Abstract: A method for providing decision support includes using a programmed computer to input a regression model specification, and to repeat the input a plurality of times to obtain and store a plurality of regression model specifications. The method further includes using the programmed computer to analyze selected regression model specifications to determine at least one of common variables and functions of common variables, to thereby determine a reduced-redundancy request for input of variables, when a plurality of the stored regression model specifications are selected for use.

Abstract: A file system is disclosed that includes an application wide name space used for accessing objects related to an application. The file system includes one or more appliances. Each of the appliances logically define a storage cluster, for instance, a cluster file system. The file system also includes a tenant that logically spans across the one or more appliances. The file system also includes one or more physical file systems arranged within each of the one or more appliances. Further, one or more bucket sets define one or more corresponding physical file systems of a corresponding appliance for the tenant. The system also includes an application wide object name space that is used for accessing objects of an application, wherein the objects are stored in the physical file systems by bucket set across the one or more appliances in association with the tenant.

Abstract: A file system is disclosed that includes an application wide name space instantiated in a global index (Gindex) that is used for accessing objects related to an application. Summary workload statistics are monitored and calculated via a calibrated hierarchical service level agreement (SLA) in a method of operation that includes: establishing a tenant wide name space used for accessing objects of an application stored in physical file systems across one or more appliances, each defining a storage cluster, in association with a tenant logically spanning across the appliances; and monitoring a performance statistic for the application across the tenant.

Abstract: A file system is disclosed that includes an application wide name space instantiated in a global index (Gindex) that is used for accessing objects related to an application. Using the Gindex, a method for cache coherency includes establishing one or more appliances, each defining a storage cluster; establishing one or more tenants spanning across appliances, wherein an application stores objects in file systems associated with the appliances and tenants; establishing a Gindex including metadata relating to objects stored in association with the application; replicating the Gindex to plurality of data centers supporting the tenants; storing an original object at a first data center; storing a cached copy of the object at a second data center; aligning the cached copy using metadata for the object from a local copy of the Gindex.

Abstract: An inertial sensor includes driving piezoelectric transducers for enabling an oscillation of a resonator, sensing piezoelectric transducers for enabling a detection of a movement of the inertial sensor, and piezoelectric compensating elements substantially equidistantly among the driving and the sensing piezoelectric transducers, wherein the compensating elements and the resonator form corresponding capacitors having capacitive gaps, and wherein, during the oscillation of the resonator, changes in electrostatic charges stored in the capacitors are measured with the compensating elements and are modified so as to modify the oscillation of the resonator.

Abstract: An armrest assembly is provided for adjusting an armrest of a seating unit in three degrees of motion. The armrest assembly includes an angle-adjustment mechanism that allows the armrest to pivot and to translate forward, and a lift mechanism that enables vertical articulation of the armrest. The angle-adjustment assembly includes a pivot bracket with a downwardly disposed pin and a shuttle with an arcuate slot to receive the pin. The arcuate slot includes contoured walls that form detents for restricting movement of the pin, thereby restraining rotation of the shuttle, with respect to the pivot bracket, to predefined angular positions. The lift mechanism includes a rack with ride element(s) extending therefrom and locking teeth, and a control bar with track(s). An upward manual actuation of the control bar causes the track to shift laterally and retract the locking teeth, via interaction between the track(s) and ride element(s), respectively.

Abstract: A visualization system utilizing preconfigured process problem solution models and graphical solution objects to create operator implemented solutions to process problems. The visualization system provides for collecting and sharing the intelligence and experience of the operator in addition to the process data associated with the solution. The operator can include both operator movements around the process and equipment and voice commentary in the solution.

Abstract: A heat sink structure formed out of mechanisms which may include petals and stems, and which may be characterized by configurations which include rosettes and umbels. Each heat sink structure being generally comprised of multiple petals and one or more stems which are capable of interlocking with each other through use of various mechanical connector elements, which may include fin, claw and ball features. Each petal typically having a plurality of fins, claws and balls, intended to create hinge-like properties for maximizing the number and types of heat sinks which may be expressed. Advantageously, a plurality of expandable, connectable and adjustable heat sinks may be formed to optimize heat dispersion and allow for a plurality of lighting sources to be accommodated as desired.

Abstract: A system evaluates image quality in an image generating system. The system includes a test pattern generator configured to generate an image with an image generating system, an image capture device configured to generate a digital signal corresponding to the generated test pattern, an image evaluator configured to process the digital signal to detect and correct anomalies detected in the generated test pattern, a plurality of calibration tools, each calibration tool being comprised of at least one test pattern, at least one set of detection criteria, and at least one set of anomaly correction parameters, and a controller configured to select the calibration tools for operation of the test pattern generator and the image evaluator in accordance with a predetermined sequence that attenuates changes arising from application of correction parameters of one calibration tool upon a later selected calibration tool.

Abstract: An Application Media Package is a software component for accessing and displaying Internet content which includes a definition for rendering a graphical user interface and a URL pointing to Internet content to be downloaded and presented within said user interface. An Application Media Viewer may be used in association with an Application Media Package to manage the collection, organization, sharing, and rendering of a plurality of such Packages. A development server supports the community of Application Media Package developers, providing developer tools, including Package templates which provide an expedient method of re-purposing existing internet media into a new presentation package by choosing from existing examples. Access to tools and information may be controlled at the development server. The development server may also provide a development and test zone for Package verification, authentication and acceptance before posting.

Abstract: A communications system for an alarm panel including: an alarm panel adaptor in operable communication with the alarm panel generating analog alarm signals; a first powerline communications device in operable communication with a the alarm panel adaptor converting the analog alarm signals to powerline alarm signals; a second powerline communications device receiving the powerline alarm signals over an electrical grid and converting the powerline alarm signals to internet protocol alarm signals; and a broadband connection in operable communication with the second powerline communications device for transmitting the internet protocol alarm signals to a remote central control station.

Abstract: A system evaluates image quality in an image generating system in a manner that accounts for the interaction of the calibration tools used to evaluate and correct image quality in the image generating system.

Abstract: A visualization system integrated with an enterprise manufacturing intelligence (EMI) system utilizing preconfigured EMI data models, workflow reports and process event notifications to optimize a manufacturing process. The visualization system and the EMI system exchange data and information providing both systems with a broader process view than either system has independently. The visualization system can specifically target information and action requests to different classes of manufacturing personnel such as operators and engineers. Additionally, the visualization system maintains an audit log of all production identities, raw material usage, and requested corrective actions.

Abstract: A guidance system of an industrial process captures process parameter data that is correlated with a human-machine interface (HMI) in order to learn how an experienced operator selects visualizations of key performance indicators (KPI) in order to take a corrective action to address an abnormal or non-optimal performance condition. Such solution learning can be invoked to recognize onset of another similar occurrence and responding by suggesting visualizations utilized by the experienced operator to diagnose the problem. Analytics can further determine which visualizations provided useful information relative to the problem. In addition, the corrective action can be suggested or automatically implemented.

Abstract: An improved hand tool for dispensing plastic fasteners having a novel anvil design that reduces inadvertent user needle sticks during operation of the hand tool and a needle having a novel casing that further reduces inadvertent user needle sticks during the replacement of the hand tool needle. The hand tool has a gun shaped casing with a barrel portion and a handle portion. The casing has a needle assembly opening at the front of the barrel portion and a trigger slot at the front of the handle portion. The hand tool further has a hollow needle disposed on one end of a needle assembly. The needle assembly is slidably movable back and forth between a retracted position disposed substantially within casing and an extend position disposed substantially out of the casing through the needle assembly opening. The hand tool further has a trigger that is pivotally mounted within the casing that extends out from the trigger slot.

Abstract: A system and method for producing material characteristics are described. A magnetic treatment chamber (14) with a high magnetic field treats workpieces; and a conveyor or transporter (26) continuously moves the workpieces (22) through the high magnetic field in the magnetic chamber. A frictional or mechanical engagement system (40a, 40b) extracts the workpieces through and out of the high magnetic field.

Abstract: An Application Media Package is a software component for accessing and displaying Internet content which includes a definition for rendering a graphical user interface and a URL pointing to Internet content to be downloaded and presented within said user interface. An Application Media Viewer may be used in association with an Application Media Package to manage the collection, organization, sharing, and rendering of a plurality of such Packages. A development server supports the community of Application Media Package developers, providing developer tools, including Package templates which provide an expedient method of re-purposing existing internet media into a new presentation package by choosing from existing examples. Access to tools and information may be controlled at the development server. The development server may also provide a development and test zone for Package verification, authentication and acceptance before posting.

Abstract: A visualization system integrated with an enterprise manufacturing intelligence (EMI) system utilizing preconfigured EMI data models, workflow reports and process event notifications to optimize a manufacturing process. The visualization system and the EMI system exchange data and information providing both systems with a broader process view than either system has independently. The visualization system can specifically target information and action requests to different classes of manufacturing personnel such as operators and engineers. Additionally, the visualization system maintains an audit log of all production identities, raw material usage, and requested corrective actions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting ice particle accumulation is disclosed herein. In one exemplary implementation, a method for detecting ice is described in which a parameter within an interior volume of a heated conduit is measured. The method also includes detecting the presence of an accumulation of ice particles based on the parameter measured within the interior volume of the heated conduit.

Abstract: A circuit card is retained in a socket by a pair of movable arms engaging opposite sides of the card and securing the card in the socket. An arresting member is engaged with a portion of the card and engaged with the opposite sides and each of the movable arms, whereby the movable arms are maintained in engagement with the opposite sides of the card.