Abstract: Systems and methods for managing power supplied over an electric power grid by an electric utility and/or other market participants to multiple power consuming devices, each of which having a Power Supply Value (PSV) associated with its energy consumption and/or reduction in consumption. Power flow to the power consuming devices is selectively enabled and disabled, or power-reduced thereto, by one or more controllable devices controlled by the client device. Power control messages from a controlling server indicate amounts of electric power to be reduced and an identification of at least one controllable device to be instructed to disable or reduce a flow of electric power to one or more associated power consuming devices.

Abstract: A method for verifying actuator control data includes a first operation of transmitting, by a host computer, a plant model to a simulator for verifying actuator control data, a second operation of transmitting, to an engine controller connected to an actuator, an engine simulation information signal of the plant model that is received from the simulator, a third operation of driving, through the engine controller, the actuator according to the engine simulation information signal, receiving, by the engine controller, a feedback signal transmitted from the actuator, transmitting the feedback signal to the host computer, and measuring control data, and a fourth operation of comparing the control data with target control data preset in the host computer and verifying whether the control data is abnormal.

Abstract: A controller restraining overcorrections which occur upon manual intervention in operation of an equipment controller. The controller includes a driving device which drives equipment to perform mechanical work, a computation element which computes a target value related to an action of the equipment, an automatic controller which outputs an automatic control signal for the driving device based on the target value so that the equipment becomes stable. The controller also includes a manual intervention control unit which outputs a manual correction signal for the driving device in response to a manual intervention. A manual correction unit makes a determination as to whether there is an overcorrection based on the automatic control signal and the manual correction signal, and outputs to the driving device a product obtained by multiplying the manual correction signal output from the manual intervention unit by a prescribed gain regulation value.

Abstract: A system and method reduce lateral movement of a car in an elevator system by detecting vibration of the car as a vibration signal. A damping coefficient for a feedback signal is determined according to the vibration signal and a state of the elevator system. A semi-active actuator is arranged between the car and a roller guide assembly. The semi-active actuator includes a rheological fluid, and flow characteristics of the rheological fluid are actuated according to the feedback signal to reduce the lateral movement of the car.

Abstract: Methods include one or more of robotically positioning a cutting element on an earth-boring tool, using a power-driven device to move a cutting element on an earth-boring tool, and robotically applying a bonding material for attaching a cutting element to an earth-boring tool. Robotic systems are used to robotically position a cutting element on an earth-boring tool. Systems for orienting a cutting element relative to a tool body include a power-driven device for moving a cutting element on or adjacent the tool body. Systems for positioning and orienting a cutting element on an earth-boring tool include such a power-driven device and a robot for carrying a cutting element. Systems for attaching a cutting element to an earth-boring tool include a robot carrying a torch for heating at least one of a cutting element, a tool body, and a bonding material.

Abstract: Based on an actual temperature upstream of a roll stand, a predicted temperature is estimated for when strip sections of the strip will roll through the roll stand. The predicted temperature is used to predict material moduli, which is used to control a regulating device that influences a roll gap for the roll stand and to parameterize a roll gap control system. A roll gap profile is predicted based on the predicted temperatures, and is compared with a nominal roll gap profile. A regulating variable that influences a profile of a roll gap is set. The regulating variable is then corrected based on the comparison with the nominal roll gap profile. The predictions are made using a prediction horizon corresponding to a plurality of consecutive sections of the strip. Control is performed for both an operator side and a drive side of the strip.

Abstract: A rolling train for rolling a strip has a number of rolling stands and a coiler. The rolling stands have work and backing rolls. Data of the strip are fed to a control device of the rolling train which determines individual pass reductions for the rolling stands based on the data. It controls the main rolling stands and the coiler such that the strip is rolled in the main rolling stands according to the individual pass reductions and then coiled up. It determines the individual pass reductions such that they are zero and controls the rolling stand arranged directly upstream of the coiler such that—with respect to this main rolling stand—the tension in the strip on the outlet side is less than on the inlet side, but the strip runs through this rolling stand without undergoing any forming, at least on one side.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for actuating a tandem roll train, in particular a cold-strip tandem roll train, for producing a strip, e.g., a metal strip, wherein a plurality of drives are provided in a production direction of the strip, the speeds of which drives are adapted via cascade control by way of a master drive, wherein a property of the strip is determined and the direction of action of the cascade control is changed depending on said property, by a control factor (K) being provided, by way of which the direction of action of the cascade control is changed, wherein 0?K?1, and wherein if 0<K<1 the action direction is split proportionally between upstream cascading and downstream cascading.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the manufacturing process of hot-rolled tubes in which the type and dimensional characteristics of structures produced by the rolling process on an outer surface of the tube are evaluated to assess the process state. Immediately subsequent to the rolling process in the exit side region of a rolling stand the outer surface of at least one defined portion of the tube is detected by measuring technology, linearly by means of an optical laser stripe method and in a clocked manner in the form of profile lines, and the profile lines are then combined to form an at least two-dimensional topography and the topography is evaluated to assess the process state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for suppressing the influence of roll eccentricities on the run-out thickness of a rolled stock, which runs through a rolling stand, roll eccentricities being identified by using a process model and taken into consideration in the determination of a correction signal for at least one final control element, preferably a final control element for the adjustment position, of the rolling stand, wherein the measured tensile force upstream of the rolling stand is fed to the process model to identify the roll eccentricities. According to the invention, variations in tensile force are fed back in a targeted manner to reduce the effects of periodic roll eccentricities on the rolled stock, whereas all other sources of variation are eliminated. A process model of the rolling nip and the rolls, preferably based on the observer principle, produces reliable data on the roll eccentricity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for compressing the surface of a toothed section. The method is characterized by iteratively calculating the number of compression movements of a form tool to be repeated for compressing the surface of an area of a blank.

Abstract: The present invention provides a learning method of rolling load prediction which uses a prediction error of a rolling load at an actual pass of a stock in hot rolling to correct a predicted value of rolling load at a subsequent rolling pass. The method comprises changing a gain for multiplying with the prediction error of the rolling load at the actual pass in accordance with a thickness of the stock to thereby set the learning coefficient of the rolling load prediction and improve the precision of the prediction.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the physical state of a hot-rolled sheet or hot-rolled strip while controlling a plate rolling train for the reversing working a hot-rolled sheet or hot-rolled strip. For the reversing rolling of the hot-rolled sheet or hot-rolled strip a rolling stand is provided. At a starting point, an initial state of the hot-rolled sheet or hot-rolled strip in a model is determined, from which state at least one physical state variable is derived. Further, a cyclical updating of the state during the working of the hot-rolled sheet by using the model of the hot-rolled sheet or hot-rolled strip and the plate rolling train is provided, wherein monitoring of the path of the hot-rolled sheet or hot-rolled strip and operating parameters influencing and/or reproducing the state are taken into account.

Abstract: A system for on-line property prediction for hot rolled coils in a hot strip mill of a steel plant, including a unit for capturing the chemistry from the steel making stage and providing the data on rolling schedule. Field devices are provided at the instrumentation level for measuring process parameters during hot rolling. A programmable logic controller is used for acquiring data of measured parameters from the field devices and feeding the data to a processor. Means is provided for conversion of the measured data from time domain to space domain using segment tracking. A computation module processes the converted space domain data for predicting mechanical properties along the length and through the thickness of the strip being rolled. A display unit displays the predicted properties. The data obtained can be stored in a data warehouse for future use. A unit provided in the system can collect the predicted properties and feed the same to the scheduling unit.

Abstract: Energy commodities in the form of electricity and combustible fuel (e.g. natural gas, propane) are used by appliances within a residence or commercial premises in a fashion which is monitored and controlled through a Premises Energy Management System (PEMS). The system facilitates direct monitoring and control of energy-consuming appliances, in real time, utilizing automated programmatic control and a plurality of human interfaces including local display and control, email, web browser, text messaging, and integrated voice response (IVR). A Monitoring and Control Coordinator (MCC) provides centralized coordination of functions and one or more Communicating Appliance Interfaces (CAI) interact with energy consuming appliances are interconnected via wired and wireless communication networks and protocols. The system may retrieve information from third parties, such as from weather services, for optimizing energy usage.

Abstract: Reduced material content fasteners are provided that have a reduced material content portion between working ends allowing the fastener to have less weight with equal or better break and torque strengths. Systems and methods are provided for manufacturing reduced material content fasteners that provide for cold working the initial material to reduce the material while work hardening the remaining material. The cold working is provided by rolls and/or dies.

Abstract: A device and method for prediction and/or control of the profile and/or shape of rolled metal strip. The device and method are compatible with both cluster-type and non cluster-type mills. The device and method employ a customized deflection model of the rolling mill, thereby combining the advantages of well-known finite element method with other relevant methods to allow real-time operation of the rolling mill without the computational complexities of such methods. In one form, the customized deflection model helps to obtain a compact, linear, and flexible analytical model with non-iterative solution, multiple continuous elastic foundations, third-order displacement fields, simple stress-field determination, and capability to compute dynamic deflection characteristics.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the physical state of a hot-rolled sheet or hot-rolled strip while controlling a plate rolling train for the reversing working a hot-rolled sheet or hot-rolled strip is disclosed. For the reversing rolling of the hot-rolled sheet or hot-rolled strip a rolling stand is provided. At a starting point, an initial state of the hot-rolled sheet or hot-rolled strip in a model is determined, from which state at least one physical state variable is derived. Further, a cyclical updating of the state during the working of the hot-rolled sheet by using the model of the hot-rolled sheet or hot-rolled strip and the plate rolling train is provided, wherein monitoring of the path of the hot-rolled sheet or hot-rolled strip and operating parameters influencing and/or reproducing the state are taken into account.

Abstract: The invention relates to rolled material comprising a front and an end. The rolled material is rolled in a roll gap of a roll stand to a first desired measurement, beginning at the front of the rolled material. When the rolled material is being rolled in the roll stand, it is continuously determined by a control computer, which locates the position of the rolled material which is currently in the roll gap. When the position of the rolled material, which is directly in the roll gap, corresponds to a predetermined first modification position of the rolled material, which is arranged between the front of the rolled material and the end of the rolled material, the roller of the rolled material ends at a first desired measurement such that a first step is introduced into the rolled material on the first modification point.

Abstract: A method for rolling thin and/or thick slabs made of steel materials into hot-rolled strip, which were previously cast as thin or thick slabs in a continuous casting machine, heated to rolling temperature in a pusher furnace or in a walking-beam furnace, and rolled in a common rolling train, then cooled and wound into coils. The method is carried out in a continuous manner at maximum capacity of the roughing train according to the quality standard of the hot-rolled strip while roller wear is reduced due to the fact that the roughing train is formed inline by roughing stands and finishing stands into which thin slab sections or thick slab sections are introduced at a suitable point of the roughing train according to the thickness thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the process stability, particularly the absolute thickness precision and the installation safety during the hot rolling of steel of nonferrous materials, with small degrees of deformation (f) or no reductions while taking the high-temperature limit of elasticity (Re) into account when calculating the set rolling force (Fw) and the respective setting position (s). The process stability can be increased with regard to the precision of the yield stress (kf,R) and the set rolling force (Fw) at small degrees of deformation (f) or small reductions, during which the high temperature limit of elasticity (Re) is determined according to the deformation temperature (T) and/or the deformation speed (phip) and is integrated into the function of the yield stress (kf) for determining the set rolling force (Fw) via the relation (2) Re=a+eb1+b2·T.phipc, in which: Re represents the high temperature; phip represents the deformation speed, and; a, b, c represent coefficients.

Abstract: The invention relates to roll forming roofing and walling sheets that have pre-cut or pre-marked ends and packing the sheets. The invention includes applying a particular set of rules to a roll forming schedule produced by a current program, such as an Applicad Roof Wizard program, and producing a roll forming schedule that roll forms sheets in an order that does not require sorting after roll forming but results in sheets packed in a logical order for the person cladding a structure, such as a roof or a wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling and regulating the temperature of a metal strip in a finishing train of a hot rolling mill. A target function is formed by comparing a desired temperature gradient with an actual temperature gradient. The target function measures deviations from desired indications positioned in various places on the finishing train. The speed of the strip and the flow of the cooling agent are adjusted by predicting with the aid of a method of non-linear optimization with auxiliary conditions and are regulated and controlled online by solving a quadratic optimization problem with linear auxiliary conditions, preferably with the aid of an active set strategy.

Abstract: A computer program product for controlling an apparatus for continuous casting of metals. The computer program product includes a computer readable medium and computer program instructions recorded on the computer readable medium executable by a processor for performing the steps of supplying a molten metal to a casting mold with an elongated horizontal cross section, applying at least one magnetic field to the to exert an influence on the movement of the molten metal, generating a stationary magnetic field with a variable strength across the elongated cross section of the casting mold in the vicinity of, or below, where the molten metal is supplied, and generating a variable magnetic field in an area of the upper surface of molten metal in a region that is centrally located with respect to the elongated cross section and in the vicinity of where the molten metal is supplied.

Abstract: A master control system for a rolling mill, especially a mill train, having at least one rolling stand driven by means of a drive system, and the master control system having an automation device for the open-loop and/or closed-loop control of the rolling stand. The master control system also has a commissioning computer for the commissioning of the drive system and of the automation device.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to implement highly accurate general automatic tool assignment with a sheet metal CAD/CAM system. Once CAD drawings are generated (S102), continuous line processing, product outer lines, window cut-out lines and the like are defined (S103) and then assigned tools (S210 through S286). Automatic tool assignment is finished with precedence for priority processing shapes such as simple shapes (arcs, triangles and the like) and shapes that can be punched out using a special tool (S210). A general automatic tool assignment process is then performed. With this process, tools are assigned by dividing each of arcs and oblique lines, which forms a processing shape unit, into shapes to which horizontally/vertically orthogonal lines are added (S250), converting the remaining shapes to rectangles, and assigning a tool to each of those rectangles (S280).

Abstract: Input variables, which describe a metal strip prior to and after the passage of a rolling stand, are fed to a material flow model. The material flow model determines online a rolling force progression in the direction of the width of the strip and fees said progression to a roller deformation model. The latter determines roller deformations from said progression and feeds them to a desired value calculator, which calculates the desired values for the controlling elements of profile and surface evenness using the calculated roller deformations and a contour progression on the runout side.

Abstract: A surface of a long flat product is observed in a production process by way of a surface inspection system. The entire surface is plotted, on the basis of the observation data, as a surface map with established surface characteristics in the, form of surface data and the surface characteristics are classified according to the different types and/or sizes and/or frequency and registered in the surface map according to their position. Production data and product data are jointly fed to a data processing unit in which they are analyzed to determine correlations between them. Rules dealing with the dependence of product data upon given production data are determined so that process parameters can be regulated in line with the rules thus determined to obtain a desired quality. Interrelationships can be recognized between process parameters and the emergence of surface errors, for instance in continuous casting and rolling facilities for steel sheets.

Abstract: A method for determining a shape of a shift roll for a rolling mill, includes the steps of determining a necessary control amount distribution &agr;i for a plate crown with respect to plate widths, based on a distribution of the number of plates rolled by a target rolling mill with respect to plate widths, and providing a maximum radius difference yA0 of the shift roll. The method further includes the steps of preliminarily determining a line yi of a roll radius distribution with respect to plate widths, based on the necessary control amount distribution &agr;i and the maximum radius difference yA0, shifting the line yi of the roll radius distribution by a maximum roll shift to obtain a distribution &Dgr;yBi of a roll gap change amount with respect to plate widths under the maximum roll shift, and smoothing sharp local changing part of the distribution &Dgr;yBi of the roll gap change amount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for marking material defects in/on bar-shaped rolled material after it has left the finishing rolling mill. According to this method, the defective points are detected during the rolling process by ultrasound testing and/or inductive testing and this information is supplied to a computer, which identifies and stores the defective points according to their type and position in the rolled product. The computer then uses this data to control a marking device in such a way that the bar-shaped finished material is marked according to the defect type, respectively, at the point determined by the computer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for diagnosing faults in hot strip finishing rolling, which diagnoses thickness faults in hot strip finishing rolling, using preset data and real-time data on rolling and control conditions, equation models representing control and physical phenomena and a database constructed based on operation experiences.

Abstract: Method of measuring and/or controlling flatness during rolling. The flatness deviation is measured and expressed using orthogonal polynomials. A controlled variable is generated using an Internal Mode Control by comparing the expressed deviation with values of orthogonal polynomials supplied by a model. The comparison provides a control difference to control variables that influence bending, pivoting and axial displacement of the rolls and by multizone cooling.

Abstract: A method and system for furnace pacing in a mill are disclosed herein. Billets are extracted from a furnace and provided in an alternating fashion to two or more strands of a multistrand stand. The timing of the extraction of each of the billets from the furnace, i.e., the furnace time, is based at least in part on a prediction of the rolling times of a previously extracted billets at the strands of the multistrand stand and a desired gap between the billets. Likewise, the actual rolling time of each billet is measured and compared with the predicted rolling time of the billet to generate a correction factor associated with the billet. The furnace time of a subsequent billet intended for a same strand as a previously extracted billet is adjusted by the correction factor associated with the previously extracted billet to regulate the gaps between billets at each strand of the multistrand stand, thereby increasing the productivity of the mill while reducing the potential for collisions between billets.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating expanded and non-expanded regions on a sheet of sheet metal. The apparatus includes a programmable controller, a sheet metal feeder for incrementally advancing the sheet metal, and a cutter/expander for generating rows of expanded metal apertures. The controller selectively controls both the amount of incremental advance provided to the sheet metal by the feeder and the timing and location of the cutting and expanding provided by the cutter/expander; the combination of which creates such regions.

Abstract: The Roll Defect Management Process (RDMP) is a system which is designed to manage, track and evaluate all mill rolls found in use in the hot and cold production of flat rolled metal strip. The RDMP is capable of detection, distinction and differentiation of various defects found in the mill roll using a nondestructive inspection system for generating variable amplitude output voltage signals corresponding to changes in physical properties found in a mill roll and defines corrective action for each roll type, mill, stand and position. The disposition and corrective actions of the RDMP are automated and dependent on the determination of various thresholds identified by roll, mill and stand.

Abstract: A system (100) for campaign planning includes a memory (106) operable to store at least two slab values (132) for each of a plurality of slabs (108). The slab values (132) for a slab are associated with at least two properties of the slab (108). The memory (106) is also operable to store at least one preference value (142) identifying a relative importance between the properties of the slabs (108). The system (100) also includes one or more processors (128) collectively operable to generate a sort value (400) for each of the slabs (108). The sort value (400) depends at least partially on the slab value (132) associated with the slab (108) and the preference value (142). The processor (128) is also operable to allocate the slabs (108) to a plurality of rounds (200) in a campaign (250). The slabs (108) are allocated in an order depending at least partially on the sort values (400) associated with the slabs (108).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for rolling a metal product by successive passes into at least one roll stand associated with a calculation unit comprising a computer and a mathematical model for adjusting the rolling load applied by the clamping means. According to the invention, before each pass, the computer associated with the mathematical model determines a predictable variation value of the flow stress of the metal corresponding to the deformation to be realized in the pass considered, while taking into account the evolution, during the rolling operation, of the microcrystalline structure of the metal making up the product to be rolled, and the rolling load to be applied in order to achieve the requested reduction in thickness is calculated before each pass according to the value thus predicted for the flow stress and the evolution of the microcrystalline during the rolling operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for marking material defects in/on bar-shaped rolled material after it has left the finishing rolling mill. According to this method, the defective points are detected during the rolling process by ultrasound testing and/or inductive testing and this information is supplied to a computer, which identifies and stores the defective points according to their type and position in the rolled product. The computer then uses this data to control a marking device in such a way that the bar-shaped finished material is marked according to the defect type, respectively, at the point determined by the computer.

Abstract: The Roll Defect Management Process (RDMP) is a system which is designed to manage, track and evaluate all mill rolls found in use in the hot and cold production of flat rolled metal strip. The RDMP is capable of detection, distinction and differentiation of various defects found in the mill roll using a nondestructive inspection system for generating variable amplitude output voltage signals corresponding to changes in physical properties found in a mill roll and defines corrective action for each roll type, mill, stand and position. The disposition and corrective actions of the RDMP are automated and dependent on the determination of various thresholds identified by roll, mill and stand.

Abstract: A method of presetting the roll nip profile of a roll stand for rolling a rolled strip is provided. The roll nip profile is influenced by output values for the roll nip profile and the tensile stress distribution being set over the roll nip profile. The output values for the roll nip profile is determined by using a roll nip profile model which calculates the roll nip profile. The calculated roll nip profile or an equivalent quantity is linked to a correction value, in particular by addition or multiplication, to form a corrected calculated roll nip profile, so that the roll nip profile model is adapted to the actual roll nip profile of the roll stand by using the correction value.

Abstract: Process to monitor and control the quality of rolled products from hot-rolled processes which produce products such as sheets, rods, etc., from input stock such as slabs, billets, etc. The process estimates in advance the expected material properties of the end product at each step of the hot-rolling production process. The process further provides that conditions, such as temperature, reduction depth, etc., are detected on-line throughout the entire rolling process and from the values obtained, via interrelated physical—metallurgical and/or statistical models describing the whole rolling process, the mechanical/technical material properties to be expected, particularly the yield point, the tensile strength and the breaking elongation point of the rolled product, are calculated. On-line detection of the actual and momentary production conditions is necessary to allow the material properties to always be estimated in advance.

Abstract: A method for determining the dimensions of the workpiece that can be roll-formed for preforming. A method for producing suspension parts via preforming the workpiece by roll forming.

Abstract: A method for improving the contour of rolled material over at least one segment of a rolling schedule including a plurality of rolling processes. The method includes associating at least one quality criterion with at least one rolling stand of at least one of the plurality of rolling processes, optimizing the at least one quality criterion using a mathematical formula, predetermining at least one work roll shift for the plurality of rolling processes over the at least one segment of the rolling schedule based on an optimization of the at least one quality criterion, and axially shifting at least one work roll of the at least one rolling stand.