Abstract: A system for tracking personnel and equipment in hazardous environments in pre or post-accident situations includes an intrinsically safe tracking tag and an intrinsically safe reader system. The intrinsically safe tracking tag transmits identification and status information to the intrinsically safe reader system, which includes a plurality of intrinsically safe antennas and a hub cable driver. In one embodiment, antennas are located at known positions in the hazardous environment and connected via a redundant, wired-mesh topology. The wired-mesh topology also allows more flexible antenna placement than line-of-sight wireless-mesh systems. The hub cable driver provides intrinsically safe power to and communication with the antennas using communication cables, receives data signals from the antennas, and transmits the data signals to a server. The server stores the data signals in a storage device and is connected to a workstation. The workstation retrieves the stored data to track persons or equipment.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a bearing is disclosed. The method involves positioning a non-contacting bearing isolator adjacent a bearing on a piece of rotating equipment so that at least one operating parameter of said bearing is communicated to said bearing isolator; and, positioning an energy detector within range of said bearing isolator so that said energy detector is able to monitor said at least one operating parameter of said bearing by detecting at least one operating parameter of said bearing isolator.

Abstract: A device for generating an negative pressure comprises a plurality of ejectors and a receiving device therefor. The receiving device comprises at least one connection for a compressed air line, the connection protruding into a compressed air distribution system to which a compressed air channel of each ejector can be connected, and each ejector being provided with an negative pressure channel that can be connected to the negative pressure system of the ejector. The receiving device forms a holding frame and a quick-change system for the ejectors, and can be connected to the ejectors by means of control lines, and to a machine control system.

Abstract: An optical code reader includes a manually operated focusing distance adjustment mechanism, which includes an electronic memory of a configuration parameter representing the desired focusing distance.

Abstract: An offshore monitoring system, for an electrical power cable connected between a fixed point and a movable point, or for an electrical power cable connecting two movable points. The system comprises at least one optical fiber acting as a continuously distributed strain measurement sensor attached to or arranged in said power cable, a device arranged for sending optical signals and a device arranged for receiving optical signals to determine the time variant bending of said power cable.

Abstract: A home appliance and home appliance system are provided. The home appliance may include an input device, through which an input signal is received from a user, and a control panel, into which the input device is inserted and connected, including a sound through-hole through which sound information passes. The home appliance may further include a sound output device disposed on a rear surface of the control panel that outputs the sound information corresponding to product information of the home appliance through the sound through-hole to outside of the home appliance. A gap may be formed between the input device and the sound through-hole into which the input device is inserted. Therefore, the sound information output from the sound output device may be transmitted to the outside through the gap. The home appliance may further include a sound guide, such that the sound information transmitted from the sound output device may be efficiently transmitted to the sound through-hole.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing a home appliance are disclosed. The home appliance outputs product information as a sound signal, and transmits the sound signal over a communication network, such that a service center of a remote site easily checks a status of the home appliance. The home appliance outputs the sound signal including a large amount of product information, and the diagnostic server of the service center diagnoses a status of the home appliance using a large amount of product information contained in the sound signal, such that it recognizes a detailed cause of a fault of the home appliance and greatly increases the diagnosis accuracy.

Abstract: A probe has internal circuitry capable of operating in a plurality of different modes, for example a variety of filter modes and turn off modes. A switch on the probe sends an input to a controller which is arranged to set the mode in response to operation of the switch. The switch may be a push button which is operated externally of the probe by means of an actuator in the form of a plunger. The probe has a workpiece-contacting stylus mounted on a seat from which it is deflectable. The stylus and the seat may comprise the switch. An indicator, e.g., an LED, indicates the mode in response to an output from the controller. The controller outputs a plurality of indications of different modes in a sequence and a mode is selected by operating the switch once the desired mode is indicated.

Abstract: A system for customizing indicator information for displaying status information to a user includes a receiver for receiving status information from each of a plurality of devices, and assigning the status information to one of a plurality of classes to generate class information. Each of the plurality of classes is associated with a different characteristic of the plurality of devices. The system includes a plurality of manipulators for altering attributes of the class information for at least one of the plurality of classes. The system includes a logical combiner for combining class information into a plurality of combinational groups to customize the content of indicator information in each of the plurality of combinational groups, each combinational group formed according to a predetermined function. The system can include an information sequencer for modifying the order of indicator information from the plurality of combinational groups to generate a stream of indicator information.

Abstract: A ropeway may include at least one cable. A first sensor and a second sensor may be provided. The second sensor may be located between the first sensor and the cable. Related methodology is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring compliance with the 100% tied off rule for climbers using personal fall protection equipment. The personal fall protection monitoring system includes a remote monitoring module that monitors multiple harness systems. Each harness system includes sensors that detect the engagement of the lanyard with anchorage points and the harness. The system also includes a harness module that monitors the sensors and indicates an alarm condition to the climber and to the remote monitoring module. The harness module includes a transmitter that communicates with the remote monitoring module. The remote monitoring module communicates with multiple harness systems to indicate and log the status of each harness system.

Abstract: A measuring device (1) enables a handheld RFID receiver (20) to identify the measuring device (1), initiating measurements and receive measurement data relating to the condition of a rotating member of a machine. The measuring device (1) is intended to be mounted on the outside of a machine with at least one rotating member and the measuring device (1) is intended to measure and communicate measurement data relating to the condition of the rotating member. The device is energized and communicates by a magnetic field (21) introduced by the handheld receiver (20). The device (1) is suitable to be used for measurements at inspection rounds at industrial plants.

Abstract: An abnormality in operation is detected by meticulously monitoring the operation of a monitored device that comprises a state machine. The state number, indicating the state the monitored device is currently in, is output from the device. The upper and lower limit values of current consumption is set for each state number. A monitoring circuit, using the upper and lower limit values for the present state number, judges the value of current consumption detected by a current detection circuit and detects whether there is abnormality in operation.

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: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.

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: 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: An apparatus and method is disclosed for protection of a machine-controlled handling appliance having moving parts, having a safety sensor system for detection of objects in the working area of the handling appliance, having a safety controller which interacts with the handling appliance controller and in the process controls safety-relevant handling appliance functions as a function of signals from the safety sensor system. The safety sensor system has non-contacting proximity sensors so that a safety-relevant part of the working area of the handling appliance is covered by the detection areas of the proximity sensors.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus with a CPU, a distance sensor and interfaces is attached to a host device with one or more screens. When a user uses the HD in an improper way such as too close or for excessive time, the apparatus will alert the user in a progressive way, and turn off the host device if the user does not correct his action. The apparatus can work with different host devices including TV, PC, video game console, handheld game console by means of remote control or via host devices' interfaces.

Abstract: A method of managing the operation of machines that perform washing and drying operations according to payment made by customers is provided. The method includes recording operating information of a laundry room machine, and transmitting at least one of recorded times and recorded operating information of the laundry room machine in response to a request from a communicator.

Abstract: A detection signal representing changes of an object observed can be easily transmitted to any desirable site, without performing complex adjustment to use the signal. An AE sensor is provided on an appropriate part of the circumferential surface of a rotating-side chuck which holds a workpiece. A signal-transmitting unit is provided in a space made in the rotating-side chuck. A signal-receiving unit is mounted on an appropriate part of a main section on which the rotating-side chuck is provided. The signal-transmitting unit transmits by radio a detection signal generated by the AE sensor. The signal-receiving unit receives and demodulates the detection signal, generating a signal that will be processed in signal processing.

Abstract: A system for maintaining machine operation comprises at least one monitoring device coupled to a portion of a machine operating in a machine environment, the at least one monitoring device configured to monitor a parameter associated with the machine. The system also comprises a first electronic control module communicatively coupled to the at least one monitoring device. The electronic control module is configured to identify a data collection error associated with the at least one monitoring device. The electronic control module is also configured to detect, in response to the data collection error, a second electronic control module proximate the first electronic control module, the second electronic control module configured to collect at least one parameter that is interchangeable with the parameter.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for detecting an abnormal event for process units of a Polymers Unit. The method compares the operation of the process units to statistical, engineering or heuristic models. The statistical models are developed by principle components analysis of the normal operation for these units. In addition, the engineering models are based on correlation analysis between variables or simple engineering calculations. If the difference between the operation of a process unit and the normal model result indicates an abnormal condition, then the cause of the abnormal condition is determined and corrected.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring an access portal through an enclosure around a hazard comprises a line-scan camera mounted above the portal so that its linear field of view extends along a generally opposite threshold of the portal and can detect electromagnetic radiation reflected from an object passing through the portal. The apparatus distinguishes signals from the camera corresponding to items that are intended to pass through the portal for example on a conveyor from signals corresponding to items, particularly intruders that are not intended to pass through the portal. The apparatus preferably comprise an elongate sodium discharge lamp mounted above the portal and provided with a reflector so that monochromatic light therefrom is concentrated in a narrow strip extending along the threshold and the camera is sensitive only to this monochromatic light.

Abstract: A method is provided for analyzing vibrations of a variable speed rotating body. The method includes producing a signal that is proportional to an acceleration of the rotating body and producing a plurality of pulses. Each pulse represents a revolution of the rotating body and is indicative of a vibration sample at a rotational position of the rotating body. The signal is converted to a numeric value that is indicative of a vibrational amplitude of the rotating body. The plurality of pulses are converted to revolution time periods indicative of a rotational rate of the rotating body. The method also includes producing a harmonic vibrational amplitude at a harmonic of the rotational rate of the rotating body, and representing a phase of the harmonic vibrational amplitude relative to the rotational position of the rotating body.

Abstract: A monitoring device (10) for a laser machining device (12) that has one or more laser beams (13) that are displaced along a predetermined adjustable trajectory (14, 16) along a workpiece (18) includes one or more sensors (20, 22) which monitor(s) the processing signal (24) of the machining process in a three-dimensional section (26). The one or more sensors (20, 22) activate an alarm device or interrupter (28) for the one or more laser beams (13) of the laser machining device (12) if the one or more process signals (24) in the section (26) exceed a predetermined threshold value or fall short of it, the one or more sensors (20, 22) being independent of the laser machining device (12).

Abstract: A method to determine eccentricity of a rotor in a turbine including: collecting sensor data of rotor eccentricity for a plurality of startup operations; establishing a baseline eccentricity value using the sensor data corresponding to a selected startup operation; determining an eccentricity value using the filtered sensor data for each of a plurality of startup operations subsequent to the selected startup operation; determining a rotor eccentricity difference between the baseline eccentricity value and each of the eccentricity values for the plurality of startup operations subsequent to the selected startup operation, and reporting a rotor eccentricity condition based on the rotor eccentricity difference.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine is specially adapted to protect pocket-portable electronic devices from damage. A basket is aligned with an opening for receiving clothes to be washed. A door covers the opening during washing of clothes. An electromagnetic loop is positioned at the periphery of the opening so that all clothing loaded into the clothes washing machine passes through the electromagnetic loop. The electromagnetic loop is also positioned so that no permanent ferrous structures of the clothes washing machine are located between the electromagnetic loop and the opening. A detector circuit is coupled to the electromagnetic loop for generating an electronic detection signal in response to a predetermined change in an electromagnetic characteristic sensed across the electromagnetic loop corresponding to a pocket-portable electronic device being present at the opening.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of managing a machinery monitoring system is provided. The method includes relating an asset output to at least one asset input, generating at least one rule based on the relation, selecting at least one of live asset data, historical asset data, user-supplied asset data, and third party supplied asset data to test the at least one rule, testing the at least one rule incrementally using the selected asset data, and monitoring the output of the at least one rule at each increment.

Abstract: Method for controlling a signalling device inserted in an automatism of gates (G), movable barriers, doors or the like, and having at least one warning device (L, BZ), characterized in that it supplies power from the signalling device (LL) to at least one mechanical group (M) having a motor, detects in the signalling device (LL) the absorbed power from the at least one mechanical group (M) having a motor, and activates the at least one warning device (L, BZ) when the predefined absorbed power threshold has been exceeded.

Abstract: A method for assessing the positioning accuracy of a medical robot arm comprising at least one joint, wherein the rigidity of the robot arm in a joint placement is calculated and assessed on the basis of a rigidity model.

Abstract: An improved method, apparatus, and computer instructions for generating trace data. In response to detecting a new trace event, a determination is made as to whether the new trace event occurred at an expected period of time with respect to a prior trace event. A time stamp in the trace data is placed in response to a determination that the new trace event did not occur at the expected period of time, wherein time stamps occurring at the expected period if time are eliminated from the trace data and wherein compression of the trace data occurs.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to draw attention to information presented via electronic displays to process plant operators are disclosed. A disclosed example method to draw attention to information presented to a process plant operator comprises presenting an electronic process plant display, collecting process plant data, processing the process plant data to identify a portion of a process plant, and modifying the electronic process plant display to at least partially obscure substantially all of the process plant display except for the identified portion.

Abstract: The method for identifying critical features as a function of process provides a way to identify critical features associated with a particular part, and to relate the effect of performing repair processes on the identified critical features. The method includes identifying critical features associated with the part, and determining the effect repair processes will have on the identified critical features. This information is included in a an output that is made available to repair centers. Based on the identification of critical features and the associated effect of repair processes on the identified critical features, repair centers are able to focus process and quality control resources on the identified critical features affected by a particular repair process.

Abstract: A vibration reducing device that reduces the vibration of a control object includes a digital controller. A vibration state detection device detects the vibration of the control object and generates an analog signal of the vibration of the control object. An input-side bandpass filter has a passband that is narrower than a frequency range from a Nyquist frequency to a sampling frequency of the digital controller, and that contains no frequencies that are an integer multiple of the Nyquist frequency of the digital controller. The input-side bandpass filter allows a part of the analog signal that falls within the passband from the analog signal generated by the vibration state detection device to pass. An A/D conversion device converts the analog signal that has passed through the input-side bandpass filter into a digital signal.

Abstract: A relay apparatus for relaying communication between a water heater main body and a radio remote control unit, comprising: a switch section for setting an address of the radio remote control unit; a control section for establishing communication with the water heater main body and commanding and controlling to read out maintenance information stored in the water heater main body assuming that input information at the switch section is a request from the radio remote control unit having an address which was set by operation of the switch section; and a display section for displaying the maintenance information received from the water heater main body.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and infusion pump assembly for determining a first rate-of-change force reading that corresponds to the delivery of a first dose of an infusible fluid via an infusion pump assembly. At least a second rate-of-change force reading is determined that corresponds to the delivery of at least a second dose of the infusible fluid via the infusion pump assembly. An average rate-of-change force reading is determined based, at least in part upon the first rate-of-change force reading and the at least a second rate-of-change force reading.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides an access panel that comprises one or more access control boards, each of which provide at least an interface for controlling access to one or more building entry points or zones (via associated sensors) and for monitoring intrusion prevention devices. The access panel includes at least one connector that provides communications coupling between at least one of the control boards and the aforementioned sensors or intrusion prevention devices (e.g., detectors, electrified locks, etc.). That connector permits that coupling without requiring that a field technician, or other person installing the panel at a site, pass wire through the enclosure in order to establish that communications coupling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting structural anomalies in the body of rotating members of an engine involves establishing an electric circuit in the body of the rotating members by embedding a network of electrically conductive fibers. Upon rotation of the members in the presence of a magnetic field, an electric current flows in the electrically conductive fibers of the rotating members. Detection of a structural anomaly in any of the rotating members results from detecting a break of the electric circuit.

Abstract: A system includes a comparator that triggers a signal indicating an event occurrence of a moving element of a machine that is sensed by a sensor. The signal is triggered in response to a raw signal from the sensor exceeding a trigger level. Logic calculates a hold off time for re-triggering of the signal, and a timer monitors expiration of the hold off time. A trigger screener monitors amplitude of the raw signal and accepts a triggering of the signal from the comparator in response to expiration of the hold off time and the raw signal exceeding a re-trigger level.

Abstract: According embodiments of the invention, systems and methods for sensor-level machine monitoring are provided. In one example embodiment, there is disclosed a system for monitoring a machine. The system may include a first sensor including a first processor and a second sensor including a second processor. The system may further include a communication trunk in communication with the first sensor and the second sensor, and operable to communicate sensor data between each of the first processor and the second processor. The first sensor and the second sensor are operable to generate sensor data associated with at least one machine condition. Further, at least one of the first processor or the second processor is operable to analyze sensor data generated by each of the first sensor and the second sensor and determine at least one machine fault based at least in part on the sensor data.

Abstract: In configuration management for a system constituted by a plurality of components, each of which has a radio frequency identification tag attached, the operating condition of each component is checked and component information of each component recorded in the radio frequency identification tag is read out by a tag reader at a predetermined opportune time. Then, the check result of the operating condition and the readout component information are recorded for each component.

Abstract: A method of testing a machine includes a step of establishing a communication link between a test system and a control system of the machine. An interactive test script is executed on the test system, and includes a communication of a first operator initiated machine task to an operator. After performance of the first operator initiated machine task is confirmed, the test system monitors for a predetermined condition. Once the predetermined condition is detected, a machine test is performed. A second operator initiated machine task is communicated after the machine test is performed.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for sensing the presence and/or misplacement of mechanical sub assemblies (MSAs) within storage slots of automated storage libraries. Each MSA is tracked based on signed empty cell barcode labels. Signed empty cell barcode labels are utilized to uniquely identify the frame, column, and row coordinates of one or more MSAs. The storage library automatically scans all signed empty cell barcode labels utilizing a scanner mounted on a robotic device. The system provides a counter for each MSA, allowing the storage library to track the usage of the MSA. As usage of the MSA reaches a predefined lifecycle, the library automatically generates an alert to replace the MSA. When a MSA is rearranged within the storage library, the library automatically maps the new frame, column, and row coordinates of the MSA.

Abstract: The stability index objectively reflects system reliability and yet intuitively reflects the user experience on the system while also providing an understanding of how/when/why problems began.

Abstract: In one aspect, an alarm mask for condition monitoring in a wind turbine is automatically generated. A reference data selecting definition is selected from a control definition repository in the wind turbine. The reference data selecting definition specifies a time interval of recorded reference data. Reference data is selected from a sensor located in the wind turbine recorded during the time interval. A reference value is calculated based on the reference data. A first and a second alarm mask factor are selected from the control definition repository. A first alarm mask is calculated based on multiplying the first alarm mask factor and the reference value. A second alarm mask is calculated based on multiplying the second alarm mask factor by the reference value.

Abstract: A home appliance system includes a home appliance outputting product information as a sound and a mobile terminal confirming the product information based on the sound. The mobile terminal can receive the sound, convert the sound into the product information and output the product information to an external user and a repairman.

Abstract: A monitoring device configured to be installed in an information processing apparatus to detect a failure of the information processing apparatus, and to output an alarm signal when the failure is detected, the monitoring device including an alarm signal generating unit that generates the alarm signal upon detecting the failure, an alarm signal storing unit that stores the generated alarm signal, an alarm signal output unit that outputs the stored alarm signal to outside, an alarm signal input unit that receives, when the monitoring device is in a standby state, another alarm signal from another monitoring device in an active state, and an alarm signal storage instructing unit that supplies to the alarm signal storing unit an instruction signal for storing said another alarm signal in the alarm signal storing unit.

Abstract: In a case where an error is included in measurement data corresponding to one or a plurality of detecting elements in a tomography scanner, a system matrix to be calculated or referenced on image reconstruction calculation is corrected in accordance with the error. Thus, even when an error such as a defect or a fault occurs in a detector, influence of the error is eliminated, thereby reducing an artifact generated in an image. At that time, positional information of the detecting elements including the error and information on the degree of the error are stored in a storage device and referenced inside image reconstruction software, thus making it possible to correct the system matrix in accordance with the error.

Abstract: The present invention such as active diagnostic algorithms is developed not only to realize the early detection of degraded vacuum pumps for the protection of pump failure but also to provide their predictive maintenance. According to the present invention, it is possible to find simple and effective ways to deal with technical problems arising from the large variability of the pump-by-pump operation characteristics and the multiple process conditions where pumps run under the idle operation and gas-loaded operation conditions alternately, especially in semiconductor manufacturing process.