Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the instantaneous rotational speed of a bottom hole assembly at the lower end of a drill string. In one embodiment, a method includes driving the drill string by a drilling mechanism at the upper end of the drill string. A fundamental frequency of stick-slip oscillations suffered by the drill string is estimated. Variations in a drive torque of the drilling mechanism are determined. Known torsional compliance of the drill string is combined with the variations in the drive torque. An output signal representing the instantaneous rotational speed is provided.

Abstract: A method for aggregate load management includes determining whether a load capacity limit within a utility power network will be exceeded, selecting an aggregated demand reduction target to remain within capacity bounds if the load capacity limit is to be exceeded, selecting a demand reduction strategy, and sending a control signal that includes a randomized PWM level, based on the strategy, to a controller in a load component of the utility system based on the reduction target. A method for component load management includes receiving a control signal from a utility system based on a utility demand reduction strategy, converting the signal into randomized PWM control of the load component in accordance therewith, receiving an updated control signal based on utility system monitoring of an aggregate load of a component of the utility system, and converting the updated signal into randomized PWM control of the load component in accordance therewith.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a wireless communication unit for collecting external information or transmitting recommended operation information to a home appliance, and a controller for generating the recommended operation information for the home appliance based on the collected external information. The mobile terminal may provide customized recommended operation information for each home appliance without separately including a device for controlling one or more home appliances provided in a home.

Abstract: An automation system is disclosed in which a system controller has access to the signals transmitted by each sensor device that is relevant to the environment being controlled. Each sensor device monitors a particular physical condition, senses changes in the condition being monitored, and reports states of the condition, which is made available to the system controller. Meanwhile, the system controller memorizes and maintains the states of various processing events, such as when a sensor device reported a particular state of the condition that the sensor monitors. By considering the information reported by the various and multiple sensor devices, as well as by accounting for the memorized states corresponding to the various events, the system controller is able to generate and continually update a representation of the state of the controlled environment. Having such context awareness enables the design and implementation of sophisticated reasoning logic and conditional logic.

Abstract: A system to optimize a drilling parameter of a drill string includes a drill string control subsystem. The system includes an optimization controller to coordinate operations of the drill string control subsystem during a drilling process at least in part by: determining a first optimized rate of penetration based on a drilling parameter model and a first drilling parameter estimate; providing a first set of commands to the drill string control subsystem based on the first optimized rate of penetration; determining a second drilling parameter estimate during the drilling process based, at least in part, on the drilling parameter model and feedback corresponding to the drill string control subsystem; determining a second optimized rate of penetration during the drilling process based on the second drilling parameter estimate; and providing a second set of commands to the drill string control subsystem based on the second optimized rate of penetration.

Abstract: A server system comprises a fan backplate, a server array, a substrate, a first fan controller and a second fan controller. The fan backplate couples with fans. The server array includes calculation nodes. The substrate has a multiplexer. The calculation nodes couple with the multiplexer. The first fan controller and the second fan controller couple with the calculation nodes through the multiplexer. A fan control signal is generated according to the real-time temperature of the calculation nodes to control the fans. The first fan controller and the second fan controller form a redundancy system.

Abstract: An information interface is provided for the provision of communication between a drive sensor arrangement, which drives a machine, and a control, which controls or regulates the drive sensor arrangement. The information interface includes an input/output unit for the reception of first information signals of at least one data detection unit of the drive sensor arrangement and for the output of a second information signal by means of a data transfer telegram to the control. The information interface also includes an information processing unit for processing the first information signals to the second information signal. The first information signals are composed of very different types of data formats and the information processing unit is provided for the transformation of the very different types of first information signals into a predefined unified data format and for the generation of the second information signal.

Abstract: The fan controller controls a plurality of fans in a server system according to a fan control signal. The fan controller comprises a control unit, a current monitor, a power supply module, current sampling units and switches. The power supply module transfers power to the fans through branch power lines respectively. The current sampling units and switches are disposed on the branch power lines respectively. The control unit switches the switches and the current sampling units sample current signals in the branch power lines respectively. When the current monitor monitors one of the current signals being over a threshold value, the current monitor issues an over-current signal to the control unit to turn off the corresponding switch to cut off the power supplied to the corresponding fan by the power supply module.

Abstract: An automated drilling rig control system in which one or more intelligent algorithms are in two-way communication with a rig control system and are configured to provide continuous external control over the a rig control system includes a safety logic module deployed between the intelligent algorithms and the rig control system. The safety logic module is configured to automatically close a communication pathway between the intelligent algorithms and the rig control system thereby preventing the intelligent algorithms from controlling the rig control system when an unsafe condition is detected.

Abstract: A bin sweep system for a bin which may comprise at least two sweeps independently rotatable about a center of the bin, an alignment detecting apparatus for monitoring a relative position of a first one of the sweeps with respect to a second one of the sweeps, and an operational control device configured to selectively discontinue and resume operation of at least one of the sweeps to move the sweeps toward a maximum separation condition.

Abstract: A method and device for programming a cordless handpiece used for root canal treatment and having a first memory and a tool holder for a treatment tool are described. The method includes providing a first data volume having a plurality of data sets in a second memory separate from the first memory, each of the data sets comprising at least one parameter assigned to the cordless handpiece and/or to the treatment tool, selecting at least some of the data sets from the first data volume in the second memory, transmitting the selected data sets from the second memory to the first memory of the handpiece, and selecting a data set from the updated first memory for operation of the handpiece.

Abstract: In a positioning apparatus for an actuator, a sliding mode controller for compensating for nonlinear characteristics of a wave gear device of the actuator generates a control input u to a controlled object, based on a position command ?l* and a state variable x for expressing the controlled object. The controlled object is defined in the following formula. {dot over (x)}=Ax+Bu+E?l* y=Cx The switching surfaces of the sliding mode control system are defined by a variable S expressed in the following formula. S=BTP The control input u is the sum of the linear-state feedback control term ul and the nonlinear control input unl u = u l + u nl = - ( SB ) - 1 ? ( SAx + SE ? ? ? l * ) - k ? ( SB ) - 1 ? ? ? ? ? ? = Sx , where ? is the switching function, and k is the switching gain.

Abstract: Resources including electricity, water, gas, and/or other resources of building structures may be monitored and/or controlled by an administrator via a dashboard interface. A usage field presented via the dashboard interface may convey information associated with usage of a resource of a structure. The information conveyed by the usage field may be determined based on a selected breakdown, which may include one or more of a breakdown of resource usage by panel, by location, by usage type, by security level, and/or by other breakdowns. The information conveyed by the usage field may be determined based on a selected region, which may include one or more of a group of structures, portions of structures in a group, a single structure, a portion of a structure, a floor of a structure, a room of a structure, a hallway of a structure, a stairwell of a structure, and/or other spatial region.

Abstract: Various embodiments involving a smart-home device are presented. It may be determined that the power supply interface has ceased receiving power from the structure's wired electrical system. In response to determining that a power supply interface of the smart-home device has ceased receiving power from a structure's wired electrical system, a power loss indication may be stored that comprises a timestamp. A network connection may be determined to be available. A notification may be transmitted of information from the stored power loss indication to a remote server via the available network connection.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems of building control, are disclosed. One system includes a plurality of building fixtures and at least one sensor interfaced with at least one of the plurality of building fixtures. Further, each building fixture includes a communication port and a controller. For this embodiment, each controller is configured to independently control at least one of an environmental load or a security device, either receive or help designate the building fixture as belonging to a logical group of building fixtures, and share at least one of sensor or state information with other building fixtures within the logical group of building fixtures, through the communication port.

Abstract: A building controller is configured to designate one or more stored parameters as local or global. Parameters that are designated as global may be selectively communicated to remote devices and, parameters that are designated as local, may remain local to the building controller. In some instances, the remote devices may be selectable by a user, include all the other devices on the network, and/or include devices that share a common wireless accessory (e.g. an outdoor temperature sensor).

Abstract: A method for reversing an air mover to remove debris from a cooling system of a work vehicle. In one embodiment, the largest required fan speed for cooling the engine coolant, hydraulic oil and the charge air is used as the set point speed for a fan. The fan is operated at the set point speed to generate airflow across each of the heat exchangers. Multiple conditions are evaluated for reversing the direction of the fan.

Abstract: A cutting device is configured to attach to a boom arm. The cutting device includes a saw assembly with a cutting portion configured to cut into a target surface. The cutting device also includes a motor assembly coupled to the saw assembly. The motor assembly has at least two motors configured to rotate the saw assembly about two different axes. The cutting device further comprises a control system operatively coupled to the motor assembly. The control system has at least two sensors coupled to the saw assembly and the control system is configured to position the saw assembly to cut a target surface based on feedback from the at least sensors.

Abstract: A wireless control sensing device is disclosed. The sensing device has an instruction receiving unit and at least one sensing unit. The instruction receiving unit wirelessly receives an instruction signal, and then the sensing unit adjusts a sensing parameter of the sensing unit according to the received instruction signal.

Abstract: An approach for changing behavior of users of a building automation system by employing gaming function logic and providing feedback to the building automation system users.

Abstract: A method and system of associating the personal remote mobile communications devices of occupants with the room and spaces they occupy in a building or other facility and generating commands to a building automation system based on changes in the location of the mobile communications devices relative to the associated room or space.

Abstract: An input module for an industrial controller is configurable to simplify setup and commissioning. The input module includes input terminals configurable, for example, as a counter input. Still other input terminals may be configured to trigger events as a function of the input signals present at the terminals. Time signals corresponding to transitions in state of the input terminals, triggering of events, or operation of the counters may be recorded. The input module is further configurable to transmit data back to the processor or to transmit data directly to another module in the industrial control network.

Abstract: A movement simulator includes a base; a platform movable relative to the base; a plurality of actuators each having a controllably variable length, each of the actuators being coupled with the base and carrying the platform, wherein the dimensions of the base and the platform, and the variable lengths of the actuators determine a workspace within which the platform can move. A controller is operable to provide a motion cueing algorithm having a demanded platform state as output and a washout controller having a washout adaptation as output, which washout controller keeps the platform within its workspace by adapting the demanded platform state to a commanded platform state using the washout adaptation. The commanded platform state controls, via a kinematic transformation, the lengths of the actuators. The washout adaptation is calculated using a model predictive control algorithm.

Abstract: Controllers and methods are disclosed for aiding a user in programming a schedule of a programmable controller. In an illustrative embodiment, a guided programming routine can be activated by a user, which then guides a user through two or more screens that are designed to collect sufficient information from the user to generate and/or update at least some of the schedule parameters of the controller.

Abstract: A smart building management system manages a building for providing smart analyses and strategies. The management system connects with plural hardware devices in the building and receives the data and statuses replied by the hardware devices, and further analyzes the maintenance statuses and energy consumption statuses of the hardware devices. Then the management system gathers the statistics of the total energy consumption statuses of the building according to the energy consumption statuses of the hardware devices. The management system receives the requests of users through a graphic user interface. The management system plans an energy-saving strategy based on the maintenance statuses of the hardware devices and the requests of users, and adjusts the hardware devices depending on the energy-saving strategy. Therefore, the total energy consumption statuses of the building meet an energy-saving target set by users in advance.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus management device configured to manage one or more apparatuses that control a work environment of a workspace. The apparatus management device includes a storage part configured to store an associated relationship between the users and parameters indicating the work environment, an apparatus management part configured to specify a user in the workspace from an image of the workspace, a calculating part configured to calculate a setting value for controlling the work environment based on a parameter stored in association with the user specified by the apparatus management part, and a transmitting part configured to transmit the setting value calculated by the calculating part to one of the apparatuses that control the work environment.

Abstract: A home appliance, a home appliance system, and a control method thereof are disclosed. Transmission and reception of data are performed between the terminal and the home appliance using near field communication (NFC), thereby easily checking information of the home appliance. In addition, operation of the home appliance is easily set and changed through an application installed in the terminal and information regarding the home appliance received from the home appliance is displayed through the terminal such that a user checks various kinds of information regarding the home appliance, thereby greatly improving user convenience.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a configuration application executing on a tablet computer or smartphone presents a configuration user interface on a touch screen for configuring a home automation system of a structure. A plurality of components of the home automation system that have wireless capabilities are detected. Component profile information for the detected components is obtained. The configuration application prompts a user of the tablet computer or smartphone to indicate a zone of the structure within which each component is located. Based on the component profile information and the indications of the zone of the structure in which each component is located, one or more services available in each zone are determined and one or more user interface screens are automatically generated for accessing and controlling the services, wherein the automatically generated user interface screens are displayable on the tablet computer or smartphone or another tablet computer or smartphone.

Abstract: It is a task of the invention to make it possible to calculate a control target value of one actuator or control target values of a plurality of actuators regarding engine control at a high speed through the use of a multicore processor. With a view to accomplishing this task, a plurality of lattice points that are arranged on a two-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system having axes representing a first operating condition and a second operating condition respectively are associated respectively with at least one or some of a plurality of cores that are arranged in a latticed manner on the multicore processor on one-on-one level on a same line as on the two-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and a calculation program for calculating an optimal control value at the associated lattice point or calculation programs for calculating optimal control values at the associated lattice points are allocated respectively to at least one or some of the plurality of the cores.

Abstract: An apparatus, including a plurality of devices, a network operations center (NOC), and a plurality of control nodes. Each device consumes a portion of the resource when turned on, and performs a corresponding function by cycling on and off to maintain a level of comfort. The NOC generates a plurality of run time schedules that coordinates run times for the each of the plurality of devices to control the peak demand of the resource, where activation of one or more of the plurality of devices is substituted in order to maintain a level of comfort. Each of the control nodes is coupled to a corresponding one of the devices. The plurality of control nodes transmits sensor data and device status to the NOC for generation of the plurality of run time schedules, and executes selected ones of the run time schedules to cycle the plurality of devices.

Abstract: An actuator system comprising a shared link (121) arranged to pivot about a first axis (131) relative to a reference structure, a controlled element (125) arranged to pivot about a second axis (126) relative to the reference structure, a first member (146, 152) arranged to pivot about a third axis (134) relative to the shard link and a fourth axis (136) relative to the controlled member, a first actuator arranged to control a first variable distance (LI) between the third axis and fourth axis, a second member (147, 153) arranged to pivot about a fifth axis (133) relative to the shared link and a sixth axis (135) relative to the controlled element, a second actuator (141) arranged to control a second variable distance between the fifth axis and the sixth axis, the system configured such that a change in the first variable distance causes rotation of the controlled element about the second axis when the second variable distance is constant and vice versa.

Abstract: A system for storing articles can have at least two operating modes. In the first mode, gases are evacuated from the system whereby the articles are stored at a pressure less than the pressure at the exterior of the system. In the second mode, gases are evacuated while the system is open to the admittance of gases from the exterior of the system whereby the articles are ventilated by the admitted gases. The system also can have a third operating mode wherein both the first and second modes are rendered inoperative. The storage system can function so that when the articles are stored in the first mode, gases are intermittently removed from the system whereby the pressure at which the articles are stored is maintained at less than the pressure at the exterior of the system. The storage system can be located in a refrigeration appliance such as a household refrigerator.

Abstract: A receptacle adapted for removable placement on a retention tray is disclosed. The receptacle includes a lid having a closed position and a lid hook. The receptacle includes a latching apparatus with a lid latch configured to engage the lid hook when the lid is in the closed position. The latching apparatus also has a tray latch configured to engage a tray hook that is coupled to the retention tray when the receptacle is placed on the retention tray. The latching apparatus has an actuator configured to selectably release either the lid hook or the tray hook, thus eliminating a need for a second set of actuators in the retention tray to releasably secure the receptacles to the tray.

Abstract: Provided herein is a vehicular stage with individual seats and seat control system and method for controlling a movement of a seat, the seat control system including: a motor configured to move the seat in at least one direction; a control computer, which is disposed remotely with respect to the seat, and which is configured to output control commands for controlling the movement of the seat; and a microcontroller, which is connected to the motor and the control computer and configured to receive the control commands from the control computer and to control the motor to move the seat in the at least one direction based on the control commands received from the control computer.

Abstract: A plurality of engaging claws formed at a connecting member mounted to a rotary member of a driving unit via a one-way clutch are brought into engagement with a plurality of engageable grooves formed at a connecting member mounted to a rotated member of a driven unit so as to transmit the forward rotation of the rotary member to the rotated member. When the driven unit is mounted to the driving unit, the rotary member is forwardly rotated to bring at least one of the engaging claws into engagement with the engageable groove. Subsequently, the rotary member is reversely rotated to bring the respective engaging claws into engagement with the respective engageable grooves.

Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatus, devices and computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material. The devices include an automated compression assembly with an electric drive motor and a pusher assembly with an electric motor, preferably each electric motor is a servo motor. The systems/apparatus devices can include a programmably adjustable index and/or speed profile for the compression and/or pusher assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a site-specific activity at a plurality of remote locations, for example, the inspection of geographically remote equipment or the gathering of data fir a census. A mobile operator transports a portable tool to a plurality of locations where a site-specific activity is to be conducted. The portable tool includes a location detection device. Processing of data using the portable tool is enabled only when the portable tool is located proximate a designated site, as determined by the location detection device. In various embodiments, the enabled site-specific activity may include data recordation, data transmission, data reception, data processing, and/or the display of a data entry form.

Abstract: Provided is a control device that includes a plurality of communication units that receive data from measurement control devices; a control unit that calculates an operation signal for controlling a controlled device on the basis of the data from the communication units and that outputs the operation signal to the controlled device; a storage unit that stores the data; a first monitoring unit and a second monitoring unit that perform a calculation on the basis of the data to calculate a calculation value, that determine whether the calculation value satisfies a blocking condition, and that output a blocking signal when the calculation value satisfies the blocking condition; and a first blocking unit and a second blocking unit that block the operation signal to the controlled device upon receiving the blocking signal output from at least either one of the first monitoring unit and the second monitoring unit.

Abstract: A test system and a method includes applying a test drive signal to a physical test rig having a compliant actuator assembly for imparting loads to a test specimen. An actual response signal of the physical test rig and the test specimen to the test drive signal is obtained and an error as a function of the actual response signal and a selected response signal is calculated. If the error has not reached a selected threshold a new drive signal based on the error and a relaxation gain factor is obtained. The new drive signal is obtained and applied until the error reaches the selected threshold.

Abstract: A controller, method and system, for controlling lighting responsive to ambient lighting conditions are described. In particular, disclosed is illumination controller (110) for controlling illumination of a workspace near a display (253). The illumination controller includes a memory device (113) storing a user's preference for illumination of the workspace; a processor (111) accessing the user's preference in the memory device; and an interface (112) between the processor and an electronic sensor (231) located proximate to the display, which collects a reading from the electronic sensor. The processor compares the reading with the user's preference, and sends a command to at least one luminaire (241) to adjust the illumination of the workspace. The electronic sensor can be, for example, a photosensor, an occupancy sensor, an orientation sensor, or a location sensor. In some embodiments, the interface collects the reading from the electronic sensor via a wireless communication link.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a system and method for an optimizable rack solution is presented. The system and method is directed to an optimizable rack that includes a frame. The frame has both a primary portion and a detachable portion. The primary portion may contain a primary enclosure and the detachable portion may container a secondary enclosure. Each of the primary enclosure and secondary enclosure are sized to hold a plurality of computing systems. Detaching the detachable portion of the frame both reduces the size and computing systems capacity of the frame.

Abstract: A device is suitable for controlling a rotation-speed of a fan of a display. The device includes a temperature sensor for sensing a current temperature of the display, a memory for storing the current temperature of the display and a first and a second setting-temperature and a control module coupled to the temperature sensor and the memory and adapted to couple to the fan of the display. The control module compares the current temperature of the display with the first and the second setting-temperatures and judging the variation of the current temperature of the display to control the rotation-speed of the fan. If the control module judges out the current temperature of the display sensed by the temperature sensor rises, the control module raises the rotation-speed of the fan when the rotation-speed of the fan is lower than a maximum rotation-speed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and user interfaces for controlling a bulk material baling system are provided. One embodiment of the invention relates to a user interface for controlling components of a tying system, providing a wire odometer that determines and displays real-time information on the use of consumables by the tying system, such as an amount of remaining wire. Embodiments of the wire odometer simultaneously monitor and display an amount of remaining wire on a wire carrier, and a corresponding number of straps remaining to be tied by the current wire carrier. Further embodiments of the user interface provide monitoring data and remaining-use expectancy indicators for individual system components. Additional embodiments of the user interface are configured to control various features of components of a combination tying system that straps bailed material with alternate tying heads, providing both wire strapping and plastic strapping capabilities.

Abstract: A low-cost controller having a function for effectively displaying information of present motor output regarding the maximum output and the continuous rating output of the motor. The controller includes first and second storing parts which store first and second data, representing a relationship between a rotation frequency and a maximum output of the motor, and a relationship between the rotation frequency and a continuous rating output of the motor, respectively; first and second ratio calculating parts which calculate first and second ratios, corresponding to a ratio of one of the maximum output and the continuous rating output to the other at a present rotation frequency, and a ratio of a present actual output of the motor to the one of the maximum output and the continuous rating output at the present rotation frequency, respectively; and a displaying part which displays the first and second ratios on the same screen.

Abstract: A display apparatus capable of displaying images of movable structures includes a data storage unit for storing image data and a display control unit which receives signals relating to positions of movable structures from a numerical controller and reads out image data relating to the received movable structures from the storage unit, and generates a display image in which images of the movable structures are arranged to have a positional relationship received and displays the display image on the display. When a selection signal for selecting a movable structure to be operated is input to the numerical controller from an input device, the display control unit receives the selection signal and generates a display image in which the image of the movable structure corresponding to the received selection signal is highlighted and displays the display image on the display.

Abstract: A method for detecting a mechanical overload condition of an energized linear actuator to prevent commanding an activation signal to the linear actuator that may mechanically overload the linear actuator includes monitoring feedback variation of a movable element associated with the linear actuator including monitoring a present feedback signal of the movable element, monitoring a previous feedback signal of the movable element, comparing the present feedback signal and the previous feedback signal and determining the feedback variation based on the comparing. The feedback variation is compared to a feedback variation threshold. An input signal associated with the activation signal for controlling the linear actuator is monitored and the input signal compared to an input signal threshold. The electrical overload condition is detected when the feedback variation is less than the feedback variation threshold and the input signal is greater than the input signal threshold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to joint simulators, and in particular, to methods and systems for controlling joint simulators by using a haptic mapping technique. A joint simulator is used to closely approximate the conditions within the body, particularly with respect to human and animal joints, and can be used to test and evaluate prosthetics for use in various parts of a human or animal body. The haptic mapping technique improves the rate of convergence of the actual testing forces to the prescribed forces during repetitive performance and life testing. The method is used in conjunction with an impedance-mode servo controller.

Abstract: Several embodiments of systems and methods for adaptive smart environment automation are described herein. In one embodiment, a computer implemented method includes determining a plurality of sequence patterns of data points in a set of input data corresponding to a plurality of sensors in a space. The input data include a plurality of data points corresponding to each of the sensors, and the sequence patterns are at least partially discontinuous. The method also includes generating a plurality of statistical models based on the plurality of sequence patterns, and the individual statistical models corresponding to an activity of a user. The method further includes recognizing the activity of the user based on the statistical models and additional input data from the sensors.

Abstract: Techniques for driving a plurality of inductive actuators are described herein. According to these techniques, a driver unit includes a clock terminal that receives an external clock signal used by an external control unit. The driver unit further includes a serial bus interface configured to communicate with the external control unit via a serial bus. The serial bus is configured to communicate both of trigger commands synchronized to the external clock signal that indicate to at least one of a plurality of programmable control circuits (PCUs) to generate drive signals in response to the trigger commands that are synchronized with the external clock signal and data associated with at least one of the plurality of PCUs and synchronized with the external clock signal, wherein the data is used by the at least one of the plurality of PCUs to generate the drive signals in response to the trigger commands.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for medical devices and related operating systems and methods. An exemplary medical device includes a motor, one or more data storage elements to maintain control information, and a control module coupled to the motor and the one or more data storage elements. The control module is configured to obtain updated control information via a peer-to-peer communication session over a network, store the updated control information in the one or more data storage elements, and thereafter operate the motor based at least in part on the updated control information.