Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a first sequence of current spectra of reflected light from a first zone of a substrate. A second sequence of current spectra of reflected light from a second zone of the substrate is received. Each current spectrum from the first sequence of current spectra is compared to a plurality of reference spectra from a first reference spectra library to generate a first sequence of best-match reference spectra. Each current spectrum from the second sequence of current spectra is compared to a plurality of reference spectra from a second reference spectra library to generate a second sequence of best-match reference spectra. The second reference spectra library is distinct from the first reference spectra library.

Abstract: A method and/or apparatus providing for evaluation and illustration of the effects of installing and using specific features of an Energy Management System is disclosed. The system is typical of those utilized in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) control systems. In one illustrated embodiment, cost savings that are achievable following installation of an HVAC system with certain selectable features are clearly illustrated and controllable in an easily understood and useful way, including from remote locations such as over the internet.

Abstract: A system for optimizing customer utility usage in a utility network of customer sites, each having one or more utility devices, where customer site is communicated between each of the customer sites and an optimization server having software for optimizing customer utility usage over one or more networks, including private and public networks. A customer site model for each of the customer sites is generated based upon the customer site information, and the customer utility usage is optimized based upon the customer site information and the customer site model. The optimization server can be hosted by an external source or within the customer site. In addition, the optimization processing can be partitioned between the customer site and an external source.

Abstract: The invention provides a digital dentistry system that utilizes a haptic interface and features a computer-based design application configured to allow the intuitive construction of irregular, amorphous three-dimensional structures typically seen in dental restorations, utilizing, where appropriate, the design skills of a user. In certain embodiments, the system provides a comprehensive digital solution for dental labs in the business of creating dental restorations such as partial frameworks, crowns, copings, bridge frameworks, implants and the like, with a sense of touch provided by a haptic interface device.

Abstract: Computer implemented method for making a die includes: selecting coating uniformity required to produce a particular coated product with the die and a value for one or more dimensions of the die; determining (using a mathematical model determined by regression analysis) total indicated run-out (TIR) of a die surface and dimensions of the die not having a user specified value; and machining die part or parts to the determined TIR and dimensions. A thermal treatment process for reducing the number of finishing (e.g., grinding) cycles needed to produce a desired die flatness is provided. A coating fluid rheological characteristic can be an input to the method.

Abstract: A proximity sensor may be incorporated as part of a water delivery device. A holder may align an optical source and sensor of the proximity sensor.

Abstract: A network of fluid dispensers is configured such that a Host controller may exchange information with local dispensers, and where local dispensers may exchange information with each other. The information may be dispensing processes, information regarding quality and reliability, problems and/or helpful information, and applications. The information may be exchanged in real time during fluid dispensing where any issues may be shared and resolved quickly even in remote locales. The applications may be developed at a local dispenser or at the Host and then shared throughout the network. The operating systems may include application software development tools, and the applications may include: monitoring deliver schedules and materials inventories; automatic issuing of purchase orders; training broadcasts; implementing industry standards for validation and approval.

Abstract: An approach for making shifted schedules from a regular or master schedule of a building automation system. Shifted schedules may be obtained by applying shifts to the scheduled-on and scheduled-off periods of the days in the master schedule. One set of shifts may apply uniformly to all days of the week or several sets of different shifts may apply to various days of the week. Special events with certain scheduled-on and scheduled-off periods and assigned to particular days may override the regular scheduled-on and scheduled-off periods of those days. The shifted schedules may also contain special events with their periods shifted. The master schedule may govern the regular operating hours of a building and the shifted schedules may control, for example, HVAC equipment in particular zones, certain employee areas, parking lot lights, and so on. Changes to the master schedule may be applied as updates to the shifted schedules.

Abstract: A method and system for fabricating a dental prosthesis are provided. High resolution digital scanned images of a patient's oral structures are acquired. Three dimensional (3D) cone beam X-ray images of hard and soft oral tissues are acquired. The scanned images are integrated with the 3D cone beam X-ray images in a 3D space to obtain combined three dimensional images of the oral structures. The occlusal relationship between upper and lower oral structures are digitally simulated using the combined three dimensional images. The dental prosthesis is digitally modeled for planning intra-oral positioning and structure of the dental prosthesis. The digital dental prosthesis model is refined based on simulated force tests performed for assessing interference and retention of the digital dental prosthesis model. A prospective dental prosthesis model is created based on the refined digital dental prosthesis model. The dental prosthesis is fabricated based on a verified prospective dental prosthesis model.

Abstract: A system for optimizing power to a valve core movable between first and second positions includes a controller providing a control signal to the core. With the core in the first position, the control signal has a hold voltage, and the controller measures a first self inductance. The control signal is provided with an inrush voltage to move the core to the second position, and with the hold voltage to retain it there. With the core in the second position, the controller measures a second self inductance, decreases the hold voltage, and measures a third self inductance representing the core's actual position. The controller determines, by comparing either the first or second self inductance with the third self inductance, whether the core is in the first or second position. If the core is in the second position, the decreased hold voltage is applied for retaining the core there.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a flow control valve, comprising measuring a flow at a suitable point of a flow process and calculating a pressure drop across the valve from a Cv curve of the valve, a measured valve opening ?m, and the measured flow (Qm). From this calculated pressure drop, a flow set point (Qsp), and an inverse Cv curve of the valve, a new valve opening (?c) providing the desired flow is calculated. The control is thus adapted to each operating point and its prevailing flow gain and linearizes the dependence between flow control and flow.

Abstract: In a method for distributing cooling resources to a plurality of locations using a plurality of hierarchically identified cooling microgrids, conditions detected at the plurality of locations are received. Each level of the hierarchically identified cooling microgrids is a plurality of resource actuators configured to vary distribution of the cooling resources. Settings for the plurality of resource actuators in each of the levels in the cooling microgrid hierarchy that substantially maintain conditions at the plurality of locations within predetermined ranges are determined using a processor, while substantially optimizing at least one measure of performance associated with supplying the cooling resources to the plurality of locations.

Abstract: A system for establishing local control of a space conditioning load includes a switch for controlling a flow of energy for a space conditioning load. Control logic is operatively coupled to the switch, for receiving control parameters associated with a direct load control event from a utility provider. The control logic may also measure room temperature based on received temperature signals and determine if a room temperature is greater a comfort temperature range. The control logic may eliminate operation of a direct load control program if the room temperature is greater than or equal to the comfort temperature range. The control logic may log and signal back to the utility provider that the comfort temperature range is exceeded. The control logic may then restore local control of the switch and initiate a temperature setback control to a thermostat for the remainder of the control period.

Abstract: While a substrate is polished, it is also irradiated with light from a light source. A current spectrum of the light reflected from the surface of the substrate is measured. A selected peak, having a first parameter value, is identified in the current spectrum. A value of a second parameter associated with the first parameter is determined from a lookup table using a processor. Depending on the value of the second parameter, the polishing of the substrate is changed. An initial spectrum of light reflected from the substrate before the polishing of the substrate can be measured and a wavelength corresponding to a selected peak of the initial spectrum can be determined.

Abstract: A production information reporting/recording system is disclosed herein including a number of features to ensure efficient, flexible and reliable recording of production data in a manufacturing system. Such features include validating the content of event messages to ensure compliance of event report information with a standard. The system also supports caching IDs associated with particular aspects of an event message (e.g., a production request, a process segment) as well as a unique ID corresponding to the ID assigned by the production event database to reduce the need to access the database when assigning unique database IDs to received events. The production event messaging system also supports both asynchronous and synchronous transactional messaging between the sources of events and the production database service.

Abstract: An optimization method based on statistical modeling relating NGL plant process variables. The modeling may rely on input data from process history and modeled data. The method identifies process scenarios when a compressor from an associated propane/propylene refrigeration system may be deactivated and still allow the NGL plant to achieve product specification.

Abstract: A method for designing a light guide plate includes the following steps. A raw light guide plate having a light input surface and a light output surface is provided. A region of the light input surface is divided into several annuluses according to a luminance distribution E(?,?) of the light output surface. A scattering dots density D(?,?) of each annulus on the light input surface is figured out. A total number N of the scattering dots of each annulus on the light input surface are gained, and the scattering dots is randomly distributed in the each annulus defined on the light input surface, whereby a designed light guide plate is obtained.

Abstract: A method for controlling several master axes in a machine, for example a production machine includes the steps of defining profiles of desired values for a plurality of master axes, determining for each master axis a current desired value and also a current desired value for a slave axis using a logic combination rule, controlling a first drive in accordance with the current desired value of the slave axis, and if the dynamics controlling the first drive exceeds an upper dynamics limit, starting at the next clock pulse to modify determination of the current desired values for at least one of the master axes, and controlling the first drive with a reduced dynamics until the reduced dynamics falls below a lower dynamics limit.

Abstract: A temperature control apparatus includes a resistance heater whose a resistance value changes depending on a temperature of the resistance heater; a signal generator to output a control signal having two voltage levels including a first-voltage and a second-voltage; a switching section to flow a first current through the resistance heater when the voltage level of the control signal is the first-voltage, and to flow a second current having a current value smaller than that of the first current through the resistance heater when the voltage level of the control signal is the second-voltage; and a voltage measuring instrument to measure a voltage value across the resistance heater at the time when the second current flows through the resistance heater. The signal generator controls the temperature of the resistance heater based on the voltage value measured by the voltage measuring instrument.

Abstract: A system and method for providing energy assessment and optimization in a data center that includes at least one cooling provider, and at least one cooling consumer, the at least one cooling consumer having cooling requirements. The method according to one aspect includes receiving data regarding cooling availability and power consumption for the at least one cooling consumer, cooling capacity of the at least one cooling provider, and a physical relationship between the at least one cooling consumer and the at least one cooling provider in the data center, storing the received data, determining airflow distribution effectiveness between the at least one cooling consumer and the at least one cooling provider, and displaying at least one value representative of the effectiveness of the distribution of airflow in the data center between the at least one cooling consumer and the at least one cooling provider.