Abstract: Methods for manipulating, positioning, and removing a lock ring for a wheel are disclosed. Manipulating the lock ring for the wheel involves increasing a separation distance between a first fastener fastened to a first end of the lock ring and a second fastener fastened to a second end of the lock ring opposite the first end. Positioning the lock ring in a lock ring groove of the wheel involves causing a lock ring positioner to position the lock ring proximate the wheel before positioning the lock ring in the lock ring groove of the wheel. Removing the lock ring from the wheel involves receiving the lock ring in at least one catcher receptacle of a lock ring positioner after removing the lock ring from the wheel.

Abstract: According to at least one embodiment, a gravity assist system comprises a plurality links and a means for holding at least one tool, wherein the plurality links are configured to permit a user to reposition the at least one tool within a work envelope.

Abstract: A method, implemented by a software-controlled computer device and/or by dedicated hardware, for probing an electrically conductive target material, e.g. molten metal or semiconductor material, in a metallurgical vessel. In the method, a measurement signal is acquired from a sensor, which is inserted into the target material, during a relative displacement between the electrically conductive target material and the sensor, the measurement signal being indicative of electrical conductivity in the vicinity of the sensor. The measurement signal is generated to represent momentary changes in an electromagnetic field around the sensor, which is created by operating at least one coil in the sensor. Based on the measurement signal, a signal profile is generated to be indicative of the electrical conductivity as a function of the relative movement. The method enables a probing of the internal distribution of the target material in the vessel at any level of detail.

Abstract: A method, implemented by a software-controlled computer device and/or by dedicated hardware, for probing an electrically conductive target material, e.g. molten metal or semiconductor material, in a metallurgical vessel. In the method, a measurement signal is acquired from a sensor, which is inserted into the target material, during a relative displacement between the electrically conductive target material and the sensor, the measurement signal being indicative of electrical conductivity in the vicinity of the sensor. The measurement signal is generated to represent momentary changes in an electromagnetic field around the sensor, which is created by operating at least one coil in the sensor. Based on the measurement signal, a signal profile is generated to be indicative of the electrical conductivity as a function of the relative movement. The method enables a probing of the internal distribution of the target material in the vessel at any level of detail.