Abstract: A chemical substance total management system aids for reduction of release and transferring amount of managing substances in business entities. The system retrieves releasing and transferring amount record relating to predetermined managing substance on the basis of total tabulation link information with correlation between the tabulation result record managing releasing and transferring amount of managing substance per releasing and transferring destination and releasing and transferring amount record to be a source generating tabulation result record.

Abstract: An automatic synthesis machine is used for synthesis of compounds using a plurality of vessels, allowing reagents to chemically react with each other. The automatic synthesis machine comprises a selection means for selecting a specific vessel among a plurality of vessels, a display device for displaying the vessel selected by the selection means in a manner such that it can be identified, together with the operation contents (suction and injection) related to the selected vessel, and an analysis means for analyzing a protocol prescribing a series of operational procedures for synthesis of compounds and picked-out commands related to the selected vessel from the protocol.

Abstract: In the present invention, an insulating material is applied onto a substrate in a coating treatment unit to form a coating insulating film. The substrate is heated in the heating processing unit, whereby the coating insulating film is hardened partway. A brush is then pressed against the front surface of the coating insulating film in a planarization unit and moved along the front surface of the coating insulating film, thereby planarizing the coating insulating film. The substrate is then heated to completely harden the coating insulating film. According to the present invention, the coating film can be planarized without using the CMP technology.

Abstract: Methods and systems for regenerating and pretreating oxides of manganese and precipitation of oxides of manganese from manganese salt solutions. The oxides of manganese and manganese salt solutions are processed utilizing heated aqueous oxidizing solutions at or near boiling at atmospheric pressure. Solution temperature, Eh value and pH value are monitored and adjusted so as to move solution conditions into and to maintain them within the MnO2 stability area. This results in regenerated, pretreated and precipitated oxides of manganese having high or increased pollutant loading capacities and/or oxidation states. Oxides of manganese thus produced are, amongst other uses; suitable for use as a sorbent for capturing or removing target pollutants from industrial gas streams. Filtrate process streams containing useful and recoverable value present as spectator ions may be further processed to produce useful and marketable by-products.

Abstract: Devices and techniques for estimating the concentration of one or more agents in a fluid environment employ a plurality of measurements of a sensor attribute that changes in response to an agent. Measurements taken before the agent/reagent combination reaches a steady-state may be used. The plurality of measurements are processed using a nonlinear, parametric model of the interaction between the sensor and the agent to determine the concentration of the agent. The model takes into account the finite capacity of a sensor reagent. The model characterizes the interaction of individual agent/reagent combinations with a set of parameters. These parameters require minimal testing to calculate. The invention enables the response of a sensor to an agent over the entire range of agent concentration levels to be efficiently and accurately characterized. The invention also enables the prediction of collective responses given parameters characterizing a plurality of agent/reagent combinations.

Abstract: A method for controlling production process by performing near-infrared absorptiometric analysis by simple procedures in an accurate manner, in which control of production process step can be realized at a high accuracy by simple operation based on the thereby obtained analytical results, the said method comprising taking each absorbance spectrum for a plurality of standard samples in an analysis range including near-infrared region, calculating the average intensity and standard deviations for each of selected wave lengths to construct a data base, taking an absorbance spectrum in the said analysis range for each of analysis samples and comparing it with the data base in order to judge whether or not the intensity of the absorbance spectrum is within an assumed tolerance limit determined based on the stored standard deviations of the standard samples in the data base to thereby obtain control data by comparing, when wave lengths at which the observed intensity is outside the tolerance limit are present, thes

Abstract: A facility for selecting and refining electrical parameters for processing a microelectronic workpiece in a processing chamber is described. The facility initially configures the electrical parameters in accordance with either a mathematical model of the processing chamber or experimental data derived from operating the actual processing chamber. After a workpiece is processed with the initial parameter configuration, the results are measured and a sensitivity matrix based upon the mathematical model of the processing chamber is used to select new parameters that correct for any deficiencies measured in the processing of the first workpiece. These parameters are then used in processing a second workpiece, which may be similarly measured, and the results used to further refine the parameters.

Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of a reaction mixture comprises at least one heating device for heating the mixture and a power regulator for regulating the amount of power supplied to the heating device. A controller in communication with the power regulator includes program instructions for heating the reaction mixture by setting a variable target temperature that initially exceeds a desired setpoint temperature for the mixture. When the heating device reaches a threshold temperature, the variable target temperature is decreased to the desired setpoint temperature. In another embodiment, the controller includes an adaptive control program for dynamically adjusting the duration or intensity of power pulses provided to the heating device.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel supply system includes a hydrogen generator for generating hydrogen from an energy source at an outlet pressure. An outlet conduit feeds the hydrogen to a user. A controller controls the hydrogen generator to produce hydrogen at the outlet pressure. An input interface receives user demand data and activates the controller in accordance with the user demand data.

Abstract: A programmable vapor generator forms a volatilized liquid by supplying a material in liquid form to a flow passage and heating the flow passage, such that the material volatilizes and expands out of an outlet of the channel. The volatilized material, if desired, mixes with ambient air such that volatilized material condenses to form the aerosol. An apparatus and method for generating such a volatilized liquid, as well as the control and methods of heating, are disclosed as an analytical tool useful for experimental use, a tool useful for production of commercial products or an inhaler device.

Abstract: A sample preparation system provides an automated process that dispenses appropriate amounts of solid material into wells of a microtiter plate for mixing into a suspension. The system utilizes an array of hollow tubes that are lowered into a particle reservoir such that particle material is forced up into the tubes. During loading, solid plungers in the tubes are positioned a known distance from the open end of the tubes. When the particle material is to be dispensed, the plungers are lowered to push the particle material out of the tubes and into receiving wells of the microtiter plate. The plunger stroke and internal diameter of the tubes defines the dispensed volume of particle material.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for mining mass spectral data to detect chemical-specific characteristic features in large databases and/or files, including specifying spectral characteristics of mass spectra to mine, specifying a relationship between the spectral characteristics, searching the mass spectra for portions of the mass spectra which match the spectral characteristics based on the relationship, and assigning scores to the portions of mass spectra to indicate a degree of correlation between the portions of mass spectra and the spectral characteristics. Exemplary embodiments encompass a user specification of the spectral characteristics and their relationships used to mine the mass spectral data, automated specification of the spectral characteristics and their relationships used to mine the data, and real-time data mining wherein the mass spectrometer is adjusted based on the result.

Abstract: A chemical solution preparation apparatus for preparing a chemical solution from chemical gas of an industrial chemical grade. A dissolution unit dissolves the chemical gas in pure water, which is contained in a tank. A gas discharge control unit controls the amount of chemical gas discharged from the dissolution unit. A liquid discharge discharges a predetermined amount of the chemical solution from the tank. At least one of the gas discharge control unit and the liquid discharge control unit are operated at substantially the same time as the dissolution unit.

Abstract: A sample archive method and system implement a plurality of sample carriers configured to support a plurality of sample nodes in a predetermined spatial relationship, sample storage devices for selectively placing the plurality of sample carriers in an archive, and sample node removal apparatus for locating and removing selected ones of the plurality of sample nodes. Alternative embodiments are disclosed wherein the sample node removal apparatus comprises a laser and a mechanical clipping tool, which may be manually operated or automated. An optical component may be operative to detect the location of selected sample carriers in the archive, selected ones of the plurality of sample nodes, or both. A positioning component may position the sample node removal apparatus responsive to signals transmitted by the optical component. Various apparatus and methods of archiving samples and preparing the same for analysis are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for a clinical lab that is capable of automatically processing, including sorting, of multiple specimen containers. The system comprises a central controller, a workstation, one or more analyzers, and an automated centrifuge. The workstation has automatic detectors for detecting the presence of a holder holding specimen containers. The workstation has a bar code reader for reading bar codes on the containers. The system has a transport subsystem, preferably a workstation robotic arm and an analyzer robotic arm for transporting the specimen containers, moving them to and from the workstation, to and from the analyzers, and to and from the centrifuge. The centrifuge is loaded with buckets containing specimen containers. The workstation can be provided with a balance system for balancing the weight of the buckets used. The workstation can also have a decapper for automatically removing caps from the specimen containers.

Abstract: A method for providing improved estimates of properties of a chemical manufacturing process is disclosed. The method regesses process variables with scores or other gains obtained from the mathematical transformation of data obtained from an on-line analyzer. Chemical manufacturing processes using the method also are disclosed.

Abstract: A foam level in a delayed coking drum is detected by utilizing the varying density of the boiling mass in the coke drum which has larger bubbles and is less dense at the top and smaller bubbles and a higher density at the bottom. A plurality of radiation detectors are disposed on the drum and calibrated such that zero radiation is equivalent to 100 percent level. The percentage reading for each detector is multiplied by the fraction of height each detector is in relation to the total height of all the detectors to give a product and the products summed to give a level.

Abstract: A method for continuously preparing a medium formulation mixes a diluent with a plurality of chemically incompatible concentrate solutions in such a manner that none of the ingredients of the concentrate solutions chemically react in an adverse manner. The method utilizes a static mixing chamber to add the concentrate solutions to the diluent stream sufficiently in advance of one another so that adverse chemical reactions do not occur. The method also adjusts a pH level of the diluent prior to adding any of the concentrate solutions to the diluent.

Abstract: A development tool (2) includes a plurality of measuring tools (71) to (76) and an industrial process simulation device (60). The simulation device (60) simulates a whole industrial scale bioprocess in order to obtain acceptable operating parameters for the industrial scale bioprocess. The measuring tools (71) to (76) enable various significant properties of the biomaterial to be measured and evaluated using only a small test quantity of the biomaterial.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer analyzes a measurement item by making a sample and reagent react with each other and measuring the reaction result. This apparatus allows parameters associated with reagent dispensing executed by a reagent dispensing mechanism to be set as a dispensing condition for each measurement item or each type of reagent, and controls the reagent dispensing mechanism on the basis of the dispensing condition.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for configuring and administering control over operations of a utility device. The utility device is described herein as being a warewash machine, but other utility devices are contemplated. A warewash controller administers control over operations of the warewash machine based on operational settings defined by the process disclosed herein. The operational settings are derived based on environmental parameters (e.g., water type, soil level, selected chemical product, etc.) specified by a field service person through a graphical user interface. If an environmental parameter is changed during the operational life cycle of the warewash machine, the operational settings are modified to accommodate for such a change. Thus, the service performed by the warewash machine is maintained at a consistent quality regardless of changes in the environment. A method for selecting the specific chemical product that will be input as an environmental parameter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer based method for controlling an industrial process that includes at least two unit processes, including the steps of directly controlling the process by a control model including one or more algorithms, and automatic diagnosis of the validity of the process data retrieved from the process for the purpose of preventing irrelevant process data from being used as an input in the control model.

Abstract: A system and method for procuring non-production commodities for use by employees of a commercial enterprise includes associating the employee with a user profile comprising information relating a status of the employee within the enterprise, automatically generating a requisition for the employee indicating a desired commodity and quantity thereof, and, utilizing the user profile information and the desired commodity to enable employee searching of specific catalogs provided in a database storage device for indication of the desired commodity in a requisition. The system and method further provides for the automatic generation of a purchase order based on the requisition, the forwarding of the purchase order to the vendor for processing the order without a third party intervenor, and provides a mechanism for receiving vendor purchase order acknowledgments and approving vendor initiated changes to the purchase order without third party intervention.

Abstract: A method for formulating paint is disclosed. The method includes providing a plurality of color coordinates of paints formed from a plurality of formulations and providing durability data related to the paints. Thereafter, the color coordinates, the formulations and the durability data are correlated to assist in forming paints of acceptable durability.

Abstract: A hydrogen energy system is provided for one or more buildings. The system includes a hydrogen generator; at least one zone controller for receiving and processing demands from at least one hydrogen user associated with at least one zone of the one or more buildings; and a unit controller for receiving and processing hydrogen demand data received from the at least one zone controller.

Abstract: A modular chemical production system that preferably includes a microreactor for producing a product by reacting two or more reactants. Modularization enables components such as controllers, pumps, valves, microreactors, and processing modules to be added or removed from the system as required to produce a desired product. A minimum system includes a control module and a reaction module, which has a mixing volume and a reaction volume. Various pumping modules and residence time modules may also be included in the system. Modules can be changed if malfunctioning, or for producing a different product, or to change a quantity of the chemical produced. The control module preferably accesses a database in which data define parameters for a plurality of different reactions that are optimized for the production of different chemical products.

Abstract: A method of mixing two or more chemicals such as for a CMP system. The method includes delivering a first chemical to a first inlet port of a point of use mixer at a first flow rate, delivering a second chemical to a second inlet port of the point of use mixer at a second flow rate, controlling the flow of the first and second chemicals into the mixer upon demand for a mixture of the first and second chemicals and balancing the flow of the first and second chemicals into the mixer. The mixture can also be output such as to a CMP process. A system for mixing two or more chemicals is also described.

Abstract: A computer controlled pumping and measuring system is used to dispense chemicals into a concrete mix. The redundant use of positive displacement pumps and flow meters ensure that any problems with the chemical dispensing are immediately caught. The computerized control system may be operable to control exact batch configurations of concrete and aggregate in conjunction with the chemical dispensing, as well as provide precise mixture control and recording of the various components.

Abstract: A method for resupplying reagents inventoried on-board an automatic clinical analyzer by: comparing an averaged assay demand pattern on the analyzer for assays over a sequence of specifically defined time periods with the reagents inventoried on-board the analyzer to determine which reagents will be exhausted before the next following the sequence of specifically defined time periods, and, resupplying reagents appropriately.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods for contacting or sampling materials in arrays having x materials sites with microfluidic devices having n capillary elements are provided. Devices, integrated systems, and computer program products for performing these methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method to control a process, wherein the status of the process can be altered by a multitude of actions, wherein the action is controlled by basic control units, wherein at least one basic control unit is coordinated by at least one group control unit and wherein this basic control unit has various functions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying process waste gases by introducing them into a waste gas purification system that includes a reaction chamber and by post-treating the reaction products that leave the reaction chamber in a washing or sorbtion chamber with an associated washing agent circuit. The type and amount of harmful substances in the process waste gas are continuously measured before the waste gases enter the waste gas purification system. In addition, the type and amount of harmful substances in the reaction products that leave the waste gas purification system are simultaneously determined directly at the exit of the system and the measuring signals are used to regulate the operating parameters of the waste gas purification system.

Abstract: The present invention provides control methods, control systems, and control software for microfluidic devices that operate by moving discrete micro-droplets through a sequence of determined configurations. Such microfluidic devices are preferably constructed in a hierarchical and modular fashion which is reflected in the preferred structure of the provided methods and systems. In particular, the methods are structured into low-level device component control functions, middle-level actuator control functions, and high-level micro-droplet control functions. Advantageously, a microfluidic device may thereby be instructed to perform an intended reaction or analysis by invoking micro-droplet control function that perform intuitive tasks like measuring, mixing, heating, and so forth. The systems are preferably programmable and capable of accommodating microfluidic devices controlled by low voltages and constructed in standardized configurations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel device for determining the physical and chemical stability of substances and formulations by means of samples. Said device is provided with a vibration spectrometer, a container (1) for storing the samples in controlled conditions, a robot (10) for transporting the samples between the vibration spectrometer (12) and the container, and a computer (13) for controlling the processes and for automatically storing and evaluating the spectra of the samples received by the vibration spectrometer.

Abstract: An inverse analysis method for characterizing diffusion of vapor from an underground source of volatile contaminant using data taken by an in-situ sensor. The method uses one-dimensional solutions to the diffusion equation in Cartesian, cylindrical, or spherical coordinates for isotropic and homogenous media. If the effective vapor diffusion coefficient is known, then the distance from the source to the in-situ sensor can be estimated by comparing the shape of the predicted time-dependent vapor concentration response curve to the measured response curve. Alternatively, if the source distance is known, then the effective vapor diffusion coefficient can be estimated using the same inverse analysis method. A triangulation technique can be used with multiple sensors to locate the source in two or three dimensions. The in-situ sensor can contain one or more chemiresistor elements housed in a waterproof enclosure with a gas permeable membrane.

Abstract: A method for extracting a signal of interest from a signal generated from at least one subject, comprises the steps of (A) obtaining a time-series signal generated from the subject as a data group consisting of a plurality of pieces of data, (B) obtaining a plurality of extracted data groups from the data group, wherein each extracted data group comprises a predetermined number of pieces of data selected from the data group, (C) calculating standard deviations of the plurality of extracted data groups to obtain a standard deviation group, and (D) referencing each standard deviation included in the standard deviation group and selecting the signal of interest.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for controlling the level of in-process monomer in an emulsion polymerization reaction. Also disclosed is a method of controlling particle size by controlling the level of in-process monomer.

Abstract: A chemical substance total management system aids for reduction of release and transferring amount of managing substances in business entities. The system retrieves releasing and transferring amount record relating to predetermined managing substance on the basis of total tabulation link information with correlation between the tabulation result record managing releasing and transferring amount of managing substance per releasing and transferring destination and releasing and transferring amount record to be a source generating tabulation result record.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the compounding of pharmaceutical parenteral admixtures is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a computer that contains a memory for storing instructions for operating the apparatus and for controlling compounders that prepare a prescription admixture, with the memory including data relating to a plurality of the pharmaceutical components that may be transferred to prepare the prescription admixture, and data concerning the operating characteristics of the compounders that the apparatus is adapted to control. The apparatus determines the order of admixing by general rules of admixing and by categorized compatibility groups of components, so that the number of rinses that must be done are minimized.

Abstract: Chlorine dioxide generating processes of the single vessel type which produce chlorine dioxide of high purity are monitored and controlled by a computer using Advanced Control Strategies for steady, stable operation with optimum chemical usage on the basis of a desired chlorine dioxide production rate as the sole input from an operator to the computer program effecting the computer control.

Abstract: The device of the present invention delivers reactants to a reaction zone in a plug flow reactor. The feedblock encircles the reaction zone. Reactants enter the feedblock through an inlet port leading to a manifold for the delivery of reactants into a plurality of feed ports that are in connection with the reaction zone of a plug flow reactor. The invention additionally encompasses plug flow reactors including one or more feedblocks and the method of utilizing the feedblock for the reduction of radial variation in concentration upon entry of a reactant into the reaction zone.

Abstract: A method for avoiding irregular shutoff of production equipment, includes: measuring regularly time-series data of characteristics of a rotary machine used in the production equipment running for the production; obtaining first failure diagnosis data subjecting the time-series data to a first real-time analysis; obtaining second failure diagnosis data subjecting the first failure diagnosis data to a second real-time analysis; predicting a status of the production equipment several minutes later using the second failure diagnosis data; and shutting off during a production process if the result of the prediction determines that the production equipment will shut off irregularly, and switching to a purge sequence for conducting a gas purge of the production equipment.

Abstract: System, method, and computer program product for synchronizing a system for aspirating and/or dispensing of liquid samples that includes a microejection device and a pump, which are connected with one another via tubing, wherein a computer is capable of being loaded with an activatable computer program product for synchronizing operation of the microejection device and the pump. Embodiments are characterized in that the loaded and activated computer program product, directs the computer to control and synchronize the system: (a) to actively define a sample volume and dispense the defined sample volume using the microejection device, which is filled with sample liquid; and (b) to track a part of the pump that conveys liquid around a value, dependent on the sample volume, which is defined and is actively dispensed only by the microejection device, to prevent excessive pressure differences in the microejection device, tubing, and pump.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel supply system includes a hydrogen generator for generating hydrogen from an energy source at an outlet pressure. An outlet conduit feeds the hydrogen to a user. A controller controls the hydrogen generator to produce hydrogen at the outlet pressure. An input interface receives user demand data and activates the controller in accordance with the user demand data.

Abstract: A data processing system is used to manage and track use of chemical product in a washing machine. A detergent dispenser distributes the chemical products (e.g., detergent, rinse agent, and bleach) to the washing machine. The dispenser includes a monitor that detects dispenser data based on distribution of the chemical product by the dispenser. A database is coupled to the dispenser and stores an account identifier and an alignment identifier in association with the dispenser data of the dispenser. The database further stores corporate data in association with the dispenser data, the account identifier, and the alignment identifier. An analysis application analyzes the dispenser data in relation with the corporate data to characterize use of the chemical product in the chemical application system and provide a feedback loop. The analysis application can limit its analysis to data associated with a given account identifier or a given alignment identifier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fractionation of charged macro-molecules such as DNA is provided. DNA solution is loaded into a matrix including an array of obstacles. An alternating electric field having two different fields at different orientations is applied. The alternating electric field is asymmetric in that one field is stronger in duration or intensity than the other field, or is otherwise asymmetric. The DNA molecules are thereby fractionated according to site and are driven to a far side of the matrix where the fractionated DNA is recovered. The fractionating electric field can be used to load and recover the DNA to operate the process continuously.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for handling liquid and a method for the same. The system has a container capable of holding a liquid. An electronic storage device is coupled with the container for electronically storing information relating to the liquid stored in the container. The system also has an antenna, for storing information to and reading information from the electronic storage device. Finally, the system has a microprocessor-based controller, coupled with the antenna, for controlling processing of the liquid based on information read from the electronic storage device by the antenna.

Abstract: Method intended for continuous detection and control of hydrate formation at any point of a pipe carrying multiphase petroleum fluids. The method uses a compositional code allowing to simulate the circulation modes and conditions at any point of the pipe, considering that the fluid mixture is substantially continuously at equilibrium, that the composition of the multiphase mixture is variable all along the pipe and that the mass of each constituent of the mixture is globally defined by a mass conservation equation regardless of its phase state. The thermodynamic hydrate formation conditions are detected after a particular stage of grouping the petroleum fluids into pseudo-components so as to isolate the hydrate forming components, with definition for each one of a mass fraction and of a certain number of characteristic physical quantities, and the data relative to these particular fractions are applied to the modules so as to determine at any point the hydrate dissociation temperature (Td).

Abstract: An operation guidance method of clinical system which enables a doctor or nurse unskilled in testing to operate the clinical system without operation error by providing operation guidance. In the system, an initial screen shows numerals 1 to 5 indicating the order of procedure of sample test and character information indicating the contents of works (1 confirmation of sample, 2 confirmation of request, 3 feeding samples, 4 confirmation of result and 5 finish) as contents displayed in an operation menu. When an operator selects a “start” button, display images showing as guidance on the respective works are sequentially displayed. Further, a display image as guidance on arbitrary one of the works may be displayed by selection of one of the works in the operation menu.

Abstract: A method and control system computing platform for a dialysis machine that uses Symmetric Multi-Processing (SMP) architecture. The SMP architecture tightly couples multiple (e.g., 2) independent processors by sharing memory between the processors. A single shared memory is used by both processors in order to facilitate communication between the processors and reduce cost by eliminating the expense of redundant memory. In this way, the two, or in general “N” processors, increase processor throughput by allowing the execution of N processes in parallel while without requiring extra memory and without having a single point of failure in the computer. In the event of a bus failure on the circuit card, the computer is reset using distributed hardware watchdogs. The watchdog reset signal is also sent to the hardware components of the dialysis machine in order to place the system in a safe.