Abstract: A control system for the manufacture of a product. A network of activities is created in a primary computer and a baseline schedule is determined. The baseline schedule dates are transmitted to a plurality of secondary computers. The secondary computers monitor external elements used in the activities and predict constraints using delta values. Delta values are a direct estimate of the impact on the final completion date. This allows potential effects to be evaluated in parallel. Resources are redistributed based on the delta values to minimize time and cost.

Abstract: A process controller implements an overall, user-developed control strategy in a process control network that includes distributed controller and field devices, such as Fieldbus and non-Fieldbus devices. A user defines the control strategy by building a plurality of function blocks and control modules and downloading or installing user-specified portions of the control strategy into the Fieldbus devices and the non-Fieldbus devices. Thereafter, the Fieldbus devices automatically perform the downloaded portions of the overall strategy independently of other portions of the control strategy. For example in a process control system that includes distributed field devices, controllers and workstations, portions of the control strategy downloaded or installed into the field devices operate independently of and in parallel with the control operations of the controllers and the workstations, while other control operations manage the Fieldbus devices and implement other portions of the control strategy.

Abstract: An interface between a remote communications network and a process control system includes a storage device, a communication software stack and a user software layer. The user software layer enables interfacing between the remote communications network and the process control system by directing the communication software stack to operate in the process control system using a process communication protocol, by monitoring the message traffic on the communication software stack, and by copying requested message traffic to the storage device. The user software layer also includes media interface software that allows access to the storage device by the remote communications network to thereby deliver specific data to a device connected to the remote communications network.

Abstract: A controller for a work transfer system, capable of performing precise positioning of feed bars during sole driving of the transfer system and simplified in structure to contribute to savings in installation space and cost. The controller has a cam angle detector mounted on a cam shaft for feed cams and controls servo motors for respective lift bars according to information which is related to cam angle of the feed cams detected by the cam angle detector and looked up in a motion table set by a transfer controlling PLC serving as a motion table setting means.

Abstract: An improved building automation system is provided which is modular in design thus minimizing the amount of instruction necessary to affect control of a particular building system. A relatively small set of interprocess control commands define an interprocess control protocol which is utilized in relatively high level scripts and control applications. The improved building automation system operates to translate control instructions in one particular control protocol to control instructions in a second control protocol. A text parsing program routes interprocess communication commands between modular communication programs to affect control over the automated building systems. The text parsing program includes executable instructions which allow for conditional communication of interprocess control commands depending upon system events.

Abstract: In a shift correcting method of correcting a shift of a tool working position in a robot manipulation system, a working tool (7) is rotated around a tool longitudinal axis (m) as a rotating center axis on a tool coordinate system to change a posture of the working tool, and the working tool is moved in one direction toward a specified part of a contact detecting member (21) to be brought into contact therewith to detect a contact and the data of the detected contact position is stored to obtain a difference as a shift amount between the actual tool working position and a theoretical tool working position.

Abstract: In a register correspondence method in a logic equivalence verifying system for first and second sequential circuit information, input cone information is collected for each register of the first and second sequential circuit information. The input cone information is represented by external input terminals, determined registers, a number of undetermined registers and self-feedback information showing presence or absence of a self-feedback loop. Then, a first register having unique input cone information is selected from the first sequential circuit information, and a second register having unique input cone information is selected from the second sequential circuit information. Then, the input cone information of the first register is compared with that of the second register, thus establishing a register correspondence between the first and second registers.

Abstract: A method for weight blending of granular materials comprises at a remote site generating a command for desired operation of granular material weight blending apparatus; encoding said command into transportable time-stable machine readable tangible storage media; transporting said media to a bar code reader operatively connected to said granular material weight blending apparatus; scanning the tangible media having the command encoded thereon to read the command; and providing the read command as input to a in microprocessor operatively connected to said granular material weight blending apparatus for regulating operation of the same.

Abstract: A distributed digital control system includes a plurality of control modules which are interconnected by a communication link. Each module includes a processor unit for running a control program, and a plurality of system databases which correspond to nodes in the system. Each module further includes a selector such as a Dual Inline Package (DIP) switch for inputting a node number. The program automatically selects the database corresponding to the input node number when the module is powered up. The system preferably utilizes the industry standard LonTalk® protocol, with each database including Standard Network Variable Types (SNVTs) and Standard Configuration Parameter Types (SCPTs) for the respective node. A default database is also stored in each module, which is automatically used by the program if the system databases are not found.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing jacquard with colored image is disclosed, wherein the basic color printing theory in the printing technical is employed in the weaving of jacquard so that jacquard also has image with different gray levels by the same basic colors. Meanwhile, because of the increase number of the gray levels and the range, jacquard having the effect of colored photograph may be manufactured.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for managing and distributing design and manufacturing information throughout a factory in order to facilitate the production of components, such as bent sheet metal components. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the management and distribution of critical design and manufacturing information is achieved by storing and distributing the design and manufacturing information associated with each job. By replacing the traditional paper job set-up or work sheet with, for example, an electronically stored job sheet that can be accessed instantaneously from any location in the factory, the present invention improves the overall efficiency of the factory. In addition, through the various aspects and features of the invention, the organization and accessibility of part information and stored expert knowledge is improved.

Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing method capable of proceeding semiconductor device manufacturing processes according to predetermined schedules or while correcting them without testpieces is provided. The method includes the steps of collecting actually observed data during at least one of plural steps, obtaining prediction data in at least one of plural steps by using an ab initio molecular dynamics process simulator or a molecular dynamics simulator, comparing and verifying the prediction data and the actually observed data sequentially at real time, and correcting and processing the plural manufacturing process factors sequentially at real time if a difference in significance is recognized between set values for the plural manufacturing process factors and the plural manufacturing process factors estimated from the actually observed data according to comparison and verification.

Abstract: The invention comprises in various embodiments controllers and apparatus for testing flexible manufacturing systems and methods of operating same. The controller includes a computer, a program, output lines from the computer, and devices connected to the output lines. The program uses matrix logic equations to determine when to start and stop jobs. The devices start and stop individual resources in response to logic signals from the computer. In one embodiment, the controller obtains sensor feedback on the distribution of work pieces and available resources in the manufacturing system. The invention also includes an apparatus and methods for testing a flexible manufacturing system. In response to the input of initial data, the apparatus for testing a flexible manufacturing system solves matrix equations and determines the activity and/or production of the manufacturing system.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring an industrial process and/or industrial data source. The system includes generating time varying data from industrial data sources, processing the data to obtain time correlation of the data, determining the range of data, determining learned states of normal operation and using these states to generate expected values, comparing the expected values to current actual values to identify a current state of the process closest to a learned, normal state; generating a set of modeled data, and processing the modeled data to identify a data pattern and generating an alarm upon detecting a deviation from normalcy.

Abstract: A foot control assembly for a microsurgical system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical instruments connected thereto. The microsurgical instruments are for use by a user such as a surgeon in performing ophthalmic surgical procedures. The system includes a data communications bus and a user interface connected to the data communications bus. The user interface provides information to the user and receives information from the user which is representative of operating parameters of the microsurgical instruments. The system also includes surgical modules connected to and controlling the microsurgical instruments as a function of at least one of the operating parameters. The surgical modules are also connected to the data communications bus. The data communications bus provides communication of data representative of the operating parameters between the user interface and the surgical modules.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for burning in a computer having a parallel port, includes a diagnostic program, stored in an internal memory of the computer, for running diagnostic tests on at least one component of the computer. The apparatus also includes a power cycling circuit, coupled to the parallel port of the computer, for receiving a power-off signal from the computer, for turning power off to the computer in response to the power-off signal and for automatically turning power back on to the computer after a specified period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: An electronic trip unit having a two-wire, asynchronous, serial communication accessory network that is connected to a number of unique digital and analog remote slave devices. The address for each slave device is set by its function so that the trip unit does not have to be programmed in the field each time an accessory is added to the system. The network is capable of two-way communication when requested by the electronic trip unit. Accessory network communication is controlled by a first microprocessor within the electronic trip unit or alternatively by a network interface gateway. The first microprocessor controls voltage based and metering functions while a second microprocessor controls overcurrent and instantaneous protection functions of the trip unit. The second microprocessor also has the capability of communicating with a central control network.

Abstract: A control system that provides accurate timing information for sensor data samples and accurate timing for the application of control values to actuators in the face of non-deterministic communication. The control system employs circuitry for accurately associating sensor data samples and sensor time-stamps and circuitry for triggering the application of the control values to an actuator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel delivery system capable of controlling a fuel dispenser's vapor recovery system based on the absence or presence of an on-board vapor recovery system on the vehicle. This system includes a fuel dispenser having a vapor recovery system, a controller capable of controlling the vapor recovery system, a receiver and an antenna operating in conjunction with the receiver to receive a signal emitted from a transponder on a vehicle indicative of the absence or presence of an on-board vapor recovery system, in addition to a type of vehicle tank or characteristic thereof. When the controller determines from the transponder signal information relating to on-board vapor recovery and/or tank characteristics, the controller will control its vapor recovery system accordingly.

Abstract: A method of producing an instrument face having functional indicia thereon (such as a clock face dial, thermometer face, etc.), allows-high quality, multicolor instrument faces to be produced in a cost effective manner even for small runs (e.g. 1-500 units). The instrument face is created in a computer in electronic format, and the computer transmits electronic signals to a color photocopier, to control it to print the instrument face on a sheet of paper. The sheet of paper may be laminated to a more rigid sheet, e.g. styrene, cardboard, acrylic or plexiglass, and then an instrument face of the appropriate geometric shape and size is cut from the sheet material. The face is assembled with other functional components to produce an operable instrument. The cutting is preferably practiced automatically utilizing a laser cutter under the control of the computer. A scanner or CD ROM may be utilized for inputting data into the computer.