Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for monitoring the running time and cycle time of electric motors. The apparatus diagnoses fuel consumption and burner functionality in heating plants by measuring elapsed motor running time. Alternatively, the apparatus diagnoses the running and cycle time of refrigeration and air conditioning motors for the purpose of measuring efficiency and predicting failures. The Apparatus has three major components: an inductive sensor device mechanically attached to the motor; a microprocessor device connected by cable to the inductive sensor device that records time and sensor device data and retransmits it; and the central monitoring device. The microprocessor device is connected by telephone to the central monitoring device. Using historical data of fuel deliveries and consumption and the sensor-supplied running time information, the central monitoring device will predict when the fuel tank needs refilling. The data can be used to indicate a failure has occurred.

Abstract: A classification system uses sensors to obtain information from which feaes which characterized a source or object to classified can be extracted. The features are extracted from the information and compiled into a feature vector which is then quantized to one of one of M discrete symbols. After N feature vectors have been quantized, a test vector having components which are defined by the number of occurrences of each of the M symbols in N the quantized vectors is built. The system combines the test vector with training data to simultaneously estimate symbol probabilities for each class and classify the test vector using a decision rule that depends only on the training and test data. The system classifies the test vector using either a Combined Bayes test or a Combined Generalized likelihood ratio test.

Abstract: An adjustable support structure having an indicator device for use with a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) capable of minimizing deformation of an object to be measured. The adjustable support structure includes a base portion being secured to a pillar support of the CMM. A top and bottom swivel plate are further included in the adjustable support structure and are mounted to the base portion to frictionally retain a first swivel arm. Additional swivel arms are pivotally mounted to the first swivel arm. A point support post and locking nut are still further included and threadedly engaged with an end of the final support arm. The indicator device is finally included for indicating when the point support post is in electrical contact with the object, so as to maximize support of the object while minimizing deformation thereof.

Abstract: A method for measuring dishing in discs, including the steps of irradiating a laser beam along a scanning line which spirals from an inner side to an outer side of a surface of a magneto-optical disc or a digital video disc; determining a tilt angle at each of a plurality of measurement points on the scanning line based on displacement of a reflected laser beam from a normal reflected position; and using a measurement point on a first circuit on the inner side of the scanning line as a reference to determine dishing amounts at corresponding measurement points on circuits after the first circuit based on the tilt angles.

Abstract: A system and method for operational criteria compliance verification of fire/life safety systems and components whose operation, maintenance and testing are established by predetermined operational criteria, such as industry standards and fire/life safety codes. The system comprises at least one sensor for sensing at least one parameter of or resultant indicator of one or more fire/life safety system components pertinent to operational criteria compliance verification of the fire/life safety system. A recorder records and date/time stamps data from at least one sensor. The system verifies the operational criteria compliance and generates an operational criteria compliance verification report based upon the sensor data. The system in its preferred form verifies compliance with fire/life safety codes and generates a code compliance verification report based on these codes and associated industry standards.