Abstract: A medical device includes a first notification mechanism capable of notifying a user of information indicating that the medical device is suitable for use with a patient having a specified disease.

Abstract: A home appliance and a home appliance system are provided. The home appliance may convert product information into an acoustic signal and externally output the same as a sound. The home appliance system may receive the sound, convert the same into the acoustic signal, and then inversely convert the acoustic signal into the product information and read the same. Accordingly, the home appliance may externally output the acoustic signal as the sound so that the user may be easily notified of transmission. Also, the home appliance system may easily transmit the sound to a management device to read the product information because the sound may be transmitted via a communications network.

Abstract: A movable barrier that is at least partially counterbalanced by a spring is moved from a first position to a second position while substantially simultaneously monitoring at least one characteristic associated with moving the movable barrier to provide at least one monitored characteristic. The at least one monitored characteristic is compared to a predetermined criterion. When the at least one monitored characteristic does not meet the predetermined criterion, an alarm condition is set to indicate a failure of the spring.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting the degree of pollution in an operational converter are disclosed. An operating state of at least one of the converter components that is exposed to the ambient air is determined and a corresponding operating state of said component in an unpolluted state is determined. The two operating states are then compared and the calculated comparison value is used as a measurement for the degree of pollution of the converter. Detecting the degree of pollution of an operational converter permits a reduction in the number of breakdowns caused by unprotected operation of a converter, and associated disadvantages such as costs and damage to a company's image.

Abstract: According to the method a temperature module is defined, simulating the thermal behavior in the electric motor (1), based on a multi-mass model. The rotational speed (n) and the current (i) for the electric motor (1) are continuously recorded as input parameters for the temperature model and at least one bearing power loss and/or bearing inner temperature (TIL1?), corresponding to a bearing (8,9), is continuously derived from the temperature model. A first warning signal (W1) is given when a computer-determined bearing power loss exceeds a given comparative value. Furthermore, a second warning signal (W2) is given when a computer-determined bearing inner ring temperature exceeds a given temperature difference (?T) from a corresponding computed bearing outer ring temperature (TAL1?). The thermal behavior of non-accessible components, in particular, the bearing (8, 9), can thus advantageously be determined by mere evaluation of the current (i) and the rotational speed (n).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detection of spark activity in an electrical machine having a shaft, wherein at least one of the shaft voltage and the shaft current is measured and analyzed for components which are characteristic of spark activity. The method uses the shaft voltages and/or shaft currents which are normally generally regarded only as being damaging has been found to be accurate and to be suitable for long-term monitoring of spark activities such as brush sparking, spark erosion, spark flashovers between parts of the shaft bearings and can be implemented physically very easily and in a reliable manner, since the existing grounding devices are used.

Abstract: A system (30) includes an analysis engine (34) and a notification engine (38) for selective notification of a condition (72) of an apparatus (26) monitored by a monitoring device (28). A method executed by the system (30) receives (116) data elements (58) from the monitoring device (28), processes (118) the data elements (58) to detect the condition (72) of the apparatus (26), and determines that the condition (72) defines an exception (74) to a normal condition (70) of the apparatus (26). A first notice (60) of the condition (72) is conveyed (146) to a responsible party (59) at a first instance of determination of the exception (74), and conveyance of a second notice (60) is prevented (140) at a second, subsequent, instance of determination of the exception (74). In addition, communication of the normal condition (70) of the apparatus (26) is prevented.

Abstract: A system monitors electrical equipment and provides predictive diagnostics therefor. The system includes sensors located at or about the electrical equipment. The sensors sense information pertaining to operation of the electrical equipment. A first processor is located at or about the electrical equipment and receives the sensed information from the sensors as first information. A first transceiver cooperates with the first processor to transmit the first information as transmitted information. A second processor is located remote from the electrical equipment. A second transceiver cooperates with the first transceiver to receive the transmitted information as second information and communicate the same to the second processor. The second processor provides a notification pertaining to an immediate inspection and/or maintenance of the electrical equipment, and set points operatively associated with the sensed information.

Abstract: A home appliance and a home appliance system are provided which control a sound output from an output device upon receipt of an external command signal of ON or OFF. Further, the home appliance and home appliance system control a sequence of output of an acoustic signal output from a conversion device. Accordingly, it may be possible to notify a user of the outputting of the acoustic signal by controlling the sequence of output of the acoustic signal, thereby increasing user convenience.

Abstract: A home appliance and a home appliance system are disclosed. Product information and status information of the home appliance are converted into at least one transmission acoustic signal, and a sound corresponding to the at least one transmission acoustic signal is output to the outside. The product information and status information are formed as a digital signal and stored in a storage device. The digital signal is encoded through a conversion device, and converted into at least one transmission acoustic signal. The at least one transmission acoustic signal is formed as an analog signal. Meanwhile, the at least one transmission acoustic signal can be dividedly formed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to monitor endless belts and related belt drive systems by non-contact sensors for wear or an anomalous function, determining the state of belt drive system and detecting early stages of belt and system failure. A sensing unit featuring one or several independent sensor elements is placed near a belt of a polymer matrix with a fiber cord load bearing core to monitor several simultaneously occurring normal modes of operation. The sensor can determine soundness of the whole timing drive continuously by processing the collected signal and detecting structural damage. The collected data is processed by a microcontroller integrated with the sensor. The apparatus and method uses a non-contacting capacitor array having sensing element(s) connected to electronic circuitry that is adapted to sense the dynamic capacitance change coupled with electrocapacitive and piezoelectric effects exhibited by the belt. The sensor continuously monitors the belt during normal operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a mobile device to set an alarm based on an external request is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the mobile device receives the external request which includes a set of one or more parameters at least partially defining the alarm and a set of one or more actions to take upon the alarm triggering. Upon determining that the external request is trusted, the mobile device automatically sets the alarm on the mobile device according to the set of parameters included in the request. Upon the alarm triggering, the mobile device performs the set of actions included in the external request. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: A method and a device, respectively, for detecting the amount of wear on the carbon brush drive system of an electrically commutated d.c. motor which is used, for example, in the form of a pump motor in a motor vehicle. The d.c. motor is driven by at least two carbon brushes and includes means for detecting the generative follow-up voltage. The amount of wear on at least one carbon brush is derived from the time behavior of the generative motor voltage and displayed to the driver.

Abstract: An indicator control system for switching from a measurement value display mode to a camera display mode and vice versa in order to display a selected mode on a monitor section of an indicator and for generating an alarm from an alarm section. The measurement value display mode shows the measurement data of an object to be monitored such as a construction machine. The camera display mode being for a camera section that is mounted on the construction machine.

Abstract: A device and a method for predicting the mean time period between two failures of a technical system, for example a manufacturing system or an assembly system for motor vehicle components. The device includes a components list (130.1, 130.2). Those components of the technical system which are included in this components list are the maintenance-intensive components. Every failure of a component of the list leads to a failure of the system. Furthermore, the device includes an apparatus for acquiring setpoint MTBF values of all the components of the list. A setpoint MTBF value of a component is a requested or planned mean time period between two failures of this component. The apparatus predicts the planned mean time period between two failures of the technical system as a function of the setpoint MTBF values of the components.

Abstract: A sensor device for detecting whether a tractor and a trailer of a truck are connected includes a container having a plurality of tabs extending radially outwardly to engage an inside surface of a bearing plate of the trailer when the container is located in a hole in the bearing plate. A spring extends from a base of the container away from the face surface to bear upon an interior wall of the trailer to bias the tabs into contact with the inside wall when the container is located in the hole to maintain a position of the container therein. A sensor is also provided for sensing proximity of a ferrous material and being located in the container. The sensor senses proximity of ferrous material of a coupler carried by the tractor without sensing ferrous material of the bearing plate.

Abstract: According to a feature of the present disclosure, a method is provided for the determination of anomalous events in complex systems, such as problems, inefficiencies, and failures, and a tool is provided for the detection of these events. Many complex systems are non-stationary or experience periodic fluctuations or spikes in values that are outside of normal ranges, but constitute normal behavior nevertheless. The method accounts for both non-stationarity, as well as fluctuations and spikes. Additional novel features include both a threshold setting initialization method and a regression method for the determination of the start points and end points of events.

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: Systems and methods are provided that allow a user to monitor, diagnose, and configure a process. A user interface may be presented that displays data received from process monitors, sensors, and multivariate models. The user interface may be interactive, allowing a user to select which composite and multivariate models are displayed. The user interface and multivariate model may be constructed and updated in real time. The user interface may present various data and interfaces, such as a representation of a composite variable in a multivariate model, a representation of the contribution of process variables to the composite variable, and a representation of a subset of the process variables. The user may select a point of the composite variable for analysis, and the interface may indicate the contribution and values of process variables at the selected point. The interface may be transmitted to a remote user.

Abstract: A safety device for an automatically operating installation determines at least one movement variable of a moving installation part in a safety-related manner. The safety device includes an acceleration sensor and an evaluation unit. The acceleration sensor is adapted to be coupled to the moving installation part in order to detect any acceleration of the moving installation part. The evaluation unit determines a movement velocity and/or a movement travel of the installation part on the basis of the acceleration.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide apparatuses, methods, and systems that support measuring and conveying energy consumption by an electrical device. An apparatus includes an energy sensor that measures an incremental energy value consumed by an electrical device. Apparatus obtains the incremental energy value, accumulates an energy usage measurement in accordance with the incremental energy value, provides requested information about energy consumption of the electrical device in response to a request from a network controller, and adjusts the energy usage measurement in accordance with the requested information. The total energy consumption may be partitioned into at least one energy component, in which the at least one energy component corresponds to the energy consumption of the electrical device during an associated time interval. A network controller may use the energy consumption information to determine a new set temperature for a thermostat unit that instructs the device control logic.

Abstract: A signaling device, in particular a signal pillar 1, is provided which is able to generate signals even outside the range of the usual optical and acoustic signals, and flexibly create them as needed with little additional effort. This object is achieved by providing a wireless transmitting unit (8) for transferring data to a receiver in addition to the signal elements (2, 3, 4) for generating optical and/or acoustic signals, wherein the transmitting unit (8) is arranged in an exchangeable module.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting the variations of speed (R) of a rotor. Signals are measured representative of the march-past of the teeth of a measurement device secured to the rotor for a determined duration (T). The measurements are sampled, digitized and stored to obtain an initial digital vector (B). A detection signal is extracted around a known disturbing frequency (F). The detection signal is compared with a predetermined threshold (SO) and an alert message is delivered in the event of overshoot.

Abstract: Described is a system for diagnosis and prognosis of a component. The system is configured to receive a signal from a component. The signal is representative of a current health observation of the component. The system also computes a present likelihood of the component failure based on the signal. Additionally, the system computes a future likelihood of failure of the component for a given future mission. Through diagnosis, a user can determine the present health of the component, and based on the present health and future mission, determine whether or not the component will fail in the future mission.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for detecting an abnormal event for process units of a Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Unit. The method compares the operation of the process units to a statistical and engineering 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 partial least squares analysis and correlation analysis between variables. 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: A counting unit counts a current supplying duration for a component which determines a life of a device. A prediction unit predicts the device life based on an integrated current supplying duration integrated by the counting unit and a lifetime of the component. A monitoring unit monitors an efficient operating condition of the device based on a prediction signal outputted from the life prediction unit. The counting unit and the life prediction unit is provided at a short-life fan and a long-life component respectively, and the life prediction unit predicts the life of the device based on information on the short-life fan and the long-life component.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a self sufficient power supply providing power to the apparatus when a main power supply is faulty, and an indicator adjacent to terminals of the apparatus that indicates when the self sufficient power supply is incorrectly connected to the terminals. In addition, a method includes installing a self sufficient power supply to provide power to an apparatus when a main power supply is faulty, and providing an indicator adjacent to terminals of the apparatus that indicates when the self sufficient power supply is incorrectly connected to the terminals.

Abstract: A user device may be capable of providing a service portal and feedback on the condition of the user device, such as a user device. A condition analysis of the user device may be performed by a user, such as a person or a computing device. A condition analysis may be performed to determine the physical condition and the operational condition of the user device. A condition rating may be assigned to the user device that may be commensurate with the condition analysis. The condition data and condition analysis may be entered into and stored in a data store. A maintenance action may be performed based at least in part on the condition rating. The user device may be a user device that may be operated by a financial institution or other business entity. A user may be a customer and/or an employee, vendor, or contractor of the financial institution or other business entity.

Abstract: An improved life safety system provides ability to detect a catastrophic failure within a network node of the life safety system, and to subsequently pass a failsafe alarm signal through a network node, and through the life safety system, despite the catastrophic failure, which may be a failed main processor of a main panel, a failed main processor of a loop expander module, a failed main processor of an amplifier, or a failed main processor of a liquid crystal display controller.

Abstract: An indicator device is used in a machine for indicating the operation status of the machine. The indicator device includes a body detachably mounted to the machine, a plurality of circuit boards, which are detachably electrically coupled together, mounted inside the body and each provided with a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a line, and a controller electrically connected to the circuit boards for controlling on/off status of the light emitting elements subject to the operation status of the machine.

Abstract: A theatrical lift including a timer and an indicator light. The light indicates a need for maintenance after a predetermined amount of time passes as measured by the timer. Also, a lift, such as a theatrical lift, including an indicator, a reset switch and an indicator housing. The indicator is located on the indicator housing. The reset switch is located inside of the indicator housing. The indicator housing can be opened or partially opened to allow selective access to the reset switch. In this way, the reset switch can be easily reset by a lift maintenance technician as part of performing routine maintenance on the lift, but will not be easily reset by a lift operator as a casual matter.

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: A wireless sensor system for sensing a characteristic associated with a conveying system from which the sensor system generates operating power. The sensor system includes a transducer including an axle, a roller connected to the axle, and a link connected to the roller. The transducer may be configured to permit the roller to be positioned in contact with a conveyor belt of the conveying system so that the roller rotates about the axle or with the axle in response to translation of the conveyor belt. The sensor system also includes a power generator connected to the link, wherein the link transfers rotary motion from the roller to the generator, which generates power using the rotary motion input by the link. The sensor system further includes a sensor connected to the generator for receiving power, wherein the sensor is configured to sense the physical characteristic associated with the conveying system.

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: A sewing machine including a maintenance information storage that stores maintenance information; an alert element that communicates maintenance information; a cumulative data storage that stores cumulative data of at least either of a sew time or a stitch count; a determiner that determines whether or not a predetermined timing for communicating the maintenance information has been reached based on the cumulative data; an alert count storage that stores an alert count of the maintenance information communicated; and an alert controller that, when determined by the determiner to have reached the predetermined timing for communicating the maintenance information, controls the alert element to communicate the maintenance information for a predetermined number of times based on the alert count.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for measuring the operating state of synchronous motor by using composite power angle meter, the method comprising steps of: a) obtaining various signals of the synchronous motor and its system; b) converting the electric signals into digital signals by an internal data collection part of the composite power angle meter, and inputting all the digital signals to a host computer; c) inputting related parameters or commands to the host computer by keyboard and mouse; d) calculating the related data of the motor according to a program by the host computer, obtaining the coordinates of relevant points and related data, and inputting the results to a displaying program; e) processing the coordinates of main points and the calculation results by the displaying program in the host computer, and displaying on a display a dynamic composite power angle graph and the motor-end composite magnetic leakage graph which vary with the motor's parameters.

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: A body-mounted electronic audio device playing prerecorded audio statements automatically issued as directed by wirelessly connected stationary computer decision-making using input from wearers and devices within the workplace environment to support to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness especially those in fast food stores.

Abstract: A process transmitter includes a temperature responsive indicator to indicate an operating condition of the process transmitter. The operating condition may represent a level of a sensed process variable or an operating temperature of the process transmitter.

Abstract: A technique for automatically generating a report comprising normalized differences in performance statistics between two separate periods. In one embodiment of the invention, database performance statistics are collected on a periodic basis over various time periods. In order to accurately compare database system performance between two discrete periods of time, the difference in the performance statistics of each period are normalized prior to comparing the two periods with each other. By normalizing the statistical differences in each period prior to comparing the differences, periods of different lengths of time as well as different levels of database system load may be compared. In one embodiment, a report is automatically generated which lists the performance statistics being evaluated, the difference in the statistic between each period, the value of each statistical difference as normalized by database time, and the difference between the normalized values.

Abstract: A method for determining a steady state operating condition of a machine includes determining whether a current machine speed of the machine is within a defined range of operation, determining whether a step change in output power of the machine has occurred, determining a first duration of time elapsed since the machine speed was last outside of the defined range of operation, and determining a second duration of time elapsed since a most recent detected step change in output power of the machine. The machine is deemed to be in a steady state condition whenever the current machine speed of the machine is within said defined range of operation, and the first and second durations of time exceed respective minimum values defined therefor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking ammunition supply in a magazine are disclosed herein. A method for tracking a number of cartridges remaining within a magazine includes tracking an indicator strip coupled to a spring housed within a magazine housing, the magazine housing having the spring coupled at a first end to a follower and at a second end to a foot plate, the spring tangent to the foot plate.

Abstract: This present invention simplifies the installation work, the initialization, the operation confirmation, and the test run work of a monitor terminal in a field site that monitors a monitor object. Communication information and management information, such as a telephone number used to communicate with a communication terminal in a field site at test run time, are integrated. For example, the common values (default values) are set in the communication terminal, which will communicate with a monitoring apparatus, as communication information (IP address, user ID, password) to allow the monitoring apparatus to communicate with the communication terminal by setting only the telephone number of the communication terminal in the monitoring apparatus. During a test run, the monitoring apparatus performs operation to change the communication information and the management information in the communication terminal to the information suitable for a production run.

Abstract: A target pressure value is determined during the learning mode. Subsequent pressure values are then compared to the target value. For example, a first connection is tightened in a conventional manner, while its pressure is monitored during the learning mode. If the tightening process went well, then an operator pushes a button that tells the monitor to remember how much pressure was used on the tongs to tighten the first connection. The pressure value of that first joint then becomes the target pressure value for any subsequent joints. As additional joints are tightened, the pressure applied to the tongs is monitored and compared to the first one to ensure that all the joints are as good as the first one within an allowable tolerance.

Abstract: A system, that incorporates one or more enclosures constructed around one or more objects at which, “hot work” is to be performed at a facility at a first location containing flammable or combustible materials. The one or more enclosures are capable of being simultaneously and independently controlled and monitored by a single control and monitoring system which is capable of being in radio communication with a control system at a second, but remote, location.

Abstract: Techniques for assessing the utilization efficiency of a portion of memory are provided. One or more images of a portion of memory are obtained. The one or more memory elements found within each image are categorized into one or more application-neutral categories, wherein the one or more categories distinguish between data and structural overhead. At least one analysis is performed on the one or more categorized memory elements of the one or more images using a measure representative of the efficiency of utilization of the portion of memory. The one or more results of the analysis step are outputted.

Abstract: There is described a method to operate a mobile operating device and a mobile operating device, with which machines within of effective ranges which are spanned by RFID transponders can be operated wirelessly. A safety module is provided in the operating device, with which both measured values assigned to the RFID transponders and also reference values of two reference transponders simulated in the operating device are checked in order to ensure the correct measurement and further processing in this way.

Abstract: A computer program for operating a computer to perform various steps. In one step, the program causes the computer to display to a user of the computer a first hierarchical level representative of one or more companies, where each company of the one or more companies has respective water treatment needs. In another step, and for each company of the one or more companies, the program causes the computer to display to the user of the computer a second first hierarchical level representative of one or more facilities for the respective company. In another step, and for each facility of each company of the one or more companies, the program causes the computer to display to the user of the computer a third hierarchical level representative of one or more water treatment systems for the respective facility.

Abstract: There is described a method for motion monitoring of a machine, comprising a sensor, wherein a sensor signal is transmitted from the sensor to a controller and/or to a drive device, a failsafe controller or drive device being employed as controller or drive device. The controller or drive device comprises three independent monitoring devices in which the sensor signal is formed from a first and a second redundant actual position value.

Abstract: A local logic solver operates with a local smart valve controller to control and test a local field-mounted emergency isolation valve device, outputting a local indication of trouble on the device, which is mounted in the field away from the facility's central control panel for the process. Accordingly, the operation of the overall system is simplified by eliminating the need for an external computer to diagnose any problems. A local control panel includes an indicator light substantially adjacent to or in close proximity to the device being monitored to alert personnel of detected faults. Detected faults are time-stamped locally to generate documentation and to track the elapsed time, starting when the degraded state of the device was detected and first signaled as a problem.