Abstract: A friction drive wheel for conveyor systems includes a cylindrical central disk formed of aluminum. Joined to the curved outer surface of the aluminum disk is a base layer that is cylindrical and sleeve-like and coaxial with the disk. The base layer is formed of a hard polymer (like polyurethane) material, with a hardness in the range of 75 Shore D, to eliminate torsional stress and flexure at the mechanical interface between the base layer and the central disk. A tread layer is secured about the base layer, formed of a softer polymer (like polyurethane) that is more yielding and compliant in contact with the trolley to maximize the frictional engagement. The base layer serves as a thermal insulator between the outer tread layer and the central disk, protecting the bond at the base/central disk interface.

Abstract: A friction drive wheel for conveyor systems includes a cylindrical central disk formed of aluminum. Joined to the curved outer surface of the aluminum disk is a base layer that is cylindrical and sleeve-like and coaxial with the disk. The base layer is formed of a hard polymer (like polyurethane) material, with a hardness in the range of 75 Shore D, to eliminate torsional stress and flexure at the mechanical interface between the base layer and the central disk. A tread layer is secured about the base layer, formed of a softer polymer (like polyurethane) that is more yielding and compliant in contact with the trolley to maximize the frictional engagement. The base layer serves as a thermal insulator between the outer tread layer and the central disk, protecting the bond at the base/central disk interface.

Abstract: Secure loading and execution of user-defined content on an embedded controller associated with a remote terminal unit (RTU) includes providing a factory default image for the RTU having a default secured read only filesystem and providing a developer image for extending the RTU functionality, having a read/write filesystem equivalent working in conjunction with the read only filesystem.

Abstract: Redundancy synchronization of remote terminal unit (RTU) central processing units (CPUs) associated with an industrial operation includes queuing time-stamped events on a main RTU CPU for transfer to a standby RTU CPU as the time-stamped events are generated on the main RTU CPU (i.e., in real-time). The synchronized RTU CPUs further permit synchronization of logic states and synchronization of firmware upgrades. Synchronization activities occur on the same synchronization communications channel between redundant RTU CPUs.

Abstract: A mode selector permits deactivating a run-time operational mode and activating a privileged operational mode on a remote terminal unit (RTU). One or more functionalities associated with the privileged operational mode are performed via a local and/or a remote computing device communicatively coupled to the RTU. The functionalities include at least one of developing and deploying content for the RTU, loading security certificates for the RTU, enabling Linux root account access to the RTU, and performing system maintenance on the RTU. The mode selector switch returns the RTU to the run-time operational mode after the functionalities are performed.

Abstract: In a heavy duty orbital caster assembly that includes a rotatable wheel unit joined to a transfer plate that pivots about a mounting post extending from a mounting plate adapted to be secured to the bottom surface of an object, the improvement comprising a pair of roller bearing assemblies that extend upwardly from the upper surface of the transfer plate adjacent to the caster wheel post as it extends through its bearing. The rollers impinge on the lower surface of the mounting plate, and serve to transfer some of the load of the supported object directly to the caster wheel, enabling the support of very heavy loads.

Abstract: In a heavy duty orbital caster assembly that includes a rotatable wheel unit joined to a transfer plate that pivots about a mounting post extending from a mounting plate adapted to be secured to the bottom surface of an object, the improvement comprising a pair of roller bearing assemblies that extend upwardly from the upper surface of the transfer plate adjacent to the caster wheel post as it extends through its bearing. The rollers impinge on the lower surface of the mounting plate, and serve to transfer some of the load of the supported object directly to the caster wheel, enabling the support of very heavy loads.

Abstract: In a heavy duty orbital caster assembly that includes a rotatable wheel unit joined to a transfer plate that pivots about a mounting post extending from a mounting plate adapted to be secured to the bottom surface of an object, the improvement comprising a pair of roller bearing assemblies that extend upwardly from the upper surface of the transfer plate adjacent to the caster wheel post as it extends through its bearing. The rollers impinge on the lower surface of the mounting plate, and serve to transfer some of the load of the supported object directly to the caster wheel, enabling the support of very heavy loads.

Abstract: In a heavy duty orbital caster assembly that includes a rotatable wheel unit joined to a transfer plate that pivots about a mounting post extending from a mounting plate adapted to be secured to the bottom surface of an object, the improvement comprising a pair of roller bearing assemblies that extend upwardly from the upper surface of the transfer plate adjacent to the caster wheel post as it extends through its bearing. The rollers impinge on the lower surface of the mounting plate, and serve to transfer some of the load of the supported object directly to the caster wheel, enabling the support of very heavy loads.

Abstract: A caster assembly has a dual pivot assembly in the caster mounting that is laterally offset, whereby the caster wheels may not only pivot about a wheel pivot axis that extends through the plane of the caster wheel, but also revolve orbitally about a mounting pivot axis that is laterally offset from and parallel to the wheel axis. A transfer plate supports a pair of bearing assemblies, one of them securing a mounting post secured to the bottom of an object. The other bearing assembly supports a cylindrical head post that extends to a clevis-like bracket that supports a caster wheel.

Abstract: A caster assembly has a dual pivot assembly in the caster mounting that is laterally offset, whereby the caster wheels may not only pivot about a wheel pivot axis that extends through the plane of the caster wheel, but also revolve orbitally about a mounting pivot axis that is laterally offset from and parallel to the wheel axis. A transfer plate supports a pair of bearing assemblies, one of them securing a mounting post secured to the bottom of an object. The other bearing assembly supports a cylindrical head post that extends to a clevis-like bracket that supports a caster wheel.

Abstract: An independently rotating, split tread wheel assembly includes a pair of disks each having an outer tread formed of rubber or polyurethane compounds and supported on the periphery thereof. Each disk includes a central opening that receives a ball bearing assembly. A pair of hub inserts have central annular surfaces in adjacent relationship. A cylindrical spacer extends about the central annular surfaces and supports the inner races of the bearing assemblies so that the two disks turn independently about the hub inserts on their respective bearing assemblies. A pair of spaced apart caster bracket arms straddle the wheel assembly and impinge on the opposed outer surfaces of the hub inserts. An axle extends through aligned holes in the arms and through central bores in the hub inserts, and is secured thereto.