Abstract: A node for providing electrical power and one or more communication links to a field deployed system is disclosed. The node may comprise a power distributor configured to receive electrical power from an external power source and controllably distribute the electrical power to the field deployed system, an interface comprising a plurality of data ports configured to be connected to data lines of a corresponding plurality of components of the field deployed system, a plurality of communication links configured to transmit or receive data associated with the plurality of components of the field deployed system, and a router configured to route communication messages between the plurality of data ports and the plurality of communication links. The node may further comprise one or more processors configured to control the power distributor, the plurality of data ports, the plurality of communication links, and the router.

Abstract: A circuit system and a method of analyzing audio or video input data that is capable of detecting, classifying, and post-processing patterns in an input data stream. The circuit system may consist of one or more digital processors, one or more configurable spiking neural network circuits, and digital logic for the selection of two-dimensional input data. The system may use the neural network circuits for detecting and classifying patterns and one or more the digital processors to perform further detailed analyses on the input data and for signaling the result of an analysis to outputs of the system.

Abstract: A digital signal may be converted into a spiking analog signal. A different constant current may be applied to each of a plurality of switch circuits. Each bit of the digital signal may be applied to a corresponding one of the plurality of switch circuits. Each switch circuit may apply the corresponding constant current to a common output when the corresponding bit has a predetermined value. Each switch circuit may not apply the corresponding constant current to the common output when the corresponding bit does not have the predetermined value. A common current may be applied at the common output to a spiking neuron circuit.

Abstract: A circuit system and a method of analyzing audio or video input data that is capable of detecting, classifying, and post-processing patterns in an input data stream. The circuit system may consist of one or more digital processors, one or more configurable spiking neural network circuits, and digital logic for the selection of two-dimensional input data. The system may use the neural network circuits for detecting and classifying patterns and one or more the digital processors to perform further detailed analyses on the input data and for signaling the result of an analysis to outputs of the system.

Abstract: A digital signal may be converted into a spiking analog signal. A different constant current may be applied to each of a plurality of switch circuits. Each bit of the digital signal may be applied to a corresponding one of the plurality of switch circuits. Each switch circuit may apply the corresponding constant current to a common output when the corresponding bit has a predetermined value. Each switch circuit may not apply the corresponding constant current to the common output when the corresponding bit does not have the predetermined value. A common current may be applied at the common output to a spiking neuron circuit.

Abstract: An improved method for controlling the clamping forces exerted on opposing sidewalls of a casting mold during a continuous casting operation, which comprises the steps of presetting the mold for the maximum load to be experienced by the sidewalls of the mold, securing the mold at the presetting, and, through displacement measuring devices and hydraulic spring mechanisms, controlling the forces exerted upon the sidewalls during the continuous casting operation as a function of the thermodynamic stresses to which the mold is subjected.

Abstract: A shield comprising a refractory material resistant to pentration by a continuous stream of molten steel and a retaining means to hold the refractory material contiguous to a heat absorption surface.