Abstract: A system for load control in an electrical power system is described, wherein one or more temperature-monitoring devices are provided to control operation of a pool pump. When ambient temperatures are relatively high, and thus, electrical power demands from air conditioning systems are relatively high, the temperature-monitoring devices can remove power from the controlled device during the hottest portions of the day. The temperature-monitoring devices can provide power to the controlled devices during the cooler portions of the day. During heat waves or other periods of relatively continuous high heat, the temperature-monitoring devices can schedule power to the controlled devices to reduce overall power demands and to run the controlled devices during the cooler portions of the day when air conditioning electrical loads are reduced. The temperature-monitoring devices can also coordinate operation of the pool pump and a pool heater.

Abstract: A system and method for self-synchronization of modular production systems having components with various alternative capabilities for processing and transporting work units along transport highways, for various component/transport highway configurations. The method includes determining jobs of interest, with each job requiring the production of at least one work unit. The configuration of the components, including at least one machine module, and the transport highway is determined. Each component duration time is determined and a default self-synchronization time is identified. The default self-synchronization time is optimized by adjusting not less than one component duration time.

Abstract: A method using a computer for generating a spiral-like tool path for milling a region of a workpiece is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: creating a family of concentric indexed circular arcs at each of two or more separate and distinct selected points within the region; determining parameters of a first set of blends to connect together the circular arcs of adjacent families of the circular arcs having an identical index to form a plurality of isoloops; determining parameters of a second set of blends for blending between adjacent isoloops to form the spiral-like tool path, and generating instructions for controlling the milling cutter in accordance with the generated tool path.

Abstract: An integrated real and virtual manufacturing automation system that employs a programmable logic controller that controls part flow between a real machine in the real world part of the system and a virtual machine in the virtual world part of the system using virtually coupled sensors and actuators. A real world sensor senses the position of the real world machine and a real world actuator actuates the real world machine. Likewise, a virtual world sensor senses the position of the virtual world machine and a virtual world actuator actuates the virtual world machine. An interface device transfers signals between the virtual world part of the system and the real world part of the system, and an input/output device processes signals sent to the programmable logic controller and signals sent from the programmable logic controller.

Abstract: A method of controlling the movement of a processing head of a machine tool includes monitoring the position of the processing head along a first coordinate direction, monitoring the movement of the processing head along a second coordinate direction different from the first coordinate direction, and limiting the acceleration or the change in acceleration of the processing head along the second coordinate direction to a value below a predetermined maximum value, wherein the predetermined maximum value depends on the position of the processing head along the first coordinate direction.

Abstract: A methodology 40 for producing a laminated tool 10 having desired dimensional accuracy. The tool 10 is produced by the use of several sectional members, such as sectional members 14, 16 which are selectively coupled and which are measured. The measurement is used to determine whether to selectively press these previously coupled sectional members 14, 16 to ensure that their coupled arrangement has a desired dimensional accuracy. Additional measurements and needed pressing operations are accomplished each time a new sectional member is added to the previously coupled sectional member combination.

Abstract: A machine tool moves a driven member by use of a servomotor. A position control device controls the position of the driven member in accordance with full closed loop control. The position control device computes an integrated feedback value g in correspondence with a function F (VM, PM, Vm, Pm) in which four state amounts, motor speed VM, motor position PM, driven member speed Vm, and driven member position Pm are independent variables. The thrust instruction ?*, which is inputted to the servomotor, is compensated with the integrated feedback value g. The servomotor is thus optimally driven and controlled in accordance with full closed loop control.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method of formulating a batch comprising at least two chemicals. An embodiment is disclosed wherein a feedforward algorithm can be used to control the target blend. Subsequently a feedback closed loop control loop algorithm is provided for a multivariant blend. Use of this approach allows for a continuously autoreplenished and controlled blend. Also disclosed is the ability to control via feedforward and feedback algorithms a fast responding control mode that allows for the elimination of a container. This approach will allow for “one pass” blending with control. The controller implements an automated fault detection and correction system, thereby identifying necessary maintenance prior to failure. If failure does occur the signature recognition allows rapid analysis and correction thus maximizing tool availability.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method of formulating a batch comprising at least two chemicals. An embodiment is disclosed wherein a feedforward algorithm can be used to control the target blend. Subsequently a feedback closed loop control loop algorithm is provided for a multivariant blend. Use of this approach allows for a continuously autoreplenished and controlled blend. Also disclosed is the ability to control via feedforward and feedback algorithms a fast responding control mode that allows for the elimination of a container. This approach will allow for “one pass” blending with control. The controller implements an automated fault detection and correction system, thereby identifying necessary maintenance prior to failure. If failure does occur the signature recognition allows rapid analysis and correction thus maximizing tool availability.

Abstract: A method, and a system that uses the method, of managing loads for residential use. The method includes connecting a first signal-responsive switch to a first load, and connecting a second signal-responsive switch to a second load that has a lower priority than the first load. The method also includes sensing first and second electrical signals from the respective first and second loads, and ensuring the first signal-responsive switch is in a CLOSED state and the second signal-responsive switch in an OPEN state after both a combination of the sensed first and second electrical signals exceeds a first threshold value and the sensed first electrical signal is below a second threshold value.

Abstract: A computerized system and method is used to collect and record data regarding transmission failures, to analyze the transmission failure data to identify root causes of failures, and to communicate failure source information so countermeasures may be implemented to prevent future failures. Automobile dealers provide transmission failure data, as well as transmissions they are unable to repair, to a manufacturer's repair facility. Transmissions with common problems or faults are identified and selected for addition to a repair facility production schedule. Parts for repairing the transmissions are ordered based on the production schedule. Transmissions are then analyzed in detail and repaired according to the production schedule. As each transmission is examined, data is collected and recorded so that a root cause may be determined and communicated as needed to the manufacturer's production facilities, suppliers, etc. Countermeasures are then implemented to prevent the failures attributable to the root cause.

Abstract: To provide a fan selection device capable of selecting a fan using a small amount data prepared in advance and also using simple computations. A required ventilation flow quantity is computed by computing means 4 when predicted total electric power consumption and a predicted air temperature rise are entered into a predetermined computational expression. Parameter range determining means 5 determines a parameter range of a proper flow quantity ratio necessary for cooling. Required flow quantity computing means 7 computes a minimum required flow quantity and a maximum required flow quantity by dividing the required ventilation flow quantity by the upper and lower limit values of the parameter range of the proper flow quantity ratio, respectively.

Abstract: Air conditioner including a temperature sensor for sensing a room temperature, a humidity sensor for sensing room humidity, a control unit for controlling to calculate well-being indices according to the room temperature or the room humidity sensed at the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor with reference to well-being index calculating data stored already, and to present the well-being index calculated thus, and well-being index related information corresponding to the well-being index, and output means for presenting the well-being index calculated thus, and the well-being index related information corresponding to the well-being index under the control of the control unit, thereby readily calculating well-being indices and providing information thereof by using an air conditioner provided to houses or offices without exception without requiring any extra equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an electrically controlled pressure relief valve may use a soft position control loop to control the position of the valve. A pressure relief valve may also include a modified orifice shape to improve stability, to uniformly distribute the effective bandwidth over the valve operating range, and to provide a tunable default mode.

Abstract: A method of determining a tool geometry and tool orientation for any prescribed path along a workpiece of a cutting tool is described. A parameter set is provided, where parameters of the parameter set include tool geometry and tool orientation relative to a surface of the workpiece. Values of the parameters in the parameter set are determined such that no local interference or global interference occurs, where local interference occurs when a portion of the tool immediately adjacent a cutting edge of the tool contacts a sidewall of a groove already cut by the cutting edge, and global interference occurs when a portion of the tool away from the cutting edge contacts a sidewall of a groove already cut by the cutting edge.

Abstract: There is provided a control system for controlling safety-critical processes that includes a fieldbus, a bus master for controlling a communication via the fieldbus, at least one signal unit for linking to at least one of the safety-critical processes, and a first control unit for controlling at least one of the safety-critical processes. The bus master and the at least one signal unit are connected to one another via the fieldbus to provide communication between at least one signal unit and the bus master. The at least one signal unit and the first control unit have safety-related devices. Failsafe communication is provided to control at least one of the safety-critical processes, and the first control unit is connected to the bus master independently of the fieldbus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for etching operation management. A process controller acquires a line width on a processed wafer, determines a first Critical Dimension (CD) bias by subtracting the measured width from a target width, determines an adjusted target width by providing a first and a second etching duration, determines a second CD bias by providing the adjusted target width, determines third etching duration corresponding to the second CD bias, receives an event from an etching tool, and directs the etching tool to perform etching operations on an initiated wafer for the third etching duration.

Abstract: A monitoring system is provided for remotely monitoring in-store equipment. A controller is provided in each store for monitoring and controlling in-store equipment. A monitoring computer is connected to the controller in each store through a communication line. The controller includes data transmission means for transmitting to the monitoring computer data related to each in-store equipment and predetermined measurement data, and display means for displaying power saving advice information fed from the monitoring computer, and the monitoring computer comprising power saving advice information production means for producing power saving advice information for efficiently operating each in-store equipment on the basis of the data received from the controller, and power saving advice information transmission means for transmitting to the controller the produced power saving advice information.