Abstract: According to various embodiments, a method for monitoring and troubleshooting a vehicle using a communications server is presented. The communications server includes a plurality of request handlers, including a dynamic monitor request handler, each coupled to a message handler and to a client request dispatcher, a vehicle communications interface coupled to a message handler, which is coupled to at least one vehicle communications interface and to the plurality of request handlers, and a client interface coupled to the client request dispatcher and to the vehicle. The method includes coupling the vehicle communications interface to the vehicle, coupling the client interface to a client computer, storing in RAM formatting information for each of the vehicle parameters, receiving a request, sending a message representing the request to an appropriate request handler, communicating with the vehicle, receiving a response, and providing the response to the at least one client computer.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a method for monitoring and troubleshooting a vehicle using a communications server is presented. The communications server includes a plurality of request handlers, including a dynamic monitor request handler, each coupled to a message handler and to a client request dispatcher, a vehicle communications interface coupled to a message handler, which is coupled to at least one vehicle communications interface and to the plurality of request handlers, and a client interface coupled to the client request dispatcher and to the vehicle. The method includes coupling the vehicle communications interface to the vehicle, coupling the client interface to a client computer, storing in RAM formatting information for each of the vehicle parameters, receiving a request, sending a message representing the request to an appropriate request handler, communicating with the vehicle, receiving a response, and providing the response to the at least one client computer.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for producing steam are provided. A steam boiler system may include a steam boiler. The steam boiler may comprise an enclosure with a burner, first and second fluid conveyance members, and one or more radiants therein. The burner produces hot combustion gases which warm the fluid conveyance members and thereby the fluid therein. The radiants are also heated by the combustion gases, and they thereby emit radiation which is absorbed by the fluid conveyance members and/or the fluid therein. The boiler system may additionally comprise a steam separator which separates out a steam component. The steam component can be directed back through the enclosure in a third fluid conveyance member to expand the steam before being fed to a steam engine to produce power.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for producing steam are provided. A steam boiler system may include a steam boiler. The steam boiler may comprise an enclosure with a burner, first and second fluid conveyance members, and one or more radiants therein. The burner produces hot combustion gases which warm the fluid conveyance members and thereby the fluid therein. The radiants are also heated by the combustion gases, and they thereby emit radiation which is absorbed by the fluid conveyance members and/or the fluid therein. The boiler system may additionally comprise a steam separator which separates out a steam component. The steam component can be directed back through the enclosure in a third fluid conveyance member to expand the steam before being fed to a steam engine to produce power.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for bulk curing tobacco in which the temperature conditions in the tobacco curing barn are automatically controlled by heating the air being circulated through the barn in a controlled manner to maintain a predetermined differential in the dry bulb temperature of the air entering and leaving the curing chamber.