Abstract: Disclosed is a system and a method for engagement of human agents for decision-making in a dynamically changing environment. An information request related to a problem requiring a decision is received. Further, problem data comprising metadata associated to the problem, and decision-making data is received. Then, an information type is determined for the information request. Subsequently a set of human agents from a list of one or more human agents is determined using an engagement model. Further, a request elicitation type is determined for the set of human agents using an elicitation model. Further, an input is received from the set of human agents. Further, the input is used to retrain the engagement model and the elicitation model. Finally, the decision-making data is continuously enhanced based on the input received, the request elicitation type, and the information type.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and a method for engagement of human agents for decision-making in a dynamically changing environment. An information request related to a problem requiring a decision is received. Further, problem data comprising metadata associated to the problem, and decision-making data is received. Then, an information type is determined for the information request. Subsequently a set of human agents from a list of one or more human agents is determined using an engagement model. Further, a request elicitation type is determined for the set of human agents using an elicitation model. Further, an input is received from the set of human agents. Further, the input is used to retrain the engagement model and the elicitation model. Finally, the decision-making data is continuously enhanced based on the input received, the request elicitation type, and the information type.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and a method for collaborative decision making in dynamically changing environment. A query corresponding to a problem is received from a user. Further, one or more intermediate steps required to reach a decision is calculated based on metadata associated to the problem. A decision-making flow is established for the one or more intermediate steps required to reach the decision. It may be noted that the decision-making flow corresponds to a sequence for execution of the one or more intermediate steps. Further, a decision space comprising one or more decision options is generated. The decision space is dynamically modified based on one or more uncertain events. A decision knowledge graph depicting modifications in the decision space is generated. Further, the decision space and the decision knowledge graph are updated. Finally, the decision is selected based on the updated decision knowledge graph and the updated decision space.

Abstract: Storage matrixes associated with storage and retrieval systems and methods are provided to automate the process of handling a mixed inventory of palletized and containerized items. In one embodiment, the storage matrix comprises a storage matrix comprising a plurality of stationary cell modules and a plurality of carriers. The outer row cell modules comprise a plurality of motors configured to move the respective carrier bi-directionally within the storage matrix and is also configured to stabilize the respective carrier when the carrier is moving or at a stationary position. The inner row cell modules comprise at least one motor configured to move the respective carriers uni-directionally within the storage matrix and also comprises at least one ferrous metal plate configured to stabilize the respective carrier when the carrier is moving or at a stationary position.

Abstract: Storage and retrieval systems and methods are provided to automate the process of handling a mixed inventory of palletized and containerized items. In one embodiment, the stowage and retrieval system comprises a storage area comprising a plurality of stationary cell modules arranged in a matrix, wherein each cell module comprises at least one motor. The system also comprises a plurality of carriers comprising at least one magnet disposed on an underside of each of the carriers and at least one engagement mechanism disposed on a top side of each of the carriers. The at least one magnet of the carrier is configured to engage the at least one motor of a corresponding cell module, and the at least one motor is configured to move the carrier within the storage area.

Abstract: A method for determining an initial position of a rotor of a polyphase motor is described. The method comprises determining current change values from a plurality of phases of the motor during saturation of the motor relating to the initial position of the rotor; identifying a set of modelled current change values according to a modelled behaviour of the motor, in which the modelled current change values represents modelled positions of the rotor under the modelled behaviour; and comparing the current change values to the set of modelled current change values to identify the initial rotor position from the modelled positions. A system implementing the method is also described.

Abstract: A method for attenuating switching noise from back electromotive force (EMF) observations in a motor is described. The motor is controlled by pulse width modulation (PWM) signals provided at a PWM frequency. The method comprises sampling back EMF observed in the motor at a sampling frequency at least two times greater than the PWM frequency to obtain over-sampled back EMF readings. The oversampled readings may be used in a raw or filtered form to commutate the motor. A system implementing the method is also described.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a rotational speed of a rotor in a polyphase motor from a first speed towards a second, faster speed when the motor is commutating according to a commutation scheme at a first commutation phase angle is described. The method comprises selecting an advanced phase angle relative to the first commutation phase angle for commutating the motor; and adjusting the commutation scheme to be commutating at the advanced phase angle, so that the rotational speed of the rotor increases from the first speed towards the second speed as the motor is commutating at the advanced phase angle. A system implementing the method is also described.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating back electromotive force (EMF) in a polyphase motor is described. The methods include monitoring back EMF in the motor after a commutation of the motor, and evaluating the back EMF only after a back EMF event occurs after the commutation of the motor. The methods may also include monitoring a total current appearing on all phase windings of the motor after a rotor of the motor begins to rotate, and evaluating back EMF only after the total current is within a predetermined margin of the current supplied to the motor. Systems implementing the methods are also described.

Abstract: Storage matrixes associated with storage and retrieval systems and methods are provided to automate the process of handling a mixed inventory of palletized and containerized items. In one embodiment, the storage matrix comprises a storage matrix comprising a plurality of stationary cell modules and a plurality of carriers. The outer row cell modules comprise a plurality of motors configured to move the respective carrier bi-directionally within the storage matrix and is also configured to stabilize the respective carrier when the carrier is moving or at a stationary position. The inner row cell modules comprise at least one motor configured to move the respective carriers uni-directionally within the storage matrix and also comprises at least one ferrous metal plate configured to stabilize the respective carrier when the carrier is moving or at a stationary position.

Abstract: A method for attenuating switching noise from back electromotive force (EMF) observations in a motor is described. The motor is controlled by pulse width modulation (PWM) signals provided at a PWM frequency. The method comprises sampling back EMF observed in the motor at a sampling frequency at least two times greater than the PWM frequency to obtain over-sampled back EMF readings; and filtering the over-sampled back EMF readings to remove switching noise and obtain cleaned back EMF observations. A system implementing the method is also described.

Abstract: A system and method for sensor less control of a stepper motor is described. The system and method includes estimation of the position of a rotor of the motor by way of sensing circuitry on the windings of the motor, without the use of positional sensors. The system and method of stepper motor control further includes magnetic field optimization for increasing the torque generating component of a magnetic field generated by stators of the motor, and magnetic field weakening for countering some of the effects of back electromotive force generated by the magnetic rotor.

Abstract: A multiple current path device, for carrying electric current to and conducting heat from an electronic circuit, comprising an optional heat sink, a plurality of conducting substrates forming several electrically insulated current conductors, a thermally conductive, electrically insulating first layer, bonding each conducting substrate and the heat sink, and a plurality of electronic or electric components bonded to the substrates.

Abstract: The modular conveyor system comprises N interconnected track sections, forming a continuous track, wherein each track section features a plurality of individually controlled coils stretching along the length thereof. Plural pallets, each having thrust producing magnets, travel independently alone the track. The track also comprises multiple linear encoder readers spaced at fixed positions therealong, and each pallet includes a linear encoder strip having a length R greater than the spacing E between the readers. Track section controllers associate the encoder strips with only one reader at any time in order to resolve the position of the pallets based on the fixed position of the readers and the relative positions of the strips in relation thereto. The section controllers also regulate and commutate the coils of the corresponding track sections in order to independently control each pallet. Communication links interface adjacent section controllers situated in adjacent track sections.

Abstract: A power closure panel control apparatus is independent of closure panel configuration and capable of a diverse range of remote and direct activation. Sophisticated safety features utilize an adaptive strategy to facilitate highly sensitive obstruction detection by learning the closure system's force requirement and applying a safety margin to it. The control system allows the closure panel to operate in a totally manual mode.

Abstract: The approach to measuring load current in a multi-phase bridge inverter circuit connected to a multiphase load involves placing a single current sense resistor in series with the inverter circuit and power supply. The current flow through the sense resistor is sampled during a portion of the switching cycle wherein the inverter is configured to enable current flowing through the multi-phase load to flow through the sense resistor. Typically, this will occur during a portion of the switching cycle (e.g. PWM cycle) wherein the load is being actively driven. For a 120.degree., 3-phase, 6-step commutation sequence typically used to control a d.c. brushless servo motor, the sampled current is a time-multiplexed measure of the current flow through each load phase. The same sense resistor is also used for indicating a short circuit condition by comparing the voltage across the resistor to a reference voltage.

Abstract: A plastically deformable lever is used to compress a flat spring against the upper surface of a power electronic device in mounting the device on a bus bar or heat sink. The lever preferably is integral with the bus bar or heat sink. The heat sink or bus bar has at least one mounting area onto which at least one power electronic device may be mounted. At least one spring is positionable against an upper surface of each power electronic device to be mounted on the heat sink or bus bar, and at least one plastically deformable element is positioned such that deformation bends a spring so as to cause the spring to exert pressure against the upper surface of at least one of the power electronic devices to bias same against the heat sink or bus bar.

Abstract: A frequency modulated transmitter including a reference frequency source providing a reference frequency to a phase locked loop circuit. The phase locked loop circuit provides a frequency output signal stabilized in accordance with this reference frequency and in accordance with a feedback signal. The phase locked loop circuit further includes a data input circuit that adjusts the output frequency in accordance with input data. Also included is the feedback circuit that provides the feedback signal to the phase locked loop circuit. This feedback circuit is derived from the frequency output signal. A synchronization circuit is connected to the feed back circuit and synchronizes the output of the feedback circuit with the reference frequency signal and the input data.

Abstract: A network multiple physical layer interface connected to a first communications network physical layer and through a MODEM to a second physical layer wherein the interface includes circuitry for selecting transmission and reception frequency bandwidths for the MODEM and also includes a first transceiver circuit for receiving data from the first physical layer and transmitting this data through the MODEM to the second physical layer and a second transceiver circuit for receiving data from the second physical layer through the MODEM and retransmitting the data on the first physical layer. The interface further includes user selectable modes to enable this interface to provide a communications connection to only the first physical layer or to both physical layers. Still further, the interface includes collision avoidance circuitry to prevent any transmissions onto the network through this interface when information traffic is present on either physical layer.