Abstract: A method for the monitoring, control and optimization of filling equipment for foods and beverages, such as, for beverage bottles. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: In a slave electromagnetic flow meter, the synchronization signal from a master electromagnetic flow meter (that is, a master electromagnetic signal) MPs is monitored, and if the master synchronization signal MPs ceases to be received, then the synchronization signal used for the flow rate measurement is switched to a synchronization signal Ps that is generated by the synchronization signal generating unit of the slave electromagnetic flow meter, and the switched synchronization signal Ps is defined as the master synchronization signal MPs? for the slave electromagnetic flow meter in the next stage.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for remotely controlling a fire protection system for buildings. This method of fire protection uses a wireless or wired control system to remotely activate a fire protection system by sending it an activation signal or activation message wherein one or more commands can configure the system with specified operation instructions. The system utilizes roof top sprinklers and may additionally utilize existing irrigation systems or additional zones only used during the prevention of wildfires to wet down area in advance of fires. The system can be controlled by various municipal fire authorities that are given the authority to control fires. Immediate control of the system is always available to the transmitting authority. When activated, the central processor communicates to the authority that activated the fire protection system.

Abstract: A deer lure dispensing apparatus and method of use including a programmable dispensing system for effecting automatic dispersal of the lure. The hunter or other user programs a predetermined schedule for dispensing lure such as deer urine. Once the programmable, automatic animal lure dispensing unit is placed in the field, no human intervention is needed to effect the scheduled dispersals of lure.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator. More functions can be added to a refrigerator door by coupling a home bar and a dispenser. Also, since the dispenser is disposed so that it is shielded from the outside, contamination of the dispenser can be prevented.

Abstract: A method of spraying an air-improving substance in a room is provided. In particular, persons moving in the room are detected, and a spraying operation is performed while taking into account the detected movement.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a saturated water spraying system configured to rapidly respond to rapid load changes by implementing a single integrated DCS control block. The integrate DCS control block may include a plurality of process control routines that are necessary to control the operation of the spraying system. For example, upstream and downstream PID control routines may determine and output control variables, and other control routines may be provided as necessary to handle disturbances within a boiler affecting the outlet and spray steam temperatures, and to ensure that the steam temperatures do not fall into the saturation region during operation of the boiler. Because the routines are part of the same control block, the common storage for the control block may be accessed by each of the routines without the necessity of establishing additional communication links for transferring the information as is required when using cascaded function blocks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage dispensing machine, for instance a coffee machine, provided with a brewing chamber and at least one valve for totally and/or partially blocking the beverage from exiting the chamber. Advantageously, the valve is an electrovalve, in particular a piezoelectric valve, which is continuously controllable to adjust the beverage flow rate being permitted to exit the chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for sending wireless control signals from a system control unit (24) to operate valve assemblies (13, 14, 15, or 16) in a utility supply system to restrict usage based on a schedule determined by the utility provider and without interrupting essential utility services. The system control unit (24) is carried in a vehicle (21) or by a person. The wireless control signals can include data to close a valve, data to open a valve, a schedule for opening and closing one or more valves, a usage limit or flow rate limit a schedule for reporting status or settings to mitigate leakage. The valve assemblies (13, 14, 15, or 16) can also read in current usage totals from a meter (12) for comparison with usage criteria stored in the valve assemblies (13, 14, 15, or 16).

Abstract: Power supply equipment for a fuels dispensing nozzle includes solenoid valves for dispensing fuel, a microprocessor for operating the solenoid valves and at least one supercapacitor or ultracapacitor for supplying power to the solenoid valves.

Abstract: An analyzer includes: a measurement system that dispenses a specimen in a specimen vessel into a reaction vessel to perform a measurement; an information storage medium that is attached to the specimen vessel, stores specimen information indicative of a state of the specimen, and is capable of communicating with an external device through radio waves of a predetermined frequency; a reading unit that reads the specimen information stored in the information storage medium; and a determining unit that determines whether the specimen in the specimen vessel, to which the information storage medium is attached, is in a state where a proper analysis is performable based on the specimen information in the information storage medium read by the reading unit.

Abstract: A pressure tank including, a tank wall; a supporting member which includes fiber reinforced plastic and supports an outer surface of the tank wall; a supersonic wave sensor which is connected to the tank wall, and which detects a sonic wave propagated in the tank wall; and an internal abnormality determination member which is connected to the supersonic wave sensor, and which determines whether an internal abnormality exits in the tank wall, wherein the internal abnormality determination member determines the existence of the internal abnormality based on the detection result during gas is charged into the pressure tank, and outputs an abnormality signal when the internal abnormality was determined to exist.

Abstract: A spray chamber valve control system for ensuring that coolant is sufficiently available at the intakes of pumps in a spray cooled environment regardless of the attitude, acceleration or deceleration of a spray chassis. The spray chamber valve control system includes a spray chassis with an interior portion for spray cooling electronic devices, a plurality of valves positioned within the inner corners of the spray chassis, and a control unit in communication with the valves for controlling the operation thereof. The control unit ensures that at least one valve is open at all times. The control unit also provides a recovery routine for when only one valve is open during a valve state change.

Abstract: Methods and computer storage media provide for the installation of potted inserts and installation validation. According to embodiments described herein, an insert is placed within an insert aperture of a panel or other structure. Potting compound is injected into a potting cavity surrounding the insert through a fill hole in the insert until potting compound overflows from another fill hole. The installation is validated by applying a force to the installed insert at a determined frequency using a mechanical impedance instrument and measuring a response frequency. The response frequency is compared to an acceptable frequency range to determine whether the insert is properly installed.

Abstract: An apparatus for precision pen height control which includes a dispensing member, a fluid dispensing system, a vertical position sensing system, and a vertical position controller The fluid dispensing system is in fluid communication with an opening in the dispensing member via a tubular member. A vertical position sensing system, which includes a diffraction grating and a sensor, is engaged to the tubular member. The sensor is positioned adjacent the diffraction grating The diffraction grating is engaged to a vertical support, which is engaged to the tubular member. The sensor produces a vertical position signal based upon the position of the vertical support The vertical position controller is engaged to the vertical position sensing system, and receives a control signal generated from the vertical position signal. The vertical position controller produces and applies vertical forces to the vertical support in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A beverage maker (1) for making a hot beverage comprises a boiler (30) for heating a quantity of water, and a pump (40). When the beverage maker (1) is operated, a heating element (32) of the boiler (30) is activated, and the water inside the boiler (30) is heated. When the temperature of the water has reached a predetermined value, a thermostat (63) which is arranged in an electronics circuit (41) for energizing the pump (40) is closed, and a pumping action is started. As a result, water exits the boiler (30), and passes a thermostat (62) which is arranged downstream of the boiler (30), and which is arranged in an electronics circuit (34) for energizing the heating element (32). Under the influence of the hot water, a set point of this thermostat (62) is reached, and this thermostat (62) opens, so that the electronics circuit (34) for energizing the heating element (32) is interrupted, and the heating element (32) is deactivated.

Abstract: A three-dimensional spray envelopment system including at least one pressurizable fluid reservoir containing a reservoir fluid which may be an anti-mold or anti-fungal agent. The pressurizable fluid reservoir is in intermittent fluid communication with at least one fluid conduit and with a fluid controller. The spray heads and fluid conduit may further form an array extending over various parts of the external surfaces of a structure and may provide simultaneous spray coverage to a majority of a surface area of the plurality of structure external surfaces, including a roof. The fluid controller may include a timer and a remotely operable internet accessible controller. The pressurizable fluid reservoir may be in intermittent fluid communication with a building water supply, which can supply diluent for reservoir fluid and supply pressure to the system.

Abstract: A routing system for shared conduits used in industrial applications is sensitive to material types and material flow histories to allow compatible materials to flow through shared conduits without cleaning while preventing contamination of materials in those shared conduits.

Abstract: A fluid regulating system is provided for controlling fluid to a fluid consuming battery having a fluid consuming cell. The fluid regulating system includes a valve having a moving plate disposed adjacent to a fixed plate, and both having fluid entry ports to open and close a valve. The fluid regulating system also includes an actuator for moving the moving plate to open and close the valve. The actuator is controlled to open the valve when greater battery electrical output is required to operate a device and maintains the valve in the open position for a minimum required time to minimize battery capacity loss due to operation of the fluid regulating system.

Abstract: A control system for a concrete plant adds intelligent capabilities in the concrete plant that may enhance safety, localize control of the concrete plant, and assist with troubleshooting. The control system may also enhance accuracy for determining an amount of mixed concrete dispensed, or amounts of concrete ingredients to dispense, and may eliminate the need for equipment used to verify the amount of mixed concrete or concrete ingredients dispensed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a droplet microactuator and to systems, apparatuses and methods employing the droplet microactuator for executing various protocols using droplets. The invention includes a droplet microactuator or droplet microactuator system having one or more input reservoirs loaded with reagents for conducting sequencing protocols, such as the reagents for conducting a pyrosequencing protocol. The invention also includes a droplet microactuator or droplet microactuator system, having one or more input reservoirs loaded with a sample for conducting a pyrosequencing protocol.

Abstract: An arrangement for dispensing colour paste, a shading apparatus, a method, a computer program product, and a memory means. The arrangement comprises a piston pump comprising a dispensing channel. The dispensing channel is provided with a substantially different amount of colour paste per travelling length unit when the piston is moving towards the first end of the cylinder than when the piston is moving towards the second end of the cylinder. The arrangement further comprises a valve connected to a dispensing channel. The valve has a dispensing channel connected to a first outlet channel of the valve for conveying colour paste into a can and a by-pass feed channel connected to a second outlet channel of the valve For conveying colour paste past the can for the paste to be shaded.

Abstract: A chemical dispensing system is provided having a micro-controller and at least one expansion module. The expansion module includes an expansion module interface. The expansion module is in communication with the micro-controller via the expansion module interface. The at least one expansion module expands capabilities of the chemical dispensing system beyond a base operation of the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling emission of fragrances into a given area such as a room or a region of a yard; and more particularly the creation of a desired atmosphere within the given area. In addition, the invention involves a volatile substance dispensing device (200) having mounted therein a plurality of reservoirs (31) storing a volatile substance, and a plurality of atomizer assemblies (34) for emitting volatile substances communicated thereto by the reservoirs (31). Preferably, a microcontroller (50) controls the emission of the volatile substances in accordance with preferred programs.

Abstract: An electronics module for an industrial device is associated with an individual industrial device. Audit data for the industrial device is stored in a memory of the electronics module. The audit data includes information related to one or more steps that have been performed while making the individual industrial device. Operating instructions for the industrial device are stored in the memory of the electronics module. The operating instructions are operable to enable the electronics module to control and/or monitor one or more aspects of the flow control device operation.

Abstract: A vehicle washing system. The vehicle washing system includes a vehicle washing system component. Also, provided is an apparatus for moving the vehicle relative to vehicle washing system component. The speed of the relative motor of the vehicle is selected either by an operator automatically or may be varied to vary the vehicle throughput through the vehicle wash. A control unit is provided. The control unit senses the speed of movement of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle washing system. The control unit adjusts the vehicle washing system component for coordinating the vehicle washing system component in accordance with the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A machine includes a piston disposed in a housing and configured to reciprocate in the housing. At least one valve is coupled to the housing. A magnetically-geared valve actuation system is coupled to the at least one valve. A plurality of sensors is configured to detect a plurality of parameters related to the machine. A control system is coupled to the plurality of sensors and the magnetically-geared valve actuation system. The magnetically-geared valve actuation system is configured to actuate the at least one valve in response to reciprocation of the piston in the housing, signals originating from the sensors or control system, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A smart machine tool lubrication system monitors the distance traveled by a motion component in a machine tool. A predetermined amount of lubricant is dispensed at a lubrication point of the motion component when the monitored distance exceeds a first threshold value. The smart machine tool lubrication system may further monitor the duration of time the motion component is in motion and dispense the predetermined amount of lubricant with the monitored duration of time exceeds a second threshold value.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints and/or colored paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of paints from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed, which may include a vehicle having a paint production system, a spectrometer and a gloss meter. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected paints from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The method may include: providing a mobile paint factory; prompting a user to select a value for a paint attribute on a slider; and automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of appropriate prepaints. The method may also comprise storing information about the reflectance of produced paints in a local data storage device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of designing an aerosol spray dispensing system. One or more to-be-determined attributes of the spray dispenser system are identified, including properties of a fluid to be dispensed, characteristics of the dispensing mechanism, and performance characteristic values. The identified attributes are determined using equations taking into account relationships among the properties of the fluid to be dispensed, the characteristics of the dispensing mechanism and the performance characteristic values. Once determined, the attributes are used to design the spray dispensing system.

Abstract: The present invention features an intelligent sprinkler irrigation system for delivering fluid to an arbitrarily-shaped area in a precise manner. In general, the system comprises (a) a fluid source comprising a pressurized fluid; (b) at least one programmable sprinkler head fluidly connected to the fluid source; and (c) a computer system configured to control the sprinkler head to precisely deliver fluid according to a pre-determined sprinkler function. The computer system comprises a teach mode, wherein a plurality of drive parameters are learned and recorded. These drive parameters function to dictate the specific vector positioning of the sprinkler head during execution of the sprinkler component. The teach mode is further configured to learn and record a plurality of flow parameters, which function to control the fluid delivery component of the sprinkler head (e.g., the valve or nozzle), and more particularly, the manner in which the fluid is delivered or emitted from this component.

Abstract: A method of determining when to stop pumping proppant during hydraulic fracturing in a wellbore is described. By accurately detecting tip screen-out with a bottom hole pressure gauge mounted to a perforating gun, the optimal amount of proppant can be supplied to a fracture while avoiding the risks associated with wellbore screen-out.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for controlling a wiper and washer. An apparatus for controlling a wiper and washer, includes a wiper to wipe a windshield of a vehicle, a washer to eject washer fluid to the windshield of the vehicle, and an intelligent multi-function module (IMFM) to utilize a temperature sensing function of the vehicle according to a selected intelligent multi-function mode, and control the wiper and washer according to a sensed temperature with respect to the vehicle.

Abstract: A Ti-based film forming method includes a step (step 1) of cleaning inside a chamber by introducing a cleaning gas containing fluorine into the chamber in a state where a wafer W is not provided on a susceptor; a step (step 2) of heating the susceptor in a state where the wafer W is not provided on the susceptor, injecting a processing gas containing Ti from a shower head into the chamber, and forming a pre-coated film at least on the surface of the shower head; and a step (step 3) of mounting the wafer W on the susceptor 2 in a state where the susceptor is heated, supplying a processing gas into the chamber 1 and forming a Ti-based film on the wafer W. The pre-coated film forming step is performed at a temperature lower than that in the film forming step.

Abstract: A marking system may hold a container from which markers are dispensed to mark the presence or absence of an underground facility in a dig area. The container may identify a marker characteristic regarding the markers in the container. The marking system may receive activation of a trigger, dispense a marker from the container when the trigger is activated, and store the marker characteristic and time data when the trigger is activated. In other embodiments, the marking system may dispense a marker, determine location data and/or time data, and substantially simultaneously trigger the dispensing of the marker and logging of the location data and/or the time data. The location data identifies a geographic location where the marker is dispensed and the time data identifies the time when the marker is dispensed.

Abstract: A door opener arrangement for a robot coating device, used for detecting a position of a part (6) of a door (7) so that the door can be opened and/or closed for interior painting. The door opener is arranged with at least one non-contact sensor member (1), preferably for detecting changes in a field strength of a magnetic or electromagnetic field in a Z and vertical direction, and may be arranged with a plurality of sensors to detect a collision etc. A method, system and computer program are also described.

Abstract: An agricultural system which includes at least one agricultural implement with at least one application device for applying crop inputs, where the agricultural implement includes an agricultural harvester and/or an agricultural planter. A databus is connected to the at least one agricultural implement, and at least one input device is connected to the databus. At least one data storage device is connected to the databus, and an application controller is connected to the at least one application device. A processor is connected to the databus and the application controller, where the processor applies inputs to the application controller to adjust and/or optimize in real time a current operation of the application device(s) in order to efficiently and accurately apply the crop inputs.

Abstract: A portable cement mixing system uses ingredients such as cement, water and sand in predetermined quantities. A digital controller coordinates all of the operating elements of the apparatus for the entire mixing process and stores mixing programs relative to the mixing process for a variety of cements which includes the various ingredient quantities. Separate storage containers each coupled to a conveyors from the container extend to a mixer to transfer that quantity to the mixer for each cement ingredient. The conveyors are operated in sequence by the controller to load the mixer with a predetermined quantity of each of the required ingredients prior to mixing. The mixer and its contents are weighed before and during the transfer of each ingredient to precisely determine and transfer the required amount of each ingredient. After the mixer is loaded with all of the ingredients, the mixer is operated for a predetermined length of time.

Abstract: A control system and method of use for controlling work output delivered to a floor surface by a work tool associated with a floor maintenance machine. The control system includes a hydraulic power source, a motor assembly coupled to the power source and the work tool, a pressure sensor in communication with the motor assembly, an actuator coupled to the work tool, and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor. A valve is configured to regulate the pressure provided by the power source and applied the actuator assembly. Based on a sensed pressure applied to the motor assembly, the controller causes the actuator assembly to adjust contact of the work tool with the floor surface. Work output delivered to the floor surface by the machine can be uniformly maintained during a cleaning period as the controller adjusts floor contact of the work tool via the hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying a shapable mass from an application head of a machine, corresponding to a desired design, onto a freely shapable object in the food and/or chemical industry according to the instructions of a controller. In an embodiment an image/photograph of the object is generated and transferred into a machine control system. The contours to be provided by the shapable mass are subsequently traced, and contour data is transmitted to the controller and used to control the application of the shapable mass from the application head onto an object.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present, invention provide a system and method for reducing the hold-up volume of a pump. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for determining a home position to reduce hold-up volume at a dispense pump and/or a feed pump. The home position for the diaphragm can be selected such that the volume of the chamber at the dispense pump and/or feed pump contains sufficient fluid to perform the various steps of a dispense cycle while minimizing the hold-up volume. Additionally, the home position of the diaphragm can be selected to optimize the effective range of positive displacement.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inhalation nebulizer (1) comprising an aerosol generator (2) that can be removed from the inhalation therapy device or inserted therein, and a control device (5) that sends a control signal to the aerosol generator (2). According to the invention, the aerosol generator (2) has a characterization device (10) containing information about the aerosol generator (2), that can be determined by an identification device (11) of the inhalation therapy device (1), in order to influence the operation of the inhalation therapy device.

Abstract: A method for mixing at least two materials is provided. The method comprises introducing the at least two materials into a physical system and combining the at least two materials to form a mixture thereof. The method also comprises independently controlling a desired characteristic of the mixture and a desired parameter of the physical system, wherein the controlling is based in part on estimating a disturbance, wherein the estimating the disturbance is based on processing an error term determined by subtracting a modeled parameter of the physical system from a corresponding sensed parameter of the physical system.

Abstract: Droplets of a liquid are ejected through a plurality of nozzles to a plurality of coating regions on a substrate based on nozzle information including the ejection amount of a droplet of the liquid ejected through each nozzle. According to arrangement information for disposing the liquid, a plurality of droplet groups are disposed in each coating region while the plurality of nozzles and the substrate are scanned for relative movement. A calculation is performed according to the nozzle information and the arrangement information. Adjustment amount is calculated so that the assigned adjustment amounts vary from one droplet group to another. Driving signals, which drive selected nozzles, are set so that combinations of the driving signals give coating amounts that have taken the assigned adjustment amounts into account.

Abstract: The present invention provides an advanced spray control system for controlling a sprayer, which comprises a controller, a plurality of sensors and feedback means, and an output means for controlling the application system of the sprayer. The controller receives inputs from the operator through a user interface, and/or various feedback signals from the sensors of the system (e.g., a flow meter, or a pressure transducer). After processing these inputs, the controller sends signals to other components of the sprayer, such as, the pump, the storage means, the boom sections, and/or the nozzles, to maintain or change their operating conditions. Also provided are a method of controlling a sprayer using the spray control system and a sprayer comprising the spray control system of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of marking an article includes, in a control system, selecting one of a number of containers. The method further includes each container having a fluid containing respective unique marking elements therein. The method further includes generating control signals in accordance with the selected container. The method further includes transferring the control signals to a manipulator, the manipulator being responsive to the control signals to apply at least part of the fluid to the article to thereby marking the article with at least one marking element.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints, colored paints and/or additive enhanced paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of architectural, industrial and/or specialty coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The mobile paint factory may include a vehicle having an additive integrated paint production system and a paint mixer located thereon. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected architectural, industrial and/or specialty coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints and/or colored paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of architectural coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The mobile paint factory may include a vehicle having a paint production system and a paint mixer located thereon. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected architectural coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The method may include: providing a mobile paint factory; prompting a user to select through the paint production system an interior or exterior application environment, a paint sheen, and a paint quality; automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of appropriate prepaints; and agitating the dispensed prepaints.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus, comprising: a sample processing unit for processing a sample, wherein the sample processing unit comprises an operating device for processing a sample, a drive circuit for driving the operating device, and a first communication part which is configured so as to be capable of external communication; and a data processing unit for processing data output from the sample processing unit, wherein the data processing unit comprises a processor for generating control data for controlling the operating device, and a second communication part which is configured so as to be capable of communicating with the first communication part for transmitting the control data generated by the processor to the first communication part, wherein the drive circuit is configured so as to drive the operating device based on the control data received by the first communication part, is disclosed. A data processing apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for controlling a process variable as it approaches a predetermined value (setpoint) so that the setpoint is not exceeded. The method employs a time domain polynomial equation in a feedback configuration and utilizes a controller that acts as an On/Off controller until the process variable approaches setpoint. As the process variable approaches setpoint, the controller acts as a fast responding analog controller thereby “tailoring” a control variable to precisely bring the process variable to the setpoint without exceeding or overshooting the setpoint.