Abstract: Monitoring modules of a monitoring and protection system are disposed in groups proximate to points of interest in a machine system where dynamic operating conditions are monitored. A master module, which may be a similar monitoring module or a different device such as a gateway, stores user configuration parameters that are also stored in the monitoring modules. In the event of loss of service or replacement of a module, once the same or a different module is detected by the master, the configuration parameters are restored to the monitoring module to permit continuity of operation. The parameters may include multiple settings such as alarm levels, units of measure, processing parameters, response settings, and so forth.

Abstract: A monitoring and protection system includes a plurality of monitoring modules that are positioned proximate to points of interest in a machine system where dynamic operating conditions are to be monitored. The monitoring modules at individual locations communicate with one another via an open industrial data exchange protocol. The groups of modules may also communicate via the same protocol, creating a flexible and expandable system that accommodates a wide range of modules and that avoids the need for conventional backplane architecture. The groups also communicate with remote equipment via a different standard data exchange protocol, such as via a gateway associated with each of the monitoring module groups.

Abstract: Air wave noise caused by a vibrating baseplate on a seismic vibrator is reduced or eliminated through active cancellation of sound. In active cancellation, the detection of acceleration of the baseplate is used to form a counterpart wave which is equal in amplitude but opposite in phase; a speaker produces an opposite air wave to cancel the baseplate air wave.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use with non-contacting torque sensors. Many non-contacting torque sensors use bulky inductive coil structures to induce magnetic flux into the shaft whose torque is to be measured, and to sense a change in magnetic permeability of the shaft in response to torque applied thereto. These large, cumbersome structures are quite expensive to fabricate, and difficult to manufacture and install. As a solution, a flexible, ribbonlike inductive coil structure is provided. The dual layer construction of this coil structure enables it to provide adequate magnetic flux distribution, similar to that of much larger coil structures. Furthermore, the unique layout of the coils results in an efficient, accurate structure for inducing and sensing magnetic flux.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use with non-contacting torque sensors. The accuracy of non-contacting torque sensors depend upon the uniformity of the air gap between a stress detecting member and a stressed member, for instance, an inductive coil structure disposed about a shaft which exhibits changes in magnetic permeability in response to torque on the shaft. Mounting schemes for bulky inductive coil structures do not provide a uniform air gap, and an inaccurate torque sensor results. As a solution, a mounting apparatus uses a tube concentrically disposed about a shaft at a predetermined distance therefrom, and a flexible sensor structure disposed about the tube. The small, efficient tube and sensor structure may be held to strict manufacturing and mounting tolerances. The apparatus is principally used to sense the torque on a shaft, such as that used in an automobile or work vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sensing torque applied to a shaft. In the field on contactless torque sensing, magnetic flux is induced into magnetostrictive material on a shaft whose torque is to be measured. The magnetic permeability of the magnetostrictive material changes in response to torque. The change in magnetic permeability alters the magnetic flux in the magnetostrictive material, and can be sensed by non-contacting inductive coils in close proximity to the magnetostrictive material. However, the amount of flux penetration into the shaft effects the sensed magnetic flux, and thus effects the accuracy of the torque measurement. As a solution, a magnetostrictive material sheet is bonded to a nonferromagnetic sheet which is bonded to a shaft. The nonferromagnetic sheet limits the amount of flux penetration into the shaft to produce better torque measurements.

Abstract: A method is provided for use with non-contacting torque sensors. Many torque sensors use a sheet of magnetostrictive material wrapped about the shaft whose torque is to be measured. The methods used to wrap and affix the sheet of magnetostrictive material induce a prestress into the sheet, which leads to early saturation of the magnetostrictive material. The prestress diminishes the useful range of the torque sensor. As a solution, a method is provided for bonding a magnetostrictive material sheet to a shaft while minimizing stress of the magnetostrictive sheet. By bending a magnetostrictive material sheet and a carrier sheet about the mandrel and bonding the sheets together at a first preselected temperature, cooling them to form a cylinder having a magnetostrictive material outer layer and a carrier inner layer, and bonding the cylinder to a shaft at a second predetermined temperature, the stresses induced in the magnetostrictive sheet are minimized.

Abstract: A system determines the surface profile of an object. Systems of this kind are used in industrial robots, such as automatic welders. The severe operating environment requires a vision system with noise immunity along with accuracy. A beam splitter enables the use of discrete optical detectors which eliminate many problems inherent with previously used detectors, such as diode arrays and TV cameras. Additionally, an automatic gain control alters the intensity of a generated optical beam in response to the reflectivity of the surface. These features increase the accuracy and noise immunity of an optical vision system for use in sever industrial applications.

Abstract: Off-highway trucks generally rely on a suspension system which employs a plurality of gas-over-liquid type struts. These struts are critical to proper operation of the vehicle such that a single collapsed strut can have serious manifestations in structural damage, tire wear, and payload monitor accuracy. These consequences can be mitigated by an accurate and reliable strut monitor. Pressure type sensors are disposed on each of the struts and their pressure is monitored during three critical phases of operation. These phases include static, loading, and roading modes and each mode requires a distinct method for detecting a collapsing strut. The presence of a collapsing strut, detected by any of the three methods, is communicated to the vehicle operator whereby operation can be immediately suspended. The system avoids the serious consequences of vehicle operation with a collapsed strut by providing the operator with immediate and positive feedback on the condition of the struts.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for mechanically actuating a valve stem in response to signals generated by an electronic control. A signal means and a sensor means send signals to the electronic control in response to a desired valve stem position and a sensed valve stem position, respectively. The electronic control formulates an error signal if the sensed position is not the desired position. A motor receives a control signal in response to the error signal and drives a linkage for moving the valve stem to the desired position.

Abstract: A method for generating a plurality of points that lie on the surface of a blended solid model. These points are obtained from the unblended solid model by a numerical solution to a convolution integral, wherein the convolution integral includes a spherically symmetric blending function with a size responsive to the blend radius desired for each of one or more regions on the solid model. For example, the spherical blending function may possess a constant value everywhere inside a sphere of radius R, and a value of zero outside (here called a "hard sphere"), or it may be represented by other functions of the radial direction, more specifically, the gaussian bell curve, in which case it will be called a "gaussian sphere". The numerical solution to the convolution integral is performed iteratively by placing the blending sphere at a plurality of locations along each of a set of rays that are defined substantially normal to and intersecting the solid model surface.