Automatic Setup Research Articles

An automated catalytic system for the sequential optimal discrimination between rival models

An on-line, computer controlled, automatic experimental setup for the determination of reaction kinetics in gas phase heterogeneous catalytic reactions is presented and demonstrated through the sample study of a simple reaction. The system is automatic to the extent of being capable to carry out, with little or no human intervention, an optimal sequence of experimental runs and single out from a set of plausible rate equations the one that fits best the experimental results. Application of the system to the study of Pt-catalyzed ethylene oxidation around 350°K and atmospheric pressure, showed the classic Langmuir-Hinshelw

Automatic Set-up System for the BCC-20 Using Digital Video Techniques

The BCC-20 Digicam System, a portable self-contained camera, designed to meet studio performance specifications, employs a microprocessor in the camera head to control the Spatial Error Corrector memories. The system is complemented by the addition of the Automatic Set-up Unit. This unit allows one to fully and automatically set up eight cameras. The registration accuracy is guaranteed by converting the video signal of the camera into a digital data stream and utilizing digital signal processing techniques. This approach makes the level measurements required for shading correction and video alignment a simple task, and reduces the need for periodical calibration adjustments. Long-term stability is provided through a built-in test pattern generator that serves as reference for any absolute time or level measurement.

A Multi-Parameter Distributed Processing Data Acquisition, Display, and on-Line Analysis System

This paper describes a multi-parameter data acquisition, display, and on-line analysis system. The system enables the experimentalist to analyze multi-parameter data during acquisition. The design is an extension of the system described at the IEEE/NSS/SSCS Meeting in October, 1976. Input from eight physical devices, independently or in coincidence, can be acquired and stored in 16 configurations in increment or list mode. During acquisition the data can be analyzed on-line by user-generated microprograms and stored in 16 additional independent configurations. This capability is achieved through the use of a high-speed synchronous bus, distributed processing (seven microcomputers and microprocessors), and overlapping memory cycles. User-oriented programs provide simple access to system resources, microprogram generation and execution, and automatic system set-up and operation.

On a description of a new “hardness” test

It is shown that, if a structure is elastically homogeneous and if there is no residual stress, the elastic limit at any point of this structure may be easily measured by a non-destructive method thanks to a new kind of “hardness” test and a new automatic set-up.

Hybrid Digital/Analog Computer Systems

In contrast to the crude analog-digital combinations of the 1960's, today's hybrids are true multiprocessors supported by realtime operating systems. Their solid-state analog computing elements loaded digitally in microseconds, together with their equation-oriented compilers, provide efficient, automatic setup and high productivity. Teamed with flexible, low-cost alphanumeric/graphic displays, modern hybrids are being applied over the full spectrum of scientific and engineering studies. Since the average hybrid system has an equivalent digital processing speed of over 10 million operations per second, at less than one-tenth the cost of large digital data processors, typical users realize cost savings of over 100/1.

An improvement of nanosecond fluorimeters to overcome drift problems

For the processing of fluorescence decay data it is often necessary to obtain the time profile of the flash lamp which excites the fluorescence as well as the variation with time of the fluorescence intensity. If these intensity profiles are collected in consecutive experiments, instrumental drift may introduce serious errors. This problem is shown to be minimized by alternate collection of the data for the fluorescence and for the excitation lamp. An automatic setup for performing such experiments is outlined.

Time-shared hybrid computers: A new concept in computer-aided design

A hybrid computer system with electronic patching at the University of Michigan Simulation Center is described. The system allows automatic digital setup of problems on the analog subsystem within 20 ms. This fast turnaround permits time sharing of the hybrid computer using remote terminals. In addition to generating high-speed solutions to non-linear differential equations, the hybrid system also generates alphanumeric and graphic displays for use at each terminal. A high-level compiler using simulation-language statements to program automatically the analog subsystem is decribed, along with an example problem. The authors feel that this time-shared hybrid system, which provides two to three orders of magnitude speed advantage in access time and solution time when compared with digital terminal systems, offers a new dimension to computer-aided design of dynamic systems.

Simulation—language—generated static checks for hybrid and analog simulations

Every simulation requires a good static check to be performed to insure that,initially, the equations being simulated match those of the analysis and, subsequently, to be sure that the analog computer's patchboards remain free from wiring errors. Custom arily the static check is prepared by hand using a desk calculator, since the time required for pro gramming a "one-shot" digital program is typically not a good investment. However, by utilizing the capabilities of a suitable simulation language (such as CSMP or DSL/91), digital static checks can be made economically in less time than that required for a hand-calculated check, especially in the case of hybrid computations. Also, with a little ingenuity, the efficiency of hybrid simulation can be greatly increased by combining the static-check calculation and automatic analog setup via the simulation-language static check. (Familiarity with analog programming and the use of simulation languages is assumed.)

Design of a control system for a hot strip finishing mill

The first part of the paper describes a method of obtaining a rapid quantitative appreciation of the dynamic characteristics of the rolling process and the most important parameters of an automatic strip thickness control system for a hot strip finishing mill. A simple mathematical model of the rolling process is used containing coefficients which are relatively easily and quickly measured on the mill using inexpensive trial equipment and small manpower investment. The model equations can be solved without computational aids but are particularly suited to solution by simple Fortran or Algol programs on a digital computer of moderate power. The results of using the model described are quoted for a “medium-width” hot strip finishing mill. In the second part of the paper the simple model is extended to a complete dynamic model of the whole finishing mill more suitable for long-term investigation and development of control strategies. This more complex model is developed using hill-climbing techniques to identify the model with the plant and can be simulated using a powerful digital or hybrid computer. In both parts of the paper the emphasis is placed on the dynamic aspects of control rather than on the equations used for automatic set-up of the mill.

Testing of an Artificial Mastoid

To be able to make exact comparison of the acoustical impedance between the human mastoid or forehead and an artificial mastoid such as described in the British standard 4009/1966 or the Beltone model, a small lightweight impedance head including a force transducer and an accelerometer has been developed. The real problem is that the mass of the human skin is in the order of 0.5 g/cm2, and consequently a mass much higher than 0.5 g between the force transducer and the contact surface of the skin cannot be tolerated. The impedance head should according to the IEC requirement of working group 11 have a contact surface of 1.75 cm2. A series of impedance measurements on different persons has been made with an automatic recording setup both with this small special impedance head and larger standard head.

Automatic digital setup and scaling of analog computers

Automatic digital setup and scaling of analog computers

A Prediction of the Future Machinery of Automation

Based on the past experience of a company engaged in this field, their own results and the results of others are assessed. Machines, past and present,~ are discussed covering the last three years. It is concluded that there are none in actual production that, can be truly called systems, but that some have reached a significant level of the assembly process. Emphasized is the ,importance of component-part and packaging standardization, particularly in the direction of narrowing the range of physical sizes and configurations, and in the evolving of simpler physical forms. It is pointed out that effective packaging of parts can eliminate a great deal of complications at the assembly machine. Three methods of automatic check of machine performance are discussed from the economics point of view. Automatic set-up, approaching the true automation concept, is predicted - - again, within economic restrictions. Automatic soldering and automatic testing are treated at some length. The economic considerations of a relatively limited future market are outlined. The rate at which future refinements will be integrated is pictured as dependent primarily upon the economic Justification for their development. The author concludes with the prediction that the immediate future will not see a radical change; but that the production segment of the electronics industry must keep pace, as we stand on the threshold of a second industrial revolution.

New electrodes for inert-gas welding arcs

WITH THE increased use of inert-gas arc welding, especially in automatic welding machines, problems of arc ignition and stability become important. New electrodes much more satisfactory than the conventional type have been developed by using the highly refractory oxides, thoria and zirconia, in combination with tungsten and other materials. The conventional welding electrode is of some nonconsumable material, usually tungsten, and starting is accomplished either by contact or by a high-frequency spark. When spark starting is used, ignition may be quite erratic, depending on the previous history of the tungsten electrode. If the electrode is cold, the arc may not form immediately or at all, and, when formed, it may be extremely mobile, with the footpoint moving rapidly over the tungsten surface. In an automatic setup, this type of behavior can lead to losses in both time and material. See Figure 1. This shows the effect on the work of slow starting and arc wander. Also, the welding torch may be damaged. With the new electrode, instant starting and a highly stable arc are obtained. The arc picks up at lower open-circuit voltage and the current ranges are extended.