Abstract: Computerized method, processor and computer-readable medium are provided for stereoscopically and seamlessly imaging on a generally cylindrical screen. The method allows to configure imaging data for a plurality of selectable sub-screens encompassing the cylindrical screen. Each sub-screen includes a plurality of selectable strips axially extending relative to a corresponding sub-screen in the cylindrical screen. The method further allows to render two channels imaging data increments for each strip based on a parallax model with a reference line selectively rotatable to be in parallel alignment relative to each respective plane defined by each strip. The method allows to combine each imaging data increment corresponding to each strip in a respective sub-screen to generate stereoscopic imaging data for that respective sub-screen, and further combines each sub-screen imaging data to generate stereoscopic imaging data substantially encompassing the angular span of the cylindrical screen.

Abstract: A method for sorting respective incident log data from a plurality of machines undergoing diagnostics is provided. The method allows for receiving incident log data comprising one or more incidents from the plurality of machines and for receiving operational parameter data from the plurality of machines. The method further allows for executing a set of incident-authentication rules indicative of whether a received incident actually corresponds to a faulty condition or not. An assigning step allows for assigning a predetermined incident severity rating to the respective incidents, and a processing step allows for processing the respective incidents based on their respective incident severity rating.

Abstract: A method for analyzing fault log data and repair data to estimate time before a machine-disabling failure occurs is provided. The method allows for searching in a database of historical fault log data from a plurality of machines for the occurrence of respective fault patterns indicative of incipient failures of a respective machine subsystem. The method further allows for searching in a database of historical repair data for respective repairs executed on the respective machine subsystem. The method also allows for computing elapsed time between respective occurrences of the fault patterns and the executed repairs.

Abstract: A system for collecting and analyzing shipment parameter data, e.g., temperature, vibration, acceleration, shock, humidity, barometric pressure, pH, transit time, container position, etc., affecting predicted statistical variables of articles is provided. Examples of the predicted statistical variables may include article life expectancy, warranty costs, service and/or maintenance schedules, etc. The system is made up of a plurality of data collection subsystems for respectively collecting shipment parameter data encountered by respective articles being shipped, and a data analysis subsystem coupled to receive the collected shipment data for adjusting the respective predicted statistical variables of the articles.

Abstract: A process for analyzing fault log data from a machine is provided. The process allows for downloading new fault log data from the machine. The process further allows for retrieving prior fault log data of the machine. The prior fault log data may be obtained during an earlier download relative to a present download of new fault log data. A comparing step allows for comparing the new fault log data against the prior fault log data, and an adjusting step allows for adjusting any repair recommendations for the earlier download of fault log data based upon the comparison of the new fault log data and the prior fault log data.

Abstract: A convection, oven having a multi-speed fan for circulating hot air within the cooking chamber at a plurality of velocities, with the selection of the appropriate fan speed depending upon the food being cooked in the oven. The fan is disposed within a recess formed in a rear wall of the cooking chamber and is separated from the cooking chamber by a fan cover plate. The cover plate has an inlet opening proximate its center and three elliptical outlet openings equidistantly disposed around its. perimeter. The edge of each outlet opening is located proximate an edge of the recess in order to provide a smooth flow path for the air circulated by the fan. To minimize the influence of the circulating air on the operation of the gas heating element, and thereby minimizing the production of carbon monoxide, a first of the outlet openings is located at a position 45 degrees above horizontal.

Abstract: A method for identifying and characterizing shape variations in parts. Measurements are taken of a population of parts and the shapes of the parts are expressed as a function having a plurality of coefficients. Discrete or function error maps are developed from the coefficients and a principal components analysis is performed on the error maps to identify the principal components of variation of the parts. The parts may be grouped into sub-populations representing ranges of variation along each of the principal components of variation, and downstream processes may be controlled differently for each sub-population. In one embodiment, a typical (re-generated) part shape is identified along multiple principal components of variation, and a tool path is controlled to be responsive to the typical part shape. Information regarding the principal components of variation may further be used to revise upstream manufacturing processes to advantageously affect the distribution of error in subsequently manufactured parts.

Abstract: A method for controlling start of a compression ignition engine having a plurality of cylinders is provided without a cam sensor is provided. Each cylinder includes a respective piston reciprocally movable between respective top and bottom positions along a cylinder longitudinal axis. The method comprises proving a respective fuel delivery assembly for each cylinder. In one embodiment the method further comprises retrieving from memory a set of fuel delivery assembly firing rules and then processing the firing rules so that a firing signal is delivered to each fuel delivery assembly on every crank revolution during a cranking mode of operation. The fuel delivery assembly is arranged to be responsive to any firing signal received during an injection window leading to the top position along the longitudinal axis so as to supply fuel to each cylinder during the injection window.

Abstract: The mounting assembly includes a shaft having a mounting member mounted on a top end of the shaft. The mounting member is preferably mounted so it pivots with respect to the shaft. The shaft is insertable in a hollow cylinder on a motor vehicle. In the case of a motorcycle, a portion of the shaft is inserted in a steering stem of a steering head. A plurality of o-rings, attached to the portion of the shaft inserted in the cylinder, secure the mounting assembly in place. A Velcro™ piece, fixed to a top surface of the mounting member, clasps to a corresponding Velcro™ piece of an electronic device placed on the mounting assembly.

Abstract: An elastomeric joint (100) that comprises a wing plate (102) including a base plate (104) generally extending along a first axis and generally perpendicular to a second axis is provided. The wing plate further includes a mutually opposite first and second bushing-receiving bores (120) co-axially aligned relative to a third axis perpendicular to said first and second axes. A plurality of elastomeric shear pads (106) is affixed on mutually opposite sides of the base plate. The plurality of shear pads is stacked generally perpendicular to the second axis. Top and bottom elastomeric bushings (122) are received by said respective bushing-receiving bores. Each elastomeric bushing comprises a plurality of torsion pads (124) and includes a respective pin-receiving bore(128).

Abstract: A power system for a locomotive generally having an internal combustion engine coupled to drive a main alternator and an auxiliary alternator is provided. The main alternator is coupled to power one or more traction motors and the auxiliary alternator is coupled to power predetermined electrical equipment. The system includes a main power bus generally powered by the main alternator and an auxiliary power bus generally powered by the auxiliary alternator. A power interface unit is electrically coupled to the main power bus to capture and transfer electrical energy into the auxiliary power bus. The electrical energy may be generated during a predetermined mode of operation of the locomotive, such as during dynamic braking or self-load.

Abstract: A circuit and method for achieving hold time compatibility between data-source devices coupled to a data-requesting device through a data bus is provided. The circuit is made up of an impedance coupled to the data bus, and the value of that impedance is selected, based on a respective capacitance in the data bus, to introduce a predetermined delay to data passing therethrough.

Abstract: A method and system for dual laser shock peening an article are provided. The method allows for defining a spot pattern comprising a plurality of spots on a first surface of the article to be peened. The method further allows for defining a spot pattern comprising a plurality of spots on a second surface of the article to be peened. The first and second surfaces comprise mutually opposite surfaces relative to one another. Each one of the respective spots on the second surface is arranged to correspond to a respective spot on the first surface and comprising a plurality of matched pair of spots. A generating step allows for generating dual laser beams being respectively aligned to simultaneously impinge on each respective matched pair of spots.

Abstract: A projectile having a plurality of micro electromechanical (MEMS) devices disposed about the axis of flight for active control of the trajectory of the projectile. The MEMS devices each form an integral control surface/actuator. Control circuitry installed within the projectile housing includes both rotation and lateral acceleration sensors. Flap portions of the MEMS devices are extended into the air stream flowing over the projectile in response to the rate of rotation of the projectile, thereby forming a standing wave of flaps operable to impart a lateral force on the projectile. MEMS devices utilizing an electrostatically controllable rolling flap portion provide a large range of motion while consuming a small amount of power. The MEMS devices may be arranged in longitudinal strips along an ogive portion of the projectile. Packaging concepts for projectiles as small as a 30 caliber bullet are described.

Abstract: There is disclosed a meanderline loaded antenna comprising a ground plane, two vertical elements orthogonally affixed thereto, and a horizontal element between the two vertical elements. A meanderline coupler interconnects the horizontal element, at each of its ends, to the vertical elements. The antenna further includes an additional radiating element extending from the horizontal element in approximately planer relationship therewith. Additionally, the antenna includes a tuning element extending from the horizontal element and forming an acute angle with the adjacent vertical element.

Abstract: Circuit and method for reducing voltage level variation in a bias voltage generated in a power converter device are provided. The method allows providing a first voltage source configured to supply a first voltage during one respective mode of operation of the power converter, wherein the level of the voltage supplied by the first voltage source is directly proportional to variation in an input voltage of the converter device. The method further allows providing a second voltage source configured to supply a second voltage during another respective mode of operation of the power converter, wherein the level of the voltage supplied by the second voltage source has a generally inverse proportional relationship relative to variation in the input voltage of the converter device. At least one circuit parameter is selected in the voltage sources to adjust the respective levels of the first and second voltages.

Abstract: An asymmetric-rate communication method and system for remote data collection using a processor-operated modem at a respective data collection site is provided. The modem processor used at the data collection site may be rated to have a predetermined relatively low processing power. The method includes a first selecting step that allow for selecting a first protocol for transmitting data at a predetermined rate. The selected first protocol uses a predetermined percentage of the processing power of the processor. The method includes a second selecting step that allows for selecting a second protocol for receiving data at another predetermined rate. The selected second protocol uses another predetermined percentage of the processing power of the processor.

Abstract: A process for automatically controlling water level in a washing machine having a motor drive coupled to energize a motor that drives the agitator is provided. The process allows for selecting a target water level based on one or more water-level selection signals. The method further allows for measuring a parameter indicative of the water level based on an actual inertial response of the agitator. A comparing step allows for comparing the actual agitator inertial response against a target agitator inertial response, and a selecting step allows for selectively actuating one or more water valves for allowing passage of water so as to adjust the water level of the washing machine based on deviations between the actual agitator inertial response and the target agitator inertial response.