Abstract: A method of modeling a fermentation process comprises providing a first principles model of a fermentation process; determining the concentration of at least one substrate in a fermentation composition at a first time; and predicting the concentration of at least one component of the fermentation composition at a second time using the first principles model, wherein the second time is after the first time.

Abstract: A biochemical processing apparatus is provided having a stage receiving a biochemical reaction cartridge which includes chambers and flow paths communicating therebetween, a moving system for moving liquid via the flow paths, and a detector for detecting the presence of the liquid in a chamber and/or the amount of the liquid. In addition, a determining device determines a result of the movement of the liquid from the information of the liquid in the chamber detected by the detector.

Abstract: A diagnostic method and apparatus for detecting at least one change in a urinary parameter indicative of a body malfunction, the method comprising at least semi-continuously monitoring in real time at least one of a sodium level, an oxygen level, a potassium level, and combinations thereof in the urine of a catheterized patient; whereby at least one parameter is monitored so as to detect one or more changes in the at least one parameter to reflect at least one of a fluid state, an electrolyte balance, a kidney state, a kidney perfusion and an organ perfusion in the patient, indicative of the body malfunction in the patient, in which the monitoring is preferably performed through electrodes that are arranged perpendicularly to the flow of urine through a patient's catheter system.

Abstract: A method is provided for the measurement of parameters of a gas present in a gas turbine combustion chamber. The method includes tuning a laser to a range containing the absorption lines of species to be analyzed in the gas, and directing the laser light through the combustion chamber and detecting laser light reflected off boundary walls of the combustion chamber. In order to analyze the absorption spectrum measured at high temperatures and pressures, a signature recognition algorithm is applied to the spectrum. The measured absorption spectrum is cross-correlated with a calibration absorption model spectrum for the absorption lines at several temperatures, pressures, and concentrations generated prior to the measurement. Values for pressure, temperature, and concentrations of selected species in the gas are determined simultaneously allowing direct control of the combustion chamber process. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of modeling a fermentation process comprises providing a first principles model of a fermentation process; determining the concentration of at least one substrate in a fermentation composition at a first time; and predicting the concentration of at least one component of the fermentation composition at a second time using the first principles model, wherein the second time is after the first time.

Abstract: An intelligently controlled catalytic converter automatically monitors various operating parameters, such as water jacket temperature, catalytic input temperature, catalytic converter output temperature, oxygen level, ambient temperature, ambient humidity and/or ambient barometric air pressure, of a biofuel-fired device and automatically controls dampers, blowers and electric heaters in the device.

Abstract: The method for optimizing and controlling pressure in gas-oil separation plants utilizes a genetic algorithm-based control method for controlling pressure in each stage of a multi-stage gas-oil separation plant to optimize oil production parameters. A neural network simulation model is used with an optimization procedure to provide on-line operation optimization of the multi-stage gas-oil separation plant. Pressure set points of each stage are automatically and continuously adjusted in the presence of fluctuating ambient temperatures and production rates to ensure optimal oil recovery and optimal quality of the produced oil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for optimizing and controlling the particle size distribution and scale-up of production of nanoparticle in an aerosol flame reactor. The method provides nanoparticles with desired, optimized and controlled particle size and the specific surface area in aerosol reactors using a simulation tool with programmed instructions. The simulation tool couples flame dynamics model and particle population balance model.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a device for producing sodium hypochlorite or hypochlorous acid for water treatment, the device including: a cylinder for storing salt in solid form, adapted for being fed directly via a pressurized water pipe, and including one or more tubes that form one or more electrolytic chambers; one or more electrolytic cells received in the electrolytic chambers; the tubes of the cylinders being perforated to allow the contacting of the electrolytic cells with the salt-saturated water while preventing the electrolytic cells from being short-circuited by the solid salt. This produces sodium hypochlorite or hypochlorous acid from salt-saturated water in a cylinder, connected directly to the pipe of the water to be treated without the latter being loaded with salt.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing catalyst, such as chromium catalysts, are provided. The valence of at least a portion of the catalyst sent to an activator is changed from Cr(III) to Cr(VI). The catalyst is prepared or activated continuously using a fluidization bed catalyst activator.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatus and articles to test batch configurations are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes identifying, using a processor, an execution path through a batch configuration of a process control system, generating a test plan for the execution path, stimulating the process control system to execute the test plan, and recording a result of the test plan.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a Turing machine having a reactor comprising a reactant solution comprising a reactant; a first chemical species source to provide a selected amount of a first chemical species; a second chemical species source to provide a selected amount of a second chemical species; one or more controllers coupled to control the addition of the first and second chemical species from the first and second chemical species sources responsive to an input; and a sensor positioned to sense changes in the reactant as the controller controls the first and second chemical species sources to add selected amounts of the respective first and second chemical species to the reactor. The controller receives signals corresponding to the state of the reactant and correlates the states of the reactant to a result that is computed as a function of the input.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a fluid containing one or more analytes of interest includes; measuring a plurality of properties of a sample fluid with unknown concentrations of the one or more analytes of interest; and using the measurements and a model of the relationship between the plurality of properties and concentrations of the one or more analytes to calculate the concentration of at least one of the analytes of interest. The model may be an artificial neural network. The method may be used to monitor the concentration of inhibitors of gas hydrate formation in a fluid. Apparatus for use in the method is also provided.

Abstract: An analyzer includes a second memory enabled to memorize that control by a controller is for first area, the controller controls at least one of measurement, analysis and display to be for a first area when a second application program starts in a case where said second memory memorizes that the control by the controller is for the first area.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. The controller receives information related to a condition of the process over a first communication network, determines a control signal based on the received information and the programmed process, and sends the control signal over a second communication network to a benchtop utility tower. In one example, the utility tower can include transmitters for temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen that send information related to a condition of the process to the controller over the first communication network, and an agitation system, a gas control system, a temperature control system and a pump control system that perform a control action based on the control signal affecting the process condition.

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 present invention is capable of determining that a reaction region is in an abnormal reaction state precisely with high reproducibility, executing proper analysis processing in accordance with the determined a state of the reaction region, and efficiently analyzing a characteristic of the reaction region. The present invention obtains intensity values of first and second wavelength components by measurement of light emitted from the reaction region with a spectrometer. A relative intensity calculator calculates relative intensity of the first wavelength component relative to the second wavelength component from the intensity values of the first and second wavelength components. The apparatus determines whether or not the calculated relative intensity is a value within a predetermined range. An output portion provides notification that the state of the reaction region is a predetermined state when it is determined that the relative intensity is within the predetermined range.

Abstract: A control system for optimizing a chemical loop system includes one or more sensors for measuring one or more parameters in a chemical loop. The sensors are disposed on or in a conduit positioned in the chemical loop. The sensors generate one or more data signals representative of an amount of solids in the conduit. The control system includes a data acquisition system in communication with the sensors and a controller in communication with the data acquisition system. The data acquisition system receives the data signals and the controller generates the control signals. The controller is in communication with one or more valves positioned in the chemical loop. The valves are configured to regulate a flow of the solids through the chemical loop.

Abstract: Methods and systems for surveying and sterilizing one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas are described.

Abstract: A medical device and a method for displaying medical data by the medical device are disclosed. In one aspect of the disclosure, a method for displaying medical data by a medical device having a display device and one or more processors is disclosed. The method includes monitoring a condition of the display device and determining, at the medical device, whether the display device is in a failure state based on the monitoring, the failure state being indicative of a malfunction of the display device. When the display device is a failure state, the method includes commanding a slave device to display the medical data and providing the medical data from the medical device to the slave device for display by the mobile device.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a system for modifying insulin therapy support parameters such as warning limit data and time block data on a hand-held diabetes management device. The system can include a graphical user interface module that creates a graphical user interface having a plurality of bar structures positionable on or between a first line that indicates an upper limit and a second line that illustrates a lower limit. Each of the bar structures can have a first side that indicates a start time of a time window opposite a second side that indicates an end time of the time window and a third side that indicates a lower target value for a blood glucose level opposite a fourth side that indicates an upper target value for the blood glucose level. The bar structures, the first line and the second line can be adjustable by a user input.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards systems and methods for the treatment of wastewater. A system in accordance with one particular embodiment may include a front end system including at least one resin tank configured to contain an ion exchange resin configured to target a particular metal. The at least one resin tank may be configured to receive an output from an oxidation reactor configured to receive a flow of wastewater from a wastewater producing process. The system may further include a central processing system configured to receive a saturated resin tank from the at least one resin tank. The central processing system may further include a vacuum filter band system configured to receive a slurry from the saturated resin tank and to provide a cascading resin rinse to the slurry. The central processing system may further include a repetitive stripping system configured to receive a metal-filled purification unit from a metal specific purification system.

Abstract: A system for optimizing and controlling a circulating fluidized bed combustion (FBC) system (7) and an air pollution control (APC) system (9) includes a controller (205, 305, 406) and an optimizer (210, 310). The controller (205, 305, 406) is connected to the FBC system (7) and/or the APC system (9). The optimizer (210, 310) is connected to the controller (205, 305, 406). The optimizer (210, 310) provides an optimized setpoint (220, 320, 420) to the controller (205, 305, 406) based on an economic parameter (235, 335, 435) and system outputs (230, 330) from the FBC system (7) and the APC system (9). The controller (205, 305, 406) provides an optimized input (215, 315) to the FBC system (7) and/or the APC system (9) based on the optimized setpoint (220, 320, 420) from the optimizer (210, 310) to optimize operation of the FBC system (7) and/or the APC system (9).

Abstract: The present invention provides novel techniques for optimizing throughput and yield using model predictive control techniques. In particular, the present techniques are presented in the context of biofuel production, wherein the trade off between yields of biofuel production and overall system throughput may be optimized. However, the present techniques may also be applied to any other suitable applications where a batch process of the system may affect a change in a property of the produced product, such as liquor processing.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods of querying a diabetic patient regarding compliance with adherence criteria comprises instructing the diabetic patient to collect at least one sample in a sampling set of biomarker data, wherein each sampling set comprises a sufficient plurality of samples recorded over a collection period, comparing the collected samples to an acceptable range, wherein the acceptable range encompasses biomarker values that would be expected upon compliance with the adherence criteria, and informing the diabetic patient if at least one sample is an unacceptable value which falls outside of the acceptable range, and performing at least one additional task after detecting the unacceptable value.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a temperature of an exhaust gas being introduced to a catalyst is provided. Using an adjustable flow controller, an adjustable amount of tempering fluid is provided to the exhaust gas prior to the exhaust gas proceeding to the catalyst. A sensor senses a parameter indicative of a temperature of the exhaust gas being introduced to the catalyst. A computer processor uses a relationship to relate the parameter to an adjustment of the adjustable flow controller that will adjust the amount of tempering fluid provided to the exhaust gas and change the temperature of the exhaust gas being introduced to the catalyst toward a target temperature. Adjustment of the adjustable flow controller is initiated by the computer processor to change the flow of the tempering fluid, and the relationship between the parameter and the adjustment of the adjustable flow controller is updated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. A sensor system interacts with the bioreactor to receive information related to a condition of the bioreactor and/or receive a sample from the bioreactor, which it analyzes. The sensor system sends data signals related to the information and/or the sample to a controller, which determines a control signal based on the received information. The controller sends the control signal to the sensor system which, based on the control signal, performs an action that affects a condition of the bioreactor or affects the sensor system itself.

Abstract: In the high pressure of polymerization of ethylene homopolymer or copolymers conditions in the reactor may become unstable leading to the decomposition (“decomp”) of the reaction mixture. Monitoring temperature excursions traveling through the reactor over close thermocouples (a roller) to detect changes in the mean temperature and the moving temperature front for a group of thermocouples detects conditions potentially leading to a decomp.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer, comprising: a reagent holder for holding a first and a second reagents; a display; a display controller for controlling the display so as to display a display screen including a first information displaying region for displaying one of a plurality of reagent information regarding the first reagent and a second information displaying region for displaying one of a plurality of reagent information regarding the second reagent; and a display switch receiver for receiving a display switch instruction of reagent information displayed in each of the first and second information displaying regions, wherein the display controller switches a first reagent information displayed in the first information displaying region to a second reagent information and switches a third reagent information displayed in the second information displaying region to a fourth reagent information, when the display switch receiver has received the display switch instruction.

Abstract: A method for treating exhaust gas is provided, which includes measuring SO3 concentration in the exhaust gas which contains at least SO2 and SO3 by using an SO3 gas analyzer; injecting fine particles into the exhaust gas after the step of measuring; cooling the exhaust gas after the step of injection, by recovering heat from the exhaust gas; collecting fly ash from the cooled exhaust gas; and removing at least SO2 from the exhaust gas after the step of collecting by absorbing the SO2 with an absorbing solution. In addition, an apparatus for treating exhaust gas is provided, which includes an SO3 gas analyzer; a fine particles injector; a heat exchanger; an electrostatic precipitator; an absorption tower; and a fine particle feed controller.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus includes: a sample processing unit comprising a moving mechanism and configured to perform a sample processing operation by moving the moving mechanism; a cover configured to cover the moving mechanism of the sample processing unit; a lock mechanism configured to lock the cover to prevent the cover from being opened; and a controller configured to control the lock mechanism, wherein the controller is configured to set either of a first mode and a second mode, wherein in the first mode, the cover is kept locked after the sample processing unit has completed the sample processing operation until an instruction to unlock the cover is received from a user, and in the second mode, the cover is automatically unlocked after the sample processing unit has completed the sample processing operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metabolism manipulation of life forms using spectral output which comprises at least one array of LED light sources which have metabolic manipulating spectral emissions. The array sends one or more environmental signals selected from the group consisting of day/night cycles, seasonal cycles, competitive signals and harsh condition preparedness. A remotely programmable microcontroller is operatively connected to the at least one array for controlling the spectral emissions in a desired manner. The microcontroller selectively sending on commands, off commands and intensity commands to the at least one array. The method and apparatus include software for driving the microcontroller and the software is stored in a memory. A power source is operatively connected to the at least one array of LED light sources, and a graphic user interface facilitates inputting information, by an operator.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for enhancing individualized and safe food production using an iterative co-evolutionary approach. A system is disclosed that includes a production system for generating a set of end products based on an inputted set of host chromosomes and a parasite chromosome (which may include machine/human contaminants); an evaluation system for evaluating each end product; an evolution system for generating a set of evolved host chromosomes and an updated parasite chromosome; and a mechanism for generating a further set of end products based on the evolved host chromosomes and the updated parasite chromosome.

Abstract: A method for dynamic load profiling in a power network can include receiving static load data in the power network, generating a load forecast from the static load data, generating dynamic load data from data related to distributed assets in the power network and modifying the load forecast based on the dynamic load data for profiling the dynamic load data.

Abstract: The present invention is a sample processing apparatus. The apparatus includes: a sample processing unit configured to process a sample; a display; a memory for storing an electronic manual for the sample processing apparatus; and a controller that is capable of showing a relevant part of the electronic manual on the display when a trouble has occurred in the sample processing unit, the relevant part of the electronic manual describing an operation procedure to deal with the trouble.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing cleaning solvents is provided. The method includes selecting a small plurality of test solvents from a large plurality of perspective solvents. The equilibrium composition of a multi-component solution is preferably described by the Hansen solubility model. A small plurality of test solvents is applied to solute samples and the degree of dissolution or swelling recorded. Based on the degree of dissolution or swelling, at least one solvent is selected from the large plurality of perspective solvents based on the Hansen parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus that generates brewed beverages by performing one or more chemical and/or mechanical processes may receive requests to produce specified brewed beverages. The apparatus may include a master controller that initiates and controls performance of the chemical and/or mechanical processes to produce the specified beverages. The master controller may adaptively apply one or more process accelerators during the performance of one of the chemical or mechanical processes to accelerate the process or to achieve a desired qualitative or quantitative characteristic for a beverage or a component thereof. The adaptive application of one or more process accelerators may be dependent on a multiple-variable process profile developed for the process and/or a specified beverage. For example, the pressure in a steam wand and/or the depth of the wand may be varied during a process to froth milk in order to produce frothed milk having a desired temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for carrying out of chemical or biological reactions with a reaction vessel receiving element for receiving a microtiter plate with several reaction vessels, wherein the reaction vessel receiving element has several recesses arranged in a regular pattern to receive the respective reaction vessels, a heating device for heating the reaction vessel receiving element, and a cooling device for cooling the reaction vessel. The invention is characterized by the fact that the reaction vessel receiving element is divided into several segments. The individual segments are thermally decoupled from one another, and each segment is assigned a heating device which may be actuated independently of the others. By means of the segmentation of the reaction vessel receiving element, it is possible for zones to be set and held at different temperatures.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.

Abstract: Methods and products are provided for facilitating application of variable-product agrochemicals, such as fertilizer, to an application area, such as a field. The fertilizer or agrochemical may include a single fertilizer or agrochemical type or a mixture. In one embodiment, a fertilizer-application area is divided into application cells, and a fertilizer product is determined for each cell, based on zones of the application area with a similar characteristic, such as topographic wetness index levels. Based on a determined product for each cell, instructions for controlling an agrochemical applicator are automatically generated.

Abstract: A method for controlling a selective catalytic reduction system (SCR) exploiting a set of predetermined trigger events and a set point for the NOx concentration, and an arrangement for SCR. At the occurrence of a trigger event, NOx concentration measurement downstream from the catalyst elements is started and the difference between the measured concentration and the set point is determined. If the difference is negative, the dosing of the reducing agent is decreased. If the difference is positive, the dosing of the reducing agent is increased and after system stabilization a new measurement is started. If the measured value is below the previous measured value, the same dosing is maintained. If the measured value is above the previous measured value, the dosing is decreased with an amount greater than the increase after the previous measurement.

Abstract: This impurity amount control system for manufacturing a single crystal has a resistivity profile memory which stores a resistivity profile for a portion of a single crystal that is rendered into wafers; a simulator which determines a resistivity profile formula for indicating a resistivity profile within a reusable ingot that is the reusable material in the single crystal from an impurity concentration estimating formula including one or more variables selected from among resistivities at both ends of the reusable ingot in the crystal growth axis direction, the impurity concentration when crystal pulling begins, a segregation coefficient, a solidification ratio and a correction coefficient, and from the resistivity profile; and an impurity amount calculator which calculates, based on the resistivity profile formula, the amount of impurity within the reusable ingot.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing cleaning solvents is provided. The method includes selecting a small plurality of test solvents from a large plurality of perspective solvents. The equilibrium composition of a multi-component solution is preferably described by the Hansen solubility model. A small plurality of test solvents is applied to solute samples and the degree of dissolution or swelling recorded. Based on the degree of dissolution or swelling, at least one solvent is selected from the large plurality of perspective solvents based on the Hansen parameters.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing batch fermentation in a biofuel production process. A nonlinear control model of yeast growth and fermentable sugar concentration for biofuel (e.g., fuel ethanol) production in a batch fermentation process (pure and/or fed-batch fermentation) of a biofuel production process is provided. Process information for the batch fermentation process is received, and the nonlinear control model executed using the process information as input to determine values of one or more fermentation process variables for the batch fermentation process, e.g., fermentation temperature and/or enzyme flow, for substantially maximizing yeast growth and achieving target fermentable sugar concentrations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating and/or controlling mercury emissions in a steam generating unit. A model of the steam generating unit is used to predict mercury emissions. In one embodiment of the invention, the model is a neural network (NN) model. An optimizer may be used in connection with the model to determine optimal setpoint values for manipulated variables associated with operation of the steam generating unit.

Abstract: A measuring system for determining a value of a physical or chemical, measured variable of a medium, includes: a base unit; at least one relay unit connected with the base unit and a sensor unit connected with the relay unit. The sensor unit includes a circuit having at least one microcontroller, at least a first memory region, and a second memory region. The upload software is embodied, in interaction with the microcontroller, to perform an updating of the basic software with at least one software module provided from the base unit. The relay unit includes a circuit having at least one microcontroller, and at least a first memory region, in which a basic software of the relay unit is stored. The circuit of the relay unit further includes a second memory region, in which an upload software of the relay unit is stored.

Abstract: A system and method according to which exhaust is directed from a stationary exhaust source and through a burner, and a combustible fluid is vented from at least one combustible fluid source other than the stationary exhaust source. The combustible fluid is captured and directed to flow from the combustible fluid source and towards the burner, and at least air is mixed with the captured combustible fluid to form a mixture. The mixture is introduced into the burner and burned therein to thereby pre-heat the exhaust flowing therethrough. The pre-heated exhaust contacts a catalyst.

Abstract: A reformer having improved performance and stability and a reformer control method, the reformer including a reforming reaction unit, a first sensor, a heat source unit, a second sensor, and a flow control unit. The reforming reaction unit converts a first fuel into a reformate. The first sensor senses a first temperature of the reformate generated from the reforming reaction unit. The heat source unit heats the reforming reaction unit with a combustion heat of a second fuel. The second sensor senses a second temperature at a fuel inlet of the heat source unit. The flow control unit controls a temperature of the reformate by regulating a flow of an oxidizer supplied to the heat source unit based on the first temperature, and controls a temperature of the heat source unit by regulating a flow of the second fuel supplied to the heat source unit based on the second temperature.

Abstract: A blood glucose level information processing apparatus, method and program provide blood glucose values and blood glucose value information within a period or range desired by a user without imposing cumbersome operation on the user. The apparatus, method and program provide blood glucose values and blood glucose value information within a period or desired range by acquiring blood glucose levels measured by a blood glucose level measuring device and date/time of measurement at which the blood glucose levels are measured, displaying a line graph obtained by plotting the blood glucose values within a predetermined period. A slide bar can also be provided, for example on a graph display screen image, whereupon if the slide bar is moved, only the blood glucose values corresponding to a preceding period backdating in response to the amount of movement of the slide bar are plotted on a line graph along a time series.

Abstract: The present invention comprises devices, systems, methods, and computer program products for managing data related to the dispensing of contrast media as part of a medical procedure. The device and system provide a controller that is capable of communicating with a dispensing device so as to extract, arrange, process, and present a data set (e.g., a usage data set) from the dispensing device to a user such that the user may selectively monitor statistics related to the administration of contrast media, saline, or other consumables used during one or more dispensing operations. The method and computer program product for managing data related to the dispensing of contrast media may further allow for extraction, arrangement, processing, and presentation of the data set via the controller, via a user interface that is operably engaged with the dispensing device and/or via a computer network that may be in communication with the dispensing device.