Abstract: The disclosure includes a protective device for a machine, a method of operating a protective device, and a protective system including the protective device and the machine. The protective device may include a sensor array disposed on the machine. The sensor array may have a plurality of time-of-flight (TOF) sensors arranged to form a sensible field for TOF measurements, and a controller configured to define a safety area within the sensible field, detect an object within the sensible field, and generate a safety output that controls an operation of the machine in response to the object being detected within the safety area. The machine may include woodworking machines or other machines having debris or particles in the surrounding environment during operation.

Abstract: A distance measuring device is disclosed that includes a controller operably coupled with a receiver to receive different amplification channels. The controller includes a time of flight core configured to determine time of flight information for the light pulse; and a decider block configured to determine a measurement correction value for the device based on a determination of a presence of a reflective background that is different than a measurement correction value selected for the device when there exists a diffuse background or an absence of a background into a reading field.

Abstract: A calibration process is started by a capacitive input variation when a capacitive button is pressed on a barcode reader. Or, the calibration process is started by the barcode reader scanning a configuration label or special label or barcode after the capacitive button on the barcode reader is inoperative. The calibration process realigns the input and the threshold to correctly configure the capacitive button.

Abstract: Safety system (100) for an industrial environment (10) comprising a robotic machine wherein at least a moving head (12) of the robotic machine is movable within a first area (1) and a second area (2) of the industrial environment (10), the safety system (100) comprising: a light curtain (110) extending between a first vertical support (112) and a second vertical support (114) to cover both the first area (1) and the second area (2); a head position sensor (130) adapted to detect the position of the moving head (12) within the first area (1) and the second area (2); a safety control unit (140); wherein the light curtain (110) comprises a first couple of two TOF sensors (F1, F3) respectively positioned on the first and second vertical supports (112, 114), the safety control unit (140) being adapted to process output signals received from the TOF sensors (F1, F3) and the head position sensor (130) so as to selectively and dynamically secure the first area (1) and the second area (2).

Abstract: A distance measuring device is disclosed that includes a controller operably coupled with a receiver to receive different amplification channels. The controller includes a time of flight core configured to determine time of flight information for the light pulse; and a decider block configured to determine a measurement correction value for the device based on a determination of a presence of a reflective background that is different than a measurement correction value selected for the device when there exists a diffuse background or an absence of a background into a reading field.

Abstract: A condenser system for steam turbine systems having different loads is disclosed. The condenser system includes a selectively sized outer casing having a variably sized heat exchanger end and an input end for coupling to a steam turbine (ST) system. A condensate vessel sidewall of the casing is positionally uniform relative to the ends regardless of the size of the heat exchanger, and a cooling water sidewall has a position dependent on heat exchanger size.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention are implemented with a mobile camera and safety laser scanner. A mobile computer can be used to show a visible infrared beam on the display of the mobile computer. The mobile computer can function as a safety tool to identify regions or locations where a laser beam might penetrate. The mobile computer can determine if the laser beam has penetrated a safety region or zone. Sensors can be used to determine when a laser beam may become dangerously close to an operator, especially with the use of automated guided vehicle that is moving around and has a scanning laser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a distance sensor suitable for calculating a processed distance of a target object without contact, including: a contactless measuring circuit suitable for emitting an output signal proportional to the distance of said target object for a plurality of time intervals, so as to obtain a plurality of measurements of the distance of said target object without contact; a first processor circuit suitable for processing said output signals coming from said measuring circuit, so as to calculate a first average distance from said target object based on the average of N distance measurements in output coming from said measuring circuit, said N measurements being consecutive in time and including the last distance measurement emitted by said measuring circuit; a second processor circuit suitable for processing said output signals coming from said measuring circuit, so as to calculate a second average distance from said target object based on the average of M distance measurements in outp

Abstract: A condenser system for steam turbine systems having different loads is disclosed. The condenser system includes a selectively sized outer casing having a variably sized heat exchanger end and an input end for coupling to a steam turbine (ST) system. A condensate vessel sidewall of the casing is positionally uniform relative to the ends regardless of the size of the heat exchanger, and a cooling water sidewall has a position dependent on heat exchanger size.

Abstract: Safety system (100) for an industrial environment (10) comprising a robotic machine wherein at least a moving head (12) of the robotic machine is movable within a first area (1) and a second area (2) of the industrial environment (10), the safety system (100) comprising: a light curtain (110) extending between a first vertical support (112) and a second vertical support (114) to cover both the first area (1) and the second area (2); a head position sensor (130) adapted to detect the position of the moving head (12) within the first area (1) and the second area (2); a safety control unit (140); wherein the light curtain (110) comprises a first couple of two TOF sensors (F1, F3) respectively positioned on the first and second vertical supports (112, 114), the safety control unit (140) being adapted to process output signals received from the TOF sensors (F1, F3) and the head position sensor (130) so as to selectively and dynamically secure the first area (1) and the second area (2).

Abstract: A clutter filter configuration tool for a safety laser scanner. The clutter filter configuration tool may first operate the safety laser scanner in an environment to learn the environmental clutter level and present the same to a user. Subsequent to this “teach-in” phase, the configuration tool may provide a clutter filter selection process which presents the environmental clutter level to the user and allows the user to select a suitable configuration for a clutter filter. The configuration tool may also provide a clutter filter simulation process wherein the clutter filter chosen by the user is verified and a test is performed using the selected clutter filter. The results may be reported on a visualized graph. The configuration tool may also determine a real area to be monitored utilizing a floor projection area and an orientation of the laser scanner.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention are implemented with a mobile camera and safety laser scanner. A mobile computer can be used to show a visible infrared beam on the display of the mobile computer. The mobile computer can function as a safety tool to identify regions or locations where a laser beam might penetrate. The mobile computer can determine if the laser beam has penetrated a safety region or zone. Sensors can be used to determine when a laser beam may become dangerously close to an operator, especially with the use of automated guided vehicle that is moving around and has a scanning laser.

Abstract: A laser scanner which includes a light source which emits a light beam and a scanning mirror rotatable about an axis which reflects the light beam through a tilted protective window toward a scanning area and which directs return light from objects toward receiving optics. The laser scanner may include a collecting mirror which receives the return light, and an interference filter disposed between the collecting mirror and the scanning mirror. The window may include an anti-reflective coating which reduces reflection of internally scattered light. The tilted window may direct the reflective component of internally scattered light into a zone where an energy light absorber is present. A bulkhead system which may include a separation baffle may be provided to prevent light incident on the interference filter at an angle which is below an acceptance angle of the interference filter.

Abstract: A clutter filter configuration tool for a safety laser scanner. The clutter filter configuration tool may first operate the safety laser scanner in an environment to learn the environmental clutter level and present the same to a user. Subsequent to this “teach-in” phase, the configuration tool may provide a clutter filter selection process which presents the environmental clutter level to the user and allows the user to select a suitable configuration for a clutter filter. The configuration tool may also provide a clutter filter simulation process wherein the clutter filter chosen by the user is verified and a test is performed using the selected clutter filter. The results may be reported on a visualized graph. The configuration tool may also determine a real area to be monitored utilizing a floor projection area and an orientation of the laser scanner.

Abstract: A laser scanner which includes a light source which emits a light beam and a scanning mirror rotatable about an axis which reflects the light beam through a tilted protective window toward a scanning area and which directs return light from objects toward receiving optics. The laser scanner may include a collecting mirror which receives the return light, and an interference filter disposed between the collecting mirror and the scanning mirror. The window may include an anti-reflective coating which reduces reflection of internally scattered light. The tilted window may direct the reflective component of internally scattered light into a zone where an energy light absorber is present. A bulkhead system which may include a separation baffle may be provided to prevent light incident on the interference filter at an angle which is below an acceptance angle of the interference filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a distance sensor suitable for calculating a processed distance of a target object without contact, including: a contactless measuring circuit suitable for emitting an output signal proportional to the distance of said target object for a plurality of time intervals, so as to obtain a plurality of measurements of the distance of said target object without contact; a first processor circuit suitable for processing said output signals coming from said measuring circuit, so as to calculate a first average distance from said target object based on the average of N distance measurements in output coming from said measuring circuit, said N measurements being consecutive in time and including the last distance measurement emitted by said measuring circuit; a second processor circuit suitable for processing said output signals coming from said measuring circuit, so as to calculate a second average distance from said target object based on the average of M distance measurements in outp