Abstract: A system is disclosed for the regulation of electrical component temperature through the throttling of component communication based on information provided by a sensor and corrected by a calibration table.

Abstract: A computerized numerical control system is provided for controlling a servomechanism under the direction of a general-purpose computer system. The system implements in software a PID controller for determining appropriate inputs to the servomechanism. The system further includes a Field Programmable Gate Array which is loadable with custom logic for remotely interfacing to the servomechanism.

Abstract: Methods for improving the manufacture of objects made by layered manufacturing techniques through improved tool path generation. A vertex improvement aspect improves tool paths used to form vertices. Outer perimeter vertices can be improved by automatically creating an outer boundary reflecting the design intent to have material extending to the perimeter vertex. The outer boundary can be used as a contour tool path or as a limit to travel by raster tool paths. Boundary vertices within parts can be improved by extending more internal boundary vertices outward toward enclosing vertices, thereby eliminating some internal voids. Contour boundaries near outer perimeter corners can be better defined by extending outward a contour tool path toward the corners. Narrow regions between combinations of outer and/or inner perimeters can be filled through improved tool paths. Layer regions near inner voids can receive consistent filling through an improved raster tool path method.

Abstract: Method for controlling and preconfiguring a steelworks or parts of a steelworks, the rolling stand or the rolling mill train being controlled and preconfigured by means of a model of the rolling stand or the rolling mill train, the model having at least one neural network whose parameters are matched or adapted to the actual conditions in the rolling stand or in the rolling mill train, in particular to the properties of the strip, the rate at which the parameters are matched or adapted to the actual conditions in the rolling stand or in the rolling mill train, in particular to the properties of the strip, being varied.

Abstract: A computerized system is provided for scheduling a plurality of work orders in a manufacturing process. Each work order to be scheduled specifies a set of operations to be performed using a plurality of resources and materials. Data including resource availability information for each resource used in the manufacturing process, material availability information for each material used in the manufacturing process, and work order information is received and stored in a computer. The work order information includes a release date for the work order, a want date for the work order, operations information, and material requirements information. The operations information includes the identity and sequence of operations to be performed for the work order, the identity of the resources needed to perform each operation, a minimum resource capacity needed to perform each operation, and the time needed to perform the operation.

Abstract: Product development is accomplished through a plurality of product development tools, each tool assisting in a separate aspect of product development. Each tool has at least one instantiation of a tool module implementing tool logic and a tool database accessible by each tool module. Each product development tool communicates with a global readiness database. The readiness database includes common information accessible by more than one of the product development tools. At least one product supply tool accesses the readiness database to read product development information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process control where some of the controllable parameters are difficult or impossible to characterize. The present invention relates to process control in biotechnology of such systems, but not limited to. Additionally, the present invention relates to process control in biotechnology minerals processing. In the inventive method, an application of the present invention manipulates a minerals bioprocess to find local exterma (maxima or minima) for selected output variables/process goals by using a learning-based controller for bioprocess oxidation of minerals during hydrometallurgical processing. The learning-based controller operates with or without human supervision and works to find processor optima without previously defined optima due to the non-characterized nature of the process being manipulated.

Abstract: A learning control apparatus in a reversing rolling mill is disclosed. The learning control apparatus adds a learning calculation means that performs learning calculations based on actual values in the previous pass so as to be able to cope with the pass schedule composition peculiar to the reversing rolling mills. Furthermore, by storing learning calculation values of model errors that depend on materials and product dimensions in tables prepared group division by group division that can assimilate intrinsic model errors, the learning control apparatus of the present invention makes possible stable operation and improves accuracy of the product.

Abstract: A sensor placement algorithm uses process data to determine the optimal distribution of sensors in a distributed parameter manufacturing system. An automatic classification procedure maps any problems in the process to a predetermined set of process disturbances. A control procedure uses process data to determine the best control action that will ensure good system response. Methods for sensor placement, automatic decision tree classification, corrective action control and the apparatus to effectuate these respective methods are integrated into a design methodology.

Abstract: In an IC chip, a novel precomputation architecture and process which grants improved reductions in power dissipation, requires less logic to implement, and relaxes critical timing constraints. A first computation circuit is used to calculate output values if precomputation cannot be performed. However, if the output values can be precomputed, a second circuit is used to calculate the output values. The second computation circuit is smaller, simpler, and consumes less power than the first computation circuit. An extremely small and simple decision circuit, which dissipates a minimal amount of power, is used to determine whether precomputation is possible. This determination is made at a previous cycle, whereas the actual computation of the output cycles are postponed to be performed in a subsequent cycle.

Abstract: An automatic centrifugal machine comprises a handling apparatus for shifting a test specimen from a predetermined position, a rotor equipped with a bucket accommodating the test specimen, a drive motor for rotating the rotor, a chamber surrounding the rotor, and a refrigerator for cooling the chamber, and the automatic centrifugal machine has a height equal to or less than 1,450 mm. A conveyor line, conveying the test specimen, has a height in a range from 750 mm to 850 mm. The handling apparatus of the test specimen is formed by a link arm mechanism including first and second sliders, first and second arms, and a manipulator hand.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for designing and manufacturing semiconductors including the steps of: (i) producing a fab-ready design for a semiconductor device by importing into the design at least one core from a remote source, the core bearing an identification indicium, (ii) utilizing the fab-ready design to fabricate the semiconductor device, and (iii) reading the identification indicium from the semiconductor device to indicate incorporation of the at least one core therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and an apparatus for using scatterometry to perform feedback and feed-forward control. A processing run of semiconductor devices is performed. Metrology data from the processed semiconductor devices is acquired. Error data is acquired by analyzing the acquired metrology data. A determination is made whether the error data merits modification to the processing of semiconductor devices. A feedback modification of the processing of semiconductor devices is performed in response to the determination that the error data merits modification to the processing of semiconductor devices. A feed-forward modification of the processing of the semiconductor devices is performed in response to the determination that the error data merits modification to the processing of semiconductor devices.

Abstract: The control system for a plant comprises a rectifier connected to a network. The rectifier has a unit for acquiring precise time, a unit for sampling the state quantity on the precise time to convert the state quantity into digital data and a unit for adding the precise time at each sampling timing to the digital data to transmit the digital data each having the precise time to the network. A breaker is connected to the network. The breaker has a unit for receiving, through the network, a control command thereto and a unit for transmitting an operating state thereof to the network. A control apparatus is connected to the network. The control apparatus has a unit for performing an operation process on the digital data transmitted through the communication network and the operating state of the breaker transmitted therethrough and a unit for transmitting the control command through the communication network to the breaker in response to a result of the control operation process of the performing unit.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measuring machine comprises a multijointed manually positionable articulated measuring arm for accurately and easily measuring a volume. The articulated arm includes a plurality of bearing arrangements comprising at least a pair of spaced bearings, the spaced bearings being pre-stressed such that, under an applied load, any motion of the arm is limited to axial motion and wherein the mechanical stability of the arm is increased.

Abstract: A semiconductor circuit that includes components and registration features that are electrically isolated from the components. The registration features form projecting parts that are uniformly distributed in the form of a matrix over at least part of the external surface of the circuit so as to define adjacent registration areas. In a preferred embodiment, the semiconductor circuit also includes metal registration features that are produced in at least one metallization level of the circuit. Also provided is a method of adjusting a tool so as to put it into a particular position with respect to the surface of a semiconductor circuit that has registration features defining adjacent registration areas. According to the method, an at least partial topographic record of the registration features on the surface of the semiconductor circuit is produced, and the registration features of the topographic record are brought into coincidence with reference features of a reference drawing.

Abstract: This machine tool such as CNC edge grinding apparatus is an apparatus for machining small glass parts such as a side view mirror. For small parts, grind time can exceed by a considerable amount the load/unload time. This machine greatly increases the output of the system. It minimizes the waiting time by providing an auxiliary station for simultaneous unloading/loading while grinding. Controls integrate multiple axes, which are part of the holding mechanisms, with the linear axes of the grind head, to grind the part.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for “Intelligent” control of production processes such as machining, casting, heat treating and welding are disclosed. The key enabler of such control is electro-optical or other suitable sensors, generally non contact, capable of rapidly and accurately acquiring data from parts and tools used to produce them in a production “in-process” environment. Systems are disclosed to control not only the instant operation, but those processes connected therewith, both upstream and downstream. Data bases are generated and knowledge bases are used. Application of the invention can improve quality and productivity, and allow the production of parts which have unusual or individual material characteristics.

Abstract: A method for solving finite capacity problems such as how to satisfy a customer's request for a manufactured product, by describing the environment in which the problem exists in the form of a demand (e.g., customer order), including the available resources for satisfying the demand, defining the demand, selecting a plan for achieving the various objectives of the demand in an optimal order, and evaluating whether the plan will work. Also disclosed is a computer program product implementing the invention, and a system for coordinating multiple sources of input into a system implementing the disclosed invention.

Abstract: A feedback compensating apparatus for adjusting the working condition of a working machine of a working system adapted to process working portions of successive workpieces under control of a machine controller, which determines the working condition from an extraneous signal. The apparatus is used with the controller and a measuring device for measuring the dimensions of the processed working portions of the workpieces, and includes a device for obtaining dimensional data based on outputs of the measuring device during and/or after a working operation of the machine on each workpiece. The dimensional data include a dimensional error of the processed working portions, and a variable indicative of a tendency of change in the dimensional error. The apparatus further includes a device for determining the extraneous signal based on the dimensional data, and applying the signal to the machine controller to adjust the working condition of the machine.