.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting water leaks is disclosed. The method and device comprise an odorant in a water soluble barrier. The odorant and water soluble barrier can be contained in a housing and placed in a location where water leakage can occur. In the method and device described herein, leaking water dissolves the barrier and releases the odorant into the atmosphere thereby alerting persons to the presence of water as a result of a leak.

Abstract: A mechanical user interface includes a supporting plate and a slider adapted to slide on the supporting plate. A position encoder is attached to the supporting plate to monitor movement of the slider. The position encoder provides an electrical output indicative of the position of the slider on the supporting plate. A sensor may also be provided to detect when the slider is at a zero position, thereby allowing absolute rather than relative, position data to be obtained. In a computerized film editing system, when the absolute position is less than a given threshold, the mechanical user interface may be used to advance film by a single frame. Otherwise the position may be translated to a frame per second rate.