Abstract: Techniques are provided herein for reducing vibrations in various modes of a dynamic system. One such technique comprises incorporating vibration limiting and sensitivity constraints into a partial fraction expansion equation model of the system so as to reduce vibrations to specific levels. Another technique comprises shaping a command determined using the partial fraction expansion equation model to produce a desired output. The entire command may be shaped or only selected portions thereof which produce vibrations. Another technique involves commanding in current to produce saturation in voltage. By doing this, it is possible to command voltage switches. The times at which the switches occur can be set to reduce system vibrations. Other techniques are also provided. These include varying transient portions at the beginning, middle and/or end of a move and using Posicast inputs, among others.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for altering the operation of printers and scanners to reduce vibration and/or acoustics. The technology involves altering the mode of operation of the printer or scanner to be in either “quick”, “quiet” or an intermediate mode. Additionally, means for achieving the different modes of operation are also disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques are provided herein for reducing vibrations in various modes of a dynamic system. One such technique comprises incorporating vibration limiting and sensitivity constraints into a partial fraction expansion equation model of the system so as to reduce vibrations to specific levels. Another technique comprises shaping a command determined using the partial fraction expansion equation model to produce a desired output. The entire command may be shaped or only selected portions thereof which produce vibrations. Another technique involves commanding in current to produce saturation in voltage. By doing this, it is possible to command voltage switches. The times at which the switches occur can be set to reduce system vibrations. Other techniques are also provided. These include varying transient portions at the beginning, middle and/or end of a move and using Posicast inputs, among others.

Abstract: Techniques are provided herein for reducing vibrations in various modes of a dynamic system. One such technique comprises incorporating vibration limiting and sensitivity constraints into a partial fraction expansion equation model of the system so as to reduce vibrations to specific levels. Another technique comprises shaping a command determined using the partial fraction expansion equation model to produce a desired output. The entire command may be shaped or only selected portions thereof which produce vibrations. Another technique involves commanding in current to produce saturation in voltage. By doing this, it is possible to command voltage switches. The times at which the switches occur can be set to reduce system vibrations. Other techniques are also provided. These include varying transient portions at the beginning, middle and/or end of a move and using Posicast inputs, among others.

Abstract: A tissue examination apparatus particularly useful for automated breast palpation is provided. The apparatus includes an actuator having an extendable probe for contacting the tissue and an electronic control module that controls extension and retraction of the probe. The electronic control module determines displacement distances of the probe and forces exerted on the probe at each displacement distance when the probe is extended so as to contact the tissue. The apparatus also has a drive assembly secured to a frame. The drive assembly includes a movable carriage and a corresponding drive motor. The actuator is mounted on the movable carriage. The drive motor receives motion control signals from the electronic control module and thereby moves the actuator over a patient's body. At different locations, the probe is extended into the patient's tissue and force and displacement readings are obtained and sent to the electronic control module.

Abstract: A self contained pulsatile surgical irrigation device includes a housing, a trigger moveably connected to the housing, a motor within the housing, a pump within the housing, and a mechanical drive train for coupling the motor to the pump. The trigger is mechanically connected to the drive train to enable the stroke of the pump to be varied, thereby varying the output flow from the device.

Abstract: A self contained pulsatile surgical irrigation device that includes a housing, a trigger moveably connected to the housing, a motor within the housing, a pump within the housing, and a mechanical drive train for coupling the motor to the pump. The trigger is mechanically connected to the drive train to enable the stroke of the pump to be varied, thereby varying the output flow from the device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for minimizing unwanted dynamics in a physical system response. Constraints on the input and on the unwanted dynamics are established, and an impulse sequence which satisfies the constraints is determined. The impulse sequence is convolved with an arbitrary command input to produce a shaped input which is used to drive physical system, thereby minimizing unwanted dynamics. The constraints on the input and on the unwanted dynamics may be selected to achieve shaped inputs and residual unwanted dynamics of various characteristics.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining whether soil is satisfactorily compacted. An operator delivers impact energy to the soil, and the amount of impact energy transmitted through the soil is repeatedly sensed and stored. A modelling formula, which approximates the variation of the stored amounts of impact energy, is used to generate current and target values for the level of compaction; if the current value equals or exceeds the target value, the soil is considered to be satisfactorily compacted.

Abstract: A carrier for supporting a coded container in a predetermined orientation on a magnetic conveyor system having magnetic means on the carrier with at least one window in the carrier to expose a coded container held therein.

Abstract: A sequence of impulses is determined which eliminates unwanted dynamics of a dynamic system. This impulse sequence is convolved with an arbitrary command input to drive the dynamic system to an output with a minimum of unwanted dynamics. The input sequence is time optimal in that it constitutes the shortest possible command input that results in no unwanted dynamics of the system subject to robustness and implementation constraints. The preshaping technique is robust under system parameter uncertainty and may be applied to both open and closed loop syThe Government has rights in this invention pursuant to Grant Number N00014-86-K-0685 awarded by the Department of the Navy.