Abstract: A computer based system aids an operator in proceeding step-by-step through procedures for a complex process facility. At each step, monitored plant parameter values are used to evaluate relevant plant status and recommend action to be taken. The status and recommended action are presented to the operator on a display device together with prompts for generating appropriate responses. The step logic is carried out repetitively to provide the operator with feedback and to verify operator actions. The complete display picture including operator responses, and other plant conditions monitored in parallel with the current step, is logged for later review. An online review feature permits review of plant conditions and operator actions while the operator continues to execute the procedure. High-level textual statements of all steps of a current procedure can be reviewed and prior steps can be executed or re-executed.

Abstract: An electronic compensation network which allows the analytic and empirical realization of the compensation needed to optimize a system response. The electronic compensation network includes a switched capacitor active filter network; means for selectively changing filter characteristics; and, means for indicating the characteristics of the compensator which produces an optimized system response.

Abstract: A vehicle height control system wherein vehicle height control is inhibited when the vehicle is turning and in a rolling state, the state when the control is inhibited being based upon the vehicle's speed from a speed sensor, the steering angular velocity of a steering wheel from a steering angle sensor and the outputs from sensors detecting the height of the vehicle body on both sides of the vehicle with respect to the wheels, which by the pattern of their outputs, represent that the vehicle is inclined from side-to-side and in the rolling state.

Abstract: In a predictive encoder for use particularly in a conference television system, a signal processing unit is used in producing a prediction signal and comprises three prediction circuits (22, 23, 31) and a selection circuit (24) coupled to the prediction circuits. The prediction circuits are for producing an inframe, an interframe, and a background prediction signals, respectively. Those signals are produced by processing an original signal at instants which precede a current instant and are different from one another. The selection circuit is for selecting one of the inframe, the interframe, and the background prediction signals. Therefore, it is possible to produce the prediction signal suitably predictive of the original signal. The signal processing circuit serves equally well in a predictive decoder.

Abstract: A method for locating and retrieving a randomly placed object, such as a steel coil, in a warehouse, such as a crane bay of a steel mill storage warehouse. The method comprises the steps of attaching an indicia identification to the object, recording the indicia of identification, determining the coordinates of the object, indexing the indicia to the coordinates, and retrieving the object with a transporting means.

Abstract: A system for measuring liquid comprises means for applying suction to liquid to be measured, means for maintaining liquid in a micro-pipette tube or tubes, said tube having a storage portion with a large inner diameter and a slender tubular portion with small diameter, and a pressure gauge for measuring potential head in said micro-pipette tube or tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for previewing a subject on a computer screen. Prior to such preview, a plurality of new hairstyles is stored in a disk associated with the computer. The subject's face is outlined and the subject's hair is removed and replaced with one of the new hairstyles stored in the computer's databank. Various modifications can be made to the image of the subject with the new hairstyle to complete the picture. A graphic printer provides a hardcopy of the subject with the new hairstyle.