Abstract: In predicting failure of an x-ray tube in a computed tomography (CT) system, reference detector elements normally disposed on each end of the detector, receive x-rays directly from the x-ray tube. In accordance with the invention, the output values of the reference detector elements are utilized by a tube condition prediction algorithm to predict a failure in the x-ray tube of the CT system. The tube condition prediction algorithm utilizes at least one model of the CT system and at least one prediction routine, which typically is a Kalman filter, to generate the prediction. The prediction routine uses the model to analyze the output values of the reference detector elements in order to determine the condition of the x-ray tube and predict future performance of the x-ray tube.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting movement of a vessel positioned on a cooktop surface. The apparatus includes a resonant circuit that has at least an inductive loop positioned proximate to the cooktop surface. A signal conditioner is connected to the resonant circuit for conditioning signals received from the resonant circuit. A processor is connected to the signal conditioner and compares the conditioned signals received from the signal conditioner to a reference signal whereby detecting movement of the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for rapidly heating a cooktop is provided. The apparatus comprises a radiant heating element positioned proximate to the cooktop. A controller is provided and is connected to the radiant heating element. The controller includes a fast heat-up circuit selectively coupled to the radiant heating element. A look-up table is selectively coupled to the fast heat-up circuit. The look-up table comprises a plurality of user power levels. Each of the plurality of user power levels is correlated to a respective user-selected temperature. The apparatus further comprises a user power input device connected to the controller. The user power input device also allows selection of at least a first of the plurality of user power levels wherein the first power level corresponds to a first respective user selected temperature in the look-up table. A temperature sensor is connected to the controller for measuring a temperature of the cooktop.

Abstract: The temperature of a cooktop is controlled such that a maximum temperature of a cooktop reaches about a predetermined maximum temperature. The temperature is controlled by controlling power supplied to a radiant heating element positioned below the cooktop. The radiant heating element heats the cooktop. A user power input device allows a user to select a user power level corresponding to a desired temperature range for heating the cooktop. A temperature sensor is supplied that senses the temperature of the cooktop. A thermal limiter controller is connected to the radiant heating element, the user power input device and the temperature sensor. The thermal limiter controller determines a thermal limiting power level. The thermal limiter controller applies the smaller of the user power level and the thermal limiter power level to the radiant heating element.

Abstract: An adhesion control system for a locomotive is provided for achieving and maintaining a maximum adhesion value.