Abstract: A method of generating customizable goal representation is disclosed. A request from a user to view a goal representation is received. A flexible goal ontology is accessed that comprises one or more goal entities, one or more goal relationships between the goal entities, or one or more goal properties, the one or more goal properties including one or more metadata attributes relating to the one or more goal entities. A set of mapping rules is obtained that defines mappings between one or more goals. The set of mapping rules is evaluated to assemble a customized goal representation tailored to the user. The customized goal representation is updated based on a revaluation of the mapping rules affected by changes to the one or more goal entities, the one or more goal relationships, or the one or more properties.

Abstract: A method of friction stir welding joints with shims and an associated structural assembly is provided. The structural assembly includes one or more skin members that are disposed and friction stir welded to a substructure. A shim is disposed in a space defined by the other members of the assembly, e.g., between adjacent skin members or between a skin member and the substructure. The shim can be friction stir welded to the other members. That is, the adjacent skin members can be connected via the shim, and/or the skin members can be connected to the substructure via the shim. In some cases, the skin members and the substructure are relatively stiff, and the shim substantially fills the space to reduce flexing of the members during the friction stir welding operation.

Abstract: An improved circuit and device uses a set of eight switches, four of which are connected to the positive terminal, and four of which are connected to the negative terminal of a high voltage direct current power supply. The eight switches are attached in a distributed and overlapping manner to the inputs of up to six welding transformers. Pulse width modulation is utilized to distributively control power to the six welding transformers utilizing distributed control by a single controller. Phasing of the pulse width modulated power signal enables further optimization of the distributed control and is accomplished by a single controller and based upon feedback demand from the transformers utilizing typical measured parameters.

Abstract: An improved circuit and device uses a dual primary winding transformer, where the primary windings are connected in series, and where each winding has a center tapped ground. A series of four switches are attached to the ends of the two primary windings to sequentially feed the primary windings. The switches are controlled by a pair of oscillators, the first two switches on one primary winding controlled by a first oscillator, and the second two switches of the other primary winding controlled by a second oscillator. Both the first and second oscillator are controlled by a phase displacement controller which can vary the relative timing of the two oscillators to control the transformer output. A zero phase angle delivers maximum power, while a 180.degree. phase displacement delivers zero power, enabling precise control across the zero to full power spectrum. A series of feedback controls measure the current and voltage of the output of a rectifier bridge to even more closely control the power output.

Abstract: An improved circuit and device uses a dual primary winding transformer, where the primary windings are connected in series, and where each winding has a center tapped ground. A series of four switches are attached to the ends of the two primary windings to sequentially feed the primary windings. The switches are controlled by a pair of oscillators, the first two switches on one primary winding controlled by a first oscillator, and the second two switches of the other primary winding controlled by a second oscillator. Both the first and second oscillator are controlled by a phase displacement controller which can vary the relative timing of the two oscillators to control the transformer output. A zero phase angle delivers maximum power, while a 180.degree. phase displacement delivers zero power, enabling precise control across the zero to full power spectrum. A series of feedback controls measure the current and voltage of the output of a rectifier bridge to even more closely control the power output.

Abstract: The electronic combination door lock uses a push button keyboard in combination with a door provided with a dead bolt manually operable by an outer turning knob. The electronic circuitry for the keyboard compares an input code with a stored code and generates an enabling signal only if the input code is the same as the stored code. The outer turning knob is restrained from being manually moved to retract the dead bolt when the door is in its locked condition. This restraining of the outer knob is removed by the enabling signal which requires very little energy so that the dead bolt can then be manually retracted. Since the major portion of the work involved in unlocking the door is a manual operation, very little electrical energy is required for the keyboard and circuitry and a battery can thus be used to thereby eliminate complicated wiring to exterior power sources.