Abstract: An operator training system for a machine is disclosed. The operator training system comprises an interface in communication with a machine and a processor communicatively coupled to the interface. The processor is configured to receive, via the interface, operation data associated with operation of the machine. The processor is further configured to determine an operator performance value for an operator of the machine based on the received operation data. The processor is also configured to compare the operator performance value with a benchmark value. The processor is further configured to provide one or more training tools to the operator if the operator performance value is less than the benchmark value.

Abstract: An asset management system is provided. The system may include one or more data collection devices configured to monitor one or more operating conditions of a machine in real time. The system may also include a processor configured to receive data from the one or more data collection devices and compare the received data to a set of usage terms of a warranty agreement relating to the machine. The system may be configured to communicate, in real time, to at least one of an owner and an operator, information regarding the warrantability of the machine or its components under the warranty agreement. The communication of information may be based on the comparison of the received data to the set of usage terms of the warranty agreement.

Abstract: An asset management system is provided. The system may include one or more data collection devices configured to monitor one or more operating conditions of a leased machine. At least one of the one or more data collection devices may be configured to directly monitor operation of at least one component of the machine to determine the harshness with which the machine is operated. The system may also include a processor configured to receive data from the one or more data collection devices. The processor may also be configured to determine a value of the machine based on the data from the one or more data collection devices. The processor may be further configured to determine fees associated with the lease in real time based on the data from the one or more data collection devices.

Abstract: An asset management system is provided. The system may include one or more data collection devices configured to monitor one or more operating conditions of a machine in real time. The system may also include a processor configured to receive data from the one or more data collection devices and perform an analysis of the received data as it relates to a set of usage terms of a service contract relating to the machine. The system may also be configured to communicate, in real time, at least one of data received from the one or more data collection devices and the analysis of the received data to at least one location remote from the machine. The system may be further configured to communicate, in real time, to at least one of an owner and an operator, information regarding at least one of the received data and the analysis of the received data.

Abstract: An asset management system is provided. The system may include one or more data collection devices configured to monitor one or more operating conditions of a machine in real time. The system may also include a processor configured to receive data from the one or more data collection devices and compare the received data to a set of usage terms of an insurance policy relating to the machine. The system may be configured to communicate, in real time, to at least one of an owner and an operator, information regarding the insurance coverage of the machine or its components under the insurance policy. The communication of information may be based on the comparison of the received data to the set of usage terms of the insurance policy.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for routing information in a work machine environment. In one embodiment, an information routing system is disclosed that includes a set of subscribers and an information router. The information router may be configured to store a set of parameter data received from a set of work machines operating in the work machine environment. The parameter data may reflect data associated with operation of each respective work machine. Further, the information router may filter the set of parameter data into subsets of parameter data based on information routing rules defined by each of the subscribers in the set of subscribers. Also, the information router may transmit the filtered subsets of parameter data to respective subscribers such that each subscriber only receives a portion of the set of parameter data based on each subscriber's corresponding information routing rule.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for selling work machine projects. According to one embodiment, a method of selling projects performable by work machines is disclosed and includes receiving, at a processing device, one or more predefined parameters indicative of a proposed work project. The method also includes determining, based on the predefined parameters provided by a user, one or more equipment solutions for performing the project, using at least one work machine. The method further includes calculating a fee associated with the one or more equipment solutions based on a predetermined usage characteristic. The method also includes providing the at least one work machine associated with the determined equipment solution to the user. The method further includes remotely monitoring one or more operational aspects of the at least one work machine during operations of the work project.

Abstract: An asset management system is provided. The system may include one or more data collection devices configured to monitor one or more operating conditions of a work machine. The system may also include a processor configured to receive data from the one or more data collection devices and predict a cost to maintain the work machine in the future based on the data from the one or more data collection devices. The processor may also be configured to compare the predicted cost to maintain the work machine to a depreciated value of the work machine to determine a time for replacement of the work machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for producing near-diffraction-limited laser light, or amplifying near-diffraction-limited light, in diode pumped alkali vapor photonic-band-gap fiber lasers or amplifiers. Laser light is both substantially generated and propagated in an alkali gas instead of a solid, allowing the nonlinear and damage limitations of conventional solid core fibers to be circumvented. Alkali vapor is introduced into the center hole of a photonic-band-gap fiber, which can then be pumped with light from a pump laser and operated as an oscillator with a seed beam, or can be configured as an amplifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and unique method for increasing the photosensitivity of a large diameter optical waveguide having a cross-section of at least about 0.3 millimeters. The method features loading the large diameter optical waveguide with a photosensitizing gas at a pressure at least about 4000 pounds per square inch (PSI) at a temperature of at least about 250° Celsius. The photosensitizing gas may be hydrogen, Deuterium or other suitable gas. The method also includes the step of using a particular large diameter optical waveguide having a core more than 1000 microns from the surface thereof. The method may be used as part of a process for writing a Bragg grating in an inner core or a cladding of the large diameter optical waveguide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for producing near-diffraction-limited laser light, or amplifying near-diffraction-limited light, in diode pumped alkali vapor photonic-band-gap fiber lasers or amplifiers. Laser light is both substantially generated and propagated in an alkali gas instead of a solid, allowing the nonlinear and damage limitations of conventional solid core fibers to be circumvented. Alkali vapor is introduced into the center hole of a photonic-band-gap fiber, which can then be pumped with light from a pump laser and operated as an oscillator with a seed beam, or can be configured as an amplifier.

Abstract: An optical fiber amplifier includes a length of silica optical fiber having a core doped with neodymium, a first cladding and a second cladding each with succeeding lower refractive indices, where the first cladding diameter is less than 10 times the diameter of the core. The doping concentration of the neodymium is chosen so that the small signal absorption for 816 nm light traveling within the core is less than 15 dB/m above the other fiber losses. The amplifier is optically pumped with one laser into the fiber core and with another laser into the first cladding.