Roller coasters take a ride from wild to wired; computer controls bring new thrills to midway
Article Abstract:
Special control systems are handling modern roller coasters. The systems are less sophisticated than PCs or mainframe computers, but they focus better on a specific task. Their assignment is to regulate the cars's speed and prevent them from colliding with one another or with obstacles that block the route. An example is the Riddler's Revenge ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA, which is powered by two Allen-Bradley PLC-5s under the station platform. These PLC-5s, merely the size of encyclopedias, deliver full instructions every 20 to 40 milliseconds to a massive control system built primarily by Rockwell International's Allen-Bradley subsidiary. Maintenance experts use a backup program to check the ride's 100 to 150 features before allowing cars to begin each lap. Technology has replaced human operators who viewed the track and operated a lever that served as a brake.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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THE CONSEQUENCES OF CONTROLS
Article Abstract:
THE CARTER ADMINISTRATION, CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS, AND ALL THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES EXCEPT SENATOR EDWARD KENNEDY, OPPOSE WAGE AND PRICE CONTROLS. PRESIDENT NIXON ALSO OPPOSED CONTROLS BUT SLAPPED A SURPRISE AUGUST 15, 1971, FREEZE ON WAGES AND PRICES, WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE GOOD POLITICS BUT BAD ECONOMICS. ARTIFICIALLY SUPPRESSED WAGES AND PRICES EXPLODED ONCE THE PROGRAM TERMINATED. STILL, THE CARTER ADMINISTRATION MAY DECIDE THAT CONTROLS ARE THE ONLY OPTION LEFT.
Publication Name: Dun's Review
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0012-7175
Year: 1980
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Senate to Begin Grappling with Thorny Issue of Export Controls
Article Abstract:
There is general agreement that the United States should not supply hostile nations with technology that could be turned against it. Several items must be ironed out in conferences. The key issue for United States companies doing business abroad is that of contract sanctity.
Publication Name: Barron's
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 1077-8039
Year: 1984
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