Abstract: Methods and systems for the design and implementation of optimal multivariable MPC controllers for fast-sampling constrained dynamic systems utilizing a primal-dual feasibility approach and/or a graph approach. The primal-dual feasibility approach can compute and store matrices defining constraints of quadratic programming problems in an off-line part in order to calculate vectors of Lagrange multipliers and an optimizer. Then primal-dual feasibility can be checked in an on-line part using the Lagrange multipliers and the optimizer can provide a unique optimal solution for the constrained dynamic system. The graph approach can compute and store the matrices and the vectors, and also prepare and store a structure of directed graph in off-line part. An optimizer for a given parameter vector can be determined in on-line part using the directed graph, the matrices and the vectors.

Abstract: A low noise voltage regulator generally includes an output switching stage and an amplifier, both of which contribute current to produce an output voltage at a substantially constant level. The amplifier produces a current that is based on a difference between a reference voltage and a feedback of the output voltage. The current from the amplifier (and optionally also from a current ramp generator) counterbalances the current from the output switching stage to maintain the output voltage at the substantially constant level. The output switching stage is controlled in response to a level of the counterbalancing current.

Abstract: The system and method of the invention describes a unique approach to gathering patient treatment information in summary form from a universe of health care providers, each using any form of patient information management; converting that information to pointers that can be searched by a healthcare provider before or during treatment to determine if further information needs to be acquired from the original provider; and a variety of methods to provide access to detailed healthcare treatment and diagnosis information from the original healthcare provider through an access and display method provided by the healthcare provider housing the records, if available. The system and method envisages one or more providers of repository services, each offering various ways for healthcare providers to update and maintain summary information, and each providing for continual exchange of information among them to ensure complete access to all available information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the design and implementation of optimal multivariable MPC controllers for fast-sampling constrained dynamic systems utilizing a primal-dual feasibility approach and/or a graph approach. The primal-dual feasibility approach can compute and store matrices defining constraints of quadratic programming problems in an off-line part in order to calculate vectors of Lagrange multipliers and an optimizer. Then primal-dual feasibility can be checked in an on-line part using the Lagrange multipliers and the optimizer can provide a unique optimal solution for the constrained dynamic system. The graph approach can compute and store the matrices and the vectors, and also prepare and store a structure of directed graph in off-line part. An optimizer for a given parameter vector can be determined in on-line part using the directed graph, the matrices and the vectors.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the design and implementation of optimal multivariable MPC controllers for fast-sampling constrained dynamic systems utilizing a primal-dual feasibility approach and/or a graph approach. The primal-dual feasibility approach can compute and store matrices defining constraints of quadratic programming problems in an off-line part in order to calculate vectors of Lagrange multipliers and an optimizer. Then primal-dual feasibility can be checked in an on-line part using the Lagrange multipliers and the optimizer can provide a unique optimal solution for the constrained dynamic system. The graph approach can compute and store the matrices and the vectors, and also prepare and store a structure of directed graph in off-line part. An optimizer for a given parameter vector can be determined in on-line part using the directed graph, the matrices and the vectors.

Abstract: A child car seat is adapted for use in an automobile, and includes a seat assembly and a backrest unit connected to the seat assembly and including a backrest body, a pair of safety belts, and a guide component. The backrest body has opposite front and rear surfaces, and a plurality of spaced apart pairs of belt slots. Each belt slot has opposite front and rear open ends formed respectively in the front and rear surfaces. Each safety belt has a free end portion. The guide component is coupled to the rear surface of the backrest body and covers the rear open ends of the belt slots. The free end portions of the safety belts are extended respectively through a selected one pair of the belt slots, and along a predetermined route behind the rear surface of the backrest body through guidance of the guide component.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the design and implementation of optimal multivariable MPC controllers for fast-sampling constrained dynamic systems utilizing a primal-dual feasibility approach and/or a graph approach. The primal-dual feasibility approach can compute and store matrices defining constraints of quadratic programming problems in an off-line part in order to calculate vectors of Lagrange multipliers and an optimizer. Then primal-dual feasibility can be checked in an on-line part using the Lagrange multipliers and the optimizer can provide a unique optimal solution for the constrained dynamic system. The graph approach can compute and store the matrices and the vectors, and also prepare and store a structure of directed graph in off-line part. An optimizer for a given parameter vector can be determined in on-line part using the directed graph, the matrices and the vectors.

Abstract: A method includes predicting measurements or states to be used by a controller to control a process. The predicted measurements or states are generated using a model of the process. The method also includes providing the predicted measurements or states to the controller such that the controller uses the predicted measurements or states at a sampling rate of the controller. In addition, the method includes updating at least some of the predicted measurements or states using measurements associated with a characteristic of an item from a sensor. The model may represent a discrete time model, and the method may also include generating the discrete time model using a continuous time model of the process. The measurements could be received from a plurality of sensors, where at least two of the sensors have different sampling times.

Abstract: A system for automatic multivariable calibration of an engine controller. The system may take inputs which include actuator setpoints, sensor measurements, performance requirements, and so forth. There may be an algorithm to compute engine calibration parameters for the controller. Each of the actuators may be separately stepped through to experimentally obtain actuator input and sensor output data. Algorithmic processing of the experimentally obtained data may be performed to calculate parameters of a model of an engine. A model based control design algorithm may then be invoked to obtain the calibration parameters for a controller. The calibrated controller may be tested with real or simulated engine conditions. The performance related to the parameters may be analyzed and determination of the acceptability of the data be made. If not acceptable, the parameters may be reprocessed. If acceptable, the calibration parameters may be downloaded to the engine controller for application and use.

Abstract: A controller design for switching between m linear multivariable controllers each of whom stabilizes a linear plant has been presented. A Youla-Kucera factorization was exploited in the interest of obtaining a closed-loop system that is exponentially stable for any switching signal ?(t) in the absence of plant model uncertainty. Robustness to practical model uncertainty was also considered and lower and upper bounds on the tolerable magnitude of unstructured additive plant uncertainty were presented. Numerical example demonstrated that the two controller degrees of freedom in the proposed controller design could be used to separately modify the closed-loop steady-state (with respect to ?(t)) performance and the switching transients.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using a measure of fueling rate in the air side control of an engine. By using a measure of the fueling rate, the air side control may, for example, anticipate the future air side needs of the engine, and adjust one or more air side parameters to meet the anticipated future air side needs of the engine. This may improve the responsiveness, performance and emissions of the engine.

Abstract: An automated tuning method of a large-scale multivariable model predictive controller for multiple array papermaking machine cross-directional (CD) processes can significantly improve the performance of the controller over traditional controllers. Paper machine CD processes are large-scale spatially-distributed dynamical systems. Due to these systems' (almost) spatially invariant nature, the closed-loop transfer functions are approximated by transfer matrices with rectangular circulant matrix blocks, whose input and output singular vectors are the Fourier components of dimension equivalent to either number of actuators or number of measurements. This approximation enables the model predictive controller for these systems to be tuned by a numerical search over optimization weights in order to shape the closed-loop transfer functions in the two-dimensional frequency domain for performance and robustness.

Abstract: A system for controlling fuel to an engine to minimize emissions in an exhaust of the engine. There may be a controller connected to an actuator, for example a fuel control actuator, of the engine and to emissions sensors, such as an NOx and/or PM sensor, proximate to an exhaust output of the engine. The controller, for example a speed controller, may have an input connected to an output of a pedal or desired speed setting mechanism. A speed sensor at a power output of the engine may be connected to an input of the controller.

Abstract: A reverse bump test, for identifying the alignment of a sheetmaking system while the system remains in closed-loop control, includes the following steps: (a) leaving the control system in closed-loop, (b) artificially inserting a step signal on top of the measurement (or setpoint) profile from the scanner, (c) recording the data as the control system moves the actuators to remove the perceived disturbance (or setpoint change), and (d) refining or developing a model from the artificial measurement disturbance (or setpoint change) to the actuator profile. The technique supplies the probing/perturbation signal to the scanner measurement, which is equivalent to supplying the probing/perturbation signal to the setpoint target) rather than inserting bumps via the actuator set points as has been practiced traditionally.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a system and method for the automated casting of infrared glass optical components is provided. The system includes a mold for casting infrared glass into lenses, a mold chamber operable to heat the mold to a temperature above the melting temperature of the infrared glass, and a casting chamber operable to fill the mold with molten infrared glass. The method includes heating a mold in a mold chamber to a temperature above the melting temperature of infrared glass, casting molten infrared glass into the mold in a casting chamber; and cooling the mold to a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the infrared glass.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved dental composition useful in the repair of cavities, apex repairs, root perforations and root canals. Disclosed is a dental composition and dental composition additive which have improved handling characteristics, for example improved viscosity and setting time. The addition of effective amounts of a modified cellulose and calcium chloride to available dental repair compounds, such as mineral trioxide compound, results in the improved dental composition without affecting the other characteristics of the dental repair compound.

Abstract: A system and method for forming infrared glass optical components are provided. The system includes first and second mold halves having first and second respective faces. The first and second mold halves are configured to be removably coupled such that the first face and the second face form an interface that defines a lens-shaped cavity. A tapered surface of the first face cooperates with a tapered surface of the second face to enhance centering of the first face with respect to the second face.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing chalcogenide glass are provided that allow for larger quantities of glass to be produced with lower production costs and less risks of environmental hazards. The system includes a reaction container operable to hold chalcogenide glass constituents during a glass formation reaction, a stirring rod operable to mix the contents of the reaction container, a thermocouple operable to measure the temperature inside the reaction container, and a reaction chamber operable to hold the reaction container. The method includes placing chalcogenide glass constituents in a reaction container, heating the chalcogenide glass constituents above the melting point of at least one of the constituents, promoting dissolving or reaction of the other constituents, stirring the reaction melt, maintaining an overpressure of at least one atmosphere over the reaction melt, and cooling the reaction melt to below the chalcogenide glass transition temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling automotive powertrains using a distributed control architecture are disclosed. A distributed control system may include a supervisory control unit for controlling one or more powertrain subsystems, and one or more subsystem control units in communication with the supervisory control unit. The supervisory control unit can be configured to execute a central optimization algorithm that computes variables from across multiple powertrain subsystems, and then outputs a number of globally approximated command values to each associated subsystem control unit. In some embodiments, the central optimization algorithm can be configured to solve a global cost function or optimization routine. One or more of the subsystem control units can be configured to execute a lower-level algorithm or routine, which can comprise a higher-fidelity model than that used by the central optimization algorithm.

Abstract: A heat transfer system in an engine for transferring heat from the recirculated exhaust gas to an output of an engine exhaust system. The heat transfer may cool the recirculated exhaust for reduced emissions from engine combustion and, at the same time, increase the output exhaust temperature to facilitate regeneration of an exhaust aftertreatment system. There may a heat transfer unit at the output of an exhaust gas recirculating valve connected to a heat transfer unit at the output of the exhaust system.