Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a flexible circuit of predetermined design, and in particular to the making of a functioning flexible circuit by depositing multiple layers of a variety of materials in fluid or component form in a set configuration onto a substrate. A source for each of the materials is provided. In one embodiment, the materials are applied to the substrate through accurate positioning and moving of the dispensing heads in three dimensions and through accurate control of the amount of material applied. In some embodiments, the substrate is a flexible film. In some embodiments, successive layers of electronic circuitry are formed by successively printing and then curing each layer, one on top of the last, starting with a flexible substrate, such as polyester film. Not only are conductive traces (i.e., wiring) printed (i.e.

Abstract: A distributed control system employs a number of autonomous cooperative units that intercommunicate with bids and counter bids to allocate the production of a product among them. Bidding closure is obtained in an environment where each autonomous cooperative unit can propagate multi-threaded bidding chains, by attaching a response time value to each propagated bid indicating when a response must be received. Sub-bids from that propagated bid forward a reduced version of this response time value that accounts for the sub-bid processing time. Thus, all bidding is concluded within the response time value. Participants in a successful bidding chain are notified so that in the future they may direct bids toward bidding partners that have historically proven successful as part of a successful bidding chain.

Abstract: A control system for a throttle valve actuating device is disclosed. The throttle valve actuating device includes a throttle valve of an internal combustion engine and an actuator for actuating the throttle valve. At least one model parameter of a controlled object model which is obtained by modeling the throttle valve actuating device is calculated. A learning value of a throttle valve opening at which an actuating characteristic of the throttle valve changes, is calculated. The throttle valve actuating device is controlled using the learning value so that an opening of the throttle valve coincides with a target opening.

Abstract: A tuned run-to-run controlled system is disclosed that provides tuned run-to-run control of a system. The system includes a controlled system coupled to a tuned run-to-run controller, which contains a feedback controller coupled to a tuner. Tuned run-to-run controller determines a feedback command based on a nominal gain, a maximum gain, a process error, and a tuning gain.

Abstract: System containing an observation and/or operator's unit (OP) displaying and/or presenting process data (SPC3), and a projection unit (PPC) generating a projection data record (SPC1) which can be loaded into the observation and/or operator's unit via a data transmission link (DU1). The projection unit includes a first component (M1) which forms a differential data record (SPC5) when a projection data record (SPC1) is modified. The differential data record (SPC5) can be transmitted to the observation/operator's unit. In addition, the observation/operator's unit includes a second component (M2) which updates a loaded projection data record (SPC2) with the aid of a transmitted differential data record (SPC6).

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for dispensing items from a dispensing unit. According to the invention, the dispensing unit comprises a plurality of locations in which the items are held, a processor in which records corresponding to the items on the unit are stored, and a plurality of item switches corresponding to the locations in which the items are held. The item switches are connected to the processor so that a user of the dispensing unit can input records of items removed from the unit into the processor. The apparatus described is particularly suited for dispensing medical supplies although the apparatus will be usable for other types of items as well. Preferred embodiments will include a plurality of visual indicators, typically in the form of light emitting diodes, corresponding to the locations in which the items are held.

Abstract: A system for creating application maps for controlling a dispensing apparatus based upon field data, the system including a system for maintaining field data. The field data may be georeferenced relative to geographic coordinates of the location of the field data. Application rate equations for correlating field data relative to desired output may be selectively defined based upon selected field data and desired output to produce application maps for a particular field. A processor is designed to selectively access field data for a particular field to execute application rate equations for the field data to produce an application map which may be used for variable rate application of material by dispensing apparatus based upon the selected field data and the desired output.

Abstract: A control device is provided for a machine, system or appliance, particularly a fuel cell system, having a first control unit and a second control unit which interchanges signals with the first control unit and monitors the first control unit. A comparison module compares states of the control units. A method for monitoring a controller includes monitoring the first control unit with the second control unit by comparing the states of the control units.

Abstract: A communication system 100 includes a plurality of controller stations 114 and 116, and at least one controlled station 104 to 112. The stations are interconnected via a communication network 120. The functionality of each controlled station is associated with a respective abstract representation, referred to as AR. The AR provides an interface for software elements in the system to control functionality of the controlled station by means of messages exchanged with the AR via the communication network. The AR may be implemented using platform-independent code, such as Java. Each controller station includes control means for executing at least one AR of a controlled station and assigned to the local controller station. The system includes leader selection means for selecting a single one of the controller stations as a leading controller station.

Abstract: Systems and methods for teaching a location in a device programming apparatus. The X, Y, Z and angle coordinates of a pick and place nozzle are initialized, and the nozzle is moved in the X and Y coordinates to a position above the device in the location to be taught. The new X and Y coordinates of the nozzle are stored to a memory along with the initial angle coordinate. The system automatically determines the Z location of the surface of the device. The nozzle then automatically picks up the device and performs vision centering to determine the X, Y and angle offsets with respect to the initialized coordinates. The X, Y and angle offsets are used to modify the stored X, Y and angle coordinates so as to precisely determine the X and Y location of the device center as well as the device angle with respect to the system's global reference frame.

Abstract: A laser marking apparatus and method for marking the surface of a singulated article such as a semiconductor chip are described herein. Semiconductor chips are fed along inclined, parallel tracks to a laser marking field where they are subsequently marked by a laser beam. As the laser beam is marking chips associated with one track, chips associated with other tracks that have already been marked are replaced by unmarked chips. In this manner, the laser is continually being used to mark semiconductor chips without having to wait for unmarked chips to move to the marking location.

Abstract: A tiered level cutting system and method that guides a user through the process of selecting an appropriate tool or adapter for specific cutting conditions and/or applications. The cutting system may include a plurality of blocks, one or more sleeves for each block, and a plurality of cutting tools. The method includes the steps of selecting a block for a user's particular operation, optionally, selecting a sleeve based on the selected block, and selecting a cutting tool based on the selected sleeve. The cutting system is selected based upon the type of machinery and cutting environment. The block is selected based upon the particular operation. Operation categories may include severe, heavy, medium and light based upon conditions. The cutting tool is selected based upon the shape and carbide content. The steps can be performed in most any suitable order.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intelligent nozzle having a communication system capable of wireless, remote communications with an associated dispenser. Information may be transmitted from the dispenser to the nozzle to facilitate nozzle control or display to a customer, and information received at the nozzle may be transmitted to the dispenser for further processing or display.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a calibration method for a two-stage actuator control system. The calibration method includes the steps of inserting a sinusoidal disturbance dv(k) into a control input uv(k) to a main actuator, comparing uv(k) and uv(k)+dv(k) to obtain an open-loop gain, and setting the reciprocal of the open-loop gain in a gain compensator for the main actuator. The calibration method further includes the steps of adding a sinusoidal disturbance dp(k) to an input to a subactuator, and comparing the sinusoidal disturbance dp(k) with an output y(k) from the two-stage actuator to obtain a disturbance input-displacement gain. A design nominal value is divided by the disturbance input-displacement gain to obtain a compensation gain, which is then set in a gain compensator for the subactuator.

Abstract: Systems and methods of operating the same are introduced for populating and using lookup tables with process facility control systems and models of the same. An exemplary computer system for use with a process facility having a plurality of associated processes, and includes both a memory and a processor. The memory is capable of maintaining (i) a data structure having a plurality of accessible fields and (ii) a model of at least a portion of the plurality of associated processes. The model may include a mathematical representation of at least a portion of the at least one process, defining certain relationships among inputs and outputs of the at least one process. The processor is capable of populating ones of the plurality of accessible fields of the data structure using the model iteratively with a range of possible values of the at least one measurable characteristic.

Abstract: A tool recognition and control system for electronically configuring certain systems of a work machine based upon the operating parameters associated with a particular work tool to be attached thereto, the work machine including systems operable to control the operation of a plurality of different work tools, each work tool having a set of operating parameters associated therewith which affect the operation of at least some of the systems of the work machine, the present control system identifying the particular work tool attached to the work machine based upon either a signal generated by a tool recognition system associated with the work tool when the work tool is attached to the work machine, or based upon operator selectable commands for selecting any one of a plurality of different sets of operating parameters based upon the particular work tool attached to the machine.

Abstract: A machine control system for a machine or plant controls a plurality of functions within an operating cycle. The start signals and stop signals for releasing and ending respectively the function can be preselected with respect to their mutual relative time slot by means of a data processor (computer) with a display screen. To this end, the functions of the machine or plant are listed in parallel lines on the display screen. Each of the functions can be represented in a graphic quantifying the duration of the function by inputting display screen signals with the limits, which correspond to the times of connection (start limit) and disconnection (stop limit) of the respective function. After starting up the operating cycle, the display screen signals are scanned by a switching signal, which advances in time in the direction from the start limit to the stop limit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for changing the state of operation of a fuel cell, such as starting the fuel cell up or shutting the fuel cell down, are disclosed. An idle load is applied to the fuel cell when the cell temperature is between about normal operating temperature and a transition temperature, and fuel and oxidizer are supplied to the fuel cell commensurate with the power delivered to the idle load. Below the transition temperature, purging/passivation procedures known in the art can be followed, and an open or dummy load applied to the fuel cell. At normal operating temperature or above a service load is applied to the fuel cell.

Abstract: The disclosed system enables a user to monitor and control a remote equipment site from any remote location, over the Internet, while maintaining the operating software the system provider's server. All user data access is through the use of modules, or servlets, that prevent the provider's operating software from being directly accessed, thereby eliminating modification or alteration by any user. The system preferably provides several levels of access, through the use of access codes, to prevent unauthorized users from accessing information. The system communicates with remote units that are proximate the remote equipment and have communication capabilities to enable the remote units to have either one or two way communication with the provider software. The remote units have monitoring devices, that receiving status data from at least one piece of equipment for transmission to the provider software for storage and user access through the servlet(s).

Abstract: A system includes a fuel cell subsystem, switches and a controller. The fuel cell subsystem is adapted to provide power that is capable of being consumed by residential loads, and the fuel cell subsystem is sized to provide power up to a first power threshold that is less than a maximum power threshold that is capable of being consumed by the residential loads. The controller is adapted to determine the power that is consumed by the residential loads and based on the determined power, operate the switches to selectively regulate electrical connections between the residential loads and the fuel cell subsystem to keep the power approximately below the first power threshold.