Abstract:
A method of making and using an extended test switch starting with a previously existing un-extended test switch that is ready for connection to electrical devices to be tested. A housing selected from one or more available housings each having a predetermined length is connected to a modified un-extended test switch. Each housing has a rear wall that has several inwardly and outwardly facing terminals. At least one of the rear facing terminals of the un-extended test switch is connected to an associated one of the inwardly facing terminals of the housing. After manufacture the extended test switch can be mounted in a suitable receptacle for connection to at least one electrical device. One or more of the switches on the front of the un-extended test switch to be left in an operational condition with a clear cover attached to the front of the test switch.
Abstract:
A technique to optimize both the production schedule and the maintenance of plant assets based on predetermined criteria which may be economic or otherwise. In one embodiment the technique receives at least one maintenance trigger (MT) and one production order and evaluates those inputs to propose one or more solutions for the joint scheduling of the asset maintenance and required plant production. In another embodiment a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) acquires a new MT and proposes a new maintenance schedule. The technique transmits a blocking order to a production scheduling (PS) system for converting the maintenance request into a production schedule. In another embodiment, a CMMS acquires a new MT and asks for confirmation of a time slot to perform the maintenance action. The technique evaluates the priorities and finds based on the predetermined criteria the right time slot and communicates a request for that slot to the PS.
Abstract:
Non-linear inductor(s) are used to reduce the percent total harmonic distortion of the harmonics in the line currents in the input side rectifier system of an ac drive system. Several constructions for the non-linear inductor(s) are described. The non-linear inductor(s) may be constructed from E and I laminations. The gap depends on the construction of the middle leg of the E laminations and may have a step with a constant spacing or a variable spacing which depends on the stacking of the laminations. Alternatively the non-linear inductor(s) may be constructed from a toriodal core that either has a step gap or a variable type gap.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for detecting mechanical problems in machinery used in a process. A model of the process is developed using a modeling technique such as advanced pattern recognition and the model is used to generate predicted values for a predetermined number of the operating parameters of the process and vibration parameters of the machinery. Statistical process control methods are used to determine if the difference between the predicted and actual measured values for one or more of the parameters exceeds a configured statistical limit. A rule set is used to indicate an actual or probable fault in the machinery.
Abstract:
A polymer reaction and quality optimizer that optimally determines all factors affecting the finished polymer prior to initiating the batch, uses the optimized parameters in setting up and starting the batch, in an on-line procedure for correcting assumptions made in the optimal determination based upon measurement responses from batch startup, and in an on-line procedure that periodically executes to determine and adapt reactor temperature control profiles across the remaining life of the batch to achieve the desired polymer properties and optimal polymer yield. The reaction and quality optimizer also determines at the end of a batch using several criteria if any of the equipment used within the process such as the reactor should be cleaned.
Abstract:
A mode selector apparatus according to the invention includes a variable output device, a control circuit responsive to the output device, and a user perceivable indicator responsive to the control circuit. The control circuit reads the output from the output device to determine if the output indicates a valid mode. If the output of the output device indicates a valid mode, the control circuit controls the user-perceivable indicator to indicate to a user that the mode selector is operating in a valid mode, and generates a valid mode indicating signal at a valid mode indicating output of the apparatus.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus and for detecting faults in components of a continuous process such as a steam generator. A model of the process is developed using a modeling technique such as advanced pattern recognition and the model is used to generate predicted values for a predetermined number of the operating parameters of the process. Statistical process control methods are used to determine if the difference between the predicted and actual measured values for one or more of the parameters exceeds a configured statistical limit. A rule set is used to indicate an actual or probable fault in a component of the continuous process.
Abstract:
A method is described for using the partial least squares (PLS) technique for modeling, predicting and controlling curl and twist in a paper machine. The prediction variables to the model are selected quality control system measurements and paper machine variables. The selection is based on incremental error analysis of individual prediction variables and can be improved using score contribution analysis. The predicted variables to the model are the curl and twist measurements which are determined from the samples taken at the end of the reel. The PLS model is identified and used in an on-line framework and the model is continuously updated with new data as required. A control strategy to use the PLS model for controlling curl and twist is included. There is also described a method which uses as inputs to the model only the measurements from a fiber orientation sensor and the curl and twist measurements.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method to use steam to atomize water to produce a mixture of moisture and heat for application to the web of a paper machine for both production improvement and paper quality control. The method allows independent droplet size and heat control in the mixture, resulting in flexibility that can not be offered by conventional steam showers or water spray systems individually. In one embodiment the apparatus consists of a plurality of actuator nozzle modules which control the water volume flow feeding the nozzle through a pneumatic pressure signal. Pressurized steam feeding the nozzle is used to break the water into fine droplets. The resulting nozzle spray is a mixture of moisture in fine water droplets and steam vapor, and heat stored in the steam. Alternatively, a plurality of steam valves can be used to regulate the steam volume flow feeding each atomizing nozzle.
Abstract:
An asset management server for a network of an enterprise. The enterprise has one or more assets and two or more data sources and each source has a unique name for each asset. The server determines from an incoming message from the data sources about the assets which of the other data sources needs to receive the message and the unique name for the asset used by those sources. The server prepares the outgoing message to the sources.