Abstract: This technology provides methods and systems for catalyst feasibility analysis and the optimal determination of automotive catalyst specifications utilizing, but not limited to, light-off performance, air-to-fuel ratio tolerance, and steady state emissions performance catalyst criteria. This technology additionally provides a catalyst feasibility index algorithm that includes various catalyst criteria inputs and provides for weighting factors to independently value each catalyst input. The technology further provides for the optimal determination of automotive catalyst specifications in order to reduce vehicle toxic exhaust emissions such as hydrocarbons (HC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx).

Abstract: We disclose a method of inverting sucrose, including (i) determining an initial solids concentration of an aqueous sucrose solution (solidsi), an initial bed volume (BVi) of a sucrose inversion resin system, a minimum target inversion percentage (invert %min), a maximum target inversion percentage (invert %max), a target maximum hydroxymethylfuran (HMF) concentration (HMFmax), a minimum target pH (pHmin), or a maximum target pH (pHmax); (ii) contacting the sucrose inversion resin system with the aqueous sucrose solution under conditions of aqueous solution flow rate in BVi/hr (ratep) and aqueous solution temperature in ° C.

Abstract: A droplet actuator with cartridge is provided. According to one embodiment, a sample analyzer is provided and includes an analyzer unit comprising electronic or optical receiving means, a cartridge comprising self-contained droplet handling capabilities, and a wherein the cartridge is coupled to the analyzer unit by a means which aligns electronic and/or optical outputs from the cartridge with electronic or optical receiving means on the analyzer unit. According to another embodiment, a sample analyzer is provided and includes a sample analyzer comprising a cartridge coupled thereto and a means of electrical interface and/or optical interface between the cartridge and the analyzer, whereby electrical signals and/or optical signals may be transmitted from the cartridge to the analyzer.

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: 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 exhaust emission data processing system for inspecting automatically exhaust emission of the vehicle and wirelessly transmitting exhaust emission inspection data to a remote server is provided. The system includes an exhaust emission processing module, a wireless connection module, and a remote server. The exhaust emission processing module receives OBD data indicating the exhaust emission inspection data from an OBD system embedded in the vehicle via an OBD connector. The exhaust emission processing module creates an exhaust emission inspection package with the vehicle identification and the exhaust emission inspection data. The exhaust emission processing module transmits the package to the remote server for further diagnosis through the wireless connection module. The remote server sends the diagnosis reports back to the vehicle through the wireless connection module.

Abstract: Customers obtain customized textile materials by selecting style, shape, size, pattern and color for an undyed textile product. Based on a selection made by the customer, the textile product is transformed by a dyeing operation performed on a single item to yield a product, such as a shirt, pants, or jacket, which has a color and pattern of his or her own choosing, in the size and style he or she desires. The process can be performed in a retail setting using a dye machine which allows the process to be viewed by the customer. Preferably, the textile material is constructed from yarns which include cationic cotton alone or in combination with natural cotton or other natural or synthetic fibers, and using anionic dyes, such as a fiber reactive dye, such that the dye is exhausted during the process and effluent from the dye machine is environmentally friendly without excess dye, salts, and alkalis.

Abstract: A single-substrate cleaning apparatus and method of use are described. In an embodiment of the present invention, a liquid cleaning solution is dispensed in small volumes to form a substantially uniform static liquid layer over a substrate surface by atomizing the viscous liquid with an inert gas in a two-phase nozzle. In another embodiment of the present invention, after a layer of the cleaning solution is formed over the substrate to be cleaned, acoustic energy is applied to the substrate to improve the cleaning efficiency. In a further embodiment, cleaning solution precipitates are avoided by dispensing de-ionized water with a spray nozzle to gradually dilute the cleaning solution prior to dispensing de-ionized water with a stream nozzle.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for designing, operating, monitoring and/or diagnosing a chemical reaction, particularly a hydrotreating process, using a fixed bed catalytic reactor.

Abstract: The present invention is a multiparameter method of screening for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of atherosclerosis-related coronary heart disease (CHD) or stroke. This method is used for predicting a total risk of the disease and a disease risk level, determining a primary cause in the disease, assessing a therapeutic efficacy and optimizing the therapeutic targets at the different stages of the disease in different individuals who require the therapy to prevent or to treat the disease. The method of this invention can be used to combine the contributions of atherosclerotic risk factors to the disease and to unite the two major methods for diagnosing the disease: screening the Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level and measuring the C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration in human blood. The method of this invention is written as an executable computer program named the MMA.exe © 2004, by Xing F. Wang, which provides greater ease and convenience to perform this method.

Abstract: An automated sequential reaction system that can be used to either sequentially produce a plurality of different products each requiring a single reaction, or to produce a desired product that requires a series of sequential reactions. A system controller controls an automated reactant supply, a solvent supply, a reaction module, a detector, and a product collector. Prior to initiating any reaction, the system is flushed with solvent and a heat exchanger supplies the reaction module with a temperature-conditioned fluid to maintain the reaction module at a desired temperature. For single reactions, a plurality of reactants are injected into a chemical reactor included in the reaction module. As fluid exits the chemical reactor, the detector determines if the fluid is a desired chemical product or solvent, and routes the fluid to the appropriate receptacle.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for optimizing component composition in a distributed stream-processing environment having a plurality of nodes capable of being associated with one or more of a plurality of stream processing components. The system includes an adaptive composition probing (ACP) module and a hierarchical state manager. The ACP module probes a subset of the plurality of stream processing components to determine the optimal component composition in response to a stream processing request. The hierarchical state manager manages local and global information for use by said ACP module in determining the optimal component composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to computer-controlled high-throughput systems, computer-program products, and methods of use to prepare a large number of component combinations, at varying concentrations and identities, at the same time, and high-throughput methods to test tissue barrier transfer, such as transdermal transfer, of components in each combination. The methods of the present invention allow determination of the effects of inactive components, such as solvents, excipients, enhancers, adhesives and additives, on tissue barrier transfer of active components, such as pharmaceuticals. The invention thus encompasses the use of computer-controlled high-throughput systems, computer-program products, and methods of high-throughput testing of pharmaceutical compositions or formulations in order to determine the overall optimal composition or formulation for improved tissue transport, such as transdermal transport.

Abstract: This 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 programmable aerosol 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 cassette-based hydrogen fuel distribution and recovery method and system is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a process for locating and for measuring variations in temperature and/or in degree of fouling over the internal suface of equipment.

Abstract: One embodiment is a method including providing an exhaust aftertreatment system including an adsorber, commanding rich operation wherein the adsorber is provided with increased reductant, and ending rich operation upon the first of a commanded rich operation threshold being met or a confirmed rich operation threshold being met. Other embodiments include additional methods, software, apparatuses and systems. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a means to use at least a form of electromagnetic excitation or light-matter interaction, including solar or laser energy to generate localized conditions that enable initiation and spatial and temporal control of catalysis, chemical reactions, deposition, synthesis, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis and catalytic processes. Initiation and spatial and temporal control may be obtained by restricting and directing the electromagnetic excitation or light-matter interactions to specific objects or features embedded or located in or on a host matrix material or substrate. In some implementations this provides a means to use electromagnetic excitation to initiate and control chemical synthesis or reactions without entirely or partially heating any of or all of the reaction chamber, reactor mass, reaction precursors and products, or reactor substrate. It may further provide for the use of temperature sensitive elements or substrates.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into at least two components. Independent microprocessors are provided on a rotor of a centrifugal separation apparatus, which respond to commands from a control computer, gather sensor data and independently control devices on the rotor to process one or more volumes of a composite liquid such as blood. Multiple microprocessors communicate with the control computer across a single communication channel, such as a pair of slip rings or an infrared communications link.

Abstract: In a plasma processing apparatus for processing an object to be processed by generating plasma in a processing chamber: a first electrode is arranged in the processing chamber and a second electrode is arranged to face the first electrode in the processing chamber; a first and a second power systems include a first and a second power supplies for supplying a first and a second powers to the first and the second electrodes, respectively; and a control unit controls both or either one of the first and the second power systems so as to apply a preprocessing voltage to the second electrode for a time period before plasma processing is performed on the object.

Abstract: A control for a modeled plant is provided. The modeled plant is represented by a model expression that is based on an input into the plant, an output from the plant, model parameters, and an estimated value for disturbance that is applied to the plant. The model expression includes a term in which the estimated disturbance value is multiplied by at least one of the model parameters. The model parameters are identified. The estimated disturbance value is calculated so that an error between a model output that is calculated based on the model expression and an actual output of the plant is minimized. The input into the plant is calculated based on the model expression so as to control the plant. Thus, the estimated disturbance value is directly reflected in the input into the plant without being calculated by any of the model parameters.

Abstract: A method for controlling a test sequence for performing an analysis of an analyte in a fluid sample includes providing a hard-coded software application adapted to process a plurality of blocks to perform the test sequence. The blocks include a wait block, a read block, and a threshold block. A test-sequence table having a plurality of attributes defined therein for each of the blocks is provided. The attributes are utilized by the software application to process the blocks. The test sequence is determined through the attributes defined within the test-sequence table.

Abstract: Manufacturing execution systems relating to methods, systems, and software program for validation of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and quality assurance process are described and disclosed herein. Consequently, the methods provide a means to perform validation on an integrated level whereby the quality control unit can ensure data and product integrity and minimize cost.

Abstract: Manufacturing execution systems relating to methods, systems, and software program for validation of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and quality assurance process are described and disclosed herein. Consequently, the methods provide a means to perform validation on an integrated level whereby the quality control unit can ensure data and product integrity and minimize cost.

Abstract: A host and ancillary tool interface methodology for distributed processing is described. The host tool manages a process, except for the generation of a product used in the process. To generate the product, the host tool provides an indication to an ancillary tool that the product is to be generated, and the ancillary tool generates the product after detection of the indication with no further intervention by the host tool. To provide the indication, the host tool preferably activates a control line whose voltage is monitored by the ancillary tool, or alternatively, sets one or more bits in a memory which is periodically checked by the ancillary tool.

Abstract: An interactive method and apparatus are disclosed through which a fluid purification system operator inputs the system's parameters and the method then identifies one or more fluid purification equipment packages which will be optimized at the component level to the operator's specific requirements. The invention includes a relational database containing data on fluid purification equipment, the components thereof and ancillary equipment, and associated operational software to which the operator gains access through a computer and which then presents to the operator a series of questions relevant to gas purification equipment and system requirements. The questions are such that the responses elicited from the operator for each question determine what the successive questions will be and what optimal components will be identified. The software and databases may be in memory on the computer, embodied on CDs or DVDs run by the computer, or accessed through the Internet.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automating a sequence of basic chemistry operations through a recipe. Software running on a workstation communicating with a controller allows an operator to operate the process controller, view the process, log the process, and maintain the recipe. The controller communicates with the process hardware and receives commands from the workstation, stores the commands, interprets the commands to perform the process, and provides monitoring information to the workstation. The workstation software uses a recipe to control the process. The recipe is expressed in terms of the process. The controller runs software routines for process control and for hardware control.

Abstract: The invention is a method for controlling an electrolytic process and plant, utilizing history data collected in the process as well as mathematical and heuristic models created on the basis of empirical knowledge, and by means of said models, there are defined indexes based on real-time process measurement parameters. The method makes use of real-time cell voltage measurements. On the basis of the obtained real-time indexes, there is achieved a correctly focused process control action at the correct point of time.

Abstract: The feature of the present invention is to enhance the throughput of manufacturing semiconductor wafers and/or liquid crystal substrates, by reducing the time required for performing a rinsing process. In this invention, the position of an object to be processed is controlled, such that a distance (L1) between the surface position (LV1) of a rinsing liquid upon the rinsing process and a top end position (LV2) of the object to be processed (wafers 2) becomes shorter than a distance (L2) between the surface position (LV3) of a chemical liquid upon a chemical liquid process and the top end position (LV4) of the object to be processed (wafers 2).

Abstract: A fluid assay preparation system is provided which includes a reusable reaction apparatus and a plurality of fluidic lines coupled to the reusable reaction apparatus. The reusable reaction apparatus includes a process vessel with a tapered floor and the fluidic lines extend into the process vessel a distance less than approximately 1.0 mm from a bottommost surface of the tapered floor. Inner and outer surfaces of the fluidic lines and an inner surface of the process vessel may include one or more materials having a coefficient of friction less than or equal to approximately 0.1 relative to polished steel. The system further includes an assembly of one or more pumps, one or more valves, and control electronics collectively configured to pass reagents to the process vessel. Methods and storage mediums having program instructions configured to prepare fluid assays using such a system are also provided.

Abstract: A processor-based system for monitoring and optimizing an electrocoating operation comprising at least one data acquisition module configured to receive characteristics of the electrocoating operation and at least one process control module in communication with the at least one data acquisition module and the electrocoating operation. An electrocoating process that includes such a process or based system and methods of using the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for measuring and controlling the concentration of a chemical agent in a solution has a reaction cell for receiving a sample, a titrant dropper for releasing one or more drops of titrant into the sample, a first photosensor for sensing disruptions of light for every drop of titrant released, and a controller that communicates with the photosensor and computes the concentration of the chemical agent based on the number of disruptions of light at the photosensor. The present invention also includes a method for sensing and controlling the concentration of a chemical agent in a solution. The method includes having a sample containing the chemical agent, triggering the release of a number of drops of titrant into the sample, detecting the number of drops released into the sample, and computing the concentration of the chemical agent in the sample based on the number of drops of titrant released into the sample.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for determining initial conditions for a transition from an initial reaction to a target reaction to minimize (or substantially minimize) the amount of off-grade material produced during the transition, and optionally also process control variables for implementing the transition. Some embodiments also include the steps of setting the reaction conditions to determined initial conditions and then implementing the transition.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method of controlling a microfluidic system, and the microfluidic system. The apparatus of controlling the microfluidic system includes a central control block controlling an operation of the microfluidic system, a rotator control block controlling a rotator, a position control block controlling the position of a moving unit, the moving unit moving to a position of the microfluidic structure, and a radiation energy source control block controlling energy of a radiation energy source, the radiation energy source using an electromagnetic wave to scan over a position of the microfluidic structure. Such a configuration allows effective control of a miniaturized portable microfluidic system.

Abstract: A fuel cell device comprises a determining unit determining a steady state of a fuel cell in which fuel of fuel cell is circulated and electrical power of the fuel cell has reached a specified power, a measuring unit measures fuel temperature in the fuel cell, a fuel storing unit stores the fuel supplied to the fuel cell, and a controller controlling a concentration of the fuel stored in the fuel storing unit on the basis of the measured fuel temperature after determining the fuel cell is in the steady state.

Abstract: A mixing and pouring apparatus for computer controlled processing of mixing and pouring operations includes a rotatable arm capable of holding vessels therein, the arm rotatable at programmable speeds and time lengths to perform automated moving and pouring processes. The present invention further provides a cap and vessel positioning system that securely locks a vessel in place and realigns the cap in essentially the identical position in relation to the vessel every time the vessel is capped. In one embodiment, both the cap and vessel have flanges that are aligned when the cap is properly secured to the vessel.

Abstract: A method of predicting emissions that may include the steps of: determining a first capacity for emissions during a sliding window of time; determining a used capacity for emissions during the sliding window of time; and determining an available capacity for emissions by calculating the differential between the first capacity and the used capacity. The emission violation may be an opacity emission violation. The first capacity may be the average opacity level available to a fossil fuel fired power plant over the sliding window of time before the opacity emission violation occurs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for automatic dose control of chemicals in liquid treatment, particularly for automatic dose control of chemicals in water treatment. The present invention also relates to a device arrangement for automatic dose control of chemicals. The invention utilizes adaptive linguistic equation controllers for dosing the chemicals.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and methods for providing electronic quality control in a process for applying a polyurethane to a substrate. One aspect of the present invention includes a computer-implemented method for providing electronic quality control during manufacturing of a polyurethane coated article. The method can include providing a user interface for a user to input at least one operating characteristic associated with a process for manufacturing a polyurethane coated article. Furthermore, the method can include receiving a selection of at least one operating characteristic from the user, and receiving at least one condition associated with the operating characteristic. Moreover, the method can include monitoring a process for manufacturing a polyurethane coated article, wherein a change to the operating characteristic can be detected. The method can also include generating a notification if the at least one condition is detected.

Abstract: A method for determining the operating parameters of a system for cooling articles. The temperature of the articles, as they leave a chamber, is predicted. The prediction is made on the basis of operating parameters of the chamber, thermodynamic and physical characteristics of the chamber, and thermodynamic and physical characteristics of the articles. The method may be used to determine the operating parameters for food freezing tunnels.

Abstract: A system and method for control of a gas and/or chemical for treatment of a fluid, and for monitoring the operation of such a system. In one embodiment, the system comprises a reactor for receipt of the fluid and the gas and/or chemical for dissolving, mixing, diffusing, or infusing the gas and/or chemical into the fluid, and a controller to control the flow of the fluid and the gas and/or chemical into the reactor, and to monitor the operation of the system in accordance with predetermined operating conditions. In another embodiment, the system also comprises a gas/chemical generation system for generation of the gas and/or chemical to be introduced into the reactor. The present invention permits for the control of the system based on numerous dynamic conditions to optimize operation and to minimize safety hazards.

Abstract: A control technique for use in a fuel processor is disclosed. In one aspect, a control system includes a subsystem manager controller the operation of a respective physical subsystem for each of a plurality of physical subsystems in the fuel processor. The subsystem managers take their direction from a master control manager. In a second aspect, the subsystem managers collectively form a layer operating in conjunction with a second layer capable of interfacing the subsystem managers to their respective physical subsystems, a third layer capable of interfacing the subsystem managers with the second layer. In a third aspect, master control manager manages the operation of each physical subsystem through a respective subsystem manager, directs state transitions of the subsystem managers, and routs interaction between the subsystem managers from the master control manager.

Abstract: A system and method for use with a data entry system for providing input data to a pharmaceutical compounding device having an associated plurality of source solutions is provided. A first label comprising first indicia defining a desired pharmaceutical compound is generated. The first indicia is then provided to the pharmaceutical compounding device as an input. The pharmaceutical compounding device then prepares a pharmaceutical compound based on the first indicia and generates a second label comprising second indicia indicative of at least the contents of pharmaceutical compound. The first indicia and second indicia are provided to a comparison device where the contents of the actual pharmaceutical compound as indicated by the second indicia are compared to the desired pharmaceutical compound as indicated by the first indicia.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a device that non-invasively determines the concentration of a substance in a target. The device includes a first electrode, a measuring circuit, and a data processor. In one embodiment of the device, the first electrode can be electrically insulated from the target, e.g., a cover layer of insulating material covers the first electrode.

Abstract: The present technique provides for the use of spectroscopic probes, such as Raman probes, within the conduits of a polyolefin production system. The Raman probe or other spectroscopic probes may be used to obtain spectroscopic measurements of the contents of the conduits. The spectroscopic measurements may be processed and analyzed to determine the composition of the conduit contents. In addition, the spectroscopic measurements may be used in conjunction with correlations or other statistical models to determine one or more properties of interest of a constituent of the conduit contents. One or more processes upstream and/or downstream of the conduit may be adjusted in response to the determined composition or composition properties.

Abstract: A system and method of fluctuation enhanced gas-sensing using SAW devices includes processes for improved chemical analyte detection, identification, and quantification through the measurement and spectral analysis of frequency fluctuations in the instantaneous frequency of a chemical sensor arranged to produce an oscillatory output signal when exposed to chemical substances. The system and method may use a chemical sensor, such as a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device. The spectral analysis produces the power spectral density of the frequency fluctuations, which are represented as a pattern that includes information about the analyte(s) such as, total adsorbed gas mass and diffusion coefficients. The diffusion coefficients may then be used to determine the number of molecule types and/or the concentration of each.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for classifying faults. The method includes accessing wafer state data associated with at least one wafer processed by at least one processing tool and sensor tool trace data associated with the at least one processing tool and determining that at least one fault occurred based upon at least one of the wafer state data and the sensor tool trace data. The method also includes selecting, in response to determining that the at least one fault occurred, a subset of a plurality of faults based upon at least one of the wafer state data and the sensor tool trace data and selecting at least one fault from the subset of the plurality of faults based upon at least one of the wafer state data and the sensor tool trace data.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a server system provides a user interface that allows a user to submit a category and a class of water loss and dimension data for one or more rooms within a drying chamber. The server system utilizes this drying chamber data to generate air movement requirements and dehumidification requirements for the drying chamber. The user interface presents a web page that displays these requirements to enable a selection of restoration equipment. The user interface of the server system also allows a user to submit daily inspection readings during the restoration process. The server system utilizes the inspection readings to generate drying condition indicators, such as plots of the specific humidity, grain depression and temperature at various inspection locations. The user interface presents a web page that displays the drying condition indicators to enable a determination of whether the drying chamber presents an acceptable drying environment.

Abstract: Integrated modeling and symbolic manipulation is leveraged for the derivation, construction, maintenance, and reuse of application-independent models. Related models created for different applications share a common ancestry and maintain model consistency while enabling the models to share information about the process. Environment independent proper ancestor models (PAMs) are created for generic components of a process, such as a distillation or flash column. Models underlying an application may be comprised of various representations of multiple such processes corresponding to many different physical components. PAMs contain symbolic representations of different sub processes that occur within a process or component. A user makes assumptions about the component, by indicating how sub processes are to be considered or not considered. PAMs are then modified in accordance with the assumptions to derive a specific environment model (SEM).