Abstract: For use in a digital process controller (DPC), a system for, and method of, balancing a control algorithm processing load and distributing the load over a given time interval and a real time plant control system employing the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a model for estimating execution time of at least one control algorithm based on configuration data applied to that algorithm, the DPC capable of balancing and distributing the load based on the estimate generated by the model and (2) a data entry process, associated with the model, that allows an empirically-determined execution time to be associated with at least one control algorithm, the DPC capable of balancing and distributing the load based on the time in lieu of the model based estimate and balancing and distributing the load upon configuration of at least one control algorithm.

Abstract: For use within a computer-based digital control system, a calling mechanism and method for allowing both dynamic linked application objects and static linked application objects created with heterogeneous development tool sets to interact with a kernel of the system or with each other. In one embodiment, the calling mechanism includes: (1) a dynamic link interface that employs only standards-based software calls to allow the dynamic linked application objects to interact with the kernel, (2) a static link interface that employs at least one non-standard software call to allow the static link application objects to interact with the kernel and (3) at least one call router, operative to manage software calls among the kernel, the dynamic link application objects and the static link application objects, that detects software call types and routes the software calls to a selected one of the dynamic link interface or the static link interface based on the software call types.

Abstract: A control system and a method of operating the same are introduced that globally optimize associated processes within a process facility. The control system includes a global controller and many local controllers. The global controller monitors characteristics of the associated processes and generates, in response thereto, control data for optimizing the process facility. The local controllers monitor the associated processes and operate in accordance with the control data to varying degrees to control the monitored associated processes, thereby cooperating with the global controller to optimize the process facility.

Abstract: A control system and a method of operating the same are introduced that globally optimize associated processes within a process facility. The control system includes a global controller, a bridge predictor and many local controllers. The global controller monitors characteristics of the associated processes and generates, in response thereto, control data for optimizing the process facility. The bridge predictor modifies at least a portion of the control data in response to relationships among the associated processes. The local controllers monitor the associated processes and operate in accordance with the control data to varying degrees to control the monitored associated processes, thereby cooperating with the global controller to optimize the process facility.

Abstract: A system for, and method of, translating a source visual display file having a plurality of related non-Component Object Model ("COM") objects arranged in a source file format into a destination visual display file having a destination file format. The system includes: (1) a reading circuit that reads the plurality of related non-COM objects of the source visual display file, (2) a transposition circuit that transposes at least some of the plurality of related non-COM objects from the source file format into the destination file format and (3) a translation circuit that converts at least some of the transposed plurality of related non-COM objects into COM objects, the source visual display file thereby translated into the destination visual display file capable of generating a visual display substantially similar to the source visual display file.

Abstract: A system for, and method of, achieving heterogeneous data flow between first and second algorithm blocks in a control system, and a distributed, real-time process control system employing the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a passive connection, associated with a control module containing the second algorithm block, that provides for the communication of data from the first algorithm block to the second algorithm block without requiring the allocation of connector resources within the second algorithm block; and (2) an active connection, associated with the second algorithm block, that provides for the communication of data from the first algorithm block to the second algorithm block using dedicated connector resources within the second algorithm block, the control system thereby capable of providing data to the second algorithm block through both passive and active connections.

Abstract: A system for, and method of, providing encapsulated and performance-efficient data references in an object-oriented controller and a distributed, real time process control system employing the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a client algorithm block that generates a request for an address to enable the client algorithm block to gain direct access to data stored at the address and (2) a supplier algorithm block, that receives and evaluates the request and: (2a) if the supplier algorithm block grants the request, communicates the address to the client algorithm block, allowing the client algorithm block to gain direct access to the data and (2b) if the supplier algorithm block denies the request, withholds the address, forcing the client algorithm block to gain indirect access to the data.

Abstract: Method for reducing symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis in an animal by administering to the animal an effective amount of an acetylated polymeric mannan derivative.

Abstract: The invention relates to a technique called "Internal Linear Feedback (ILF)" for the stabilization of high-order sigma-delta modulators. The ILF technique involves an overload detector and a selector. Once "overloaded" is detected by the overload detector, the selector is activated to make the modulator entering the ILF mode, in which additional internal linear feedback paths are employed to stabilize the modulator. Otherwise, the modulator operates in normal mode as a general high-order modulator.

Abstract: A modified epoxy resin is prepared by mixing an isocyanate terminated urethane prepolymer with an epoxy resin in reactive conditions. The modified epoxy resin has a low internal stress when it is cured due to the flexible backbone of the urethane prepolymer incorporated therein, and has a high glass transition temperature due to a rigid oxazolidone structure formed via the epoxy ring opening with the isocyanate groups, and thus is useful as an electronic encapsulant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of selectively oxidizing hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur, in which a H.sub.2 S-containing gas mixture contacts with an oxygen-containing gas at 50.degree.-500.degree. C. in the presence of a bismuth-based catalyst. The reaction product mixture contains substantially no sulfur dioxide. The bismuth-based catalyst may further contain molybdenum or vanadium atom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluoroborate solder electroplating solution containing lead (Pb) and tin (Sn) ions, in which the total Pb and Sn ion content is 35.5 to 150 g/l, and 70 wt % of them is Sn. The fluoroborate solder electroplating solution further contains 0.05-5 g gelatin per liter of the solder electroplating solution as an additive for increasing the deposition of Sn ions and enhancing the microstructural fineness of the solder plating. A suitable current density is 1 to 3 A/dm.sup.2 in electroplating the present solder electroplating solution.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a fiber reinforced modified phenolic resin composite, which comprises preparing a resole type phenolic resin having 60-75 wt % solid content and 5-10 wt % free aldehyde; preparing a blocked polyurethane resin having an average molecular weight of 2000-8000 and a viscosity of 500-1000 cps at 80.degree. C.; mixing the resole type phenolic resin, the blocked polyurethane resin and an acid catalyst at room temperature to form an impregnating resin, wherein the amount of the acid catalyst mixed is 2-10 wt %, based on the weight of the resole type phenolic resin, and the amount of the blocked polyurethane mixed is 5-20 wt %, based on the total weight of the mixed resins; and impregnating a plurality of filaments with the impregnating resin, and curing the impregnated filaments with a heat treatment to form a fiber reinforced modified phenolic resin composite.

Abstract: An Improved Electronic Check Presentment System Having a Return Item Notification System Incorporated Therein provides banks with a fully automated capability to receive early notification of checks that it previously presented to a payor bank and that have subsequently been identified by the payor bank as return checks or unpaid items. Moreover, the Improved Electronic Check Presentment System allows those banks utilizing it to transmit return notifications to downstream correspondent banks and customers.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the motion of a weft insertion member in shuttleless looms, the apparatus includes: a triple-threaded variable pitch cylindrical cam, adapted to be secured to the weft insertion member; and a slider, which contains three roller seats to receive six frustoconical rollers, in which the six frustoconical rollers are divided into three groups, each group has two frustoconical rollers, each group of two frustoconical rollers is rotatably received by one roller seat and is located between two adjacent threads of the triple-threaded variable pitch cylindrical cam with different one of the two frustoconical rollers contacting different one of the two adjacent threads so that each thread of the triple-threaded variable pitch cylindrical cam is in mating engagement with two frustoconical rollers from two different groups of the three groups of two frustoconical rollers.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for exercise equipment and a method of providing resistance to piston motion in exercise equipment.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a photo-induced DNA-cleaving agent composition comprises N-aryl-N-(alkyl or arylalkyl)hydroxylamine having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, phenyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkoxy, phenoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkoxycarbonyl, halogen or halo(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl)wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, phenyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkoxycarbonyl, halogen or halo(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl); R.sub.2 is hydrogen; R.sub.3 is hydrogen or phenyl; R.sub.4 is hydrogen, phenyl, hydroxylphenyl, methoxyphenyl, dimethoxyphenyl, dimethylaminophenyl or naphthyl. The present N-aryl-N-(alkyl or arylalkyl)hydroxylamine is stable in dark, but it can react with O.sub.2 to form HO. radicals under irradiation of UV light for a period of 2-3 hours. The HO. radicals then react with DNA to accomplish cleavage of DNA.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating audio data in a packet-based computer network wherein transmission of data packets through the computer network requires variable periods of transmission time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vibration isolation module for a towed hydrophone streamer comprising: (1) a first transition unit, an outboard end of the first transition unit capable of receiving a first tension member, the first tension member terminating within the first transition unit, an inboard end of the first transition unit capable of receiving second and third tension members, the second tension member entering, looping back and exiting the inboard end of the first transition unit, the third tension member terminating within the first transition unit and (2) a second transition unit, an outboard end of the second transition unit capable of receiving a fourth tension member, the fourth tension member terminating within the second transition unit, an inboard end of the second transition unit capable of receiving the second and third tension members, the second tension member entering, looping back and exiting the inboard end of the second transition unit, the third tension member terminating within the second transi