Siemens Industry, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160118790 | AUTOMATED DEMAND RESPONSE SYSTEM - A system and method for reducing an electrical load in a facility with a building automation system, includes first receiving information for a demand response event from an automated demand response server at an automated demand response client. After receipt of a new demand response event, the system determines a plurality of devices of the building automation system to be controlled during the demand response event. Next, the system prepares a schedule of control actions for the plurality of devices during the demand response event. The system then sends control messages to the building automation system to execute the control actions for the plurality of devices according to the schedule of control actions for the demand response event. | 04-28-2016 |
20160093203 | NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC TOOL FOR TESTING AND COMMISSIONING BUILDING SYSTEMS - A method for a building system and corresponding data processing system. A method includes receiving, by a data processing system, a building system diagnostics configuration. The method includes receiving diagnostic data corresponding to the building system diagnostics configuration and processing the diagnostic data. The method includes generating a report based on the processed diagnostic data and storing or displaying the report. | 03-31-2016 |
20160061864 | Isolated Capacitance Line Voltage Sensor - Isolated capacitance line voltage sensing is provided that avoids metal-to-metal contact for voltage sensing of a power signal present on a power wire. An external conductor is positioned by the power wire, creating a capacitor with the power wire conductor, insulation, and external conductor. The capacitance is used to measure the electric field, indicating a voltage level for the powered wire. The impedance mismatch caused by the capacitance is transformed. The impedance transformation circuit may be integrated with the external conductor, allowing voltage sensing by a voltage meter having a lower input impedance. A manual or automatic calibration circuit may be provided to ensure the measured voltage represents the actual voltage on the power wire. | 03-03-2016 |
20160054712 | COMBINED STATISTICAL AND PHYSICS BASED MODEL CONTROL AND PERFORMANCE METHOD AND SYSTEM - An approach for statistically modeling a room or building in a building automation system to provide fault detection and diagnostics and economic optimization of the building automation system using statistical data. | 02-25-2016 |
20160047578 | Demand Flow for Air Cooled Chillers - For more efficient operation of an air cooled chiller, a refrigerant pump and bypass valve connected in parallel feed refrigerant from the condenser to a receiver. The pump is activated in response to pressure in the condenser; the bypass is used otherwise. Further efficiency is provided by controlling the condenser fan based on power consumption by the air cooled chiller and/or resetting a set point of the evaporator to meet load conditions. An expansion valve for the evaporator is controlled based on chilled water temperature, such as Delta T, or information from an air handling unit. Feedback of valve setting or position, air temperature, valve size, and/or importance of an air handling unit may be used to control the flow of chilled water. In addition to or an alternative to control of the chilled water flow, the refrigerant temperature may be controlled based on information from the air handling unit. | 02-18-2016 |
20160041537 | ENHANCED ALARMING WITH BACNET OBJECTS - Management systems, methods, and mediums are provided. A method includes monitoring a value of a data point associated with a device in an automation system using a set of pairs of event enrollment objects and notification class objects configured to generate and communicate an alarm according to a first protocol. Each of the pairs of objects corresponds to one of a set of offsets defined according to a second protocol. The method also includes writing property values of the pairs of objects for different alarm monitoring modes using a set of command objects. Additionally, the method includes generating and communicating, in response to detecting the value for the data point meeting conditions in at least one of the event enrollment objects, an alarm according to a notification class object paired with the at least one event enrollment object. | 02-11-2016 |
20150326498 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS OF ALLOCATING HETEROGENEOUS RESOURCES - A system for allocating heterogeneous resources may include a client device, a plurality of heterogeneous resources, and a server host. The client device may be configured to request access to one or more specific resources, and the server host may be configured to allocate the requested resource(s) to the client device in response to the server host determining the availability of the requested resource(s). The client device may then establish direct and/or exclusive access to the requested resource(s) and communicate commands to and exchange data with the requested resource(s), bypassing the server host. The server host may also be configured to queue requests for unavailable resources and to later grant access to those resources upon those resources becoming available. Methods of allocating heterogeneous resources are also provided, as are other aspects. | 11-12-2015 |
20150298187 | AUTOMATIC GUIDE ADJUSTMENT FROM FEEDBACK OF ROLLING PARAMETERS - In a rolling mill in which a hot rolled product is directed by a guide along a delivery path into a roll pass aligned on a mill pass line, a control system is disclosed for correcting any transverse misalignment of the delivery path with respect to the mill pass line. The system compromises an adjustment mechanism for shifting the guide transversely with respect to the mill pass line. Detectors measure a selected parameter indicative of the transverse misalignment and generate status signals representative thereof. A controller responds to the status signals and automatically and remotely operates the adjustment mechanism to correct the misalignment by transversely shifting the guide with respect to the mill pass line. | 10-22-2015 |
20150288122 | ANGLED ELECTRICAL CONTACTOR - Embodiments of an angled electrical contactor are provided. An aspect includes a moving contact bar including at least 4 contact discs, wherein a first contact disc and a second contact disc of the moving contact bar are located in a first plane, and a third contact disc and a fourth contact disc of the moving contact bar are located in a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are distinct and are at an angle to each other. Another aspect includes a first stationary contact bar including at least 2 contact discs, wherein a first contact disc of first stationary contact bar is in a third plane, the third plane being substantially parallel to the first plane, and a second contact disc of the first stationary contact bar is in a fourth plane, the fourth plane being substantially parallel to the second plane. | 10-08-2015 |
20150278932 | SALES ESTIMATE TOOL WITH ALTERNATE ESTIMATING - A method for providing an estimate for a defined building control system comprises displaying on a user interface a plurality of areas for the defined building control system. The method further comprises associating a plurality of subsystems of the defined building control system with the plurality of areas, each of the plurality of subsystems associated with a defined plurality of building automation components in a database, the plurality of subsystems including a first subsystem and a second subsystem both associated with one area of the plurality of areas. Both the first subsystem and the second subsystem are displayed on the user interface in association with the one area. A cost estimate for the defined building control system is generated based at least in part on the first subsystem and not based on the second subsystem. | 10-01-2015 |
20150276468 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ACTIVE LOAD WEIGHT FOR MINING EXCAVATING EQUIPMENT - Provided is a method in which an excavation surface is scanned, the excavation surface shape is determined based on scanned excavation surface, an excavating path is identified from a mining excavation equipment, a volume of a material excavated by the mining excavation equipment is actively calculated based at least on the excavation surface shape and the excavating path of the mining excavating equipment, and a weight of the material excavated by the mining excavating equipment is actively calculated based on at least one density factor. | 10-01-2015 |
20150263645 | PULSE WIDTH MODULATION CONTROL FOR A MULTILEVEL CONVERTER - A method for controlling a switching device of a multilevel converter includes dynamically selecting a carrier and generating a switching signal to effect a switching event of the switching device based on a comparison of the dynamically selected carrier with a reference signal. The carrier is dynamically selected from a plurality of carriers, each corresponding to one of a plurality of contiguous bands into which range of a waveform of the reference signal is divided. The carriers corresponding to different bands have differing waveform shapes. The dynamically selected carrier corresponds to the band instantaneously occupied by the reference signal. The dynamic selection is executed whereby whenever there is a transition of the reference signal from a first band to a second band, the carriers for the first and second bands are selected dependent on a slope of the reference signal waveform at the transition. | 09-17-2015 |
20150256624 | CLOUD-ENHANCED TRAFFIC CONTROLLER - Embodiments include a method for controlling a traffic signal with a cloud-enhanced traffic controller. The method includes receiving the cloud-enhanced traffic controller comprising a memory storing a connection agent and a unique identification assigned to the cloud-enhanced traffic controller and connecting the cloud-enhanced traffic controller to the traffic signal and to a communications network, wherein based upon detecting that the cloud-enhanced traffic controller is connected to the communications network, the connection agent establishes a secure connection to a web service. The method also includes transmitting the unique identification and a status information of the cloud-enhanced traffic controller to the web service | 09-10-2015 |
20150246727 | APPARATUS FOR SERVICING A DETECTOR OF A FIRE SAFETY SYSTEM - An apparatus includes an aerial platform which is remotely controlled by an operator using a controller. The apparatus is used to service a detector of a fire safety system. The apparatus includes a frame having a gas canister and a gas delivery cup attached thereto, and a drone attached to the frame which is capable of flying the frame under remote control by the operator. A gripping mechanism for gripping a portion of a detector is provided for servicing the detector. | 09-03-2015 |
20150243170 | RED LIGHT VIOLATOR WARNING - Embodiments include a method for providing a red light violator warning. The method includes detecting that a first vehicle is about to violate a red light at an intersection. Based on detecting that the first vehicle is about to violate the red light at the intersection, the method includes broadcasting a warning message to all connected vehicles in proximity of the intersection of a pending red light violation and determining if the first vehicle is a connected vehicle. Based on determining that the first vehicle is a connected vehicle, the method further includes transmitting a notification message to the first vehicle warning of a pending red light violation. | 08-27-2015 |
20150243164 | ADJUSTMENT OF A TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROL PLAN BASED ON LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS - Embodiments include a method for adjusting a signal control plan for a traffic signal at an intersection based on local environmental conditions is provided. The method includes operating the traffic signal based on a standard signal control plan, receiving an indication of an adverse environmental condition, and determining if the standard signal control plan should be adjusted based on the indication of the adverse environmental condition. Based on determining that the standard signal control plan should be adjusted based on the indication of the adverse environmental condition, the method includes creating a modified signal control plan based on the adverse environmental condition and the standard signal control plan and operating the traffic signal based on the modified signal control plan. | 08-27-2015 |
20150217350 | MODULAR FINISHING MILL - A modular rolling mill includes a plurality of rolling units arranged along a mill pass line, each rolling unit being independently driven by a dedicated motor and drive train; and clutches for selectively coupling and de-coupling the drive trains of successive pairs of rolling units. | 08-06-2015 |
20150128677 | COOLING DEVICE FOR A ROLLING MILL WORK ROLL - A cooling device comprises a manifold housing having a generally concave inner edge configured and dimensioned to surround a surface area of a work roll in a rolling mill. The manifold housing is of a modular design having multiple constituent sections that are internally configured to simultaneously apply both a liquid coolant and a pressurized gas to the surface area of the work roll. | 05-14-2015 |
20150110343 | SORTING SYSTEM USING WEARABLE INPUT DEVICE - Methods for sorting mail pieces and corresponding systems and computer-readable mediums. A method includes determining that a camera of a wearable device is directed at a mail piece and capturing an image of the mail piece by the camera of the wearable device. The method includes transmitting the image from the wearable device to a mail processing system and notifying a user wearing the wearable device of a sort location of the mail processing system that corresponds to the mail piece. | 04-23-2015 |
20150094869 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CREATING AN OPERATING SCHEDULE FOR MULTI-STATE GENERATOR RESOURCES - Embodiments of the invention provide systems, methods, and apparatus for receiving input information including at least one of generator parameters, energy output requirements, fuel cost, fuel availability, and a maintenance schedule; creating a multi-state resource model based on the input information; generating an optimized operating schedule from the multi-state resource model based on the input information; and controlling the multi-state resources to optimally meet energy output requirements using the operating schedule. Numerous other aspects are provided. | 04-02-2015 |
20150094860 | USE OF A GEO-FENCING PERIMETER FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING CONTROL - A method and system of associating the personal remote mobile communications devices of occupants with the room and spaces they occupy in a building or other facility and generating commands to a building automation system based on changes in the location of the mobile communications devices relative to the associated room or space. | 04-02-2015 |
20150094857 | GAMING APPROACH FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING CONTROL - An approach for changing behavior of users of a building automation system by employing gaming function logic and providing feedback to the building automation system users. | 04-02-2015 |
20150091591 | MAXIMIZING RESOLUTION OF RESISTANCE SENSING - An approach for maximizing the resolution of a resistance sensor with a variable current source. | 04-02-2015 |
20150090554 | System and Method for All Electrical Operation of a Mining Haul Truck - A mining haul truck driven by electrical wheel motors is operated with all electrical power sources; that is, without a diesel engine. While travelling on the loading site, the mining haul truck is powered by an on-board energy storage system, which can comprise a bank of ultracapacitors. The mining haul truck then moves to the bottom of a trolley ramp and is coupled to trolley lines. While travelling uphill, the mining haul truck is powered by the trolley lines, and the on-board energy storage system is charged by the trolley lines. When the mining haul truck reaches the top of the trolley ramp, the mining haul truck is uncoupled from the trolley lines. While travelling on the unloading site, the mining haul truck is powered by the on-board energy storage system. The on-board energy storage system can also be charged by retard energy generated by the wheel motors during braking. | 04-02-2015 |
20150089380 | COMPONENT SPECIFYING AND SELECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD USING INTELLIGENT GRAPHIC TYPE SELECTION INTERFACE - A method generates an output identifying components for a system, each of the components having one of a plurality of types, each of the components defined by a plurality of specifications. The method includes employing a network interface to receive a selection tool into a computer system memory. The method further includes executing the selection tool on a processing device to: open a multi-window display that includes a schedule window, a product type select window, and a product window; display a menu of a plurality of graphic elements; receive a user input selecting a first graphic element from the menu; update the multi-window display to display the menu of the plurality of graphic elements without the first graphic element and to display the first graphic element in the product type select window; and filter a component database to identify components having a component type corresponding to the first graphic element. | 03-26-2015 |
20150084457 | ELECTRIC MACHINE STATOR WITH RADIAL VENT - An electric machine stator is provided and includes laminations consolidated along an axial direction to form a core element such that the core element includes an end lamination at an axial end of the core element. The end lamination includes a body extending in a plane and a plurality of spacer protrusions protruding along the axial direction from the plane. Each of the spacer protrusions of the plurality of spacer protrusions is configured for consolidation with another core element to define a radial vent between the core element and the another core element. | 03-26-2015 |
20150083558 | ELECTRICAL CONTACT APPARATUS, ASSEMBLIES, AND METHODS - An electrical contact is disclosed. The electrical contact includes a first element of a first material having one or more aperture, and a second element of a second material, the second element being positioned in at least one aperture of the one or more aperture of the first element, wherein the second material is different from the first material. Electrical contact devices, assemblies, and methods are provided, as are other aspects. | 03-26-2015 |
20150082584 | CLAMP FOR ROLLING MILL ROLL STAND - A clamp for releasably securing a rolling mill roll stand on a support structure, comprises a tubular housing adapted to be secured to the support structure. A piston subdivides the interior of the housing into front and rear chambers. A clamping jaw projects forwardly from the piston through an open front end of the housing. The piston is reciprocally movable between a locked position at which the clamping jaw engages the roll stand, and an unlocked position at which the clamping jaw is disengaged from the roll stand. Resilient elements act in the rear chamber to exert a locking force urging the piston into its locked position, and pressurized fluid acts in the front chamber to overcome the resilient locking force when unlocking the clamp. | 03-26-2015 |
20150078688 | BEARING ARRANGEMENT FOR ROLLING MILL ROLL SHAFT - A bearing arrangement comprises first and second axially spaced oil film bearings rotatably supporting a rolling mill roll shaft. An annular pressure plate is carried by and fixed relative to the roll shaft for rotation therewith. Third and fourth oil film bearings act on opposite sides of the pressure plate to axially fix the roll shaft. | 03-19-2015 |
20150077936 | LIQUID COOLED ELECTRONIC MODULES AND METHODS FOR REPLACING THE SAME - Embodiments include a liquid cooled electronic device including a compartment configured to enclose an electronic module therein. The compartment includes a stationary cooling plate disposed on an interior portion of the compartment, the stationary cooling plate comprising a liquid cooling system configured to remove heat from the stationary cooling plate and a plurality of electrical connectors configured to connect to the electronic module. The electronic module includes a mobile cooling plate configured to intimately fit with the stationary cooling plate when the plurality of electrical connectors are connected to the electronic device module. The heat generated by the electronic module is removed by the mobile cooling plate and the stationary cooling plate. | 03-19-2015 |
20150076969 | ELECTRIC MACHINE STATOR WITH AXIAL VENTS - A stator of an electric machine is provided and includes laminations arranged to form a core packet. Each lamination is formed to define an annular array of teeth at an inner radial portion thereof and an annular array of annular sectors at an outer radial portion thereof. | 03-19-2015 |
20150076968 | ELECTRIC MACHINE ROTOR WITH ROTOR VENT AND AXIAL SLOT FLUID COMMUNICATION - A rotor of an electric machine is provided and includes first and second core elements formed to define annular arrays of axial slots and rotor bar openings, each axial slot being fluidly communicative with a corresponding one of the rotor bar openings and a spacer element interposed between the first and second core elements to define a rotor vent opening fluidly communicative with the axial slots. | 03-19-2015 |
20150070801 | TWO-POLE CIRCUIT BREAKERS - A two-pole circuit breaker is provided that includes a first mechanical pole, a second mechanical pole and an electronic pole. The first mechanical pole includes a first armature having a first armature extension, and the second mechanical pole includes a second armature having a second armature extension. The electronic pole includes a first solenoid and a second solenoid, the first armature extension is disposed adjacent the first solenoid, and the second armature is disposed adjacent the second solenoid. Numerous other aspects are provided. | 03-12-2015 |
20150070113 | TRIPPING MECHANISMS FOR TWO-POLE CIRCUIT BREAKERS - A two-pole circuit breaker is provided that includes an electronic pole disposed between a first mechanical pole and a second mechanical pole. The first mechanical pole includes a first armature, and the second mechanical pole includes a second armature. The first and second armatures each are adapted to rotate in a first plane. The electronic pole includes a trip mechanism having a first trip arm disposed adjacent the first armature and a second trip arm disposed adjacent the second armature. The first trip arm and the second trip arm are each adapted to rotate in a second plane substantially orthogonal to the first plane. Numerous other aspects are provided. | 03-12-2015 |
20150068881 | TWO-POLE CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH TRIP BAR APPARATUS AND METHODS - A two-pole circuit breaker has an internal rotating trip bar that causes a second pole to trip (i.e., interrupt power) in response to a first pole tripping. A first pole may trip when the two-pole circuit breaker senses an electrical fault in the first pole. The tripping of the second pole in response to the first pole tripping may be referred to as common tripping. The trip bar may be connected to a tripping mechanism in each pole and may have interface features that result in less force required to trip the second pole, greater trip bar design tolerances, and/or ultimately more reliable common tripping. Methods of assembling a two-pole circuit breaker are also provided, as are other aspects. | 03-12-2015 |
20150066340 | SINGLE CYCLE OFFSET ADJUSTMENT FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROLLERS - Embodiments include a method for single cycle offset adjustment for a traffic signal includes receiving a current signal control plan and a new signal control plan. The method also includes calculating an offset between the current signal control plan and a new signal control plan and determining if the offset is less than a threshold percentage of a cycle length of the new signal control plan. If the offset is less than a threshold percentage of the cycle length, the method includes reducing a time period of each phase of a next cycle of the new signal control plan. If the offset is greater than the threshold percentage of the cycle length, the method includes increasing the time period of each phase of the next cycle of the new signal control plan. The method also includes executing the new signal control plan. | 03-05-2015 |
20150064949 | CIRCUIT INTERCONNECT ATTACHING APPARATUS, ATTACHING ASSEMBLIES, AND METHODS OF CONNECTING CIRCUIT INTERCONNECT DEVICES - A circuit interconnect attaching apparatus is disclosed. The circuit interconnect attaching apparatus has a body adapted to couple to a circuit interconnect device, the body having a first end and a second end, one or more frame connector coupled to the first end of the body, at least one tab portion positioned on an outer surface of the second end of the body, wherein the at least one tab portion for accepting at least one fastener member, and one or more bus connector configured to connect to or disconnect from one or more bus bar that is responsive to rotation of the circuit interconnect device. The circuit interconnect attaching assemblies having the circuit interconnect attaching apparatus and methods of connecting circuit interconnect devices to one or more bus bar are disclosed, as are other aspects. | 03-05-2015 |
20150062769 | COMBINED CIRCUIT BREAKER AND DC POWER SUPPLY APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - A circuit breaker is configured to provide both AC and DC protected power. The circuit breaker is packaged in a housing that includes a tripping module, a DC power supply, an AC load terminal, and a DC load terminal. The tripping module senses and responds to electrical faults by interrupting power, and the DC power supply converts received AC power to DC power. In some embodiments, the circuit breaker may be configured as a main breaker of a circuit breaker panel, while in other embodiments the circuit breaker may be configured as a branch circuit breaker that occupies a single branch circuit breaker mounting location in a circuit breaker panel. Methods of assembling a circuit breaker are also provided, as are other aspects. | 03-05-2015 |
20150053540 | CIRCUIT BREAKER HANDLE ACTUATION DEVICE - A circuit breaker handle actuation device used in conjunction with a circuit breaker having a circuit breaker handle and an external handle located on an electrical enclosure. The device includes a stationary frame having first and second horizontal supports. The device also includes a rotatable frame having first and second horizontal elements which extend from first and second vertical elements, respectively. The first and second vertical elements are rotatably attached to the first and second horizontal supports. In addition, an opening for receiving the circuit breaker handle is located between the first and second vertical elements. Further, the device includes a rotatable bracket having first and second vertical arms which are rotatably attached to the first and second horizontal elements, respectively, wherein the rotatable bracket is connected to the external handle. Movement of the external handle between ON, OFF and RESET/PARK positions causes corresponding movement of the circuit breaker handle. | 02-26-2015 |
20150049420 | LOW-PROFILE ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BREAKERS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - A low-profile electronic circuit breaker includes first and second electrical branches coupled to respective first and second load terminals. The electronic circuit breaker also includes an electronic processing circuit configured to monitor an electrical condition in the first and second electrical branches. The electronic circuit breaker is packaged in a housing sized to occupy a standard single-pole breaker panelboard location. In some embodiments, the electronic circuit breaker has no load neutral terminals associated with the first and second load terminals. Methods of assembling an electronic circuit breaker are provided, as are other system and method aspects. | 02-19-2015 |
20150042276 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION WITH RECONFIGURABLE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION OPTIONS AND METHODS - An electric vehicle charging apparatus is disclosed. The electric vehicle charging apparatus has a housing having a front cavity, rear cavity, and a separating wall having a common electrical passage, wherein the rear cavity is formed by sidewalls with one sidewall having a slot formed therein. A power cord passes through the common electrical passage in the separating wall, and the power cord is configurable to provide a number of electrical connection options, such as an “outside cord option” and a “rear mount option.” Methods of configuring the electric vehicle charging apparatus are provided, as are other aspects. | 02-12-2015 |
20150021838 | ADJUSTABLE DIE FIXTURE AND SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR HEATING TREATING PROCESS - An integrated adjustable die fixture to be used to hold and stabilize large parts from dimensional fluctuation during the heat treating quenching process. The die fixture provides for a pair of interlocking dies each with a plurality of radially positioned interchangeable and configurable part engagement blades to conform and hold the part during quenching. A die fixture support and transport lifting frame selectively engages integrated die fixture and part for transport, positioning and select access to quenching furnace. | 01-22-2015 |
20150019025 | Wireless Node Auto-Reset Function - A method for wireless communication within a building automation system is disclosed. The method includes establishing a communications link between a first automation component and a second automation component, detecting a change in the communications link at the second automation component, and initiating a reset function on the second automation component in response to the detected change in the communications link. A building automation system is further disclosed. The system includes a first automation component, a second automation component in communication with the first automation component via a communication link. The second automation component further includes a reset function stored on a memory and executable by a processor in communication with the memory, such that the reset function is activated in response to a change in the communications link. | 01-15-2015 |
20140379138 | Method and Device For Upgrading A Building Control System - An integration tool is presented for integrating and/or commissioning a new device or system into a building automation system. The integration tool is incorporated into the building automation system and is operative to create one or more databases and/or applications for the new device that is then flashed to an appropriate building system controller. In one form, the present invention is a software tool for integrating a building automation device into the building control system. In another form, the present invention is an integration tool for defining applications for new devices. | 12-25-2014 |
20140374526 | ROLLING MILL LAYING HEAD - Aspects of the present invention relate to a rolling mill laying head. The rolling mill laying head comprises a quill rotatable about a central axis, said quill being equipped with a guide pathway configured and arranged to form a longitudinally moving product into a continuous series of rings; a stationary support structure; and axially spaced radial bearings supporting said quill for rotation about said axis, one of said bearings comprising a hydrostatic oil film bearing having an internal diameter of at least about 500 mm, and having a L/D ratio less than 0.25. | 12-25-2014 |
20140373695 | HIGH SPEED TRAVERSING SHEAR - A trim shear is adapted to trim the front and tail ends of a hot rolled product exiting from a rolling mill along a mill pass line and travelling at either high or low speeds, depending on the size of the product being rolled. The trim shear comprises a trim station having a high speed a set of trim knives configured and arranged to trim the front and tail ends of high speed products, and a different low speed set of trim knives disposed laterally from the high speed set of trim knives and configured and arranged to trim the front and tail ends of low speed products; and traversing means for shifting the trim station transversely with respect to the mill pass line to alternatively locate either one or the other of said sets of trim knives in an active position on the mill pass line. | 12-25-2014 |
20140373590 | WORM AND RACK REST BAR ASSEMBLY - A rest bar assembly for a guide that is employed in a rolling mill to direct a hot rolled product either entering or exiting from the roll pass of a roll stand. The rest bar assembly comprises a core extending transversely with respect to the mill pass line. A saddle is movable along the core and is adapted to carry the guide. An adjustment mechanism serves to move the saddle along the core. The adjustment mechanism comprises a worm rack extending along a back side of the core, and a rotatable worm carried by the saddle and in meshed relationship with the worm rack. | 12-25-2014 |
20140352507 | CLAMPING DEVICE FOR A COILED METAL WEB CUTTER - A cutter for cutting an end section of a coiled web. The cutter includes roller elements for rotating the coiled web and a carriage assembly that is moveable in a first direction relative to a frame. The carriage assembly includes a saw element for cutting the end section to form a strip, wherein the saw element is moveable in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The carriage assembly also includes a contact wall and a spaced apart rotatable peeler element for separating the outer wrap of the web. In addition, the carriage assembly includes first and second actuators for moving the peeler element to a first position wherein the end section and strip are both clamped between the peeler element and the contact wall. Further, the second actuator rotates the peeler element to a second position wherein the end section is not clamped while the strip remains clamped. | 12-04-2014 |
20140326580 | Extendible Conveyor and Parcel Handling System - An extendable boom conveyor system having a first boom element, a controller, an input device, and a second boom element. The controller, using the input device, can adjust the position of the first boom element to maintain a distance relative to a user. A method performed by an extendible conveyor system can include detecting a position of a user using the input device, moving the first boom element to a position relative to the position of the user, detecting a user input using the input device, moving the first boom element to a new position according to the user input, and transporting parcels loaded by the user on the conveying surfaces. | 11-06-2014 |
20140297043 | ARRANGEMENT FOR MANAGING DATA CENTER OPERATIONS TO INCREASE COOLING EFFICIENCY - A method includes a step of storing in a memory efficiency characteristic information for each of a plurality of air conditioning units in a location containing a plurality of server computers, the efficiency characteristic information including information representative of an efficiency performance curve for a range of variable cooling output. The method also includes identifying a current thermal load on each of the plurality air conditioning units. The method further includes employing the stored efficiency characteristic information and the current thermal load to identify a first air conditioning unit having a least additional power consumption required to increase cooling output. One or more processing units are employed to allocate one or more processing tasks to one of the plurality of server computers based on the identified first air conditioning unit. | 10-02-2014 |
20140295750 | Arrangement and Method to Sense Flow Using Mechanical Stress Microsensors - An arrangement for controlling flow includes a flow control element, an actuator, a linkage assembly, and a sensor module. The linkage assembly is coupled between the flow control element and the actuator, and includes a rotatable linkage element coupled to impart force to the flow control element. The sensor module is affixed to the rotatable linkage element. The sensor module includes a MEMs-based strain gauge affixed to a substrate and operably coupled to measure torque on the linkage element, and a processing circuit disposed on the substrate. The processing circuit is operably coupled to receive torque measurement information representative of the measured torque. The processing circuit generates a fluid flow measurement value based on the torque measurement information and position information representative of a position of a flow control device of the flow control element. The flow control device is mechanically coupled to the rotatable linkage element. | 10-02-2014 |
20140277768 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR REMOTELY MONITORING AND CONTROLLING HVAC UNITS - Systems, methods, and medium remotely monitor and control heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) units. The method includes receiving by a processor via a communication network supply temperature data indicating a supply air temperature in a duct coupled to an HVAC unit. The method includes receiving by the processor via the communication network zone temperature data of a space being maintained by the HVAC unit. The method includes receiving by the processor via the communication network thermostat data from a thermostat in the space and analyzing by the processor at least one of the supply temperature data, the zone temperature data and thermostat data. The method includes generating by the processor a control signal responsive to the analysis and transmitting via the communication network the control signal to an HVAC controller, wherein the control signal causes the HVAC controller to control the HVAC unit. | 09-18-2014 |
20140273783 | SASH POSITION DETERMINING SYSTEM - A system for determining a sash panel position. An example system includes a linear array of light emitting elements spaced at equal distances from one another mounted on a fume hood frame. The light emitting elements generate a light path towards a sash panel such that the sash panel blocks the light path when positioned at the light emitting element. A linear array of light sensing elements is spaced at equal distances from one another on a side opposite the sash panel. The light sensing elements receive the light path generated by corresponding light emitting elements when the sash panel does not block the light path. The light sensing elements may be on modules having shift registers with bits corresponding to the light sensing elements. The shift register stores a state of the light sensing element and outputs a series of bits indicating the state of each light sensing element. | 09-18-2014 |
20140258940 | HIERARCHICAL NAVIGATION WITH RELATED OBJECTS - A method for navigating information includes identifying a value for a property of a first object associated with one or more devices managed by a management system. The method includes displaying a first plurality of tiles for a plurality of objects, including the first object. A first of the tiles is associated with the first object and includes a display of a graphic associated with the object and the identified value for the property. The method includes identifying a plurality of related objects that are related to the first object and displaying a second plurality of tiles for the related objects in response to receiving a selection of the first tile for the first object. Additionally, the method includes displaying, in response to receiving a selection of a second tile in the second plurality of tiles for one of the related objects, information about the one related object. | 09-11-2014 |
20140244823 | System for Accessing and Browsing A PLC Provided Within A Network - Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a method, comprising: recognizing, by a PLC, that a memory device has been connected to the PLC; and configuring the PLC via a PLC executable software program resident on the memory device. Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a method, comprising: via a PLC network interface: presenting a PLC network as a namespace shell extension of an operating system of a non-PLC information device; and rendering, to a user of the non-PLC information device, the PLC network as a node of a network. Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a method, comprising: via a PLC network interface: presenting a PLC network as a namespace shell extension of an operating system of a non-PLC information device; and searching the PLC network for at least one item corresponding to one or more search parameters. | 08-28-2014 |
20140240496 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR STABILIZING LIVE VIDEO IN THE PRESENCE OF LONG-TERM IMAGE DRIFT - Methods and systems stabilization of a camera image for short term or ‘pole shake’ and longer term ‘pole drift’ are provided. The camera is attached to a fixed structure. The pole drift is over periods of times long enough that the imagery can change significantly between a base reference frame and the current stabilized transient frame. A multitude of mapped frames and associated information is maintained. The slowly varying camera orientation (“pole drift”) is decoupled from the rapid motion jitter (“pole shake”), and separate transformations are calculated for each. Up to three transformations may be combined together for any one input frame. The separate transformations are combined together, so that only one full-blown image transformation computation is performed for each frame. A surveillance system applies a stabilization method. | 08-28-2014 |
20140231368 | MATERIAL CAROUSEL - A material carousel for manufacturing and/or assembly operations is provided. The carousel includes a hub fabricated from a low friction material wherein the hub has a polygonal shape. The carousel also includes a plurality of equally spaced arms which are press fit into the hub. Each arm is adapted to hold cable and/or harness assemblies or includes a bin for holding materials used for production operations. In addition, the carousel includes a support column that extends through the hub, wherein the hub is adapted to rotate about the support column. An adjustable support column is also provided for supporting the hub on the support column. Further, the carousel includes a peg mechanism for stopping rotation of the hub after a predetermined rotation angle. | 08-21-2014 |
20140215319 | PRODUCT SPECIFICATION GENERATION - A specification document, such as a specification of a product, is automatically generated. A modular database structure is used to populate a template. Product modifications are incorporated, resulting in change, alteration, or different data being in the specification than without the modification. For example, a modification may result in the use of a different enclosure for the as-built product. The specification document includes dimension values, images, and/or other information representing the modification and the as-built product rather than a base product without the modification. | 07-31-2014 |
20140211443 | ADAPTER FOR ARC RESISTANT MOTOR CONTROL CENTER - The arc-resistant MCC is provided with either the expansion chamber or the plenum. Arc flashes create pressure. Different arc-resistant MCC bases are used depending on whether the expansion chamber or the plenum is to be attached, as the expansion chamber and the plenum deal with the created pressure in different ways and are accordingly attached to the MCC base in different ways. | 07-31-2014 |
20140210431 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FEEDBACK SENSING IN MULTI-CELL POWER SUPPLIES - Apparatus and methods in accordance with this invention provide a multi-cell power supply for receiving power from a source and delivering power at an output terminal to a load. The multi-cell power supply includes a first power cell coupled to the source, and a first current sensor circuit. The first power cell provides a first output current, and includes a first output terminal coupled to a reference node of the multi-cell power supply, and a second output terminal coupled to the output terminal. The first current sensor circuit includes a first current sensor and a power supply. The first current sensor is coupled to the first output terminal of the first power cell, and measures the first output current. The power supply is coupled to either the reference node or a floating ground node of the first power cell, and provides power to the first current sensor. | 07-31-2014 |
20140202538 | MANIFOLD - A system and method for a fluid manifold with a sensor inlet and sensor outlet located on the same side of the body of the fluid manifold. | 07-24-2014 |
20140197679 | Controlled Lubricant Volume Seal Housing - A mechanical drive seal housing includes a lubricant reservoir to supplement the amount of available lubricant. The lubricant is used to cool a seal having two halves. The seal halves include complimentary textures configured to move and retain lubricant. A drive axle includes a stationary shaft and a wheel hub rotatably connected to the stationary shaft. A metal face seal is located at an interface between the stationary shaft and the wheel hub. A stationary seal half of the metal face seal is located in a mechanical drive seal housing which includes a lubricant reservoir to supplement the amount of available lubricant. | 07-17-2014 |
20140197675 | Self-lubricating and Cooling Metal Face Seal - A self-lubricating and cooling metal face seal includes a rotating seal half and a stationary seal half. The seal halves include complimentary textures configured to move and retain lubricant. The rotating seal half has a texture comprising an alternating series of plows and troughs circumferentially spaced around an inner diameter of the rotating seal half. The stationary seal half has a texture comprising collection and distribution grooves circumferentially spaced around an inner diameter of the stationary seal half. A drive axle includes a spindle and a wheel hub rotatably connected to the spindle. A metal face seal is located at an interface between the spindle and the wheel hub. | 07-17-2014 |
20140185646 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND/OR METHODS FOR MANAGING A THERMOCOUPLE MODULE - Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a thermocouple input module. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to determine one or more calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to store the calibration factors. The thermocouple input module can be adapted to apply the calibration factors to an incoming thermocouple voltage value to obtain an adjusted thermocouple voltage value. | 07-03-2014 |
20140173289 | MOBILE IDENTITY PROVIDER WITH TWO FACTOR AUTHENTICATION - An approach is provided for generating and decoding secure machine readable codes with a processor where the machine readable codes have multiple layers of security. | 06-19-2014 |
20140163747 | STREAMING GRAPHIC METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR BUILDING CONTROL SYSTEMS - A building system server includes a processing device executing a server program. The processing device receives a request from a remote device for information regarding a building control system. The processing device provides, responsive at least in part to the request for information, at least one software program. The remote device executes the software program to: request and receive background graphic data corresponding to the request; request and receive first data identifying at least one variable control, and a format of the at least one variable control; request and receive second data containing a building control value corresponding to the at least one variable control; and cause a compatible web browser to build a graphics page based on the graphic data, first data and second data. The processing device provides the graphics page to the remote device. | 06-12-2014 |
20140138494 | METHOD & APPARATUS FOR AN INTERLOCKING CONTROL DEVICE - A distributed interlocking device, architecture and process are disclosed, and are based on segregating the vital logic for a signal installation by type of signal equipment. A plurality of intelligent signal devices is disclosed, wherein each intelligent signal device is used to control a basic signal unit. In turn, a signal unit includes a set of signal apparatuses that are geographically and logically interrelated. An intelligent signal device receives data related to the states of other signal devices, determines and controls its own operational states, and communicates its own operational states to other devices. | 05-22-2014 |
20140136006 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROGRAMMING AND IMPLEMENTING AUTOMATED FAULT ISOLATION AND RESTORATION USING SEQUENTIAL LOGIC - A method and system for programming and implementing automated fault isolation and restoration of high-speed fault detection of circuits in power distribution networks using sequential logic and peer-to-peer communication is provided. High-speed fault detection of circuits in power distribution networks uses protective relay devices ( | 05-15-2014 |
20140129159 | SOLENOID STATUS DETERMINATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Methods and systems for determining the status of a solenoid. A method includes measuring a plurality of parameters associated with a current conducting through the solenoid. The measured parameters are compared to predetermined reference parameters to determine the status of the solenoid. A system includes a sensor configured to measure a plurality of parameters associated with a current conducting through the solenoid. The system includes a control module configured to receive the measured parameters and operable to compare the measured parameters to predetermined reference parameters to determine the status of the solenoid. | 05-08-2014 |
20140111047 | MAGNETIC BEARING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR VARYING SHAFT THRUST LOAD SUPPORT IN INDUCTION MOTORS AND OTHER ROTATING MACHINERY - A permanent magnet bearing supports part of thrust loads of a vertical shaft induction motor, or the thrust loads of other types of rotation machinery regardless of shaft rotational axis orientation, in parallel with a lubricated mechanical bearing. The permanent magnet has a stationary magnet portion coupled to a bearing bracket and a rotating portion adapted for coupling to a rotor shaft. The permanent magnet bearing exerts a directional magnetic force that generates a preload support force on the rotor shaft that is selectively varied by varying air gap between the stationary and rotating magnet portions. Air gap between the magnet portions is varied with an air gap adjustment mechanism. The gap adjustment mechanism may be coupled to a control system that in some embodiments causes the permanent magnet bearing to vary the air gap based on external load applied on the motor. | 04-24-2014 |
20140111039 | RADIAL MAGNETIC VIBRATION DAMPING APPARATUS, BEARING SUPPORT ASSEMBLIES, AND OPERATIONAL METHODS - A bearing support assembly adapted to support and damp radial vibration of a rotor shaft of a vertical motor is disclosed. The bearing support assembly has a thrust bearing adapted to couple to a rotor shaft and carry axial thrust loads along an axial axis, and a radial magnetic damping apparatus having one or more magnetic field-producing members adapted to provide a radially-acting magnetic force to act upon the rotor shaft to reduce radial vibration thereof. Vertical motors and methods of operating the vertical motors are disclosed, as are other aspects. | 04-24-2014 |
20140103013 | CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH TRANSLATING ELECTRICAL CONTACT, CIRCUIT BREAKER ELECTRICAL CONTACT ASSEMBLIES, AND OPERATIONAL METHODS - Circuit breakers having an electrical contact assembly with a moving electrical contact that is linearly translatable within an inner cavity are disclosed. A guide linearly carries a moveable contact assembly having the moving electrical contact and the guide has one or more guide supports accessible by a drive member external to the cavity. According to another aspect, a circuit breaker electrical contact assembly and method of operating a circuit breaker is provided, as are other aspects. | 04-17-2014 |
20140100724 | METHOD & APPARATUS FOR A HYBRID TRAIN CONTROL DEVICE - A method and an apparatus for an on-board train control device are provided, and are based on converting speed codes received from wayside cab-signaling devices into movement authority limits. The device determines the train location independent of the wayside train detection system, and generates and enforces stopping profiles based on said movement authority limits. | 04-10-2014 |
20140099820 | METER SOCKET AND LOAD CENTER COMBINATION APPARATUS, ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS, AND METHODS OF ASSEMBLY - A meter socket, load center combination apparatus is disclosed. The meter socket, load center combination apparatus has an enclosure having a meter socket section with a meter socket configured to receive a utility meter, a load center section having a panelboard with a plurality of locations configured to receive circuit interface devices, and a cross-bus connection section extending between first and second sides of the enclosure, the cross bus connection section having one or more side openings configured to allow electrical connection to one or more cross bus bars, and a main circuit breaker coupled between the panelboard and the meter socket. Methods of assembling power distribution systems and electrical distribution systems including the meter socket, load center combination apparatus are disclosed, as are other aspects. | 04-10-2014 |
20140098470 | ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS INCUDING PARALLEL ENERGY SOURCE AND METHODS - An electrical distribution system having a meter socket, load center combination apparatus is disclosed. The meter socket, load center combination apparatus has an enclosure having a meter socket section with a meter socket configured to receive an owner utility meter, an owner load center with a plurality of locations configured to receive circuit interface devices, and a combination cross bus connection section extending between sides of the enclosure, the cross bus connection section having one or more side openings configured to allow electrical connection to one or more main cross bus bars of a main panel, a parallel energy source disconnect, and a parallel energy source coupled to the parallel energy source disconnect. Methods of configuring electrical distribution systems are disclosed, as are other aspects. | 04-10-2014 |
20140098469 | DUAL ACTION SHUTTER FOR DRAWOUT CIRCUIT BREAKER - A shutter device for a drawout circuit breaker. The arrangement includes first and second moveable plungers for contacting the circuit breaker. The arrangement also includes a first slider element attached to a moveable first mask. A first link arm is rotatably attached to the first plunger and the first slider element. The arrangement also includes a second slider element attached to a moveable second mask. A second link arm is rotatably attached to the second plunger and the second slider element. Movement of the first and second plungers in a first direction causes movement of the first and second slider elements and the first and second masks in a second direction transverse to the first direction relative to a back plate to form mask passageways. The arrangement also includes a plurality of mounting elements that enable movement of the back plate in the first direction. | 04-10-2014 |
20140097721 | ROTOR APPARATUS AND METHODS OF IMPROVING MAGNETIZATION IN ELECTRIC MACHINES - Induction motors may have a rotor that includes a shaft and a plurality of rotor laminations. The plurality of rotor laminations may have a central bore sized to receive the shaft, and the shaft may have a laminated portion that extends throughout the central bore. In other embodiments, the plurality of rotor laminations may have a very small or no central bore, and the shaft may include first and second end pieces respectively attached on opposite sides of the plurality of rotor laminations. In some embodiments, the first and second end shaft pieces may be attached to the rotor laminations with a through bolt that passes through the rotor laminations via a central bore sized no larger than needed to receive the through bolt, allowing each of the rotor laminations to have a larger laminated surface area. Methods of assembling a rotor are also provided, as are other aspects. | 04-10-2014 |
20140095654 | System for Monitoring Multiple Building Automation Systems - A method for execution on a computing device includes transmitting first identification information to a server processing circuit via the Internet. The server processing circuit identifies a plurality of geographically dispersed systems corresponding to the first identification information. Information including geographical coordinates and system status information is received for each system. A set of geographical boundary coordinates are determined. Moreover, a visible characteristic value for each system is determined based on the corresponding system status information. A map presentation function executed by a second processing circuit displays a map based on the geographic boundary coordinates, and displays a plurality of visible indicators on the map. Each of the plurality of visible indicators has a position on the map corresponding the geographical coordinates of a corresponding system. Each of the plurality of visible indicators has a visible characteristic corresponding to the visible characteristic value of the corresponding system. | 04-03-2014 |
20140094106 | SASH POSITION SENSOR - Systems and methods for determining the area of a sash opening in a fume hood formed by at least one movable sash panel. An emitter and sensor panel is mounted in a fume hood enclosure space. The emitter and sensor panel comprises at least one light emitter mounted on one side of an optical sensor. The at least one light emitter is configured to illuminate the fume hood enclosure space. At least one reflective marker is mounted on one edge of the sash opening to reflect light from the at least one light emitter. Optical information detected at the optical sensor is used to determine a variable distance to the at least one reflective marker. The variable distance and known distance parameters are used to determine the area of the sash opening. | 04-03-2014 |
20140093201 | APPARATUS AND METHODS OF SELF COOLING A VERTICAL MOTOR THRUST BEARING - Vertical motors having a thrust bearing and an oil deflector positioned in an oil sump in which the thrust bearing is located are disclosed. Oil flowing through the thrust bearing may be spread across the oil deflector and directed down along an inside surface of a wall of the oil sump to allow the oil to cool. The oil deflector may be polished sheet metal. In some embodiments, a plurality of fins may be arranged around an outside surface of the wall to provide additional heat exchange. A fan may additionally be provided to direct air flow between the plurality of fins to further facilitate the heat exchange. Methods of cooling a thrust bearing in a vertical motor are also provided, as are other aspects. | 04-03-2014 |
20140092724 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FAIL-SAFE COMMUNICATION ACROSS A COMPROMISED COMMUNICATION CHANNEL OF A NETWORK DEVICE - A system and method for providing communication over a compromised communication channel in a system having a first node and a second node connected via the communication channel is provided. For example, a signaling circuit may be provided. The signaling circuit includes a master signal electrically connected to first and second portions of the communication channel. The first and second portions of the communication channel are employed in the first node. The signaling circuit further includes a slave signal processor arrangement coupled to the master signal processor arrangement and electrically connected to third and fourth portions of the communication channel. The third and fourth portions of the communication channel are employed in the second node. | 04-03-2014 |
20140092239 | SASH POSITION SENSOR USING IMAGE ANALYSIS - Systems and methods for determining the area of a sash opening in a fume hood formed by at least one movable sash panel. Fume hoods have sash panels mounted over a hood opening to an enclosure structure of the fume hood. The sash panels are moved to open or close the fume hood at the sash opening for access to a work surface. A camera is mounted in a fume hood enclosure space to capture an image of the sash opening. An area determining function is configured to receive a digital representation of the image. The image is analyzed by detecting edges in the image. The image edges corresponding to edges of the sash opening are identified. The area of the sash opening is determined by applying a scaling value to the area formed by the image edges corresponding to the area of the sash opening. | 04-03-2014 |
20140091807 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GROUND FAULT DETECTION IN A TRANSFORMER ISOLATED COMMUNICATION CHANNEL OF A NETWORK DEVICE - A system and method for non-intrusive fault detection of a ground fault in a communication channel is provided. A bias voltage may be established on a first portion of the communication channel and a second portion of the communication channel. A first voltage may be detected across a first resistor electrically connected to the first and second portions of the communication channel. Data indicative of whether the ground fault exists in the first or second portions of the communication channel may be provided based on the detecting. | 04-03-2014 |
20140091668 | HYBRID ROTOR BAR ASSEMBLIES, ELECTRIC MOTORS INCLUDING HYBRID ROTOR BAR ASSEMBLIES, AND METHODS OF ASSEMBLYING SAME - Hybrid rotor bar assemblies and electric motors having hybrid rotor bar assemblies are disclosed, as are other aspects. The hybrid rotor tar assemblies have rotor bars lined with shims. The rotor bars can be copper rotor bars. In certain aspects, the shim may be about one fourth to about one eighth of a thickness of the rotor bar. Also disclosed are electric motors with shims lining the rotor bars and functioning as secondary rotor bars. | 04-03-2014 |
20140088865 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREDICTING ARRIVAL TIMES IN A TRANSPORTATION NETWORK - A scheduling system is provided for improving the routing performance of a plurality of objects moving through a transportation network. In one preferred application, a train scheduling system is improved by using an artificial neural network (ANN) to determine the trains' arrival times at various points in the network. Real-time data collection is minimized by training the ANN using stored data regarding historical, previously run train routes. A train's particular physical characteristics are input to the ANN to predict the trains' arrival times at the particular destination within the network. Scheduling and routing functions may then be applied to the ANN output data to determine modified, train arrival times and to make routing changes to optimize the scheduling. Completed route information is continuously fed back to the ANN and the scheduling system to retrain the ANN, assimilate the latest route data and further optimize the system's scheduling performance. | 03-27-2014 |
20140088838 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PREEMPTIVE LOAD WEIGHT FOR MINING EXCAVATING EQUIPMENT - Provided is a method and a system for preemptively determining a load weight for mining excavation equipment. Specifically, provided is a method in which an excavation surface is scanned to generate an excavation surface profile, an excavation plan is selected for the excavation surface profile, the excavation plan for the excavation surface profile is executed on the excavation surface utilizing a pre-emptive load weighing algorithm based on a plurality of drive signals of the mining excavation equipment, and a volume of a material to be excavated by the mining excavation equipment is determined based at least on the plurality of drive signals, the plurality of derivatives of drive signals, and the excavation surface profile. | 03-27-2014 |
20140088802 | RAILWAY TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPURPOSE DISPLAY - A railway train control system having a multi-purpose display is disclosed. The railway train control system includes a human-machine interface having a first display and a second, display. The first display provides a train control interface that enables a first operator, such as an engineer, to control one or more functions of the train. The second display is a multipurpose display that can switch between a standard mode and an application mode. The second display displays a read-only display of the train control interface in the standard mode and displays applications to enable a second operator, such as a conductor, to complete various tasks in the application mode. | 03-27-2014 |
20140080396 | SYSTEM FOR DETECTING A POSITION OF A FUME HOOD SASH - A method for determining a height of a sash opening formed by a movable sash in a fume hood. The method includes providing a laser device on the hood and providing a reflector on the sash. In addition, the method includes positioning the sash in an open position to form the sash opening and measuring a first distance between the laser device and the reflector when the sash is in the open position. The method also includes calculating the sash height based on the first distance. | 03-20-2014 |
20140076441 | CHOCK DRAIN CONNECTOR - A connector attaches a hose to a port from which oil is drained from the chock of an oil film bearing. The connector comprises a conduit having a first leg adapted to be connected to the chock in communication with the port, and a second leg adapted to be connected to the hose. A latching mechanism coacts with the first leg to releasably secure the conduit to the chock. | 03-20-2014 |
20140076416 | DRAIN HOSE CONNECTOR WITH BREATHER VALVE - A drain connector attaches a hose to a port from which oil is drained from the chock of an oil film bearing. The drain connector comprises an elbow-shaped conduit having a horizontal leg adapted to be connected to the chock in communication with the port, and an angled leg adapted to be connected to the hose. A breather valve in the conduit is adapted to admit ambient air into the conduit when oil is flowing through the conduit from the port to and through the hose, and is adapted to automatically close in the event that the conduit is filled with oil occasioned by a reduction in the flow of oil through the hose. | 03-20-2014 |
20140074867 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EVALUATING THE PERFORMANCE OF BUILDING PROCESSES - Systems and methods generate a business process control chart and process report card. A method includes generating process control chart data for a building process. The method further includes generating a summary record of sample data from the control chart data. The method includes determining a process grade for each process using the summary record. The method further includes generating a process report card including the determined process grade for each process. | 03-13-2014 |
20140074797 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING A BUSINESS PROCESS CONTROL CHART FOR MONITORING BUILDING PROCESSES - Systems and methods generate building process summary data depicting a process over time. A method includes receiving a process value and attribute information. The method includes calculating statistical moments for the received data. The method includes retrieving a “where used” database list for a specific process. The method further includes determining if received attribute information matches database record attributes. Where there is a match, the method includes storing calculated statistical moments for the received data into a current database record. While the received attribute information matches additional database record attributes according to the “where used” database list, the method includes storing calculated statistical moments for the received data into additional database records as building process summary data. | 03-13-2014 |
20140074327 | RAILWAY TRAIN CRITICAL SYSTEMS HAVING CONTROL SYSTEM REDUNDANCY AND ASYMMETRIC COMMUNICATIONS CAPABILITY - A railway vital or critical application system substitutes commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and/or software for railway-domain specific product components, yet is validated to conform with railway vital system failure-free standards. The vital system uses a pair of COTS personal computers and operating systems with asymmetric communications capability. Each computer and operating system may differ for additional redundancy. Both computers receive and verify vital systems input message data and security code integrity and separately generate output data responsive to the input message. The first computer has sole capability to send vital system output messages including the output data and an output security code, but only the second computer has the capability of generating the output security code. A failure of either computer's hardware, software or processing capability results failure to transmit a vital system output message or an output message that cannot be verified by other vital systems. | 03-13-2014 |
20140070961 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ELECTRONICALLY DISSEMINATING INFORMATION TO STREET TRAFFIC - The present disclosure is directed to traffic control systems that electronically disseminate locally relevant information to street traffic. Various embodiments relate to systems and methods for supplying a network connection from a traffic controller system in a traffic controller cabinet to an electronic display. Various embodiments include TCC systems, methods, and mediums that control a traffic signal using traffic control circuitry, display selected display content on an electronic display, basing the selection on several factors, including information regarding the controlled traffic signal. The various embodiments also communicate with the network that is coupled to the traffic control circuitry, all while protecting the electronic display from environmental factors. | 03-13-2014 |
20140070673 | ACTUATOR ARRANGEMENT WITH WORM GEAR AND ROTATIONAL OUTPUT HAVING AN ENCODER - An actuator arrangement having a rotational output includes a power input, a motor, at least an intermediate gear, a solenoid and an output. The power input connects to a source of electrical power. The motor has an output shaft including a worm gear. The motor is operably connected to the power input. The motor and output shaft are rotatably connected to a housing of the actuator. The output gear generates a rotational output at an axis thereof, and is operably coupled to be driven by the at least one intermediate gear. The solenoid is operably connected to the power input, and includes a piston member. The piston member has an actuated and a non-actuated position. The piston member in the actuated position urges the worm gear and the at least one intermediate gear into meshing connection. | 03-13-2014 |
20140070642 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR INCREASING AIRFLOW THROUGH INDUCTION MOTORS - Induction motors may have a rotor core assembly that includes a plurality of rotor laminations having an arrangement of vents therein. The arrangement of vents may provide increased airflow through the induction motor without adversely affecting the electromagnetic properties of the motor. The arrangement of vents includes first and second circular rows of vents, wherein each vent of the first row may be radially aligned with a respective vent of the second row, and each radially aligned pair of first and second row vents may be radially aligned with a respective conductor bar slot in the rotor lamination. The number of rotor bar slots may equal the number of first row vents and the number of second row vents. Systems and methods of facilitating ventilation in an induction motor are provided, as are other aspects. | 03-13-2014 |
20140070641 | INDUCTION MOTORS INCLUDING VENT SPACERS, ROTOR CORE ASSEMBLIES INCLUDING VENT SPACERS, AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAME - Vent spacers and induction motor rotor core assemblies for induction motors are disclosed. The induction motor rotor assembly includes at least two rotor packages, each having axial sidewalls, a radial periphery, and axial vents, and a vent spacer positioned between opposing axial sidewalls of the at least two rotor packages. The vent spacer has a hub and a plurality of radially-extending fins coupled to the hub, the fins extending approximately to a radial periphery and extending axially between the opposed axial sidewalls to form a plurality of radial cooling channels extending between the sidewalls. Induction motors and methods of operating the induction motors are disclosed, as are other aspects. | 03-13-2014 |
20140067150 | AUTOMATED DEMAND RESPONSE GATEWAY - A system and method for reducing an electrical load in a facility or building with an automated demand response server having a hierarchical grouping of demand stages and demand groups with associated timers that control the shedding of load in order to achieve the appropriate level of load reduction and ramping up devices in a controlled manner upon the expiration of a demand response event. | 03-06-2014 |
20140063876 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INPUT PROTECTION FOR POWER CONVERTERS - Systems and methods in accordance with this invention provide a power converter including an input signal terminal, a first output signal at a first output signal terminal, and a controller. The controller is adapted to switch the first output signal from a first value to a second value, measure a voltage at the input signal terminal as a function of time, set a flag to a first flag value if the measured voltage falls below a predetermined value within a first predetermined time interval after the first output signal has been switched from the first value to the second value, otherwise set the flag to a second flag value, and save the flag in a memory. Numerous other aspects are also provided. | 03-06-2014 |
20140063871 | POWER DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OFFSHORE APPLICATIONS - A system for delivering power to an offshore load is disclosed. The system may include an on-land source of three-phase power, an on-land AC-to-DC power conversion module, a DC transmission line, and an offshore DC-to-AC power inverter. The on-land AC-to-DC power conversion module may be configured to convert the three-phase power to DC power. The DC transmission line may have a source end and a load end, where the source end is configured to receive DC power from the on-land AC-to-DC power conversion module. The offshore DC-to-AC power inverter may be configured to receive DC power from the DC transmission line, convert the DC power to three-phase AC power, and deliver the three-phase AC power to an offshore load. | 03-06-2014 |
20140063870 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR RESTORING POWER CELL FUNCTIONALITY IN MULTI-CELL POWER SUPPLIES - A method is provided for operating a multi-cell power supply that includes multiple series-connected power cells in each of multiple legs. Each power cell includes a bypass device that may be used to selectively bypass and de-bypass the power cell. After a first power cell faults and is bypassed as a result of the fault, the method includes de-bypassing the first power cell without stopping the multi-cell power supply if the first power cell fault was caused by a predetermined operating condition. Numerous other aspects are provided. | 03-06-2014 |
20140063869 | METHODS OF BALANCING REACTIVE POWER IN MULTI-LEVEL MOTOR DRIVES WITH ACTIVE FRONT ENDS - A method of balancing reactive power at a power delivery system is disclosed. The method may include operating a power delivery system that may have a plurality of power cells that are electrically connected to a first transformer comprising one or more primary windings and a plurality of secondary windings such that each cell is electrically connected to one of the secondary windings and a plurality of the secondary windings are phase-shifted with respect to the primary windings. The method may further include controlling the reactive current flow at each power cell by calculating, at a first controller, a reactive current flow adjustment for at least one power cell so that reactive current flow is balanced among each of the plurality of power cells. Each cell may include a plurality of switching devices. | 03-06-2014 |
20140062227 | APPARAUS AND METHOD FOR INDUCTION MOTOR HEAT TRANSFER - A heat sink apparatus for induction motors and other dynamoelectric machines. The heat sink has a mounting portion adapted for coupling to a motor housing. A first heat sink portion is adapted for insertion into a motor housing interior, such as through an aperture in the frame or bearing bracket, and is thermally coupled to a second heat sink portion that is adapted for orientation outside the housing. The heat sink apparatus first heat sink portion may be inserted within an air channel of a TEFC induction motor. The heat sink preferably has a higher heat transfer rate than the motor housing. | 03-06-2014 |
20140056695 | ACCESSIBLE BLOWER ASSEMBLY, BLOWER SLIDER ASSEMBLY, AND METHODS - An easy-access blower assembly is disclosed. The blower assembly includes a blower enclosure, and a blower slider assembly mounted to the blower enclosure. The blower slider assembly has slider rails, each with a moveable rail and a stationary rail, a blower mounting plate coupled to each moveable rail of the slider rails, and a blower motor and fan assembly mounted to the blower mounting plate wherein the blower motor and fan assembly is adapted to slide out of the blower enclosure. Blower slider assemblies and methods of servicing a blower motor and fan assembly are also provided, as are other aspects. | 02-27-2014 |
20140054203 | Single Pass Mail Sorting System - A method of mail sorting according to the invention includes the steps of sorting a batch of mail addressed to recipients in a common postal delivery zone with an automated single pass mail sorting machine into groups wherein the mail pieces in each group have a common delivery destination, transporting the groups of sorted mail using an automated conveying system to a delivery point packaging machine, and then packaging the groups of mail pieces with the delivery point packaging machine. Such a method is preferably part of a single pass sorting process wherein a batch of starting mail destined to a common zone is sorted into groups of mail for each destination that are then brought to the delivery point packaging machine in carrier delivery order. | 02-27-2014 |
20140052315 | RAILWAY TRAIN DATA RECORDER WITH PARALLEL REMOTE ONLINE INCIDENT DATA STORAGE - Incident, data of the type stored in a railway train crash hardened memory module (CHMM) and/or other information acquired by a railway train data recorder are transmitted to a remote data storage site. Beneficially the remotely stored information transmitted from the train's onboard recorder may be monitored and/or otherwise analyzed without having to wait for a scheduled periodic download of the CHMM. Parallel transmission and remote storage of incident data during train operation eliminates the need to carry a CHMM onboard the train or schedule dedicated incident data downloads while the train is stationary or otherwise out of service. Existing communications equipment for wireless data transmission already onboard the train may be used for the incident data transmission to the remote data storage device. | 02-20-2014 |
20140051337 | METHODS OF REMOVING ELECTRICAL RUNOUT IN A MACHINE SHAFT SURFACE - A method of removing electrical runout from a measurement surface of a rotatable machine shaft is disclosed. The method includes providing a sensor adjacent to the measurement surface of the rotatable machine shaft, rotating the rotatable machine shaft, measuring a combined runout of the measurement surface, determining an angular location of one or more local valleys on the measurement surface, and re-working the measurement surface at the angular location of the one or more local valleys. Re-work may be by polishing at the one or more local valleys. Various alternative methods are disclosed, as are other aspects. | 02-20-2014 |
20140049995 | DIAGNOSTICS FOR MULTI-LEVEL MEDIUM VOLTAGE DRIVE USING MECHANICAL BYPASS - A system and method for performing diagnostics in a medium voltage drive. The system includes a power cell and a bypass mechanism. The bypass mechanism is operably connected to output terminals of the power cell and configured to create a shunt path between the output terminals. The bypass mechanism includes a communication interface configured to transmit a bypass signal to a communication interface associated with the power cell in response to a state change. The method of performing diagnostics includes a controller transmitting an input voltage to a bypass mechanism of the power supply, thereby causing a state change of the bypass mechanism. The controller receives a signal from the power cell, wherein the signal indicates the power cell has detected the state change of the bypass mechanism. The controller then determines if the power cell is correctly associated with the bypass mechanism. | 02-20-2014 |
20140049880 | TEMPERATURE SENSING SYSTEM FOR POWER ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A power electronic device is disclosed. The power electronic device may include a housing, a conductive element positioned within the housing and rated for at least a medium voltage, a cooling system in fluid communication with the conductive element, a plurality of temperature sensing tags and a data collection unit having a receiver that is configured to receive signals from the antennae of the temperature sensing tags. The cooling system may have a plurality of outlet conduit elements that are positioned within the housing. Each of the tags may be attached to one of the outlet conduits and may include a power supply, a temperature sensor, and an antenna. | 02-20-2014 |
20140038452 | METER SOCKET HAVING A BREAKABLE TAB FOR RETAINING A SLIDING NUT - An electric meter socket for connecting electrical conductors thereto includes a meter socket block configured to receive at least one lug assembly. The lug assembly is configured to receive an electrical conductor and may include a lug and sliding nut. The lug includes a slide path that allows the sliding nut to be removed from the lug so an electrical conductor can be placed in the lug for connection to the meter socket. To prevent the sliding nut from sliding out of the lug until an electrical conductor is ready to be connected, the meter socket block includes at least one breakable tab that blocks the slide path, thus retaining the sliding nut within the lug. The breakable tab may be removed when an electrical conductor is ready to be connected. Methods of assembling a meter socket and of connecting electrical conductors thereto are also provided, as are other aspects. | 02-06-2014 |
20140034466 | ELECTRICAL CONTACT POSITION INDICATOR APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF OPERATION - Embodiments disclose an electrical contact position indicator. The indicator includes a mechanical indicator and an accessory actuator configured and adapted to mount in a circuit breaker housing, the accessory actuator being coupled to the mechanical indicator. The mechanical indicator is configured and operable to provide a non-electrical indication of an operational configuration of the electrical contact assembly, and actuate the accessory actuator. The accessory actuator is operable to provide an electrical indication of an operational configuration of the electrical contact assembly. Electrical contact position indicator assemblies and methods of operating the same are provided, as are other aspects. | 02-06-2014 |
20140021812 | INDUCTION MOTOR AUXILIARY COOLING SYSTEM - A totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) induction motor or other type of induction motor auxiliary cooling system has a buffet thermal shroud that is oriented in opposed spaced relationship over existing motor housing cooling fins. An airflow channel is defined between the motor cooling fins and the shroud, for direction and passage of a cooling airflow. Tabs are oriented in the airflow channel between opposed cooling fins where they are in thermal and fluid communication with the cooling air flow. In some embodiments the tabs are shroud fingers that project inwardly from the shroud. The tabs or shroud fingers create turbulence in the cooling air flow that increases convective heat transfer efficiency and contact time between the cooling air and motor cooling fins. Tabs or shroud fingers also absorb heat from the cooling air flow. Shroud fingers also transfer that absorbed heat conductively to the shroud. | 01-23-2014 |
20140018940 | MOBILE DEVICE WITH AUTOMATIC ACQUISITION AND ANALYSIS OF BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM - A building automation system includes a plurality of components, with each of the plurality of components associated with point data. A method of controlling the building automation system includes establishing communications between a mobile computing device and a building automation network of the building automation system. The method further includes receiving point data from the building automation system via the building automation network. In addition, the method includes identifying a plurality of components of the building automation system based on the point data received from the at least one building automation network and generating a model of the building automation system based on the point data. | 01-16-2014 |
20140002215 | ELECTRICAL CONTACT APPARATUS, ASSEMBLIES, AND METHODS OF OPERATION | 01-02-2014 |
20130338836 | AUTOMATED HVAC SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITY TEST - Systems, methods, and mediums perform automated functionality testing for a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. A method includes receiving a user input to test one of a heating or cooling functionality of the HVAC system. The method also includes identifying an amount to change a setpoint for a zone controller for the HVAC system based on the user input. The method further includes changing the setpoint for the zone controller to force the HVAC system into one of a heating mode and a cooling mode in accordance with the user input. Additionally, the method includes storing data from the HVAC system operating in the one of the heating mode and the cooling mode. | 12-19-2013 |
20130334998 | SYSTEMS, APPARATUS, AND METHODS FOR SOFT STARTING LARGE AC MOTORS WITH A VARIABLE FREQUENCY DRIVE - A system for soft starting a large AC motor may include a variable frequency drive (VFD) having a much lower voltage rating than the rated voltage of the AC motor. The VFD's voltage rating may be in a range of about 33% to about 67% of the AC motor's rated voltage. The AC motor may be coupled to a utility power source via conventional connections to leads of the AC motor's windings. The VFD may be connected to the AC motor via tapped connections within the windings of the AC motor such that the tap voltages are much less than the AC motor's rated voltage. A less expensive VFD may therefore be used to soft start the AC motor instead of a VFD having the same rated voltage as the AC motor. Methods of starting large AC motors with a VFD are also provided, as are other aspects. | 12-19-2013 |
20130334136 | CLEANING IN MEMBRANE FILTRATION SYSTEMS - A method of cleaning permeable, hollow membranes in an arrangement of the type wherein a pressure differential is applied across the walls of the permeable, hollow membranes immersed in a liquid suspension, the liquid suspension being applied to the outer surface of the porous hollow membrane to induce and sustain filtration through the membrane walls. The method of cleaning comprises the steps of applying a cleaning solution to one side of the membrane wall; applying a pressure differential across the membrane wall to cause flow of the cleaning solution through the wall from the one side of the membrane wall to the other side of the membrane wall and applying a reverse pressure differential across the membrane wall to cause flow of the cleaning solution through the wall from the other side of the membrane wall back to the one side of the membrane wall. | 12-19-2013 |
20130331999 | VIRTUAL DEMAND AUDITING OF DEVICES IN A BUILDING - Automation systems, methods, and mediums. A method includes identifying a first amount of energy consumed by a plurality of devices in a building during a first period of time while a first device in the plurality of devices is in a first state to form a first baseline. The method includes identifying a second amount of energy consumed by the plurality of devices during a second period of time while the first device is in a second state. Additionally, the method includes generating an estimated energy consumption of the first device based on a difference between the first baseline and the second amount of energy consumed. | 12-12-2013 |
20130331021 | RADON DETECTION AND MITIGATION IN A BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM - Radon detection or sensing is provided within a building automation system for a site (e.g., building or campus). As such, one or more short-term and/or long-term radon levels may be detected or monitored. The radon levels are monitored from a remote location. The building automation system may be programmed to automatically respond to a specific (e.g., unsafe) radon level and/or a change in one or more radon levels, or combinations thereof, in order to mitigate or reduce the monitored or detected radon levels. Trending, pattern comparison between radon level and other measured information, automated response, interaction or response between different radon sensors, or combinations thereof may be provided by integrating one or more radon sensors into a building automation system. | 12-12-2013 |
20130327871 | ROTATIONAL SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ROLLING MILL POURING REELS - A rolling mill pouring reel automated control system for dynamically regulating pouring reel rotational speed based at least in part on forward velocity of rolled stock product approaching the pouring reel. Product forward velocity is sensed by the control system that in turn uses the sensed forward velocity to adjust the pouring reel steady state rotational speed and/or wobble oscillation of the rotational speed. The control system preferably regulates the interrelationship between the product forward velocity and reel rotational speed in a closed feedback loop. | 12-12-2013 |
20130326962 | SELF-LOCATING DOOR INTERLOCK APPARATUS AND ENCLOSURES, ASSEMBLIES, AND METHODS INCLUDING SAME - A door interlock apparatus is disclosed. The door interlock apparatus has a body configured to couple to a first one of a door and an enclosure structure, the body having one or more angled self-locating features, a locking protrusion extending from a surface of the body and configured to couple with the locking member of an interlock mechanism, and a misalignment-accommodating mechanism configured and adapted to allow motion of the body. The door interlock apparatus aligns the locking protrusion and locking member during door closing, even when the door and enclosure structure are substantially misaligned. Electrical component enclosures, door interlock assemblies, and methods of assembling a door interlock assembly are also provided, as are other aspects. | 12-12-2013 |
20130320831 | SEALED DOORS, ENCLOSURES, AND METHODS ADAPED FOR USE WITH ELECTRICAL ARC-PRONE COMPONENTS - A sealed enclosure is disclosed. Sealed enclosure has a case configured to receive an arc-prone electrical component, a face frame defining an opening, a door configured to cover the opening, a sealing surface on the face frame or on the door, and one or more flaps having an sealing portion, the sealing portion being angled relative to the sealing surface, the one or more flaps being operational to flex from a disengaged position when not under pressure, to an engaged position in contact with the sealing surface when exposed to pressure inside the case during an arcing event. Sealed enclosure doors and methods of sealing an enclosure during an arcing event are also provided, as are other aspects. | 12-05-2013 |
20130319831 | NON-LOAD BREAK ISOLATING SWITCH, VOLTAGE CONTROLLERS, AND ASSEMBLY METHODS - A non-load break isolating switch for a voltage controller or other electrical component controller may include a mangle pinion gear shaft and a slider having a gear rack that meshes with the mangle pinion gear shaft. Movement of an ON/OFF switch handle of the controller may cause the mangle pinion gear shaft to rotate. Rotation of the mangle pinion gear shaft may cause the slider to linearly translate along a fixed path, where a conductive connector on the slider may engage or disengage a finger assembly to make or break a connection with a voltage bus. Voltage controllers and methods of assembling a non-load break isolating switch are also provided, as are other aspects. | 12-05-2013 |
20130319753 | ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT ENCLOSURES HAVING RECONFIGURABLE CABLE DUCT SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS THEREOF - An electrical enclosure that may house electrical equipment having a reconfigurable cable duct system with one or more movable flaps to form alternative pathways in the enclosure for routing electrical cables from connections inside the enclosure to designated areas outside the enclosure. Methods of routing electrical cables through an enclosure and of assembling a cable duct system within an enclosure are also provided, as are other aspects. | 12-05-2013 |
20130318881 | SELF-LOCATING DOOR INTERLOCK APPARATUS AND ENCLOSURES, ASSEMBLIES, AND METHODS INCLUDING SAME - A door interlock apparatus is disclosed. The door interlock apparatus has a body configured to couple to a first one of a door and an enclosure structure, the body having one or more angled self-locating features, a locking protrusion extending from a surface of the body and configured to couple with the locking member of an interlock mechanism, and a misalignment-accommodating mechanism configured and adapted to allow motion of the body. The door interlock apparatus aligns the locking protrusion and locking member during door closing, even when the door and enclosure structure are substantially misaligned. Electrical component enclosures, door interlock assemblies, and methods of assembling a door interlock assembly are also provided, as are other aspects. | 12-05-2013 |
20130317128 | Process for Making a Monomer Solution for Making Cation Exchange Membranes - A method of making a monomer solution of styrene sulfonic acid or the pyridine salt of styrene sulfonic acid or mixtures of both in an organic solvent, said solution being suitable for producing cation exchange membranes. The method comprises the steps of dissolving a metal salt of styrene sulfonate in said organic solvent and pyridinium styrene sulfonate. The mixture solution is reacted under conditions that generate a salt byproduct precipitate and the reactant product solution is collected. Embodiments of the present invention provide for cation exchange membranes and processes for their manufacture. Membranes made by the processes described herein combine low resistance and high permselectivity which make them highly effective for membrane components in desalination of water by electrodialysis (ED), as a power generating sources in reverse electrodialysis and as separators in fuels cells. | 11-28-2013 |
20130313118 | ANION EXCHANGE MEMBRANES AND PROCESS FOR MAKING - Embodiments of the present invention provide for anion exchange membranes and processes for their manufacture. The anion exchange membranes described herein are made the polymerization product of at least one functional monomer comprising a tertiary amine which is reacted with a quaternizing agent in the polymerization process. | 11-28-2013 |
20130313089 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING A CIRCUIT BREAKER - Circuit breaker assembly methods and apparatus are provided that include using at least two side frames of a latching mechanism of a circuit breaker trip unit, each side frame including at least one location tab; and a housing adapted to contain the circuit breaker trip unit including the side frames and a latching mechanism, the housing including at least two cutouts adapted to receive the location tabs of the side frames. Insertion of the location tabs into the cutouts in the housing operationally aligns a latching mechanism coupled to the side frames with a circuit breaker trip unit. Numerous additional features are disclosed. | 11-28-2013 |
20130305224 | Rules Engine for Architectural Governance - A software architecture as designed is governed. A rules engine tests code for implemented architectural decisions. Deviation from designed architecture is detected by execution of the rules engine. To create the rules engine, the architecture is broken down into automatically testable architectural decisions. The decisions can be tested, allowing creation and application of the rules engine. | 11-14-2013 |
20130305223 | Dashboard for Architectural Governance - A software architecture as designed is governed. A rules engine tests code for implemented architectural decisions. Deviation from designed architecture is detected by execution of the rules engine. The dashboard generates a graphical or textual representation indicating violations and/or changes in the implemented architecture over time. A dashboard assists in managing implementation of the architecture by indicating deviation or the results of change to coding. | 11-14-2013 |
20130299578 | Labeling for Automatic Mail Sorting System - A method for automatically sorting undeliverable as addressed (UAA) mail includes capturing an image of a first UAA mail piece with a camera connected to an automated mail sorter to create first image data, printing an id-tag on the mail piece, and classifying the first UAA mail piece as one of finalized or non-finalized. The method includes outputting a first label result to a label printer and printing a new label on the first UAA mail piece if the first UAA mail piece is classified as finalized. | 11-14-2013 |
20130299401 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCING A WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESS - A system for enhancing an activated sludge process including at least one biological reactor. A weighting agent impregnation subsystem is coupled to the biological reactor for mixing biological flocs and weighting agent to impregnate the weighting agent into the biological flocs to form weighted biological flocs. A weighting agent recovery subsystem is configured to recover the weighting agent from the weighted biological flocs and reintroducing the recovered weighting agent to the weighting agent impregnation subsystem. | 11-14-2013 |
20130299396 | Automated Waste Mail Verification - A method for automatically sorting undeliverable as addressed (UAA) mail can include capturing a first image of a first UAA mail piece with a camera to create first image data, passing the first image data to a waste verification system and performing optical character recognition to produce a first character recognition data set. The method includes testing the first character recognition data set to determine whether the first UAA mail piece is a verified waste mail piece. If the first UAA mail piece is a verified waste mail piece, the method includes routing the first UAA mail piece into a first bin. If the first UAA mail piece is not a verified waste mail piece, routing the mail piece to a second bin. | 11-14-2013 |
20130297242 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MEASUREMENT AND VERIFICATION WEIGHTING WITH TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION - Systems, methods, and mediums use temperature weighting in energy-usage measurements. A method includes identifying a number of days that each of a plurality of different temperatures occurred at a location during a period of time. The method includes identifying a baseline for initial energy usage at a building located in the location. The method includes receiving measurements for energy usage at the building. The method includes generating an expression for measured energy usage as a function of temperature by performing a regression analysis on the measurements for energy usage. The method includes identifying a difference between the baseline for initial energy usage and the expression for measured energy usage. The method includes generating a weighting for the difference between baseline energy usage and the measured energy usage at one or more temperatures based on the number of days the one or more temperatures occurred during the period of time. | 11-07-2013 |
20130297240 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVED TIME COST AND ACCURACY OF ENERGY USAGE BASELINING - Systems, methods, and mediums generate an energy usage baseline. A method includes receiving historical energy usage data for a building. The method includes identifying a historical energy usage baseline as a function of temperature based on the historical energy usage data. The method includes receiving measurements for current energy usage for the building to form a set of energy usage measurements. The method includes associating the set of energy usage measurements with values for temperature for an area where the building is located. The method includes generating a correction factor for the historical energy usage baseline based on a comparison of the set of energy usage measurements with a portion of the historical energy usage baseline corresponding to the values for temperature associated with the set of energy usage measurements. The method includes generating an adjusted energy usage baseline by applying the correction factor to the historical energy usage baseline. | 11-07-2013 |
20130279050 | METHODS AND APPRATUS FOR GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPT DETECTION USING A SINGLE TRANSFORMER - A device is provided for use with an AC power system having a line conductor, a neutral conductor and a transformer, the line conductor and the neutral conductor are coupled between a source and a load, and the transformer includes a first primary winding coupled in series with the line conductor, a second primary winding coupled in series with the neutral conductor, and a secondary winding. The device includes a first circuit coupled to the secondary winding, providing a first detection signal if a current from the line conductor to ground exceeds a first predetermined threshold, and a second circuit coupled to the secondary winding, having a source that provides an AC signal at a specified amplitude and a specified frequency to the secondary winding. The second circuit provides a second detection signal if an impedance between the neutral conductor and ground is less than a second predetermined threshold. | 10-24-2013 |
20130273772 | METER SOCKET BLOCK ASSEMBLY - A meter socket block assembly for a meter socket connected to a meter having at least one meter blade, wherein the meter socket includes at least one conductor. The meter socket block assembly includes at least one lug and jaw body, the body having a lug portion and a first jaw portion which are unistructurally formed and wherein the lug portion is connected to the conductor. The meter socket block assembly also includes a second jaw portion attached to the first jaw portion to form a jaw for connecting to the meter blade. Further, the meter socket block assembly includes a base having a lug cavity for receiving the body and at least one snap tab for attaching the body to the base. | 10-17-2013 |
20130271257 | LOW TRIPPING LEVEL CIRCUIT BREAKERS, TRIPPING UNITS, AND METHODS - Embodiments provide a circuit breaker having a relatively low instantaneous current level at tripping. The circuit breaker includes a tripping mechanism coupled to a moveable electrical contact, the tripping mechanism including a tripping unit having a magnet, a bimetal member extending alongside of the magnet and having a moveable end, and an armature including an engagement portion being moveable as a result of motion the moveable end to trip the circuit breaker upon exceeding an instantaneous current level, and either the armature or the bimetal member includes a non-magnetic separating piece preventing a magnetic short circuit. System and method aspects are provided, as are other aspects. | 10-17-2013 |
20130269999 | VENTILATION COVER FOR AN ELECTRICAL ENCLOSURE - A ventilation cover for an electrical enclosure having an aperture that includes a peripheral edge. The cover includes an inner shell having a plurality of inner slots, wherein each inner slot is separated from another inner slot by an inner wall portion. The cover also includes an outer shell for receiving the inner shell, wherein the outer shell includes a plurality of outer slots and each outer slot is aligned with an associated inner wall portion wherein each inner wall portion is adapted to divert water which enters an outer slot. In addition, the cover includes a lip formed around the peripheral edge for inhibiting the flow of water into the aperture. | 10-17-2013 |
20130268128 | SHARED CONFIGURATION DATA IN A BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM CONTROLLER - An approach for configuration of a second controller in a building automation system (BAS) by sharing a code that may be generated by a first controller in a BAS, but the sharing occurs without a network work connection. | 10-10-2013 |
20130268127 | CONFIGURATION OF A BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM CONTROLLER - An approach for configuration of a controller in a building automation system (BAS) using a code that may be generated by the BAS, but accessed without a network work connection. | 10-10-2013 |
20130266228 | AUTOMATIC PART IDENTIFICATION AND WORKFLOW GENERATION - System, methods, and computer-readable media for automatic part identification and workflow generation. A method includes generating at least one image of a target part using a scanning device. The method includes analyzing the image to determine classification data based on physical characteristics of the target part. The physical characteristics including a size and shape of the target part. The method includes searching a parts database to identify a part that matches the classification data, and generating a workflow based on the identified matching part, including an identification of maintenance to be performed on the matching part. | 10-10-2013 |
20130265680 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROTECTING POWER DISTRIBUTION FEEDER SYSTEMS - A power distribution feeder system includes a plurality of power sources, a plurality of switching components coupled to the power sources by a plurality of line sections, and an IED coupled to each switching component and configured to monitor any line section coupled to the switching component, each IED containing protection logic configured to detect a jump in current on a faulted line section, communicate the jump in current to other IEDs coupled to the faulted line section, receive information from the other IEDs coupled to the faulted line section regarding any jump in current detected by the other IEDs, employ the received information from the other IEDs to confirm a fault in the faulted line section, and issue a trip command to isolate the faulted line section based on the current jump detected by the IED and current jump information received from other IEDs coupled to the line section. | 10-10-2013 |
20130264208 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR WATER TREATMENT - Electrochemical devices and methods for water treatment are disclosed. An electrodeionization device ( | 10-10-2013 |
20130261804 | INTERFACE FOR ADJUSTMENT OF PORTIONS OF A BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM - An approach for modification of settings in a building automation system (BAS) using a code that may be generated by a mobile computing device that communicates data to the BAS without having to access a data network. | 10-03-2013 |
20130258558 | CROSS BUS MAIN DEVICE - A device for disconnecting electrical power from a first stack of meter modules, wherein the power is supplied by a main box that also supplies power to a second stack of meter modules. The device includes an incoming bus section for receiving power from the main box and an outgoing bus section for feeding power to the first stack of modules. In addition, the device includes a cross bus device connected to the incoming and outgoing bus sections and a circuit breaker connected to the cross bus device. When the circuit breaker is closed, power is supplied to the first and second stacks of modules. When the circuit breaker is opened, power to the first stack of modules is disconnected while power to the second stack of modules is maintained. | 10-03-2013 |
20130256401 | Mail Processing System with Loaded Tray Validation - Mail processing system, methods, and computer-readable media. A method includes detecting and reading a tray label of a tray being placed on or in the mail processing machine to determine a tray identifier. The tray is a mail item container containing a plurality of mail items to be processed by the mail processing machine in a current mail processing function. The method includes validating the tray identifier for the current mail processing function. The method includes, when the tray identifier is valid for the current mail processing function, activating a valid-tray indicator, and otherwise when the tray identifier is invalid for the current mail processing function, activating an invalid-tray indicator. | 10-03-2013 |
20130256222 | METHODS FOR ENHANCING A WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESS - Methods for enhancing an activated sludge process including at least one biological reactor. A weighting agent impregnation subsystem is coupled to the biological reactor for mixing biological flocs and weighting agent to impregnate the weighting agent into the biological flocs to form weighted biological flocs. A weighting agent recovery subsystem is configured to recover the weighting agent from the weighted biological flocs and reintroducing the recovered weighting agent to the weighting agent impregnation subsystem. | 10-03-2013 |
20130256135 | WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A treatment system provides treated or softened water to a point of use by removing at least a portion of any undesirable species contained in water from a water source. The treatment system can be operated to reduce the likelihood of formation of any scale that can be generated during normal operation of an electrochemical device. The formation of scale in the treatment system, including its wetted components, may be inhibited by reversing or substituting the flowing liquid having hardness-causing species with another liquid having a low tendency to produce scale, such as a low LSI water. Various arrangements of components in the treatment system can be flushed by directing the valves and the pumps of the system to displace liquid having hardness-causing species with a liquid that has little or no tendency to form scale. | 10-03-2013 |
20130250488 | BASEPAN ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELECTRICAL ENCLOSURE - A base pan assembly for connecting to conductors and an electrical device. The base pan assembly includes a base pan element having walls for isolating each conductor. The base pan assembly also includes a stab element associated with each conductor wherein the stab element includes first and second portions formed in a substantially L shaped configuration. The first portion is adapted to be connected to the electrical device and the second portion is fastened to the base pan element. An end of the second portion is positioned between a pair of ribs. A fastening element is associated with each stab element, wherein the fastening element includes a post extending from the base pan element which is received by an aperture in the second portion. Further, the base pan assembly includes a lug associated with each conductor, wherein the lug receives the second portion and the associated conductor. | 09-26-2013 |
20130234809 | CIRCUIT BREAKER HAVING AN UNLOCKING MECHANISM AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAME - Embodiments provide an electronic circuit breaker. The electronic circuit breaker has a moveable contact arm having a moveable main electrical contact, and a lockout mechanism operable to contact the moveable contact arm and block motion of thereof, the lockout mechanism having a lockout latch with one or more pivot joints pivotal about a pivot axis, a moveable stop on, and an offset engagement portion, the moveable stop adapted to contact the moveable contact arm, and an unlock actuator providing an unlock force at the engagement portion causing lockout latch pivoting about the pivot axis and release of the moveable contact arm. Also disclosed are secondary electrical contacts configured to engage each other in the ON configuration, with a leaf spring operably supporting a moveable one of the secondary contacts, the leaf spring configured to be flexed to close the secondary contacts. A method of operating the electronic circuit breaker is provided, as are other aspects. | 09-12-2013 |
20130230373 | Automated Unloader Base Belt and Container - A base belt for use with an automated unloading apparatus that can automatically unload a container having a plurality of items located on the base belt, and a container configured for use with an automated unloading apparatus. The base belt has a trailer end configured to be removably attached to a container. The base belt has an unloader end configured to be removably attached to the automated unloading apparatus. The container has a container body having an interior and an attachment point on the interior of the container. | 09-05-2013 |
20130220669 | BUS BAR RETENTION SNAPS FOR A BASE PAN ASSEMBLY - A retention snap arrangement for attaching a bus bar to a base pan. The arrangement includes first and second walls for forming a channel for receiving the bus bar. The arrangement further includes a first moveable arm having a first snap element that includes a first bottom surface and a second moveable arm having a second snap element that includes a second bottom surface. The first and second arms extend from the first and second walls, respectively, each forming a cantilever. In a first position, the first and second bottom surfaces are located above an edge of the bus bar for inhibiting movement of the bus bar. In a second position, the first and second bottom surfaces are not located above the edge of the bus bar to enable insertion of the bus bar in the channel. | 08-29-2013 |
20130220431 | SLURRY FEED SYSTEM AND METHOD - The invention can provide or facilitate systems and methods for feeding a slurry and, in particular, to systems and methods for treating wastewater streams with a slurry having periodic flushing of conduits. | 08-29-2013 |
20130218521 | DETECTION OF INDUCTIVE COMMUTATION FOR PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLER DIAGNOSIS - Inductive commutation is detected for programmable logic controller (PLC) diagnosis. By detecting the inductive commutation, the need for any delay may be determined. Where the load is not inductive, the diagnostic may be performed with little or no delay. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218493 | DIAGNOSTICS FOR A PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLER - To reduce the cost and/or space occupied by diagnostic circuitry in a module of a programmable logic controller with multiple outputs, a multiplexer connects the same diagnostic circuitry to the different outputs. The outputs are sequentially tested with the same circuitry. To limit stress on an output driver, an overload condition may be tested while the driver is off. A different source of power is applied to the output, and the results of the application are measured for shorting to ground. | 08-22-2013 |
20130216091 | System and Method for Automated Address Directory Updating - A system and method for automated address directory updating. A method includes determining address information corresponding to a destination address for a parcel, the address information including a digitized address. The method includes determining if a previous address entry proposal, corresponding to the address information and having a counter, exists in a database. The method includes, if the previous address entry proposal does not exist, then storing the address information in a new address entry proposal and initializing a counter for the new address entry proposal. The method includes, if the previous address entry proposal does exist, then adjusting the counter for the previous address entry proposal. The method includes adding the address information to a first addressing database when the counter has reached a threshold. | 08-22-2013 |
20130207640 | HALL EFFECT CURRENT SENSOR FOR MEDIUM-VOLTAGE APPLICATIONS - A current sensor for measuring medium-voltage currents. The current sensor includes an input terminal configured to receive a current, an output terminal configured to transmit the current, a closed core made from a magnetic material and comprising a gap, at least one conductor operably connected to the input terminal and the output terminal and passing through the closed core, the at least one conductor sized to carry the current, and a molded case of solid dielectric material configured to encapsulate the closed core and the at least one conductor, wherein the gap and the terminals are not encapsulated by the molded case. The molded case is dimensioned such that internal and external spacings defined by the molded case are suitable for continuous operation with a medium voltage current as applied to the terminals and the at least one conductor while the core is at ground potential. | 08-15-2013 |
20130206709 | MATERIAL CAROUSEL - A material carousel for manufacturing and/or assembly operations is provided. The carousel includes a hub fabricated from a low friction material wherein the hub has a polygonal shape. The carousel also includes a plurality of equally spaced arms which are press fit into the hub. Each arm is adapted to hold cable and/or harness assemblies or includes a bin for holding materials used for production operations. In addition, the carousel includes a support column that extends through the hub, wherein the hub is adapted to rotate about the support column. An adjustable support collar is also provided for supporting the hub on the support column Further, the carousel includes a peg mechanism for stopping rotation of the hub after a predetermined rotation angle. | 08-15-2013 |
20130198222 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS IN AN AUTOMATION SYSTEM FOR VIEWING A CURRENT VALUE OF A POINT IDENTIFIED IN CODE OF A CORRESPONDING POINT CONTROL PROCESS - Automation systems, methods, and mediums. A method includes displaying, in a user interface, a portion of code associated with a process running in the automation system. The process is associated with a point variable in the automation system. The portion of code includes the point variable. The method further includes identifying a location of a cursor in a user interface in response to detecting the cursor in the location associated with the user interface for a period of time. The method includes requesting the point value of the point variable in the portion of code and associated with the location of the cursor. The method includes receiving the value associated with the variable over a network connection. The method includes displaying the point value in the user interface in association with the point variable. | 08-01-2013 |
20130192675 | VARIABLE FLOW RATE ANALOG OUTPUT PNEUMATIC (AOP) TRANSDUCER - A variable flow device includes a body supporting a first orifice and a second orifice, and a drive mechanism. The variable flow device further includes a first valve actuator coupled to the drive mechanism and linearly shiftable between a first open position and a first closed position, the first valve actuator incorporates a first valve stem including a first conical portion sized to symmetrically engage the first orifice when the first valve stem is shifted to the first closed position, and a second valve actuator coupled to the drive mechanism and linearly shiftable between a second open position and a second closed position, the second valve actuator incorporates a second valve stem including a second conical portion sized to symmetrically engage the second orifice when the second valve stem is shifted to the second closed position. | 08-01-2013 |
20130189070 | CONVERTIBLE MAIL CONTAINER AND METHOD - A convertible mail container and related method. The convertible mail container includes a bottom, two fixed side walls connected to the bottom, and a fixed end wall connected to the side walls and to the bottom. The convertible mail container also includes a movable wall that is movable from a first position where the movable wall forms a second end wall of the convertible mail container, opposite the fixed end wall, to a second position where the movable wall is adjacent to the two fixed side walls and the fixed end wall so that it covers a portion of a top opening of the convertible mail container. | 07-25-2013 |
20130186835 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING ULTRAPURE WATER - A method and system of providing ultrapure water for semiconductor fabrication operations is provided. The water is treated by utilizing a free radical scavenging system and a free radical removal system. The free radical scavenging system can utilize actinic radiation with a free radical precursor compound, such as ammonium persulfate. The free radical removal system can comprise use of a reducing agent. The ultrapure water may be further treated by utilizing ion exchange media and degasification apparatus. A control system can be utilized to regulate addition of the precursor compound, the intensity of the actinic radiation, and addition of the reducing agent to the water. | 07-25-2013 |
20130186817 | FRAME SYSTEM FOR MEMBRANE FILTRATION MODULES - A module arrangement ( | 07-25-2013 |
20130186731 | Mail Sorter with Output Container Exchange - Mail processing systems, methods, and computer-readable media. A method includes assigning first and second delivery points to a single output at the same time. The method includes sorting a first mail piece sorted to the first delivery point and a second mail piece sorted to the second delivery point. The method includes placing both first and second output containers, associated with the first and second delivery points, into a position proximate to the output. The method includes moving the first output container into a position to receive the mail pieces sorted to the first delivery point from the output and to moving the second output container into a position to receive the mail pieces sorted to the second delivery point from the output. | 07-25-2013 |
20130185594 | AUTOMATED TESTING OF MECHATRONIC SYSTEMS - An arrangement for providing integrated, model-based testing of industrial systems in the form of a model-based test design module, a test execution engine and an automated test infrastructure (ATI) component. The ATI component includes a keyword processor that interfaces with test commands created by the design module to implement the testing of a specific industrial system. Configuration and deployment information is also automatically created by the design module and used by the ATI component to set up and control the specific industrial system being tested. | 07-18-2013 |
20130153496 | MEMBRANE CLEANING WITH PULSED AIRLIFT PUMP - A method of cleaning a membrane surface immersed in a liquid medium with a fluid flow, including the steps of providing a randomly generated intermittent or pulsed fluid flow along the membrane surface to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. A membrane module is also disclosed comprising a plurality of porous membranes ( | 06-20-2013 |
20130153375 | ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BREAKER, ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BREAKER SUBASSEMBLY, CIRCUIT BREAKER SECONDARY ELECTRICAL CONTACT ASSEMBLY, AND POWERING METHODS - Embodiments provide an electronic circuit breaker subassembly and circuit breaker secondary electrical contact assembly. The circuit breaker secondary electrical contact assembly has a main contact terminal connectable to a main power terminal, a secondary electrical contact set having a stationary secondary electrical contact and a moveable secondary electrical contact, a lockout conductor provided in spring-engaged contact with the main contact terminal on a first end and including one of the stationary or moving secondary electrical contacts on a second end, and a spring having the moveable secondary electrical contact provided on a moveable portion. Circuit breakers and methods of operating the electronic circuit breaker are provided, as are other aspects. | 06-20-2013 |
20130141040 | CURRENT MONITORING AND LIMITING APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY EQUIPMENT - An electric vehicle charging system is disclosed. More particularly, the system encompasses a load center having one or more electrical loads coupled thereto, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) to charge an electric vehicle (EV), and a monitoring and limiting device (MLD) to monitor power or current usage of at least the one or more loads coupled to the load center, and adjust a charging level setting of the EVSE based upon the level of the usage. MLD apparatus and methods of charging a vehicle with electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) are provided, as are other aspects. | 06-06-2013 |
20130131860 | OFFLINE EXCEPTION PROCESSING OF MAIL - Mail processing systems and methods. A method includes scanning a plurality of mail pieces in a first processing step to produce mail piece images. The method includes producing a template based on a plurality of the mail piece images and associating a plurality of mail pieces with the template, the associated plurality of mail pieces forming a mail set. The method includes identifying quality-control problems associated with the mail set, separating the mail set from other mail during a second processing step, and separately processing the mail set from the other mail. | 05-23-2013 |
20130126355 | LOW SCALE POTENTIAL WATER TREATMENT - An electrochemical treating device having low scale potential is disclosed. The device has a variety of configurations directed to the layering of the anionic exchange and cationic exchange. The treatment device can also comprise unevenly sized ion exchange resin beads and/or have at least one compartment that provides a dominating resistance that results in a uniform current distribution throughout the apparatus. | 05-23-2013 |
20130110972 | Distributed Storage and Processing of Mail Image Data | 05-02-2013 |
20130090775 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR BALANCED LOAD POINT AND PERMISSIVE CLOSE DETERMINATIONS FOR DISTRIBUTION FEEDERS - Apparatus and methods in accordance with this invention may be used with a distribution feeder that includes switches and line sections between adjacent switches, each switch being a switching point of the distribution feeder. In particular, methods and apparatus in accordance with this invention determine a first load at a first switch and a second load at a second switch coupled to the first switch via a first line section, communicate the first load and a first load budget from the first switch to the second switch, determine a third load on the first line section based on the first load and the second load, and determine a second load budget at the second switch based on the first load budget and the third load, all substantially in real time. Numerous other aspects are also provided. | 04-11-2013 |
20130088310 | CIRCUIT BREAKER HAVING AN UNLOCKING MECHANISM AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAME - Embodiments provide an electronic circuit breaker. The electronic circuit breaker has a moveable contact arm having a moveable main electrical contact, and a lockout mechanism operable to contact the moveable contact arm and block motion of thereof, the lockout mechanism having a lockout latch with one or more pivot joints, a moveable stop, and an offset engagement portion, the moveable stop adapted to contact the moveable contact arm, and an unlock actuator providing an unlock force at the engagement portion causing lockout latch pivoting and release of the moveable contact arm. Also disclosed are secondary electrical contacts configured to engage each other in the ON configuration, with a leaf spring operably supporting a moveable one of the secondary contacts, the leaf spring configured to be flexed to close the secondary contacts. A method of operating the electronic circuit breaker is provided, as are other aspects. | 04-11-2013 |
20130086195 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ENABLING BACnet COMMUNICATION FOR WIRED AND WIRELESS DEVICES OPERABLE WITHIN A BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM - An automation interface device is disclosed that provides interoperability between automation devices communicating within a building automation system. The device includes a communication interface receives a packet comprising a data envelope including a first destination address configured according to a first network protocol and a message including data configured according to a BACnet standard, and a processor in communication with a memory. The memory stores processor executable instructions configured to retrieve a second destination address configured according to a second network protocol from a routing table stored in the memory that correlates the second destination to the first destination address, generate a second packet comprising an second data envelope including the second destination address configured according to the second network protocol and the message including data configured according to the BACnet standard, and communicate, via the communication interface, the second packet to the second destination address. | 04-04-2013 |
20130085615 | SYSTEM AND DEVICE FOR PATIENT ROOM ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN A PATIENT ROOM - A patient environmental control system, device and method are disclosed. The exemplary method includes detecting a state event representative of an environmental condition within the patient room, and generating, in response to the state event, a data packet containing a payload and formatted according to a first protocol and where the payload includes environmental control information, communicating the data packet to a field panel such that the field panel is in communication with a first building automation system and a second building automation system, adjusting a first environmental control parameter related to the first building automation system based on the environmental control information contained within the received payload, and adjusting a second environmental control parameter related to the second building automation system based on the environmental control information contained within the received payload such that the second environmental control parameter is different than the first environmental control parameter. | 04-04-2013 |
20130085613 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN AN HVAC SYSTEM - A method performed by a zone controller for a zone of a building for improving energy efficiency in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is provided. The method includes operating in a ventilation mode. A temperature of the zone and outside air conditions for the building are monitored. A determination is made regarding whether to switch from the ventilation mode to an economizing mode based on a first set point for the temperature of the zone and based on the outside air conditions. The first set point is determined based on a second set point for the temperature that is different from the first set point. A determination is made regarding whether to activate the HVAC system based on the second set point. | 04-04-2013 |
20130085609 | OCCUPANCY DRIVEN PATIENT ROOM ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL - Using a real-time location system, the hospital environment is controlled locally. By categorizing individuals detected at different locations, the proper control may be provided to enhance energy savings and maintain a comfortable patient environment without sacrificing safety. By altering the environment within a room for patients and not staff and/or based on the type of patient, more optimized and localized control may be provided, such as implementing a number of air changes per hour appropriate for detected patients within rooms. | 04-04-2013 |
20130084209 | White Metal Babbitt for Rolling Mill Bushing - A tin based white metal alloy consisting essentially by weight of approximately 5.0%-0-9.0% antimony, approximately 3.0%-8.0% copper, approximately 0.1%-0.7% cobalt, and the balance tin. | 04-04-2013 |
20130083192 | Methods and System for Stabilizing Live Video in the Presence of Long-Term Image Drift - Methods and systems stabilization of a camera image for short term or ‘pole shake’ and longer term ‘pole drift’ are provided. The camera is attached to a fixed structure. The pole drift is over periods of times long enough that the imagery can change significantly between a base reference frame and the current stabilized transient frame. A multitude of mapped frames and associated information is maintained. The slowly varying camera orientation (“pole drift”) is decoupled from the rapid motion jitter (“pole shake”), and separate transformations are calculated for each. Up to three transformations may be combined together for any one input frame. The separate transformations are combined together, so that only one full-blown image transformation computation is performed for each frame. A surveillance system applies a stabilization method. | 04-04-2013 |
20130082045 | Dissipation of the Braking Energy of Electrically Powered Mining Equipment by Liquid-Cooled Braking Resistors - Braking current generated by an electrical motor on mining equipment during a retard interval is switched through one or more grid resistors that are liquid cooled. Under low ambient temperatures, a heating current can be switched through the grid resistors when the electrical motor is not operating in a retard interval. An integrated cooling system can be used to cool grid resistors and power modules. Heat dissipated by the grid resistors and the power modules can be circulated through auxiliary heating loops to heat portions of the mining equipment under low ambient temperatures. Multiple liquid-cooled power modules, liquid-cooled grid resistors, auxiliary heating loops, control modules, radiators, and pumps can be coupled by a liquid distribution system with various combinations of parallel and serial branches. Temperature, pressure, and flow rate in each branch can be independently controlled. Operation of the integrated cooling system can be controlled by a computational system. | 04-04-2013 |
20130081438 | HYBRID HYDRODYNAMIC AND HYDROSTATIC BEARING BUSHING AND LUBRICATION SYSTEM FOR ROLLING MILL - Rolling mill bearings incorporate bearing bushings with pluralities of hydrostatic pad recesses, that are preferably in conjunction hydrodynamic bearings also formed within the bushing. Each recess has an isolated lubricant passage that is adapted for coupling to a separate isolated source of pressurized lubricant. In some embodiments herein, the isolated pressurized lubricant source is supplied by a dedicated outlet of a pressure pump. In this manner each hydrostatic pad recess has a dedicated pressurized lubricant supply that is not interrupted by loss of lubricant pressure events in other bearing pads or elsewhere within the rolling mill lubrication system. | 04-04-2013 |
20130081437 | MANUFACTURING LAYING HEAD PIPE PATH BELOW TRANSFORMATION TEMPERATURE - A rolling mill coil-forming laying head system elongated hollow pathway Or pipe structure defining an inner surface for transport of elongated materials is formed by the process of bending the pathway structure at near constant temperature, such as at near ambient temperature, preferably without application of external heat. In some embodiments, the method utilizes an automated bending machine, preferably under computer numerical control (CNC) that executes stored bending constructions to conform the pathway structure to a desired profile. The bending instructions may be modified so that the actual bending profile conforms to a desired profile. In this manner subsequent path structures may be formed, that have uniform physical properties. | 04-04-2013 |
20130077910 | HIGH SPEED MECHANICAL BEARING USING FIXED ROLLERS - A high speed mechanical bearing for rotatably supporting the journal of a rotor comprises an annular frame defining a bore dimensioned to receive the journal, and a plurality of angularly spaced rollers carried by the frame. The rollers are arranged to project into the bore and into rotating contact with the journal. | 03-28-2013 |
20130075973 | ROLLING STAND ROLL NECK SEAL - A rolling mill roll neck is sealed by interposing a seal between a roll flinger having a first axial surface and an opposing second axial surface of a roll housing retaining plate. The seal is biased into contact against one of the axial surfaces with a pressurized fluid source, such as compressed air. As the seal wears during roll neck operation the pressurized fluid maintains biasing contact between the seal and the axial surface. The remainder of the intact seal is remains pressed into contact with the mating, opposing axial surface, for example that of a roll flinger or a retaining plate. Advantageously the seal is housed in a stationary retaining plate that is in opposed axial relationship with a rotating flinger. | 03-28-2013 |
20130075521 | MORSHOR.RTM. TAIL END RING CONTROL - A method is described in which a length of hot rolled product is decelerated in the course of being passed through the rotating curved guide of a coiler. The product exits the coiler at a reduced velocity and is delivered to and progressively accumulated on a cylindrical drum as a helical formation of rings. The drum is rotated to continuously unwind the accumulating product at the reduced velocity. The tail end of the product is retained in the coiler until substantially all of the rings previously deposited on the drum have been unwound. | 03-28-2013 |
20130075516 | ROLLING MILL COIL-FORMING LAYING HEAD WITH PATH OR PIPE HAVING NESTED LAYER CONSTRUCTION - A rolling mill coil-forming apparatus includes a rotating quill that supports an elongated path hollow structure, such as a laying head pipe, for receiving elongated material after it has been rolled. A portion of the elongated structure or the entire structure is formed from nested, enveloping layers by inserting layers of pipe or other elongated hollow structure into each other. Elongated path hollow structures formed from nested layers can be constructed in any three dimensional compound curve shape that can replicate the smooth, continuous curve elongated material transport path of known laying pipes, or any other desired path. | 03-28-2013 |
20130075515 | ROLLING MILL COIL-FORMING LAYING HEAD WITH PATH OR PIPE COMPONENTS FORMED BY LASER SINTERING PROCESS - A rolling mill coil-forming apparatus includes a rotating quill that supports an elongated path hollow structure, such as a laying head pipe, for receiving elongated material after it has been rolled. Any portion of the elongated path/pipe structure, including the entire structure is formed by a laser sintering (LS) process. Coil-forming apparatus elongated path/pipe components formed by a laser sintering process can be constructed in any three dimensional compound curve shape that can replicate the smooth, continuous curve elongated material transport path of known laying pipes, or any other desired path. Laser sintering path component fabrication processes facilitate construction of asymmetrical structures that cannot be readily fabricated with bent symmetrical wall pipe, tubing or other conduits. The LS fabricated structures facilitate formation of zones within the component, such as including by way of example wear-resistant zones, material stand off or material transport guide zones, or friction reducing zones. | 03-28-2013 |
20130075514 | ROLLING MILL COIL-FORMING LAYING HEAD WITH PATH OR PIPE HAVING LATERALLY JOINED SEGMENTED CONSTRUCTION - A rolling mill coil-forming apparatus includes a rotating quill that supports an elongated path hollow structure, such as a laying head pipe, for receiving elongated material after it has been rolled. The elongated structure is constructed of combinations of ferrous and non-ferrous dissimilar materials. Elongated path hollow structures are formed from adjoining, abutting segments, and can be constructed in any three dimensional compound curve shape that can replicate the smooth, continuous curve elongated material transport path of known laying pipes, or any other desired path. A pathway structure segment or plurality of segments may be constructed of a homogeneous material, or alternatively, different materials may be spliced or otherwise joined to form the composite, complete elongated path hollow structure. The adjoining segment portions may be nested within or circumscribe another pathway structure layer. | 03-28-2013 |
20130075513 | ROLLING MILL COIL FORMING LAYING HEAD WITH PATH OR PIPE HAVING DISSIMILAR MATERIALS COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION - A rolling mill coil-forming apparatus includes a rotating quill that discharges elongated material into an elongated path hollow structure, such as a laying head pipe. The elongated structure is constructed of combinations of ferrous and non-ferrous dissimilar materials. Generally, non-ferrous materials are used in zones that are subject to relatively higher wear. A portion of the elongated path structure can be formed from nested, enveloping layers and/or by joining segments in axial abutting relationship. Components formed from nested layers can be constructed in many three dimensional compound curve shapes that can replicate the smooth, continuous curve elongated material transport path laying head pipes, with localized symmetrical or asymmetrical cross sections. | 03-28-2013 |
20130075229 | MODULAR TRIPPER FOR ROLLING MILL LAYING HEAD - A laying head tripper has a ramp with a lip detachably secured to its forward edge. The ramp and/or the lip are contoured to match the curvature of the rings being formed by the laying head. | 03-28-2013 |
20130074570 | CLAMP MECHANISM FOR HOT ROLLING MILLS SPLIT GUIDES, INCLUDING WATER BOXES AND EQUALIZATION TROUGHS - Rolling mill split box guides, including water cooling nozzle and equalization trough assemblies are retained by a clamping mechanism that includes a header support structure having opposed front and back sides, for support of the split box there between. A clamp arm has a first end pivotally coupled to one of the header sides and a pivotal range of motion across the header and split box to the other side thereof. A threaded screw or other biasing actuator is coupled to the other of the header sides, selectively engageable with the clamp arm, for exerting biasing force on the split box. | 03-28-2013 |
20130074567 | ROTATING ENTRY SYSTEM WITH FRONT END OR FRONT AND REAR DRIVE SYSTEM - A rolling mill rotating entry system (RES) with at least one front end-driven drum that indexes alignment of the RES guide path and drum with the bar stock transfer guide path. The front end drive system is offset from the bar stock transfer path, so that the bar stock has sufficient clearance to enter the guide path. The front end drive system facilitates desired indexed alignment of the RES guide path and the bar stock transfer path without the need for front end braking or damping systems that are customarily used with rear driven drums in known RES systems. Other RES embodiments include a rear drive system that drives the drum in tandem with the front drive system. | 03-28-2013 |
20130074562 | ROLLING MILL LAYING HEAD PIPE HAVING MODULAR CONSTRUCTION - A rolling mill coil-forming apparatus includes a rotating quill that supports an elongated path hollow structure, such as a laying head pipe, for receiving elongated material after it has been rolled. A portion or the entire elongated structure is formed from modular, selectively replaceable components. The fabricated modular structures facilitate formation of zones within the component, such as including by way of example wear-resistant zones, material transport guide structures and friction reducing zones. | 03-28-2013 |
20130073093 | BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEM CONTROL WITH MOTION SENSING - An arrangement configured to control an environmental parameter in a building space includes a building automation system. The building automation system includes a plurality of field devices configured to control the environmental parameter within the building space. The arrangement further includes a motion detector configured to determine a number of humans within the building space and a measure of movement for the number of humans. The building automation system is configured to control the field devices based at least in part on the determined number of humans and the measure of movement for the number of humans. | 03-21-2013 |
20130066474 | THERMOSTAT CONTROL DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED FEEDBACK AND NOTIFICATION CAPABILITY - An environmental control device is disclosed and includes a temperature sensor, an audio module, an input/out module operatively connected to an environmental system, a memory module, and a processor in communication with the temperature sensor, the audio module, and the memory. The memory stores a control routine comprising processor executable instructions and an audio file associated with a predefined event related to the environmental system. The processor executable instructions are configured to receive a current state signal corresponding to one of a temperature sensor signal from the temperature sensor and an environmental system output signal from the input/output module, determine whether the current state signal corresponds to the predefined event, and generate, via the audio module, an audible signal based on the audio file in response to determining that the current state signal corresponds to the predefined event. | 03-14-2013 |
20130063365 | INTRINSICALLY SAFE TOUCH SCREEN FOR PROCESS EQUIPMENT - An intrinsically safe touch screen system includes a touch screen, a current limiting barrier coupled to the touch screen, a touch screen controller, and a voltage limiting barrier. The controller is coupled to the current limiting barrier, the voltage limiting barrier, and the touch screen, in a configuration such that signals transmitted to and from the touch screen will be within a level that ensures intrinsic safety of the touch screen. | 03-14-2013 |
20130062447 | Modular Coolant Jacket for Rolling Mills - A modular coolant water jacket has a coolant tube cartridge portion and a selectively separable outer flange portion. Separation of the larger diameter outer flange portion from the cartridge portion facilitates axially oriented insertion and removal of the cartridge tube portion in radially confined spaces. Modular construction also facilitates reuse of the outer flange portion and replacement of only a worn cartridge tube portion. | 03-14-2013 |
20130054033 | SYNERGISTIC INTERFACE SYSTEM FOR A BUILDING NETWORK - An interface system for a building includes at least one mobile computing device configured to read building information indicia positioned within the building, with the building information indicia defining indicia data. The at least one mobile computing device is in wireless communication with a building control system within the building. The building control system is configured to send control signals to a plurality of field devices within the building. The at least one mobile computing devices is configured to transmit indicia data defined by the building information indicia to the building control system. The building control system is configured to control the field devices based at least in part on the indicia data received from the mobile computing devices. | 02-28-2013 |
20130049519 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSULATING INDUCTION MACHINE COIL CONNECTORS - Method and apparatus for insulating induction machine conductive connectors by sliding a closed-end insulating sheath over the connector. The sheath is circumferentially secured to the conductive connector with a biasing element, such as an elastomeric stretchable fabric, stretch tape or heat shrink material. Additional insulative materials as well as resin curing catalysts or accelerants may be added to the sheath. | 02-28-2013 |