Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and assembly for opening the nips (9,10) of a calendar comprising at least two elements (1, 2; 3, 4) brought to a nip contact with each other, especially for performing the nip opening at a break or damage occurring in the web (5) being calendered. The tension of the web (5) being calendered is measured at multiple points over the cross-machine width of the web (5) and the calender nips (9,10) are opened when the measured web tension at a preset number of points over the cross-machine width of the web (5) has fallen to a limit value that by a decision-making algorithm monitoring the tension profile of the web (5) is interpreted to indicate a web break situation or other damage on the web (5) requiring opening the nips (9,10).

Abstract: A process transmitter is configured to measure a process variable of an industrial process. A housing has a first cavity which houses first transmitter electronic circuitry and provides a barrier between the first transmitter electronic circuitry and second transmitter electronic circuitry. A non-physical electromagnetic link between the first transmitter electronic circuitry and the second transmitter electronic circuitry configured to carry data therebetween.

Abstract: A portable tire pressure gauge measures a value of tire pressure. The gauge can display the measured value digitally and selectively in one of different units of pressure. If the gauge is made for use in a country, the gauge can output the measured value aurally and selectively in one of two languages that a majority of people in the country understand. These languages may be the language of the country and a first foreign language in the country. The gauge includes a display, a switch, a solar battery and an audio output unit. The display digitally displays the measured value. The switch switches the different units of pressure. The solar battery is the power supply for measurement and display. The audio output unit can output the measured value aurally and selectively in one of the two languages.

Abstract: This qualifier uses multiple thresholds and multiple timers to perform its operations. This assembly qualifier is a counting apparatus that monitors either the pressure of a pulsing air tool. The qualifier includes a microprocessor that is configured to indicate a pulsing region when the measured air pressure is between the third stored air pressure and the fourth stored air pressure.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for determining one or more characteristics of a sample fluid, and a method to determine the one or more characteristic of the sample fluid, are provided. In particular, a first assembly is contained within a particular housing, and a second assembly is positioned externally from the particular housing. The first assembly includes a first sensor which may be adapted to obtain first data associated with a first characteristic of the sample fluid, and a particular electrical assembly which is electrically coupled to the first sensor, and may be adapted to determine the first characteristic of the sample fluid as a function of the first data. The second assembly includes a second sensor which may be adapted to obtain second data associated with a second characteristic of the sample fluid.

Abstract: The invention aids a person who is assisting with fetal extraction by monitoring and recording the pressure inside a vacuum device, and then passing this information wirelessly to a recording and/or displaying device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring a reciprocating member of a reciprocating piston compressor is presented. The apparatus and method provide a means for measuring parameters of the reciprocating member, such as road load or cross-head temperature and the like, and wirelessly transmitting the data to a receiver. A mobile assembly is attached to a reciprocating member of the compressor, the mobile assembly having a sensor assembly, a wireless transmitter and a power generation assembly. The sensor assembly measures a parameter of the reciprocating member and generates a representative sensor signal. The wireless transmitter wirelessly transmits a corresponding data signal to a stationary assembly mounted nearby. The power assembly powers the transmitter and sensor assembly. The measured data is used, in conjunction with other measurements, such as a crankshaft encoder, to calculate the work performed by the compressor, the power used by the compressor and other information.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system and method for vehicles equipped with anti-lock breaking systems (ABS), especially vehicles with more than two axles, is provided. Wheel sensors associated with the ABS are utilized to sense variables which depend on wheel rotation, such as speed of rotation of the wheels or travel distances covered by the wheels. An ABS control unit logically combines the determined variables with one another and performs an evaluation with respect to change of rolling radii of the wheels while allowing for changes of the variable caused by driving operation. The ABS control unit generates a warning signal when the change of variables caused by tire pressure decrease exceeds a preselected limit value. In addition to the wheel sensors, a tire pressure measuring system which measures the absolute tire inflation pressure of the wheels of at least one axle and generates a warning signal when the measured tire inflation pressure drops below a preselected setpoint pressure can be utilized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to estimate the condition amount of a vehicle tire in a vehicle equipped with vehicle wheels formed with air enclosed under pressure in an inside portion of a tire mounted to a disc wheel. A plurality of wheel speed sensors detect the vehicle speed of each vehicle wheel. An estimating unit obtains a reflected value reflecting the tire condition amount of a vehicle wheel based on the vehicle wheel speed, and estimates the tire condition based upon the reflected value. The estimating unit estimates a reflected value for a first vehicle wheel which is difficult to accurately obtain the reflected value based on the vehicle wheel speed by obtaining the reflected value for a second vehicle wheel which is easier to accurately obtain the reflected value based on the wheel speed.

Abstract: A method for determining if deterioration in structural integrity of a pressure vessel, having both sensor and oscillator affixed to or embedded in said exterior surface thereof. An electrical current is provided to the oscillator so as to cause said oscillator to oscillate and produce a mechanical disturbance to the exterior surface and cause a detectable natural frequency response of said pressure vessel. The resultant natural frequency response is detected and recorded. After a period of elapsed time, the natural frequency response is again obtained. It is compared with the recorded natural frequency response first obtained, and if there be a difference therebetween, such as a shift in the frequencies at which the natural resonances occur, or a decrease or increase in the amplitude of one or more of the natural frequency resonances, then a flag is raised. An apparatus for determining if deterioration in structural integrity of a pressure vessel, and a pressure vessel, is further disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device (10) and method for determining a temperature-corrected tire pressure. A preselected baseline temperature (26) is measured or selected. A second temperature (28) is measured using a temperature probe (22). An actual tire pressure (30) is measured (24). A programmed processor calculates and displays (14) a corrected tire pressure (32) corresponding to the baseline temperature (26) according the ideal gas law.

Abstract: An air data sensing probe or MFP includes a barrel having multiple pressure sensing ports for sensing multiple pressures. Instrumentation coupled to the pressure sensing ports provides electrical signals related to the multiple pressures. A neural network, coupled to the instrumentation, receives as inputs the electrical signals related to the multiple pressures, and in response, the neural network provides, as an output, electrical signals indicative of at least one local air data parameter for the air data sensing probe.

Abstract: A method is provided for nondestructively determining a material property of a porous sample. A first vessel is evacuated to a sub-atmospheric pressure, while a test pressure, greater than the sub-atmospheric pressure, is established in a second vessel containing the sample. The pressures of the first and second vessels are equalized by opening a valve mechanism therebetween. The resulting pressure change in the second vessel exhibits an initial pressure drop followed by a transition to an equalization pressure. The envelope volume of the sample is determined from a minimum pressure attained by the second vessel upon initial opening of the valve mechanism, wherein the minimum pressure is related to the initial pressure drop. The envelope density of the sample is thus a quotient of the mass and the envelope volume of the sample. The absolute density and relative absorption of the sample may also be determined and an associated system is provided.

Abstract: A field instrument and system for obtaining pressure, flow and temperature data from a facility. The field instrument includes an enclosure having an opening therein. An integrated analog sensor is sealingly contained within the opening. The field instrument further contains an external analog sensor. An analog to digital converter converts the analog signals to digital readings. An external digital sensor is also provided, with the digital output being communicated through a second opening within the enclosure. A control member that receives, stores and processes the digital readings is positioned within the enclosure. A communication module is included to transmit the digital readings to a remote computer. The communication module allows for two way communication between the field instrument and remote computer. The remote computer may be a server that allows for access by many users. The communication module also allows for locally accessing the digital readings via a serial port to a local terminal.

Abstract: A portable tire pressure gauge measures a value of tire pressure. The gauge can display the measured value digitally and selectively in one of different units of pressure. If the gauge is made for use in a country, the gauge can output the measured value aurally and selectively in one of two languages that a majority of people in the country understand. These languages may be the language of the country and a first foreign language in the country. The gauge includes a display, a switch, a solar battery and an audio output unit. The display digitally displays the measured value. The switch switches the different units of pressure. The solar battery is the power supply for measurement and display. The audio output unit can output the measured value aurally and selectively in one of the two languages.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting precursors to compressor stall and surge in which at least one compressor parameter is monitored to obtain raw data representative of said at least one compressor parameter. The raw data is pre-processed using a frequency demodulator to produce pre-processed data, and the pre-processed raw data is post-processed using a Kalman filter to obtain stall precursors.

Abstract: A high-diagnostic, dual sensor pressure switch having a one-out-of-two voting architecture useful in commercial and industrial fluid transport systems is provided for determining whether process connections and isolation valves are plugged or closed, and whether pressure sensors are deformed, corroded or otherwise compromised. The dual pressure sensors functionally employ similar electronic technology, and are each disposed to provide variable electrical outputs to one of a plurality of discrete A/D converters. The dual pressure sensors' electrical outputs are compared prior to the A/D conversion process in order to immediately identify large pressure deviations between the sensors. Each of the A/D converters' digital signals are routed to one of a plurality of independent CPUs or data processors; the CPUs then generate digital output signals representing either a logical 0 (Low) or 1 (High).

Abstract: A fault identification system for intake system sensors according to the invention includes a throttle position sensor (TPS), a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor, and a mass airflow (MAF) sensor. A diagnostic controller is coupled to the TPS, the MAP sensor and the MAF sensor. The diagnostic controller implements a throttle model, a first intake model and a second intake model and correctly identifies faults in the TPS, the MAP sensor and the MAF sensor. The throttle model generates a mass airflow estimate. The first intake model generates a first MAP estimate. The second intake model generates a second MAP estimate. The diagnostic controller applies residual calculations on outputs of the throttle model, the first intake model and the second intake model. The diagnostic controller applies a first order lag filter on the residual calculations. The diagnostic controller accesses a truth table to identify faults in the TPS, the MAP sensor and the MAF sensor.

Abstract: A method for alarming decrease in tire air-pressure in which a decrease in internal pressure of a tire is detected on the basis of rotational information obtainable from wheels mounted to a vehicle and a driver is accordingly alarmed. A plurality of thresholds for judging bad road are set. Decrease in air-pressure of a tire can be judged and alarm is issued upon decrease in air-pressure also when running on a bad road so that it is possible to secure safe driving for the driver.

Abstract: A method for the detection of a pressure drop in a tire of a wheel of a vehicle including the steps of determining a test variable from the wheel radii or from variables representing these wheel radii of the wheels of the vehicle, wherein the test variable is a quotient of two sums of each two wheel radii or variables representing these wheel radii of each one pair of vehicle wheels, comparing the test variable with a threshold value, and detecting a pressure drop with respect to the result of the comparison, wherein several test variables are determined with respect to several different wheel pair combinations, and pressure drop is considered to have been identified only if a defined vehicle wheel is identified by all found test variables as a wheel with a possible pressure drop.

Abstract: An in-situ sensor system and method which measures the density of a liquid accurately with pressure sensors by measuring pressure in the liquid at two separate positions defined by a fixed distance. The fixed distance is known accurately to at least the nearest 0.0001 inch by measuring temperature simultaneously with pressure measurements. The temperature is used to correct for temperature-related changes in length of the material to which the pressure sensors are fixed. Because pressure sensors and temperature sensors can be relatively small, the sensor system is small, portable, and can be easily and safely inserted into or removed from tanks through a small opening. A data acquisition system acquires data with a remote telemetry system, provides the data to users through a communications network, and provides density, height, volume, and leak rate of the liquids using one or more data management systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a force applied to an object by a person includes a support upon which the person stands, and one or more force sensors for detecting the reaction force applied through the person to the support resulting from the application of force to the object. A computing accessory may be included for computing the magnitude of the force, and a display for the result or other output devices may also be provided. A method of monitoring force is also disclosed. The apparatus and method may be used to determine the amount of force applied to an infant during delivery. The apparatus and method may also be used for a broad range of applications requiring measurement of applied force.

Abstract: In order to reduce confusion about a displayed absolute altitude and to enhance reliability and correctness, the present invention provides a display method of an altitude display apparatus for displaying an absolute altitude wherein an initial atmospheric pressure is detected, and an absolute altitude is calculated and displayed based on a pressure difference between the initial atmospheric pressure and a current atmospheric pressure if the detected initial atmospheric pressure is larger than a predetermined atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A wind gauge apparatus and method. An illustrative embodiment includes a microphone positioned to engage wind pressure from a first relative direction and a controller coupled to receive an audio signal from the microphone. The controller compares the audio signal with plural threshold values, representative of wind pressure levels, and determines a first wind pressure level incident upon the microphone. Filtering and gain controls are used to condition the audio signal output from the microphone. Plural microphones are employed to allow that detection of wind direction and magnitude about a compass of directions. Digital signal processing is employed to process data. In an illustrative embodiment, the wind direction and magnitude data are used to recommend a golf club size adjustment and a golf swing direction adjustment to the user, who has taken a measurement of the wind with respect to a reference golf swing direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an altimeter for detecting and displaying the altitude above the sea level of a location by measuring the ambient atmospheric pressure. In order to compensate for changes in air pressure due to meteorological reasons, such as temperature, an adjustment or reset mechanism is provided with the purpose of adjusting or resetting the altimeter to a given stored height at a given moment. This is only effected if at that moment, the air pressure that has been measured indicates height coinciding with the given stored height within a predetermined tolerance limit.

Abstract: A portable altimeter of the present invention is provided with a movement determining unit for determining whether or not the altimeter is at a standstill or moving by comparing an amount of change in altitude with a prescribed standstill threshold value and movement threshold value. When the standstill mode is set, the moving mode is then set only when the amount of change equals or exceeds the movement threshold value, and when the moving mode is set, the standstill mode is then set only when the amount of change falls below the standstill threshold value.

Abstract: A method of determining flow through a valve includes determining a first differential pressure across the valve. The valve is bypassed and a second differential pressure is determined across the valve. A flow decision is determined for the valve based on comparison of the first and second differential pressures. A method of testing a relief valve in a reduced pressure backflow preventer assembly includes determining a first differential pressure across an upstream check valve during a no flow condition. The upstream check valve is bypassed for the purpose of opening a relief valve, and a zone vent is opened.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is provided which is tolerant to noise such as electromagnetic waves, is configured so as to be capable of easily selecting a system environment in which a sensor signal, commonly used for various kinds of systems, can be freely read in at timing as required by a system, and is able to realize reduction in size and cost suitable for automotive use. An element portion for detecting pressure and a circuit portion having a signal processing function are integrally accommodated in the same package. An interface section 24 optimized to interface with external wiring, an A/D conversion section 25 for digitally encoding an analog processed detection signal of the sensor, and a digital processing section 26 for converting the digitized signal into a desired serial signal are added to the circuit portion 2.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and program for estimating noise generation for a synchronous belt having a length and teeth spaced along the belt length. The method includes the steps of: calculating belt displacement transversely to the belt length at or near a first location at which teeth on the belt mesh with teeth on a first cooperating toothed pulley; calculating a belt fluctuation velocity by correlating the belt displacement to a time frame; and calculating a radiated sound pressure level using the belt fluctuation velocity.

Abstract: Unnecessary operations are eliminated in the calculation of a non-decompression limit at the current water dept. In this manner, the calculation of the non-decompression limit is made more efficient and the required computing time is shorten to the point where the function can be incorporated into a wrist worn device that provides timely data.

Abstract: A transmitter for measuring a process variable includes a sensor configured to couple to a process and having a sensor output related to the process variable. A microprocessor coupled to the sensor output provides a process variable output which is a function of an orthogonal-polynomial of the sensor output. A transmitter output is configured to provide an output related to the process variable.

Abstract: A fruit tester provides a motor driven intrusive plunger with associated sensors to determine digital data indicative of plunger position, force resisting plunger intrusion and constant pressure creep. Sensor data is presented to a computer for storage, analysis and feedback control of the plunger. The plunger powering train includes a belt driven ball screw translator to convert rotary to linear motion and an “S” type stress block with plural bridge interconnected strain gauges to sense pressure resisting intrusion to allow accurate measurements. Methods of analysis are disclosed to determine both resistance to plunger penetration and plunger creep at fixed pressure, in each of at least two concentric zones of a fruit, which are related by software for accurate determination of fruit condition as a function of time, both present and future.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of calculating the pressure drops created by a given fluid in a circuit having a determined thermal profile. The method includes making up a database (BD) giving the rheology of various fluids at least according to the temperature; segmenting a thermal profile (2, 3) into sections (4, 5, 6, 7) and determining a representative temperature value (T1, T2, T3, T4) for the fluid in each section; using the database for determining the rheology of the fluid in each section at the representative temperature; and calculating and adding up the pressure drops in each section considering the rheology determined.

Abstract: Acoustic field reconstruction is performed by expanding basis function which represent outgoing and incoming waves, without prior knowledge of the source geometry and dimensions. The reconstruction is based on acoustic pressures measured in the field only, and can be accomplished on a piece-wise basis. There are no restrictions on the locations of measurements. Moreover, the present invention can be used to reconstruct acoustic radiation from a plurality of sources or from a single source surrounded by multiple reflecting surfaces.

Abstract: A wind gauge apparatus and method. An illustrative embodiment includes a microphone positioned to engage wind pressure from a first relative direction and a controller coupled to receive an audio signal from the microphone. The controller compares the audio signal with plural threshold values, representative of wind pressure levels, and determines a first wind pressure level incident upon the microphone. Filtering and gain controls are used to condition the audio signal output from the microphone. Plural microphones are employed to allow that detection of wind direction and magnitude about a compass of directions. Digital signal processing is employed to process data. In an illustrative embodiment, the wind direction and magnitude data are used to recommend a golf club size adjustment and a golf swing direction adjustment to the user, who has taken a measurement of the wind with respect to a reference golf swing direction.

Abstract: An altimeter which contains within it means for storing the Static Source Error Correction (SSEC) for the aircraft. The altimeter includes means for downloading the SSEC and for transferring it to a new altimeter which may then be used in place of the original altimeter without losing the information built up over time or having to re-calibrate the new altimeter based on new tests. The altimeter also includes means for uploading a known SSEC thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for estimating a state of tire air pressure with high accuracy in a range of vehicle speeds from a low travel speed to a high travel speed. A wheel speed of each of a right-hand front wheel and a right-hand rear wheel is detected based on wheel speed signals outputted from vehicle speed sensors, and characteristic amounts (power) of frequency characteristics of the wheel speeds are calculated. A value of difference which represents a degree of difference between the obtained characteristic amounts of the right-hand front wheel and the right-hand rear wheel is calculated. Based on the value of difference, the state of air pressure of a tire is determined. As a result, it can be determined if the air pressure of one of tires on the right-hand front wheel and the right-hand rear wheel has been reduced.

Abstract: A method of detecting a leak in a pressurized pipeline system, in which a measurement is performed to determine the difference in the rate of change of pressure due to a leak between one pressure level and at least one other pressure level, after compensation has been made for thermally induced changes in the pressure.

Abstract: A web-based system monitors a plurality of different gas turbine plants and includes a server system that summarizes data from a plurality of plants. The system also includes a client system including a browser and a storage device for storing information. The server system is configured to be coupled to the client system and retrieves operational data from the plurality of gas turbine plants, stores the data in the centralized database, and generates graphical representations of the operational data based on the stored data. More specifically, operational data from a plurality of turbine plants is summarized and viewable remotely with the server system.

Abstract: A frequency tracking extended Kalman filter (35), responsive to combustor pressure (30), produces in-phase (36) and quadrature (37) components of the estimated magnitude of the undesirable combustor pressure variations, for which compensation is to be achieved; a bidirectional minimum-seeking algorithm (41) is used to select the phase (42) of a process adjusting input variable (28), such as fuel that is in addition to the main fuel flow used for power control purposes.

Abstract: In order to reduce confusion about a displayed absolute altitude and to enhance reliability and correctness, the present invention provides a display method of an altitude display apparatus for displaying an absolute altitude wherein an initial atmospheric pressure is detected, and an absolute altitude is calculated and displayed based on a pressure difference between the initial atmospheric pressure and a current atmospheric pressure if the detected initial atmospheric pressure is larger than a predetermined atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for controlling a vehicle and for providing data to the driver as to a tire pressure loss. When a tire pressure loss is detected, a limit speed is pregiven to which the speed of the vehicle is limited. The limit speed is dependent upon the distance already traveled since occurrence of the pressure loss or the elapsed operating time. Furthermore, for a detected tire pressure loss, the maximum range or the maximum operating time of the vehicle having a tire with reduced air pressure is determined and this is displayed to the driver.

Abstract: A system (30) and method for determining stock consistency and for using consistency as a process variable to control some aspect of operation of a refiner (32) used to refine stock. The system includes at least one sensor (70 or 180) from which some refiner characteristic is obtained that is used by a processor (38) in determining consistency. The method uses the characteristic, such as temperature or pressure inside the refiner or in a refining zone (304) of the refiner, along with at least one other refiner parameter in determining consistency. A controller (274) uses the consistency determined in controlling some aspect of refiner operation. In one preferred controller, consistency is compared with a consistency setpoint and adjustments are made to try to converge consistency with the setpoint. The controller can be paused to accommodate other changes made to refiner operation and released when steady state refiner operation is achieved.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is provided which is tolerant to noise such as electromagnetic waves, is configured so as to be capable of easily selecting a system environment in which a sensor signal, commonly used for various kinds of systems, can be freely read in at timing as required by a system, and is able to realize reduction in size and cost suitable for automotive use. An element portion for detecting pressure and a circuit portion having a signal processing function are integrally accommodated in the same package. An interface section 24 optimized to interface with external wiring, an A/D conversion section 25 for digitally encoding an analog processed detection signal of the sensor, and a digital processing section 26 for converting the digitized signal into a desired serial signal are added to the circuit portion 2.

Abstract: A method of detecting surface pressure distribution of a wafer being processed by a CMP (Chemical Mechanical Polishing) process; more specifically, the invention relates to a method of detecting pressure distribution of a wafer surface by employing pressure sensitive films located on various pressure components such as a wafer carrier, a polishing pad, and mechanical arm members of a CMP machine for detecting pressure-related data during different stages of a CMP process. Further, sensed pressure-related data are collected for feedback loop controls of digital image mapping, numeration, simulation, and forecasting, from which more mechanical components of high precision and better circuit layouts on the wafer can then be developed.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter with first and second absolute pressure sensors receives process pressures from corresponding first and second process inlets. A transmitter circuit coupled to the first and second absolute pressure sensors generates a differential pressure type output. A third absolute pressure sensor coupled to the transmitter circuit receives atmospheric pressure from a third inlet. The transmitter circuit generates a second type of transmitter output that can be a gage or absolute pressure type. Single crystal. sapphire pressure sensors are preferred to provide enough accuracy for measuring accurately over 200:1 pressure range.

Abstract: A device and method for determining a roadway gradient quantity, which describes the gradient of a roadway on which a vehicle is situated, is described. The device includes a liquid container, which is mounted to the vehicle and contains a liquid, at least one pressure sensor, which is mounted in the bottom of the liquid container and is used to ascertain a pressure quantity which describes the hydrostatic pressure in the liquid container, and an evaluation unit to which the pressure sensor is connected. In the evaluation unit, the roadway gradient quantity is determined as a function of the pressure quantity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automated system that includes a hi-resolution three-dimensional imaging apparatus for topographic modeling that is electronically coupled with a computer. The system incorporates one or more algorithms for converting the complex and randomly-occurring contours found in natural terrain into an efficient series of adjacent and parallel coloring-agent imaging paths or swaths (comprised of inks, dyes, paints, and/or pigments). The swaths are defined in simplified 2-axis surface contour-following printer-head movements by the system's CPU, printer driver software, driver circuitry and/or logic circuitry. This multi-axis control of the system assures that each of the swaths are seamlessly rendered next to one another while also maintaining an optimal proximity between the upper surface of the 3D model and the nozzle end of one or more hi-resolution printer.

Abstract: A tire air monitoring apparatus includes transmitters for wirelessly transmitting data regarding the inner pressure of tires and a receiver for receiving the data transmitted by the transmitters. Each transmitter is powered by a battery. Each transmitter includes a pressure sensor, which measures the inner pressure of the tire at predetermined measuring intervals. Each transmitter periodically and wirelessly transmits data every time the pressure sensor has taken a measurement a predetermined number of times. When the tire pressure changes by an amount that is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit value during a predetermined judging time, the transmitter performs an early data transmission. Therefore, an abnormality in the tire pressure is immediately communicated to a driver, and battery strength is conserved.

Abstract: A valve positioner system that includes one or more unique control methods and devices, including several routines to facilitate the continuous maintenance, calibration and adjustment requirements of the valve. The positioner system may utilize pressure and position feedback signals to monitor the valve. The positioner system may utilize an external controller for various diagnostic and other routines. The positioner system can provide automatic positioning and can operate in a manual operating mode or an automatic operating mode. The positioner system can diagnose the valve while the valve process is running or during a maintenance operation. The positioner system can provide nonlinear control of the valve position. The positioner system can self-tune and self-characterize the valve to assure uniform position control. The positioner system can provide valve control through pressure feedback when a position feedback fails or other diagnosed problems.