Abstract: A system and method for performing structural health monitoring on a structural element while it remains in service and experiences normal loading. The energy input to the element will be the normal and random energy inputs the element sees in service. The inventive system places an intelligent module at one or more points along the length of the structural element. The inventive system collects mass data from multiple modules on multiple elements. The system then applies machine learning or artificial intelligence techniques to detect changes in the measurements received from one or more modules. This approach reduces or eliminates the need to provide calibrated input energy. The invention preferably provides the ability to determine the condition of one element or sub-element under measurement relative to other elements.

Abstract: A calibration process for use in calibrating intelligent cable modules. A separate calibration load cell is provided. This device is placed in the load path for the cable on which the intelligent cable module is installed. The calibration load cell then establishes a communication link with the intelligent cable module. An iterative series of loading cycles are started. Tension data as measured by the calibration load cell is used to create a calibration curve. This calibration curve is used to correlate internal measurements made by the intelligent cable module against a desired value—such as cable tension.

Abstract: A system and method for performing structural health monitoring on a structural element while it remains in service and experiences normal loading. The energy input to the element will be the normal and random energy inputs the element sees in service. The inventive system places an intelligent module at one or more points along the length of the structural element. The inventive system collects mass data from multiple modules on multiple elements. The system then applies machine learning or artificial intelligence techniques to detect changes in the measurements received from one or more modules. This approach reduces or eliminates the need to provide calibrated input energy. The invention preferably provides the ability to determine the condition of one element or sub-element under measurement relative to other elements.

Abstract: Interference on DSL (Digital Subscriber Lines) systems can be identified by collecting modem data and determining, for a plurality of time intervals, whether the line is carrying traffic and/or whether there are errors on the line. The presence of interference can be inferred from the correlation of the traffic data and the error data.

Abstract: An integrated intelligent cable module for use in a tensile fiber strength member. The module preferably includes an integral instrument package. The instrument package may assume many forms and may serve many purposes. The module preferably includes load-monitoring, recording features, and display features. These features act as a “black box” for the tensile fiber strength member, monitoring its performance and reporting (in real-time or at a later time) any exceedances or any deterioration in performance or structural integrity. These features allow an operator to easily monitor the condition of a tensile fiber strength member—preferably while the tensile fiber strength member remains in service.

Abstract: A cable including an integrated intelligent cable module. The module preferably includes an integral instrument package. The instrument package may assume many forms and may serve many purposes. In a preferred embodiment, the module includes a position-determining system and an on-board processor. The processor determines a current location in space for the module based on the information it is receiving. This positional information may then be transmitted to an external receiver. The module also preferably includes load-monitoring and recording features. These features act as a “black box” for the cable, monitoring its performance and reporting (in real-time or at a later time) any exceedances or any deterioration in performance or structural integrity.

Abstract: Interference on DSL (Digital Subscriber Lines) systems can be identified by collecting modem data and determining, for a plurality of time intervals, whether the line is carrying traffic and/or whether there are errors on the line. The presence of interference can be inferred from the correlation of the traffic data and the error data.

Abstract: A load-bearing apparatus (100) comprises a winch apparatus (110), and a load-bearing spoolable medium (120) for connecting to a load, the load-bearing spoolable medium comprising a plurality of load-bearing elements (121-123); wherein at least a portion of the load-bearing spoolable medium is spooled about the winch apparatus. The provision of multiple load-bearing elements may help reduce the diameter appropriate for the winch apparatus, while maintaining the necessary load bearing capacity for supporting, paying in and/or paying out the load. The load-bearing apparatus may comprise a tension control apparatus (151-153) for controlling, applying and/or adjusting the tension of the load-bearing spoolable medium.

Abstract: A non-contact evaluation system for evaluating a rope. The system including a transducer and a processor. The transducer is spaced apart from the rope. The transducer configured to output an ultrasonic wave in a transverse direction towards a longitudinal location of the rope, such that at least a portion of the ultrasonic wave passes around a perimeter of the rope, receive the portion of the ultrasonic wave, convert the portion of the ultrasonic wave to a signal, and output the signal. The processor configured to receive the signal, and evaluate the rope based on the signal.

Abstract: A non-contact evaluation system for evaluating a rope. The system including a transducer and a processor. The transducer is spaced apart from the rope. The transducer configured to output an ultrasonic wave in a transverse direction towards a longitudinal location of the rope, such that at least a portion of the ultrasonic wave passes around a perimeter of the rope, receive the portion of the ultrasonic wave, convert the portion of the ultrasonic wave to a signal, and output the signal. The processor configured to receive the signal, and evaluate the rope based on the signal.

Abstract: A non-contact evaluation system for evaluating a synthetic rope. The system includes a first transducer, a second transducer, and a processor. The first transducer is located at a first position and configured to convert a first electrical signal into a wave directed toward the synthetic rope under test. The wave has characteristics such that at least of a portion of the wave passes around a perimeter of the synthetic rope. The second transducer is located at a second position opposite the first position and radially aligned with the first transducer. The second transducer is also configured to receive and convert the portion of the wave into a second electrical signal. The processor is configured to determine a structural health measure of the synthetic rope based on the second electrical signal.

Abstract: A load-bearing apparatus (100) comprises a winch apparatus (110), and a load-bearing spoolable medium (120) for connecting to a load, the load-bearing spoolable medium comprising a plurality of load-bearing elements (121-123); wherein at least a portion of the load-bearing spoolable medium is spooled about the winch apparatus. The provision of multiple load-bearing elements may help reduce the diameter appropriate for the winch apparatus, while maintaining the necessary load bearing capacity for supporting, paying in and/or paying out the load. The load-bearing apparatus may comprise a tension control apparatus (151-153) for controlling, applying and/or adjusting the tension of the load-bearing spoolable medium.

Abstract: A non-contact evaluation system for evaluating a synthetic rope. The system includes a first transducer, a second transducer, and a processor. The first transducer is located at a first position and configured to convert a first electrical signal into a wave directed toward the synthetic rope under test. The wave has characteristics such that at least of a portion of the wave passes around a perimeter of the synthetic rope. The second transducer is located at a second position opposite the first position and radially aligned with the first transducer. The second transducer is also configured to receive and convert the portion of the wave into a second electrical signal. The processor is configured to determine a structural health measure of the synthetic rope based on the second electrical signal.

Abstract: A non-contact signal propagation property evaluation system for ropes can be deployed for a number of different applications including, but not limited to, moving lines, e.g., crane or winch and static lines, e.g., mooring lines, stays, etc., to evaluate physical properties of the ropes and, in some cases, to help evaluate structural health of the ropes. The system includes a first transducer for generating ultrasonic waves, a second transducer for receiving ultrasonic waves propagated transversely through and around the rope, and a processor executing computer readable code to determine acoustic propagation properties of the rope.

Abstract: A non-contact signal propagation property evaluation system for ropes can be deployed for a number of different applications including, but not limited to, moving lines, e.g., crane or winch and static lines, e.g., mooring lines, stays, etc., to evaluate physical properties of the ropes and, in some cases, to help evaluate structural health of the ropes. The system includes a first transducer for generating ultrasonic waves, a second transducer for receiving ultrasonic waves propagated transversely through and around the rope, and a processor executing computer readable code to determine acoustic propagation properties of the rope.

Abstract: A device for opening a locked door or drawer, which device comprises; a) means for facilitating the insertion of a key into a lock; and b) means for rotating said key when inserted.

Abstract: A device for opcning a locked door or drawer, which device comprises; a) means for facilitating the insertion of a key into a lock; and b) means for rotating said key when inserted.