Abstract: A system and method for monitoring operation of a press assembly includes establishing a baseline vibration level for a first location on the press assembly. The baseline vibration level defines a boundary for vibrations beyond which one or more press elements have a reduced life expectancy. Vibrations are measured at the first location and also at a second location during operation of the press. The vibrations measured at the first location are correlated with the vibrations measured at the second location, and a relationship between the vibrations at the first and second locations is established. Vibrations measured at the second location can then be adjusted and compared to the baseline vibration level to determine if adjustments to the press operation need to be made, or if certain press elements will need to be replaced prior to their expected life span.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring operation of a press assembly includes establishing a baseline vibration level for a first location on the press assembly. The baseline vibration level defines a boundary for vibrations beyond which one or more press elements have a reduced life expectancy. Vibrations are measured at the first location and also at a second location during operation of the press. The vibrations measured at the first location are correlated with the vibrations measured at the second location, and a relationship between the vibrations at the first and second locations is established. Vibrations measured at the second location can then be adjusted and compared to the baseline vibration level to determine if adjustments to the press operation need to be made, or if certain press elements will need to be replaced prior to their expected life span.

Abstract: A method for predictive maintenance of a machine includes collecting feature data for the machine which includes a plurality of feature vectors. At least some of the feature vectors are standardized to facilitate compatibility between different vectors. At least some of the standardized feature vectors are transformed into corresponding two-dimensional feature vectors. At least some of the two-dimensional feature vectors are clustered together based on operating modes of the machine. Similar steps are performed on additional feature data collected from the machine. Recently gathered two-dimensional feature vectors are compared to previously clustered feature vectors to provide predictive maintenance information for the machine.

Abstract: A roller cone drill bit includes a bit body adapted to be coupled to a drill string, at ne leg depending from the bit body, and a bearing journal on the at least one leg, wherein least one leg defines a shirttail portion at an end thereof. A method of manufacturing the cone drill bit includes assembling a roller cone onto the bearing journal on the at least one asking around the shirttail portion, and performing a spray cycle. The spray cycle includes ng the shirttail portion with hardfacing using a high pressure/high velocity oxygen fuel after the roller cone is assembled onto the bearing journal.

Abstract: A roller cone drill bit includes a bit body adapted to be coupled to a drill string, at ne leg depending from the bit body, and a bearing journal on the at least one leg, wherein least one leg defines a shirttail portion at an end thereof. A method of manufacturing the cone drill bit includes assembling a roller cone onto the bearing journal on the at least one asking around the shirttail portion, and performing a spray cycle. The spray cycle includes ng the shirttail portion with hardfacing using a high pressure/high velocity oxygen fuel after the roller cone is assembled onto the bearing journal.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for applying hardfacing to a shirttail portion of a roller cone drill bit, including masking around the shirttail portion of the bit and operating a high pressure/high velocity oxygen fuel torch to apply the hardfacing to the shirttail portion.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for applying hardfacing to a shirttail portion of a roller cone drill bit, including masking around the shirttail portion of the bit and operating a high pressure/high velocity oxygen fuel torch to apply the hardfacing to the shirttail portion.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for applying hardfacing to a shirttail portion of a roller cone drill bit, including masking around the shirttail portion of the bit and operating a high pressure/high velocity oxygen fuel torch to apply the hardfacing to the shirttail portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of detecting defects or abnormalities in a wet polymeric surface coating of an object to limit or eliminate costs associated with retouching or reapplying the coatings on the object. The apparatus and method is accomplished by capturing an image of the wet coating surface of the object and comparing the image to known defect images to determine the type and location of the defect in the coating surface on the object. The coating application process can then be modified to remedy the coating application defect at the earliest possible instance.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatically measuring paint film thickness of painted bodies for closed loop control of a paint process for painting the bodies in a paint booth. The system includes a cell for receiving painted bodies from the paint booth and a conveyor control system for controlling the movement of painted bodies between the paint booth and the cell. The system also includes an AutoPelt system communicating with the conveyor control system for measuring paint film thickness of the painted bodies in the cells. The system includes an integrated paint quality control (IPQC) monitoring system communicating with the AutoPelt system for receiving data of paint film thickness information and combining the paint film thickness information with automation parameters on a vehicle identification number (VIN) basis of the painted bodies to control paint automation equipment of the paint booth.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for applying hardfacing to a shirttail portion of a roller cone drill bit, including masking around the shirttail portion of the bit and operating a high pressure/high velocity oxygen fuel torch to apply the hardfacing to the shirttail portion.

Abstract: A non-contact mask 10 which is selectively deployed in close proximity to an object 12 and which has a certain type of electrical charge. A substance 16, to be selectively applied to the object 12, is provided with the certain type of electrical charge and the electrical charge of the mask 10 and the electrical charge of the substance 16 cooperate to substantially prevent the substance 16 from being applied to the mask 10.

Abstract: A method for painting a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes applying a first base coat to a first portion of the body of the vehicle and applying a second base coat to a second portion of the vehicle while the first base coat remains unmasked, effective to cooperate with the first base coat to form a line of demarcation.