Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing faults in well servicing operations and determining appropriate remedial action to remedy such faults.

Abstract: RFID circuitry is used in an endoscopic light source unit to track cumulative light bulb use information. An inductively powered RFID tag is affixed to the light bulb assembly, and communicates wirelessly with an RF transceiver within the light source unit via a low-frequency modulation wave. The RFID tag includes memory which stores a value representing cumulative duration of use of the light bulb. The transceiver reads the value from the RFID tag and communicates the value to control circuitry in the light source unit, which tracks use of the light bulb within the light source unit. Based on such tracking, the transceiver periodically updates the value in the RFID tag via the wireless link. Cumulative bulb usage hours is displayed on the light source unit. The RFID tag also may store a custom password and/or other information.

Abstract: A system and method for providing energy-efficient support of continuous aggregate queries in a sensor network by efficiently orchestrating the collection and transmission of data gathered by a collective set of sensors to ensure conformance to a specified QoI bound. To ensure this, the sink communicates a potentially different value of precision range or interval to each individual sensor, the sensor is adapted to only report its samples back to the sink if the sample values fall outside this specified range. An additional way to specify temporally varying precision ranges to an individual sensor or groups of sensors is provided without having to explicitly communicate the precision bounds for these different time instants. Using temporally varying precision ranges permits the exploitation of temporal correlation among the sample values recorded by an individual sensor to further reduce the need for reports from the sensors.

Abstract: An improved method, apparatus, and computer instructions for generating trace data. In response to detecting a trace event, a determination is made as to whether identifiers for the trace event match recorded identifiers for a record in a set of previously recorded trace events. Location information for the record is placed in the trace data if a match between identifiers for the trace event and recorded identifiers for the record in the set of previously recorded trace events.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a vertical shaft impact crusher comprises a plurality of sensors which continuously monitor the current status of a plurality of crusher component parts, a computer in communication with the sensors, and a graphical user interface in communication with the computer and on which is displayed a plurality of virtual instruments. The computer interprets the signals received from the sensors and renders a perceptible indication of a plurality of crusher conditions on the plurality of virtual instruments, each of which conditions are associated with or derived from one or more of the signals received from the sensors. In a preferred embodiment, a recorded history of the status of each of the conditions may be viewed on a historical data viewer for a selected time period.

Abstract: An information storage device which can record highly reliable information is provided. The moving object information storage device 3 is an information storage device equipped in a moving object 1, and includes: a moving object information storage unit 32 storing moving object information based on information detected by sensors which detect information related to the moving object 1; a tamper preventing unit 20 obtaining specifying information which can specify the moving object 1, and generating integrity information to be used for verifying if at least either the specifying information or the moving object information is tampered or not based on the obtained specifying information and the moving object information stored in the moving object information storage unit 32; and an integrity information storage unit 33 storing the integrity information generated by the tamper preventing unit 20.

Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for an industrial drive in which at least one machine or part of machine can be started from a location separate from the machine or part of machine. The arrangement includes an alarm device that can be activated before the part of machine is started. The arrangement includes two sources and two devices for controlling a sound source that can be activated before starting the machine so that the alarm sounds from both sound sources are intermittent and jointly include a substantially solid continuous sound.

Abstract: A wireless dynamic operating condition system is described that includes one or more wireless monitors located at a monitoring point in an instrumented machine system. The wireless monitors may be configured as a modular base with modular power supplies that can be attached to the base. The base may include integrated sensors or additional sensors may be tethered to the base. The resulting modular system allows for points to be monitored on the machine system for dynamic operating conditions that are difficult to access or are less critical than wired monitoring points. Calculations may be carried out based upon the sensed data either within the monitoring modules themselves or within specific modules that are so equipped.

Abstract: A wireless equipment management system that is configured to track sensors for work measurement for predetermined events. The sensors are configured to measure event durations of a specific piece of equipment as defined by a user and sent to a Network Management Center. This enables the user to measure work times by configuring work events as sensor input events. The event durations can be displayed and reports can be produced at the Network Management Center.

Abstract: A method for transmitting signals from a position measuring arrangement to an evaluation unit, the method including transmitting position signals, reference pulses, and warning signals indicating a malfunction state from a position measuring arrangement for determining the position of two elements of a machine which are movable relative to each other, to an evaluation unit. The method further includes logically interconnecting the reference pulses with the position signals in such a way that, in a malfunction-free state, a valid status combination for outputting the reference pulses and an invalid status combination for outputting the reference pulses appear in each period. The method including transmitting warning signals indicating a malfunction state during the invalid status combination of the position signals and the reference pulses which, in the malfunction-free state, is invalid for outputting the reference pulses.

Abstract: A computer system comprising a computer chassis supporting at least one electronic component, the computer chassis having a volume and at least one interactive surface; an indicator panel supported by the computer chassis and coupled to the electronic component, the indicator panel having a display and an outer edge; wherein the indicator panel comprises a first position wherein the indicator panel is received within an aperture in the interactive surface, the indicator panel and the display are disposed within the chassis volume, and the outer edge is exposed and indicates a condition of the electronic component.

Abstract: An automated lost load response system for work machines is disclosed. The response system has a container supported by the machine to retain material. It also has a sensor situated to detect material lost from the container. The sensor generates a signal corresponding to detection of material lost. Additionally, the response system has a controller that is in communication with the sensor. The controller is configured to provide a load loss warning based on the signal generated by the sensor.

Abstract: To provide a machine component with an IC tag affixed thereto, in which with the IC tag having an increased storage capacity, the IC tag can be mounted with no difficulty and, also, reading or writing of information from or in the IC tag, respectively, can be facilitated. A plurality of IC tags 2 are attached to a machine component, which forms a part of a rolling bearing assembly 1, or to a machine component and an accessory with division made therebetween. Those plural IC tags 2 have different information stored therein. Where the machine component is a retainer incorporated rolling bearing assembly 1, those plural IC tags are attached to a roller retainer 5 at respective locations symmetrical with each other about the axis O of rotation thereof.

Abstract: A self-configuring data acquisition system and method for conducting diagnostic testing of process equipment devices. The data acquisition system includes a data acquisition processing unit for controlling diagnostic testing of an equipment device, the equipment device including a digital information unit that stores information uniquely identifying the equipment device. A signal conditioning unit is coupled to the data acquisition unit by a first data transmission means, the signal conditioning unit including a digital information unit that stores information uniquely identifying the signal conditioning unit. A sensor is coupled with the equipment device under test, wherein the sensor is further coupled to the signal conditioning unit by a second data transmission means, and wherein the sensor includes a digital information unit that stores information uniquely identifying the sensor. Each digital information unit transmits its stored identifying information to the data acquisition processing unit.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and an apparatus for detecting dependability vulnerabilities in production IT environments. In one embodiment, a method for detecting a dependability vulnerability in a production IT environment includes injecting a synthetic disturbance into the production IT environment and observing the response of the production IT environment to the synthetic disturbance.

Abstract: A computer-based method for voice alarming in measuring a workpiece is provided. The method includes the steps of: configuring message commands; configuring triggering events that execute the message commands; measuring the workpiece; detecting whether any predetermined event is triggered when the workpiece is being measured; and executing the message commands by invoking speech synthesizers if the corresponding triggering event is detected. A related system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system detects and diagnoses faults in heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Internal state variables of the HVAC equipment are measured under external driving conditions. Expected internal state variables are predicted for the HVAC equipment operating under the external driving conditions using a locally weighted regression model. Features are determined of the HVAC based on differences between the measured and predicted state variables. The features are classified to determine a condition of the HVAC equipment.

Abstract: A chatter boundary system includes a measuring module, a comparison module, and a boundary module. The measuring module measures and collects samples of undulations in a manufactured part. The comparison module classifies a sound signal generated by the undulations as either noisy or quiet. The boundary module determines a continuous boundary between the noisy and quiet undulations based on the samples and the sound signal.

Abstract: A device can be made operable to distinguish between materials impinging on a predefined area based at least in part on differentials within sets of data indicative of measurable characteristics of the materials impinging on the defined area. Such a device can trigger a protection mechanism based at least in part on identification of such differentials.

Abstract: A heat-dissipating system configured to dissipate heat from an electrical device, includes a heat sink having a plate on which dust is likely to accumulate if dust is present, a light-emitting element arranged on the plate of the heat sink, and an alarm. The alarm device is arranged on the plate of the heat sink and configured to receive light from the light-emitting element. If dust accumulates on the plate thick enough to block light so that the alarm device cannot receive light from the light-emitting element, the alarm device will activate.

Abstract: The invention provides means to control flag movement. Sound activated unit responds to sound impulse to activate electric current flows to a switch-electromagnet. Switch-electromagnet effects directly on “Sound-flag synchronized action controller electrical switch” to turn an activated electric circuit “ON”. Activated electric current flows to “wind control bar electromagnets” to control velocity of blower wind current in flagpole interior to make flag actions such as waving, jumping and dancing.

Abstract: A fluidic cooling assembly for removing heat from electrical equipment includes operational diversity features in which multiple fluid moving devices are mounted in a single housing. The assembly may include a first fluid baffle and a second fluid baffle disposed within the housing so as to define a first and a second control compartment. A first fan and a second fan may be disposed within the first control compartment and the second control compartment, respectively. A first sensor and a second sensor may be configured to sense changes in operation of the first fluid moving device and the second fluid moving device, respectively; and a controller unit configured for receiving signals generated by the first sensor and the second sensor go as to the transmit control signals to the first fan and the second fan.

Abstract: Embodiments of an ink tank are provided, which comprise an ink tank housing, at least one air vent disposed on the housing, and at least one RFID tag disposed on the housing, wherein the at lest one RFID tag is operable to communicate with an RFID reader. The ink tank further comprises a sealing component operable to close the air vent. The sealing component has conductivity operable to interfere with the communication of the RFID tag and the RFID reader such that the RFID tag is incapable of communicating with the RFID reader when the vent is closed.

Abstract: A fan detecting apparatus for detecting at least two fans includes a processing unit, at least two airflow switches, and at least two indicating units. The processing unit includes a first terminal configured to output a driving signal, a second terminal configured to receive the driving signal, and a third terminal, the processing unit alarming when the second terminal does not receive the driving signal from the first terminal. The at least two airflow switches are serially coupled between the first and second terminals, monitor airflow from at least two fans in a computer room, and turn on or off according to strength of airflow from the at least two fans. The indicating units are respectively coupled between corresponding airflow switches and the third terminal of the processing unit, and indicate status of corresponding fans according to on or off status of the airflow switches.

Abstract: A device is described, for monitoring a household electric user (COT, LB, AU), in particular a household appliance, presenting an electric load, where said monitoring device (AI) is connected between a source of electric energy (PDC) and said electric load, said monitoring device (AI) comprising measuring means (A) for detecting the quantity of electric power or current absorbed by said user (COT, AL, AU), characterized in that said monitoring device (AI) comprises control means (SC), which are programmed for: comparing the absorption of electric power ou current measured through said measuring means (A) with reference values of electric power or current, which are stored within said control means; generating, in function of said comparison, information which being representative of the present status or phase of operation of said electric user (COT, LB, AU); allowing said information to be read from outside said device (AI).

Abstract: A low power vibration sensor and wireless transmitter system has one or more sensors that sense parameters of a machine including vibration and produces dynamic signals representing the sensed parameters. The system converts the signals to a digital format, digitally filters the signals, and processes the signals. A processor determines a plurality of levels, which represent the characteristics of the signal such as the peak value of a predetermined set of data points of the digital signal. Together, the levels comprise a PeakVue waveform. The processor determines the peak level value for the PeakVue waveform. Also, a true root-mean-square is calculated as the signal is received at the processor. The peak level and the RMS value are communicated wirelessly by a communication module to a control protocol network such as a daisy chain HART or Fieldbus protocol network. The system power supply and the communication module power supply are separate and allow for low power operation.

Abstract: A device, and method, detects the presence of developing faults in rolling element bearings. Detection is accomplished by measuring the vibration of the apparatus in which the bearing is operating (motor, generator, engine, etc.) and searching for signatures unique to bearing faults. These signatures are predicted by a fault signature model and recognized by a detector, both of which are part of this invention.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement for assembly on or in a tool, in particular, in an injection moulding tool, comprising two or more sensors for the simultaneous measurement of measured parameters, each sensor generating a measurement signal in the operating state, at least two measurement signals being of different types from each other. The measuring arrangement comprises a signal converter with an output interface, all measured signals being converted into the same type of output signal in the signal converter. Said output signals can be transmitted through the output interface by means of a detachable signal line to an analytical unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of an embodiment of the invention includes a first storage unit to store, based on stored information stored in wireless tags attached to a plurality of consumable items, an application to manage the stock number of the plurality of consumable items, a second storage unit to store replacement information to indicate replacement from a first consumable item installed in the image forming apparatus to a second consumable item included in the plurality of consumable items, a notification unit to notify the replacement information stored in the second storage unit, and a read unit to read, based on the replacement from the first consumable item to the second consumable item, the first stored information stored in a first wireless tag attached to the second consumable item.

Abstract: A generator monitoring system and method includes a plurality of sensors (12) disposed within a generator enclosure (18) to sense health conditions of a generator (10) housed within the enclosure. The sensors are interconnected to provide a single communication path (14) for allowing communication with the plurality of sensors. A monitoring device (16) outside the generator enclosure receives health condition information from each of the plurality of sensors via the single communication path. A sensor may be disposed within the generator enclosure to detect particulates emitted from a monitored portion (e.g., 52) of the generator housed within the enclosure. A sensor may be disposed proximate a bus bar connection (130) of the generator to sense a health condition of the bus bar connection and generate corresponding health condition information provided to the monitoring device.

Abstract: A warning system for displaying a warning that a device unit is in use includes a sign unit configured to display warning information. A device unit includes a communication module configured to provide a wireless communication between the device unit and the sign unit such that when the device unit is activated, the communication module automatically transmits a wireless warning signal to the sign unit instructing the sign unit to display the warning information.

Abstract: A portable route-based machine data collector stores audio files to supplement associated machine performance data, such as vibration data. The audio files, which may include voice comments, audio segments of raw vibration data, or frequency-shifted components of the vibration data, are stored in the data collector as standard-format digital audio files and are later downloaded to a computer for further analysis. Test personnel can then replay the audio files for data analysis personnel to get second opinions regarding whether machine faults may be indicated by the recorded sounds. Also, audio files associated with normal and abnormal machine operation may be saved on the portable data collector and used as baselines or for training purposes. Verbal operating instructions may also be stored as audio files on the portable data collector for replay by test operators in the field.

Abstract: Acoustic emissions are detected by reflecting microwave radar signals off of an object, receiving reflected radar signals, generating an intermediate frequency, and filtering the intermediate frequency to remove low frequency signals associated with object movement and not acoustic emissions. A microwave Doppler radar detector provides the signals, a band-pass filter filters the intermediate frequency signal, and resulting signal is collected and analyzed to establish a relationship between the acoustic emission and the filtered signal. One application described is detecting tool wear using a microwave Doppler-based acoustic emission sensor and predicting tool wear based on the detected acoustic emission.

Abstract: A method of providing information from a plurality of fleet machines located at a plurality of locations for purposes of permitting a manager of fleet equipment to make management decisions pertaining to a fleet comprised of such equipment, monitoring functional operational data from individual machines in a fleet of machines, conveying the monitored data to a remote server, converting the monitored data into a first group pertaining to current existing operational data, and into a second group comprised of past historical data, and transmitting by wireless means to a person having responsibility for the fleet information at least one of the groups of data.

Abstract: The wireless sensor adds identification information peculiar to respective sensor modules to detection data of vibration, temperature, and soon, detected by the sensor modules respectively. The wireless sensor transmits the detection data with the identification information as a signal through a communication unit by radio waves. On the other hand, the management apparatus receiving the signal classifies and files the detection data on the basis of the identification information included in the signal. Then, the monitoring system is designed to make the management apparatus manage a plurality of wireless sensors attached to movable shafts of processing machines or the like.

Abstract: The invention includes apparatus and methods using a means for wirelessly communicating, preferably a radio location-tag unit, for reporting a sensed state of a container handler. The status reporting device may include: a micro-controller module, a means for wirelessly communicating, which may include means for wirelessly determining container handler location, and a means for sensing the state of the container handler.

Abstract: Each of molding machines has a conductive line whose electrification state changes as a result of anomalous stoppage. An anomaly monitoring system includes detection sections provided in the conductive lines so as to detect the electrification states thereof; a data processing section having input ports to which the detection sections are connected, wherein, when a detection signal indicating the electrification state of a conductive line is provided from a detection section to an input port, the data processing section outputs data regarding a mail address and a message prepared in accordance with the input port having received the detection signal and the electrification state; and a mail transmission section which receives the data output from the data processing section and sends an electronic mail containing the message to a communication terminal corresponding to the mail address.

Abstract: The invention includes apparatus and methods using a means for wirelessly communicating, preferably a radio location-tag unit, for reporting a sensed state of a container handler. The status reporting device may include: a micro-controller module, a means for wirelessly communicating, which may include means for wirelessly determining container handler location, and a means for sensing the state of the container handler.

Abstract: A wireless network-based portable wireless flashing light system is based on a wireless network-based portable wireless flashing light. The wireless network-based portable wireless flashing light includes a wireless communication module, a display unit, an emergency alarm unit, and a control unit. The wireless communication module transmits and receives a wireless signal to and from an outside. The display unit displays predetermined information. The emergency alarm unit provides notification of an emergency. The control unit extracts status information about manufacturing machines from the signal received from the wireless communication module, displays information about a manufacturing machine in which an abnormality occurs on the display unit based on the status information, and operates the emergency alarm unit.

Abstract: A treatment instrument output data analysis section includes a probe ID extraction section, an output waveform extraction section, a data analysis section and an analysis result output section. The analysis result output section of the treatment instrument output data analysis section can display on a centralized display panel a synthetic image made by synthesizing a frame image stored in an image storage section of an endoscopic camera apparatus and an analysis result analyzed by the data analysis section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a slot availability indication system including a RAID, at least one disk tray defining a first slot, second slot, and third slot, the first, second, and third slots being configured to contain a drive and being associated with the RAID, a RAID light indicator, a first, second, and third disk activity light indicator, and a first, second, and third disk availability light indicator disposed on the trays, the RAID being configured to flash the RAID light indicator and the first, second, and third activity light indicators when at least one of the first, second, and third slots in at least one of the trays is empty, the RAID being associated with and configured to flash the first availability light when the first slot is empty, the second availability light when the second slot is empty, and the third availability light when the third slot is empty.

Abstract: An injector, when dispensing its dosage, determines its location, and sends a message to a central facility, such as a rescue center or product management system, giving its unique identification number and its location. The injector is a syringe or an auto-injector. The central facility uses the unique identification number to determine the contents of the injector and thus what sort of threat may have occurred so that suitable rescue personnel may be dispatched. The unique identification number may also be associated with a likely user of the device, and the user's organization may be notified that a problem has occurred and help is on its way.

Abstract: A detection apparatus and a method for detecting the rotation speed of a fan are disclosed. The detection apparatus comprises a photoelectric sensing unit, a processing unit, and a prompt unit. The photoelectric sensing unit senses the strength of a light beam reflected in response to the rotation of the fan to generate a frequency signal. The processing unit converts the frequency signal into a rotation speed signal, and determines whether the rotation speed falls within a certain range. If yes, the processing unit generates a first prompt signal, from which the prompt unit can show a message of normal operation. If no, the processing unit generates a second prompt signal, from which the prompt unit can show a message of abnormal operation.

Abstract: A household appliance is provided in the configuration of a dishwasher having a door, a control unit for controlling the household appliance, and an operation display device for displaying at least one operation state of the household appliance. The operation display device is provided with a large surface and displays the following operation states: operation, end of program and stop , respectively, on the entire surface thereof.

Abstract: A generator monitoring system and method includes a plurality of sensors (12) disposed within a generator enclosure (18) to sense health conditions of a generator (10) housed within the enclosure. The sensors are interconnected to provide a single communication path (14) for allowing communication with the plurality of sensors. A monitoring device (16) outside the generator enclosure receives health condition information from each of the plurality of sensors via the single communication path. A sensor may be disposed within the generator enclosure to detect particulates emitted from a monitored portion (e.g., 52) of the generator housed within the enclosure. A sensor may be disposed proximate a bus bar connection (130) of the generator to sense a health condition of the bus bar connection and generate corresponding health condition information provided to the monitoring device.

Abstract: A multi-optical-path photoelectric safety apparatus or a light curtain is placed in front of a pressing machine or a folding machine. Optical paths are set as a floating blanking area B (some paths out of a large number of optical paths) in the light curtain. The operation of the pressing machine or folding machine is forcibly stopped when two contiguous optical paths are blocked in the floating blanking area B. On the other hand, the normal protection function serves in areas A and C between which area B is sandwiched. In these areas A and C, if any one optical path enters a light blocked state, the operation of the pressing machine or folding machine is immediately stopped.

Abstract: A detector for a test system having multiple indicators uses position sensitive light detection by multiple light detecting elements to produce a measured signal vector. The measured signal vector, which may include fewer components than there are indicators, has a magnitude and a direction that can identify how many and/or which set of the indicators are active. Analysis of the measured vector signal can use vector composition/decomposition techniques.

Abstract: Disclosed is a monitoring system implementing a network. The system includes at least one source of dynamic data, the at least one source configured to be in signal communication with a machine, a monitoring module configured for communication with the at least one source, configured for receiving the dynamic data, and configured for converting the dynamic data to output data for transmittal over the network, a controller configured for communication with the monitoring module and the network, and configured for receiving the output data, a computing resource configured for communication with the network, and configured for receiving the output data, and a rule implementer in the monitoring module, the rule implementer configured to implement at least one system rule.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a sensor configured to store in memory indications of sensor use information and formulas or indications of formula for determining the useful life of a sensor from the indications of sensor use information. A monitor connected to the sensor monitors sensor use and stores indications of the use on sensor memory. The monitor and/or sensor use the compute the useful life of the sensor from the indications of use and the formulas. When the useful life of the sensor is reached, an indication is given to replace the sensor.

Abstract: A diagnostic context can be associated with a request and the diagnostic context can be used for determining whether to do diagnosis functions at predetermined points.