Abstract: A method determines the number of servers as a function of time required for a finite server queueing system based on a projected load. The number of servers is chosen subject to the constraint that the probability of delay before beginning service does not exceed a target probability at all times. The finite server queueing system is first advantageously modeled as an infinite-server system and the mean and variance of the number of busy servers at time t is determined and a distribution is approximated. For any time, the number of servers is chosen to be the least number so that the probability that these are all busy is less than the target probability. As an optional refinement, the infinite server target tail probability is then related to the actual delay probability in the finite server system.

Abstract: Circuit arrangements are disclosed for receiving an applied analog type voltage signal, and in response to the applied signal generating an output pulse string whose frequency characteristic is proportional to the square of the applied signal. In one embodiment a circuit means for creating a jittering effect is provided so as to smear or smooth abrupt discontinuities in the output pulse string. The smearing of the output pulse string improves the accuracy of its frequency characteristic.

Abstract: Disclosed is a phase sequence network. The network is compensated for frequency variations in the signal applied to the sequence network so as to develop a desired sequence component output that is accurate over a limited but adequate range of frequencies.

Abstract: A D.C. to D.C. converter is disclosed which includes a first and a fourth, and a second and a third, sequentially operating transistors. The D.C. to D.C. converter further includes a saturable transformer having a center-tap and resistive networks interposed among the four transistors. The D.C. to D.C. converter is adapted for energization by an input D.C. voltage. The transistors of the D.C. to D.C. converter cause one side of the input D.C. voltage to be sequentially applied to opposite sides of a primary winding of the transformer which, in turn, cause the transformer to be sequentially excited into positive and then negative saturation conditions. The sequential excitation of transformer develops a time varying square-wave type signal at the secondary windings of the transformer which is further converted into a D.C. signal by an A.C. to D.C. converter.

Abstract: The web from a running roll passes through a festoon in which an amount of web is stored. Upon the application of a splice command signal, the speed of the running roll is reduced from an initial or line speed V linearly at a rate R1. As the speed of the running roll decreases, the rate at which the festoon web length decreases reaches a preselected fraction of the speed V. This indicates that the running roll is stopped. A splice initiate signal is then generated. The web from the running roll is spliced to the web from a reserve roll. Following the splice, the speed of the web from the reserve roll is accelerated linearly at a rate R2 to speed V. If the rate of reduction of running roll speed is independent of the initial speed V, the same web tensions are experienced during braking of the running roll regardless of the initial speed V. If the rate is made dependent on the initial speed V, lower web tensions are experienced during braking for lower initial speeds V.

Abstract: A ratiometric edge detector system for use in controlling the position of the edge of a web or other material. At least two zones on the web are illuminated with light. The first zone is of greater area than the second zone. The second zone has a border at the web edge. Light reflected from the two zones is optically sensed. A control signal is generated proportional to the ratio of the light reflected from the two zones. The ratio indicates deviation of the web edge from a preselected position.

Abstract: A heat wrap control for a preheater in a paperboard corrugator adjusts the amount of wrap of a moving web about a heated drum as a linear function of web speed to effect uniform heat transfer to the web.

Abstract: The separate motors of the single facer and double facer machines of a corrugator are controlled in response to separate digital set point signals. Each set point signal is generated by a counter in response to a pulse generator. In a RUN mode, the counter automatically generates a preselected set point signal indicative of a preselected minimum speed and the motor speed is brought up to the preselected minimum speed. The pulse generator and counter are free-running until a digital detector senses the preselected set point signal and inhibits the pulse generator. In FAST and SLOW modes, the pulse generator is selectively steered by the operator to cause the counter to generate selective set point signals indicative of selective set point speeds and the motor speed is varied to the set point speeds.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for detecting the moisture gradient in a moving web. A radio frequency signal is applied to a transmitting means which transmits an electromagnetic field through the web being sensed. The moisture gradient of the web is monitored by sensing a control signal which is indicative of fluctuations in the strength of the transmitted electromagnetic field owing to the absorption of energy by moisture on the web moved through the field.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring the quantity of single face paperboard on the bridge of a corrugator so that a unit length of paperboard will remain on the bridge for a preselected time irrespective of the speed of the corrugator to properly season the paperboard. Signals indicative of input and output of paperboard to the bridge are compared with a signal indicative of a preselected time and a signal is generated to effect changes in the single facer machine motor speed.