Abstract: A control device is provided for a machine, system or appliance, particularly a fuel cell system, having a first control unit and a second control unit which interchanges signals with the first control unit and monitors the first control unit. A comparison module compares states of the control units. A method for monitoring a controller includes monitoring the first control unit with the second control unit by comparing the states of the control units.

Abstract: A communication system 100 includes a plurality of controller stations 114 and 116, and at least one controlled station 104 to 112. The stations are interconnected via a communication network 120. The functionality of each controlled station is associated with a respective abstract representation, referred to as AR. The AR provides an interface for software elements in the system to control functionality of the controlled station by means of messages exchanged with the AR via the communication network. The AR may be implemented using platform-independent code, such as Java. Each controller station includes control means for executing at least one AR of a controlled station and assigned to the local controller station. The system includes leader selection means for selecting a single one of the controller stations as a leading controller station.

Abstract: Systems and methods for teaching a location in a device programming apparatus. The X, Y, Z and angle coordinates of a pick and place nozzle are initialized, and the nozzle is moved in the X and Y coordinates to a position above the device in the location to be taught. The new X and Y coordinates of the nozzle are stored to a memory along with the initial angle coordinate. The system automatically determines the Z location of the surface of the device. The nozzle then automatically picks up the device and performs vision centering to determine the X, Y and angle offsets with respect to the initialized coordinates. The X, Y and angle offsets are used to modify the stored X, Y and angle coordinates so as to precisely determine the X and Y location of the device center as well as the device angle with respect to the system's global reference frame.

Abstract: A laser marking apparatus and method for marking the surface of a singulated article such as a semiconductor chip are described herein. Semiconductor chips are fed along inclined, parallel tracks to a laser marking field where they are subsequently marked by a laser beam. As the laser beam is marking chips associated with one track, chips associated with other tracks that have already been marked are replaced by unmarked chips. In this manner, the laser is continually being used to mark semiconductor chips without having to wait for unmarked chips to move to the marking location.

Abstract: A tiered level cutting system and method that guides a user through the process of selecting an appropriate tool or adapter for specific cutting conditions and/or applications. The cutting system may include a plurality of blocks, one or more sleeves for each block, and a plurality of cutting tools. The method includes the steps of selecting a block for a user's particular operation, optionally, selecting a sleeve based on the selected block, and selecting a cutting tool based on the selected sleeve. The cutting system is selected based upon the type of machinery and cutting environment. The block is selected based upon the particular operation. Operation categories may include severe, heavy, medium and light based upon conditions. The cutting tool is selected based upon the shape and carbide content. The steps can be performed in most any suitable order.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intelligent nozzle having a communication system capable of wireless, remote communications with an associated dispenser. Information may be transmitted from the dispenser to the nozzle to facilitate nozzle control or display to a customer, and information received at the nozzle may be transmitted to the dispenser for further processing or display.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining a fixation point (3) on screen (1), comprising an eye reference point detector (6) an a direction of view detector (9) which is mounted on a pivoting/inclining element (11) in such a way that it can be pivoted and inclined. By means of three transformation steps, namely rotation, scaling and translation, a direction of view function can be transformed by a system of direction of view coordinates assigned to the direction of view detector (9) in an object coordinate system which is assigned to the screen (1). In this way it is possible, to trigger certain functions by fixation of areas of the screen (1) rendered sensitive, whereby the eye plays the role of a mouse.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a calibration method for a two-stage actuator control system. The calibration method includes the steps of inserting a sinusoidal disturbance dv(k) into a control input uv(k) to a main actuator, comparing uv(k) and uv(k)+dv(k) to obtain an open-loop gain, and setting the reciprocal of the open-loop gain in a gain compensator for the main actuator. The calibration method further includes the steps of adding a sinusoidal disturbance dp(k) to an input to a subactuator, and comparing the sinusoidal disturbance dp(k) with an output y(k) from the two-stage actuator to obtain a disturbance input-displacement gain. A design nominal value is divided by the disturbance input-displacement gain to obtain a compensation gain, which is then set in a gain compensator for the subactuator.

Abstract: Systems and methods of operating the same are introduced for populating and using lookup tables with process facility control systems and models of the same. An exemplary computer system for use with a process facility having a plurality of associated processes, and includes both a memory and a processor. The memory is capable of maintaining (i) a data structure having a plurality of accessible fields and (ii) a model of at least a portion of the plurality of associated processes. The model may include a mathematical representation of at least a portion of the at least one process, defining certain relationships among inputs and outputs of the at least one process. The processor is capable of populating ones of the plurality of accessible fields of the data structure using the model iteratively with a range of possible values of the at least one measurable characteristic.

Abstract: A tool recognition and control system for electronically configuring certain systems of a work machine based upon the operating parameters associated with a particular work tool to be attached thereto, the work machine including systems operable to control the operation of a plurality of different work tools, each work tool having a set of operating parameters associated therewith which affect the operation of at least some of the systems of the work machine, the present control system identifying the particular work tool attached to the work machine based upon either a signal generated by a tool recognition system associated with the work tool when the work tool is attached to the work machine, or based upon operator selectable commands for selecting any one of a plurality of different sets of operating parameters based upon the particular work tool attached to the machine.

Abstract: A machine control system for a machine or plant controls a plurality of functions within an operating cycle. The start signals and stop signals for releasing and ending respectively the function can be preselected with respect to their mutual relative time slot by means of a data processor (computer) with a display screen. To this end, the functions of the machine or plant are listed in parallel lines on the display screen. Each of the functions can be represented in a graphic quantifying the duration of the function by inputting display screen signals with the limits, which correspond to the times of connection (start limit) and disconnection (stop limit) of the respective function. After starting up the operating cycle, the display screen signals are scanned by a switching signal, which advances in time in the direction from the start limit to the stop limit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for changing the state of operation of a fuel cell, such as starting the fuel cell up or shutting the fuel cell down, are disclosed. An idle load is applied to the fuel cell when the cell temperature is between about normal operating temperature and a transition temperature, and fuel and oxidizer are supplied to the fuel cell commensurate with the power delivered to the idle load. Below the transition temperature, purging/passivation procedures known in the art can be followed, and an open or dummy load applied to the fuel cell. At normal operating temperature or above a service load is applied to the fuel cell.

Abstract: The disclosed system enables a user to monitor and control a remote equipment site from any remote location, over the Internet, while maintaining the operating software the system provider's server. All user data access is through the use of modules, or servlets, that prevent the provider's operating software from being directly accessed, thereby eliminating modification or alteration by any user. The system preferably provides several levels of access, through the use of access codes, to prevent unauthorized users from accessing information. The system communicates with remote units that are proximate the remote equipment and have communication capabilities to enable the remote units to have either one or two way communication with the provider software. The remote units have monitoring devices, that receiving status data from at least one piece of equipment for transmission to the provider software for storage and user access through the servlet(s).

Abstract: A system includes a fuel cell subsystem, switches and a controller. The fuel cell subsystem is adapted to provide power that is capable of being consumed by residential loads, and the fuel cell subsystem is sized to provide power up to a first power threshold that is less than a maximum power threshold that is capable of being consumed by the residential loads. The controller is adapted to determine the power that is consumed by the residential loads and based on the determined power, operate the switches to selectively regulate electrical connections between the residential loads and the fuel cell subsystem to keep the power approximately below the first power threshold.

Abstract: A control system has blocks or other components that facilitate validation of their own replacements, e.g., downloaded via e-commerce transactions. The system includes first and second process control components. The first component is coupled to a third process control component, with which it transfers information, e.g., as part of an active or ongoing control process. The second component can be, for example, an update or other potential replacement for the first component. The first and/or second components can effect substitution of the second component for the first. More particularly, they can effect coupling of the second component for information transfer with the third component and decoupling of the first component from such transfer with the third component. Preferably, such coupling and decoupling occur while the process control system remains active.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that enables intelligent environments comprised of physical spaces that sense and respond to the people and events taking place in them to dynamically influence environmental factors that affect them, such as the lighting, temperature, décor or background music. An intelligent environment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention controls the selection of music played in a fitness center. Two different algorithms are utilized to arbitrate preferences in a shared environment: one seeks to maximize the average satisfaction of the inhabitants, the other seeks to maximize the equitable distribution of satisfaction among the inhabitants. The resultant system is an approach that affords effective environmental control.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a non-linear mill. A linear controller is provided having a linear gain k that is operable to receive inputs representing measured variables of the plant and predict on an output of the linear controller predicted control values for manipulatible variables that control the plant. A non-linear model of the plant is provided for storing a representation of the plant over a trained region of the operating input space and having a steady-state gain K associated therewith. The gain k of the linear model is adjusted with the gain K of the non-linear model in accordance with a predetermined relationship as the measured variables change the operating region of the input space at which the linear controller is predicting the values for the manipulatible variables. The predicted manipulatible variables are then output after the step of adjusting the gain k.

Abstract: A surgical method and a control system is provided. The surgical method and the control system can advantageously be used in a minimally invasive surgical apparatus. The method includes generating a desired surgical instrument movement command signal. It further includes comparing the desired surgical instrument movement command signal with at least one preset surgical instrument movement limitation. Should the desired surgical instrument command signal transgress the preset surgical instrument movement limitation, the desired surgical instrument movement command signal is restricted to yield a restricted surgical instrument movement command signal. A surgical instrument is then caused to move in response to the restricted surgical instrument movement command signal. The method further provides for haptic feedback on a master control in response to restriction of the desired surgical instrument movement command signal.

Abstract: A production system has a plurality of production apparatuses, a conveyer which conveys to each production apparatus at each lot, a lot management computer which controls the degree of progress of the production process in each lot, apparatus management computers which control each of production apparatuses, and an intensive management computer which detects the degree of progress of the production process in each lot and operating state of each production apparatus. User interface sections are connected to the apparatus management computer and the intensive management computer, respectively. The user interface sections comprise display apparatuses, respectively. In the screen of the display apparatuses, operating state of each production apparatus and the degree of progress of the production process of the lot in each production apparatus are displayed.

Abstract: A parts classification unit 15 displays parts 70 and a palletizing robot 20 so as to compute the absorbing position of the palletizing robot 20 with respect to the parts 70 displayed as part.robot information BRJ by the instruction of an operator. The moving.positioning instruction FRn of the robot 20 between the classification head 5 and the pallet 10 is composed on the basis of the parts.robot information BRJ, sheet nesting information SNJ showing location state of the parts in the classification head and pallet nesting information PNJ showing location state of the parts on the pallet 10. By this structure, the time of machining and classification is made shortened without teaching.