Abstract: A method of diagnosing an adaptive process control loop includes measuring process control loop signal data, generating a plurality of process control loop parameters from the process loop signal data and evaluating a condition of the adaptive process control loop from one or more of the plurality of process control loop parameters. The process control loop data is generated as a result of a normal operation of one or more process control devices within the adaptive process control loop when the adaptive process control loop is connected on-line within a process control environment. A self-diagnostic process control loop includes a diagnostic tool adapted to receive a diagnostic index pertaining to a process control loop parameter for a plurality of components of the process control loop and for the complete process control loop. Each diagnostic index is generated from signal data by a corresponding index computation tool.

Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method for dispatching thermal energy and generating power in a solar power generating plant. The system includes a computer processor, computer readable medium, and control logic stored on the computer readable medium to direct the operation of the processor. The processor generates an optimized thermal energy dispatch schedule which controls operation of the generating plant by performing a combination of direct thermal energy and indirect thermal energy storage simulations to maximize operating revenues.

Abstract: A positive & negative jerk interval parameter setting section divides an acceleration & deceleration interval of an acceleration command curve into an acceleration increasing interval, a constant acceleration interval, and an acceleration decreasing interval, and sets the length of time of each interval independently of each other. A positive & negative jerk interval trigonometric command generating section employs an acceleration command curve generated based on a trigonometric function of a ½ cycle, thereby generating a position command or a speed command.

Abstract: A controlling system has a computer having a controlling interface, a PDU linking to the computer and multiple electric apparatus connected and linking to the PDU and the computer. The PDU has multiple outlets, a turn-off time for each outlet. The controlling interface of the computer presets that the turn-off time for each outlet and has a shut-down option. The shut-down option has outlet numbers, a main time axis, and multiple variable time axes. Each variable time axis has a start time and an end time. A total period of each variable time axis between the start time and the end time is determined according to the shut-down period of the corresponding electric apparatus. The start time and the end time of each variable time axis are adjustable, but the total time thereof is fixed. Once the start times and the end times are determined finally, the turn-off times for the outlet numbers are calculated and further sent to the PDU.

Abstract: Methods for recognizing a virtual tooth surface, defining a virtual tooth coordinate system, and simulating a collision between virtual teeth are provided. Methods include receiving input data specifying a point on the rendered surface model associated with a tooth, deriving a perimeter on the surface model of the tooth, and analyzing the surface model along a plurality of paths outwardly extending from points on the perimeter. Methods also include receiving point input data, receiving axis input data that defines first and second axes associated with the virtual tooth, computing a substantially normal vector for a portion of the tooth surface surrounding the point, and computing a coordinate system. Methods also include receiving permissible movement input data directed to permissible movement of a first virtual tooth, bringing the first virtual tooth into contact with a second virtual tooth, and displaying data resulting from the simulation.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a dental implant surgical guide is disclosed. A patient-specific virtual model is generated using image data specific to a patient and virtual dental implants. The virtual model aligns the image data with the virtual dental implants using modeling software. A virtual mold is generated from the virtual model, and a physical mold is generated from the virtual mold. The physical mold is covered with a thermoplastic sheet via a thermoforming process. Excess thermoplastic material is trimmed off after the thermoforming process to produce a thermoformed piece. Metal tubes corresponding to each the virtual dental implants are placed onto the physical mold denoting the position, trajectory, and depth of the one or more virtual dental implants. A dental implant surgical guide that contains the thermoformed piece with the one or more tubes is produced.

Abstract: An HVAC controller is configured to log one more user interactions into a user interaction log stored in its memory such that at least some of the user interactions may be recalled from the user interaction log and displayed on the user interface of the HVAC controller in response to a request by a user. The user may use the information contained in the user interaction log as an aid in troubleshooting an HVAC system.

Abstract: The disclosed invention primarily relates to methods for assisting and motivating persons with respect to various exercise and rehabilitation regimens they might undertake, mentally as well as physically. The invention also has potential application to for diagnosis and/or treatment of certain mental and physical disorders, and in other situations where a form of companionship may be provided the user. In addition the invention herein provides an enjoyable means of social interaction with others providing further motivation for physical and mental activity represented.

Abstract: A load control arrangement includes a communication channel configured to transmit information. A controller unit is coupled to the communication channel and configured to at least one of send and receive information via the communication channel. A load control device is coupled to the communication channel, comprising a disconnect switch configured to be coupled to a power line. The load control device is further configured to determine a power consumption of a load connected to the power line. The load control device provides measurement data representing the determined power consumption via the communication channel to the controller unit. The load control device drives the disconnect switch depending on drive information received via the communication channel or depending on the determined power consumption.

Abstract: A system is provided for mitigating an electric unbalance of a three-phase current at a Point of Common Coupling being located between a wind farm having a plurality of wind turbines and a power grid. The system includes a measurement device and a central wind farm controller. The measurement device measures the electric unbalance at the Point of Common Coupling and provides a measurement signal being indicative for the measured electric unbalance. The central wind farm controller is coupled to the measurement device and controls the operation of the plurality of wind turbines. In response to the measurement signal the central wind farm provides a control signal for mitigating the electric unbalance at the Point of Common Coupling. Also provided is a corresponding method for mitigating an electric unbalance of a three-phase current and a computer program for controlling and/or for carrying out the mentioned method.

Abstract: An airflow managing system for monitoring airflow of a HVAC system, a HVAC system and a method of monitoring the airflow in a HVAC system is provided. In one embodiment, the airflow managing system includes: (1) an air pressure sensor configured to obtain an air pressure measurement directly from a scroll of an air blower of the HVAC system and (2) a HVAC controller configured to determine an airflow rate for the HVAC system based on the air pressure measurement and corresponding parameters associated with the air blower.

Abstract: A system for monitoring plant equipment is provided. Another aspect provides an automated analysis system wherein software instructions operably compare sensor data to predefined valves and determine mechanical problems in multiple machines. In another aspect, a cement manufacturing system includes sensors for sensing movement conditions of cement making machines. A further aspect provides a central computer connected to vibration sensors associated with cement making machines, where software instructions perform real-time comparisons and machine performance determinations, based at least in part on sensed signals.

Abstract: A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system is described, the thermostat having a user interface that is visually pleasing, approachable, and easy to use while also providing ready access to, and intuitive navigation within, a menuing system capable of receiving a variety of different types of user settings and/or control parameters. For some embodiments, the thermostat comprises a housing, a ring-shaped user-interface component configured to track a rotational input motion of a user, a processing system configured to identify a setpoint temperature value based on the tracked rotational input motion, and an electronic display coupled to the processing system. An interactive thermostat menuing system is accessible to the user by an inward pressing of the ring-shaped user interface component. User navigation within the interactive thermostat menuing system is achievable by virtue of respective rotational input motions and inward pressings of the ring-shaped user interface component.

Abstract: When a numerical controller executes a tool-center-point control in which a path of a tool center point with respect to a workpiece is instructed, and the workpiece is machined along the instructed path based on a speed instruction, the numerical controller sets the speed instruction so that the speed instruction is a synthesis speed with respect to a synthesis distance of a relative moving distance between the workpiece and a tool center point and a tool-direction changing distance due to a relative change in a tool direction with respect to the workpiece by a rotary axis. The numerical controller interpolates a position of a linear axis and a position of a rotary axis by the tool-center-point control according to the synthesis speed and drives the linear axis and the rotary axis to the position of the linear axis and the position of the rotary axis created by the interpolation.

Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless irrigation control and related methods. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is can receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and can cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device. In some implementations, the receiver unit includes a capacitor charging circuit and battery to power the receiver unit and drive and control a latching solenoid.

Abstract: A control apparatus capable of improving the control accuracy and stability when controlling a controlled object with a predetermined restraint condition between a plurality of model parameters, or a controlled object having a lag characteristic, using a control target model of a discrete-time system. The control apparatus has an ECU which arranges a control target model including two model parameters such that terms not multiplied by the model parameters and terms multiplied by the same are on different sides of the model, respectively. Assuming the different sides represent a combined signal value and an estimated combined signal value, respectively, the ECU calculates onboard identified values of the model parameters such that an identification error between the signal values is minimized, and calculates an air-fuel ratio correction coefficient using the identified values and a control algorithm derived from the control target model.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a server monitors a set of parameters associated with future power production capacity of a set of distributed power production units that belong to a power group supplying power to a given serving area of a power grid during a given period of time. The server predicts, for a portion of the given period of time, a temporary power production disruption that will affect the power group based on the monitoring. The server sends a control message to the power group based on the prediction. At least one power production unit in the power group receives the control message, and responsive to the control message diverts at least a portion of power being supplied to the given serving area to local storage, detects the temporary power disruption and conditions power supplied to the given serving area during the temporary power distribution based upon the locally stored power.

Abstract: In order to achieve an improved or optimized operation mode of an “expanded drying section” of a paper machine—having the “actual” drying section, separated, if applicable, into pre-drying and post-drying sections with a size press located therebetween, a steam and condensate system, an exhaust air heat recovery system, a wet press and the white water—a model that includes the above system components is proposed, with which mass and energy balances for the system components as well as the specific energy consumption of the drying section are calculated, based on values for parameters relevant for the drying process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method for sensing the current supplied to a motorized hoist for raising a maintenance platform and providing an estimate of the operating status of the motor, for example, as stopped, starting, stalled or operating as expected. In various embodiments, measures of voltage and current may be used to determine the operating condition of the hoist and to estimate the magnitude of the applied load. Unintended modes of operation can then be determined so that the conditions can be indicated to the operator and protective measures taken.

Abstract: A system for adding controls to an area circuit within a building. The system enables specific outlets and fixture switches in the area circuit to be automatically and individually controlled. Smart outlets and smart fixtures switches are used. Each has a receptacle, an internal on/off switch, and a selectively changeable address code. An electrical power cable extends throughout the area circuit. A control unit is coupled to the electrical power cable and generates an addressed control signal within the electrical power cable. The addressed control signal selectively controls the internal on/off switches in the smart outlets and the smart fixture switches. However, the addressed control signal generated by the control unit must be properly addressed to a smart outlet or a smart fixture switch.