Abstract: A system and method for generating a time-to-break prediction for a paper web in a paper machine. This invention uses principal components analysis, neuro-fuzzy systems and trending analysis to form a model for predicting the time-to-break of the paper web from sensor measurements of paper machine process variables. The model is used to isolate the root cause of the predicted web break.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring operating parameters relating to vehicle usage and using the operating parameter information to derive warranty statistical data. In one embodiment, an operating parameter monitoring unit includes a microprocessor and a sensor interface mounted within a housing. The sensor interface includes a number of leads for receiving sensor input signals from sensors that monitor various vehicle operating parameters. The microprocessor receives parameter information via the sensor interface that is indicative of various input sensor signals and stores corresponding parameter information in memory. The stored parameter information can be accessed via a data interface such as a data port or a RF interface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for facilitating a purchaser's selection of a color for a product. In one embodiment, a purchaser is able to interact with a library of available colors for a product over a digital communication network, such as the Internet. The purchaser is able to browse the color library to identify a color of interest. Additionally, the purchaser is able to compare a color of interest to the available colors in the library to assess whether an available color for the product is close enough to the color of interest. Further, the purchaser can order chips or plaques of the available colors identified during a session so that a comparison of the color of interest to actual color samples of the product can be made before an order is placed.

Abstract: The invention provides an indication of boil phase, such as during cooking. In one embodiment, a boil phase determination system is used in connection with a range heater during heating of a liquid. Sensors, which may include a timer, acoustic sensors, optical sensors, and such or temperature sensors, measure certain parameter values during the heating process. The sensors in turn provide output readings to a processor. The processor is operative for determining a boil phase based on the sensor information. The processor may derive and/or store boil phase relationships, for example, based on the operation of an induction tool with respect to test data. Upon making the boil phase determination, the processor provides an output indicative of the determined boil phase. The output may be used to notify a user of a boil phase such as by sounding an alarm or providing a visual output. The boil phase determination may also be used to operate a controller to thereby control operation of the range heater.

Abstract: A system is provided for identifying faults in a non-OEM computed tomography system having components in connection with the detectors to reconstruct an image. Then, correlation values are derived from baseline reference data files and current data files collected after a fault is suspected in the CT system. The correlation values are compared against a threshold to identify suspect detectors and a pattern recognition algorithm is applied to determine if the suspect detectors are faulty or if one of the components processing the output signals has failed. If baseline files are unavailable, the identification of faulty components is accomplished by performing correlation between the current data files and average profile values.

Abstract: Method for forming an ultrasonic phased array transducer with an ultralow impedance backing. The ultrasonic phased array includes a low density backfill material having an ultralow acoustic impedance. The backfill material is either an aerogel, a carbon aerogel, an xerogel, or a carbon xerogel. A piezoelectric ceramic material and two matching layers are bonded to the backfill material. In one embodiment, a plurality of interconnect vias are formed in the backfill material with conducting material deposited in the vias. A portion of the bonded matching layers, the piezoelectric ceramic material, and the backfill material have isolation cuts therethrough to form an array of electrically and acoustically isolated individual elements. In a second embodiment, the backfill material is bonded to an electronic layer at a face opposite to the piezoelectric ceramic material and the matching layers.

Abstract: A system and method for numerical control processing of an in-process part. A mathematical mapping is generated which approximates the deformation of the in-process part as measured against a nominal model. The mapping is applied to nominal NC tool paths to generate modified tool paths that travel in the distorted coordinate space of the in-process part. A result is that local features may be machined into the in-process parts in reasonable locations, and non contact measurement systems as well as surface finishing systems can travel at a more constant distance from the surface of the in-process part.

Abstract: A system and method for performing computed tomography without having to use a complicated mechanical device to move an x-ray source about an object being scanned. Instead, this invention uses flexible waveguides such as optical fibers to direct the x-ray beams generated from the x-ray source. The waveguides direct the x-ray beam to the object at predetermined orientations and distances. A multiplexing unit optically coupled to the x-ray source and the waveguide, steers the x-ray energy from the x-ray energy source to the waveguide.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for normalizing and calibrating a sensor array. The sensor array can comprise differential element sensors, such as for example eddy current sensors, or absolute sensors. A single test specimen is used to normalize and calibrate the sensor array using one or more scans of the test specimen. Notably, only one alignment of the sensor array to the test specimen is required. The test specimen is preferably made of the same or similar type of material as the part to be tested and is of a similar geometric shape that can have a simple flat surface or a more complex surface. A linear feature and several notches are machined into the surface of the specimen by using, for example, electro-discharge machining methods, to provide the necessary signals when scanned by the sensor array. Signals from the linear feature on the test specimen are used to remove any bias and to normalize the dynamic ranges of all of the sensors in the array.

Abstract: A system and a method for generating die swell/draw down information for a profile extrusion die design. A rheometer having a slit die and a puller mechanism coupled thereto provide the die swell/draw down information of a polymer resin material in two dimensions—in the thickness direction and in the width direction. A processor uses the die swell/draw down information to generate a die design chart that contains representations of shear rate, draw rates, and thickness. A designer uses the die design charts to design a profile extrusion die.

Abstract: Bearing fretting conditions are eliminated in washing machines by providing a drive system in which the bearings are not loaded during the spin mode. The drive system includes an input shaft and first and second hubs rotatively mounted about the input shaft. The second hub is movable along the input shaft between a first position adjacent to the first hub and a second position displaced from the first hub. The drive system spins the washing machine's basket when the second hub is in its first position and oscillates the agitator when the second hub is in its second position. A brake disk is mounted to the second hub for movement therewith, and a brake surface is fixedly mounted to the washing machine adjacent to the brake disk so that the brake disk contacts the brake surface when the second hub is in its second position. Separation of the two hubs is accomplished by ball bearings which are unloaded when the second hub is in its first position.

Abstract: In this invention there is disclosed a system and method for generating a fuel-optimal reference velocity profile for a rail-based transportation handling controller. The fuel-optimal reference velocity profile is used to reduce the amount of fuel consumption. The fuel-optimal reference velocity profile is generated to take into account the speed that a train must travel at in order to satisfy a given schedule, speed constraints that will minimize fuel consumption, and recommended speeds that will prevent train breaks, derailments, cargo damage and violation of safety rules. In this invention, the fuel-optimal reference velocity profile is generated by using a genetic algorithm.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for generating alerts through multi-variate assessment. A normalizer normalizes data obtained from a process. A classifier classifies the correlated data in a multi-dimensional space defined for the variables in the process. The normalized data are classified into a normal cluster indicative of normal operating conditions and at least one alert cluster each indicative of alert conditions. An alert verifier verifies correlated data classified as an alert condition. In another embodiment of this invention, a tracker is used for addressing drifting data sets that arise in the process over time which allows the adaptation of classifiers to the shifted state. In a third embodiment, the multi-variate generator is used in parallel with a trend performance analysis tool to validate alerts generated therefrom.

Abstract: A washing machine having a variable speed motor. The washing machine has a basket for holding articles to be washed and has a first axis of rotation. A basket drive shaft connected to the basket drives the basket. An agitator disposed in the basket along the first axis of rotation agitates the article in the basket. An agitator drive shaft connected to the agitator drives the agitator. A variable speed motor, having a second axis of rotation which is not coincident with the first axis of rotation, drives the basket drive shaft and the agitator drive shaft. A coupler couples motion of the variable speed motor to the agitator drive shaft and basket drive shaft.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a smooth blending fillet surface between a platform and an airfoil shape mounted thereto. This is accomplished by generating a fillet surface by acquiring descriptions of an airfoil shape (e.g., the pressure side, the leading edge, the suction side and the trailing edge), a platform surface, a platform footprint, and filleting curves for the pressure and suction sides of the airfoil. These descriptions are used produce a smooth mesh of points which capture both the blending fillet surface and the airfoil. The smooth mesh of points are used to render slope-continuous blended fillet surfaces.

Abstract: A method for estimating the price of real property such as a single family residence. A set of real estate properties comparable to the subject property is retrieved. The comparable properties and the subject property are characterized by a plurality of common attributes each having a respective value. Each attribute value from the comparable properties are evaluated to the same attribute value of the subject property on a fuzzy preference scale indicating desirable and tolerable deviations from an ideal match with the subject property. A measurement of similarity between each comparable property and the subject property is then determined. Next, the price of the comparable properties are adjusted to the value of the subject property and the best properties are extracted for further consideration. The extracted comparable properties are then aggregated into an estimate price of the subject property.

Abstract: A system and method for providing flow rate compensation in a washing machine. This invention provides flow rate compensation by monitoring the flow rate of the inlet liquid and the agitator load while agitating. A controller uses a flow rate compensation algorithm to compensate for the varying flow rate of the inlet liquid and an adaptive fill algorithm to determine an optimal level of liquid to be added to the washer basket and washer tub during a wash cycle operation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for estimating a dollar per square foot value of a subject property. A set of properties comparable to the subject property are retrieved. The comparable properties are characterized by a plurality of common attributes each having a respective value. The plurality of common attributes include distance from the subject property, sale price, and living area. The distance of the comparable properties to the subject property are rated on a fuzzy preference scale indicating desirable and tolerable deviations from an ideal match with the subject property. Each evaluation generates a weighted preference. The sale price and the living area from each of the comparable properties are then aggregated with the weighted preference for that comparable into a dollar per square foot estimate of the subject property.

Abstract: A system and method for providing raw mix proportioning control in a cement plant. A raw mix proportioning controller determines the correct mix and composition of raw materials to be transported to a mixer. The raw mix proportioning controller uses an inverse controller to determine the proper mix and composition of raw materials. The inverse controller takes targeted set points and the chemical composition of the raw material as inputs and generates the proportions of the raw material to be provided as an output for the next time step. The output is generated by using a geometric interpretation of the control process and a non-linear constrained optimization.

Abstract: A system and method for providing raw mix proportioning control in a cement plant with a gradient-based predictive controller. A raw mix proportioning controller determines the correct mix and composition of raw materials to be transported to a mixer. The raw mix proportioning controller uses a gradient-based predictive controller to determine the proper mix and composition of raw materials. The gradient-based predictive controller takes targeted set points and the chemical composition of the raw material as inputs and generates the proportions of the raw material to be provided as an output for the next time step. The output is generated by using a non-linear constrained optimization.