What is claimed is:
1. A method for performing a fluid process within a machine having a fluid system including at least two reservoirs of different types of fluids, said method comprising the steps of:
identifying a first reservoir for use in performing a fluid process;
a. adjusting a configuration of a valve system operatively coupled to said fluid system to permit a fluid evacuation process to be performed for said reservoir;
b. subsequently performing said fluid evacuation process for said reservoir;
c. subsequently adjusting said configuration of said valve system to permit a fluid refill process to be performed for said reservoir;
d. subsequently performing said fluid refill process for said reservoir; and
subsequently identifying an additional reservoir and performing at least one of said steps a, b, c and d for said additional reservoir, wherein said first reservoir includes a fluid of a type which is different from a type of a fluid of said additional reservoir.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing said fluid evacuation process by using at least one multi-position valve included within said valve system of said fluid system.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein said multi-position valve includes a junction block assembly.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing said fluid refill process by using at least one multi-position valve included within said valve system of said fluid system.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein said multi-position valve includes a junction block assembly.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising employing at least one evacuation bracket structured for promoting fluid communication with said fluid system for performing at least one of said fluid evacuation and said fluid refill processes.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising employing at least one quick disconnect structured for promoting fluid communication with said fluid system for performing at least one of said fluid evacuation and said fluid refill processes.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of performing said fluid refill process for said reservoir further includes accessing at least one fluid replacement source.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of performing said fluid evacuation process for said reservoir further includes accessing at least one waste-receiving receptacle.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein said fluid system further includes at least one supplemental filter system.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising facilitating at least one of said fluid evacuation and said fluid refill processes by using a pump.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said pump is installed locally with respect to said fluid system of said machine.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising operatively associating a control module with said fluid system.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising using said control module for said adjusting said configuration of said valve system.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein said control module includes at least one control selected from the group consisting of a machine control, a pump control, a multi-position valve control, and an evacuation bracket control.
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising configuring said control module for collecting cycle time data associated with at least one of said fluid evacuation and said fluid refill processes.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein said collecting cycle time data includes collecting at least a start time associated with at least one of said fluid processes for at least one of said reservoirs.
18. The method of claim 13, further comprising configuring said control module for performing at least one fluid evacuation process in sequence with at least one fluid refill process.
19. The method of claim 13, further comprising configuring said control module for receiving data into at least one data storage medium of said control module.
20. The method of claim 13, wherein said control module includes at least one sensor input for receiving data communicated from at least one sensor operatively associated with said fluid system.
21. The method of claim 13, further comprising operatively associating at least one data device with said control module.
22. The method of claim 1, further comprising operatively associating an internal data module with said machine.
23. The method of claim 1, further comprising purging a filter operatively associated with said first reservoir prior to performing said evacuation process for said first reservoir.
24. The method of claim 1, further comprising purging a filter operatively associated with said additional reservoir prior to performing said evacuation process for said additional reservoir.
25. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of performing said fluid refill process for said reservoir further includes pre-filter delivery of a fluid for said reservoir in association with performing said fluid refill process.
26. A method for performing a fluid process within a machine having a fluid system including at least two reservoirs of different types of fluids, said method comprising the steps of:
identifying a first reservoir for use in performing a fluid process;
a. first, adjusting a configuration of a valve system operatively coupled to said fluid system to permit a fluid evacuation process to be performed for said reservoir;
b. second, performing said fluid evacuation process for said reservoir;
c. third, adjusting said configuration of said valve system to permit a fluid refill process to be performed for said reservoir;
d. fourth, performing said fluid refill process for said reservoir; and
identifying an additional reservoir and performing at least one of said steps a, b, c and d for said additional reservoir, wherein said first reservoir includes a fluid of a type which is different from a type of a fluid of said additional reservoir.
27. A method for performing a fluid process within a machine having a fluid system including at least two reservoirs of different types of fluids, said method comprising the steps of:
identifying a first reservoir for use in performing a fluid process;
a. first, adjusting a configuration of a valve system operatively coupled to said fluid system to permit a fluid evacuation process to be performed for said reservoir;
b. second, performing said fluid evacuation process for said reservoir;
c. third, adjusting said configuration of said valve system to permit a fluid refill process to be performed for said reservoir;
d. fourth, performing said fluid refill process for said reservoir; and
identifying an additional reservoir and performing said steps a, b, c and d for said additional reservoir, wherein said first reservoir includes a fluid of a type which is different from a type of a fluid of said additional reservoir.
28. A system for performing a fluid process within a machine having a fluid system including at least two reservoirs of different types of fluids, said system comprising:
a valve system operatively coupled to said fluid system, said valve system configured to permit selective access to a first reservoir and at least one additional reservoir operatively associated with said fluid system for performing at least one fluid evacuation process for a selected one of said first reservoir and said additional reservoir, wherein a fluid included within said first reservoir is of a type different from a type of a fluid included within said additional reservoir; and,
means for adjusting said configuration of said valve system to permit selective fluid communication between said selected one of said first reservoir and said additional reservoir and at least one of a waste-receiving receptacle and a fluid replacement source, wherein said fluid communication enables at least one fluid refill process for said selected one of said first reservoir and said additional reservoir.
29. The system of claim 28, further comprising at least one multi-position valve included within said valve system of said fluid system.
30. The system of claim 29, wherein said multi-position valve includes a junction block assembly.
31. The system of claim 28, further comprising at least one evacuation bracket structured for fluid communication with said fluid system.
32. The system of claim 28, further comprising at least one quick disconnect structured for fluid communication with said fluid system.
33. The system of claim 28, further including at least one supplemental filter system operatively associated with said fluid system.
34. The system of claim 28, further comprising at least one pump for facilitating at least one of said fluid evacuation and said fluid refill processes.
35. The system of claim 34, wherein said pump is installed locally with respect to said fluid system of said machine.
36. The system of claim 28, further comprising a control module operatively associated with said fluid system.
37. The system of claim 28, wherein said adjusting means includes a control module.
38. The system of claim 36, wherein said control module includes at least one control selected from the group consisting of a machine control, a pump control, a multi-position valve control, and an evacuation bracket control.
39. The system of claim 36, wherein said control module is configured for collecting cycle time data associated with at least one of said fluid evacuation and said fluid refill processes.
40. The system of claim 36, wherein said control module is configured for performing at least one said fluid evacuation process in sequence with at least one said fluid refill process.
41. The system of claim 36, further comprising at least one data storage medium operatively associated with said control module.
42. The system of claim 36, further comprising at least one data device operatively associated with said control module.
43. The system of claim 28, further comprising at least one sensor operatively associated with at least one of said fluid system and said valve system.
44. The system of claim 28, further comprising an internal data module operatively associated with said machine.
45. A system for performing a fluid process within a machine having a fluid system including at least two reservoirs of different types of fluids, said system comprising:
valve means operatively coupled to said fluid system, said valve means configured to permit selective access to a first reservoir means and at least one additional reservoir means operatively associated with said fluid system for performing at least one fluid evacuation process for said selected one of said first reservoir means and said additional reservoir means, wherein a fluid included within said first reservoir means is of a type different from a type of a fluid included within said additional reservoir means; and,
means for adjusting said configuration of said valve means to permit selective fluid communication between said selected one of said first reservoir means and said additional reservoir means and at least one of a waste-receiving means and a fluid replacement means, wherein said fluid communication enables at least one fluid refill process for said selected one of said first reservoir means and said additional reservoir means.
46. A computer-readable medium including instructions for performing a method for performing a fluid process within a machine having a fluid system including at least two reservoirs of different types of fluids, said medium comprising:
instructions for identifying a first reservoir for use in performing a fluid process;
a. instructions for adjusting a configuration of a valve system operatively coupled to said fluid system to permit a fluid evacuation process to be performed for said reservoir;
b. instructions for subsequently performing said fluid evacuation process for said reservoir;
c. instructions for subsequently adjusting said configuration of said valve system to permit a fluid refill process to be performed for said reservoir;
d. instructions for subsequently performing said fluid refill process for said reservoir;
instructions for subsequently identifying an additional reservoir for use in performing a fluid process, wherein a fluid included within said additional reservoir is of a type different from a type of a fluid included within said additional reservoir; and
instructions for executing at least one of said instructions a, b, c and d for said additional reservoir.
47. In a fluid system of a machine, a junction block assembly apparatus, said apparatus comprising:
a body having at least one port formed therein; and,
said junction block assembly being structured for receiving at least one fluid flow in association with performing at least one of a fluid evacuation process and a fluid refill process in operative association with said fluid system of said machine.
48. The apparatus of claim 47, further comprising at least one screen installed within at least one of said ports of said junction block assembly.
49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said screen is included within an integral assembly with at least one adapter, said integral assembly positioned within at least one of said ports of said junction block assembly.
50. The apparatus of claim 49, further comprising said integral assembly being removably insertable within said port of said junction block assembly for permitting inspection of at least one of said integral assembly and said junction block assembly.
51. The apparatus of claim 47, further comprising at least one adapter installed within at least one of said ports of said junction block assembly.
52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said adapter further includes at least one plug.
53. The apparatus of claim 51, further comprising said adapter being removably insertable within said port of said junction block assembly.
54. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said adapter further includes at least one magnetic plug.
55. The apparatus of claim 54, further comprising said magnetic plug being removably insertable within said port of said junction block assembly.
56. The apparatus of claim 47, further comprising at least one additional port formed in said body.
57. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein one of said plurality of ports of said junction block assembly includes a common evacuation port for said fluid system of said machine.
58. The apparatus of claim 57, further comprising a filter screen installed within said common evacuation port.
59. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein one of said plurality of ports of said junction block assembly includes a common refill port for said fluid system of said machine.
60. The apparatus of claim 59, further comprising a filter screen installed within said common refill port.
61. A fluid system of a machine, said system comprising:
at least one junction block assembly including a body having at least one port formed therein, said junction block assembly further being structured for receiving at least one fluid flow in association with performing at least one of a fluid evacuation process and a fluid refill process in operative association with said fluid system of said machine;
at least one pump in fluid communication with at least one of said junction block assemblies; and,
a screen positioned within said fluid system in fluid communication with a suction side of said pump.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.
1. A wireless sensor network comprising:
a plurality of nodes that communicate over wireless communication links, wherein at least one of the plurality of nodes receives sensor data from a sensor;
wherein the wireless sensor network is queried by specifying a set of events of interest; and
wherein for each event of interest included in the set of events of interest, a producer node included in the plurality of nodes identifies when that event of interest occurs and, when that event of interest occurs, transmits event data related to that event of interest to a consumer node included in the plurality of nodes;
wherein the wireless sensor network further comprises a data management stack that comprises a plurality of layers, wherein the plurality of layers comprises an execution layer that executes on each producer node included in the plurality of nodes; and
wherein for each event of interest included in the set of events of interest, the execution layer executing on the producer node for that event of interest identifies when that event of interest occurs.
2. The wireless sensor network of claim 1, wherein the plurality of layers further comprises a physical layer implemented on each of the plurality of nodes, wherein the physical layer provides an interface between the other layers of the data management stack and hardware used to implement the node.
3. The wireless sensor network of claim 1, wherein the plurality of layers further comprises a logical layer that associates a respective logical data source with each entity in the wireless sensor network that generates an event.
4. The wireless sensor network of claim 3, wherein each entity that generates an event is one of a physical entity and an abstract entity.
5. The wireless sensor network of claim 3, wherein at least one entity comprises a physical entity, wherein the physical entity comprises a sensor.
6. The wireless sensor network of claim 3, wherein at least one entity comprises an abstract entity, wherein the abstract entity comprises a region containing at least a subset of the plurality of nodes.
7. The wireless sensor network of claim 3, wherein the logical layer identifies, for each data source, data for which the data source is a producer and data for which the data source is a consumer.
8. The wireless sensor network of claim 3, wherein the plurality of layers further comprises an extended logical layer that identifies, for each data source, at least one of the following that exist for that data source: event dependencies, data dependencies, replication dependencies, control dependencies, and actuation dependencies.
9. The wireless sensor network of claim 8, wherein the plurality of nodes comprise a base station node that receives the query, wherein the logical layer and the extended logical are executed at the base station and for each data source.
10. The wireless sensor network of claim 1, wherein the query comprises a subscription that is associated with the set of events of interest and wherein the plurality of layers further comprises a discrete event view layer that identifies a subscriber entity and a producer entity for the subscription.
11. The wireless sensor network of claim 10, wherein the subscription comprises a set of subscriptions, wherein each of the set of subscriptions is associated with at least one of the set of events of interest and wherein the discrete event view layer identifies a subscriber entity and a producer entity for each subscription.
12. The wireless sensor network of claim 1, wherein the plurality of layers further comprises a query formalism layer that processes input that specifies the query.
13. The wireless sensor network of claim 1, wherein at least one of the set of events of interest comprises an aggregation event of interest and wherein the execution layer executing on the producer node for the aggregation event of interest performs an aggregation operation associated with the aggregation event of interest.
14. A wireless sensor node, comprising:
a wireless transceiver to communicate over a wireless communication link at least one other node in a wireless sensor network;
a sensor interface to receive sensor data from a sensor;
wherein when the wireless sensor node receives, from the wireless communication link, a query for an event of interest, the wireless sensor node determines when the event of interest occurs; and
wherein when the event of interest occurs, the wireless sensor node transmits event data related to the event of interest over the wireless communication link;
wherein the wireless sensor network comprises a data management stack that comprises a plurality of layers, wherein the wireless sensor node implements an execution layer of the data management stack that identifies when the event of interest occurs.
15. The wireless sensor node of claim 14, wherein the sensor is included in the wireless sensor node.
16. The wireless sensor node of claim 14, further comprising a programmable processor that executes program instructions that control the operation of the wireless sensor node.
17. The wireless sensor node of claim 14, further comprising a power source.
18. The wireless sensor node of claim 14, wherein the power source comprises a battery.
19. The wireless sensor node of claim 14, further comprising a hardware timer.
20. The wireless sensor node of claim 14, wherein the wireless transceiver comprises at least one of a radio frequency transceiver and an infrared transceiver.