Abstract: A programmable logic controller is provided having an interface having at least one input/output terminal configured for connection to a plurality of nodes within a control loop, a proportional-integral-derivative controller coupled to the input module, an analyzer block coupled to the proportional-integral-derivative controller and the output, the analyzer block configured to acquire data for the control loop and analyze the data directly on the programmable logic controller. A method and system for acquiring and analyzing control loop data is also provided.

Abstract: Operating a control system includes repeatedly transmitting a first interrupt to at least one interface unit by a first controller of a plurality of controllers, wherein the first interrupt is transmitted at a first frequency. A first response is received at the first controller from the at least one interface unit responsive to the first interrupt, and a second response is received at a second controller of the plurality of controllers from the at least one interface unit, wherein the second response is aperiodic with respect to the first frequency.

Abstract: Operating a control system includes repeatedly transmitting a first interrupt to at least one interface unit by a first controller of a plurality of controllers, wherein the first interrupt is transmitted at a first frequency. A first response is received at the first controller from the at least one interface unit responsive to the first interrupt, and a second response is received at a second controller of the plurality of controllers from the at least one interface unit, wherein the second response is aperiodic with respect to the first frequency.

Abstract: The invention features a method and apparatus for displaying the status of networked resources, including rendering in a fishbone layout a hierarchy that includes a plurality of resource profiles and a plurality of dependency relationships among resource profiles in the plurality of resource profiles, where the resource profiles represent networked resources. The invention also features a method and apparatus for displaying the status of networked resources, to include rendering fishbone layouts in a snowflake layout. Each fishbone layout features a hierarchy with resource profiles and dependency relationships among the resource profiles. The resource profiles represent networked resources. Hierarchies in the snowflake layout share a common root.

Abstract: A protective device for a mailbox or sign is discussed. The protective device has a main panel coupled to support pipes via a plurality of impact absorption mechanisms. The impact absorption mechanisms are t-bar shaped supports coupled to a back side of the main panel. The t-bar shaped support houses a spring at one end with a rod that has a stop slot and a stop screw. The protective device may also have an optional photoelectric cell light that illuminates a message, poster, sign, or any phrase.

Abstract: The invention features a method and apparatus for displaying the status of networked resources, including rendering in a fishbone layout a hierarchy that includes a plurality of resource profiles and a plurality of dependency relationships among resource profiles in the plurality of resource profiles, where the resource profiles represent networked resources. The invention also features a method and apparatus for displaying the status of networked resources, to include rendering fishbone layouts in a snowflake layout. Each fishbone layout features a hierarchy with resource profiles and dependency relationships among the resource profiles. The resource profiles represent networked resources. Hierarchies in the snowflake layout share a common root.

Abstract: A coin testing device having a substantially vertical coin chute with facility for testing coin size, central opening, topography and metal content while the coin is substantially traveling in free fall. Testing elements are located on the same side of the coin chute. The Hall effect is utilized to detect magnetic content.