Abstract: Near infrared moisture sensors using stable holmium oxide glass calibration standards that simulate different moistures levels in paper obviates problems associated with glass encased paper samples. Holmium oxide glass has a strong absorption at 1.93 microns which is close to absorption by paper. Standards can have varying thicknesses to simulate different moisture levels. Didymium glass can also be used with holmium oxide glass. The moisture sensor operates at reference and measurement infrared regions of 1.94 microns and 1.8 microns, respectively.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining a reference tracking performance ratio and a disturbance rejection performance ratio associated with a model predictive control (MPC) controller. The method also includes filtering an output target signal for the controller using a first filter based on the reference tracking performance ratio. The method further includes filtering a feedback signal for the controller using a second filter based on the disturbance rejection performance ratio. The filters can provide two degrees of freedom for tuning reference tracking and disturbance rejection operations of the controller. The reference tracking operation of the controller and the disturbance rejection operation of the controller can be independently tunable. The reference tracking performance ratio can control how aggressively the controller responds to a change in the output target signal. The disturbance rejection performance ratio can control how aggressively the controller responds to a disturbance in the feedback signal.

Abstract: A method includes identifying a chlorophyll concentration/optical density (CCpOD) value using a chlorophyll concentration measurement of an autotroph culture and an optical density measurement of the autotroph culture. The method also includes identifying a change in the autotroph culture using the CCpOD value. The change in the autotroph culture can be identified by determining whether the CCpOD value falls outside upper and lower control limits. The upper and lower control limits can be identified using a specified number of previously-determined CCpOD values, which can be calculated when the autotroph culture is in a known healthy state. Multiple CCpOD values can be calculated, and an alarm can be generated if a specified number of the CCpOD values (such as one or more) fall outside the upper and lower control limits.

Abstract: A system includes at least one common support configured to span at least a width of a web of material in a manufacturing or processing system. The system also includes multiple sensor heads each configured to move independently along at least part of the at least one common support. The sensor heads can be configured to move simultaneously along the at least one common support, and at least one controller can be configured to control movement of the sensor heads so that the sensor heads do not contact one another. Each sensor head could include one or more sensors configured to measure one or more characteristics of the web. Different sensor heads could include different types of sensors. The sensor heads can be configured to move in non-overlapping patterns over or under the web. Different sensor heads can be configured to move at different speeds.

Abstract: A method includes designing probing signals for testing an alignment of actuators in a web manufacturing or processing system with measurements of a web of material being manufactured or processed by the system. The method also includes providing the probing signals during alignment testing to identify the alignment of the actuators with the measurements of the web. Designing the probing signals includes designing the probing signals based on both spatial and dynamic characteristics of the web manufacturing or processing system.

Abstract: Functional diagnostic testing of an electronic circuit board assembly with one or more embedded channels to be tested includes steps of: (a) connecting a channel under test; (b) imposing a known digital or analog voltage, as appropriate for a channel under test, that is generated by a digital or analog output of the electronic circuit board assembly; and (c) comparing data read by the channel under test with the stored value of the imposed voltage and required tolerance to determine whether the channel under test is within specifications. Diagnostic test implemented by digital logic and software residing onboard the electronic circuit board assembly. Execution of software or firmware code segment controls the diagnostic test sequence. Signal switching is facilitated by digital and analog multiplexers.

Abstract: A method includes measuring a caliper of a sheet of material using a caliper sensor having first and second sensor modules. The method also includes adjusting the caliper measurement based on a transverse displacement between a first sensor component in the first sensor module and a second sensor component in the second sensor module to generate a corrected caliper measurement. Adjusting the caliper measurement can include applying a corrector function that adjusts the caliper measurement based on the measured transverse displacement. The corrector function can be identified by repeatedly creating misalignment between the first and second sensor components, measuring a known distance using the caliper sensor, and identifying an error between the measurement of the known distance and the known distance.

Abstract: A method includes receiving distance measurements from at least one scanning head that moves back and forth across at least one surface of a web of material on a frame. The distance measurements identify measured distances to the web. The method also includes controlling one or more actuators in order to move at least a portion of the frame to alter a position of the at least one scanning head relative to the web. The one or more actuators could be controlled so that the at least one scanning head maintains a substantially fixed offset from the web as the at least one scanning head moves back and forth. The one or more actuators could also be controlled so that the web maintains a substantially fixed position between multiple scanning heads as the scanning heads move back and forth.

Abstract: A system includes a frame having multiple separate supports and multiple flexible rails. Each support is configured to be secured in a position apart from another support, and each flexible rail is configured to be coupled to the supports and placed under tension. The system also includes a sensor head configured to be mounted on the rails and to move back and forth along the rails. The sensor head is substantially self-contained and configured to receive operating power over the rails. The frame may further include a tensioned member configured to be coupled to the supports, and the sensor head can be configured to move back and forth using the tensioned member. The sensor head can be self-contained in that the sensor head does not push and pull any wiring assembly during movement along the rails.

Abstract: A method includes wirelessly transmitting one or more messages to a sensor assembly in order to synchronize a clock of the sensor assembly. The method also includes wirelessly receiving multiple sensor measurements of a characteristic of a web of material from the sensor assembly. The method further includes receiving timestamps and position data associated with the sensor measurements. In addition, the method includes correlating the sensor measurements, timestamps, and position data. The sensor measurements from the sensor assembly could be timestamped, and the position data could include timestamped position data. The timestamped position data could be received from a source other than the sensor assembly. The method can further include generating a cross direction profile of the web of material using the sensor measurements, timestamps, and positions.

Abstract: A control system (1) includes a work piece, such as a camera (2), having an adjustable functionality (3). A configuration device is associated with the work piece and is responsive to one or more control signals (7), the configuration device affects one or more selective adjustments to the adjustable functionality (3). Further included is an input device, such as a mouse (11), for generating one or more input signals (13) in response to one or more predetermined manual inputs (15) from an operator (9). Also a controller (21) is included for providing the control signals (7), the controller (21) being implemented in a graphical user environment and being responsive to the impute signals (13) such that the selective adjustments made to the adjustable functionality (3) are substantially proportional.

Abstract: A digital video management system which provides live digital video signals from a number of cameras to a number of client terminals, via a computer communications network, in real time. The system stores live video signals in response to a video recording trigger which may be either a schedule, an event, or an operator action. The invention is particularly suitable for use in integrated security and process control environments.

Abstract: An access control system (1) for a secure facility includes an authorisation system having an interface, in the form of an interrogator (7), for receiving the request signal indicative of a user seeking authorisation for a predetermined action, where that action is to unlock a door that presently blocks a doorway. If that action occurs, the user will be able to progress through the doorway. A processor (8) is responsive to the request signal for determining if the access is to be granted to that user at that particular time. If access is to be granted, processor (8) generates the secure signal. An operating device, which is collectively defined by ports (13), processor (14) and locking device (15), is physically spaced apart from processor (7) and responsive to the secure signal for initiating the action. That is, the action is to progress the locking device to the second configuration. This, in turn, will allow the user to subsequently gain access through the doorway.

Abstract: A system (100) and method for remotely monitoring and controlling time variant data in an industrial plant (400). The system (100) includes a local server (102) and at least one remote server (104). The local server (102) includes a local server cache (206), a local controller (308), and a local operator station (1001). Each remote server (104) includes a remote server cache (901) and a remote controller (903). Wherein the local server cache (206) stores a plurality of data units (304), and the local controller (308) provides updated units (902) to the local server cache (206). Each remote server cache (901) stores a plurality of data units (902), and each remote controller (903) provides updated data units (902) to its corresponding remote server cache (901). The method operates such that each cache (206, 901) buffers controllers (308) and other servers (104) from unnecessary data requesting transactions, minimizing the data traffic in the system (100).

Abstract: A thermostat having a simple to see and use setup-setback visual indicator. One temperature control is used to set temperature while a second temperature control is used to activate the setup or setback. The second temperature control is offset from the body of the thermostat in the setup or setback mode to provide simple visual indication of the setup or setback.

Abstract: A temperature conditioning system has a temperature conditioning apparatus such as a heating apparatus or cooling apparatus, an air treatment for cleaning apparatus and a fan for moving air through the temperature conditioning apparatus and air treatment apparatus to supply the conditioning air to a space in which the temperature is controlled by a space thermostat connected to control the heating and cooling apparatuses. The space thermostat has a switch connected through a fan cycler to provide for cycling the fan independent of the operation of the heating and/or cooling apparatus to periodically move air through the air treatment apparatus and throughout the space to insure that the air is periodically treated and moved throughout the space to prevent stagnation when there is no call for operation of the heating and/or cooling apparatus.

Abstract: In variable air volume systems of buildings, a vortex valve is used for varying the volume of the air moving through the system.