Abstract: A method of employing an eddy current sensor to perform an inspection of a tube of a steam generator involves accelerating and decelerating the eddy current sensor in a predetermined fashion that substantially reduces the likelihood of damage to the eddy current sensor. The reduction of probe stresses reduces radiological waste and reduces radiation exposure to workers involved in changing damaged probes The recording of an eddy current signal at each of a plurality of equally spaced apart locations along the tube permits the velocity of the eddy current sensor to be varied without compromising the validity of the data that has been recorded. The inspection system employs an encoder that outputs a series of signals as the probe is advanced incremental distances within the tube of the steam generator, and eddy current sensor signals are recorded responsive to at least some of the signals from the encoder.

Abstract: A method of employing an eddy current sensor to perform an inspection of a tube of a steam generator involves accelerating and decelerating the eddy current sensor in a predetermined fashion that substantially reduces the likelihood of damage to the eddy current sensor. The reduction of probe stresses reduces radiological waste and reduces radiation exposure to workers involved in changing damaged probes The recording of an eddy current signal at each of a plurality of equally spaced apart locations along the tube permits the velocity of the eddy current sensor to be varied without compromising the validity of the data that has been recorded. The inspection system employs an encoder that outputs a series of signals as the probe is advanced incremental distances within the tube of the steam generator, and eddy current sensor signals are recorded responsive to at least some of the signals from the encoder.

Abstract: A method and system for determining one or more desired communication services for an application. The method and system includes determining at least one application operating parameter, at least one communication operating parameter, at least one cost factor, and at least one value factor. The method and system further includes assigning a priority level to each application operating parameter, communication operating parameter, cost factor, and value factor. Additionally, the method and system includes comparing the priority levels to each other, and determining a desired communication service based on the compared priority levels.

Abstract: Methods and systems of the present invention are provided for performing proxy control functions in an environment including one or more work machines. Such methods and systems may leverage one or more gateways to serve as a proxy for one or more distinct modules. A gateway, located in a work machine, may be programmed with proxy logic that performs functions associated with certain modules used in a work machine environment. The gateway may monitor a data link and retrieve broadcasted messages. The broadcasted messages may include source and/or destination module address identifiers. The gateway may retrieve messages from the data link based on a determination that the message is destined for a module for which the gateway serves as a proxy. The gateway may route a retrieved message, using a mapping structure, to the appropriate proxy logic that performs functions associated with the destination module.

Abstract: A data system for work machines is disclosed. The data system has a first communication device associated with a first work machine, and a second communication device associated with a second work machine. The data system also has an offboard system in communication with the first and second communication devices. The offboard system is configured to request a first data transmission from the first work machine in response to a second data transmission being received from the second work machine.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for performing protocol conversions in an environment including a work machine having one or more modules coupled to one or more data links. Such methods and systems may leverage one or more gateways to perform tunneling, translating, and bridging operations. Tunneling processes may include receiving a message from a source module in a first protocol, encapsulating the message within transmission units of a second protocol, and transmitting the encapsulated message via the second protocol. Translating processes may include receiving, by the gateway, a message in a first data link protocol including a parameter identifier. The gateway may match the parameter identifier with a parameter identifier included in a translation table and scale associated parameter data using a scale factor corresponding to a second data link protocol. The gateway may then provide the scaled parameter data to a module using the second data link protocol.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to perform a process of managing communications in an environment including a mobile work machine having one or more on-board data links connected to one or more on-board modules and a gateway and including one or more off-board data links connected to one or more off-board systems and the gateway. The process is performed by the gateway and includes receiving a request generated by a source device and transmitted on a first data link. In one embodiment, the first data link may be either one of the on-board data links and one of the off-board data links. Based on the request, the gateway selectively executes a server application that performs a server process. Further, the gateway identifies a destination device associated with the request, configures the request to a format compatible with the destination device, and provides the formatted request to the destination device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for installing data stored on electronic control modules on a remotely-located machine. The control modules installed on the machine store information regarding the data which should be stored on the other installed control modules. A processor may poll the control modules to determine if a control module is missing or blank and, if so, determine which data is missing from the machine based upon the information stored on the other control modules. The processor may communicate with an off board system to identify the appropriate software for the blank control module. The software is downloaded and flashed into the blank control module.

Abstract: A method and system (100) for determining one or more desired communication services for an application (200). The method and system (100) includes determining at least one application operating parameter (302), at least one communication operating parameter (304), at least one cost factor (306), and at least one value factor (308). The method and system (100) further includes assigning a priority level (310,312,314,316) to each application operating parameter (302), communication operating parameter (304), cost factor (306), and value factor (308). Additionally, the method and system (100) includes comparing the priority levels (310,312,314,316) to each other, and determining a desired communication service based on the compared priority levels (310,312,314,316).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for intelligently establishing a communication session between a machine and off-board system. In one implementation, a system for intelligently establishes a communication session. The system includes a machine communicating with a network and an off-board system that transmits a request for data from the machine over the network. The system also includes a communication server in communication with the machine and the off-board system via the network. The communication server determines whether hardware and a network connection to transmit the requested data and are available on-board the machine and determines whether the off-board system has authority to receive the requested data.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring various conditions of a machine which may be remotely located. The parameters available in the machine's monitoring system are synchronized in machine and remote systems. A diagnostic system comprised of a prognostics engine or an interface reviews data stored in the remote system and determines the parameters to be monitored and the allowable tolerances, which are relayed to the machine system. The monitoring system monitors the condition of the machine based upon the diagnostic system's directions, and the machine system reports when the parameters vary from the defined tolerances.

Abstract: A burst disk assembly has a burst disk which is interposed within the high pressure relief vent of a superconducting magnet. The burst disk is a composite design constructed of a solid carbon graphite center surrounded by an integrally formed stainless steel ring. A captured burst disk flange insures proper placement and seating of the burst disk during replacement and supports the burst disk so as to prevent it from falling or dropping out of the assembly during replacement of the ruptured burst disk. A deformable gasket contiguous to the burst disk seals the burst disk to the captured burst disk flange when the disk and the flange are pressed together. Attachment bolts are used to provide even application of pressure along the face of the burst disk and the captured burst disk flange.

Abstract: A burst disk assembly has a burst disk which is interposed within the high pressure relief vent of a superconducting magnet. The burst disk is a composite design constructed of a solid carbon graphite center surrounded by an integrally formed stainless steel ring. A captured burst disk flange insures proper placement and seating of the burst disk during replacement and supports the burst disk so as to prevent it from falling or dropping out of the assembly during replacement of the ruptured burst disk. A deformable gasket contiguous to the burst disk seals the burst disk to the captured burst disk flange when the disk and the flange are pressed together. Attachment bolts are used to provide even application of pressure along the face of the burst disk and the captured burst disk flange.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring various conditions of a machine which may be remotely located. The parameters available in the machine's monitoring system are synchronized in machine and remote systems. A diagnostic system comprised of a prognostics engine or an interface reviews data stored in the remote system and determines the parameters to be monitored and the allowable tolerances, which are relayed to the machine system. The monitoring system monitors the condition of the machine based upon the diagnostic system's directions, and the machine system reports when the parameters vary from the defined tolerances.

Abstract: A system and method for updating software stored in control modules on a remotely-located machine. The current machine configuration is stored in a machine and a remote system, and the configuration in the remote system is monitored to determine if an update, such as an enhancement, “bug” fix, or new version, is available. If so, the owner of the machine is remotely notified and offered the update. If the owner accepts, the update is relayed to the machine system and flashed into the appropriate control module.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for installing data stored on electronic control modules on a remotely-located machine. The control modules installed on the machine store information regarding the data which should be stored on the other installed control modules. A processor may poll the control modules to determine if a control module is missing or blank and, if so, determine which data is missing from the machine based upon the information stored on the other control modules. The processor may communicate with an off board system to identify the appropriate software for the blank control module. The software is downloaded and flashed into the blank control module.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus to secure a machine having a machine security system. The machine security system includes a primary controller, and a key switch associated with the primary controller and adapted to receive a key, the key switch being configurable to a plurality of positions. The method includes the steps of delivering power to the primary controller in response to the key switch being configured in a predetermined position, activating the security system in response to the power delivery, determining a first operating characteristic of the machine, determining whether to maintain activation of the security system in response to the first operating characteristic, receiving an identification code from the key, and determining whether to enable machine operation in response to the received key code.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for conserving power on a machine having a mobile communicator. The method includes the steps of determining a current status of the machine, determining a duration since entering the current status, and determining one of a plurality of power conservation modes in response to the current status, and the status duration.