Abstract: A system and method for controlling power usage of a reporting device associated with an asset is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method determines whether the reporting device is in a sleep mode or an active mode and in response to determining the reporting device is in the sleep mode, the method maintains the sleep mode and in response to determining a state change associated with the reporting device, the method powers up the reporting device to the active mode.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the temperature of dies during the processing of thermoplastics. A non-contact infrared remote sensor is configured to remotely monitor each die of a cuber extruder. The face of the cuber dies is divided into four quadrants. A sensor is aimed at the center of mass of each quadrant. The selected sensors are equipped with lenses that have an active sensing area that includes the entire surface of the quadrant, but none of the area of the adjacent quadrants. The signal from each sensor is sent to a temperature controller co-processor directly linked to an industrial control computer. The co-processor executes a modified proportional integral derivative algorithm with the response limits tuned to respond specifically to the thermal inertial factors represented by the cuber die ring and the material being cubed. In addition to the remote sensors, additional infrared or ultrasound sensors are used to insure that the air space between the sensors and the dies is unobstructed.

Abstract: An industrial field device comprises an alarm generator component that creates an alarm relating to the industrial field device and a buffering component that selectively caches the alarm within a data repository. The field device can be an industrial controller or a network infrastructure device. The alarm created by the alarm generator component can be customized according to user information, including user preferences.

Abstract: Systems and methods that can enhance protection of alarms and events within an industrial control environment are provided. An alarm security component employs cryptographic mechanisms and techniques to encrypt alarms and/or events related to field devices of an industrial controller system. The specification also discloses two-way mutual authentication using cryptography, thereby ensuring that an alarm is a valid alarm and that the clients using the alarms are authorized alarm clients. Effectively, the innovation can regulate access to alarms and events by unauthorized external entities (e.g., monitors and/or users) by employing cryptographic mechanisms.

Abstract: A dynamic condition monitoring system is disclosed, such as for monitoring vibrations in complex machine systems. The system includes monitors on which server software is provided. The server software may access pre-defined graphical user interface pages that can be populated and served directly from the monitors. The data may be accessed via conventional networks for viewing and analyzing monitored data, as well as for configuration of the individual dynamic condition monitors.

Abstract: A field device in an industrial environment comprises a clock that is synchronized with a clock of at least one other field device. A timestamp generator component creates a timestamp for at least one of an alarm and an event created within the field device, the timestamp accords to the synchronized time. An alarm generator component analyzes data produced and/or consumed by the field device and generates an alarm and/or event based at least in part upon the analysis.

Abstract: An alarm provision system comprises a recognizer component that receives an alarm/event and recognizes the alarm/event. A provision component analyzes hierarchical relationships associated with an industrial environment and automatically provides a subscribing entity with the alarm/event and at least one other alarm/event that is related to the received alarm/event, the provision of the at least one other alarm/event is based at least in part upon the analysis of the hierarchical relationships.

Abstract: A method for controlling operations of a measuring machine is provided. The method includes the steps of: clearing faults when there are the faults occur in a measuring machine; sending a restart instruction via a control card to the measuring machine for controlling the movable arm to return to an initial position in relation to an X-axis, a Y-axis and a Z-axis directions; sending a move instruction comprising information of a final position to the control card; executing the move instruction; calculating a current position of the movable arm according to a count tracked by a raster ruler; determining whether the movable arm locates at the final position of the measuring machine according to the count; and controlling the movable arm to move along the measuring machine by executing a next move instruction, if the movable arm locates at the final position. A related system is also disclosed.

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: A method for selective, event-based communication of machine data includes receiving, in an on-board controller, operation data associated with a component of a machine and comparing the operation data with predetermined threshold data associated with the component. An event alert is generated if the operation data is inconsistent with the predetermined threshold data. The method also includes collecting, in an operational monitoring system associated with the machine, the operation data associated with the component of the machine in response to the event alert. A diagnostic analysis of the operation data associated with the component is performed, the results of which may be to a user of the operational monitoring system.

Abstract: An improved structure of meter, comprising a casing, a circuit board provided in the casing and having a connecting unit for connecting to an external machine, a central processor provided on the circuit board for transmitting the signals among individual unit and machine, a display unit for displaying the condition of the external machine, a correcting memory unit for detecting and memorizing the signals from various machines, a driving control unit for saving the variations in signals from various machines, a monitoring unit for presetting an alarm value and producing an alarm signal, a wireless transmitting unit for receiving the signals transmitted from the wireless controller, and an illuminating unit connected to the central processor for corresponding to both ends of the meter ring and the display unit. With the above arrangement, the meter of the present invention can be adapted to various kinds of machines and instruments.

Abstract: A system that monitors at least a household electric user, in particular a household appliance, includes a monitoring device that is connected between a source of electric energy and the electric user, the monitoring device including a metering means for detecting one or more electric quantities being associated with the operation of said user, and further including a control means that is programmed for (i) comparing the electric quantity or quantities being measured through the metering means with reference values of said electric quantity or quantities which are stored within the control means; (ii) generating, in function of the comparison, information being representative of the current operating status or phase of operation of the electric user; and (iii) allowing for the reading or transmission of the information to the outside of said device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method, system and storage medium for managing automated system events. The method includes identifying events that are a defined system event and associating the events identified with one of (a) events that cause an automated system to transition from an automatic cycle mode, the events having a fault type associated therewith; and (b) events that do not cause the automated system to transition from the automatic cycle mode. The method also includes generating a listing of the events identified with regard to the associating the events.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a structure includes providing a structure having a component subject to failure. A sensor, a memory and an energy harvesting device are mounted on the structure. The sensor is used and data derived from the sensor logged in the memory, wherein the memory is powered solely with energy derived from the energy harvesting device. The component is replaced if information in the memory shows that the component was subject to damaging usage.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for utilizing a work machine having a radio frequency device. The system includes a radio frequency reader that transmits a radio frequency signal over a first communication channel to the radio frequency device when the work machine travels within range of the radio frequency reader. The radio frequency device generates a trigger signal in response to the radio frequency signal, and an interface control system receives the trigger signal from the radio frequency device and performs a predetermined programmed function associated with the work machine based on information included in the trigger signal.

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 wear determination device for determining vibration in a turbine engine component to reduce wear in a turbine engine. The wear determination device may be capable of measuring vibrations in a turbine engine component. The vibration measurement may be used to determine vibrations in a turbine engine to identify wear locations and sources of wear. The wear determination device may be configured such that multiple locations in a turbine engine may be monitored on a single turbine engine by moving the wear determination device from location to location.

Abstract: Condition monitoring of an electrical machine is achieved by using electro-magnetic finite element analysis to analyse the machine based on model parameters corresponding with at least one fault condition. This allows the effect of the fault condition to be predicted. Metrology is used to recover live measurements for comparison with the predictions from the electro-magnetic finite element analysis to identify any fault signatures within the live measurements, in principle allowing those faults to be detected or diagnosed before they become catastrophic.

Abstract: A method and system of automatically curve fit data series to generate data signal characterization and prediction is disclosed. The method includes receiving input data including a plurality of data series and set of input parameters. The method also includes preprocessing the data series to generate preprocessed data according to a plurality of input parameters. The method further includes performing sorting and prioritization of the data series and curve fitting by a plurality of models and search and optimization algorithms on the smoothed or raw data series according to a plurality of input parameters to generate text and graphic output, and storing text and graphic output. The system includes modules for carrying out steps of the method.

Abstract: A sanding machine includes a number of machine elements, a number of sensors attached to the machine elements respectively, a malfunction indicating device having a graph disposed on a front panel for showing the machine elements, and a number of indicating members disposed on the front panel and coupled to the sensors for detecting malfunctions of the machine elements and for detecting whether the machine elements may not be operated or have become failed or have been damaged or not, and for allowing the malfunction areas to be easily and quickly found and repaired by the workers or the users.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in setting up workpiece treatment or processing equipment. A disclosed system processes silicon wafers that are treated during processing steps in producing semiconductor integrated circuits. The processing equipment includes a wafer support that supports a wafer in a treatment region during wafer processing. A housing provides a controlled environment within the housing interior for processing the wafer on the wafer support. A mechanical transfer system transports wafers to and from the support. A wafer simulator is used to simulate wafer movement and includes a pressure sensor for monitoring contact between the simulator and the wafer transfer and support equipment. In one illustrated embodiment the wafer simulator is generally circular and includes three equally spaced pressure sensors for monitoring contact with wafer transport and support equipment.

Abstract: When the condition information of a printing apparatus contains a plurality of error/warning information, the printing apparatus determines the priority orders of the error/warning information and whether the plurality of error/warning information are to be notified, based on the print setting information of input print data. Based on the determination result, the printing apparatus generates status information which contains the plurality of error/warning information, their priority order and notification necessary/unnecessary information representing whether the plurality of error/warning information are to be notified. The printing apparatus displays display information corresponding to the error/warning information on the display unit, based on the plurality of error/warning information, their priority orders and the notification necessary/unnecessary information in the generated status information.

Abstract: A system serializes control signals within a safety control architecture wherein a safety serial interface at least one of receives and transmits signals from one or more processing components. A serialization component receives and serializes at least one data packet from the safety serial interface to control at least one of an input and an output associated with the safety control architecture. A safety related test circuit verifies input signals associated with the serialization component are not internally falsifying the state of the input signals. A heartbeat watchdog component verifies a true heartbeat bit in the at least one data packet is opposite a complement heartbeat bit in the at least one data packet within a predetermined time interval and shuts off power to at least one of an output and an input if such a condition is not met.

Abstract: An alarm is associated with a device for dispensing volatile anesthetics. The alarm and device is designed such that an alarm is triggered whenever the operating voltage is interrupted and an assembly unit that determines the dispensing of at least one anesthetic is not in a prescribed state of operation.

Abstract: A data communication system for a component of a machine includes a control module configured to monitor at least one type of machine data associated with the machine component configured to be mounted on the machine. The data communication system also includes a processor device configured to receive and process the machine data from the control module, and a transceiver device configured to communicate with the processor device and at least one off-board system. The processor device, the transceiver device, and the control module are formed integral with the machine component such that the data communication system communicates the machine data to the at least one off-board system when the machine component is not mounted on the machine.

Abstract: A method for locating a machine includes collecting machine data from a first machine over a communications network. The machine data for the first machine includes data reflecting at least one operational parameter associated with the first machine. The method also includes determining that the first machine is missing based on the collected machine data and receiving, from the first machine, over the communications network, a location message including location data reflecting a geographic location of the first machine. The method further includes sending a notification message to a first entity including data reflecting a status of the first machine and the location data, and sending a command to the first machine to control at least one operation of the first machine based on determining that the first machine is missing.

Abstract: The treadmill is of the type which comprises: a chassis; an upper structure; a front roller and a rear roller that are horizontally journalled in said chassis, and an endless belt mounted around the front roller and rear roller and presenting an upper path and a lower path. The device comprises two optical sensor assemblies, each comprising an optical emitting means, disposed above or beneath the lower path of said endless belt, and an optical receiving means, disposed in the other of said positions, said optical sensor assemblies operating between a belt aligned condition, interrupting the luminous flux from said optical emitting means to said optical receiving means, and a belt misaligned condition, in which said belt allows the optical flux between one of said optical emitting means and a respective optical receiving means which is operatively associated with a visual and/or sonorous signalizing means to activate said signalizing means upon the misalignment of the belt.

Abstract: An assembly machine display has an image representative of a workpiece to be assembled using the machine. Multi-colored indicator lights mounted behind a display substrate are associated with areas on the workpiece image that require a process to be completed by a machine operator. The display substrate has translucent portions that allow the lights to be viewed by a machine operator from the front side of the display. The indicator lights change color to reflect the status of the corresponding area of the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for indicating field replaceable unit status and configuration. A visible alert may be mounted on a card, in proximity to a location for a field replaceable unit. The visible alert may indicate a failed replaceable unit or a location for installation of a new replaceable unit. Supplemental power may be available on the card whereby a visible alert may be operable when an appliance, which contains the field replaceable unit, is powered down or when the card has been removed from the appliance. Additionally, an appliance in accordance with the present invention may include cards with visible alerts associated with field replaceable units. The visible alerts may be visible to an administrator without opening the chassis of the appliance.

Abstract: A rotary machine includes at least one rotating member and at least one stationary member positioned such that a clearance gap is defined between a portion of the at least one rotating member and a portion of the at least one stationary member. The clearance gap has a measurable radial dimension and a measurable magnetic flux is generated in the clearance gap at least partially by relative movement between the stationary member and the rotating member. A method of monitoring a clearance gap measurement system for the rotary machine includes providing at least one clearance gap measurement assembly. The measurement assembly has at least one dimension measurement apparatus and at least one magnetic flux measurement apparatus. The method also includes positioning the at least one measurement assembly on the stationary member to facilitate measurements of the clearance gap during operation of the rotary machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for real time preventative maintenance of a molding system. The molding system could be a metal molding system or a plastics molding system. The method and apparatus are capable for scheduling service, business billing and invoicing, parts management, a remote control of a molding system for assessing the need for preventative maintenance. The indication for preventative maintenance is based upon a real time operational status of the molding system.

Abstract: A self-enclosed sensing unit may be coupled to an existing mechanism to determine functional characteristics, faults, and other conditions. The unit may contain a wireless communications capability enabling sensed information to be communicated to a remote location for analysis, storage, readout or other purposes, including the control of other devices. The sensed information may be transmitted wirelessly to a receiver interfaced to a vehicle network or other subsystem, thereby facilitating easy integration, including the integration of sensors that move during operation. The unit may be attached in different ways, including magnetism or by way of a threaded interconnect. For example, a bolt-on embodiment may be applied to oil, lubricant or pneumatic ports on vehicles without any mechanical alteration.

Abstract: A device for detecting disconnection for use in a stepping motor driver is provided having a driver circuit 3 which comprises a pair of windings 21, 22 wound in a bifilar turn arrangement; a pair of MOSFETs 1, 2 connected to the other end of each winding 21, 22; a common current detecting resistor 4 connected between MOSFETs 1, 2 and ground; a first reference voltage generator 34 for producing a first reference voltage Vt1; a second reference voltage generator 40 for producing a second reference voltage Vt2 lower than first reference voltage Vt1; a decision circuit 8, 8b for comparing the detection voltage on current detecting resistor 4 with second reference voltage Vt2 to produce an alarm signal when detection voltage is higher than second reference voltage Vt2; and a disconnection detector 11 for receiving an alarm signal from decision circuit 8, 8b after comparator 8 produces a chopper signal 17 to produce a disconnection signal upon occurrence of line-disconnection in winding 21 or 22.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the performance of a permanent magnet device, such as a motor or generator, and providing early detection of motor performance deterioration. The back electromotive force (EMF) of the motor is measured at selected conditions when the motor is in a normal healthy condition to obtain a reference signature response. A measured signature is then obtained periodically during the life of the motor at the same conditions as the reference signature to check the current back EMF characteristic of the motor. If the measured signature deviates from the reference signature by a predetermined threshold, it indicates that the motor performance has degraded to a condition requiring attention.

Abstract: A diaphragm diagnostic system for use in an industrial field device has a diaphragm and a diagnostic feature. The diaphragm is configured to couple the field device to a process fluid and has a plurality of layers. A first layer of the plurality of layers is exposed to process fluid of an industrial process. A diagnostic feature is coupled to the diaphragm to monitor an electrical parameter of the diaphragm and responsively infer an operative state of the diaphragm based on a change in the monitored electrical parameter.

Abstract: Provides methods, systems and apparatus for generating alerts for a system process that obtains raw channel data over time from one or more monitored channel of the system process. An example method includes processing the raw channel data to form time dependent signals based one or more user specified processing rules. The method produces alerts based on the deviation in behavior in one or more channels, where the deviation is quantified by a numeric level computed by comparing signals for varying time intervals with historically normal baseline signals. The method may include filtering the alerts to selectively form reportable alerts that are presented to the user based on user specified filtering rules.

Abstract: Methods and systems may provide theft protection in one or more work machines. Methods and systems may control one or more operational systems and may provide and manage varying levels of access to work machines. Methods and systems may react to override attempts in order to provide robust theft protection. One or more control modules embedded in a work machine may be leveraged to perform theft protection services. Methods and systems may activate a first control module to restrict access to a first operational system in a work machine and activate a second control module to restrict access to a second operational system in the work machine. The first control module may detect a substitution of a new control module for the second control module and automatically configure the new control module to restrict access to the second operational system in the work machine.

Abstract: Techniques for capturing samples of session activity in a database are provided. Session activity for active sessions is recorded at certain times over a time period. Accordingly, a sample of session activity is taken for sessions in a database.

Abstract: A method for characterizing, detecting and predicting an event of interest, a target event, based on temporal patterns useful for predicting a probable occurrence of the target event is disclosed. Measurable events and their features are defined and quantized into event classes. Temporal series of the event classes are analyzed, and preliminary prediction rules established by analyzing temporal patterns of the event classes that precede an occurrence of the target event using a sliding time window. The quality of the preliminary prediction rules is evaluated and parameters thereof are optimized by using a defined fitness function, thereby defining finalized prediction rules. The finalized prediction rules are then made available for application on temporal series of the event classes to forecast a probable occurrence of the target event.

Abstract: An audible signal device which includes a DC to DC converter is provided. A group of work machines is further provided, including at least two work machines having electrical systems with different operating voltages. First and second audible signal devices are coupled with the first and second electrical systems respectively, wherein the second audible signal device is interchangeable with the first audible signal device and at least one of the devices includes a DC to DC converter. A method of assembling a plurality of dissimilar machines, each including an interchangeable audible signal device is further provided.

Abstract: Methods and computer program products for managing a device connected to a network include querying the device using the network, querying the device using a simulated RFID tag, and querying the device using a suppressible RFID tag to determine status information about the device. A system for managing a device connected to a network comprises means for monitoring status of the device using the network, for receiving status information about the device reported by a simulated RFID tag, and for receiving status information about the device reported by a suppressible RFID tag.

Abstract: An emergency shutdown detection device for a gas turbine includes a longish, mechanically severable sensor element (5), in which at least one electric line (1 to 4) is provided, with at least one resistor (R1 to R3) being electrically connected to the electric line such that upon severance of the sensor element (5), the electrically connected resistor is electrically disconnected from the electrical line to alter a resistance value for the electrical line.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes a tag reader configured to interrogate RFID tags in repeated transmission pulses, and a monitor module configured to monitor a transmission pulse rate of the RFID. When a pulse rate falling within a selected frequency range is detected, the monitor module is configured to modify the pulse rate to produce a transmission pulse rate that falls outside of the selected frequency range. Modification may include, for example, any of shortening an off-period between transmission pulses, shortening the transmission pulses, and introducing single electromagnetic spikes between transmission pulses. The monitor module may also be configured to interrupt operation of the system upon detection of a pulse rate falling within the selected frequency range, or to produce a signal indicating a detected pulse rate falling within the selected frequency range. The system may include a plurality of tag readers configured to interrogate RFID tags sequentially.

Abstract: An operating and display device for a household appliance includes a display and an operating element. The display includes a number of display areas. A first of the display areas is configured to show, as summary information, a status and/or a setting of another household appliance connected so as to communicate with the household appliance. The operating element is configured to select at least one of an operating program, a parameter and a display option.

Abstract: There is described an assembly, having at least one input/output and having means for storing a program and a method for project planning a program for an assembly of an automation system, with an absolute address being assigned to each of the inputs/outputs and a unique identifier being assigned to each absolute address when the program is created. An electronic display means is provided to improve the control and monitoring of an assembly of this type, to display the assigned identifiers as plain text and/or symbols.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for the condition-based maintenance of at least one decentralised technical installation. The system comprises recording means for recording condition values of the technical installation and transmission means for transmitting the recorded condition values to a central maintenance management system, which comprises first means for evaluating the condition values and second means for generating maintenance orders, depending on the result of the evaluation of the condition values. Said condition-based maintenance is operated, in particular when a global maintenance management system is used, by the transmission of condition values from an automation system via e-mail or HTTP transfer.

Abstract: A plant monitoring apparatus includes: a process measuring unit; a warning determining unit; a warning selecting unit; a display processing unit; a display/setting unit; a warning criteria setting unit; a warning criteria database; and a warning criteria supplying unit. The warning determining unit determines a plurality of warning data to be issued as warnings from a large amount of process data collected by the process measuring unit on the basis of a predetermined determination criterion. The warning selecting unit compares the plurality of warning data with one or more classification criteria supplied by the warning criteria supplying unit so as to classify the plurality of warning data. Warnings are classified into categories according to the classification and the classified warnings are displayed on the display/setting unit.

Abstract: A method is performed to provide a multi-functional user interface on a work machine for displaying suggested corrective action. The process includes receiving status information associated with the work machine and analyzing the status information to determine an abnormal condition. The process also includes displaying a warning message on the display device indicating the abnormal condition and determining one or more corrective actions to handle the abnormal condition. Further, the process includes determining an appropriate corrective action among the one or more corrective actions and displaying a recommendation message on the display device reflecting the appropriate corrective action. The process may also include displaying a list including the remaining one or more corrective actions on the display device to provide alternative actions to an operator.

Abstract: A household appliance, includes an appliance cabinet, an appliance user interface having multiple settings. Each setting has multiple selection options. There is a bi-color LED associated with each of the selection options. The bi-colored LEDs are used to indicate the current settings of the appliance and the availability of appliance selection options. The bi-colored LEDs can also be used to provide feedback during programming of the settings of the household appliance.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump is provided that includes a pump housing having a pump chamber; a plunger mounted in the pump housing for reciprocating motion in the pump chamber; a suction valve positioned to allow a fluid to enter the pump chamber upon movement of the plunger in a first direction; a discharge valve positioned to discharge the fluid from the pump chamber upon movement of the plunger in a second direction; and at least one sensor enclosed by the pump housing for measuring at least one pump condition parameter.