Abstract: An environmental monitoring device that includes a switching mechanism is described. During operation of the environmental monitoring device, the switching mechanism (such as a switch) selectively electrically couples a first electrical-connection node and a second electrical-connection node. For example, using the switching mechanism, an electronic device that is electrically coupled to the first electrical-connection node may be selectively electrically coupled to a second electronic device that is electrically coupled to the second electrical-connection node. The selective electrical coupling may be based on one or more measurements of an environmental condition in an external environment that includes the environmental monitoring device. Moreover, a sensor mechanism in the environmental monitoring device may provide sensor data based on the one or more measurements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a human-machine interface apparatus (10), comprising a display unit (102) and a control unit (101), wherein the display unit (102) and the control unit (101) have two types of installation state. In the first installation state, the display unit (102) and the control unit (101) are directly connected together, and in the second installation state, the display unit (102) and the control unit (101) are installed in two locations, respectively, and connected via a cable (104). Since the installation state of the display unit (102) and the control unit (101) can be switched between the two types of installation state as required, flexible installation is provided for a user according to the working environment. Further disclosed is a control cabinet including the present human-machine interface.

Abstract: A measuring device contains a measuring unit, a control unit and a communications unit. In this context, the measuring unit is embodied to be controlled by means of the communications unit and the control unit by control computers in order to execute measurement procedures. The measuring unit and/or the control unit accordingly have at their disposal at least one unit of a resource which can be used only by one measurement procedure at a time. The control unit is further embodied, after a reservation of the at least one unit of the resource by a control computer, to use the reserved unit of the resource only for measurement procedures triggered by the reserving control computer.

Abstract: A computing device identifies a plurality of containers that are collocated at a facility via a network. Each container of the plurality of containers comprises an electronic device integrated into the container without interfering with a content of the container, the electronic device comprising a receiver, a display and speakers. The computing device transmits messages comprising activation signals to electronic devices of the plurality of containers that are collocated at the facility. The messages cause the electronic devices of the plurality of containers to activate, display images using the display and output audio via the speakers together as a group.

Abstract: A machine may be configured to re-create an internal shape of a clothing item using a pneumatically-powered fitting device. For example, the machine, based on a clothing item identifier, identifies a description of an internal shape of a clothing item. The machine transmits an instruction referencing the description to a filling station associated with the fitting device. The machine, based on the transmitting of the instruction, causes the fitting device to adjust according to the description.

Abstract: According to an embodiment there is provided a building automation system control apparatus comprising building automation system control logic configured to receive signaling from entities connected to a building automation system and to cause transmission of control signaling to the entities connected to the building automation system, wherein the building automation system control logic comprises elevator control logic as an integral part to directly control an elevator system comprising one or more elevators, the building automation system control logic being configured to take into account signaling received from the entities connected to the building automation system when determining control signaling for the elevator system; and the building automation system control logic being configured to take into account signaling received from the elevator system when determining control signaling for the entities connected to the building automation system.

Abstract: Techniques are described for implementing automated control systems that manipulate operations of specified target systems, such as by modifying or otherwise manipulating inputs or other control elements of the target system that affect its operation (e.g., affect output of the target system). An automated control system may in some situations have a distributed architecture with multiple decision modules that each controls a portion of a target system, and may further have one or more components that interacts with one or more users to obtain a description of the target system, including restrictions related to the various elements of the target system, and one or more goals to be achieved during control of the target system. The component(s) then perform various automated actions to generate, test and deploy one or more executable decision modules to use in performing the control of the target system based on the user-specified information.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a sensor interface module that delivers a supply voltage to a plurality of sensors, and which exchanges data signals between the plurality of sensors and a control unit (e.g., an ECU). The sensor interface often employs a single-bit comparator (or a coarse analog to digital converter (ADC), e.g., a 2-bit or 3-bit ADC) to track signals to be exchanged between the sensors and controller over the sensor interface. Compared to power hungry ADC with more bits (e.g., 32 bit ADC), the single-bit comparator/coarse ADC limits hardware complexity and power consumption. In addition, in some embodiments the sensor interface module can include an estimator and assist comparators to speed up the tracking ability of the sensor interface module. In this way, techniques provided herein facilitate reliable, low-power communication between a control unit (e.g., an ECU) and its corresponding sensors.

Abstract: A method for setting up and/or updating the programming of a second control unit of a transportation device includes operating a first control unit of the transportation device in a first functional scope for setting up and/or updating the programming of a second control unit of the transportation device, setting up or updating the programming of the second control unit by the first control unit, and setting up the first control unit for a second functional scope. A system by which the method of the invention may be implements is also described.

Abstract: A ladder program device includes circuitry which stores a register value to be used in a ladder program, displays the register value in a register value display area, and receives a selection for one of a first rewrite input and a second rewrite input for the register value displayed in the registered value display area, the circuitry receives the selection by accepting the first rewrite input if a value to modify the register value is entered and accepting the second rewrite input if at least one portion of the register value display area is selected to modify the register value.

Abstract: A laser processing system that processes a workpiece with a laser includes a processing interruption unit that interrupts laser processing of the workpiece in accordance with an interruption signal, a processing resumption unit that resumes the laser processing of the workpiece after the interruption signal is cancelled, and an interruption point visualizer providing unit that provides the workpiece with an interruption point visualizer that allows an interruption point on the workpiece where the laser processing is interrupted by the processing interruption unit to be visually recognized.

Abstract: A method for controlling flow localization in machining process is disclosed. By application of a constraint of sufficient level in the deformation zone and modifying the surface boundary conditions, suppression of unsteady flow and flow instabilities is achieved. The method enhances machined component quality by ensuring a uniform deformation state on the machined surface. Machined components are produced by ensuing uniform deformation by adopting constrained-cutting process for suppressing the instabilities and unsteady flow through a pre-determined location of the constraint of the constrained machining process relative to the machining tool.

Abstract: An automated oxy-fuel thermal processing system including an oxy-fuel torch, an automated machine tool operatively coupled to the torch for moving the torch relative to a work piece, and a circuit including a voltage source or a current electrically connected to the torch and configured to be electrically connected to the work piece. The automated oxy-fuel thermal processing system may further include a processor that is operatively connected to the torch, the automated machine tool, the circuit, and the voltage source or current source, wherein the processor is configured to control the operation of the torch, the automated machine tool and the voltage source or current source, and to monitor a current or voltage in the circuit in a predefined manner.

Abstract: A numerical controller acquires state information (machine condition) such as the current temperature of a drive unit to determine whether a machining operation based on a machining program can be started or not by comparing the state information with a machine condition history recorded in a recording unit. If determined that the machining operation can be started, a machining operation start command is output and if determined that the machining operation cannot be started, the machine condition is monitored to withhold outputting of the machining operation start command until the machine condition allowing to start the machining operation based on the machining program appears.

Abstract: A method for balancing a rotating part in order to produce a machined and balanced rotating part, from a blank of a rotating part comprising a step of virtual machining of the digital model of the blank, so as to calculate an intermediate digital model in the target reference frame comprising the motor shaft; at least one step of modifying the geometric reference frame of the digital model of the blank in order to make the axis of inertia of the intermediate digital model match the nominal axis of rotation of the motor in the target reference frame; steps of iterative calculation of the previous steps until the discrepancy between the calculated axis of inertia and the nominal motor shaft is lower than a threshold value; and the final step consisting of controlling an actual machining apparatus.

Abstract: A method of controlling polishing includes storing a base spectrum, the base spectrum being a spectrum of light reflected from a substrate after deposition of a deposited dielectric layers overlying a metallic layer or semiconductor wafer and before deposition of a non-metallic layer over the plurality of deposited dielectric layer. After deposition of the non-metallic layer and during polishing of the non-metallic layer on the substrate, measurements of a sequence of raw spectra of light reflected the substrate during polishing are received from an in-situ optical monitoring system. Each raw spectrum is normalized to generate a sequence of normalized spectra using the raw spectrum and the base spectrum. At least one of a polishing endpoint or an adjustment for a polishing rate is determined based on at least one normalized predetermined spectrum from the sequence of normalized spectra.

Abstract: A control system includes a clustered architecture having a master controller, a central control section including one or more first remote controllers under direct control of the master controller, and a distributed control section including a cluster controller controlled by the master controller. The cluster controller controls the activities of one or more second remote controllers. Each of the first and second remote controllers are utilized to drive one or more axes.

Abstract: An industrial control system comprising at least one industrial controller and method of transferring data in an industrial controller include use system-specific firmware of the industrial controller to execute at least one system task of a predefined set of system tasks independently from a user-specific industrial control program. The at least one system task is adapted to use in the operating phase while execution of the instructions defined in the user-specific industrial control program the at least one file system service to move data in a first dedicated storage location of the first data storage unit to a second data storage unit formatted for use with a file system, or use the at least one file system service to move data from the second data storage unit to a second dedicated storage location of the first data storage unit.

Abstract: Techniques include receiving a design of an integrated computational element (ICE), the ICE design including specification of a substrate and a plurality of layers, their respective target thicknesses and complex refractive indices, complex refractive indices of adjacent layers being different from each other, and a notional ICE fabricated in accordance with the ICE design being related to a characteristic of a sample; forming at least some of the plurality of layers of the ICE in accordance with the ICE design; performing at least two different types of in-situ measurements; predicting, using results of the at least two different types of in situ measurements, performance of the ICE relative to the ICE design; and adjusting the forming of the layers remaining to be formed, at least in part, by updating the ICE design based on the predicted performance.

Abstract: Methods and respective modules are provided, configured to identify registration errors of DSA lines with respect to guiding lines in a produced structure, by comparing a measured signature of the structure with simulated signatures corresponding to simulated structures having varying simulated characteristics, and characterizing the produced structure according to the comparison. The characterization may be carried out using electromagnetic characterization of a geometric model or in a model-free manner by analyzing model-based results. Thus, for the first time, positioning and dimensional errors of DSA lines may be measured.

Abstract: A wireless signal transmission module for a diagnostic system of an industrial machine is provided including a case, an independent power source, a sensor arranged to take measurements, in particular vibration measurements, a connector having a first end connected to the case and a second end connected to the sensor, a fixing system connected to the sensor and arranged so as to fix the wireless signal transmission module to the industrial machine, an electronic card provided with means of control arranged so as to control the supply cycle of the sensor in a sleep phase, a first stabilisation phase and an operating phase.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus uses wireless communication to control driving of a control object such as a vehicle. When the drive condition is changing, as when the vehicle is being steered to follow a curve in a travel route, while also the vehicle speed exceeds a specified threshold value, processing is executed for reducing a communication delay between the remote control apparatus and the control object, to thereby ensure sufficient speed of control response.

Abstract: A method for an autonomous vehicle to follow a target is provided. The method may include obtaining a position and a velocity of a target and obtaining a position of an autonomous vehicle. The method may also include obtaining a path that encloses the position of the target and determining a path rate for the autonomous vehicle to move along the path based on the velocity of the target. The method may also include determining a path position along the path based on the position of the autonomous vehicle and determining a change in the position of the autonomous vehicle based on the path position, the path rate, and the velocity of the target. The method may also include adjusting a velocity and a direction of the autonomous vehicle to achieve the change in the position of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A payload delivery and recovery system, having a payload including a data collection device arranged to collect data, and a controllable ascent vehicle comprising a controllable lighter than air (LTA) mechanism detachably coupled to the payload and used during an ascent phase to deliver the payload to a pre-determined altitude. The payload delivery and recovery system also having a controllable descent mechanism releasably attached to the controllable ascent vehicle and that can be used during a descent phase for reducing a rate of descent of the payload subsequent to release of the payload at the pre-determined altitude and including a control system for navigating the payload to a desired ground location during a recovery phase.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a flow regulator capable of regulating flow resistance of a fluid by adjusting helical pitch of the flow regulator. The flow regulator comprises: a channel, a rod, and a helical coil. The channel has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for a fluid flowing in and out of the flow regulator, respectively. The rod has a fore end and a rear end opposite to each other. The fore end is inside the channel, and the rear end is closer to the fluid outlet than the fluid inlet. The helical coil winds around the rod, and the helical pitch of the helical coil is adjustable for regulating flow resistance of the fluid. The channel further has a narrowed section where part of the helical coil located therein substantially occupies an annular space between the rod and an inner wall of the channel.

Abstract: In hydraulic systems having rotating-stationary component interfaces, a bore pressure regulating mechanism is provided to interact with the hydraulic fluid in a control volume to maintain a hydraulic fluid pressure in a longitudinal shaft bore at or approximately equal to a supply pressure when a gear shaft rotates within the control volume. In one aspect, the bore pressure regulating mechanism minimizes vortex flow of the hydraulic fluid induced by the rotation of the gear shaft. In another aspect, the bore pressure regulating mechanism provides a direct feed of pressurized hydraulic fluid proximate an opening of the longitudinal shaft bore through an end surface of the gear shaft, and thereby minimizes the opportunity for the hydraulic fluid to be forced into vortex flow by the gear shaft in the area of the longitudinal shaft bore.

Abstract: Current natural gas measurement and regulation systems are sensitive to loss of electrical power, which can cause brownouts and curtailment of power in the local area if power systems reliant on natural gas are downstream from the station. A system for regulating the flow of natural gas and for guaranteeing the flow of natural gas from a source to at least one specific flow line even when the system is not provided with electrical power may be described. Such a system may include at least one of each of: a low-pressure regulation system, a high-pressure regulation system, an inlet gas filter, a relief valve, a low select relay, a differential pressure pneumatic relay, a reset relay, a 5-way universal relay, an electromechanically operated valve, a first manual multi-way valve, a second manual multi-way valve, a high calibration valve, a low calibration valve, a filter, and/or a differential pressure measurement system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid control apparatus which allows installation of a thermal sensor for temperature control by a simple work by an effective utilization of a space in the fluid control apparatus, and a thermal sensor installation structure with respect to the fluid control apparatus. The fluid control apparatus 1 includes a first fluid control instrument 3 and a second fluid control instrument 4 adjacent to each other and the thermal sensor 17 configured to measure a temperature of a fluid flowing in the first fluid control instrument 3. The fluid control apparatus 1 further includes a supporting member 19 configured to support the thermal sensor 17 attached to the second fluid control instrument 4.

Abstract: A gas delivery apparatus to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by evacuating process gas upstream of a pressurized volume with a reverse flow mode.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include several embodiments of a mass flow controller and methods for configuring a mass flow controller. For example, in one embodiment, the method includes automatically displaying a current configuration parameter, such as, but not limited to, a MacID and/or baud rate, in response to receiving power, from an external device, at a communication interface, such as, but not limited to, a near-field communication interface and/or a universal serial bus communication interface of the mass flow controller. The method adjusts the configuration parameter based on user input and stores the configuration parameter in memory while being powered by the external device.

Abstract: Fluid regulator systems having reset apparatus and methods are described herein. A fluid regulator system includes a fluid regulator including a loading chamber and a supply chamber. The supply chamber is in fluid communication with a supply fluid. The system includes a first fluid control device having a loading inlet and a loading outlet. The loading inlet receives a loading fluid from a loading fluid source and the loading outlet is in fluid communication with the loading chamber. The first fluid control device controls fluid flow between the loading fluid source and the loading chamber. A second fluid control device includes a vent inlet and a vent outlet. The vent inlet is in fluid communication with the loading outlet and the loading chamber and the vent outlet is in fluid communication with a vent. The second fluid control device to control fluid flow between the loading chamber and the vent.

Abstract: A self-contained thermal mixing valve includes a cap defining a bore, a relief spring and abutment plate within the bore, and a temperature responsive actuator arranged to generate an actuation force against said abutment plate when exposed to a predetermined increase in temperature. A slide is secured to the actuator and moves with the actuator in response to temperature changes. The slide defines a mixing chamber surrounding the temperature sensitive part of the actuator and includes a fluid flow slot axially aligned with the temperature sensitive part of the actuator. The slide is configured to move along a bore which includes axially offset fluid flow inlets, causing the fluid flow slot to vary fluid flow from the fluid flow inlets into the mixing chamber to produce a mixed outflow within a predetermined temperature range. The relief spring provide mechanical relief to the actuator in over-temperature situations.

Abstract: In some aspects, the subject technology relates to an “Eco-mode” on a thermostat. A button or other user interface element may be configured to activate and/or deactivate) the eco-mode on the thermostat. Upon selection of the eco-mode option, various energy-saving programs can be implemented on the thermostat. The energy-saving programs can be configured to adjust a temperature setting of the thermostat or to provide notifications to a user associated with the thermostat that implement various approaches for reducing energy consumption of a heating, ventilation, and air condition (HVAC) system associated with the thermostat. The eco-mode button can provide users/consumers with a convenient way to save energy, without requiring the user to think of comfort tradeoffs that may need to take place.

Abstract: A voltage regulator calibrator analyzes voltage regulator output and compares the output with known electrical loads. The calibrator selects a known electrical load, applies the known electrical load to a voltage regulator, receives from the voltage regulator measured output power characteristics of the voltage regulator, compares the known electrical load with the measured output power characteristics, and generates a voltage regulator adjustment value based on the compared values. Embodiments of the present disclosure also include a method for calibrating, the method including selecting a known electrical load, applying the known electrical load to a voltage regulator, receiving measured output power characteristics of the voltage regulator, comparing the known electrical load with the measured output power characteristics, and generating a voltage regulator adjustment value based on the compared values.

Abstract: The present document relates to multi-stage amplifiers, such as linear regulators (e.g. low-dropout regulators). A method and a circuit for reducing leakage current of such multi-stage amplifiers is presented. A voltage regulator is described. The voltage regulator comprises a pass device configured to provide a load current at a regulated output voltage to an output node of the voltage regulator. A source of the pass device is coupled to a first potential of the voltage regulator. Furthermore, the voltage regulator comprises drive circuitry configured to control the pass device via a gate of the pass device, based on a reference voltage and based on a feedback voltage derived from the output voltage. In addition, the voltage regulator comprises leakage reduction circuitry configured to pull-up the gate of the pass device using a second potential; wherein the second potential is higher than the first potential.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems to analyze energy consumption and support demand management of a portfolio of facilities. Some embodiments of the invention include a computer implemented method for collecting and cleansing street addresses, time series energy consumption and weather data, classifying energy end-use types, detecting energy related characteristics, creating facility energy models, estimating energy savings potentials and generating customized recommendations for facilities. In some embodiments, the computer-implemented system and method also prioritizes a portfolio of facilities at each stage of the analysis based on facility data quality, level of confidence and energy savings potentials.

Abstract: A controller for use in a climate control system includes a power stealing circuit connectible with a control of the climate control system and configured for stealing power via a signal from a power source through the control. An overcurrent limiting circuit is configured to limit a first portion of the signal to prevent a false call for operation of the control. The overcurrent limiting circuit is further configured not to limit a second portion of the signal to prevent a false call, where the control is configured to recognize only the first portion as determinative of whether the signal is a call for operation.

Abstract: A device includes an energy unit coupled to an energy device and adapted to couple a pair of split DC rails. A controller senses the voltage on the DC rails and regulates its output current response by means of an autonomous current response that creates the aggregate effect of controlling the rail voltage in cooperation with other units coupled to the DC rails. A system includes multiple such devices coupled to split DC rails.

Abstract: A dB-linear voltage-to-current (V/I) converter is amenable to implementation in CMOS technology. In a representative embodiment, the dB-linear V/I converter has a voltage scaler, a current multiplier, and an exponential current converter serially connected to one another. The voltage scaler supplies an input current to the current multiplier based on an input voltage. The current multiplier multiplies the input current and a current proportional to absolute temperature and supplies the resulting current to the exponential current converter. The exponential current converter has a differential MOSFET pair operating in a sub-threshold mode and generating an output current that is proportional to a temperature-independent, exponential function of the input voltage.

Abstract: Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide a configurable slope of a voltage response of a bandgap-based temperature sensor circuit. The slope and/or a translation of the voltage response may be configured by current domain operations at a strategic node.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for performing a switching process in an on-load tap changer between winding taps of a tapped transformer. The switching process for an on-load tap changer is subdivided into a plurality of phases according to the reactor switching principle. In these phases, the switching contacts in use are monitored during the actuation and are completely opened or closed by capacitors in the controller in the event of failure of the energy supply. Thereby critical switching states are prevented.

Abstract: A 2-part lever system for actuating a plunger pin on a trailer jack includes a lever and an engagement member for attaching the lever to the engagement member and to the sleeve of the plunger pin.

Abstract: A vehicle pedal bracket, including a pair of bracket halves disposed on right and left sides of an operation pedal and joined by placing joint portions thereof parallel and on top of each other so that the joint portions surface contact each other, and the vehicle pedal bracket being fixed to a vehicle body via attachment portions of the pair of bracket halves, the joint portions protruding from the bracket halves formed by a sheet material and at least one of the joint portions bent into a crank shape and placed on top of each other so as to surface contact each other, the joint portions being provided at least at two positions located on both sides of the attachment portions in a vertical direction of a vehicle, and the joint portion which is located below the attachment portions being provided to protrude toward the front of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mini-shaft that comprises: a joystick (2); a hinge part (4) having a first portion (8) having a first magnetic polarity, and a second portion (10) having a second magnetic polarity; a connection between the hinge part (4) and the joystick (2); a first part (12) arranged opposite the first portion (8); a second part (14) arranged opposite the second portion (10); first polarization means (18) enabling the parts (12, 14) to be controlled; sensors of the position of the joystick (2); and control means which perform control on the basis of the measurement signals from the sensors and of a predetermined force feedback rule.

Abstract: A shift register is configured by connecting unit circuits 1 in multiple stages. An output transistor Tr1 switches between whether or not to output a clock signal CKA in accordance with a gate potential. A drain terminal of an initialization transistor Tra is connected to a gate terminal of the Tr1, and a source terminal thereof is connected to an output terminal OUT or a clock terminal CKA. The source terminal of the Tra is connected to a node which has a low-level potential at the time of initialization and has a potential at the same level as the clock signal when the clock signal having a high-level potential is outputted. Thus, at the time of outputting the clock signal having the high-level potential, application of a high voltage between the source and the drain of the Tra is prevented, and degradation and breakdown of the initialization transistor are prevented.

Abstract: An electrode structure includes: a first nonconductive layer; a first conductive layer disposed on the first nonconductive layer; a second nonconductive layer disposed on the first conductive layer; a second conductive layer disposed on the second nonconductive layer; and a third nonconductive layer disposed on the second conductive layer, where at least one of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer includes a two-dimensional conductive material.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides wearable display devices and methods. A wearable display device can include a visual curvilinear display mounted on a support member. A user may display or project media through the visual curvilinear display according to a display and/or location preference or schedule of said user.

Abstract: A portfolio cover for a portable information handling system may include a display portion and an input device portion and a cover portion separated by two hinge sections. The display portion, the input device portion and the cover portion may be reinforced with a polymer laminate and laminated together, while the hinge sections may remain unlaminated.

Abstract: A docking station including fixing base and at least one latching module is provided. The latching module includes a latching element, a first restoring element, a stopping element, a second restoring element and a pushing element. The first restoring element is connected to the latching element and the fixing base and drives the latching element to latch a tablet device. The stopping element is coupled to the latching element and has a recess. The second restoring element is connected to the stopping element and the fixing base and drives the stopping element to stop the latching element. The pushing element is adapted to be pushed and inserted into the recess to drive the stopping element to move away from the latching element, and the tablet device is adapted to be released from the latching element by pushing the latching element after the stopping element moves away from the latching element.

Abstract: A portable docking device includes a mounting device that is configured to be attached to a user. The mounting device includes a user attachment mechanism that has a docking area and first ferromagnetic material attached to the docking area. A portable device holder is configured to receive and hold securely a portable device. The portable device holder includes second ferromagnetic material positioned on the portable device holder so as to allow the portable device holder to be securely attached to the mounting device by a magnetic field generated by at least one of the first ferromagnetic material and the second ferromagnetic material.