A control system has an I/O bank with a communication module controlling a plurality of Input/Output modules operably connected to its communication backplane and a valve manifold having a communication module serially connected to the backplane of the I/O bank. The I/O bank with a plurality of Input/Output modules is constructed to be connected to a plurality of field sensors or loads. The valve manifold with a plurality of solenoid valves is constructed to be pneumatically connected to a plurality of field devices.

Systems and methods may be provided to digitally control both position and crossover pressure in a double-acting pneumatic actuator, in view of constraints (e.g., a deadband range comprising a set point) set on the crossover pressure. Control may be achieved, via a control algorithm (e.g., a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) control algorithm) acting upon inputs of actuator position feedback and crossover pressure feedback (e.g., as indicated by pressure feedback of each respective pneumatic chamber). Further, the embodiments described herein may reduce the necessary frequency of control actions for adjusting crossover pressure, thus reducing wear on process components, and allowing for finer control of actuator position.

Methods and apparatus for controlling multiple valves as a single valve based on a coordinated control signal are disclosed. In some examples, an apparatus includes a valve controller to be operatively coupled to a first valve and a second valve. In some examples, the second valve is to be operatively positioned in series with the first valve. In some examples, the valve controller is to control a position of the first valve and a position of the second valve based on a coordinated control signal to be received by the valve controller.

Methods and apparatus for controlling multiple valves as a single valve based on a coordinated control signal are disclosed. In some examples, an apparatus includes a valve controller to be operatively coupled to a first valve and a second valve. In some examples, the second valve is to be operatively positioned in series with the first valve. In some examples, the valve controller is to control a position of the first valve and a position of the second valve based on a coordinated control signal to be received by the valve controller.

A modular control device for solenoid valve islands, particularly for the actuation of actuators is described, having a control module for controlling a solenoid valve adapted for actuating an actuator, a communication module adapted to exchange information signals with such an actuator and an electrical connection module adapted to receive control signals from a user. The electrical connection module transmits the control signals to the control module and receives the information signals from the communication module. The electrical connection module has a processing and control unit configured to receive, store and process the information signals and the control signals.

An amusement park attraction includes an attraction feature. The attraction feature includes a fluid actuator having an inflatable mass, the inflatable mass being fluidly connected to a source of pressurized fluid to enable inflation of the inflatable mass. Fluid control devices are configured to adjust inflation of the inflatable mass, and sensors are configured to monitor state properties of the fluid actuator. A controller is communicatively coupled to the fluid control devices and the sensors. The controller is configured to controllably inflate the inflatable mass based at least on feedback from the sensors to cause the fluid actuator to impact an object. The controller is configured to control the inflation of the inflatable mass to adjust parameters of the fluid actuator to maintain a force exerted by the fluid actuator on the object to within a predetermined range.

Methods and apparatus for controlling multiple valves as a single valve based on a coordinated control signal are disclosed. In some examples, an apparatus includes a valve controller to be operatively coupled to a first valve and a second valve. In some examples, the second valve is to be operatively positioned in series with the first valve. In some examples, the valve controller is to control a position of the first valve and a position of the second valve based on a coordinated control signal to be received by the valve controller.

A computing system includes a processor that estimates a pattern of a flow of a mixture of particles and a fluid in a tubular structure as a stationary bed flow, a dispersed flow, or a transitional flow that is relative to the stationary bed and dispersed flows. The processor estimates a plurality of parameters based on the estimated pattern. The processor determines a plurality of dimensionless parameters, based on the estimated parameters. The dimensionless parameters include a first dimensionless parameter corresponding to an effect of turbulence on the flow and a second dimensionless parameter corresponding to an effect of gravity on the flow. The processor characterizes the pattern of the flow as the stationary bed flow, the dispersed flow, or the transitional flow, based on the dimensionless parameters. The processor models the flow based on the estimated pattern if it is determined that the characterized pattern matches the estimated pattern.

A computing system includes a processor that estimates a pattern of a flow of a mixture of particles and a fluid in a tubular structure as a stationary bed flow, a dispersed flow, or a transitional flow that is relative to the stationary bed and dispersed flows. The processor estimates a plurality of parameters based on the estimated pattern. The processor determines a plurality of dimensionless parameters, based on the estimated parameters. The dimensionless parameters include a first dimensionless parameter corresponding to an effect of turbulence on the flow and a second dimensionless parameter corresponding to an effect of gravity on the flow. The processor characterizes the pattern of the flow as the stationary bed flow, the dispersed flow, or the transitional flow, based on the dimensionless parameters. The processor models the flow based on the estimated pattern if it is determined that the characterized pattern matches the estimated pattern.

A component mounting machine which deals with a component remaining on a nozzle of a mounting head includes a board conveyance device conveying a board to a predetermined position, a component supply device accommodating multiple components therein, a component mounting device on which a mounting head which picks up and holds a component by vacuum pumping of a suction nozzle is installed and which mounts a component which is taken out from the component supply device onto a board which is conveyed by the board conveyance device, and a control device controlling each of the devices. The component mounting device performs lowering of the component, releasing the component with respect to the suction nozzle of the mounting head, a first lifting of the component to a middle height, a component pickup performed at the height of the first lifting, and a second lifting after the component pickup.