Abstract: A method to construct an accurate scaled model from an original too small to allow for physical measurement is disclosed, said method generally comprising the steps of determining the initial geometry of the original, analyzing the original to determine its internal structure, establishing a reference useful for quantitative measurement of the object, physically dissecting the original, recording the results of the physical dissection, and constructing the model at a desired scale based on quantitative measurements obtained from the dissection of the original.

Abstract: In a method and a system for restarting sequentially controlled equipment installed in a production line when the equipment is out of order, operations of the equipment are divided into a plurality of operation blocks, operations of each of which are executed independently of those in any other block. Each of the operation blocks are further divided into one or a series of operation steps to be sequentially executed in a predetermined order under a normal condition. At least one home position from which the equipment can be restarted is set in each operation block. An output element which has caused failure and is now stopped is restored to the home position after a cause of failure is removed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adaptive and predictive controller having self tuning capabilities. The receding horizon window and sample interval are determined by the tunning mechanism automatically, based on the relationship between the controlled and manipulated variables. The interval and window may be set by the user as well. Constraints on the manipulated and controlled variables at the end of the horizon window are accommodated automatically. In addition to providing servo regulatory control the invention teaches simultaneous minimization of operating costs.

Abstract: When collecting data in connection with operational physical values from a plurality of injection molding machines by means of a direct numerical control computer system incorporated in an LAN, for example, when collecting a quality control data, the direct numerical control computer system is allowed to specify a collection starting time and a collection terminating time of the data for the respective injection molding machines. With reference to the condition thus specified the data is communicated to the direct numerical control computer system from the respective injection molding machines.

Abstract: An expert system having a computer which can receive input data and from stored data to produce an optimized die draft schedule for a given wire drawing machine. The system is adaptable to store data for a plurality of die drawing machines, producing an optimized die draft schedule for a range of input and output rod/wire sizes on each drawing machine for which the system has stored operating parameters. Alternatively, operating parameters for additional drawing machines can be entered, enabling generation of optimum die draft schedules for most wire drawing machines. An enhanced mode may be made available to enable comparison of computed values and operator estimated values.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for generating a covariance matrix. According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided which generally includes a memory, a circular buffer, a multiply-accumulator, and an arithmetic logic unit. The memory contains an array of values representative of a plurality of samples, and the circular buffer is configured to provide a predetermined number of memory locations. A method for generating the covariance matrix is further provided which uses the architecture listed above to efficiently generate a covariance matrix based on the values in the memory. In one aspect of the invention, the method provides that the memory, the circular buffer, the multiply-accumulator, and the arithmetic logic unit, all operate in parallel to fully exploit the resources provided by the architecture.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for permitting dual-mode configuration of an appliance control board preferably in conjunction with an external electronic programming device or by means internal to the appliance. Preferably, a set of selection switches are provided in an interior space of the appliance that are used to select desired operating parameters. By changing the setting of the switches, the operator may configure the appliance for many specific modes of operation. In addition, the appliance can be electronically reconfigured by use of a hand held data probe.

Abstract: A method of determining luster characteristics of fiber filaments utilizing a mathematical model of filament cross sectional shape and simulated impinging light to determine light distribution after interaction with the fiber and thereby determine luster properties. The method also includes a method for deriving individual filament cross sectional shapes of fibers in a bundle of touching filaments and for deriving therefrom other fiber properties and controlling the manufacturing parameters affecting such properties as well as luster properties.

Abstract: An interface unit for interfacing a peripheral bus of a computer system with a dispensing system for dispensing a material, such as gasoline, and which includes a plurality of dispensers for controlling the dispensing of the material. The interface unit includes a controller and a first communication link for providing bidirectional communication between the controller and the material dispensers. A second communication link is connected with an internal bus on the interface unit and the peripheral bus of the computer system to provide bidirectional communication between the controller and the computer system. The second communication link includes a window memory for storing code and a bus interface.

Abstract: A CAD/CAM unit data generating process which allows machining control data to be generated efficiently, and independently of the sequence of shape definition. Machining sequence information is derived from shape defining information and machining information generated in correspondence with machining conditions. The machining sequence information is rearranged in accordance with selected conditions for rearranging the machining sequence information, such as machining type, height priority, tool sequence, and other operator inputs. The results are stored for future access.

Abstract: A simplified operation control panel for industrial sewing machines powered by an electric motor controlled through a programmable microprocessor is configured as a structurally independent unit and comprises a display, and at least a pair of control keys, each adapted for activating in quick succession the displaying of graphic symbols related to sewing program steps.

Abstract: An NC data editing method speedily and accurately edits NC data, e.g., for modification of the movement path of a controlled object. When three positional conversion command blocks are successively read from original data in a data conversion process following a data modification process, a position transformation matrix is calculated based on coordinate value data for three sets of reference points and corresponding points in the blocks (S211). For a mirror conversion command block, a mirror transformation matrix is calculated based on coordinate value data for two points stated in the block (215). An up-to-date composite transformation matrix is obtained by multiplying a previous composite transformation matrix by a now calculated transformation matrix (S213). Each time a movement command block is read, post-positional-conversion or post-mirror-conversion command point data is obtained by multiplying movement command point data in each block by the up-to-date composite transformation matrix (S217).

Abstract: An improved control system for operation of a liftcrane having mechanical subsystems powered by a engine and connected thereto by a closed loop hydraulic system with one or more individual closed hydraulic loops. The liftcrane includes controls for outputting signals for operation of the mechanical subsystems and a programmable controller connected and responsive to the controls and connected to the mechanical subsystems. The programmable controller is capable of running a routine for controlling the mechanical subsystems. A first set of sensors is operable to sense the pressure in the closed loop hydraulic system at each of the mechanical subsystems in a first set of mechanical subsystems and provide an output to the programmable controller indicative of the hydraulic pressure sensed.

Abstract: A machine is operated by a programmable controller that executes a ladder logic control program. A custom ladder logic processor is provided for high speed execution of the more common ladder logic instructions and a microprocessor interprets the remaining ladder logic instructions. A first section of memory contains a ladder logic control program in which some of the instructions are macro instructions executable by the ladder logic processor. Each macro instruction specifies an operation code, a first memory file containing data to be processed by the macro instruction, a second memory file containing control data governing the processing, and a storage location for results produced by execution of the macro instruction. Another memory section stores a library file containing a ladder logic software routine for each macro instruction, and stores a directory which identifies a starting location of the macro instruction routine for each operation code.

Abstract: In order to so improve a machine for the non-circular machining of workpieces comprising a machine frame, a workpiece spindle held on the machine frame for receiving a workpiece and having a C-axis sensor, a Z-slide displaceable parallel to the workpiece spindle and having a Z-axis sensor, an X-axis drive arranged on the Z-slide for advancing a tool towards the workpiece, an X-axis sensor for determining the position of the tool, and a control device, that it operates quickly and reliably, it is proposed that the control device comprise a numerical machine control system for activating the workpiece spindle and the Z-axis drive and include a numerical X-axis control system, that the X-axis control system activate the X-axis drive independently of the machine control system in accordance with the predetermined non-circular shape, and that a coordination take place between the machine control system and the X-axis control system after certain time intervals.

Abstract: A facility management apparatus includes a display unit for designating a facility system and selectively displaying a corresponding individual facility system screen. The individual facility system screen includes a point display section and an associated screen pull-down section. The point display section is used to designate each control monitor point in the facility system and to display detailed information of the designated point on a screen upon a pull-down operation. The associated screen pull-down section is used to designate an associated menu in the facility system and to display detailed information of the designated menu on the screen upon a pull-down operation.

Abstract: A data acquisition system having setup duplication capability so that the setup or portions of the setup of one appliance can be duplicated onto other appliances by electronic means without affecting the identity of each appliance. More particularly, a method and apparatus are provided for effecting a setup record change throughout a plurality of appliances. A first appliance communicates with an external probe that has a memory including at least a first and a second buffer. The setup record of the first appliance is stored in the first buffer. A second appliance is then communicated with through use of the probe and its setup parameter of the setup record buffer, then at lest one setup parameter of the setup record stored in the second buffer is replaced by a setup parameter of the setup record stored in the first buffer to create a new setup record and the contents of the second buffer are transmitted to the second appliance.

Abstract: A soft foldable consumer electronic product comprises an envelope having a top member and a bottom member, each member being of soft flexible sheet material, a first unit of the electronic product received within a first portion of the envelope and affixed to one of the members thereof, a second unit of the electronic product received in a second portion of the envelope and affixed to one of the members thereof, and at least one conductor within the envelope extending from the first to the second portion and connecting the first and second units to electrically connect them for operation of the product. The envelope is foldable such that the positions of the first and second portions relative to each other can be changed selectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling workpieces from base bodies that are easily definable. Corrections for the tool path, i.e. cutter radius correction, are already performed on the base bodies or their 2-D contours, so that upon the assembling of the corrected base bodies to make workpieces, the corrected contours already intersect, thus in a simple way producing the tool path data.

Abstract: A fuzzy control unit includes a fuzzy inference unit forming a manipulated variable for controlling a plant such that a control response from the plant is made equal to a previously set target value, based on fuzzy control knowledge. An automatic tuning unit corrects the fuzzy control rules in accordance with the control response from the plant. The automatic tuning unit includes a response waveform memory storing a control response value from the plant, a rule grade memory for storing grade values of the fuzzy control rules for the control response from the plant, an ideal waveform memory for storing ideal control response values to be attained by the plant under control by the fuzzy control unit, and a control evaluating circuit evaluating the control operation of the fuzzy control unit based on the ideal response value and the control response value.