Showing papers by "Weingarten Realty Investors published in 1997"

Teleoperations of rovers. From Mars to education

Abstract: A teleoperations concept to remotely control the European Space Agency's rover for Mars exploration is presented in this paper. These methods have to deal with significant signal propagation delays, limited contact periods and highly reliable signal transmission. In this context, remote control schemes via the Internet have been implemented to test these operations concepts in suitable simulation environments in the laboratory. The employed techniques are described and the application potential for terrestrial teleservicing tasks is pointed out. Particular emphasis is put on the use of inexpensive telecommunication links, exhibiting also similar features regarding noise, limited contact periods and delays related to limited bandwidth. These developments offer interesting application potential in the framework of telediagnosis and telemaintenance of industrial plants, and are also employed in an educational framework for remote control and robotics demonstrations.

Design of flexible autonomous transport robots for industrial production

Abstract: Autonomously guided vehicles (AGVs) are a key element to perform flexible transport tasks in industrial production. At present AGVs, usually guided via induction wires laid in the floor, are widely used for material transport. The ESPRIT-project RETRARO addresses, in an trial application, advanced data processing techniques to develop a free navigation capability for the AGV in order to achieve a higher operational flexibility. On basis of the REAKT real-time expert system and a low cost range detection system using sensor data fusion, the following functionalities are provided: algorithms for efficient path planning and health monitoring; economic sensor systems to provide navigation and obstacle avoidance functions; and the combination of free navigation capabilities with an existing wire-guided AGV system. There results a flexible transport system, able to adapt to changing production configurations. This paper provides details of this approach and reports on the trial implementation in a spinning mill.

Mobile telephone e.g. for monitoring sleeping children

Abstract: The telephone includes a transceiver (34,36) which is attached to an antenna (40). An input key section (12) is used to program a dial memory (64) from which another subscriber can be called. A microprocessor (52) controls different operation units. A program storage unit (54,60) with at least one function key activates at least one stored control program. A monitor key (16) of a monitor unit activates a loudness level unit, which is coupled to a microphone (28). A sound signal is generated if a preset sound level is exceeded. The dial memory is activated for dialling a stored number using the sound signal. The connection to the called subscriber is terminated after a preset period of time and after a sound signal.

Hydropneumatic machine tool with cushioning

Abstract: A machine tool which operates with a hydropneumatic pressure intensifier whose step piston is braked hydraulically in particular towards the end of its stroke by forcing hydraulic fluid from a braking cavity formed during the stoke via a choke point.

Verfahren zum Herstellen von Granulaten aus polymeren Werkstoffen

Abstract: Verfahren zur Herstellung von Granulaten aus polymeren Werkstoffen umfast die Schritte Plastifizieren des Polymers, Aufteilen der plastifizierten Massen in Einzelstrange, Zerschneiden der Einzelstrange zu Granulat, Kuhlen des Granulats in einer Kuhlflussigkeit und Abscheiden der Kuhlflussigkeit vom Granulat in einem ersten Trocknungsprozes. Das Granulat wird anschliesend mindestens einem Waschprozes in einer Reinigungsflussigkeit unterzogen und die Reinigungsflussigkeit nachfolgend in mindestens einem weiteren Trocknungsprozes vom Granulat abgeschieden. DOLLAR A Im ersten Trocknungsprozes wird das Granulat bevorzugt einer hohen mechanischen Belastung ausgesetzt, mittels derer Vorsprunge ("tails") vom Granulat abgeschlagen werden, wahrend der weitere Trocknungsprozes schonend, also unter weitgehender Vermeidung von Abrieb durchzufuhren ist.

Microbially mediated redissolution of cesium radionuclides from the sediment of a shallow eutrophic lake

Abstract: In Vorsee, a small and shallow lake in the prealpine area in Germany, a seasonal cycling of dissolved cesium radionuclides and ammonium ions in the lake water was observed, resulting in concentration maxima in winter. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that part of the 137 Cs inventory of the sediment is readily exchangeable and that ion exchange with biologically produced ammonium ions is the dominating process for the release into the lake water. It is proposed that the seasonal cycling is the result of two contrary processes, on one hand the flux from the sediment into the water throughout the year due to microbial decomposition of organic matter and on the other hand the incorporation of dissolved cesium into organic matter in the water due to biological production in summer combined with the consumption of ammonium by plants.

Lottery card of relatively thick material

Abstract: The lottery card is produced from relatively thick paper, e.g 0.2 to 1 mm thick, and is coated with a protective plastic. The card is the same size as a credit card and has the name of the holder and the holders identification number together with the lottery numbers printed on it. Data is also stored on magnetic strip or else the card has an embedded micro chip which can be machine read.

Waste bin, especially dustbin

Abstract: The bin (1) has a device mounted on the inside of the lid (20) used to compact the rubbish inside the bin. Preferably the compacter comprises a press plate (4) moved up and down by a piston-cylinder or ratchet device such as a jack. Alternatively, it may be moved by a threaded bar moved by a hand wheel. The plate may also be joined to the inside of the lid by a bar (21) tensioned using a spring (22), either of which is mounted on a support plate on top of the bin.

Vacuum die-casting machine

Abstract: A vacuum die-casting machine has a die formed of fixed and movable halves (3,4) which are sealed against one another, during evacuation and casting processes, by ,an elastic sealing element (16). The die is connected to a casting chamber (6) with a piston (7) and a suction pipe (9) for supply of melt from a holding furnace (10). Evacuation of the die cavity (5) and the casting chamber takes place by means of an evacuation unit (11). Gas entry into the furnace, during die closure is avoided by a blocking process which continues until the excess pressure in the die cavity and the interior (22) of the chamber is substantially eliminated.

Hydraulic transfer press

Abstract: The hydraulic transfer press has at least one processing station with a press ram which can be hydraulically moved up and down to shape the workpiece and with an electronically controlled transfer for converting the workpiece inside the press. There is an arrangement for positional matching or synchronization between the press motion and transfer motion. The movement profiles of the press and transfer are controlled by an independent computer (3) and a synchronous balance is achieved between them with a type of virtual control shaft, so that the movement profiles (9) are stored as a control timer for the virtual control shaft (26).

Method of releasing blockages of bulk goods in pneumatic conveyors

Abstract: The method involves separating bulk goods from the pneumatic gas flow (G) at least once inside the conveying pipe (27) and when subsequently dosed, a conveying gas is re-admitted. The separation of gas and bulk material is achieved by deposits via gravitational force in a separation chamber. The separated gas is recycled and used again for further conveying of the bulk material.

Device for measuring and sorting workpieces

Abstract: The device (1) has a camera (16,17,18) providing an image of each workpiece fed along a sliding rail (8), to which the workpieces are supplied individually and an image evaluation stage. The sliding rail is made of a material which is transparent to light provided by a light source (13) used to illuminate each transported workpiece, positioned on the opposite side of the sliding rail to the camera.

Method for controlling the material flow during the drawing of sheet metal parts and device for carrying out the method

Abstract: of EP0806256The method uses a friction force sensor (25) detecting the friction force between the workpiece (2) and the lower holder (4) and/or the ring (3), for providing a regulation parameter for a regulation circuit (21) for the device. The regulation circuit uses the received friction force parameter for control of the workpiece holding force (FN) provided by a servo-controlled hydraulic and/or pneumatic cylinder (11).

Material flow control for bending sheet metal workpiece

Abstract: The method uses a friction force sensor (25) detecting the friction force between the workpiece (2) and the lower holder (4) and/or the ring (3), for providing a regulation parameter for a regulation circuit (21) for the device. The regulation circuit uses the received friction force parameter for control of the workpiece holding force (FN) provided by a servo-controlled hydraulic and/or pneumatic cylinder (11).

Calibration and cooling of extruded plastic profiles and coolant tank

Abstract: In a process for calibrating an extruded plastic profile in a coolant tank the coolant is supplied at specific positions along the length of the profile and at a predetermined flow rate. The claimed cooling tank (1) has an inlet and outlet for the profile (2), coolant supply and extraction connectors (6.1,6.2) and a coolant channel (5) which extends parallel to the tank base (1.1) along most of the length. Coolant enters the channel (5) via a supply connector (6.1) and flows into the tank (1) via openings (4.1) of defined size located at prescribed positions along the channel.

Method and apparatus for filling a compact flow transport conduit

Abstract: A conveyor is charged with bulk material from a silo via a continuous cellular wheel sluice. A closure valve (1) with a connected tubular silo (3) is located between the storage silo (12) and the sluice (2). The tubular silo is intermittently charged with bulk material (29) via the valve, which opens and closes cyclically, while the sluice feeds the material from the tubular silo continuously into the continuous conveyor line (11). The volume of the tubular silo is at a fixed ratio to the opening and closing cycle of the valve. The tubular silo is charged per unit of time, with a multiple of the material volume corresponding to the output of the sluice.

House constructed using modular floor and wall units

Abstract: The house is of modular construction, and a limited number of large modular pieces may be put together to make houses of widely different shapes and sizes. The wall units (2) have a number of vertical bores (110) at their bottom edges which may accommodate fastening bolts (106). There are bores (104) in the floor module (88) which match up with the bores in the bottom of the wall unit so that the fastening bolts may pass through. The bottom ends of the fastening bolts engage in blind vertical bores (38) in the foundation (102).

Eisenoxid‐Pigmente Versuche für eine anwendungsorientierte Unterrichtskonzeption in der Sekundarstufe I

Abstract: EISENOXID-PIGMENTE haben eine hohe wirtschaftliche Bedeutung, werden im Chemieunterricht allerdings kaum berucksichtigt. Mit einfachen Experimenten kann man jedoch die Herstellung verschiedenfarbiger Pigmente - sogar die von Perlglanzpigmenten - zeigen und Moglichkeiten der Qualitatsprufung erarbeiten. Die Verwendung der gewonnenen Produkte fur Aquarellfarben, Lippenstifte und zur Farbgebung von Zementsteinen verdeutlicht die Spannweite der Einsatzmoglichkeiten der Pigmente.

Trough for a flat solar collector

Abstract: The invention concerns a trough (1) for a flat solar collector for holding a heat-insulating layer, pipes for a heat-transfer medium and an absorber, the trough (1) being covered by a plate which is permeable to radiation. According to the invention, the trough (1) is produced from laminated wood, at least in the region of the side walls (8, 9, 13).

Tracing of sedimentation and post-depositional redistribution processes in Lake Constance with 137Cs

Abstract: From measurements of (i) the depth distribution of 137 Cs in sediments of Lake Constance, (ii) the specific 137 Cs activity in sediment layers contaminated by the Chernobyl fallout and (iii) the 137 Cs distribution among different grain size fractions, information about sediment formation and post-depositional redistribution processes in the lake and its catchment area can be obtained These processes are of importance with respect to the long-term fate of cesium radionuclides in a drinking water reservoir

Hydropneumatic machine tool

Abstract: A machine tool is proposed which operates with a hydropneumatic pressure intensifier whose step piston (1) is braked hydraulically in particular towards the end of its stroke by forcing hydraulic fluid from a braking cavity (35) formed during the stroke via a choke point.

Bulk material sieve

Abstract: The sieve has a narrowing section, from which follows a widening guide funnel (14). A bulk material feed tube (2) issues at the top in the sieve cover (1), is directed downwards and ends in the narrowing section (13). The bulk material feed tube has a conically widened mouth area (23). A displacement body (5) is located in the guide funnel area, with an upwardly pointing, conical point (51).

Motorcycle-towing hitch on car

Abstract: The hitch is for towing a motorcycle (16) or similar vehicle by means of the ball-head (12) on a car, etc. The front wheel of the motorcycle is replaced by an adapter (14) clamped by screws in the front fork and equipped with a freely-turning spindle. A coupling block (11) mounted on the adapter fits detachably over the ball-head. The clamping equipment can incorporate two cones (29,29') on the spindle and which taper towards each other. Alternatively, hexagon nuts can screw onto the spindle ends, a sleeve being mounted between them to form a distance-piece.

Sensor System and Teleoperations Concept of the Mars Rover MIDD

Abstract: On-surface mobility is considered as a key to increase the scientific return of future space missions for planetary exploration. It is necessary to have the capability to leave the landing spot in order to access different locations of scientific interest or to characterize a representative surface area by measurements. Thus currently most space nations develop planetary rovers, mainly designed for use on Mars and on the Moon ([2], [3]).

General purpose holder

Abstract: The holder has at least two holding brackets (4) each with a guide arm (6) parallel to a base (2), and a vertical holding arm (8). The guide arms are attached to the base by a tightening device including a screw (12) and a washer (14). The guide arms can be moved relative to each other and locked by tightening the screw. Each guide arm may have a longitudinal slot (10), through which the screw passes. The holder may have a guide part with grooves in it to guide the guide arm.