Abstract: A request including audio data is received from a voice-enabled device. A string of phonemes present in the utterance is determined through speech recognition. At a later time, a subsequent user input corresponding to the request may be received, in which the user input is associated with one or more text keywords. The subsequent user input may be obtained in response to an active request. Alternatively, feedback may not be actively elicited, but rather collected passively. However it is obtained, the one or more keywords associated with the subsequent user input may be associated with the string of phonemes to indicate that the user is saying or mean those words when they product that string of phonemes. A user-specific speech recognition key for the user account is then updated to associate the string of phonemes with these words. A general speech recognition model can also be trained using the association.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a voice command is associated with a plurality of processing steps to be performed. The plurality of processing steps may include analysis of audio data using automatic speech recognition, generating and selecting a search query from the utterance text, and conducting a search of database of items using a search query. The plurality of processing steps may include additional or different steps, depending on the type of the request. In performing one or more of these processing steps, an error or ambiguity may be detected. An error or ambiguity may either halt the processing step or create more than one path of actions. A model may be used to determine if and how to request additional user input to attempt to resolve the error or ambiguity. The voice-enabled device or a second client device is then causing to output a request for the additional user input.

Abstract: A request including audio data is received from a voice-enabled device. A string of phonemes present in the utterance is determined through speech recognition. At a later time, a subsequent user input corresponding to the request may be received, in which the user input is associated with one or more text keywords. The subsequent user input may be obtained in response to an active request. Alternatively, feedback may not be actively elicited, but rather collected passively. However it is obtained, the one or more keywords associated with the subsequent user input may be associated with the string of phonemes to indicate that the user is saying or mean those words when they product that string of phonemes. A user-specific speech recognition key for the user account is then updated to associate the string of phonemes with these words. A general speech recognition model can also be trained using the association.

Abstract: A tool system for tightening a retrightenable wedge system in a slot of a generator stator core is presented. The tool system includes a carriage assembly and a wedge tool assembly that is pivotally coupled to the carriage assembly. The carriage assembly includes motorized drives that axially moves the tool system along the slot and holds the tool system on the slot at an axial position. The wedge tool assembly includes a torqueing socket to tighten the retightenable wedge assembly in the slot. The torqueing socket is driven by a worm gear arrangement.

Abstract: System, methods, and devices for inspecting generator rotor slot wedges in-situ are provided. The system includes a controller operably connected to a remote-control carriage for transmitting control signals and receiving data. The carriage includes a drive module for moving the carriage into an inspection area, e.g., through an air gap between the rotor and stator, and an inspection module operable to inspect a rotor wedge surface. The inspection module includes a jack assembly and a transducer assembly. The jack assembly is operably connected to the transducer assembly, and configured to elevate the transducer assembly to the rotor wedge surface for inspection.

Abstract: System, methods, and devices for inspecting generator rotor slot wedges in-situ are provided. The system includes a controller operably connected to a remote-control carriage for transmitting control signals and receiving data. The carriage includes a drive module for moving the carriage into an inspection area, e.g., through an air gap between the rotor and stator, and an inspection module operable to inspect a rotor wedge surface. The inspection module includes a jack assembly and a transducer assembly. The jack assembly is operably connected to the transducer assembly, and configured to elevate the transducer assembly to the rotor wedge surface for inspection.

Abstract: A nut support tool for assembly and disassembly of a nut on a vertically extending bolt assembly located on a casing. The bolt assembly including a lower nut engaged on a lower end of a threaded shaft. The nut support tool includes a vertical span assembly having an upper support member located at an upper end thereof for engagement on an upper end of the bolt assembly, whereby the nut support tool is supported from the bolt assembly upper end with the vertical span structure extending parallel to the bolt assembly. An arm assembly extends from a lower end of the vertical span assembly and includes a lower guide pin for engagement with an access opening formed in a lower surface of the lower nut. The arm assembly is configured to support the lower nut, and to swivel relative to the casing.

Abstract: A nut support tool for assembly and disassembly of a nut on a vertically extending bolt assembly located on a casing. The bolt assembly including a lower nut engaged on a lower end of a threaded shaft. The nut support tool includes a vertical span assembly having an upper support member located at an upper end thereof for engagement on an upper end of the bolt assembly, whereby the nut support tool is supported from the bolt assembly upper end with the vertical span structure extending parallel to the bolt assembly. An arm assembly extends from a lower end of the vertical span assembly and includes a lower guide pin for engagement with an access opening formed in a lower surface of the lower nut. The arm assembly is configured to support the lower nut, and to swivel relative to the casing.

Abstract: Systems and methods of visualizing assets are disclosed that include registering assets into a system, creating a correlation between the location of the assets and a physical representation of the operational area, determining the status and class of the assets, selecting at least one asset, and exerting control over the at least one asset.

Abstract: A remote-controlled dynamoelectric machine maintenance vehicle that can fit and travel within the air gap between a stator and rotor of a dynamoelectric machine. The maintenance vehicle has an effectuator that can remotely attach to an adjustable wedge within a coil slot of the stator and tighten the wedge in position and then move on to repeat the process until all the wedges on the stator are secured.

Abstract: A remote-controlled dynamoelectric machine inspection vehicle that can fit and travel within a narrow air gap between a stator and rotor of a dynamoelectric machine. The inspection vehicle has an effectuator that can remotely activate a hammer driven by a high pressure pneumatic three-stage miniature piston that propels the hammer against a stator slot wedge creating an impact force that causes the wedge to vibrate. The vibrations are sensed to determine the tightness of the wedge.

Abstract: A remote-controlled dynamoelectric machine inspection vehicle that can fit and travel within a narrow air gap between a stator and rotor of a dynamoelectric machine. The inspection vehicle has an effectuator that can remotely activate a hammer driven by a high pressure pneumatic three-stage miniature piston that propels the hammer against a stator slot wedge creating an impact force that causes the wedge to vibrate. The vibrations are sensed to determine the tightness of the wedge.

Abstract: A remote-controlled dynamoelectric machine maintenance vehicle that can fit and travel within the air gap between a stator and rotor of a dynamoelectric machine. The maintenance vehicle has an effectuator that can remotely attach to an adjustable wedge within a coil slot of the stator and tighten the wedge in position and then move on to repeat the process until all the wedges on the stator are secured.

Abstract: Currently lacking are effective and accurate tools to help petroleum traders and logistics personnel to make better decisions, collaborate in real-time and negotiate deals in a private and secure environment. The present invention addresses this and other needs in the industry. In particular, the present invention provides automated workflow management for a series of workflow tasks by mapping the workflow tasks to a collaborative workflow process comprising: roles, users, business processes and computer executable activities. A workflow object is received that supplies information used to set particular attributes of the roles, the users, the business activities and the computer executable activities of the collaborative workflow process. Information and data objects are shared electronically among the users performing certain of the roles. At least one of the activities is automatically executed, such that the workflow is automatically managed.

Abstract: An inspection carriage provides for remote inspection of the Z-shroud and snubber regions of the blades of a steam turbine, while the blades remain in the turbine. The carriage includes a non-destructive inspection probe such as a meandering wave magnetometer probe or eddy current probe mounted on a slider, so that the probe may be moved along a radial axis, skew axis, axial axis, and rotation axis. Cameras are provided on the carriage so that the probe may be remotely guided into the region to be inspected.

Abstract: Currently lacking are effective and accurate tools to help petroleum traders and logistics personnel to make better decisions, collaborate in real-time and negotiate deals in a private and secure environment. The present invention addresses this and other needs in the industry. In particular, the present invention provides a non-client computer resident method optimizes vessel scheduling by aggregating vessel information. At least some of the vessel information is automatically downloaded from an electronic source. The aggregated vessel information is stored in a vessel information database comprising vessel information database records. Information is obtained about a potential vessel contracting transaction. The vessel information database is searched in a real-time manner to match the potential vessel contracting transaction to at least one of the vessel information database records such that the vessel contracting transaction is optimized.

Abstract: A remote controlled inspection vehicle provides interchangeable modules, permitting the vehicle to be easily configured to perform a wide variety of tasks. The vehicle includes at least one frame module having a pair of drive modules on either side. Each drive module includes a continuous track surrounding a permanent magnet, and is dimensioned and configured to pivot around its longitudinal axis. The frame modules are dimensioned and configured to be hingedly secured to other frame modules, end effectors including various sensors for performing inspections, and tail units to assist in placing the vehicle in the desired environment.

Abstract: A remote-controlled vehicle and method for performing a plurality of tasks in a location generally inaccessible to humans are provided. The vehicle may include a propulsion frame, and a platform attached to the frame or integral therewith for supporting an interchangeable accessory selected from a set of distinct interchangeable accessories. Each distinct interchangeable accessory may be configured to perform a distinct operational task. The platform includes at least one mechanical power takeoff, and each accessory includes at least one mechanical power receptor configured to interface with the mechanical power takeoff for coupling mechanical energy to the accessory. The platform constitutes a universal platform for the set of distinct interchangeable accessories.

Abstract: A self-aligning turbine disc inspection apparatus (30) for positioning a non-destructive examination sensor (38) proximate the disc web surface (20) of a turbine rotor assembly (10). The apparatus supports the sensor at a proper height above a support surface (34) while simultaneously providing passive freedom of movement in X, Y and theta directions so that the sensor is free to follow the slight movements of the web surface as the rotor assembly is rotated on a test stand. The freedoms of movement are provided by a first sled (52) rolling on a base (42), by a theta alignment assembly (62) rotating on the first sled, and a second sled (54) sliding on the theta alignment assembly. A vertical drive assembly (48) attached to the second sled provides a selectable height. The sensor may be moved across the disc web surface by a motorized slide (82) attached to a head assembly (46) attached to the vertical drive assembly.

Abstract: A remote-controlled vehicle and method for performing a plurality of tasks in a location generally inaccessible to humans are provided. The vehicle may include a propulsion frame, and a platform attached to the frame or integral therewith for supporting an interchangeable accessory selected from a set of distinct interchangeable accessories. Each distinct interchangeable accessory may be configured to perform a distinct operational task. The platform includes at least one mechanical power takeoff, and each accessory includes at least one mechanical power receptor configured to interface with the mechanical power takeoff for coupling mechanical energy to the accessory. The platform constitutes a universal platform for the set of distinct interchangeable accessories.