Abstract: In certain embodiments, a control system includes a model-less controller configured to control operation of a plant or process. The control system also includes an automation controller operatively connected for access to a model of the plant or process being controlled by the model-less controller. The automation controller is configured to modify parameters of the model-less controller via an explicit optimization procedure.

Abstract: A hydraulic shovel includes: a storage unit which stores an operation history of a target component of the shovel targeted for life span estimation, a discrimination threshold value used for classifying usage of the target component into a plurality of usage modes based on the operation history, and a usage mode-specific estimated life span indicative of an estimated life span of the target component in each of the usage modes; and an arithmetic and control unit which calculates an operating time of the target component in each of the usage modes in accordance with the operation history and the discrimination threshold value, and estimates the life span of the target component based on the operating time calculated for each of the usage modes and on the usage mode-specific estimated life span.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a control/optimization system includes an instantiated model object stored in memory on a model server. The model object includes a model of a plant or process being controlled. The model object comprises an interface that precludes the transmission of proprietary information via the interface. The control/optimization system also includes a decision engine software module stored in memory on a decision support server. The decision engine software module is configured to request information from the model object through a communication network via a communication protocol that precludes the transmission of proprietary information, and to receive the requested information from the model object through the communication network via the communication protocol.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an energy management system that is based on a distributed architecture that includes networked energy management devices located at a plurality of sites and a collection of energy management program applications and modules implemented by a centralized energy management service unit. The energy management program applications and modules are responsible for facilitating customer access to the system, configuring energy management devices, and collecting, storing, and analyzing energy management data collected from the plurality of sites. The energy management system is adaptable to a wide variety of energy usage requirements and enables customers to configure energy management devices at customer sites using scheduling templates, to define and customize site groupings for device configuration and data analysis purposes, and to request and view various statistical views of collected energy usage data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a digital control manager comprising a first transceiver configured to provide one or more wireless communication links to one or more energy autonomous end devices; a second transceiver configured to provide one or more wireless communication links to one or more digital control managers and one or more end devices; a local database; an intellectualize function module configured to execute a computer program to provide intelligence to the digital control manager and to end devices in communication therewith.

Abstract: A method and a system of integrating a new robot into a work environment are provided. A controller receives a signal indicating a presence of a new robot in the work environment. The controller then establishes a negotiation channel between the controller and the new robot and begins to negotiate with the new robot a set of robotic functions controllable by the controller. Based on a comparison between a set of function attributes the new robot and interface attributes of the controller, the controller generates a new robot user interface for controlling the set of robotic functions of the new robot.

Abstract: A tool welding system is disclosed that includes a table that heats a tool. A multi-axis robot includes a welding head that is moved relative to the table in response to a command. A controller is in communication with the robot and generates the command in response to welding parameters. The weld parameters are based upon a difference between an initial tool shape and a desired tool shape. The difference between the initial tool shape and the desired tool shape corresponds to a desired weld shape. The desired weld shape is adjusted based upon initial tool shape variations, which includes thermal growth of the tool. The tool is welded to provide the desired weld shape to achieve a desired tool shape.

Abstract: A system and methods are disclosed for providing the location of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) by establishing of a plurality of known locations or “monuments”; from these monuments located at least on, over or within the TBM's start point, known in the art as a “pit”. The present invention provides among other things an integrated navigation system that provides real-time parametric guidance information to the TBM, relative to the tunnel origin, past course and current trajectory, while simultaneously employing a non-contact measuring system in concert with said origin and course information for the final provision of an as-built map of tunnel dimensions and centerline.

Abstract: A detector detects positions of a moving body in a travel direction at a position shifted from a center of control of travel of the moving body in a direction different than the travel direction of the moving body. Positions of the center of control in the travel direction relative to the output of the detector is stored in a storage unit for at least a curved section of a travel route of the moving body, and the travel of the moving body is controlled by a controller, based on the positions of the center of control read out from the storage unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermostat insert having at least one return spring, a thermostatic working element having a working piston that can be pushed out of a housing of the working element against the force of the return spring, a main valve element, and a short circuit valve element connected to the working element displaced when the working piston is pushed out of the housing, a base element implemented as a base plate, and a brace on which the return spring is supported, wherein the brace is mechanically connected to the base element, so that the return spring is enclosed in a cage-like manner, and the exterior of the brace has a closed peripheral collar seated against a slanted sealing surface of a counterpart after installation that is loaded by the return spring so that the brace is sealingly forced in the direction of the slanted sealing surface.

Abstract: A fail-safe engine coolant thermostat includes a body having a bore with an inlet and an outlet. A thermal actuator capable of extended and retracted positions due to coolant temperature is disposed in the body. A valve plate is pivotally mounted in the body to open and close fluid flow through the body. A connecting member is coupled between the thermal actuator and the valve plate to pivot the valve plate to the closed flow position. A pivot connection of the valve plate to the body is diametrically off center to the valve plate to pivot to the fluid flow open position under coolant fluid flow pressure unless the thermal actuator, at cold fluid temperatures, pivots the value plate to the closed position through the connecting member. An adjustment is provided for the connecting member to enable adjustment of the valve plate to the full closed position.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of systems and methods to communicate data over at least one wire line between units each associated with a control system. In an exemplary embodiment, a conditioned input AC signal serves as a reference signal for data to be transmitted. In phase or out of phase state of the conditioned reference signals is determined by dividing the reference signal into predetermined number of segments, generating a template signal frame and a data signal frame at predetermined segments, generating an interrupt signal in each control system on a predetermined location on the reference signal, logically ORing the template and data signal frames, transmitting the ORed signal, and analyzing the ORed signal to determine phase of the reference signal provided to each control system. If the reference signal is out of phase, the interrupting signal is shifted to correct the out of phase state of the reference signal.

Abstract: A system is provided for remote control of at least one operating condition of a site. The system includes a proximity detection module at a residential site, which is configured to receive a communication regarding a location of a location reporting device or a mobile device. The proximity detection module is configured to alter or adjust a current temperature setting for the site based on a distance or location of the location reporting device or mobile device relative to the site.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a current internal corrosion level at a current time is read from an internal corrosion sensor that is internal to a computer. An internal corrosion difference is calculated between the current internal corrosion level and a previous internal corrosion level. If the internal corrosion difference is more than a first threshold amount, a first action is performed that decreases an internal temperature of the computer.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first power supply line to which an input power supply voltage is to be applied, a second power supply line configured to supply a bias voltage to a load circuit, a MOS transistor having a source-drain current path connected between the first and second power supply lines, an NMOS transistor having a source-drain current path connected between the first and second power supply lines, and a control circuit configured to generate a first control signal that is supplied to a gate electrode of the PMOS transistor at a first point in time, and a second control signal that is boosted to have a voltage level higher than the input power supply voltage and then supplied to a gate electrode of the NMOS transistor at a second point in time point that is after the first point in time.

Abstract: The performance, thermal and power management system is configured to perform DVFS calibration, temperature compensation adjustment, aging calibration, and DC offset calibration in an IC. The initial voltage supplied to the IC may be set to an initial value which takes chip-to-chip process variations into account and then dynamically adjusted according to temperature variations, DC offset and/or aging effects. Therefore, the performance, thermal and power management system may achieve optimized thermal and power performance of the IC.

Abstract: An overshoot reduction circuit within a low dropout voltage regulator eliminates an overshoot at an output terminal resulting from a transient fault condition occurring at an input or output terminal. The overshoot reduction circuit monitors to sense if there is a transient fault condition occurring at the input or output terminal and provides a Miller capacitance at the output terminal of a differential amplifier of the low dropout voltage regulator to prevent the output of the differential amplifier from being discharged to ground during the transient. A control loop circuit balances current within an active load of the differential amplifier to clamp the output of the differential amplifier to its normal operating point. When the transient fault condition ends, the output voltage of the differential amplifier is set such that a pass transistor of the low dropout regulator responds quickly to resume the regulation to reduce or eliminate the overshoot.

Abstract: The performance, thermal and power management system is configured to perform DVFS calibration, temperature compensation adjustment, aging calibration, and DC offset calibration in an IC. The initial voltage supplied to the IC maybe set to an initial value which takes chip-to-chip process variations into account and then dynamically adjusted according to temperature variations, DC offset and/or aging effects. Therefore, the performance, thermal and power management system may achieve optimized thermal and power performance of the IC.

Abstract: A control circuit can control the operation of a switching converter to provide a regulated load current to a load. The switching converter includes an inductor and a high-side and a low side-transistor for switching the load current provided via the inductor. A digital modulator is configured to provide a modulated signal having a duty cycle determined by a digital duty cycle value. A current sense circuit is coupled to at least one of the transistors and is configured to regularly sample a load current value. A comparator is coupled to the current sense circuit and is configured to compare the sampled load current value with a first threshold and to provide a respective comparator output signal. A regulator is configured to receive the comparator output signal and to calculate an updated digital duty cycle value.

Abstract: A low-noise reference voltages distribution circuit has a multi-output voltage-to-current converter configured to receive an input reference voltage and to provide a plurality of output reference currents to be converted into a plurality of local reference voltages by corresponding receiving circuits. The converter includes an input section, an output section and a low-pass filter. The input section generates a reference current based on the input reference voltage, and has a current mirror input transistor having a voltage controlled input terminal. The output section includes a plurality of current mirror output transistors outputting reference currents to the plurality of reference currents, respectively, and having a voltage controlled input terminal connected to a common input node. The low-pass filter has an input node connected to the voltage controlled input terminal of the current mirror input transistor and an output node connected to the common input node.

Abstract: A circuit includes a band-gap reference circuit and a start-up circuit. The band-gap reference circuit includes an operational amplifier, a first current path between a power supply node and a reference node, a second current path between the power supply node and the reference node, and a feedback path between an output of the operational amplifier and the first and second current paths. A first input of the operational amplifier is coupled to the first current path, and a second input of the operational amplifier is coupled to the second current path. The start-up circuit includes a current source and at least one switch coupled between the current source and the band-gap reference circuit. The at least one switch is configured to electrically couple the current source with the first and second current paths during a start-up phase.

Abstract: A household energy management system for managing multiple appliances is provided. In an embodiment the system comprises a controller for managing power consumption of multiple appliances within a household; a utility meter for measuring an amount of energy usage to a household, the utility meter communicating to the controller a demand limit; and a user interface through which a user can enter a parameter of energy usage. The controller establishes a demand limit. A communication network connects the controller to the utility meter and/or to a demand server. The controller controls or operates the multiple appliances based cm communications from at least one of the utility meter, the user interface, and a demand server, such that the energy usage does not exceed the established demand limit.

Abstract: An operator control device for operating a plurality of functions, in particular, in a vehicle, has at least a first rotary actuator and a second rotary actuator. A respective rotary actuator is assigned a function of the vehicle. The first rotary actuator has a first rotary body and a first operator control body, where the first operator control body is mechanically coupled with the first rotary body. The second rotary actuator has a second rotary body and a second operator control body, where the second operator control body is mechanically coupled with the second rotary body. The first rotary body and the second rotary body are arranged coaxially in each other such that they can be rotated about a common axis of rotation. At least one operator control body has a grip area that is designed in a lever-like manner.

Abstract: A force-feedback plane slide input device includes: a base body having a housing space formed in a rectangular shape; a slider configured to move within the housing space along a plane including a first direction and a second direction which are orthogonal to each other; an operation member integrally provided with the slider; a first actuating member configured to be actuated by movement of the operation member in the first direction; a second actuating member configured to be actuated by movement of the operation member in the second direction; and a force-feedback unit configured to feed back a sense of force to an operator. The slider includes a first slider member and second slider member. A length of an edge in the first direction of the housing space is substantially the same as a width in the first direction of the second slider member.

Abstract: A locking turret knob includes an adjustment member, a first member, and a second member. The adjustment member is adjustably positionable about an axis of rotation. The first member is disposed in proximity to the adjustment member and has at least one engagement member. The second member is disposed in proximity to the adjustment member and has at least one engagement surface. The adjustment member is adjustably positionable about the axis of rotation when each engagement member does not engage an engagement surface. The adjustment member is locked in a selected position about the axis of rotation when at least one engagement member engages an engagement surface. The adjustment member can be coupled to an adjuster of an optical enhancement device, such as a telescopic sight, a telescope or a microscope.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of and an apparatus devising a packet based DDS circuitry for performing packet based a direct digital synthesizing (DDS) function within an electronic testing instrument. The circuitry comprising a DDS logic circuit configured to execute direct digital syntheses on a plurality of consecutive packets of sine-like waves, each packet having a length of a period precisely chosen such that the sine wave at the end of one packet matches up with the sine wave at the start of the immediate subsequent packet. Also disclosed is an eddy current testing circuitry using multiple outputs of the single packet based DDS, one of the output is used in a circuit producing reference signals approximating the response signals. With the usage of the packet based DDS, the reference signal can be highly effective in nulling the unchanging portion of the response signals.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus and method provide communication between a master device operating from a master clock signal and a slave device operating from a slave clock signal asynchronous to the master clock signal. An interface transfers packets between the master device and the slave device. A slave clock replica generator associated with the master device generates a slave clock replica that controls timing of transmission of packets by the master device over the interface. A sync request transfer is issued over the interface and has a property identifiable by the slave device irrespective of whether the sync request transfer is synchronized with the slave clock signal. In response, the slave device issues a sync response transfer indicative of at least a frequency of the slave clock signal, and the slave clock replica generator determines at least the frequency of the slave clock replica from that sync transfer.

Abstract: The techniques for resolving asynchronous clock times include determining at least a high resolution time period and a low resolution time period for a clock of a first time domain, generating a plurality of sequenced transition signals for the high resolution time period where each sequenced transition signal corresponds to a respective bit transition period of the high resolution clock of the first time domain, encoding the plurality of sequenced transition signals for the high resolution time period into a high resolution vector, and encoding the low resolution time period into a low resolution vector.

Abstract: A synchronization circuit receives an external clock input. The circuit includes an internal oscillator; a clock detection circuit, coupled to the external clock input, for determining whether a clock signal at the external clock input is valid; circuitry for keeping the frequency of the internal oscillator constant until the clock detection circuit determines that an external clock signal is valid; and circuitry for switching the output of the synchronization circuit from the internal oscillator to the external clock input when the clock detection circuit determines than an external clock signal is valid.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a timeout management application. Latency data for executing services is obtained. The used service capacity is calculated. If the service capacity is outside of a predefined range, the timeout of a selected service is reconfigured.

Abstract: According to an example, synthetic time series data generation may include receiving time series data for a plurality of users, and applying dimensionality reduction to transform the time series data from a high dimensional space n of the time series data to a low dimensional space m, where m<n. The transformed time series data may be used to estimate a time series data density in the low dimensional space m by generating a density function. The density function may be sampled for data, and the sampled data may be transformed back to the high dimensional space n to generate the synthetic time series data.

Abstract: A touch panel includes a substrate, a first adhesive layer stacked on the substrate, a first conductive layer stacked on the first adhesive layer and having a first electrode pattern, a second adhesive layer stacked on the first adhesive layer and the first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer stacked on the second adhesive layer and having a second electrode pattern. The first electrode pattern includes first island-like electrode portions and first connecting portions electrically interconnecting the first island-like electrode portions. The second electrode pattern includes a plurality of second island-like electrode portions formed in a spaced apart relationship in a second direction intersecting a first direction so as not to be overlapped with the first electrode pattern, and second connecting portions electrically interconnecting the second island-like electrode portions over via the first connecting portions.

Abstract: A display device includes a rear set cover, an upper end guide frame, a lower end guide frame, a panel, a first adhesive member, a second adhesive member, a panel driver, and a lower finishing material. The upper end guide frame is secured to an upper end portion inside the rear set cover, and coupled to the rear set cover. The lower end guide frame is secured to a lower end portion inside the rear set cover, and coupled to the rear set cover. The panel is secured to the upper end guide frame and lower end guide frame. The first adhesive member couples the upper end guide frame and panel. The second adhesive member couples the lower end guide frame and panel. The panel driver is placed inside the rear set cover, and drives the panel.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides flat panel monitor stands and related systems and methods. The flat panel monitor stands can comprise a base including a pedestal and a support arm extending upwardly from the pedestal, the top portion being distally positioned with respect to the pedestal. The stand can also include a tilt mechanism connected to the top portion of the support arm. A bracket can be pivotally attached to the tilt mechanism at an off-center location on the bracket so that the bracket has a low position and a high position when pivoted about the tilt mechanism. The bracket can also be attachable to a flat panel monitor in both the low position and the high position without reorienting the flat panel monitor.

Abstract: An electronic device may have a display. Inactive portions of the display such as peripheral portions of the display may be masked using an opaque masking layer. An opening may be provided in the opaque masking layer to allow light to pass. For example, a logo may be viewed through an opening in the opaque masking layer and a camera may receive light through an opening in the opaque masking layer. The display may include upper and lower polarizers, a color filter layer, and a thin-film transistor layer. The opaque masking layer may be formed on the upper polarizer, may be interposed between the upper polarizer and the color filter layer, or may be interposed between the color filter layer and the thin-film transistor layer. The upper polarizer may have unpolarized windows for cameras, logos, or other internal structures.

Abstract: A method of automatically activating a camera application implemented in a mobile device in locked mode starts with the processor receiving a first signal from an accelerometer. The device's processor activates the camera application when the processor determines that the mobile device has remained in a stationary portrait or landscape position for a period of time based on the first signal. Activating the camera application includes signaling by the processor to the display device to display a camera screen from a locked screen. The processor may also receive a second signal from a proximity sensor that detects presence of a nearby object to the mobile device. When the processor determines that there is presence of the nearby object to the mobile device based on the second signal, the mobile device remains in locked mode and the processor does not activate the camera application.

Abstract: Provided is a display device, including: a display unit (31); a touch panel (32) stacked on a front part of the display unit (31); and a case for housing the touch panel (32) and the display unit (31). The case includes: a rear case (21); and a front case (22) removably attached to the rear case (21), which has an opening portion for exposing a touch detection region and a visible region of the touch panel (32) and the display unit (31) stacked together. The display unit (31) is mounted to the rear case (21), and the touch panel (32) is mounted to the front case (22).

Abstract: A Method and Apparatus for a User Configurable Docking System have been disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a slidable electrical connector and a slidable back support are adjustable by a user.

Abstract: An electronic communication device having a touch-sensitive display panel in a display module and a keypad in a keypad module is disclosed. The two modules are connected to one another and can be moved relative to one another into an open position and a closed position. The touch-sensitive display panel is on the outside of the display module in the closed position. Guide members on both sides of the keypad of the keypad module can operatively interact with guide members associated with the display module. The keypad module has a rotatable traction member that can operatively interact with a fixed traction member of the display module. The display module is mounted on the keypad module so as to be able to slide or move. In fully slid-out position, the display module can be rotated or tilted or folded against the keypad module in a manner similar to a laptop PC.

Abstract: A portable computer includes a base, at least one bracket anchored to the base, a display assembly, and a display bracket anchored to the display assembly. The portable computer also includes a hinge including a set of hinge components, a cam, and a shaft, the cam being connected to the at least one bracket, the shaft being connected to the display bracket, and the cam and the hinge components being connected to the shaft. A cable passes around the shaft. The cable is coupled to a point in the display assembly and to an area of the base.

Abstract: An embodiment provides an electronic device, including: a detachable display portion; a base body; the base body including an attachment portion to which the detachable display portion attaches; the attachment portion being located a depth from a rear edge of the base body; and a cover extending from a point of the base body behind the attachment portion and proximate to the rear edge of the base body.

Abstract: A touch pad input device includes a movable element having an operation surface that serves as an upper surface, a first sensing unit for sensing a touch or proximity of an operating object on or to the operation surface, a stationary element disposed under the movable element, a rotation support mechanism rotatably supporting the movable element, a second sensing unit for sensing rotation of the movable element, and a retaining mechanism retaining the movable element. The rotation support mechanism includes fulcrum portions arranged on one of the movable element and the stationary element and abutment portions arranged on the other one of the movable element and the stationary element. The retaining mechanism is positioned under the movable element in an area covered by the operation surface when viewed from above. The retaining mechanism urges the movable element downward to hold the fulcrum portions in pressure contact with the abutment portions.

Abstract: An information display method for an electronic device is provided, wherein the electronic device includes a display apparatus, a processor and a sensor unit. The display apparatus displays at least a stacked icon composed of a plurality pieces of information. The information display method includes processing the sensing signal received from the sensor unit by the electronic device. According the sensing signal, a launching signal is provided by the processor. According the launching signal, the stacked icon is spread out by the processor to display each piece of the information.

Abstract: A computing device includes a housing and a display assembly having a screen. The housing at least partially circumvents the screen so that the screen is viewable. A first touch sensor is provided with a first portion of the housing. For example, the first touch sensor may be provided on a sidewall, a front surface, or a back surface of the housing. A processor is provided within the housing to detect a first user interaction and a second user interaction with the first touch sensor. The first user interaction corresponds with a user making contact with the first touch sensor, and the second user interaction corresponds with the user releasing contact with the first touch sensor. The processor further executes a first set of instructions in response to detecting the second user interaction.

Abstract: A power supply module suitable for a server is provided. The server includes a base and a main board. The main board is disposed on the base. The power supply module includes a frame and a first power connector. The frame is disposed on the base and adjacent to an edge portion of the main board. The first power connector is slidably disposed on the frame. When the first power connector slides to a first position, the first power connector protrudes from the frame and the edge portion of the main board is located between the first power connector and the base. When the first power connector slides to a second position, the first power connector is located in the frame.

Abstract: A Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) slot expansion system includes a cable adapter, at least one card docking station, and a plurality of standard USB3.0 2-in-1 internal cables. The cable adapter includes a plurality of first PCIe connecting ports and a PCIe male connector, the PCIe male connector is configured to be inserted into a first PCIe slot of a mother board. The card docking station has a width of 5.25 inch. Each card docking station includes: one or two power input port; one or two second PCIe connecting port; and at least one PCI slot or second PCIe slot. Each standard USB3.0 2-in-1 internal cable has a first cable connector and a second cable connector at two opposite ends to be connected with the first connecting port and the second PCIe connecting port respectively.

Abstract: A system of managing power distribution units includes a master rack PDU and a plurality of child rack PDU's. The master rack PDU is coupled to a network and is configured to receive short-range wireless signals. The plurality of child rack PDU's are configured to transmit short-range wireless signals including data measurements. The master rack PDU receives the data measurements in the short-range wireless signals transmitted by the plurality of child rack PDU's and the master rack PDU transmits the data measurements to a computer over the network.

Abstract: A system includes a support rack and a component housing. The support rack includes a pair of vertically-extending panels, and each panel of the pair of vertically-extending panels has one or more first mating members of a water coupler pair extending outwardly from the support rack. The component housing is slidably disposed between the pair of vertically-extending panels and has a front panel, a pair of sidewalls extending rearwardly from the front panel, a component water line, and two second mating members of the water coupler pair connected to each other by the component water line.

Abstract: A heat sink for a processor includes: a main heat exchange zone that bears in contact with a processor; at least one peripheral heat exchange zone that bears in contact with a cooling source, and at least one heat pipe connecting the main heat exchange zone with the peripheral heat exchange zone, the heat pipe containing a cooling fluid.

Abstract: A microprocessor reset control operates in one of two reset states and transitions from the first state to the second state when a first signal falls below a first threshold and from the second state to the first state when a second signal exceeds a second threshold.