Abstract: There is proposed an apparatus and method for measuring fluid usage from a container. The apparatus in one form includes a proximity sensor or sensors positioned in, or adjacent, an outlet of said container and configured to monitor the presence or absence of said fluid within or adjacent said outlet, an angle sensor for determining a first angle of said container when said fluid begins to flow through the outlet, and for determining a second angle of said container when said fluid stops flowing through said outlet, and a transmitter for sending data from the proximity sensor/s and angle sensor or processed data therefrom, to a computing device and/or display unit, wherein the data or processed data is used to calculate or indicate a volume of the fluid having passed through the outlet.

Abstract: A die casting method includes a step of supplying molten metal to a plunger sleeve, and a step of advancing a plunger in the plunger sleeve, to inject the molten metal into dies. In the step of injecting the molten metal into the dies, the plunger is once retracted before being advanced, and the plunger is kept accelerated until the plunger reaches a target maximum speed when the plunger retracted is advanced.

Abstract: A method and system for set point control of a liquid level in a conical tank is disclosed. The method includes receiving set point signal, R(s), summing the set point signal, R(s), with a negative feedback signal, d{tilde over (f)}(s), and generating set point error signal, E(s), which is used as feedback at the input to drive the liquid level in the conical tank to a desired set point, thus controlling the liquid level of conical tank so that external disturbance, df(s), is minimized.

Abstract: A method of identifying the phase composition and/or changes in the phase composition of a fluid flowing through a turbomachine includes monitoring changes in at least one electrical parameter associated with operation of the turbomachine, and employing a known correlation between phase composition and or phase composition changes, and changes in the electrical parameter(s) to associate the monitored changes with changes in the actual phase composition of the fluid.

Abstract: A facility for automated modelling of the cutting process for a particular material to be cut by a beam cutting tool, such as a waterjet cutting system, from empirical data to predict aspects of the waterjet's effect on the workpiece across a range of material thicknesses, across a range of cutting geometries, and across a range of cutting quality levels, all of which may be broader than, and independent of the actual requirements for a target workpiece, is described.

Abstract: In one example, the present disclosure describes a device, computer-readable medium, and method for monitoring a user's food intake. For instance, in one example, a user's food intake is monitored based on data collected from a sensor. The user's current nutrient consumption is estimated based on the monitoring. A recommendation is presented to the user based on the estimating, where the recommendation is designed to help the user achieve a target nutrient consumption.

Abstract: A method for detecting occupant position change on a support surface includes establishing a rate of change of pressure in a head end test zone and in a foot end test zone, comparing the head end rate to at least one head end rate limit, comparing the foot end rate to at least one foot end rate limit, and inferring, in response to the comparing steps, whether or not occupant migration has occurred. An associated occupant support includes a frame and a mattress. The mattress includes head and foot zones each having at least one pressurizable bladder. The support also includes a controller adapted to compare a head end rate of pressure change to a head end rate limit, to compare a foot end rate of pressure change to a foot end rate limit, and to infer, in response to the comparing steps, whether or not occupant migration has occurred.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention simulate a real-world system by first generating a time dependent system of equations that represents the real-world system where the time dependent system of equations has a defined constraint. Next, the constraint is de-coupled from the time-dependent system of equations using a matrix representing an approximation of physics of the real-world system, the de-coupling generating a first system of equations representing the constraint and a second system of equations representing physics of the real-world system. In turn, the generated first and second systems of equations are solved and the real-world system is automatically simulated by generating a simulation using results from solving the first and second systems of equations.

Abstract: {Problem} In combining the master valve and the groups of slave valves, the configuration of the combination is made not for performing simply a uniform control, but is made to be such a form as capable of corresponding to the size and the inside configuration of the processing apparatus, or customer's requirements, which thereby allows a prompt adaptation to variety of demands. {Solution to Problem} In combining the master controller and the slave controller, the operation mode is set, and it is made possible to transmit the generated valve opening degree common signal and the generated valve opening degree individual signal from the master controller, corresponding to the operation mode, to the slave controllers that are connected in the sequential daisy-chain style, thereby the slave valves are opening-degree-controlled by any of such generated valve opening degree signals.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a patient support apparatus includes a mattress having an air bladder system configured to sense pressure levels along the mattress surface and perform unloading of mattress areas corresponding to specific patient body areas to relief loading to the area, and to perform unloading independently or in combination with lateral rotation. The air bladder system may include a support bladder system and a rotation bladder system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for heat transfer simulations. Mesh generation is performed for a plurality of regions. Mesh faces are determined on different sides of an interface between the regions and overlapping areas between the determined mesh faces are determined. A total heat flow associated with the interface is discretized based at least in part on the one or more overlapping areas for heat transfer simulations.

Abstract: There are provided a fluid-path tester and a fluid-path testing-method capable of performing classification of abnormal-modes into a problem in a system, a leakage in a dedicated tube, a problem of a failure in a suppression pressure, and the like, an analysis of the abnormal-modes, and the like in a simplified manner. PAPS valves are included, and an abnormality emulator inspecting an abnormal condition in a fluid path of a DUT by emulating characteristics of the fluid-circuit represented by each of a plurality of abnormal-modes having possibilities of occurring in the fluid path of the DUT through pressurization of a fluid pressure using a compressor-under-test and adjustment of the fluid pressure using the PAPS valves.

Abstract: A thermal power plant is described comprising a solar collector field and a heat storage to allow the use of the thermal energy collected by the solar field with a time delay for the production of electricity in the steam power plant.

Abstract: According to at least one aspect, a river velocity estimation system is provided. The river velocity estimation system includes one or more components executable by at least one processor that are configured to receive terrain information and at least one image including a river, identify an area of interest in the at least one image that includes the river, identify a course of the river and a boundary of the river based on the area of interest in the at least one image, estimate a slope of the river based on the terrain information, determine a hydraulic radius of the river based on the boundary of the river and the course of the river, and estimate a flow rate of water in the river based on at least the slope of the river and the hydraulic radius of the river.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and measuring the quantity of leakage from a conduit used in the conveyance of a fluid, such as a hydrocarbon fluid, for example oil, or a gas, such as natural gas. The system includes a measurement device configured to measure a distributed temperature along a length of the conduit. The system further includes a processor configured to calculate a change in volume of the fluid in the conduit for each of a plurality of sections of the length of the conduit based on the distributed temperature. The processor is further configured to calculate a correction factor based on the change in volume of the fluid. The processor is also configured to calculate a corrected mass-balance differential using the correction factor, and compare the corrected mass-balance differential to a predetermined leakage threshold to identify whether a leak exists in the conduit.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a solar heat steam cycle system capable of operating efficiently and stably in keeping with the status of collected or stored heat, and a control method for use with the system. The system includes a heat collector (1) which collects solar thermal energy, a thermal storage device (2) which stores the solar thermal energy collected by the heat collector, a feed water heater (3) which heats feed water, an evaporator (4) which evaporates the feed water supplied from the feed water heater, and a steam turbine (6) driven by steam generated by the evaporator. The system includes a control valve (31) which controls allocations of heating medium supplied from the thermal storage device to the evaporator and the feed water heater.

Abstract: A method and system for characterizing pressure controller valves of a pressure controller system are described herein. The pressure controller system includes a first valve and a second valve coupled to a manifold and a controller configured to control operation of the first valve and the second valve. The first valve regulates mass flowrate into the manifold and the second valve regulates mass flowrate released from the manifold. To characterize the apply valve, an electronic solenoid current to the first valve is increased until the manifold pressure rate exceeds the pressure rate threshold. When the manifold pressure rate exceeds the pressure rate threshold, the electronic solenoid current to the first valve decreases until the manifold pressure rate falls below the pressure rate threshold. These steps continue until the manifold pressure exceeds a manifold pressure threshold. At this point, the first valve is closed and characterization of the second valve commences.

Abstract: A fluid level control system includes: a first immersion cooling tank having a first volume of immersion cooling liquid and an inlet/outlet pipe extending from a base wall of the tank by which immersion cooling liquid can flow into and out of the first immersion cooling tank; at least one second volume of cooling liquid held within a liquid containing unit having a corresponding inlet/outlet pipe; and a pipe distribution system that physically connects the second volume of immersion cooling liquid to the first volume of immersion cooling liquid via respective inlet/outlet pipes and which enables fluid equilibrium to be maintained between the first volume of liquid and the second volume of liquid via gravitational equilibrium and/or passive level control such that a first volume level of the first volume of immersion cooling liquid remains substantially equal to a second volume level of the second volume of immersion cooling liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid replenishing device comprising a liquid storage tank, a chemical liquid supply pipeline, an ultrapure water supply pipeline, an ultrapure water quantitative supplement pipeline and a circulating pipeline. The chemical liquid supply pipeline supplies chemical liquids to the liquid storage tank. The ultrapure water supply pipeline supplies ultrapure water to the liquid storage tank. The ultrapure water quantitative supplement pipeline quantitatively replenishes ultrapure water to the liquid storage tank. One end of the circulating pipeline is connected with the outlet of the liquid storage tank, the other end of the circulating pipeline is connected with the inlet of the liquid storage tank.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and devices for spraying fluid materials such as paints, stains, and the like, and more specifically, but not by limitation, to a fluid level indicator for an airless fluid sprayer. In one example, an airless fluid sprayer is provided and includes a fluid container, a controller, and a fluid level indication module implemented by the controller to generate an indication of a level of fluid material in the fluid container.

Abstract: An adaptable surface system including a plurality of individually adjustable surface units and a plurality of pressure sensors. Each pressure sensor corresponds to one of the adjustable subsurface units and is positioned to measure an amount of pressure exerted upon the subsurface unit. The system also includes a controller that receives a first pressure value from a pressure sensor, compares the value to a threshold, and adjusts the height of the first subsurface unit based on the comparison. The controller also receives a second pressure value from a second pressure sensor, compares the second pressure value to the threshold, and adjusts the height of a second subsurface unit based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method for regulating water output from a faucet is presented. The method includes receiving an input at a plurality of sensors, transmitting a signal to a control unit in response to receiving the input, controlling, via the control unit, at least a temperature or volume of water in response to the signal received at the plurality of sensors, outputting the water via a water output device, and outputting, via a display module, a visual indicator for at least the temperature or the volume.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control apparatus includes a solenoid valve; a hysteresis hydraulic pressure correction amount calculation section calculating a hysteresis hydraulic pressure correction amount and a command current control section controlling the command current in accordance with the hysteresis hydraulic pressure correction amount. The hysteresis hydraulic pressure correction amount calculation section has, as a reference map, a full hysteresis characteristic, and is configured to make a plurality of reduction maps obtained by reducing the reference map in accordance with a turn-round position at one of minor loops from a past to a present time when the minor loop continues, and to calculate the hysteresis hydraulic pressure correction amount by summation of hysteresis hydraulic pressure correction amounts obtained by the reduction maps in the same command current position.

Abstract: A downhole formation fluid pumping and a sampling apparatus are disclosed that may form part of a formation evaluation while drilling tool or part of a tool pipe string. The operation of the pump is optimized based upon parameters generated from formation pressure test data as well as tool system data thereby ensuring optimum performance of the pump at higher speeds and with greater dependability. New pump designs for fluid sampling apparatuses for use in MWD systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-program product for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a method for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher is provided, wherein the dishwasher includes a water valve for providing water to the dishwasher and a drain pump for removing water from the dishwasher. The method comprises detecting an overfill condition in the dishwasher with at least one detection device, wherein the overfill condition corresponds to a water level in the dishwasher that is greater than a predetermined threshold. The method further includes controlling the drain pump and the water valve in response to detecting the overfill condition in order to facilitate removal of the overfill condition.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid control system for controlling pressure fluid supplied to consumers (2, 3, 4) of a rock drilling machine, a regulating valve (6, 7, 8) for each for each consumer and fluid conduits between the regulating valves and the consumers, an electronically controlled auxiliary control unit (11) having an electrically controlled auxiliary valve (14) for connection to a fluid conduit, a sensor for sensing fluid parameter values and sending sensor signals to the auxiliary control unit as sensor input signal actual values, micro-controller (12) having at least one parameter sensor input signal entry (S1-S5, I1-I5) for receiving the sensor input signal actual values and a control signal exit (V1-V6) for signal control of an auxiliary valve, the processor (12) is being arranged to compare the actual and predetermined values and to emit control signals to an auxiliary valve in response to the comparison to adjust fluid flow.

Abstract: The controlling device includes a set point obtaining portion that obtains a set point from a feedback controlling system for calculating, and outputting to an actuator, a manipulated variable based on the set point and a process variable, and an actuator controlling portion that changes a gain of an actuator so as to have an effect of a change in the process variable that is produced through the change in the gain of the actuator tracking a change in the set point.

Abstract: Managing waste water discharge of a computing system, the computing system including one or more evaporative coolers, including: determining, by a waste water management module, a waste water discharge limit, wherein the waste water discharge limit specifies the amount of waste water that can be discharged within a period of time; determining, by the waste water management module, the amount of waste water that has been discharged during a current measurement period; and updating, by the waste water management module, operating parameters for the computing system in dependence upon the amount of waste water that has been discharged during the current measurement period and the waste water discharge limit.

Abstract: Managing waste water discharge of a computing system, the computing system including one or more evaporative coolers, including: determining, by a waste water management module, a waste water discharge limit, wherein the waste water discharge limit specifies the amount of waste water that can be discharged within a period of time; determining, by the waste water management module, the amount of waste water that has been discharged during a current measurement period; and updating, by the waste water management module, operating parameters for the computing system in dependence upon the amount of waste water that has been discharged during the current measurement period and the waste water discharge limit.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to inhibit a communication program from crashing in the case where a power source is turned off while writing or rewriting of a measurement control program from an external device is performed by a communication part, and includes: a first recording part for storing the communication program for controlling the communication part; a second recording part for storing a measurement control program for controlling the measurement control part; and a central processing unit. In this configuration, the communication program stored in the first recording part is configured to be unrewritable by the central processing unit and the measurement control program stored in the second recording part is configured to be rewritable by the central processing unit.

Abstract: Embodiments can detect air in a pumping system. A portion of the system may be isolated from other components located upstream or downstream. The isolated portion may include a chamber, tubing, lines, valves or other components of a pump. In one embodiment, the difference between the starting pressure and an ending pressure taken after a piston has moved a predetermined distance. The pressure difference can be compared with an expected value established for the particular system set up and/or fluid property to detect the presence of air in the system. In some embodiments, a distance between the starting and ending positions of a pump component may be determined after a predetermined pressure difference has been achieved. The distance can be compared with an expected distance to detect the presence of air in the system.

Abstract: To derive a feasible solution for an operation plan problem for storage tanks for storing liquefied natural gas, which is a complicated mixed-integer non-linear problem, given tank initial state information, reception plan information, and feed plan information, two solving processes are executed alternately two or more times, respectively: a first solving process that replaces a mixed-integer non-linear programming problem with a mixed-integer linear programming problem by linear approximation of a non-linear expression in non-linear constraints containing the non-linear expression, and solves the problem to derive provisional solutions or final solutions for a reception pattern that prescribes a storage tank that is to receive liquefied natural gas, and a discharge pattern that prescribes a storage tank that is to discharge liquefied natural gas, and a second solving process that replaces a mixed-integer non-linear programming problem with a continuous non-linear programming problem by provisionally fixing

Abstract: A liquid ingesting management system is provided. The liquid ingesting management system includes a fluid container, a database and a wireless transmit/receive unit. The wireless transmit/receive unit communicates with the fluid container and the database through a wireless technique to access the database and control the fluid container to perform a liquid ingesting management process.

Abstract: An electronic storage device is coupled with a container capable of holding liquid for electronically storing information relating to the liquid stored in the container. The system can be configured with an antenna, for storing information to and reading information from the electronic storage device. A microprocessor-based controller, coupled with the antenna, may be employed for controlling processing of the liquid based on information read from the electronic storage device by the antenna. A connector of a secure reader system having a reader is provided to physically couple to a container having an information storing mechanism, for periodically reading information from an information storing mechanism. The connector may draw material from the container simultaneous with the reading.

Abstract: A method for dynamically controlling the output of a computerized manufacturing process includes storing a product target parameter in a computer memory of a computer system associated with the manufacturing process equipment. Control limit values for a product delivery statistic are provided and a product delivery parameter is continually monitored and values are stored in the computer memory. A unit product over-delivery amount is determined from the difference between the product delivery parameter and the product target parameter. A cumulative over-delivery amount is determined by summing the difference up to the current sequence number between monitored value for the previously-produced unit products and the product target parameter. A net difference is then determined between the unit product over-delivery target parameter and the cumulative over-delivery amount.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include systems and methods for fluid identification and tracking. At least one embodiment of a method includes determining that a vehicle is discharging a fluid, determining an ingredient of the fluid, and determining a first vehicle location. Some embodiments include determining, based on the ingredient, whether discharge of the fluid at the first vehicle location is allowable and in response to determining that discharge of the fluid at the first vehicle location is not allowable, performing, by a computing device, a first preventative measure.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a steam system, such as a district heating system is provided with provisions for predicting potential water hammer conditions. The system measures steam parameters as inputs into a steam system engine. The steam system engine uses physics models and empirical steam flow behavior models to determine a condensate parameter such as rate of condensate generation and condensate levels within the system. When the condensate parameter exceeds a threshold, a signal is transmitted to the system operator so that actions may be taken to alleviate or prevent undesired conditions.

Abstract: A device for calibrating a spray gun and an associated method are provided. The spray gun has a nozzle that is opened and closed by moving an internal needle out of and into sealing engagement therewith. A virtual position of the needle is tracked and recorded. The control system is recalibrated when the virtual position and the actual position of the needle do not correspond. The device includes a sensor structured to detect characteristics of the current used to power the solenoid, and to identify an anomaly in solenoid current characteristics associated with an actuator member seating against the solenoid. The solenoid is placed in a calibration configuration and the identifiable anomaly is detected. When the identifiable anomaly is detected, the spray gun is returned to an initial configuration and the virtual needle position is reset. The virtual needle position and the actual needle position are then calibrated.

Abstract: Method for configuring a control device of a thermodynamic system, in particular a thermohydraulic system, especially of a cryorefrigerator system, wherein the method comprises the following phases: Implementation of a method of determination of a model of a thermodynamic system, wherein the determination method comprises a decomposition of the system into sub-systems each having boundary conditions, wherein: output, respectively input, boundary conditions of a sub-system are linked to input, respectively output, boundary conditions of a neighbouring sub-system, the boundary conditions pertain at least to an amount of fluid per unit time and to a pair of physical quantities defining the thermodynamic state of the fluid; Generation of an observer by using the model determined in the previous phase.

Abstract: The present invention is a controller specifically for pumps, making the benefits of variable frequency drive (VFD) technology more accessible to pump users. The present invention incorporates pump-specific system optimization software, an industrial grade drive, and a menu-driven user interface, offering protection, reliability, and ease of use not possible with other variable frequency drives.

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: Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring a drilling fluid for the formation of gas hydrates. One system includes a borehole containing a drilling fluid being circulated therethrough, a first optical computing device arranged in the borehole and having at least one integrated computational element configured to optically interact with the drilling fluid and detect one or more gas hydrates present therein, and at least one detector arranged to receive optically interacted light generated from optical interaction between the at least one integrated computational element and the drilling fluid, the at least one detector being configured to generate a first output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the one or more gas hydrates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a plunger lift system in a well is provided. The methods can include: opening a control valve and allowing a plunger to rise to a top of the well; determining an actual rise time of the plunger based on a time it takes the plunger to rise to the top of the well; using actual rise time of the plunger and a target rise time calculating adjustments to the afterflow time or close time; and allowing the afterflow time to pass before closing the control valve and keeping the valve closed for the close time. The methods are repeated, each time calculating a new adjusted afterflow time or adjusted close time to incrementally alter these times to improve the operation of the plunger lift system.

Abstract: A switch control system for controlling an electrically conductive fluid supply to a tank, includes a detection circuit, a gate circuit, a control circuit and a switch circuit. The detection circuit detects a fluid level in the tank and outputs a voltage level signal. The gate circuit receives the voltage level signal and outputs control signals accordingly. The control circuit receives the control signals and outputs a first voltage and a second voltage accordingly. The switch circuit receives the first voltage and the second voltage and turns on and turns off the electrically conductive fluid supply to the tank in accordance with the first voltage and the second voltage.

Abstract: A fluid overfill detection and control system for controlling the transfer of fluid into a transport vehicle having multiple fluid compartments includes a plurality of overfill sensors that are connected in series with one another and that each produces an output pulse when the fluid level in its associated compartment is below a threshold level. A diagnostic line connected to each of the overfill sensors provides a diagnostic signal indicative of the number of overfill sensors that generate an output pulse, while a module on the vehicle provides an indication of the total number of overfill sensors located in the vehicle. To prevent a hazard due to the possible bypass of a overfill sensor, the controller compares the overfill sensor count signal to the diagnostic signal and inhibits the transfer of fluid into the vehicle if the values do not match.

Abstract: A control system is for completion installation, intervention and testing activities at a subsea location. The control system has a first control circuit at a surface location; a subsea test tree located in a blowout preventer at the subsea location, the second control circuit located within a riser extending from the blowout preventer towards the surface location; and a plurality of sensors monitoring characteristics of the subsea location. The second control circuit communicates with the first control circuit and receives the characteristics of the subsea location. The second control circuit also controls electrically powered subsea valves based upon commands from the first control circuit and based upon the characteristics of the subsea location to complete a completion installation, intervention, and/or testing activity.

Abstract: A method of controlling an ebb and flow watering system utilizing existing hardware commonly used in ebb and flow systems including float switches, water pumps, electromechanical timers, reservoir, control bucket, flood lines, indicator LEDs and plant containers such that the filling and draining of the control bucket is improved by accommodating for hydraulic delays, flood line restrictions, and pump limitations, while further providing constant monitoring for leaks or float switch failure, and shutting off the pumps if the same are determined.

Abstract: A system to configure a field device of the type used to calculate a flow of a process fluid. The system includes a flow repository comprising a list of process fluids with which the field device can be used, fluid equation data which provides information related to fluid equations for calculating fluid parameters of the process fluid, a list of primary elements, and primary element equation data which provides information related to primary element equations and fluid equations for calculating flow of the process fluid. The flow application is adapted to retrieve data from the flow repository and to generate information which is used by field device to calculate the flow of the process fluid.

Abstract: A system for attaining and maintaining a pre-determined fluid level in a petroleum-producing well having a pump, such as a progressive-cavity pump, and a pump motor having a variable-frequency drive control using two sensors: a pump pressure sensor located at the pump depth and a casing pressure sensor located at the casinghead of the well. A programmable computer is connected to the first and second pressure sensors and the motor speed control so that the programmable computer controls the operation of the pump motor to attain and maintain a target fluid level in the well over a predetermined time interval for reaching the target fluid level in the well. The programmable computer computes an error signal to control a variable frequency drive motor, where the error signal is computed periodically from the difference between in the actual fluid level in the well and the target fluid level in the well according to a rate reference curve.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method (310, 330, 350, 370) of demand side electrical load management and an associated apparatus (104) and system (100). The method (310, 330, 350, 370) includes providing (336, 318) a consumer of electricity with an indication of instantaneous electricity consumption. The method (310, 330, 350, 370) further includes determining (382) an electricity consumption threshold for the consumer, in response to a determination that load limiting is required and providing (384, 356, 338, 320, 322) the consumer with an indication of the electricity consumption threshold and an indication of a time period within which the consumer must limit his/her electricity consumption to comply with the electricity consumption threshold. The method (310, 330, 350, 370) also includes interrupting (360, 340, 342, 324) supply of electricity to the consumer in response to the electricity consumption of the consumer violating the electricity consumption threshold after the time period has elapsed.