Abstract: A reach type forklift truck includes a rotation sensor interposed between a load wheel and a load wheel shaft on which the load wheel is provided. A signal line for transmitting a detected signal of the rotation sensor is inserted in a guide groove formed in the load wheel shaft that extends along an axial direction thereof. The signal line is led out from a reach rail side of the load wheel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of monitoring operation data for quality control with a little possibility that a nondefective product is mistakenly determined as a defective product even if the operation data fluctuates in a large waviness curve. Every time an operation data piece for quality control is obtained, a moving average of the predetermined number of data pieces lately obtained is calculated. When the deviation of a data piece from the moving average exceeds the tolerance limit, an alarm is generated. By employing the method of the present invention for monitoring operation data such as charging time, injection time and the amount of cushion in an injection-molding machine, the accuracy of determination as to a defective or nondefective can be improved.

Abstract: A control device for controlling operating parameters and control functions for the operation of a laboratory centrifuge. The control device has a panel for displaying a visual representation of at least a part of the operating parameters and control functions such as speed of rotation, acceleration temperature, etc. A control switch sets the operating parameters and control functions, this switch being capable of at least two independent movements—a first movement including a rotation about an axis, the second one a displacement along the axis. One of these switch movement, e.g., rotation, provides for the selection and change in setting of one of the operating parameters and control functions, and another of the switch movement, e.g., displacement, provides for acceptance of the selection and acceptance of the setting.

Abstract: In the process of drilling a concrete in a building, many times contact and damage can accidentally be made with existing electrical conduit and the wires inside, or plumbing pipes. This damage can be avoided with a device which can indicate a grounded metal, such as a conduit, plumbing pipes, supporting frames or metal beam, all of which may be grounded to the existing electrical system. A safety protection circuit is incorporated into a power tool and includes at least one LED indicator connected to a low voltage power supply and to the body of the power tool to be illuminated when contact with grounded metal occurs.

Abstract: A freight-loading system in a cargo hold of an aircraft is provided that offers enhanced operating safety. The freight-loading system comprises a plurality of power drive units (PDUs), which can be actuated by control signals in such a way that items of freight can be maneuvered into or out of the cargo hold as well as within it. The power drive units (PDUs) are connected by control leads to control panels for actuation by personnel. A control maintenance computer (CMC) is provided and connected to the power drive units (PDUs) and the control panels, and is so designed that status information from the power drive units (PDUs) and the control panels can be read out, and that the power drive units (PDUs) and/or the control panels are controllable by the control maintenance computer (CMC).

Abstract: A switch assembly (1) comprises a push-button section (52) and a push-button body (53) as an operation transmitting member, an LED box (54) and a contact-making contact (56) as a direct functioning member, and a communication-function incorporating contact (communications contact) (55) as an information input/output functioning member, as permitting these components to be connected with each other. Therefore, the switch assembly can respond to an operation given to the push-button body (52) by causing the contact-making contact (56) to provide an output for switching between a conductive state and a non-conductive state and by causing the communications contact (55) to output an information signal to a network.

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 for a 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. 13: S186, S194).

Abstract: A tool wear and/or breakage control device for a machine tool includes, in one single unit, through which the three motor supply phases pass completely, all of the components required to measure the active power and/or the active currents absorbed by the motor, and digital means for detecting tool wear and/or breakage in comparison to a reference curve which is established during a first machining operation performed by the tool.

Abstract: A sensor head component is configurable as an accessory for performing various functions on other sensor head components interconnected in a sensor head of a monitoring tool assembly. Certain sensor head components may benefit from the performance of such functions as removable of debris from particular surfaces as well as calibration processes. To perform these functions, an accessory is configurable to include a body portion with a motor positioned therein. Connectable to the motor may be an accessory arm which includes at least one element connected thereto for performing the particular function. When activated, the motor manipulates the accessory arm such that the element moves within a target area and performs the particular function upon at least one of the sensor head components.

Abstract: A hand tool which provides an alarm signal to a user as the tool approaches a live electrical wire is disclosed. The hand tool comprises a conductive tool head and a non-conductive handle. A non-contact voltage sensing circuit is provided in the handle of the tool. As the tool head approaches a live electrical wire, the non-contact voltage sensing circuit detects the voltage across the air gap between the tool head and the electrical wire, triggering an alarm circuit. The alarm circuit provides a visual or audio signal to the user.

Abstract: A system for enhancing safe operation of industrial vehicles includes at least one of three sets of sensors for detecting pedestrians in zones and providing appropriate responses. Zone 1 includes a two to four foot region around a stationary vehicle which might include personnel who had recently been conversing with the vehicle's operator. Zone 2 extends from 2 to 6 feet from the vehicle and personnel entering Zone 2 will cause the vehicle's horn to sound to prevent their walking into the side of the vehicle. Zone 3 comprises hidden danger zones where personnel may enter a region where an industrial vehicle from outside the area and be unaware of the vehicle's presence. Motion detectors associated with Zone 3 cause activation of an RF tag that reflects a radio signal transmitted by the vehicle. The sounding of the horn will notify both the pedestrian and the vehicle's operator of the potential danger.

Abstract: A method of controlling at least one safety-specific function of a machine. The method includes monitoring a monitoring region with at least one location-resolving and time-resolving sensor, where the monitoring region includes a safety boundary which separates off a danger region and defines a safe distance from a danger zone of the machine. The method also includes detecting at least one of a position, a movement direction and a movement speed of an object. The method also includes establishing a position of the safety boundary in a variable manner depending on the at least one of a detected position, movement direction and movement speed of the object. The method also includes triggering the safety-specific function of the machine when entry into the danger region by the object is detected. An apparatus corresponding to the method is also described.

Abstract: The present invention involves a methodology for the interconnection of safety control modules used for the safeguarding of personnel around points and areas of hazardous machine operation. The system includes one or more safety control modules connected together so that the safety control modules communicate with each other using actively diverse safety control signals. The safety control modules are also connected to the machine safety control circuit so that the safety control modules can stop machine operation when one or more safety control modules are activated. The use of actively diverse safety control signals provides a control reliable system.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the status of a motor (301), the apparatus comprising:

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) apparatus includes a polishing head that is composed of a carrier and a membrane, and is positioned on a polishing pad of a supporting part. The polishing head has a supporter installed at an internal center of the carrier, a chucking ring positioned between the carrier and the supporter, and means for moving the chucking ring up and down in a vertical direction. The supporter forms a sealed space together with the membrane, and the chucking ring chucks the wafer in vacuum.

Abstract: A method includes identifying a degraded condition associated with the processing of a workpiece. At least one process tool associated with the degraded condition is identified. Trace data collection is enabled for the identified process tool. A system includes a processing system configured to process a workpiece and a tool monitor. The tool monitor is configured to identify a degraded condition associated with the processing of the workpiece, identify at least one process tool from the processing system associated with the degraded condition, and enable trace data collection for the identified process tool.

Abstract: Failures associate with bad hand pieces and blade failures in an ultrasonic surgical system are distinguished by monitoring the rate of change of the resonance frequency and the rate of change of the resonance impedance of the hand piece/blade as the drive frequency is changed. As the system reaches resonance, the control system locks onto the resonance frequency. When a loss of lock occurs with no recovery, the rate of change of the frequency and rate of change of the impedance are compared to obtain the fastest rate of change which is stored in non-volatile memory of the ultrasonic generator. If the rates of change are higher than normal rates of change due to temperature changes with the longest blades, a “Bad Blade” message is displayed on an LCD.

Abstract: A plurality of wires (33, 34; 35, 36) are disposed near the bottom (23-25) of blade root sockets (16-18) of a rotating disk 39 of a gas turbine engine by vapor deposition and etching, the wires including connections to excitation nodes (40, 42) and detection nodes (41, 43). A nearby stationary member of the engine mounts an oscillator amplifier (55) which drives a coil (57) that excites the circuitry, and a coil (62) drives an amplifier (65) and a processor (67) which provides an indication of whether or not one or more of the wires are broken by a crack.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides a hand-held type fastener tool for performing a fastening job using electrical power supplied from an electrical power source. The tool comprises an electrically-powered motor, having an electroconductive outer housing adapted to electrically couple to the earth ground line of the electrical power source, a stator, and a rotor. The motor electrically couples to the live and neutral lines of the electrical power source. An on-board controller is adapted to monitor the fastening job and perform predetermined operations in accordance with the logic scheme based on the monitoring of the fastening job.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting measurement signals into digital signals suitable for processing in a microprocessor (12), with the signals having been initiated in a piezo sensor (6) by accelerations acting on the sensor during the impacts of a percussion device (1), particularly a hydraulic hammer, and being used to determine the number of work strokes that have been executed in the impact direction (arrow 3) of the percussion device (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for signal vibration alert. The method of the present invention recognizes significant substantial swerves and corresponding substantial edge-to-edge differences by eliminating the adverse effect of noise among signals generated by an apparatus. When the frequency of the substantial edge-to-edge differences that exceed an acceptable range of the frequency limit is too large, the method of the present invention automatically generates an alert to indicate aberration in the apparatus such that the monitoring staff is informed and allowed to take necessary measures responding to the aberration.

Abstract: A bearing monitor has a bearing sensor to monitor frequencies emitted by a bearing in a rotating component. The bearing sensor has an output to a processor. The processor is attached to the rotating component to process the output from the bearing sensor to a digital or logical signal, which may include determining if the output indicates that the bearing requires service.

Abstract: A non-ferrous component comprising a thermally-affected adhesive applied to a surface of the component, and at least one ferrous metal wire attached to the surface of the component by the thermally-affected adhesive.

Abstract: A robot-arm telemanipulating system that presents an operator auditory information converted from a part of information on operating status of the robot arm (hereinafter referred to as “telemetry data”) transmitted from a distant position from the operator, so that a burden imposed on the operator can be alleviated. The telemanipulating system includes a sound source for simulatively generating an operating sound of the robot arm under telemanipulation, capable of variably controlling at least one of key, volume and tone of the operating sound by sound source control data input from outside; a telemetry data analyzing unit for analyzing telemetry data transmitted from the robot arm, and controlling the sound source by generating sound source controlling data corresponding to a load amount applied to the robot arm; and an audio output unit for presenting the operator the operating sound generated by the sound source in a form of auditory information.

Abstract: A pod for transporting a cassette of semiconductor wafers that is equipped with a cover latch indicator is described. The pod is constructed by a base, a cover, a latch means and an indicator means. The base is used to support the cassette positioned thereon, while the cover removably carries on the base for protectively covering the cassette to prevent contamination of the wafers. The latch means is carried on the base for latching the cover onto the base. The latch means may be actuatable from a latched position in which the cover is latched onto the base to a released position allowing removal of the cover from the base. The indicator means is coupled with the latch means for providing a visual indication of the condition of the latch means.

Abstract: A sensor system for determining acceptable magnetization between a magnetic clamp and a mold patent for a quick mold change system on an injection molding machine includes secondary sensing coils magnetically coupled with a switchable magnet in the clamp effecting a voltage output in accordance with magnetic flux conditions between the magnets and the mold and providing a control signal based on changes in said flux condition for controlling activity of said workpiece in accordance therewith.

Abstract: Failures associate with bad hand pieces and blade failures in an ultrasonic surgical system are distinguished by monitoring the rate of change of the resonance frequency and the rate of change of the resonance impedance of the hand piece/blade as the drive frequency is changed. As the system reaches resonance, the control system locks onto the resonance frequency. When a loss of lock occurs with no recovery, the rate of change of the frequency and rate of change of the impedance are compared to obtain the fastest rate of change which is stored in non-volatile memory of the ultrasonic generator. If the rates of change are higher than normal rates of change due to temperature changes with the longest blades, a “Bad Blade” message is displayed on an LCD.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling a light grid with a monitored zone for the securing of a hazardous zone pre-determined by a tool movement which is activated with the tool movement. A closed region of the monitored zone is activated as an active field. This active field is moved within the monitored zone such that the hazardous zone is initially only partly secured during the tool movement.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for detecting stuck tools in automated machining operations. When a machining operation on a workpiece is finished, the tools are retracted from the workpiece. Prior to moving the workpiece to another machining operation, a stuck tool detector is moved along a plane of separation between the machine head and the workpiece. If a stuck tool is present, the detector senses the stuck tool and sends an alarm signal of the stuck tool condition so that the operator or controlling microprocessor based system is alerted to the stuck tool. Appropriate actions or repairs can then be carried out.

Abstract: A machine such as a saw, jointer, planer, etc. is disclosed. The machine has cutting tool, a direct drive mechanism configured to move the cutting tool, a detection system adapted to detect the occurrence of an unsafe condition between a person and the cutting tool, and a reaction system adapted to mitigate the unsafe condition upon the detection of the unsafe condition by the detection system. An electrical signal is imparted on the cutting tool, and the signal is used to determine the occurrence of the unsafe condition. The direct drive mechanism is electrically isolated so that the electric signal may be imparted on the cutting tool. The electric isolation may be achieved through configurations such as insulated bearings, a substantially non-conductive housing, and a substantially non-conductive coupling joining two shaft portions.

Abstract: An audible safety warning message is recorded on a digital sound chip and the chip is installed in an extension tool such as an extension pole, a ladder or the like. The message playback sequence is initiated when the tool is activated to provide the user with a warning to avoid dangers such as overhead power wires and the like.

Abstract: The present invention involves a methodology for the interconnection of safety control modules used for the safeguarding of personnel around points and areas of hazardous machine operation. The system includes one or more safety control modules connected together so that the safety control modules communicate with each other using actively diverse safety control signals. The safety control modules are also connected to the machine safety control circuit so that the safety control modules can stop machine operation when one or more safety control modules are activated. The use of actively diverse safety control signals provides a control reliable system.

Abstract: A system and method for testing at least one joint in a linkage includes a platform system, a torque system, an articulation assembly and a fault detection system. The platform system receives a first shaft connected to a first joint in the linkage and the torque system applies torque to the first joint without substantially rotating the first shaft or joint, a second shaft connected to a second joint in the linkage or the second joint. The articulation assembly receives the second shaft and moves the second joint in a substantially circular path without substantially rotating the first shaft or joint and the second shaft or joint. The fault detection system determines the condition of the linkage based upon detected signals emitted from the linkage while the first joint is torqued and the second joint is moved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of monitoring the condition or mechanical health of slowly rotating machinery comprises processing signals from sensing means applied to the machinery, which processing approximately or exactly sub-divides the period of a rotational cycle into a number of time or cyclic phase windows, each of which is long compared to the typical duration of a transient excitation of the structure at the frequency or frequencies of detection, applies a threshold level or acceptance criteria or calculates one in such a way that the presence or absence of any significant detectable activity in each of the time or phase windows can be determined for each rotational cycle and the fraction or percentage of those time or phase windows in which activity is present can be measured or averaged so as to provide a statistically significant indication of the extent of the activity throughout the rotational cycle.

Abstract: A press monitoring and control system includes a press machine, a press configuration module and a press controller. The press machine has a lower die coupled to an upper die, wherein the lower die includes a top surface supporting a strip of material to be formed into a part after a stripper plate coupled to the upper die contacts the strip of material. The press configuration module includes an input module that processes a set of input data corresponding to a particular job and generates a data signal corresponding to the set of input data. The press controller is coupled to the press machine and the press configuration module. The controller processes the data signal, compares the data signal to a set of parameters corresponding to the particular job, and generates at least one servo signal to adjust at least one servo in response to the data signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the condition of an oil lubricated bearing based on the phenomenon that the bearing will operate at a reduced temperature for a limited time period after losing its flow of lubricating oil. The invention includes steps and means for comparing the bearing temperature to an average of similar bearing temperatures, and for generating a low temperature alarm when the bearing temperature drops more than a threshold amount. The setpoint of this threshold may be a function of the standard deviation of the temperatures of a plurality of similar bearings. The invention may include steps and apparatus for generating a high bearing temperature alarm and for communicating data to a remote location.

Abstract: A control for use with pressure-sensitive devices, such as in a machine-guarding application. A plurality of pressure-sensitive devices, such as pressure-sensitive safety mats, are operatively connected to produce a disable signal and a status signal. An activation module produces a switching output responsive to the disable signal and the status signal to disable a machine. In one embodiment the status signal is produced by a comparator in response to a quantity selector and a quantity indication signal produced by the pressure-sensitive devices. In the preferred embodiment, the control system of the present invention is able to detect proper safety mat configuration, whether a threshold pressure is being applied to a pressure-sensing region in the plurality of safety mats, and whether the quantity of operatively coupled safety mats conforms to the quantity specified to be deployed.

Abstract: In the present invention, the distance from a predetermined point to the center of gravity of the load and a first portion of a work machine and the distance from that predetermined point to the center of gravity of the second portion of the work machine are compared, either singly or in a combination, to a predetermined value. Optionally, the articulation angle of the machine and weight and position of the load are combined with a vehicle weight value into a stability value and the stability value is compared to an alarm value. Should an instability condition be detected, an output signal is sent to an output device to alert the operator and/or affect the movement of the machine to prevent instability of the work machine.

Abstract: A pod for transporting a cassette containing semiconductor wafers includes a base and a cover removably carried on the base for protectively enclosing the cassette. A latching mechanism for latching the cover on the base is provided with an electrical sensor that senses when the cover is properly latched on the base and controls an electrical light on the base to provide a visual indication of latch status.

Abstract: A robot apparatus for detecting a sound signal outputted from a sound signal generating unit to move to a position of the sound signal generating device, wherein the sound signal has a specific pattern, includes: at least three sound receiving unit (114) for receiving the sound signal; a phase difference detecting unit (118) for detecting a phase difference between each sound signal from the sound receiving unit (114); a processing unit (125) for determining a position of the sound generating unit using the phase difference, to generate a moving control signal; and a moving unit (130) for moving the robot apparatus in response to the moving control signal.

Abstract: An aerialift warning system and method for use on aerialift equipment to warn the aerialift operator to fasten his/her safety lanyard and to warn persons within the zone of danger below the aerialift boom/basket of the impending danger posed by the descending boom/basket. The system includes a warning module and a speaker. The warning module includes a driver circuit for receiving a boom movement input signal and for asserting an up motion or down motion signal, and a processing circuit for receiving the up motion and down motion signal. The processing circuit contains an execution program to assert one or more warning messages contained in an audio warning circuit. The asserted one or more messages from the audio warning circuit are sent to a speaker.

Abstract: In order to improve a monitoring device for checking for a predefined position of a body or for checking for the presence of a body, comprising a pivotal checking element, a motor for driving the checking element and a control device for controlling the pivotal movement of the checking element, in such a manner that it is universally employable and, in particular, the exertion of too high a force on a body is prevented, it is proposed that the checking element be adapted to be pivoted commencing from a starting position through a transition region into a monitoring region in which the predefined position of the body lies or in which the presence of a body should be monitored, and that the control device limit the torque of the checking element in such a manner that the maximum possible torque in the monitoring region is reduced relative to that in the transition region. The present disclosure relates to the subject matter disclosed in German patent application No. 100 00 954.9 of Jan.

Abstract: In a component mounting device in which a component is picked up and mounted on a circuit board by a suction nozzle, an amount of displacement between a center position of the suction nozzle 11 and that of the picked-up component 12 is measured, and when it is larger than a preliminarily determined value, a warning is generated indicating that the parts cassette 3 from which the component 12 has been fed is in abnormal condition, as well as the mounting action of the component 12 is stopped.

Abstract: Resistance welding machines may include one or more temperature sensors that measure the temperatures of one or more heat generating elements within the welding machine, such as the welding transformer, the welding cable, the welding gun and/or the welding current switching element. These heat generating elements generate heat due to the passage of the welding current and can be damaged if not properly cooled. A processor is provided to receive temperature signals from the temperature sensors(s) and actuate a warning output circuit when the temperature of one or more of the heat generating elements rises to a high temperature warning temperature. This high temperature warning temperature is preferably lower than an upper limit temperature at or above which the heat generating element may be damaged due to overheating.

Abstract: A remotely powered electronic part sensing system is integrated with a chuck of a rotatable device such as a lathe machine for sensing the position of a part after loading of the part onto the lathe. The sensing system includes a detecting sensor arrangement, a transmitter, and an output sensor/receiver. The detecting sensor and transmitter are electrically connected to each other and integrated into the chuck, while the output sensor/receiver is mounted to a support member of the lathe. The output sensor/receiver is directly wired to an electrical power source in a conventional manner, while electrical power for the transmitter and detecting sensor arrangement is generated remotely, i.e., wirelessly, through an inductive coupling arrangement between the transmitter and output sensor/receiver. The transmitter and all sensors are located under the chuck face plate to minimize potential system fail due to contact with coolant and machine chips.

Abstract: A portable electronic vibration measurement device, detects a large number of structure-borne sound signals using a predetermined sequence of a plurality of specific individual measurements each plurality of measurements taken at a different sampling frequency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for furniture with at least one movable element which can be moved by a motor-driven positioning drive controlled by operating controls, particularly the head and/or foot of a base for a bed, or a seat and/or backrest element of an armchair, where the positioning of the element forms a gap in which an object or body part can become trapped as a result of the movement of the element. If a body part becomes trapped, this can lead to serious injury. Objects must also be prevented from becoming trapped, as they can cause damage to the furniture. According to the invention, at least one contact element is positioned in the gap which, when subjected to the pressure applied by an object or body part becoming trapped, closes an electric circuit which bridges a switch associated with one of the operating controls, the closing of which prevents further movement of the positioning drive.

Abstract: A numerical control system for a machine tool comprises a feed speed setting unit, which outputs a signal of a set feed speed of the machine tool, and a feed speed overriding unit, which outputs a signal of a feed speed overriding according to an input of the feed speed overriding. An interpolation unit connects to the feed speed setting unit and the feed speed overriding unit. The interpolation unit determines a command signal of the feed speed of the machine tool by performing interpolation calculations according to he signal of the set feed speed unit and the signal of the feed speed overriding unit. Based upon its calculations, the interpolation unit outputs a target position of each spindle at each sampling time.

Abstract: An electric path (E) is formed by connecting a spindle (11), a tool (12), a table (4), a base (2), a column (5) and a housing (13) including a capacitor (C0) having the spindle (11) and the housing (13) as electrodes, and electric current is sent to the electric path (E) by a current generator (51). An electro-capacitance change is detected by measuring a current value in the electric path (E) by an electro-capacitance detector (52) to detect a state of a bearing gap between the spindle (11) and the housing (13). No multiple sensors are necessary and the spindle state detector (50) can be simplified.

Abstract: An identification transponder comprising an identification code generator (10) embodied as an integrated circuit predominantly comprising organic materials. The integrated circuit may be provided on an anti-theft sticker (5) accommodating an LC resonant circuit (3, 4).