Abstract:
A process and system for (a) minimizing operator interaction for selecting various functions of an application using a main window thread, an intelligent worker thread and a preemptive modeless dialog box; and (b) minimizing display clutter. The intelligent worker thread is capable of reading messages sent from a designated Window function requesting the creation of a preemptive modeless dialog box, determining whether any previous preemptive modeless dialog box is active, deleting any previous preemptive modeless dialog box and creating a subsequent preemptive modeless dialog box requested by the message sent from the designated Window function, and dispatching foreign keypushes back to the main window thread.
Abstract:
A method for manufacturing molded carbon water filter blocks includes the steps of supplying carbon powder or granules, a thermoplastic polymeric binder, and an additive (in form of a redox material, anionic resin beads or powder or slowly soluble phosphate beads) through computer-controlled conveyors to individual weigh bins. Each of these materials is weighed in preestablished proportions; and when the appropriate amount of material is present in each of the weigh bins, they are emptied into a mixer. The carbon, binder and additives are thoroughly mixed and then supplied to a second weigh bin, which then is emptied into a mold. The mold is moved through a conveyor oven to cause the binder to bind the mixture of carbon, binder and additive together. After the mold is removed from the oven, it is compressed under pressure until it cools to a temperature below the melting temperature of the binder. The filter block then is removed from the mold.
Abstract:
A method of processing readings in a measurement instrument is provided to allow for faster updates when dealing with very complex characterization equations. The present method calculates the exact and precise process variable utilizing these complex equations somewhat infrequently, while providing the ability to perform updates using a less complicated characterization equation estimation according to Taylor's theorem. By accomplishing faster update rates, the mesurement instrument provides a process control system with the necessary speed and performance to accomplish tighter control.
Abstract:
A humidity sensing circuit uses a humidity sensing film variable capacitor as a circuit element in the RC control network for a timer circuit. As the voltage at one terminal of the capacitive sensing element swings between charge and discharge points for the timer/multivibrator, the other electrode of the capacitance is held at a voltage which is the approximate midpoint of the charge/discharge point to thereby cancel out any time averaged net DC component on the sensing element, to reduce stress thereon and extend its life. A power-down technique may also be used between sensing intervals, to remove all potential across the capacitance.
Abstract:
A pair of antennae (230a, 230b) in combination with a GPS signal receiver system is employed for detecting the reception of satellite information signals from a spoofing signal transmitter as opposed to those satellite information signals transmitted aboard each of the satellite vehicles which form a satellite positioning system. An indication of the pointing angle ( alpha ) or ( beta ) between the line of the antennae and the actual transmitter transmitting the satellite information signals is detected. The pointing angle and/or alternatively the range difference derived from the outputs of respective receiver systems (240a, 240b) may be observed by monitoring the behavior of the pseudo random code associated with the carrier of the satellite information signal, or the carier itself. In turn, pseudo range measurements, pseudo range rate measurements, carrier phase measurements, and/or Doppler count measurement associated with the two antennae may be used to obtain the desired discriminant, which distinguishes between genuine satellite signals, and those re-radiated via the terrestrial antenna of the spoofing signal transmitter.
Abstract:
A circuit and method for optimizing the display of a video signal on a display. Control of the display's brightness and contrast is based on aspects of a video signal, such as the average amplitude of the signal and the standard deviation. These aspects of the video signal are determined and the video signal manipulated based on the determined characteristics such that the resultant video signal is optimized to the dynamic range of the display.
Abstract:
A motor having a salient pole rotor (12) using a noise mitigating disk (34) at each end of the rotor. The rotor, when rotating, has a tendency to pump air into the motor through slots between the poles of the rotor. The air is forced back out of the motor through slots between the poles of the stator, through air vents in the motor housing, and/or through slots between the poles on the rotor. This air pumping causes an annoying noise, such as a siren effect, in certain environments. The disks placed on the shaft and flush at the ends of the rotor greatly reduce the air pumping, thereby reducing the noise to a negligible level, and resulting in a relatively quiet motor when functioning.
Abstract:
An occupancy sensor (50) having a primary infrared radiation sensor (12) and a secondary infrared radiation sensor (14) in an integrated vacuum package having a window (52) that provides separate fields of view to the sensors, respectively. The primary sensor is for monitoring occupancy of a selected space. The secondary sensor is for monitoring the background radiation of the space. Signals from the primary and secondary sensors are electronically processed and compared, and the occupancy level of the selected space is determined. Temperature and visible light sensors may also be incorporated. Sensor information is used to control temperature, ventilation, lighting and other parameters of the selected space.
Abstract:
This invention is a load shaping system which increases the energy efficiency of a compressed air system by eliminating activation of a trim compressor in response to a momentary increase in demand for compressed air. The load shaping system includes a load shaping tank which is supplied by one or more relatively small compressors with compressed air at a pressure higher than that in the main storage reservoir. A computer controlled load shaping valve responds to a decline in air pressure in the main storage reservoir by admitting air from the load shaping tank and by lowering the activation point for the trim compressor. The overall efficiency of the system is increased by avoiding activation of the trim compressor in response to momentary increases in compressed air demand.