Abstract: A system and method which allows third-parties to monitor company inventory via the Internet and World Wide Web (“web”) and automatically order needed items. The present invention also provides a forum through which resellers and customers may directly interact to resell surplus and used equipment. The present invention may also allow a third party to act as a broker, thereby assuring that both the equipment purchased is actually delivered, and that the seller is properly compensated.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to systems and methods for monitoring retail sales and automatically correlating sold products with manufacturer sponsored or approved promotions presented for redemption by customers.

Abstract: A flow control valve for controlling the flow of fuel in a fuel system including a housing with a fuel passage, a valve device movable to close the fuel passage to block fuel flow through the fuel passage, and to open the fuel passage to permit fuel flow through the fuel passage, a valve plunger engaging the valve device, an actuator for reciprocally moving the valve plunger, an armature overtravel feature for permitting continued movement of the armature relative to the valve plunger from an engaged position into a disengaged position when the valve plunger reaches the extended position, and an armature stop for stopping overtravel of the armature.

Abstract: A system and method which allows third-parties to monitor company inventory via the Internet and World Wide Web (“web”) and automatically order needed items. The present invention also provides a forum through which resellers and customers may directly interact to resell surplus and used equipment. The present invention may also allow a third party to act as a broker, thereby assuring that both the equipment purchased is actually delivered, and that the seller is properly compensated.

Abstract: Smart process objects, which have both graphical and simulation elements, may be used to create one or more graphic displays and one or more process simulation modules, each having elements which may communicate with one another and with devices within a process plant to model and depict the operation of a process plant. The smart process objects may include one or more device objects, which represent physical devices within the process plant, and may include one or more smart connection objects which represent and model the flow of a material, such as a gas, a liquid, a composition of solid, electricity, etc., through a connection between entities within the process plant. The smart process objects may also include one or more smart stream objects, which also may represent and model the flow of a material at a particular point in the process plant.

Abstract: A configuration system uses process plant items that may represent, or be capable of representing, entities in a process plant to assist in configuring, organizing, and changing the control and display activities within the process plant. Access to the items may be controlled by associating access control data with the items. The configuration system may also use objects that represent, or may be capable of representing, one or more steps to be performed by entities in the process plant. Access to these objects may be controlled by associating access control data with the objects. The access control data may indicate whether users or certain users may be able to, for example, view or modify all or some data associated with the process plant items or the objects.

Abstract: A configuration system for a process plant uses module class objects to assist in configuring, organizing and changing the control and display activities within the process plant. Each module class object generically models or represents a process entity, such as a unit, a piece of equipment, a control activity, etc., and may be used to create instances of the object, called module objects, which represent and are tied to specific equipment within the process plant. The module class objects may represent process entities of any desired scope, which means that a single module class object may be used to configure the control and display activities of process entities of any desired scope within the process plant, instead of just at a control module level. In particular, module class objects of a large scope may be used to configure large sections or portions of the process plant, which makes configuration of the process plant easier and less time consuming.

Abstract: Graphic displays, which display information about process elements and the manner in which these elements are connected within a process, process modules, which simulate the operation of the elements depicted within the graphic displays and control modules, which perform on-line control activities within a process, may be communicatively connected together to provide a combined control, simulation and display environment that enables enhanced control, simulation and display activities. Smart process objects, which have both graphical and simulation elements, may used to create one or more graphic displays and one or more process simulation modules, each having elements which may communicate with one another to share data between the graphic displays and the process modules.

Abstract: A simulation system attaches to a configuration database for one or more fully configured nodes of a process control system and copies the modules within those nodes into one or more simulation computers as simulation modules. The simulation system includes an algorithm that, during or after the copying process, automatically creates a reference parameter module for each of the copied nodes that stores a reference parameter for each of the inputs, outputs or other references to signals external to the nodes, such as input/output blocks, other function blocks in other nodes, transmitter blocks in field devices, etc.

Abstract: An operator interface within a process plant includes an execution engine that implements process flow modules made up of interconnected smart process objects that are aware of devices and other entities within the plant and that can perform methods to detect conditions within the plant, especially on a system-level basis. The smart process objects include a display element to be displayed to the operator, data storage for storing data pertaining to and/or received from an associated entity within a plant, inputs and outputs for communicating with other smart process objects and methods that may be executed on the stored and received data to detect plant conditions, including system-level conditions, such as leaks, errors and other conditions. Process flow modules, which may be made up of numerous interconnected smart process objects, may also include flow algorithms associated therewith to calculate mass balances, flows, etc. for the process elements within the process flow modules.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system for an internal combustion engine includes intake and exhaust manifolds that respectively receive ambient air and expel exhaust gas. A recirculation line fluidly connects the exhaust and intake manifolds. An exhaust gas recirculation valve is included in the recirculation line and is controlled to distribute exhaust gas into the intake manifold. A particle trap is arranged to receive all of the exhaust gases from the exhaust manifold and includes a particle collection chamber therein. A stagnation region is provided within the particle trap such that all the exhaust gas passed through the exhaust gas particle trap is directed toward the stagnation region therein and at least a portion of debris carried with the exhaust gas is retained within the particle collection chamber.

Abstract: A gutter assembly is formed from a series of identical sections, each between twelve and eighteen inches in length. Each section is attached to one or two adjacent sections at the ends, and the final assembly attached to the eaves, soffit, or fascia of the house in the same manner as the prior art rain gutter. Each section has a section body, with an interior surface. Within the interior surface is a water-permeable screen, disposed in close proximity to the section outer housing. A discharge handle is provided to raise the screen from the interior surface, and rotate the screen in a manner such that any debris captured by the screen will be expelled from the gutter section. The handle is accessible from the grounds by means of a rod with a hook which engages a loop at the end of the handle. Each section contains a discharge passage on each end, except that the two extreme ends of the assembly contain an outer end which is sealed off, and further contain provisions for downspouts.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system for an internal combustion engine includes intake and exhaust manifolds that respectively receive ambient air and expel exhaust gas. A recirculation line fluidly connects the exhaust and intake manifolds. An exhaust gas recirculation valve is included in the recirculation line and is controlled to distribute exhaust gas into the intake manifold. A particle trap is arranged to receive all of the exhaust gases from the exhaust manifold and includes a particle collection chamber therein. A stagnation region is provided within the particle trap such that all the exhaust gas passed through the exhaust gas particle trap is directed toward the stagnation region therein and at least a portion of debris carried with the exhaust gas is retained within the particle collection chamber.

Abstract: A system useful for controlling a process includes a computer-readable medium and a processor in communication with the computer-readable medium. The system further includes a first database and a second database. The first database stores first data representative of a first configuration of the process, while the second database stores second data representative of a second configuration of the process. A configuration routine of the system is stored in the computer-readable medium and configured to be executed by the processor to facilitate a modification of the first configuration of the process. A version control routine of the system is stored in the computer-readable medium and configured to be executed by the processor to store in the second database third data indicative of the modification of the first configuration of the process.

Abstract: A testing and validating software program on a host computer is provided having a graphical user interface program, an engine communicating with a target device and responding to command from the graphical user interface, a plurality of test suites having at least one test for testing and validating at least one component of an operating system, and a protocol acknowledgment software package conducive to use with the target device, wherein the protocol acknowledgment software package uses an operating system-generated event handle as a member field of a protocol for releasing an execution thread which is waiting for an acknowledgment message from the target device, and wherein the event handle is placed in a header portion of an acknowledgment message packet and is sent back in the acknowledgment message, and wherein a receiving thread unblocks any send threads of execution which are waiting for the event handle in the acknowledgment message.

Abstract: A plurality of transmitters are multiplexed to a hub through clocked serial links. Timing problems that may arise when switching between links are eliminated with a system including a group serial receiver for each link for performing serial to parallel conversion of data sent over the serial link, outputing a group clock signal based on the serial clock signal, outputing parallel data clocked by the group clock signal, and determining a data enable signal from the serial link. A select signal for determining the serial link being read by the hub selects the corresponding group clock, parallel data, and data enable. A load control clocks the selected parallel data into a first-in, first-out buffer using the selected group clock when the selected data enable is asserted. When the selected data enable is not asserted, the load control is held in reset and, hence, is insensitive to irregularities in the selected clock signal due to switching between links. Data is clocked from the buffer by a local clock.

Abstract: A device which functions to influence, either by attracting or repelling marine life includes a mechanism structured and arranged to shuttle a slug, i.e. an iron ball or other element having magnetic properties, between first and second positions in a manner which creates sound audible to marine life, such as fish, which it is desired to attract or repel. In one embodiment, an iron ball is shuttled between an electromagnet and a permanent magnet attached to an acoustic amplification plate.

Abstract: A child's personal security assistant is intended for use during house fires, and assists rescuers in finding children trapped or hidden within the house, also providing information about the child to assist in medical treatment after rescue. The device is in the form of a stylized miniature fire hydrant, and has a dual function as a clock, intended to be located on a night stand alongside the child's bed. The device includes a stand powered by house current, and a body mated with the stand, both physically and electrically. A timer is located on the body, with a readout visible from the front. A row of strobe lights are located on the outside top of the body, as is a flashlight. The body also contains a sonic alarm located within. The body is powered by re-chargeable electrical batteries located within the body, which are constantly charged by the house-current when the body is connected to the stand. When the body is removed from the stand the timer is activated, as are the lights and sonic alarm.

Abstract: A plurality of transmitters are multiplexed to a hub through clocked serial links. Timing problems that may arise when switching between links are eliminated with a system including a group serial receiver for each link for performing serial to parallel conversion of data sent over the serial link, outputing a group clock signal based on the serial clock signal, outputing parallel data clocked by the group clock signal, and determining a data enable signal from the serial link. A select signal for determining the serial link being read by the hub selects the corresponding group clock, parallel data, and data enable. A load control clocks the selected parallel data into a first-in, first-out buffer using the selected group clock when the selected data enable is asserted. When the selected data enable is not asserted, the load control is held in reset and, hence, is insensitive to irregularities in the selected clock signal due to switching between links. Data is clocked from the buffer by a local clock.

Abstract: A solenoid operated pin-within-a-sleeve three-way valve for high pressure fuel systems is provided which is capable of effectively minimizing the side loads imparted to the movable pin and sleeve elements while effectively controlling the timing and quantity of fuel injection. The three-way valve assembly includes a floating pin telescopingly received within the cavity of the movable valve member. A side load reducing device is provided for minimizing side loading on the floating pin and the movable valve member which includes a tappet reciprocally mounted in the valve housing adjacent one end of the floating pin, a biasing spring for causing the tappet to follow the pin and for causing the pin to follow the movable valve member to keep the second valve seat closed as the movable valve member is advanced toward the first position from the second position.