Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for issuing unique identification credentials to a plurality of devices, and their constituent components, in an industrial control system. Identification credentials are granted by an identification authority and conveyed to each of the credentialed devices and/or component through an identity token. The identification credentials include (1) a unique device identifier, (2) an identification authority component identifier, and (3) an indication of the location of the identification authority component. To secure the issued credentials, such credentials are encrypted and the identification token can be embedded with biometrics features. Identification credentials provide for the following prominent features: (i) Secure access to a device form a client and (ii) determination a topology of a set of credentialed devices in an industrial control system. The topology is network agnostic and facilitates organizational modeling of processes in the industrial control system.

Abstract: A mattress or another type of support surface which allows for discrete manipulation of the pressure on a supported body. The present invention includes resilient fluid cells having a spring bias, grouped to allow adjustable dynamic control of the pressure exerted on various locations of the body support. Each of the fluid cells has a multiple port air distribution system, either integral to the fluid cell or attached to the fluid cell. The multiple port air distribution system includes ports and allows for the control of intake flow, outflow, and sound. A harnessing system is attached to the ports of the multiple port air distribution system and interconnects the fluid cells in a pattern desired by the user. The harnessing system controls the directions and flow volume of air into the fluid cells creating selected zones. The harnessing configuration is customizable to a particular patient. The fluid cells are held together by a casing.

Abstract: An industrial automation system is provided. This includes at least one license component that is granted by a third party to permit access to a portion of an industrial control component. At least one protocol component that is based in part on a private key exchange facilitates authentication and access to the portion of the industrial control component.

Abstract: A lift truck control system which utilizes a distributed control network including at least a display module, a distribution module, a traction module, a brake module and a steering module. The display and steering modules each are configurable by software which controls the module and the various drivers in each module. In the preferred embodiment, the display module includes flash memory which stores application software and can be rewritten so that the performance characteristics of the modules are software configurable. The display module is connectable to a programmable cartridge which includes nonvolatile flash memory that carries application software for the display and steering modules. When connected, the cartridge downloads the particular application software which is written over the stored software in flash memory for the display and steering modules.

Abstract: A lift truck control system which utilizes a distributed control network including at least a display module, a distribution module, a traction module, a brake module and a steering module. The display and steering modules each are configurable by software which controls the module and the various drivers in each module. In the preferred embodiment, the display module includes flash memory which stores application software and can be rewritten so that the performance characteristics of the modules are software configurable. The display module is connectable to a programmable cartridge which includes nonvolatile flash memory that carries application software for the display and steering modules. When connected, the cartridge downloads the particular application software which is written over the stored software in flash memory for the display and steering modules.

Abstract: A rock bolt shell and cone. An expansible shell having a cylindrical outer surface and raised ridges in relief on the exterior of the shell. One or more ridges are located along a curve non-congruent with a circumferential circle of the cylinder. In a disclosed embodiment, each ridge lies along a helix of the cylinder and ridges are paired such that the helix of a first extends in one rotational direction while the curve of a second of the pair extends in the other rotational direction. Each helix forms an angle of forty-five degrees with a center line of the cylinder. Ridges intersect such that "V"-shaped projections extend along the outside of the shell. The vertices of certain of the projections project a radially maximum amount while each of the legs of the "V" taper radially inwardly toward the cylindrical surface as the leg extends away from the vertex. The cone, threaded for installation on a bolt rod has one or more axial indentations to improve grout flow about an installed bolt.

Abstract: This invention comprises a fusible resistor in a solid state relay comprising two solid state switches connected in parallel with each other, but in series with a load and a source of current. When the first of the two switches is switched on, the second switch also switches on, and conducts, supplying sufficient current to the load, thus reducing the voltage across both switches to that of the voltage drop across the second switch. Should the second switch fail to become turned on when the first switch is turned on, there will be a higher voltage across the first switch (and the components in series with it, if any) causing excessive current to flow through the first switch, resulting in its overheating and possibly fire, particularly if the switch is encapsulated. By providing a fusible resistor in the circuit of the first switch, the fusible resistor will open at such time and disconnect the first switch from the circuit, preventing a possible fire or possible damage to adjacent equipment.