Abstract: A model predictive controller for a process control system which includes a real-time executive sequencer and an interactive modeler. The interactive modeler includes both a process model and an independent disturbance model. The process model represents the dynamic behavior of the physical process, while the disturbance model represents current and future deviations from the process model. The interactive modeler estimates current process states from the process model and input data received from the executive sequencer. The executive sequencer then projects a set of future process parameter values, which are sought to be controlled, over a predetermined control horizon. The interactive modeler then solves a set of equations as to how the physical process will react to control changes in order to determine an optimized set of control changes. As a result, the process control system will be able to accurately track a predetermined set-point profile in the most effective and cost efficient manner.

Abstract: A manual control arrangement for an adjustable control pedal system for a motor vehicle provides for pivotal adjustment of the control pedals relative to the vehicle driver. The manual control arrangement allows optimal adjustment of each of the control pedals of the motor vehicle (e.g. the brake and accelerator pedals for motor vehicles with automatic transmissions, or the brake, accelerator and clutch pedals for motor vehicle with manual transmissions) relative to driver so as to suit the needs of a particular driver for maximum comfort and operability. The manual control arrangement is preferably operatively arranged with each of the control pedals for simultaneous and uniform adjustment and is preferably interconnected with a plurality of camming devices corresponding in number to the number of control pedals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly and continuously sampling AC voltage and current signals in a power system. The sampled signals are then analyzed in a sine board computer to derive a number of fundamental electrical variables. These variables include frequency, RMS volts, RMS amps and a phase angular relationship between the voltage and currents in the system. The computer also performs calibration and compensation functions. From these fundamental variable, other useful parameters can be calculated such as watts, watt-hours, VARS, and power factor.

Abstract: A method of input signal resolution in a process control system where each of the actively redundant process control computers performs a common arbitration process on corresponding input signals. Blocks of corresponding input signals are mutually exchanged by the actively redundant process control computers, and an initial check is made to determine if these input signals are valid. For input signals representing valid analog values, a determination is made as to whether a predefined tolerance has been exceeded between corresponding input signals in the present process control cycle. When the predefined tolerance has been exceeded, then a check will be made to determine the predefined tolerance was also exceeded in the last process control cycle. If the predefined tolerance was not exceeded in the last process control cycle, then the analog input value selected during the last process control cycle will be employed in the present process control cycle.

Abstract: A stealth interface for an intelligent front-end communication system couples a plurality of actively redundant process control computers to a computer network. The stealth interface in each of the actively redundant process control computers includes a multi-ported memory for storing dynamic data associated with the physical process and for transferring this data to a front end computer which is in communication with the computer network. The multi-ported memory also includes a mailbox section for storing messages sent between the front end computer and its actively redundant process control computer. The stealth interface also includes a guardian circuit which ultimately controls the ability of the front end computer to write information to specific memory locations in the multi-ported data memory.

Abstract: A secure front-end communication system which couples a plurality of actively redundant process control computers to a computer network. The system includes a front end computer which is capable of establishing time limited communication contracts with one or more computer entity on the computer network. Each time limited communication contract is based upon an acceptable response to the transmission of an unpredicable signal from the front end computer, such as an encrypted transformation of a psuedo-random number generated by the front end computer. A security table is used to identify the network entities that are permitted to send write command messages to the process control computers to which the front end computer is connected. The front end computer also includes at least one permissive table which is used to determined whether a write command message from the network entity should be transmitted to the process control computer for which the message was intended.

Abstract: An extended Harvard architecture memory system which features an address store for containing an ordered sequence of program memory addresses, and a value store for containing a series of related data value sets. Each of the addresses contained in the address store is associated with a distinct set of instructions, such as a subroutine, that is contained in the program memory. The address store may also contain the address of one or more instruction arguments that are, in turn, contained in the value store or in a separate data memory. Both the address store and the value store are preferably connected to the same data communication path which is used by the data memory of the computer. The value store also includes a logic interface for enabling a plurality of different address increments to be programmably selected.

Abstract: A satellite-based cellular telecommunications system employing a constellation of telecommunications satellites in medium earth orbit to provide multibeam radio frequency (rf) communications links for worldwide cellular telephone service with a minimum number of satellites. The telecommunications satellites are placed in a plurality of inclined orbits about the earth at an altitude of between approximately 5600 and 10,000 nautical miles. The characteristics of the orbits, such as the number of orbits, the inclination of each orbit, the number of satellites in each orbit and the altitude of the satellites, are tailored to maximize the coverage area of the satellites and their related line-of-sight elevation angles, while minimizing propagation time delays, the number of beam-to-beam and satellite-to-satellites handovers, and the total number of satellites.

Abstract: A satellite-based cellular telecommunications system employing a constellation of telecommunications satellites in medium earth orbit to provide multibeam radio frequency (rf) communications links for worldwide cellular telephone service with a minimum number of satellites. The telecommunications satellites are placed in a plurality of inclined orbits about the earth at an altitude of between approximately 5600 and 10,000 nautical miles. The characteristics of the orbits, such as the number of orbits, the inclination of each orbit, the number of satellites in each orbit and the altitude of the satellites, are tailored to maximize the coverage area of the satellites and their related line-of-sight elevation angles, while minimizing propagation time delays, the number of beam-to-beam and satellite-to-satellite handovers, and the total number of satellites.

Abstract: A satellite-based cellular telecommunications system employing a constellation of telecommunications satellites in medium earth orbit to provide multibeam radio frequency (rf) communications links for worldwide cellular telephone service with a minimum number of satellites. The telecommunications satellites are placed in a plurality of inclined orbits about the earth at an altitude of between approximately 5600 and 10,000 nautical miles. The characteristics of the orbits, such as the number of orbits, the inclination of each orbit, the number of satellites in each orbit and the altitude of the satellites, are tailored to maximize the coverage area of the satellites and their related line-of-sight elevation angles, while minimizing propagation time delays, the number of beam-to-beam and satellite-to-satellites handovers, and the total number of satellites.

Abstract: A satellite-based cellular telecommunications system employing a constellation of telecommunications satellites in medium earth orbit to provide multibeam radio frequency (rf) communications links for world-wide cellular telephone service with a minimum number of satellites. The telecommunications satellites are placed in a plurality of inclined orbits about the earth at an altitude of between approximately 5600 and 10,000 nautical miles. The characteristics of the orbits, such as the number of orbits, the inclination of each orbit, the number of satellites in each orbit and the altitude of the satellites, are tailored to maximize the coverage area of the satellites and their related line-of-sight elevation angles, while minimizing propagation time delays, the number of beam-to-beam and satellite-to-satellite handovers, and the total number of satellites.

Abstract: A high pressure coulometric titration apparatus features a pressure vessel for containing a titration vessel, which is capable of being subjected to a pressure above the vaporization pressure of the sample to be analyzed. A back pressure regulator is employed to maintain the internal chamber created by the pressure vessel at this predetermined pressure level, so that the sample will remain in a liquid phase throughout the analysis. A fluid control arrangement is also provided for sweeping the chamber with a dry, inert gas, as well as conveying a predetermined amount of the sample to the titration vessel. This fluid control arrangement in combination with the pressure vessel operates to insure that all of the water in the sample will be trapped in the solvent, as well as to prevent the introduction of extraneous water into the system.

Abstract: Presented is a new type of heat engine and process cycle utilizing, through the medium of superconductivity, a singular high temperature heat reservoir as a source of motive fuel directed into a low temperature region, the net effect being to cyclically process a superconductive substance magneto-calorically in H-T space so as to convert a thermal energies input directly into an available work energies output, without any need for a pressed, externally derived temperature variation, nor low temperature reservoir, for absorption of waste heats, to accomplish same, and which process is adaptable for both the direct generation of mechanical energy or electrical energy, in either mode being called a "Keefengine". The process of such conversions of ambient heat into utilizable work being called "Thermosynthesis", and being the product of the thermodynamic cycling of an "Envelopment", consisting of any number of mutually insulated "Segments" of size "d", where .sqroot.5.lambda.(T)<d<.xi.