Abstract: A policy configurable file system includes a computer system upon which the policy configurable file system operates, a policy source for providing the configuration policies, and one or more file servers. The computer system includes software for enforcing one or more configuration policies. The policy source is typically either a policy server such that the policy is derived from the policy server, or a policy configurable file system, such that the policy is embedded in the policy configurable file system. The one or more file servers each uses a protocol, wherein the protocols of the one or more file servers are not all the same. In one case, the one or more of the configurable policies are separable from the policy configurable file system. In another case, the one or more configurable policies are downloadable to the computer system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for creating an application software environment without changing an operating system of a client computer, the system comprising an operating system abstraction and protection layer, wherein said abstraction and protection layer is interposed between a running software application and said operating system, whereby a virtual environment in which an application may run is provided and application level interactions are substantially removed. Preferably, any changes directly to the operating system are selectively made within the context of the running application and the abstraction and protection layer dynamically changes the virtual environment according to administrative settings. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the system continually monitors the use of shared system resources and acts as a service to apply and remove changes to system components. The present thus invention defines an “Operating System Guard.

Abstract: A method for controlling the interoperation of a plurality of software applications and resources includes intercepting communications from a first application to a second application or resource, directing the communication to a context management system, generating a candidate list of contexts for the communication, evaluating the candidate list according to at least one policy defined for these contexts to identify the resultant action and namespace for the communication, and performing the action as defined by the policies within the identified namespace. The method further includes tracking one or more versions of the second application, as well as tracking an evolution of application and/or resource names. The method further includes identifying one or more operations associated with a context on the candidate list, and executing the identified operations prior to a further communication.

Abstract: During the execution of a software application, a user will often create significant data representing the work they are trying to accomplish. Additionally, the act of using the application will create states within that program reflecting the operations performed during use. In many scenarios, this data can be lost through application, system, or network failure. The present invention provides a means for resilience through (a) redirection of program execution in response to failure onto known code paths representing save and/or exit from the program, (b) suspension of the program and restoration after the fault has been repaired, and (c) snapshot of the application state for restoration after the application failure.

Abstract: Methods for automating the detection and use of dependent software packages on a target machine include during the installation or execution of a first software package, detecting a dependency, pausing the installation or execution of the software package, configuring the dependent software package, and continuing the installation or execution of the first software package. The step of detecting the dependency includes the step of querying one or more repositories for the dependency. Further, the step of detecting the dependency includes the use of rules for template matching, or querying one or more repositories for matching configuration information. The step of detecting the dependency includes execution of a software operation on the target machine wherein a resultant failure indicates the need to query a repository. Information indicative of the configuration of the dependent software package is added to a preconfiguration snapshot of the target machine.

Abstract: A method and system for serving software applications to remote clients across the internet, for example, is disclosed that preferably utilizes standard, SMB (server message block), protocols, which are available in commercial operating systems. Further, an associated business method is described in which subscribing institutions can out-source the application serving to a third party institution, transparently. Finally, a port proxy system is provided that enables tunneling through firewalls that are configured to block communications from SMB ports.

Abstract: A grain bin sweep is adapted to be assembled within a grain bin. The sweep comprises an auger assembly including a shield and an auger; and a tractor frame assembly comprising a frame first part and a frame second part. The sweep components are sized to fit through a small access opening to a grain bin and to then be assembled together within the grain bin. Additionally, the assembly of the grain bin sweep is accomplished using simple hand tools, such as wrenches, screwdrivers, etc. No welding, drilling or other fabrication is required to assemble the parts or components together to form the sweep.

Abstract: A control assembly is provided for a plurality of structures (such as grain bins, silos, dryers, hoppers, poultry houses, pig houses, etc.) at an agribusiness. Each structure includes one or more components to be controlled and a component cable to electrically connect the component to a source of power. The control assembly includes a mount for each structure and a control/power assembly which can be mounted to the mounts of the individual structures. The mount is fixedly mountable to a surface on or adjacent the structure and includes a bracket and an electrical outlet connected to a source of electricity. The control/power assembly includes a housing containing control circuitry, a plurality of component outlets each of which is electrically connected to a specific control circuit to receive the component cable of the structure; a connector for electrically connecting the control/power to the mount outlet.

Abstract: A method and system for serving software applications to remote clients across the internet, for example, is disclosed that preferably utilizes standard, SMB (server message block), protocols, which are available in commercial operating systems. Further, an associated business method is described in which subscribing institutions can out-source the application serving to a third party institution, transparently. Finally, a port proxy system is provided that enables tunneling through firewalls that are configured to block communications from SMB ports.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for creating an application software environment without changing an operating system of a client computer, the system comprising an operating system abstraction and protection layer, wherein said abstraction and protection layer is interposed between a running software application and said operating system, whereby a virtual environment in which an application may run is provided and application level interactions are substantially removed. Preferably, any changes directly to the operating system are selectively made within the context of the running application and the abstraction and protection layer dynamically changes the virtual environment according to administrative settings. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the system continually monitors the use of shared system resources and acts as a service to apply and remove changes to system components. The present thus invention defines an “Operating System Guard.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for creating an application software environment without changing an operating system of a client computer, the system comprising an operating system abstraction and protection layer, wherein said abstraction and protection layer is interposed between a running software application and said operating system, whereby a virtual environment in which an application may run is provided and application level interactions are substantially removed. Preferably, any changes directly to the operating system are selectively made within the context of the running application and the abstraction and protection layer dynamically changes the virtual environment according to administrative settings. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the system continually monitors the use of shared system resources and acts as a service to apply and remove changes to system components. The present thus invention defines an “Operating System Guard.

Abstract: An application serving system is disclosed that comprises a target client computer that connects to a server system and subscribing institution host Web Server, over a network. Both the client computer Web server and server system implement a network protocol layer to communicate across the network. In a preferred embodiment, network is the Internet, or other public or private network, and the network protocol layers are implemented on top of TCP/IP or UDP/IP. Other network configurations and network protocols layers, however, could be implemented in place or in addition to the Internet such as wireless CDPD, GPRS, or other networks. The target, client computer is preferably a PC.