Abstract: In an electrical apparatus wherein electrical devices are interconnected by coupling connectors and a desired interconnection of devices is achieved by an intended interconnection of mating components of coupling connectors, identification elements in one mating component of each connector produce identification signals representing identity of the mating component. Decoding means responsive to the identification signals produce an error signal representing an interconnection of connector components differing from the intended interconnection and, means responsive to the error signal effects a response when the actual interconnection of components differs from the intended interconnection of components. Responses are, advantageously, activation of an error indicator, inhibition of application of power to affected devices, or, with program controlled systems, display of a text error message, facilitation of user intervention for error correction, or automated re-programming to overcome interconnection errors.

Abstract: When a determination condition is set for determining whether a molded product is non-defective or defective, a molding operation is performed a predetermined number of times. In each molding operation, an actual value of at least one monitor item which can serve as the basis for determining whether a molded product is non-defective or defective is detected. The detected actual values are displayed on a screen of a display in such a manner that a distribution of the actual values can be visually grasped. A sampling zone for the displayed actual values is designated in such a manner that a portion of the displayed actual values are contained in the sampling zone. The determination condition is automatically set on the basis of actual values contained in the sampling zone.

Abstract: A side load detection and protection system (10) operable using pressure sensors (26, 28) to determine side load as a function of a difference in media pressure between two ports (40, 42) of a pneumatic/hydraulic rotation motor (22). When the side load exceeds a pre-established limiting value, the system (10) shuts off functions that could be causing the side load. The system (10) includes a visual display (34) to communicate the actual amount of side load and to present a warning when the limiting side load value has been reached or exceeded. The system (10) is able to differentiate between loads applied to the rotation mechanism through operation of the pneumatic/hydraulic rotation motor (22) and loads due to external forces acting directly or indirectly on the system (10). Furthermore, in order to account for different efficiencies, the system (10) can have separate set-points for side load in clockwise or counterclockwise directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing data in a mass storage system implementing striped RAID technology by topological categorization and ordering of the data according to the topology of the storage areas. A mass storage system includes a mass storage space for storing data items of a plurality of data types. Each data item contains data of a corresponding data type and each data type is defined by the characteristics of the information represented by the data. The storage space is topologically organized as a plurality of basic units of storage space containing a predetermined number of data blocks of predetermined sizes. A data classifier categorizes each data item as a member of a data type and, for each data type, orders the data of the data items into one or more data block groups in a corresponding write buffer wherein each data block group corresponds to a basic unit of storage, and writes each data item into a corresponding data type area of the storage space.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling a molding machine includes structure and function for a human machine interface control panel having: (i) a flat panel display screen; (ii) a pointing device; (iii) a plurality of pushbuttons overlaid with or without icons; (iv) a housing containing the above and the associated electronics; (v) structure to uniquely identify each users preferred configuration; (vi) structure to connect to a remote controller for both digital information and video signal communication; (vii) a connection for receiving external power to drive the panel's electronics and display; and (viii) software running in the remote controller to provide all the operating functions of the human machine interface.

Abstract: A method of blow-molding synthetic resin articles in which an image of an actual article is produced by blow-molding is displayed. A wall thickness control curve on a display screen of a computer controlling the blow-molding machine and critical locations of the curve are graphically reproduced on the image of the article.

Abstract: A method and system is provided to determine or predict those components that may have to be maintained before the operation of a molding system that has those components is caused to be stopped. Cycle times that correspond to the respective times of the cycles of the operations of the molding system and operation times of the processes performed by the components, which operation times affect the cycle times, are measured and stored. Based on the sum of the operation times that exceed a predetermined time or the sum of the number of operation times that exceed the predetermined time during the specified period, any step that may cause a problem among the steps of the components that affect the cycle times is determined.

Abstract: A process control system includes an executive routine located at a first node of a process control system, one or more soft phases located at other nodes remote from the first node and communication software located in the each of the nodes to enable the executive routine to call and execute the soft phases that are at nodes remote from the first node. This operation may reduce loading or communication traffic on the batch executive node and enables the operator to interact with a soft phase at a workstation or node that is convenient to the operation of the soft phase, which makes the operator's task easier and results in faster execution of the soft phase.

Abstract: An injection mold design method for correcting a profile of a product to be fabricated into a releasable profile from a mold to design an injection mold based on a corrected product shape, utilizing a storage device for storing information of the product shape and mold profile, a display device for displaying the product shape or the mold profile on a screen based on the information read from the storage device, an input device for inputting designation information necessary for correction of the product shape or the mold profile, and a controlling device for unloading information of lines or planes being obstructive to correction of the product shape and the mold profile in the storage device in response to the designation information input by the input device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an input device for an injection molding machine, having a touch panel-type display screen. The display screen has set value displays for displaying set values of molding conditions. The set value display consists of a plurality of set value windows. Touching one of the set value windows makes an input element for inputting a set value of the molding conditions be displayed on the display screen. The input element constitutes a scale. Touching the scale changes numeric values displayed in the set value windows.

Abstract: Methods and computer systems are provided for analyzing cell proteomes to characterize proteins that are up- or down-regulated under different conditions, such as under abnormal or compound treated conditions, including drug screening and testing, as well as proteins and encoding or complementary nucleic acids characterized using such methods and computer systems.

Abstract: A sampling device for thermal analysis of solidifying metal, comprising at least one container intended to contain a sample quantity (30) of liquid metal during analysis, and at least one sensor (40, 220, 240) for thermal analysis, said sensor(s) being intended to be at least partly immersed in the solidifying metal sample quantity during analysis. The container comprises an inner wall (50), with an interior surface (60) intended to face the sample quantity during analysis, and an exterior surface (70); an outer wall (80), with an exterior surface (100) intended to face the ambient atmosphere, and an interior surface (90); said walls being joined at the mouth of the container whereby the exterior surface (70) of the inner wall (50) and the interior surface (90) of the outer wall (80) together define an essentially closed space (110).

Abstract: In a method of safeguarding an injection molding machine against execution of a faulty operation, a movement state of a moveable component, e.g. a moveable mold mounting plate of an injection molding machine, is monitored as a drive for the component is activated. Upon detection of no movement or only a minimal movement of the component, the drive is deactivated by a controller.

Abstract: A method for blow molding a superplastic metal plate by in relation to time applying to it pneumatic pressure that is based on a maximum value of a strain rate of the superplastic metal plate as a set pattern of pneumatic pressure in relation to time when the metal plate is subjected to a high-speed blow molding after being heated to a desired temperature, comprising the steps of: entering data on a shape into which the metal sheet is to be blow molded and on properties of a material of the metal plate to store the data in a storage; determining a set pattern of a pneumatic pressure in relation to time from the entered data on the shape and the properties of the metal sheet; dividing the set pattern of the pneumatic pressure into an appropriate number of parts in relation to time; determining the values of parameters for controlling the pneumatic pressure for each part divided from the set pattern of the pneumatic pressure; and controlling the pattern of the pneumatic pressure using the determined values of t

Abstract: A method of vacuum treatment is performed using a vacuum treatment system (1) comprising a vacuum treatment unit (31) for treating a wafer (W) placed on a wafer stage (10) and a controller (51) for controlling the vacuum treatment unit (31). A sensor wafer (11) of substantially the same shape and size as a wafer (W), which includes a detector element (11d) for detecting data about the state of a vacuum treatment and a data processing element (11p) for processing the detected data, is placed on the wafer stage (10) and treated in a vacuum by the vacuum treatment unit (31). While the sensor wafer (11) is subjected to a vacuum treatment, data on the state of the vacuum treatment is detected and processed. Based on the processed data, the controller (51) controls the vacuum treatment unit (31) to treat the wafer (W).

Abstract: The present invention replaces the multiple controller systems by incorporating the controller of sensory devices with the part-forming machine controller (typically a personal computer), thereby producing a synergistic combination. More specifically, sensory devices such as, for exemplary purposes only, cameras, infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or other sensing devices are connected directly to one or more preexisting serial, parallel or USB ports or other bus interfaces of the machine controller. By programming the machine controller or loading software therein, the machine controller can receive the input signal(s)/data from the sensory device, analyze the data, provide an output signal to the sensory device and communicate directly and contemporaneously with the machine controller software.

Abstract: Using the molding tool (2), spatially-resolved spectrometer (1) and computerized device (101) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/303,409, streaking problems identified in production are first diagnosed (140), then duplicated on a laboratory scale (142) and compared with the streaking problems observed in production. Next, options are developed and tested for fixing (correcting) the observed problem and testing these on a laboratory scale (144). Finally, the option(s) chosen for correcting the observed problem are validated prior to reinitiating full-scale production (146).

Abstract: An object is to reduce damage to the mechanical parts of a moving mechanism unit 5 for moving a retaining mechanism unit 7 and electric power consumption in an apparatus for taking out a molded product. The apparatus comprises a time measuring unit 4 for measuring a return time elapsing between a start of the returning operation of the retaining mechanism unit 7 in a preceding process and the next start of the penetrating operation for taking out a molded product; an arithmetic operation unit 11 for calculating a return moving speed distribution for a process succeeding the preceding process such that the returning operation terminates upon elapse of the return time measured by the time measuring means 4; and a control unit 12 for activating the moving mechanism unit 5 in such a way that the returning operation is carried out according to the return moving speed distribution in the succeeding process.

Abstract: By measuring the pressure distribution between fabricating equipment and a product formed in that equipment, and optionally the sequence in which the pressure is applied, the quality of product formation may be optimized. In an illustrated embodiment, pressure sensors are placed between a turn-up bladder and a tire apex in tire building equipment, and the pressure applied by the equipment, and the sequence of pressure application are observed and are correlated with product quality.

Abstract: A monitoring and control system for use in curing composite materials includes a model for a workpiece being cured. The model calculates current internal states of the workpiece and predicts, based upon past and current states of the workpiece, future states of the cure process. These future states are represented as virtual inputs to the controller, which controls operation of the cure process based upon both real and virtual inputs. Cure rates are affected by both external temperatures and internal heat generated by the curing process itself. The internally generated heat is considered by the model when calculating current states and predicting future states. By projecting the cure state into the future, problems caused by high cure rates can be avoided. In addition, pressure can be optimally controlled in response to estimated internal material state.

Abstract: An event notification system is described. The system comprises a computer having a CPU and memory and which executes an operating system operative to manage computer programs and wherein the programs generate events, a notification controller connected to the computer and operative to detect the generated events, a notification transceiver communicatively connected to the notification controller and capable of transmitting a message containing data on the event, and a portable transceiver including a notifier for receiving the message.

Abstract: An injection mold design method for correcting a profile of a product to be fabricated into a releasable profile from a mold to design an injection mold based on a corrected product shape, utilizing a storage device for storing information of the product shape and mold profile, a display device for displaying the product shape or the mold profile on a screen based on the information read from the storage device, an input device for inputting designation information necessary for correction of the product shape or the mold profile, and a controlling device for unloading information of lines or planes being obstructive to correction of the product shape and the mold profile in the storage device in response to the designation information input by the input device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing fluorine and other sorbable contaminants in plasma reactor used in chemical vapor deposition process such as the deposition of silicon oxide layer by the reaction of TEOS and oxygen. According to the method of the present invention, plasma of an inert gas is maintained in plasma reactor following chamber clean to remove sorbable contaminants such as fluorine. The plasma clean is typically followed by seasoning of the reactor to block or retard remaining contaminants. According to one embodiment of the invention, the combination of chamber clean, plasma clean, and season film is conducted before PECVD oxide layer is deposited on wafer positioned in the plasma reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to injection mold hot runner control devices and more particularly to an injection molding control device which eliminates the conventional control cables to improve the quality of feedback signals received by the controller and the safety of the environment in which such systems are used. The present invention utilizes a signal processor to convert analog signals received from the mold temperature sensors into a digital feedback signal in the vicinity of the mold and to transmit such feedback signal to a receiver connected to a controller at a location remote from the mold. The mold controller processes the feedback signal and generates a corresponding control signal. The control signal is transmitted from the remotely located controller to the controlled device, typically the mold heaters.

Abstract: An auxiliary control system is operatively associated with a press machine controller including a programmable logic controller having a main processor. The auxiliary control system includes a sensor assembly arranged to provide sensor information which is representative of the condition of the press machine. An auxiliary processor is arranged to monitor for the occurrence of press operating events as signified by the sensor information. The auxiliary processor provides a state signal to the press controller which is representative of the results of the monitoring activity to enable the PLC to control the press machine. Additionally, an improved press machine PLC includes an auxiliary sensor assembly for providing sensor information which is representative of the condition of the press machine.

Abstract: An electronic HVAC monitoring computer continuously monitors the general condition and efficiency of an HVAC system and notifies a central station computer via modem link or other signal transmission means, when the general condition or efficiency of the HVAC system falls below certain industry standard values by a pre-set amount.

Abstract: A processor comprises a processing core integrated on the same chip with a temperature sensing diode. The two terminals of the diode are coupled to each of two I-O ports of the processor. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical characteristics across the I-O ports are measured by an external control circuit to calculate a temperature of the processor. This temperature is compared to a threshold, and either an overtemp or undertemp signal is transmitted via a control line.

Abstract: In an injection molding machine utilizing a setting method of the present invention, there is substantially no limitation in numbers to steps of an injection speed and a holding pressure, and in addition to rectangle, slope, polygonal line and flat, an arc can be designated as a shape mode. Because of using codes to define the shape mode, the setting operation becomes easy. In order to form one injection speed control pattern, the mix of shape modes is utilized. Also, in the present setting method, a plurality of code data predeterminedly defined are input sequentially in time, thereby setting the injection speed control pattern or pressure holding control pattern. The code defines a kind of function which figures out an injection speed command data or a holding pressure command data corresponding to each stroke position or time.

Abstract: A data acquisition and transmitting unit samples the signal indicating the apparatus state quantity from a sensor provided on an apparatus, converts the signal into absolute-time-tagged monitoring data S(t), stores the data S(t), and transmits the data S(t) to a network. A digital protection and control unit takes in the quantity data E about the system of the apparatus and the operating state data P about the apparatus, converts these data into absolute-time-tagged data E(t) and operating state data P(t), stores these converted data, and transmits these data E(t) and P(t) to the network. A data display unit receives the data S(t), E(t), and P(t) from the data acquisition and transmitting unit and digital protective and control unit via the network and displays the state of the apparatus on the basis of the data S(t), E(t), and P(t).

Abstract: A pipeline inspection and defect mapping system includes a pig having an inertial measurement unit and a pipeline inspection unit for recording pig location and defect detection events, each record time-stamped by a highly precise onboard clock. The system also includes several magloggers at precisely known locations along the pipeline, each containing a fluxgate magnetometer for detecting the passage of the pig along the pipeline and further containing a highly precise clock synchronized with the clock in the pig. The locations of the various magloggers are known in a north/east/down coordinate system through a differential global positioning satellite process. Finally, a postprocessing off-line computer system receives downloaded maglogger, inertial measurement, and odometer data and through the use of several Kalman filters, derives the location of the detected defects in the north/east/down coordinate frame. Consequently, a task of identifying sites for repair activity is much simplified.

Abstract: A method for predicting process parameters for optimization and control of microstructure in metal and alloy products of hot working fabrication processes is described. The method uses state-space material behavior models and hot deformation process models for calculating optimal strain, strain rate and temperature trajectories for processing the material. Using the optimal trajectories and appropriate optimality criteria, suitable process parameters such as ram velocity and die profile for processing the material are determined to achieve prescribed strain, strain rate and temperature trajectories.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing an image on a generally non-absorbent surface of a food item selected from the group consisting of chocolate, cheese and the like or a combination thereof includes a computer allowing an operator to create a unique template for the food item. The apparatus further includes software adjusting a scanned image to the created template and a production line controllably operating a process of making the food product that corresponds to the template. Also, the apparatus has a means for treating the surface of the food item so as to directly print the image on its non-absorbent surface.

Abstract: A method by which an operation characteristic of a proportional electromagnetic control valve can be automatically measured in a short period of time. For this purpose, in the operation characteristic measuring method of the present invention, when the proportional electromagnetic control valve to be measured is a proportional electromagnetic pressure control valve, at each step for measuring a pressure of a hydraulic circuit, the pressure is measured with a predetermined interval of time, the pressure is assumed to be stabilized at a point of time when a difference &Dgr;P between the measured pressure value and the previously measured pressure value becomes a predeterminied level or less, and the measured pressure value at this point of time is employed as a pressure corresponding to a load current at this step.

Abstract: A numerically controlled milling machine is used to mill the surface of a coined spinnerette after punching and before broaching the holes in the spinnerette. A probe is mounted on the milling machine to obtain data points on the bumpy surface of the coined spinnerette. The low points in predetermined areas off of the protuberances on the bumpy surface of the coined spinnerette are detected. Splines connecting the low points in, e.g., concentric rings if the holes in the finished spinnerette will be in rings, are used to generate a representation of the finished surface. A spiral tool path is obtained using the representation of the finished surface and G-codes are generated to control the milling machine to move a tool along the tool path. After the coined spinnerette has been milled, conventional finishing, including broaching is performed.

Abstract: A control device for operation of a system for treating a surface of a solid running substrate by dielectric-barrier electrical discharge in a controlled gaseous atmosphere, comprising (A) a system which includes (i) a treatment device through which a substrate to be treated runs at a speed, (ii) the system is connected to the treatment device for supplying the treatment device with a flow of gas, (iii) the system is connected to the treatment device for supplying the treatment device with electrical power in order to produce the electrical discharge and (iv) the system sucking out the gas, (B) a data processing unit capable of receiving, as input, a datum regarding the speed at which the substrate is running through the treatment device, the data processing unit further comprising an output side connected to the system for controlling the electrical power supply system, in order to regulate the flow of gas delivered by the or each of the gas supply system and/or the electrical power delivered by the electric

Abstract: An injection molding system includes a program control section installed outside injection molding machines. The program control section includes a program file section that stores a plurality of different programs in the form of files, and a program transfer section that selects a computer program from the program file section and transfers the selected computer program to the controller of an arbitrary injection molding machine when the arbitrary injection molding machine is operated. Only when an injection molding machine is operated, a program (control program) for operating the injection molding machine is selected from the program file section of the program control section, and the thus-selected program is transferred to the corresponding controller by the program transfer section.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for stably controlling an ignition operation of a gas boiler regardless of external conditions by means of a method and an apparatus for variably setting an ignition condition of the gas boiler is disclosed. Control section detects an extinguishment flame voltage value based on whether or not a state of the gas boiler is an extinguishment state, compares the detected extinguishment flame voltage value with a predetermined first reference ignition flame voltage value, and sets a new reference ignition flame voltage value according to the compared result. As a result, the effects on the variations of components' characteristic which occur while using the gas boiler for a long time is minimized. Also, the effects caused by external conditions in the ignition state, the combustion state and the extinguishment state of the gas boiler are minimized. As a result, the ignition operation of the gas boiler is stably executed.

Abstract: A control device for operation of a system for treating a surface of a solid running substrate by dielectric-barrier electrical discharge in a controlled gaseous atmosphere, comprising (A) a system which includes (i) a treatment device through which a substrate to be treated runs at a speed, (ii) the system is connected to the treatment device for supplying the treatment device with gas, (iii) the system is connected to the device for supplying the treatment device with electrical power in order to produce the electrical discharge and (iv) the system for sucking out the gas (B) a data processing unit designed to receive, as input, a datum regarding the speed at which the substrate is running through the treatment device, the data processing unit being connected, on the output side, to the gas supply system, to the electrical power supply system and to the gas suction system, in order: (a) upon starting the treatment device and when the running speed of the substrate is greater than a predetermined speed, to c

Abstract: A method of storing data in an internal storage device included in a process controller for controlling a molding machine divides storage areas of the internal storage device hierarchically into a molding condition data storage area for storing molding condition data specific to a product or an operating environment, a changeable machine data storage area for storing changeable machine data specific to the molding machine and necessary for setting operating conditions and subject to change when necessary, and an unchangeable machine data storage area for storing unchangeable machine data specific to the molding machine. The molding condition data storage area, the changeable machine data storage area, and the unchangeable machine data storage area can selectively be initialized individually or in an optional combination.

Abstract: The invention concerns using multiple computers to hold a conference. Under the invention, an application program can run on a single computer, yet remote participants can issue commands to the program. Remote participants can watch the program operate, because the invention replicates the display window of the running program onto the displays of the remote computers. Any participant can make annotations on the participant's own computer display. The invention copies the annotations to the displays of the other participants.