Abstract: Methods and apparatus to virtualize a process control system are described. A described process control system includes a server cluster including one or more servers. When operating, the server cluster provides a virtual workstation or virtual server, a virtual controller to interoperate with the virtual workstation or server and to implement process control operations, and a virtual input/output device to interoperate with the virtual controller and coupled to one or more field devices within the process control system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to virtualize a process control system are described. A described process control system includes a server cluster including one or more servers. When operating, the server cluster provides a virtual workstation or virtual server, a virtual controller to interoperate with the virtual workstation or server and to implement process control operations, and a virtual input/output device to interoperate with the virtual controller and coupled to one or more field devices within the process control system.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide automated data collection of feed behavior and intake for animals in confinement where the animal ingests feed from a feed station that includes a first and second feed container each of which holds a feed that is freely accessible to the animal, and a respective first and second weight sensor each of which senses a change in weight of the respective feed in the container. A processor is configured to transmit instructions to cause it to receive from the weight sensors, a plurality signals indicative of a change in weight in the first and second feed containers. The processor records a reduction in weight sensed by the first or the second sensor as consumption of the respective feed, and records a change in weight sensed by the first or the second sensor as feeding activity at the respective feed container.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to manage process control search results are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving a search parameter from a user via an application to view search results associated with the search parameter, determining a display context based on the application, searching a search index for control parameters that match the search parameter to form a set of matched control parameters, wherein the search index includes control parameters that correspond to runtime data generated by a controller within a process control system, and rendering the set of matched control parameters for display via the application as the search results based on the determined display context.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide automated data collection of feed behavior and intake for animals in confinement where the animal ingests feed from a feed station that includes a first and second feed container each of which holds a feed that is freely accessible to the animal, and a respective first and second weight sensor each of which senses a change in weight of the respective feed in the container. A processor is configured to transmit instructions to cause it to receive from the weight sensors, a plurality signals indicative of a change in weight in the first and second feed containers. The processor records a reduction in weight sensed by the first or the second sensor as consumption of the respective feed, and records a change in weight sensed by the first or the second sensor as feeding activity at the respective feed container.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to virtualize a process control system are described. A described process control system includes a server cluster including one or more servers. When operating, the server cluster provides a virtual workstation or virtual server, a virtual controller to interoperate with the virtual workstation or server and to implement process control operations, and a virtual input/output device to interoperate with the virtual controller and coupled to one or more field devices within the process control system.

Abstract: There is provided herein a dispenser for a rolled product which has a center bore, comprising: a casing having walls and having a top with an opening; a first fastening means disposed on a first inner wall of said casing; a second fastening means disposed on a second inner wall of said casing, wherein said first inner wall is opposite said second inner wall, and said first fastening means is opposite said second fastening means; and an axle fastened to said first and second fastening means, wherein said axle can rotate when fastened.

Abstract: An inspection pouch for housing and providing hands-free access to electronic testing equipment, meters, lights, tools and other implements needed by inspectors, installers and other workers. The pouch has a main compartment forming a tray with a cover therefor, the main compartment capable of being suspended from the cover at angles between zero and ninety degrees to enable viewing of equipment staged in the main compartment.

Abstract: A tool cinch is provided for securement to a tool, the cinch then being connectable to a lanyard for preventing the tool from falling if dropped before, during, or after use. The cinch includes radially projecting wings that are secured to the tool with tape or the like to further buttress securement of the tool.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention set forth a method for issuing an in-game virtual reward by visiting a physical location. The method includes offering an incentive for obtaining an opt-in authorization from a device; receiving the opt-in authorization from the device after the incentive is determined to be accepted; requesting the location of the device based on the opt-in authorization when receiving a notification message from the device; and issuing an in-game virtual reward after the notification message is determined to be sent at the physical location.

Abstract: There is provided herein a dispenser for a rolled product which has a center bore, comprising: a casing having walls and having a top with an opening; a first fastening means disposed on a first inner wall of said casing; a second fastening means disposed on a second inner wall of said casing, wherein said first inner wall is opposite said second inner wall, and said first fastening means is opposite said second fastening means; and an axle fastened to said first and second fastening means, wherein said axle can rotate when fastened.

Abstract: There is provided a rigid container, comprising: a vessel having an inner surface; a cap having an underside; a first film substantially covering the inner surface of said vessel; and a second film on the underside of said cap, wherein said first and second coatings are substantially non-porous and have a Shore A durometer measurement of 10-90. There is also provided a method for making sound-dampened container, comprising: forming by blow molding a vessel having an inner surface comprising at least one polymer; coating the inner surface of said vessel form a film with a thickness of at least one silicone rubber; and curing said film at a temperature for a period of time to form a cured film with a Shore A durometer measurement of 10-90.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to manage process control search results are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving a search parameter from a user via an application to view search results associated with the search parameter, determining a display context based on the application, searching a search index for control parameters that match the search parameter to form a set of matched control parameters, wherein the search index includes control parameters that correspond to runtime data generated by a controller within a process control system, and rendering the set of matched control parameters for display via the application as the search results based on the determined display context.

Abstract: A system and method for incident reporting uses an application server on a network to facilitate the creation of incident reports and distribution of the reports for review, and controls access to the incident reports to protect the integrity and confidentiality of the reports. Each incident report is given a routing profile, which is tailored such that only proper authorized persons can review and/or edit the report. The progress of incident report review and incident investigation is tracked, and the tracking data are stored for monitoring and auditing purposes. Access to selected reports may be given to users on a temporary basis. The incident reports are archived to enable auditing and generation of reports.

Abstract: A system and method for incident reporting uses an application server on a network to facilitate the creation of incident reports and distribution of the reports for review, and controls access to the incident reports to protect the integrity and confidentiality of the reports. Each incident report is given a routing profile, which is tailored such that only proper authorized persons can review and/or edit the report. The progress of incident report review and incident investigation is tracked, and the tracking data are stored for monitoring and auditing purposes. Access to selected reports may be given to users on a temporary basis. The incident reports are archived to enable auditing and generation of reports.

Abstract: A reduction burr for universal application for depth reduction of dental or ossiferous surfaces includes a shank of a first diameter extended to a chamfered rim angled radially inwardly to a smaller second diameter. A curved shoulder extended from the chamfered rim decreases in cross-sectional diameter to a distal end having a third diameter. A burr end having an abrasive surface thereon is extended from a junction with the shoulder distal end to a distal burr end, with the abrasive surface having sufficient hardness to cut enamel or ossiferous surfaces. The junction defines a precise stop for self-limiting the burr penetration depth into the enamel or ossiferous surfaces due to the greater second diameter of the curved shoulder contacting against adjacent uncut surfaces. A method of size reduction is disclosed for universal application of a reduction burr to precisely reduce enamel or ossiferous surfaces in both lateral and longitudinal directions.

Abstract: A coupling member for securing a ladder base end positionable against an unstable or uneven supporting surface. The coupling member includes a pair of receiving members disposed parallel and spaced apart for positioning the ladder base end thereupon and proximal of the supporting surface. A stabilizing cross-member extends between inner walls of the receiving members and is slidably adjustable in a width dimension to span a variety of ladder base widths. Outboard of each receiving member is disposed a side sleeve having an axially oriented channel therethrough in which a fixation member is slidably inserted to extend a contacting end against the supporting surface. Each fixation member is adjustable in height relative to respective side sleeves, thereby allowing the coupling member to be adjusted in a level orientation proximal the supporting surface with stabilization of the ladder base ends restrained in respective receiving members during load-bearing activity on the ladder.

Abstract: Novel carbonyl hydrolase mutants derived from the amino acid sequence of naturally-occurring or recombinant non-human carbonyl hydrolases and DNA sequences encoding the same. The mutant carbonyl hydrolases, in general, are obtained by in vitro modification of a precursor DNA sequence encoding the naturally-occurring or recombinant carbonyl hydrolase to encode the substitution, insertion or deletion of one or more amino acids in the amino acid sequence of a precursor carbonyl hydrolase. Such mutants have one or more properties which are different than the same property of the precursor hydrolase.

Abstract: Novel carbonyl hydrolase mutants derived from the amino acid sequence of naturally-occurring or recombinant non-human carbonyl hydrolases and DNA sequences encoding the same. The mutant carbonyl hydrolases, in general, are obtained by in vitro modification of a precursor DNA sequence encoding the naturally-occurring or recombinant carbonyl hydrolase to encode the substitution, insertion or deletion of one or more amino acids in the amino acid sequence of a precursor carbonyl hydrolase. Such mutants have one or more properties which are different than the same property of the precursor hydrolase.