Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a device for averting and damping rolling of an engine-driven marine vessel with propeller propulsion. The proposed method recognizes the fact that the speed controller of a ship responds to heel angle variations by propeller speed adjustments. A speed controller is reading such propeller moment change as speed variations to be corrected. By the recurrence of this process, the result is amplifying small rolling effects to a critical rolling. Further elements contribute to this process, such as the propeller side effects ship's hull contact with the sea, waves or winds. However, by suppressing the interaction between heel angle variations and the speed controller, the rolling of a ship can be effectively reduced and averted. The proposed method, by suppressing the cause of the critical rolling, reduces rolling, fuel consumption and maintenance of the ship's propulsion engines.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a device for averting and damping rolling of an engine-driven marine vessel with propeller propulsion. The proposed method recognizes the fact that the speed controller of a ship responds to heel angle variations by propeller speed adjustments. A speed controller is reading such propeller moment change as speed variations to be corrected. By the recurrence of this process, the result is amplifying small rolling effects to a critical rolling. Further elements contribute to this process, such as the propeller side effects ship's hull contact with the sea, waves or winds. However, by suppressing the interaction between heel angle variations and the speed controller, the rolling of a ship can be effectively reduced and averted. The proposed method, by suppressing the cause of the critical rolling, reduces rolling, fuel consumption and maintenance of the ship's propulsion engines.

Abstract: A method for optimizing measurement and control of the flatness of a strip of rolled material. A mapping is accomplished by associating to relevant flatness fault types a reference strip model and an actuator space conversion matrix. A device for optimizing measurement and control of the flatness of a strip of rolled material.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing a selection action of information in a central system before communicating selected information to a user terminal. The selection is based on at least the identity of the user and position of the user terminal. Using relations between identity and profiles, a first information filtering can be achieved. Using relations between the actual position of the user terminal and constitution of the industrial automation facility, information irrelevant for parts in the vicinity of the user terminal is removed. The operational situation of the facility and history of user actions may be used for filtering or prioritizing the information. The most prioritized data quantity is communicated to the user terminal and displayed at a user terminal display. If all the data, despite sifting, is too extensive to be shown at once on the user terminal, the user may move between different parts of the relevant information.

Abstract: A method for optimizing measurement and control of the flatness of a strip of rolled material. A mapping is accomplished by associating to relevant flatness fault types a reference strip model and an actuator space conversion matrix. A device for optimizing measurement and control of the flatness of a strip of rolled material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and devices, with which a selection action of information is performed in a central system before communicating the selected information to a user terminal. This selection (4,6) is according to the invention based on a least both the identity (9) of the user and the position (11) of the user terminal. By using relations between identity (9) and profiles (8) a first information filtering can be achieved. By further using relations between the actual position (11) of the user terminal and the constitution of the industrial automation facility, information irrelevant for the parts in the vicinity of the user terminal is removed. Preferably, also the operational situation of the facility and the history of the user actions are used for filtering or prioritising the information. The most prioritised data quantity is communicated (12) to the user terminal (13) and displayed at a user terminal display.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for measuring the surface contour of a test piece, such as the bow of a radioactive fuel rod, which is completely immersed in water. The invention utilizes ultrasonic technology and is capable of measuring surface contours of test pieces which are at a higher temperature than the surrounding water. The presence of a test piece at a higher temperature adversely affects the distance measurements by causing thermal variations in the water near the surface of the test piece. The contour measurements depend upon a constant temperature of the water in the path of the ultrasonic wave to provide a constant acoustical velocity (the measurement is made by the time of flight measurement for an ultrasonic wave). Therefore, any variations of water temperature near the surface will introduce errors degrading the measurement.

Abstract: A robotic system for remote underwater withdrawal of the fuel rods from fuel modules of a light water breeder reactor includes a collet/grapple assembly for gripping and removing fuel rods in each module, which is positioned by use of a winch and a radial support means attached to a vertical support tube which is mounted over the fuel module. A programmable logic controller in conjunction with a microcomputer, provides control for the accurate positioning and pulling force of the rod grapple assembly. Closed circuit television cameras are provided which aid in operator interface with the robotic system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a semi-automatic rod examination gauge for performing a large number of exacting measurements on radioactive fuel rods. The rod examination gauge performs various measurements underwater with remote controlled machinery of high reliability. The rod examination gauge includes instruments and a closed circuit television camera for measuring fuel rod length, free hanging bow measurement, diameter measurement, oxide thickness measurement, cladding defect examination, rod ovality measurement, wear mark depth and volume measurement, as well as visual examination. A control system is provided including a programmable logic controller and a computer for providing a programmed sequence of operations for the rod examination and collection of data.