Abstract: A system for automatically applying a bead of sealant within a peripheral groove defined between two elements coupled to each other and having dimensions that are not strictly predetermined. In one example, a manipulator robot includes a sealant dispensing head including a dispensing nozzle and a profilometer. An electronic controller moves the sealant dispensing head for a first pass along the peripheral groove to detect the profile of the facing lateral surfaces defining the peripheral groove. The correct amount of sealant is calculated based on the detected profile of the groove. The electronic controller moves the dispensing head for a second pass to dispense the calculated amount of sealant in the peripheral groove. In one example, the sealant is dispensed with a constant flow rate and the speed of movement of the dispensing nozzle varies to apply the calculated amount of sealant to each portion of the peripheral groove.

Abstract: A method for detecting malfunctions of a motor vehicle electro-actuated brake apparatus may include the steps of providing, in an electronic control unit, a functional control block and a first functional block having a numerical model representative of the electro-actuated brake caliper. The method may also include providing a target signal to the functional control block for generating the control signal to operate the electro-actuated brake caliper. The method may also include providing the target signal to the first functional block for generating a first signal. In the method, the first signal may be compared with a feedback signal for generating an error signal to be sent to the electronic control unit. Further, the method may include performing, by the second functional block, an error validation check to provide information on the operating state of the electro-actuated brake caliper to the electronic control unit.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a multi-clad fiber that includes a light-guiding core surrounded by at least a cladding layer, and an input interface including a first set of input channels in the core configured to receive a first optical fiber, and a second set of input channels in the cladding layer configured to receive a second optical fiber. The apparatus further includes an optical switch module having an input port, a first and a second output port, a first optical path between the input port and the first input channel, and a second optical path between the input port and a second input channel in the second set of input channels. The optical switch module is controllable to switch between the first and the second optical paths. The apparatus also includes a set of laser modules.

Abstract: An apparatus, comprising: a multi-clad fiber comprising a light-guiding core surrounded by at least a further cladding layer around the guiding core, an input interface comprising a first set of input channels in the core configured to receive at least a first optical fiber and a second set of input channels in the at least a guiding cladding layer configured to receive at least a second optical fiber.

Abstract: A process for automatically tracking a joint bevel during butt welding of coaxial pipes includes the steps of observing electrical parameter values relating to the voltage, current and voltaic arc impedance and comparing these values with preset sample values stored in a governing unit. The governing unit controls a driving source for the orientation of the welding torch in the joint bevel.

Abstract: An absolute position transducer (encoder) comprising an incremental encoder having a coded disk connected stably to a shaft, and connected to a sensor for emitting a signal for each complete turn of the disk The incremental encoder produces a first and second signal, each consisting of a sequence of pulses in which each pulse equals one elementary angular increment of the shaft, and a third signal (ZERO) consisting of a sequence of zero pulses, each emitted for each complete turn of the shaft.