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

Abstract: A system verifies torquing of pressure fittings in an aircraft wheel well. A strain gauge and an ultra-wide band (UWB) pulse signal generator are placed on a wrench used to torque the fittings. The strain senses the torque applied by the wrench, and the pulse signal generator generates UWB pulse signals indicating the location of the fitting and the torque applied to the fitting. The pulse signals are received by UWB radios within the wheel well, which generate location measurements based on the received pulse signals. A processor automatically calculates the location of the fitting being torqued based on the location measurements, and a display produces a 3-dimensional image of the fittings and their torque status.

Abstract: An integrated management system having at least one air conditioner group including a plurality of air conditioners, and a remote integrated management system connected to the at least one air conditioner group and configured to analyze operation state information related to the plurality of air conditioners in the at least one air conditioner group and to generate an alarm signal based on the analyzed operation state information.

Abstract: A work management data collection system 1 is provided with a data collection mechanism in a tool 2, and by counting a number of times a work operation has been executed or the like, obtains a work data identifying the work task that has been executed and detects a time data required for the work task. The system is provided with an RFID tag 3a on an ID card 3 held by a worker, and by writing data into the ID card 3 of the worker who carried out the work task, using an RFID reader/writer 4 provided on the tool 2, the system obtains data necessary for the work management from the ID card 3 of the worker.

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

Abstract: A 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: In one aspect, a system assists an operator in controlling a machine, such as a bolter including a drill head for drilling a borehole in a mine passage having a face and installing a bolt therein, as well as possibly a miner for advancing the mine passage. A controller controls the operation of the machine, and a transmitter transmits to the controller control signals from the operator at a remote location from the borehole. A sensor causes the controller to take action, such as by providing a warning signal or disabling one or more aspects of the machine, if the operator is within a predetermined proximity of the drilling, bolting, or mining operation. Systems and methods pertain to other related aspects of the invention.

Abstract: A fan detecting apparatus for detecting operation of at least two fans includes at least two airflow detecting units with two signal transmitting terminals, a judging unit with at least one judging terminal, and at least two identity indicating units electrically coupled to the corresponding at least two airflow detecting units respectively. The airflow detecting units detect airflow of the fans, and output control signals to corresponding identity indicating units when airflow from corresponding fans is no longer detected. Each of the identity indicating units has an identity code corresponding to a fan which is electrically coupled to the airflow detecting unit, and transmits the identity code to the judging terminal of the judging unit when it receives the control signal. The judging unit indicates which of the fans is no longer producing detectable airflow according to the identity codes received at its judging terminal.

Abstract: A device (1) for measuring a force acting between a machining tool (4) and a work piece in a processing machine is disclosed. It comprises an arrangement of at least two hydrostatic pads (7), wherein the at least two hydrostatic pads are designed to receive and support a mounting part (10) of the machining tool (4), and each hydrostatic pad of the at least two hydrostatic pads (7) presenting a pressure sensor (13), a calculation unit (16) for—reading hydrostatic pad pressure related to the pressure sensors (13) and a constant based on characteristics of each one of the at least two hydrostatic pads (7),—calculating the force by calculating a difference between the products of, for each hydrostatic pad of the at least two hydrostatic pads (7), the hydrostatic pad pressure and the constant, and—indicating the force. Also, a device for monitoring a machining tool and a device for compensating for a deflection of a machining tool when machining a work piece comprising the device are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a moving apparatus and an apparatus, method, and medium for compensating position based on a position recognition technology. The moving apparatus which provides a function for correcting a position includes a sensing unit obtaining multiple state information reflecting one or more abnormal movement states generated by movements of the moving apparatus; a state determination unit determining whether or not the abnormal movement state is generated by self-contained navigation, by referring to the obtained multiple state information; and a position information calculation unit calculating final position information of the moving apparatus, by correcting the multiple state information as the abnormal movement state occurs.

Abstract: A machine tool, in particular a stationary saw, includes a worktable and a safety device which is designed to trigger a reaction as a function of a safety signal, and which includes a signaling device which displays a state of the safety device. The signaling device includes a display which is located on a surface of a worktable and/or above the surface of the worktable.

Abstract: A sensor system for a machine tool with at least one sensor with at least one measurement instrument, which measures a physical quantity occurring within the machine tool, which is related to a machining process performed by the machine tool; with a first energy supply for supply of the at least one measurement instrument of the sensor, wherein the first energy supply receives electric energy from a surrounding electromagnetic field in a wireless way; and with a second energy supply for supplying the at least one measurement instrument of the sensor, wherein the second energy supply comprises at least one battery.

Abstract: A system for determining the position of a tool mounted on a digging machine includes a monitoring appliance and several independent position-detecting devices each including: an attachment face including attachment elements held flush against an articulated component of the machine, a wireless communication module that sends data to the monitoring appliance, an independent electrical power supply source, a processing unit, an electronic module with angular position sensors. The devices are distributed so that each is on a different articulated part of the machine. The devices need no cables and are easy to fit. Signals emitted by the devices are received by the monitoring appliance, which calculates a set point for positioning the tool. The set point is displayed on a screen for viewing by an operator located in a cab.

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 method and system for a machine tool system are provided. The system includes a spindle, one or more sensor devices configured to determine a value of an operating parameter of the system, and a software application embedded within a control program of the machine tool system. The software application includes a process controller integration module configured to receive the determined operating parameter value from the sensor device, compare the operating parameter value to a predetermined allowable range, and generate one or more alerts using the comparison. The software application also includes a GUI interface module configured to display the alerts in at least one of a graphical and a textual form on a display of the machine tool system. The GUI interface module is further configured to communicate user inputs to the process controller integration module and receive information for user displays from the process controller integration module.

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: An apparatus for the control of at least one safety-relevant function of a machine is described having a machine control for the control of the movements of the machine, having at least one sensor for the sensing of an object inside a monitored zone and having an evaluation unit for the setting of a danger zone and for the triggering of the safety-relevant function on the intrusion of the sensed object into the danger zone. To set the danger zone, the evaluation unit is coupled to the machine control and the evaluation unit is designed for the derivation of the parameters required for the setting of the danger zone starting from the control signals used by the machine control for the movement control of the machine. A corresponding method is furthermore described.

Abstract: A power tool system and method of using the same is provided. The system can include a programmable microprocessor device including at least one input mechanism, and a memory having instructions and/or other information. The system can also include a display; at least one power tool having at least one sensor operable for monitoring a parameter associated with operation of the power tool. The system can further include a communications device connectable in signal communication with both the programmable microprocessor device and the at least one sensor and program instructions. The method can include the steps of (i) using stored program instructions to generate power tool related information on at least one display and (ii) collecting power tool related data using a programmable microprocessor.

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: 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 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: An internal pressure explosion-proof system is provided that is capable of detecting high-pressure abnormality of an internal pressure explosion-proof mechanism, urging a check of gas/air apparatus by providing a means for notifying a user of abnormality, and decreasing excessive pressure of an internal pressure chamber. A high-pressure abnormality detector and a pressure regulating valve are provided in an air discharging portion for releasing the gas/air discharged from the internal pressure explosion-proof mechanism. The working pressure of the high-pressure abnormality detector is set to be lower than the working pressure of the pressure regulating valve. The high-pressure abnormality detector sends a signal when the pressure becomes higher than the set pressure to make the alarm give a warning and makes the open valves open to decrease the pressure of the internal pressure chamber of the internal pressure explosion-proof mechanism which became excessive.

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

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

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

Abstract: A process of grinding a surface of a workpiece, by a grinding tool rotated about its axis. The process includes a grinding step of grinding the workpiece surface, by pressing at least one of the grinding tool and the workpiece against the other of the grinding tool and the workpiece, such that a constant force is exerted on the other of the grinding tool and the workpiece by the at least one of the grinding tool and the workpiece. Also disclosed is a grinding apparatus including: a moving device operable to move at least one of the grinding tool and the workpiece relative to the other of the grinding tool and the workpiece, at least in an infeed direction that increases a depth of cut of the grinding tool into the workpiece; and a controller which controls the moving device, such that the at least one of the grinding tool and the workpiece is pressed against the other of the grinding tool and the workpiece, with a constant force.

Abstract: A power tool movement monitor system including a first accelerometer operatively configured to sense movement along a first axis of a power tool and a first high pass filter operatively connected to the output of the first accelerometer. The first high pass filter has an output and a cutoff frequency corresponding to a predetermined acceleration limit capable of being output by the first accelerometer. The power tool movement system further includes a logic circuit operatively configured to generate a warning signal when the first high pass filter outputs a signal having a frequency equaling or exceeding the cutoff frequency of the first high pass filter.

Abstract: A powered driver and methods are disclosed, the driver including a head having a gapped jaw and housing a motor driven drive transfer assembly for operating a rotatable split socket engageable at a threaded connector. A reaction unit having a biased fitting engagement attached to rail guides is movably maintained through the head, and a probe and switch are associated with different ones of the reaction unit and the head. A safety assembly includes a biased gate switch engageable with a signal switch and is located at the head for sending run status electrical signals to the driver dependent on position of the gate switch. Indicator and control arrays are provided for user interface and driver status monitoring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a hole depth in a composite-material workpiece machined by a orbital cutting tool, including the steps of applying a low-level electric potential to an electrically insulated cutting tool having a cutting head with radial and axial cutting edges and with a predetermined axial length; determining a first zero reference position as the cutting tool initially contacts a first surface of the workpiece and closes an electric circuit through the grounded workpiece; and detecting a second reference position when the cutting head penetrates an opposite, second surface of the workpiece. The finished hole depth is determined by deducting the predetermined axial length of the cutting head from the total length of axial advancement from the first zero reference position to the second reference position. The orbital machining apparatus includes ceramic bearings electrically insulating the spindle and the cutting tool from surrounding components of the apparatus.

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: 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: A method for analyzing vibration including: acquiring a vibration signal; isolating a vibration signal event in the acquired signal; determining a frequency of a damped sinusoid of the vibration signal event, wherein the damped sinusoid characterizes the vibration signal event, and using the characteristic damped sinusoid to identify an occurrence of the vibration signal event in another vibration signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for analysis of a tool (50) e.g. used on a machine tool. A tool detector (5) includes a light emitter (12) and a light receiver (34). Tool (50) when progressed into a beam (20) of light emitted from the emitter (12) will cause a signal from the receiver to change. Circuitry (32) includes a digital signal processor which processes the signal from the receiver and produces an output only if the signal conforms to a predetermined condition. Preferably this predetermined condition could be e.g. a characteristic shape of the signal from the receiver, a change in a value derived from a succession of such signals or a change in the minimum or maximum values of a succession of signals from the receiver.

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: Disclosed is a method, system and apparatus for use in remotely and internally tapping a conduit. The method is performed, at least partially, by an automatic mechanism or robot configured to effectively perform the tasks and various steps of the method. The method includes the steps of: (a) lining a conduit with a liner; and (b) inserting an automatic mechanism into an internal portion of the liner, wherein the automatic mechanism (i) locates a service tap connection point; and (ii) at least partially engages a fitting device within an internal surface of the service tap entry portion, thereby providing fluid communication between a service tap internal passageway and an internal portion of the liner. An automatic mechanism, a fitting device and an insert element are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of protecting a rotating device, loaded by temperature of a machine tool with one temperature sensor on that device and a temperature bloc, comprising the steps of inputting specific parameters in the temperature bloc, estimating a value for the device temperature increase caused by the activity of the device and measuring the temperature of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for the detection of the wear state of machine parts which are subject to mechanical wear, by means of an electronic transmitting/receiving device (38) and at least one transponder device (36), which is embedded in the machine part (16) and sends back an acknowledgement signal in response to a transmitted signal which is transmitted by the transmitting/receiving device (38), in which case the reaching of a predetermined wear value can be indicated by the destruction of the transponder device (36) and by the lack of the acknowledgement signal associated with this. The invention is based on the discovery that the arrangement of a transponder device at a specific position which is a measure of a predetermined wear state means that the operational readiness of the transponder device, on the one hand, is indicated in advance by its signal return, and the reaching of the predetermined wear value is indicated by its destruction.

Abstract: In a dump truck where a monitoring system prevents the raising of the cargo bed when the level of lateral tilt exceeds a safe limit, a keyed switch allows for presetting the maximum safe degree of tilt by simple left or right manipulation of the switch, and to switch the display from current level of left or right tilt to the value of the preset limit.

Abstract: A spindle device for driving a production machine includes a first sensor for detecting a first physical variable of the spindle device, and at least a second sensor for detecting a second physical variable of the spindle device. In this way, it becomes possible to determine the oscillation amplitude of the rotor of a spindle and a temperature profile of a rolling bearing. Monitoring maximum values allows identification of a crash event, whereas the temperature profile allows conclusions as to a need for maintenance. Signal evaluation can take place centrally at the spindle manufacturer's end, thereby allowing needed maintenance works to be planned long term and effectively.

Abstract: When a trouble occurs in a machine tool (20) sold by a machine tool manufacturer to a customer, a failure analysis apparatus (11) installed in a service center (10) of the machine tool manufacturer remotely controls the machine tool (20) to obtain operation information or alarm information of the machine tool (20) and performs failure analysis based on such information. In the service center (10), a plurality of failure analysis apparatuses (11) comprising personal computers, and a server (12) which are connected to the failure analysis apparatuses (11) for communication and to which a global IP address for the exclusive use is allocated are installed. Machine tools (20) of customers are connectable to the server (12) via the Internet (30).

Abstract: A probe 10 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 preset the mode in response to operation of the switch. The switch may be a push button 32 which is operated externally of the probe 10 by means of an actuator in the form of a plunger 34. The probe has a workpiece-contacting stylus 11 mounted on a seat from which it is deflectable. The stylus and the seat may comprise the switch. An indicator, eg an LED 44, 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 charging apparatus for charging a battery comprising a current source for providing current to the battery, a controller connected to the battery and to the current source for controlling charging of the battery, and a memory connected to the controller for storing information about the battery. The memory may also store information about the charging apparatus. Preferably, the memory is a nonvolatile memory, such as E2PROM. Also disclosed are a battery having a memory for storing information, a power tool having a memory for storing information about the tool, and a reading apparatus for reading the information stored in the memory of the charger, battery and/or power tool.

Abstract: A sensor head component is configured for use with a monitoring tool assembly in the performance of one or functions as part of a monitoring process. The sensor head component is configured to include at least one electrical component for performing the function as well as a memory device upon which operational information for the component is storable. The sensor head component is further configured to include an elongated body within which the electrical component is positionable and a base portion connectable to the elongated housing which further provides for mechanical and electrical engagement in a port for the tool assembly through application of a linear force.

Abstract: A device for positioning a workpiece for machining has a bench, which is mounted movably at a base and to which the workpiece (14) can be fastened. A detection device (15, 16, 17, 18) is arranged at the bench (12) for detecting a state of a machining process of the workpiece (14) and for generating detected information depending thereon. An energy transmission device (38, 42, 49, 50), for transmitting electric energy to the components (16, 17, 18, 21), is arranged on the bench (12). An information transmission device (39, 40, 43, 44, 59, 60) for transmitting detected information of the detection device (15, 16, 17, 18) to a control (63) is associated with the base (11). The energy transmission device (38, 42, 49, 50) transmits the energy and the information transmission device (39, 40, 43, 44, 59, 60) transmits the information inductively and/or capacitively via the same air gap.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment alarm device for use with fall protection equipment includes an elongating member, an alarm, an activation member, and a connecting member. The elongating member has a first end and a second end and extends in length as the first end and the second end are pulled in different directions. The alarm is operatively connected to the first end of the elongating member, and the activation member is releasably connected to the alarm. The activation member activates the alarm when disconnected from the alarm. The connecting member interconnects the activation member and the second end of the elongating member, and the activation member becomes disconnected from the alarm when the elongating member is extended in length as the first end and the second end are pulled in different directions thereby activating the alarm when the elongating member is extended.

Abstract: Woodworking machines are disclosed having movable cutting tools for cutting workpieces in a cutting region. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions between a person and the cutting tools, and a reaction system associated with the detection system. The reaction system is configured to retract the cutting tool at least partially away from the cutting region upon detection of a dangerous condition by the detection system.

Abstract: The power tool is equipped with a radar for transmitting radio waves towards an area in a vicinity of a rotating tool and for receiving reflected radio waves reflected from a radio wave reflector existing within the area. From the reflected radio waves received by the radar, a distance between the radio wave reflector and the radar, and a speed of change of that distance are calculated. When the calculated distance and speed fulfill a first criterion, a first brake for applying gentle braking to the rotating tool is activated. When the radio wave reflector further approaches to the rotating tool and the calculated distance and speed fulfill a second criterion, a second brake for applying rapid braking to the rotating tool is activated. Distance in the first criterion and the increase as speed increases, and distance corresponding to a certain speed in the first criterion is longer than distance corresponding to the same speed in the second criterion.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for generating an alarm signal in a motor which comprises a rotor (50) whose actual rotation speed during operation lies in a normal zone (nSoll, TSoll), can deviate from that normal zone in the event of a fault, and is to be monitored against a malfunction or fault state, comprising the following steps: At least one alarm switch-on rotation speed (nAOn, TAOn) and at least one alarm switch-off rotation speed (nAOff, TAOff) are defined, of which the latter is located closer to the normal zone than the former, an associated pair of alarm switch-on rotation speed and alarm switch-off rotation speed defining between them a hysteresis zone. When the rotation speed to be monitored arrives, coming from the hysteresis zone, at the alarm switch-on rotation speed, an alarm switch-on criterion (Flag DIR=0) is generated. The duration of this alarm switch-on criterion is monitored. When this duration reaches a predetermined value (tdOn), an alarm signal (ALARM) is activated (FIG.

Abstract: An anti-collision protection system for machines that operate in a raw material stockpile yard is disclosed. The machines are moveable in the yard in defined paths, with each machine including a material delivery and/or material recovery boom that can be rotated about a vertical axis. The system includes a means for defining an envelope around each boom (5) that moves with the boom, with each envelope forming a boundary of an exclusion zone for the boom. The system also includes a means for detecting an intersection of the boundaries of the exclusion zones and a means responsive to a detected boundary intersection to prevent collision of the machines.