Abstract: A submerged entry nozzle (SEN) for use in a casting machine to conduct molten steel from a tundish to a mold may include a housing having an inlet capable of receiving an incoming flow of molten steel from the tundish, a distribution zone capable of delivering the molten steel to the mold; and a main body having a bore capable of conducting molten steel therethrough from the inlet to the distribution zone, the bore having sectional geometries capable of alternately compressing and decompressing the molten steel flow in flow path zones to alternately increase and decrease the steel flow velocity with at least two flow path zones capable of compressing the molten steel flow, and to deliver the molten steel from the distribution zone into the mold with flow turbulence inhibited.

Abstract: An impedance compensator for adjusting the power factor of a power distribution system by directly measuring impedance at a point in the power distribution system and dynamically adjusting that impedance to be resistive yielding a power factor of one. The compensator dynamically inserts and removes both capacitance and inductance to adjust the impedance. The inductance is utilized to make coarse adjustments to the impedance, whereas the capacitance is utilized to make fine adjustments.

Abstract: A programmable variable degree of tactile feedback for the operation of a manipulator by a pair of motors, one connected to the load and one to the control. Computer controlled four quadrant regulators for each motor are used to drive the load motor shaft to the same position as the control motor shaft and to vary the feedback force on the control motor in proportion to selected forces developed during the manipulation process.

Abstract: A threaded fastener assembly tool is affixed to the output shaft of a DC motor, the torque of which is controlled by the current through the windings. An angular position encoder is attached to the shaft. A microprocessor monitors the angular position of the shaft as a function of time and controls a programmable current source which provides current to the windings of the motor. The processor varies the amount of torque applied to the fastener tool as a function of various parameters to control the installation of the fastener and detect defective fastener units.

Abstract: A DC motor is connected to a driveshaft the rotation of which is directly coupled to movement of an exercise member. The DC motor is operated in the current control mode wherein current direction and value through the winding of the motor determines its torque. An encoder is connected to the shaft of the motor to monitor its angular position. A program controlled processor monitors the angular position of the shaft and controls the current to the motor to vary the torque thereof and, thus, the force of resistance or assistance to the exercise member in accordance with preprogrammed values and as a function of angular position. A plurality of encoder/motor assemblies control exercise about a plurality of axes of bodily movement.

Abstract: A microprocessor based electric actuator control system is provided which allows accurate determination of the forces opposing movement of manipulator driveshaft. The control system electronically sets a predetermined current through an actuator to produce an electromagnetic force. A displacement measuring device, in conjunction with a time clock measures velocity and calculates acceleration of the actuator in response to the current. The force on the shaft is computer varied such that the acceleration is determined. For the acceleration to be zero, the electromagnetic force be exactly balanced by forces equal but opposite in magnitude. Since the force value is determined by the computer, the opposing force is also accurately determined with no external sensing device needed.