Abstract: A multivariable control system for controlling boiler burners. The system includes burner actuators, boiler sensors, a control system coupled to the actuators and the sensors and further includes a memory and a processor, and an application stored in the memory. When executed by the processor, the application executes a multivariable control algorithm to determine actuator manipulated variable values to control in part the burners based on data received from the sensors and based on a plurality of gain values. The application also executes an adaptation algorithm to change an actuator manipulated variable value, to maintain the changed manipulated variable value for a pre-determined period of time, to determine a change in data received from the sensors, to determine a gain value based on the changed manipulated variable value and the change in data received from the sensors, and to provide the determined gain value to the multivariable control algorithm.

Abstract: A multivariable control system for controlling boiler burners. The system comprises burner actuators, boiler sensors, a control system coupled to the actuators and the sensors and comprising a memory and a processor, and an application stored in the memory. When executed by the processor, the application executes a multivariable control algorithm to determine actuator manipulated variable values to control in part the burners based on data received from the sensors and based on a plurality of gain values. The application also executes an adaptation algorithm to change an actuator manipulated variable value, to maintain the changed manipulated variable value for a pre-determined period of time, to determine a change in data received from the sensors, to determine a gain value based on the changed manipulated variable value and the change in data received from the sensors, and to provide the determined gain value to the multivariable control algorithm.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for control using field and control devices that provide a virtual machine environment and that communicate via an IP network. By way of non-limiting example, such field device can be an “intelligent” transmitter or actuator that includes a low power processor, along with a random access memory, a read-only memory, FlashRAM, and a sensor interface. The processor can execute a real-time operating system, as well as a Java virtual machine (JVM). Java byte code executes in the JVM to configure the field device to perform typical process control functions, e.g., for proportional integral derivative (PID) control and signal conditioning. Control networks can include a plurality of such field and control devices interconnected by an IP network, such as an Ethernet.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for control using field and control devices that provide a virtual machine environment and that communicate via an IP network. By way of non-limiting example, such field device can be an “intelligent” transmitter or actuator that includes a low power processor, along with a random access memory, a read-only memory, FlashRAM, and a sensor interface. The processor can execute a real-time operating system, as well as a Java virtual machine (JVM). Java byte code executes in the JVM to configure the field device to perform typical process control functions, e.g., for proportional integral derivative (PID) control and signal conditioning. Control networks can include a plurality of such field and control devices interconnected by an IP network, such as an Ethernet.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for control using field and control devices that provide a virtual machine environment and that communicate via an IP network. By way of non-limiting example, such field device can be an “intelligent” transmitter or actuator that includes a low power processor, along with a random access memory, a read-only memory, FlashRAM, and a sensor interface. The processor can execute a real-time operating system, as well as a Java virtual machine (JVM). Java byte code executes in the JVM to configure the field device to perform typical process control functions, e.g., for proportional integral derivative (PID) control and signal conditioning. Control networks can include a plurality of such field and control devices interconnected by an IP network, such as an Ethernet.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for control using field and control devices that provide a virtual machine environment and that communicate via an IP network. By way of non-limiting example, such field device can be an “intelligent” transmitter or actuator that includes a low power processor, along with a random access memory, a read-only memory, FlashRAM, and a sensor interface. The processor can execute a real-time operating system, as well as a Java virtual machine (JVM). Java byte code executes in the JVM to configure the field device to perform typical process control functions, e.g., for proportional integral derivative (PID) control and signal conditioning. Control networks can include a plurality of such field and control devices interconnected by an IP network such as an Ethernet.

Abstract: Colored pigments having one or more desired parameters and/or properties are described. These parameters and/or properties include: a) a particles size of from about 10 nm to about 300 nm; b) an accusizer number of less than 1010 particles/ml of dispersion at 15% solids which are greater than 0.5 micron; c) a filterability such that when in a liquid medium, 100 ml having 10% solids of the colored pigment filters through a 3 micron nylon absolute filter; d) a colored pigment purity of greater than about 80%, based on extractable material; and/or e) a stability such that the above-described properties do not change by more than 50% at 25 degrees C for at least one week. Colored pigments having at least one organic group and having one or more of the above-described characteristics is also described as well as a process for preparing surface-modified colored pigments.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reforming organics into shorter-chain unsaturated organic compounds. A molten metal bath is provided which can cause homolytic cleavage of an organic component of an organic-containing feed. The feed is directed into the molten metal bath at a rate which causes partial homolytic cleavage of an organic component of the feed. Conditions are established and maintained in the reactor to cause partial homolytic cleavage of the organic component to produce unsaturated organic compounds, as products of the homolytic cleavage, which are discharged from the molten metal bath.

Abstract: A carriage is mounted for longitudinal movement on the elevator of a stacker crane and carries a rod adapted to engage the flange on the container drawer to move the drawer in and out of the storage rack. The rod is mounted on a pair of chains trained on sprockets at opposed sides of the carriage. Drive means is provided for moving the carriage back and forth into and out of contact with the storage rack at the level where the drawer enters the slot or bin in the rack. As the chains move on the sprockets, the extractor rod engages the flange on the drawer and, depending upon the direction the chains are moving, either pulls the drawer out or pushes it into its slot. The container drawer slides on suitable supports in the rack and on the carriage.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reforming organics into shorter-chain unsaturated organic compounds. A molten metal bath is provided which can cause homolytic cleavage of an organic component of an organic-containing feed. The feed is directed into the molten metal bath at a rate which causes partial homolytic cleavage of an organic component of the feed. Conditions are established and maintained in the reactor to cause partial homolytic cleavage of the organic component to produce unsaturated organic compounds, as products of the homolytic cleavage, which are discharged from the molten metal bath.