Abstract: A ply sorting device is disclosed, comprising a picker and a buffer. The picker is arranged to pick planar plies of cut fiber material and move them to the buffer. The buffer comprises a plurality of substantially planar supports each arranged to receive phes from the picker and to support the plies in planar orientation. The planar supports are movably arranged relative to each other to receive the plies. In addition, a method of sorting plies of differing geometry is disclosed. Planar plies of cut fiber material are picked and moved to supports of a buffer where plies are received in a planar orientation, and supports are moved relative to each other to receive the plies.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for controlling a glass sheet heating furnace using information describing a glass load including a plurality of glass sheets. The method includes transporting the glass sheets toward a heating furnace, before thermal treatment, photographing the glass load by a camera to obtain a camera image, sending first information of the camera image to a computer, on the basis of which the computer determines a first value of a dimension of the glass load and selects a value of at least one adjustment parameter of the heating furnace on the basis of the first value before the glass load has been transferred into the heating furnace, and reading second information by a line scanner, which is sent to the computer, on the basis of which the computer determines a second value of the dimension of the glass load.

Abstract: To provide a positional relationship acquiring apparatus that can acquire the positional relationship between a plurality of rotation shafts that are driven by a plurality of motors, without a user manually performing setting or the like. A positional relationship acquiring apparatus includes: a motor control unit that controls a plurality of motors of a robot that has a plurality of rotation shafts that are respectively driven by the plurality of motors; a receiving unit that receives angular velocities that have been acquired by a plurality of angular velocity sensors that are respectively provided for the plurality of rotation shafts; and a positional relationship acquiring unit that acquires a positional relationship between the plurality of rotation shafts, using the angular velocities acquired by the plurality of angular velocity sensors and received by the receiving unit when the plurality of rotation shafts have been rotated by the motor control unit one by one.

Abstract: A robot includes a base, a first arm that rotates around a first rotation axis, a second arm that rotates around a second rotation axis extending in a direction different than the first rotation axis, a third arm that rotates around a third rotation axis extending in a direction parallel to the second rotation axis, a first inertia sensor at the first arm, a second (a) inertia sensor at the third arm, a first angle sensor at a first drive source, a third angle sensor at a third drive source, and the drive sources rotate the respective arms. Angular velocities from the first inertia sensor and the first angle sensor are fed back to a first drive source control unit. Angular velocities from the second (a) inertia sensor and the third angle sensor are fed back to a second drive source control unit.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a robot control device is used for a robot arm including a link and a motor for rotationally driving the link. The robot control device includes a derivation part. The derivation part derives a first estimated value including a variation of a rotation angle of the link and a second estimated value including a variation of a rotation angle of the motor, based on an angular velocity and a current reference value of the motor. Furthermore, the derivation part derives an external force generated to the robot arm, based on a difference between the first estimated value and the second estimated value.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing price quotes for 3D objects are described herein. In one embodiment, costs related to generating a 3D object molded from a 3D printer mold may be based on various parameters. The process for generating a price quote may include uploading an initial file to a server and converting that file into a 3D CAD file. The method may also include selecting units, materials, a finish, and/or a quantity of objects to be made. Based on the selections, the server may generate a price quote to produce the one or more objects, and a checkout option may be provided allowing the user to purchase the one or more objects.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for applying social collaboration programs. Within a social network setting, a user can be connected to other users within the social network setting. Counters are collected on events associated with the other users within the social network setting and a visual representation is outputted to the user. The visual representation includes keywords; a count bar (with sub-sections) indicative of a number of occurring events associated with the other users within the social network setting; a total number of events among the other users within the social network setting; and the image of the other users associated with the count bar. Events are analyzed by utilizing mapping logic, inverted structures, indexed structures, and aggregating collected counters.

Abstract: A position/force controller performs: detecting information relating to a position based on the effect of an actuator; converting by distributing control energy to speed or positional energy and force energy in response to functions realized on the basis of speed (position) and force information corresponding to the information relating to the position and on the basis of information serving as a reference for control; calculating the control amount for speed or position on the basis of the speed or positional energy; calculating the force control amount on the basis of the force energy; and integrating the speed or position control amount and the force control amount and performing a reverse conversion on the speed or position control amount and the force control amount to return the output to the actuator, to determine the input to the actuator.

Abstract: A method for cutting out pieces of glass from a glass sheet, includes, a step of automatic generation by a computer with a storage unit, containing programs to calculate a first optimum plan for guillotine cutting at a number of hierarchical levels of different pieces from each of the glass sheet, as a function of information; a step of reading information relating to defects in the glass sheet, a step of automatic generation by a computer with a storage unit, containing programs to calculate a second optimum plan for guillotine cutting at a number of hierarchical levels from the glass sheet, based on the first optimum cutting plan and at least some of the information relating to the defects, including permutations of cross cut sections at the same hierarchical level within the glass sheet; a step of cutting pieces of glass in accordance with the second optimum cutting plan generated.

Abstract: A dynamic insulated glass unit (IGU) assembly line scheduler is provided for production control of an IGU assembly line. When calculating the IGU assembly line order and controls, the scheduler evaluates at least i) a changeable set of uniquely identifiable glass lite storage loading locations adjacent a loading station, ii) a changeable set of uniquely identifiable IGU storage locations adjacent a unloading station, iii) a changeable identifiable subset of the set of uniquely identifiable IGU storage locations, and iv) a assembly line change outs to be performed at least in the production of the IGUs for the next in line set of IGUs to be shipped from the IGU assembly line. The scheduler is configured to re-evaluate the IGU assembly order at least with the filling of each next in line set of IGUs to be shipped.

Abstract: The deposition controller controls a coating machine used in the deposition of the thin film coatings. The deposition controller is particularly useful for the deposition of multiple layers or co-deposition of multiple materials. The integrated system is a single hardware unit controlled by the software residing on the local computer. The single unit combines the functionality of a deposition controller, mass flow controller, quartz crystal controller, optical monitor chip change controller, and an optical monitor signal analyzer. The integrated system utilizes a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) for the purpose of controlling the deposition process. A run sheet file is used by the system to create a set of process parameters. The system also examines a run sheet file at the time of its opening for its integrity with respect to the minimum layer optical thickness requirement expressed in terms of QWOT (quarter wave optical thickness).

Abstract: A method for use in a part tracking system including a camera and a motion controller, the method comprising the steps of time synchronizing the motion controller and the camera at a trigger time when it is anticipated that a part is within the field of view of the camera, causing the camera to obtain an image, using the obtained image to determine an actual location of the part at the trigger time, comparing the actual location and the anticipated location of the part to identify a position difference and at the motion controller, using the position difference at the trigger time to adjust at least one operating characteristic of the automated system.

Abstract: Methods for cutting of raw glass slabs into a number of glass cuttings include determining the supply of uncut or partially cut raw glass slabs, continuously detecting incoming cutting orders and processing of the cutting orders, continuously determining an optimized processing order and optimized cutting patterns of raw glass slabs based on determined values, processing cutting orders according to the determined optimized processing order and optimized cutting patterns, and storing the glass cuttings in assigned compartments of an intermediate storage. An increased productivity with minimized waste of material can be achieved by the continuous optimizing method in regards to the temporal sequence and cutting patterns of the glass cuttings.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an externally circular precursor lens that is processed into a rim-shaped lens includes inputting processing data to specify the shape of the rim-shaped lens, and processing a material block based on the processing data so as to manufacture a precursor lens. An elliptical virtual rim surrounding the precursor lens manufactured at that time is imaginarily set, and is processed based on the processing data up to that range, and, outside the virtual rim, an amount of sag is changed to secure the edge thickness of the precursor lens. This method for manufacturing a precursor lens for a rim-shaped lens reduces an excessive load imposed on a processing tool during processing, allows the precursor lens to be processed into a rim-shaped lens while satisfactorily maintaining its edge thickness without the lack of the edge of the precursor lens, and results in a thin lens.

Abstract: A first angle-detecting unit outputs a first rotation angle according to the rotation angle of a rotation shaft of a servo motor. A second angle-detecting unit outputs a second rotation angle according to a rotation angle of a rotation shaft of a reduction gear. A torque calculation unit calculates the torque acting on the rotation shaft of the reduction gear according to the angle difference between the first rotation angle and the second rotation angle. An angle-control unit generates a torque reference value according to the difference between the angle reference value and the second rotation angle. A torque control unit generates a current reference value according to the difference between the torque reference value and the torque.

Abstract: A photochromic lens manufacturing system has an orderer side computer (101) and a manufacturer side computer (201) connected with each other through a communication line (300), and is adapted to manufacture a photochromic lens with an optical surface forming device (204), a photochromic film forming device (202) and a hard film forming device (204) under control of the manufacturer side computer (201). The orderer side computer (101) transmits lens substrate data related to a substrate material of the lens, optical surface data related to optical surfaces of the lens, data related to the photochromic film and data related to a hard film to the manufacturer side computer (201) through the communication line (300).

Abstract: A glass production line comprises a style of lean manufacturing to solve many of the inefficiencies in the scheduling of orders through a glass plant. The main goal of the global scheduler of the present invention will be to dynamically adjust the flow of glass through a glass plant for maximum efficiency.

Abstract: A system and method for the optimization of the cycles of events occurring in an I.S. machine that automatically optimizes the cycles of events occurring in an I.S. machine by using information relating to the characteristics of the hot glass containers manufactured by the I.S. machine obtained by monitoring the hot glass containers immediately subsequent to their manufacture. Optionally, information relating to process values associated with the operation of the I.S. machine may also be monitored and used in the optimization of the cycles of events occurring in the I.S. machine. Also optionally, the active limits of the event times may be modified by an operator based upon observations of the operation of the I.S. machine.

Abstract: A glass production line comprising a cutting table, a tempering furnace having a loading station that includes a changeable set of uniquely identifiable work-piece storage loading locations adjacent the loading station with each storage loading location receiving a work-piece therein for subsequent furnace processing, wherein a subset of the uniquely identifiable work-piece storage loading locations is moved away from the loading station when it is emptied of furnace work-pieces and a new sub-set of uniquely identifiable work-piece storage loading locations is moveable adjacent the loading station to provide the changeable set of uniquely identifiable work-piece storage loading locations adjacent the loading station, and a dynamic optimizer coupled to the furnace for dynamically scheduling furnace layouts for glass work-pieces to be tempered, wherein the dynamic furnace optimizer is adapted to schedule work-pieces from uniquely identifiable work-piece storage loading locations not currently adjacent the unloa

Abstract: An eyeglass lens processing apparatus includes: a setting unit which sets points on an edge of a lens, where a line on a target lens shape and passing through the first and second points intersects a line on the target lens shape and passing through the third and fourth points; and a calculating unit which: obtains a first plane including a bisection point between the first and second points and perpendicular to the first line; obtains a second plane including a bisection point between the third and fourth points and perpendicular to the second line; obtains an intersection line of the first and second planes; obtains a bevel spherical surface so that a center of the bevel spherical surface is located on the intersection line and passes through a desired edge position; and obtains the bevel path on the basis of the bevel spherical surface and target lens shape data.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the manufacture of molded ophthalmic lenses is disclosed. The method monitors the occurrence of predetermined events and records such events in a device history record and a shadow table.

Abstract: A system for and method of analyzing a cullet stream prior to batch formulation in glass manufacturing. Cullet is fed onto a conveyor where a real-time composition analysis is performed. Contaminants are optionally removed, and a determination is made as to whether the cullet batch color is consistent with a predetermined tolerance threshold. If necessary, the glass batch formulation is modified in view of the cullet analysis. Virgin raw materials requirements of the modified glass batch formulation may then be communicated to the batch controller before sending batch ingredients to the mixing stage and completing the overall glass manufacturing process.

Abstract: Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a system for and method of analyzing and cleaning a cullet stream prior to bottle manufacturing. In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention, the system includes a raw materials feeder, a mixing stage, a melting stage, a bottle-forming stage, a cooling/annealing stage, an inspection stage, and a batch controller. The raw materials feeder further includes a cullet bin within which is cullet supply, a feeder, an analysis device, and removal assembly. Certain preferred embodiments of the method include the steps of feeding cullet onto the conveyor, performing real-time composition analysis of the cullet, removing contaminants from the cullet, determining whether the cullet batch is consistent with a predetermined tolerance threshold, adjusting the glass batch formulation, sending the batch ingredients to the mixing stage, and then completing the overall glass manufacturing process.

Abstract: A stacked substrate separation loading apparatus includes: a stacked substrate holding holder configured to hold a stacked glass substrate; a cassette configured to load each sheet of glass substrates separated from the stacked glass substrate; a liquid tank in which the stacked substrate holding holder and the cassette are inserted in liquid; a stacked substrate drive unit configured to drive the stacked substrate holding holder; a stacked substrate positioning unit which positions a height position of the uppermost sheet of the stacked glass substrate; a cassette drive unit configured to drive the cassette; a substrate sliding mechanism configured to push out and separate the glass substrates which are the top sheets of the stacked glass substrate; and a cassette position control unit configured to control the cassette drive unit so that a height position of a loading position of the cassette becomes a height position of the glass substrate.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the manufacture of molded ophthalmic lenses is disclosed. The method monitors the occurrence of predetermined events and records such events in a device history record and a shadow table.

Abstract: A robot controller according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a base; a first link; a first actuator which drives to rotate the first link relative to the base; a first torque transmission mechanism which transmits the torque of the first actuator to the first link at a speed reducing ratio of N1; a first angular sensor which detects a rotating angle ?M1 of the first actuator; a first angular velocity sensor which detects an angular velocity ?A1 of the first link rotating relatively to the base; and a processor which calculates an angle of the first link relatively to the base by using a high frequency content of an integrated value of ?A1 and a low frequency content of ?M1*N1, the high frequency content being equal to a first frequency or higher and the low frequency content being equal to a first frequency or lower.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the manufacture of molded ophthalmic lenses is disclosed. The method monitors the occurrence of predetermined events and records such events in a device history record and a shadow table.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for cutting of raw gas slabs into a number of glass cuttings. The method includes determining the supply of uncut or partially cut raw glass slabs, continuously detecting incoming cutting orders and processing of the cutting orders, continuously determining an optimized processing order and optimized cutting patterns of raw glass slabs based on determined values, processing cutting orders according to the determined optimized processing order and optimized cutting patterns, and storing the glass cuttings in assigned compartments of an intermediate storage. An increased productivity with minimized waste of material can be achieved by the continuous optimizing method in regards to the temporal sequence and cutting patterns of the glass cuttings.

Abstract: A system for producing various optical members to be used by being attached to eyeglasses for assisting a function the eyeglasses, includes: a terminal device that transmits an ordering data for ordering an optical member based on eyeglasses information relating to the eyeglasses; a processing data calculating device that calculates a processing data for three-dimensionally processing the optical member based on the ordering data transmitted by the terminal device; and a work instructing device that performs a work instruction relating to three-dimensional processing of the optical member based on the processing data calculated by the processing data calculating device.

Abstract: A system for and method of analyzing a cullet stream prior to batch formulation in glass manufacturing. Cullet is fed onto a conveyor where a real-time composition analysis is performed. Contaminants are optionally removed, and a determination is made as to whether the cullet batch color is consistent with a predetermined tolerance threshold. If necessary, the glass batch formulation is modified in view of the cullet analysis. Virgin raw materials requirements of the modified glass batch formulation may then be communicated to the batch controller before sending batch ingredients to the mixing stage and completing the overall glass manufacturing process.

Abstract: A temperature variation of a glass substrate 2 at a plurality of measuring points in a continuous furnace 3 when preset temperatures of respective furnaces 31-33 are changed is estimated in the form of a matrix based on a model, an inverse matrix of the matrix is used so as to calculate correction values in such manner that a temperature of the glass substrate 2 corresponds to a temperature of a desired temperature profile, and the preset temperatures are corrected based on the correction values.

Abstract: A control for a glass forming machine is disclosed which receives as an input the event angles used to control the machines operation. These event angles, which define the time in a cycle when each event is turned on and off, are unwrapped to represent times in the glass forming process which takes more than two machine cycles to complete. A computerized model of the unwrapped cycle is defined and a control analyzes the computerized model as a constrained optimization problem to define an optimized schedule of event times and defines a plurality of intermediate event time schedules in an incremental application.

Abstract: A modular control system for controlling a machine such as a glass forming machine includes a central control unit and a machine control unit, which are connected via a high-speed data bus. The machine control unit is spread out to a plurality of peripheral control units via a plurality of high-speed data buses. The machine control unit is adapted to distribute control signals received from the central control unit to the peripheral control units in real time.

Abstract: A method of determining parameters of plurality of thermal cycles to achieve a set glass strain level includes providing a plurality of input parameters for a glass substrate and a plurality of parameters for a plurality of thermal cycles. The method also includes iteratively modifying at least one of the pluralities of thermal cycle parameters so the glass strain is not greater than the set glass strain level after a final thermal cycle is completed. An aspect of the method usefully enables a user to determine from the material parameters and processing sequences of the glass manufacturer and further entities that may further process the glass (e.g., the glass manufacturer's customers) whether a particular glass strain can be achieved; and if not the example embodiments allows the manufacturer to calculate changes in the customers' processes to meet the desired glass strain.

Abstract: A method for designing and manufacturing lens modules includes selecting design parameters from a design database stored with the design parameters suitable for a lens module desired to be manufactured to design the lens module according to characteristics of the lens module and storing the design parameters of the lens module in an analysis database, analyzing the lens module based on a predetermined analysis process to generate analysis parameters corresponding to the lens module and storing the generated analysis parameters in the analysis database, and re-designing the lens module based on the analysis parameters stored in the analysis database.

Abstract: Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a system for and method of analyzing and cleaning a cullet stream prior to bottle manufacturing. In accordance with certain aspects of the present invention, the system includes a raw materials feeder, a mixing stage, a melting stage, a bottle-forming stage, a cooling/annealing stage, an inspection stage, and a batch controller. The raw materials feeder further includes a cullet bin within which is cullet supply, a feeder, an analysis device, and removal assembly. Certain preferred embodiments of the method include the steps of feeding cullet onto the conveyor, performing real-time composition analysis of the cullet, removing contaminants from the cullet, determining whether the cullet batch is consistent with a predetermined tolerance threshold, adjusting the glass batch formulation, sending the batch ingredients to the mixing stage, and then completing the overall glass manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method of determining the constituents and impurities in mixed-color cullet to facilitate use of mixed-color cullet in glass manufacture is provided. A glass batch formulation is adjusted based on the measured characteristics of supplied mixed-color cullet. More specifically, certain preferred aspects of the present invention include the steps of providing quantity of mixed-color cullet, collecting at least one sample of the mixed-color cullet, performing, either singularly or in combination, particle size analysis, particle color analysis, or organics analysis of the mixed-color cullet, optionally storing the analysis results, determining a glass batch formulation, providing the cullet specification and the batch formulation to a glass manufacturer, and adjusting glass batch formulation based on the cullet specification to ensure consistent glass quality.

Abstract: A scoring bridge includes a plurality of moveable mounted carriages. The carriages each have a rotor, and the bridge has a linear stator to move the carriages. The position of a carriage designated as a reference carriage is recorded as it moves past a motion detector. The position of each remaining carriages is recorded as they individually move past the detector. The difference between the position of a carriage and the position of the reference carriage is an offset that is added to the position reading of the carriage to accurately space the carriage form the reference carriage. Each of the carriages can have a scoring assembly that includes servomotor acting through a gear arrangement on a scoring wheel. The servomotor applies a constant load to the scoring wheel and adjusts the load for any positive or negative displacement of the scoring wheel from a reference position.

Abstract: An automated quotation system is provided for generating firm binding price quotations for custom manufactured parts in either an online or offline context.

Abstract: A method of processing an eyeglass lens includes: a first step of obtaining an actual three-dimensional target lens shape from a rim of an eyeglass frame; a second step of obtaining a circumferential length of the actual three-dimensional target lens shape and a two-dimensional target lens shape based on the actual three-dimensional target lens shape; a third step of transmitting at least the two-dimensional target lens shape without transmitting the circumferential length of the actual three-dimensional target lens shape; a fourth step of obtaining a circumferential length of a three-dimensional target lens shape restored based on the transmitted two-dimensional target lens shape; a fifth step of obtaining a bevel path having a circumferential length that substantially accords with the circumferential length of the restored three-dimensional target lens shape; and a sixth step of forming a bevel on a peripheral edge surface of the lens based on the obtained bevel path.

Abstract: A system and a method for in-line production of insulated glass units (IGU) for custom windows. The system and method schedule IGU production based on the order in which the cut glass is available, or broken out, from a glass cutting station. Once the IGUs are assembled, they are then sorted into the order in which they are to be further processed, i.e., into the order in which the corresponding windows are to be produced and shipped. Thus, the sorting, or carting, step occurs after the cut glass is contained in sealed IGUs, and the workers who perform the sorting step do not have to directly handle the pieces of cut glass.

Abstract: A glass cutting station having a controller that lays out a pattern of lites to be cut from set of glass sheets to fulfill the lite requirements of a multiple number of cutting batches. The controller identifies one or more underutilized glass sheets in a first set of glass sheets that have free space with no lites designated to be cut in the first batch. The controller also lays out a pattern of lites to be cut to fulfill the lite requirements of an additional or second batch in the number of batches by utilizing at least some of the free space on the underutilized glass sheets of the first set of glass sheets. Additionally the controller designates other glass sheets from which to cut other lites in the additional batch. If, after this process is performed, additional free space is identified, the controller can continue to lay out the sheet with standard or filler lites that fill up the additional underutilized space of a glass sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling production run sequences of insulating glass units based on manufacturing variables. The method creates a sequence of runs of insulating glass units to be produced for assembly to window or door sash and frames at a plurality of glazing lines. A status of the runs, a status of one or more insulating glass component processing machines, and/or a queue of insulating glass units to be assembled to window or door sash and frames at the glazing lines is monitored at a production control workstation. The sequence of runs is altered at the production control workstation based on one of the status of the runs, the status of the one or more glass processing machines, and the queue of insulating glass units at the glazing line.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing designs on terracotta containers, the surfaces of which have been at least partly covered with a glaze. In the method, the glaze is cut through and is cut, grinded, or etched away with glass cutting tools to expose the terracotta surface beneath. The glaze is removed to produce a design or pattern on the surface of the container to enhance the visual appeal and aesthetics of the container. Portions of the terracotta material may also be removed during the cutting process to produce a grooved design in the surface of the container.

Abstract: A method and device for regulating and/or controlling a glass forming machine is described. A central controller transmits parameterization data and/or synchronization data and/or motion information and/or motion path information using at least one integrated bus system. The central controller also permits centralized management of the cams of the glass forming machine.

Abstract: A system for adjusting position of glass plates includes (1) a chain for conveying glass plates into a bending furnace, the chain having (a) alternate links, (b) connecting pins for holding the alternate links together, (c) extension pins extending from some of the connecting pins toward the corresponding glass plates; (2) supporting members fixed to the extension pins, for supporting the glass plates and for guiding the glass plates into the bending furnace; (3) a first image sensor unit for imaging actual positions of the extension pins; (4) a processor for computing a difference between the actual position of each extension pin and a reference position of each extension pin; and (5) a display device for displaying a command to adjust position of each extension pin, based on the difference, to make each extension pin take the reference position, thereby adjusting position of the glass plates.

Abstract: Sections (22) of an I.S. glass forming machine (23) have a plurality of mechanisms which can be respectively driven by a first drive. Each first drive is allocated a controller which is connected to a first sequencer (60) via a first bus (59). All first sequencers (60) are connected to a second bus (70) to which a second sequencer (71), a manually-operated device (72), a PC (73) with an Internet connection (74) and a modem (75) are connected. Peripheral devices of the I.S. glass forming machine (23) each have at least one third drive (5, 7, 9, 11, 15, 21, 32, 41, 42, 43, 50, 51, 52, 17, 82). Each third drive is connected to a first control device (77). In the case of the third drives (17, 82) associated first control devices (77) are directly connected to the second bus (70), whereas in the other cases a plurality of first control devices (77) are connected to a third bus (78) which is connected to the second bus (70) via a second control device (79).

Abstract: The supervisor is connected to at least one hollow glassware production line including a plurality of controlled moving members, and is defined by a line agent unit generating a virtual image of the line, a database memorizing all the data required for operation of the line, an interface, and an instruction analyzer. The database is defined by individual memory areas separately memorizing data relative to the structure of each line in a line table; data relative to production processes to be performed in a process table; and specific elementary operation instructions for the line members by means of a recipe table memorizing conditions relating the memorized lines and production processes. The instruction analyzer processes the line structure data and production process data, and generates specific instructions on the basis of the entered data.

Abstract: Providing information to a communications device includes determining the relevance of an event to a user based on service choices of the user and, if the event is relevant to the user, determining the relevance of information sources to the event, the information sources including at least data indicating a real-time status of the user, and determining whether to send information about the event to the user based on the information sources.

Abstract: An automated method for recycling mixed colored cullet glass (i.e., broken pieces of glass of mixed colors and types) into new glass products. A computer controlled process identifies the virgin glass raw materials, the desired target glass properties, the composition of a batch of mixed colored cullet, and the quantity of cullet to be used in the glass melt, and the computer controlled process automatically determines the proper amounts of raw materials to add to the batch of mixed colored cullet so that recycled glass is produced having the desired coloring oxides, redox agents, and glass structural oxides in the proper proportion. The recycled glass is then used to make glass products such as beer bottles.