Abstract: A system and method for analyzing the characteristics of a thin film is provided whereby the in-plane birefringence of thin films is determined by measuring the interference fringes in the transmission or reflection spectra using unpolarized light and light linearly polarized along the MD and CD directions. The three spectra can be measured simultaneously or sequentially. The in-plane birefringence data can be used to characterize clear polymer films, which are principally made of biaxial oriented polymer, as the film is being continuously fabricated on a production line.

Abstract: A compact, long lasting sensor for measuring components such as moisture in moving sheets including paper in a papermaking apparatus employs light sources that produce radiation within defined wavelength regions of interest and the light sources are modulated at high frequencies using non-mechanical techniques. A single detector with various radiation sources can measure at all frequencies while keeping information separated. Superluminescent light emitting diode or laser diode light sources can be directly electrically modulates for improved noise rejection. These higher power and bright light sources afford excellent fiber optic launch efficiency and permits the sensor to be scanned at much faster rates over the paper being monitored.

Abstract: A method for detecting failures in an analog-to-digital converter includes monitoring a series of outputs from an analog-to-digital converter and detecting a failure in the analog-to-digital converter when a specified number of consecutive outputs comprise a same value.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program are provided for identifying possible indicators of a defective valve. The method, apparatus, and computer program decompose a signal having a plurality of process variable measurements into a plurality of resolution levels. The process variable measurements are associated with operation of a valve. The method, apparatus, and computer program group the resolution levels into a plurality of groups. The method, apparatus, and computer program identify one or more defect indicators for at least some of the resolution levels using the groups. The one or more defect indicators are associated with a possible defect in the valve.

Abstract: A tower/frame structure of interconnected columns and beams (which may be used in a cooling tower) and novel columns, beams, connection mechanisms and other components are provided. In one embodiment, a column and a beam are constructed of pultruded composite fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials. The beam includes two sidewall extensions or flanges (each having one or more attachment apertures) at one end and which are integral with the beam for connection to the column (having one or more corresponding attachment apertures). The dimension/spacing between the inner walls of the two flanges substantially equals or is slightly larger than the outer dimension of the column. The attachment holes are aligned and a fastener is inserted through the extensions and column for attaching the column and beam. The C-shaped end of the beam substantially conforms to the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the column.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program are provided for identifying a defective valve. The method, apparatus, and computer program identify one or more indicators of a possible defect in the valve at a plurality of resolution levels. The one or more indicators are identified using at least one of one or more operating characteristics associated with the valve. The method, apparatus, and computer program generate a plurality of indexes associated with the resolution levels, where the indexes are based on the one or more indicators and identify a likelihood of a valve defect. The method, apparatus, and computer program select one of the plurality of resolution levels using at least one of the indexes. The method, apparatus, and computer program determine an overall probability of a valve defect using at least one index associated with the selected resolution level.

Abstract: A system and method for composing, configuring, deploying, and managing services in a data processing system and data processing system network. This system provides a means for application infrastructure services to insert specific programming code in the generated code. When code generator starts, it also loads the plugs for the infrastructure services being used by the container. The code generator creates XML documents for all the code that it wants to generate. It then invokes the infrastructure service plugs and provides them an opportunity to add code specific to them by passing the XML documents representing the code to be generated. Once all the plugs have added their code, the code generator converts the XML documents back into either language specific code or configuration code, as necessary.

Abstract: A method includes identifying a signal and a disturbance using historical data associated with one or more process variables. The method also includes decomposing the signal and the disturbance at a plurality of resolution levels. The method further includes identifying a plurality of points associated with the decomposed signal using the decomposed signal and the decomposed disturbance. In addition, the method includes selecting at least some of the points and extracting a plurality of data segments from the signal, where the data segments are associated with the selected points.

Abstract: A method for providing electrical power for scanner heads in a paper scanner includes generating electrical power from the movement of the scanner heads and providing at least a portion of the electrical power to the scanner heads. The scanner heads are operational using the provided electrical power.

Abstract: A controller includes an execution environment capable of executing an application for controlling a process element in a processing environment. The controller also includes a web server capable of being executed in the execution environment. The web server is also capable of providing direct web access to the controller by providing information associated with at least one of the controller and the process element over a network for display on a web browser. The information could be provided in the form of graphical images embedded in web pages or using a web service, a web form, or a smart client application. Also, the web server could be executed as a background task in the execution environment, the execution environment could represent a deterministic execution environment, and the application could represent a real-time application.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for estimating the function point count of a software application or portfolio. Strata are defined, and random samples are chosen for a function point count. Results are analyzed and quantified, and a confidence interval is determined to qualify the accuracy of the estimate.

Abstract: Techniques for non-contacting thickness or caliper measurements of moving webs or sheets employ a sensor device that includes a first sensor head and a second sensor head that are spaced apart to define a path through which the moving web travels. The sensor device projects a laser generated, multiple points pattern onto the upper surface of the moving web. Pattern recognition algorithm analysis of the pattern identifies the orientation, e.g., tilt, of the moving web. The device further measures the film tilt, the distance between the first sensor head and the first web surface, the distance between the second sensor head and the second web surface, and the distance between the two sensor heads to provide a highly accurate on-line thickness measurement of the moving web.

Abstract: A network between customers generating service requests and vendors capable of electronically fulfilling the service requests includes a system for monitoring, controlling, and administering work flows associated with the service requests. A main controller creates and controls a first work flow record associated with a first service request for storage in a storage device. The main controller also receives work flow elements including messages, data files, software applications, and documents from a first customer and a first vendor associated with the first work flow, stores the work flow elements in the storage device, and transfers the work flow elements to the first customer and the first vendor. An accounting controller associated with the main controller identifies fees associated with the first work flow and stores fee data associated with the fees in the first work flow record.

Abstract: A method and system for externalizing conditional logic for an integrated programming architecture provides a static tree structure traversed by a dynamic object collector. The tree structure includes a plurality of conditional nodes and a plurality of branches for testing at least one conditional statement. Each conditional node associates with one conditional object for testing conditional statements and one or more aspect objects. The plurality of branches establishes sequential links between a first conditional node and later conditional nodes. Evaluation instructions evaluate conditional statements relative to the conditional object. An object collector is instantiated for a particular set of data, such as a business event. Upon instantiation, the object collector cache and collected objects set is empty. Object collector traverses tree structure according to the evaluation result of the condition objects of the encountered condition nodes. Object collector evaluates this condition.