Abstract: Augmented reality-based method, apparatus and system for assisting an operator to perform a task on a moving object according to at least one characteristic of the object, uses projection of light onto the object according to object tracking task instruction data as it moves through the working zone to provide a visual instruction for the operator about the task to perform on the object.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing a process for refining lignocellulosic granular matter such as wood chips use a predictive model including a simulation model based on relations involving a plurality of matter properties characterizing the matter such as moisture content, density, light reflection or granular matter size, refining process operating parameters such as transfer screw speed, dilution flow, hydraulic pressure, plate gaps, or retention delays, at least one output controlled to a target such as primary motor load or pulp freeness, and at least one uncontrolled output such as specific energy consumption, energy split, long fibers, fines and shives. An adaptor is fed with measured values of matter properties and measured values of controlled and uncontrolled outputs, to adapt the simulation model accordingly. An optimizer generates a value of the target according to a predetermined condition on a predicted uncontrolled output parameter and to one or more process constraints.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring size distribution of bulk matter consisted of randomly orientated granules, such as wood chips, make use of scanning the exposed surface of the granular matter to generate three-dimensional profile image data defined with respect to a three-coordinate reference system, The image data is segmented to reveal regions associated with distinct granules, and values of the size-related parameter for the revealed regions are estimated. Then, a geometric correction to each ones of estimated size-related parameter values is applied, to compensate for the random orientation of corresponding distinct granules. Finally, the size distribution of bulk matter is statistically estimated from the corrected size-related parameter values.

Abstract: A method and system for stabilizing dry-based density of wood chips from several sources feeding a chip processing stage upstream of a chip refining process, perform on-line estimation of a set of wood chip properties characterizing the wood chips, including light reflection-related property, moisture content and dry-based density, which are used by a reference model capable of comparing the estimated dry-based density with a predetermined target to produce error data, and selectively modifying discharge rate set points of one or more of the wood chip sources to minimize the error data within fluctuation limits around the target. The discharge rate of the wood chip sources is controlled in accordance with the set points to substantially stabilize the dry-based density of the wood chips.

Abstract: A method and system for stabilizing dry-based density of wood chips from several sources feeding a chip processing stage upstream of a chip refining process, perform on-line estimation of a set of wood chip properties characterizing the wood chips, including light reflection-related property, moisture content and dry-based density, which are used by a reference model capable of comparing the estimated dry-based density with a predetermined target to produce error data, and selectively modifying discharge rate set points of one or more of the wood chip sources to minimize the error data within fluctuation limits around the target. The discharge rate of the wood chip sources is controlled in accordance with the set points to substantially stabilize the dry-based density of the wood chips.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring size distribution of bulk matter consisted of randomly orientated granules, such as wood chips, make use of scanning the exposed surface of the granular matter to generate three-dimensional profile image data defined with respect to a three-coordinate reference system, The image data is segmented to reveal regions associated with distinct granules, and values of the size-related parameter for the revealed regions are estimated. Then, a geometric correction to each ones of estimated size-related parameter values is applied, to compensate for the random orientation of corresponding distinct granules. Finally, the size distribution of bulk matter is statistically estimated from the corrected size-related parameter values.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the electrical energy supplied to a rail traction unit by a high voltage line (1), the apparatus comprising measurement means (5, 26) for measuring the current drawn, and measurement means (12, 27) for measuring the voltage of the power supply, said measurement means themselves possessing a low voltage power supply (23, 24) necessary to enable them to operate, the apparatus being characterized in that the low voltage electrical power supply is taken from light energy converted (22) into electrical energy.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing a process for refining lignocellulosic granular matter such as wood chips use a predictive model including a simulation model based on relations involving a plurality of matter properties characterizing the matter such as moisture content, density, light reflection or granular matter size, refining process operating parameters such as transfer screw speed, dilution flow, hydraulic pressure, plate gaps, or retention delays, at least one output controlled to a target such as primary motor load or pulp freeness, and at least one uncontrolled output such as specific energy consumption, energy split, long fibers, fines and shives. An adaptor is fed with measured values of matter properties and measured values of controlled and uncontrolled outputs, to adapt the simulation model accordingly. An optimizer generates a value of the target according to a predetermined condition on a predicted uncontrolled output parameter and to one or more process constraints.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the electrical energy supplied to a rail traction unit by a high voltage line (1), the apparatus comprising measurement means (5, 26) for measuring the current drawn, and measurement means (12, 27) for measuring the voltage of the power supply, said measurement means themselves possessing a low voltage power supply (23, 24) necessary to enable them to operate, the apparatus being characterized in that the low voltage electrical power supply is taken from light energy converted (22) into electrical energy.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the electrical energy supplied to a rail traction unit by a high voltage line (1), the apparatus comprising measurement means (5, 26) for measuring the current drawn, and measurement means (12, 27) for measuring the voltage of the power supply, said measurement means themselves possessing a low voltage power supply (23, 24) necessary to enable them to operate, the apparatus being characterized in that the low voltage electrical power supply is taken from light energy converted (22) into electrical energy.

Abstract: A method for estimating the quality of wood chips for use in a pulp and paper production process includes estimating a plurality of wood chip quality-related properties characterizing the wood chips, and associating with these properties a plurality of corresponding wood chip property-related quality indexes. A wood chip quality model combining the wood chip property-related quality indexes is used to generate a resulting chip quality index. The properties may include wood species composition, size distribution, impurities content, moisture content and freshness characterizing the wood chips.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing the quality of reclaimable waste paper matter containing contaminants such as brown cardboard or colored plastic bag fragments employ image data analysis techniques to provide quality indication data useful for establishing reclaimed pulp process parameters. Polychromatic light directed onto an inspected area the matter is sensed following reflection thereon to generate color image pixel data representing values of color components within a color space for pixels forming an image of the inspected area. The image data is processed by comparison with color classification data related to one or more contaminants, to identify the pixels likely to be associated with the presence of the contaminant in the inspected area. The classification color data is derived from statistical distribution through Bayesian estimation of a probability that each said pixel be associated with the presence of each contaminant.

Abstract: A sealed neutron tube is set forth, containing a low-pressure gaseous deuterium-tritium mixture wherefrom an ion source (13) forms an ion beam which traverses an acceleration electrode (17) and is projected with high energy onto a target (16) in order to produce therein a fusion reaction which causes an emission of neutrons. In accordance with the invention, the ion source comprises a cold cathode with strictly electrostatic confinement of ionizing electrons; this is achieved by using an anode which is connected to a positive potential and which has a weakly collective surface facing the repulsive surface of the cathode cavity; the anode is arranged along the axis of the cavity in which it is arranged; said cavity constitutes the internal part of the cathode (15) in which the electrons (e.sub.2) which oscillate along very long paths in comparison with the dimensions of the cathode cavity ionize the gas and form an ionized gas wherefrom the ion beam (22) is extracted for standard ion optical device (17).

Abstract: A device is set forth for the extraction and acceleration of ions in a sealed high-flux neutron tube in which an ion beam (3) is extracted from an ion source (1), after which it is accelerated by means of an acceleration electrode (2) so as to be projected onto a target electrode (4) and produce therein a fusion reaction which causes an emission of neutrons. In accordance with the invention, the device also comprises an extraction-pre-acceleration electrode (13) which is arranged between the ion source and the acceleration electrode and which carries a potential such that the beam extracted from the ion source is initially rendered parallel or slightly diverging in order to obtain a laminated ion beam throughout the zone between the ion source and the target electrode.

Abstract: A device is set forth for the extraction and acceleration of ions in a high flux sealed neutron tube containing a low-pressure gaseous deuterium-tritium mixture, where an ion source (12) supplies several ion beams (3a, 3b, . . . 3e) which are projected onto a target electrode (4) by means of an extraction and acceleration system in order to produce therein a fusion reaction which causes an emission of neutrons.

Abstract: The divergence of the magnetic field for confining the ionized gas (9) in a sealed high-flux neutron tube comprising a Penning-type ion source (1) is increased in the direction of the ion emission zone by influencing the magnet assembly (8) of the ion source. The ion beam extracted from the plasma is accelerated (2) and projected onto a target (4). The geometry and the position of the anode (13) inside the ion source are adapted to the topography of the lines of force in order to ensure minimum interception of the ionizing electrons moving in the structure, which adaptation is achieved notably by using a truncated anode whose generatrices take the shape of the lines of force.

Abstract: A sealed neutron tube is set forth which contains a low-pressure gaseous deuterium-tritium mixture wherefrom an ion source forms an ionized gas which is guided by a magnetic electron confinement field produced by magnets (8), which source emits the ion beams (3) which traversed an extraction-acceleration electrode (2) and which are projected onto a target (4) so as to produce therein a fusion reaction which causes an emission of electrons. In accordance with the invention, the ion source is of a multi-cell type formed by n Penning-type cells comprising a multi-hole anode (6) which is arranged inside the cathode cavity (7) in order to increase the ion current. The shape and/or the dimensions and/or the position of the multi-hole anode are adapted to the topology of the magnetic field.

Abstract: The ion source comprises a cathode, an intermediate electrode and an anode with two ionization chambers between these electrodes, means for producing an axial magnetic field, means for applying a DC voltage between an intermediate electrode and the anode, ion extraction means and an alternating voltage generator between the cathode and the intermediate electrode.