Abstract: Provided is an outer casing having a bottomed tube shape, the casing having a cooling water supply port, and a cooling water discharge port, and being inserted into a high-temperature furnace; an inner casing having a bottomed tube shape inserted into the outer casing; an imaging unit that is disposed in the inner casing which captures an image of the exterior of the outer casing; and partition members that are between an inner surface of the outer casing and an outer surface of the inner casing which define a first flow channel, a second flow channel, and a communicating channel for communicating the first flow channel and the second flow channel between the bottom of the outer casing and the partition members.

Abstract: A welding system includes a first sensor associated with a welding helmet and configured to sense a parameter indicative of a position of a welding torch relative to the welding helmet. The travel speed sensing system also includes a processing system communicatively coupled to the first sensor and configured to determine a position of the welding torch relative to a workpiece based on the sensed first parameter.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a vacuum apparatus that allows light to enter the inside of the vacuum apparatus through an observation window and makes it possible to see the inside of the vacuum apparatus through the observation window by illuminating the inside of the vacuum apparatus includes a coupling adapter that is removably coupled to the observation window via a coupling unit, an opening that is formed in a central part of the coupling adapter and allows the inside of the vacuum apparatus to be seen through the observation window, and a plurality of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) that are placed in the coupling adapter and face the observation window. The lighting apparatus is attached to the observation window for seeing the inside of the vacuum apparatus and illuminates the inside of the vacuum apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is a building inspection device for inspecting a side of a building comprising a body having a underside, a line attachment means connected to the body for movably connecting the body to a guide line, an alignment means for aligning the body so that the underside of the body faces the side of the building, a system controller for controlling the inspection device, and a sensing device disposed in the body having a sensor located on the underside of the body for inspecting a portion of the side of the building, wherein the sensing device is controlled by the system controller. The line attachment means may be connected to a vertical weight-bearing guide line, and the alignment means may comprise a second vertical guide line also connected to the line attachment means.

Abstract: A process is provided for estimating a three-dimensional (3D) radiance field of a combustion process in an enclosure. An on-line intensity-temperature calibration is performed based on an association between an intensity of an image pixel and an actual temperature associated with a selected region in the enclosure. The intensity of the corresponding image is transformed to a radiance image based on settings of an image-capturing device and the on-line calibration. A registration and alignment estimation of the image is performed based on positional information of the enclosure. The radiance image is aligned based on the registration estimation. The 3D radiance field having voxels of the enclosure is estimated based on a two-dimensional to 3D transforming of the aligned radiance images.

Abstract: An optical probe (10) including one or more optical elements (32), and an inner tube (30) to house the optical elements. The inner tube may be made up of at least two cooperating inner tube sections (34, 36) separable from one another along a longitudinal axis of the inner tube.

Abstract: A radiation tolerant camera, including a camera module and having an electronic image sensor. The camera module is arranged in a radiation shielding enclosure, the enclosure having an opening for allowing passage of light into the image sensor. Furthermore, the camera module is connected to a heat absorbing cooling element dissipating heat from the camera module.

Abstract: A medical system includes a movable portion configured to allow an angle to be changed within a predetermined angular range, an actuator configured to drive the movable portion so as to change the angle of the movable portion when a wire is pulled, a control unit configured to perform drive control of the actuator, a slack detection unit configured to detect a driving condition as to whether or not the wire is slack, a slack adjustment unit configured to adjust slack of the wire based on a detection result produced by the slack detection unit; and a slack adjustment command input unit used to input a command to adjust the slack of the wire, wherein the slack adjustment unit adjusts the slack of the wire to a predetermined state of adjustment in response to the command to adjust the slack of the wire.

Abstract: A ball-shaped camera thrown or projected into an airborne trajectory, and an image capture system with network devices collaborating for the purpose of generating panoramic images and video sourced from network ball cameras, and ball cameras capable of capturing stable image and video while spinning, spiraling or precessing through a trajectory.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup portion and a recording portion that records an image signal based on an output signal from the image pickup portion, for executing a shooting operation with a behavior of a photographer as a trigger, and obtaining a desired static image by performing an automatic manipulation processing of the acquired image; the image pickup apparatus comprising: a posture detection portion that detects a change of posture or moving situation of the image pickup apparatus, and a control portion that controls the execution of shooting operation based on the output signal of the posture detection portion.

Abstract: An arc welder including an integrated monitor is disclosed. The monitor is capable of monitoring variables during a welding process and weighting the variables accordingly, quantifying overall quality of a weld, obtaining and using data indicative of a good weld, improving production and quality control for an automated welding process, teaching proper welding techniques, identifying cost savings for a welding process, and deriving optimal welding settings to be used as pre-sets for different welding processes or applications.

Abstract: A driver alertness detection system includes an imaging unit configured to image an area in a vehicle compartment where a driver's head is located; an image processing unit configured to receive the image from the imaging unit, and to determine positions of the driver's head and eyes; and a warning unit configured to determine, based on the determined position of the driver's head and eyes as output by the image processing unit, whether the driver is in an alert state or a non-alert state, and to output a warning to the driver when the driver is determined to be in the non-alert state.

Abstract: An illumination device for attachment to a hose has a housing coupled to the hose. The housing allows a substance from the hose to flow through the housing. An electronic circuit is stored in an interior of the housing to illuminate an area in front of the hose and to transmit data to and from the illumination device.

Abstract: A camera system includes a camera and a camera housing structured to at least partially enclose the camera. The camera comprises an internal heat sink thermally coupled to electronics of the camera and a lens ring positioned around a lens of the camera. The camera housing comprises a thermal conductor. An interior portion of the thermal conductor makes contact with the lens ring when the camera is enclosed within the housing, and an exterior portion extends outside the housing. The thermal conductor is configured to transfer heat from the interior of the housing to the exterior to dissipate heat from the camera's electronics.

Abstract: A method for knowledge capture of exploration and production (E&P) tool sessions, including performing, using an E&P tool configured on a computer system, a first E&P tool session based on a subterranean formation field data set, recording a video capture of a plurality of scenes generated by the E&P tool and displayed during the first E&P tool session, capturing a description associated with a first scene of the plurality of scenes, wherein the first scene is assigned a time stamp corresponding to a specific point in time of a time line of the video capture, tagging the description with the time stamp included in a log of the video capture, and storing the video capture and the log of the video capture, wherein the description is synchronized with the specific point in time of the first scene based on the time stamp.

Abstract: A wireless micro-camera is present on an expandable band that can be placed on various tools and devices to allow its user to view difficult-to-see locations on the screen of the user's smart device. The band can also include a light and charging mechanism.

Abstract: Turbine engine casing interiors are visually inspected in a fully assembled turbine casing by mounting an optical camera on a turbine blade that captures optical images, such as of the casing abradable surface. Optical images are recorded as the blade circumferentially sweeps the turbine casing when the turbine is operated in turning gear mode or manually rotated. Blade rotational position data are collected by a rotational position sensor. A data processing system correlates the captured optical images and rotational position data about the turbine casing circumference. This method and apparatus provide an accurate and cost effective solution for accessing a turbine casing interior.

Abstract: An pest detector includes an atrium at least one tunnel that funnels the pest into the atrium. The pest detector further includes at least one sensor pointed at the atrium or the tunnel. The pest detector further includes a camera pointed at the atrium that photographs an pest when the pest is detected by the at least one sensor. The pest detector further includes a communicator that sends a notification if an pest is detected by the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A visual inspection device includes a body having a support portion and a grip portion extending from the support portion. The device also includes a flexible cable having a first end portion coupled to the body and a second end portion, and a camera assembly coupled to the second end portion of the flexible cable. The camera assembly includes an image sensor operable to transmit image data through the flexible cable. The device further includes a display supported by the support portion of the body. The display is electrically connected to the flexible cable to display image date from the image sensor. The device is powered by a rechargeable battery pack removably coupled to the body.

Abstract: A method of generating a comprehensive image (87) of interior surfaces (78, 80) of machine components such as a gas turbine combustor basket (59) and transition duct (34) by digitally stitching together multiple photographs (82) thereof, and analyzing the comprehensive image by contouring (91, 95A-B) of colors and shadings thereon, and quantifying and tracking aspects of the contours (A, B, C) over time for indications of degradation (89) of the interior surfaces. A scope (58) may be inserted into a port (56) in the combustor with a camera (72, 74) in a rotatable end (70) of the scope for obtaining a circumferential set (84) of photos at each axial position along a length of the combustor and transition duct. A 3D surface scanning device (76) in the scope may define the geometry of the interior surface for 3D photographic modeling thereof providing a virtual walk-through inspection.

Abstract: A Radiation tolerant camera, including a camera module and having an electronic image sensor. The camera module is arranged in a radiation shielding enclosure, the enclosure having an opening for allowing passage of light into the image sensor. Furthermore, the camera module is connected to a heat absorbing cooling element dissipating heat from the camera module.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, a system for viewing partially or fully enclosed areas comprises a camera coupled to a first end of an elongated member and at least one interface for communicating with a viewing device. The system also includes a controller coupled to a second end of the elongated member for controlling at least one of the member, the camera, and the viewing device, wherein the elongated member has a cross sectional area of less than about one square inch at a point toward the first end of the elongated member. Additional systems and methods are also presented.

Abstract: An embedded imaging system in one embodiment includes an encoding module, an imaging module, and a cable. The encoding module is disposed proximate to a proximal end of the system, and is configured to encode frame synchronizing information into timing information comprising a reference clock. The imaging module is disposed proximate the distal end, and includes an image capture device configured to obtain imaging information and a decoding module. The decoding control module is configured to obtain the timing information, to decode the timing information to obtain recovered frame synchronizing information, and to control the image capture device using the recovered frame synchronizing information. The cable is interposed between the proximal end and the distal end, and is configured for passage therethrough of the timing information and the imaging information.

Abstract: A blade inspection apparatus has a borescope and a PC. The borescope has a distance sensor for detecting an insertion length when an insertion section of the borescope is inserted through a hole provided in a casing in which a rotor of an engine is housed, an acceleration sensor for detecting an attitude of the insertion section, and distance sensors for detecting two distances from the insertion section to two stator vanes on a stator. The PC compares the attitude and two distances detected in the borescope with the attitude and two distances relating to an inspection image stored in a HDD. When a match occurs therebetween, the PC outputs match information.

Abstract: Regarding a blade inspection system, each of endo scope guide devices for a borescope has an insertion portion guide tube for guiding an insertion portion and a first fixing portion which is provided on the insertion portion guide tube and fixes the insertion portion guide tube in a corresponding external access port. When the insertion portion is attached into the insertion portion guide tube, lengths of extending portions of the endoscope guide devices are different between the plurality of endoscope guide devices extending from the corresponding external access port so that a position for observing a predetermined portion of a blade by an observation optical system of the insertion portion comes to a position determined in advance for each of the corresponding external access ports.

Abstract: A solution for monitoring an area for the presence of a flame and/or a leak, such as from a pressurized fluid, is provided. An imaging device can be used that acquires image data based on electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths only corresponding to at least one region of the electromagnetic spectrum in which electromagnetic radiation from an ambient light source is less than the electromagnetic radiation emitted by at least one type of flame for which the presence within the area is being monitored. An acoustic device can be used that is configured to acquire acoustic data for the area and enhance acoustic signals in a range of frequencies corresponding to a leak of a pressurized fluid present in the area.

Abstract: An inspection system which verifies the complete connection of two connectors at an inspection station. An indicator is placed on one of the first and second connectors which becomes hidden from view only when the first and second connectors are in a fully connected position. A camera is positioned at the inspection station which generates an output signal representative of the field of vision of the camera. That camera output signal is coupled to an optical recognition circuit which generates an alarm signal if the indicator is present in the camera image.

Abstract: Apparatus and method using a linear array (22) of optical sensors (24) for imaging a rotating component (12) of a gas turbine engine. A viewing probe (16) may include the linear array of optical sensors disposed in the probe to acquire image data that may be made up of a series of line scans capturing views of the component passing within a field of view of the probe. A controller (26) may be electrically coupled to the linear array to process the series of line scans to generate an image of the component.

Abstract: A system and a method for image acquisition suitable for use in a turbine engine are disclosed. Light received from a field of view in an object plane is projected onto an image plane through an optical modulation device and is transferred through an image conduit to a sensor array. The sensor array generates a set of sampled image signals in a sensing basis based on light received from the image conduit. Finally, the sampled image signals are transformed from the sensing basis to a representation basis and a set of estimated image signals are generated therefrom. The estimated image signals are used for reconstructing an image and/or a motion-video of a region of interest within a turbine engine.

Abstract: Internal components of power generation machinery, such as gas and steam turbines are inspected with an optical camera inspection system that is capable of automatically positioning the camera field of view (FOV) to an area of interest within the machinery along a pre-designated navigation path and capturing images without human intervention. Automatic camera positioning and image capture can be initiated automatically or after receipt of operator permission. The pre-designated navigation path can be defined by operator manual positioning of an inspection scope within the power machine or a similar one of the same type and recording of positioning steps for future replication. The navigation path can also be defined by virtual simulation. The inspection system includes an articulated multi-axis inspection scope.

Abstract: A device for attaching to an electric power line conductor includes an electrically conductive housing having an opening for accepting the power line conductor and configured to be grounded to the electric power line conductor. At least one magnetic core is configured to surround the power line conductor and power a power supply electronics module. At least one camera assembly is connected to the housing and configured to capture fault and lightning stroke images along the electric power line conductor.

Abstract: Optical camera systems for nondestructive internal inspection of online, operating power generation turbines, including gas turbine combustor and turbine sections that are at high operating temperatures in the range of over 600° C. (1112° F.) and which include combustion gas contaminants. The inspection system includes one or more aspheric lenses capable of withstanding continuous operating temperatures above 600° C. The aspheric lenses, alone or in combination with spherical lenses, establish a wider field of view, and require fewer lenses in combination than lens mounts incorporating only spherical lenses. A cooling system incorporated in the inspection system facilitates continuous operation and inhibits lens external surface fouling from combustion gasses.

Abstract: This invention is a method to prevent excessive maintenance to vehicle lubricating system based on detection, to overcome the defect in maintenance procedure. The method prevents excessive maintenance to vehicle lubricating system based on detection, with oil detection module and host controller. Its working principle is to detect the aging degree of lube before maintenance, and decide whether to change the lube according to detection result. It will help to prevent excessive maintenance, reduce maintenance cost for car owners, and decrease the waste of resource. Oil detection module includes oil chamber sensor, capacitance detection chip, and etc. Host controller is connected to oil detection module by cables.

Abstract: Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for adjusting brightness of a light source. In general, the devices and methods can allow brightness of a light source to be adjusted by varying a power supply of the light source. The power supply can be varied in response to a user input. In one exemplary embodiment, the light source can be included as part of a scope, e.g., a borescope, an endoscope, etc., configured to be advanced into a target and to gather one or more video images and/or one or more still images within the target using a camera. The light source can be configured to illuminate the target at a selected one of the variable amounts of brightness. A white balance of the light source can be configured to automatically adjust in response to the selected amount of brightness.

Abstract: A photography system includes: an observation scope inserted into a hole of a case in which a plurality of subjects, which are cyclically disposed around a rotary shaft and rotate around the rotary shaft, are housed along with the rotary shaft and the hole is formed to penetrate through the case, the observation scope being configured to sequentially acquire light from the plurality of subjects; an imaging section configured to generate an image by continuously imaging light acquired by the observation scope; a sensor configured to continuously detect states of the plurality of subjects which rotate and sequentially output detection values; and an image acquisition section configured to detect a position of the subject based on cyclic variation of the detection value and acquire the image including the subject at the detected position which is a predetermined position.

Abstract: Various embodiments include approaches for monitoring turbomachine components. In various particular embodiments, a system for monitoring a component within a turbomachine includes: a borescope probe sized to pass through an opening in the turbomachine, the borescope probe for detecting a symbolic data array on the component within the turbomachine; and at least one computing device operably coupled to the borescope probe, the at least one computing device configured to: obtain image data about the symbolic data array from the borescope probe; evaluate the image data to determine whether the image data is compatible with a symbolic data array analysis program; and analyze the image data using the symbolic data array analysis program in response to determining the image data is compatible with the symbolic data array analysis program.

Abstract: A photography system includes: an observation scope inserted into a hole of a case in which a plurality of sets of subject groups, each of which includes a plurality of subjects that are cyclically disposed around a rotary shaft and rotate around the rotary shaft, are housed along with the rotary shaft and a plurality of holes are formed to penetrate through the case and configured to sequentially acquire light from the plurality of subjects included in one set of subject groups among the plurality of sets of subject groups; an imaging section configured to continuously image light acquired by the observation scope to generate an image in a state in which the plurality of sets of subject groups rotate; and a display section configured to display the image generated by the imaging section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bridge inspecting device for inspecting a structure of a bridge. The device includes a vehicle, a pendulum mechanism and at least one image sensing device. The vehicle has an arm and is stably parked at an edge of the bridge. The pendulum mechanism has an end movably secured to the arm and the pendulum mechanism has at least one pendulum element. The at least one image sensing device is connected to another end of the pendulum mechanism.

Abstract: A system for monitoring performance of a machine for detection of visible signs of failure, includes: a machine enclosure housing machine parts; at least one canal through the machine enclosure acting as a visual conduit for providing a view into the interior of the machine; a guide rail within the canal for moving a camera into the interior; an interface to the machine configured to receive images from the visual conduit; and a repair network for linking the interface to a monitoring center that provides for the repair of problems with the machine.

Abstract: A heads-up digital display within a firefighting or welding helmet that indicates the temperature of the observed region is disclosed. Data is provided by a thermal imaging camera mounted on or through the helmet's exterior surface. Readings of the temperature across the field of vision may be localized and calibrated to a target point such as crosshairs, printed on the face shield, or may be generalized, for example taking an average temperature or maximum temperature from across the field of vision. The temperature reading would be displayed digitally on a temperature display mounted within the helmet.

Abstract: In order to obtain a quality image without deterioration owing to radiation noise in inspection using the optical video camera in high radiation environment, an inspection apparatus is formed of an image pick-up unit, an image obtaining unit which fetches a video image that contains a signal (noise) that is substantially independent of each frame obtained by the image pick-up unit, a local alignment unit which locally aligns frames with different time phases for forming the image fetched by the image obtaining unit, a frame synthesizing unit which synthesizes the plurality of frames aligned by the local alignment unit for generating a synthesis frame with an SN ratio higher than the SN ratio of the frame before frame synthesis, and an image output unit for displaying or recording the image formed of the synthesis frame generated by the frame synthesizing unit.

Abstract: A multi-axis tool may include, in some embodiments, a gimbal adapted to be positioned adjacent an opening in a wall; an extended-reach device having first and second ends and an end effector adjacent the first end, the extended-reach device engaging the gimbal for relative rotational movement and relative slidable movement through the opening such that the end effector is positioned on a side of the wall opposite the second end; a sensor system configured to measure a linear position of the extended-reach device relative to the gimbal, and a position and spatial orientation of the end effector relative to the opening; and a computer control connected to receive signals from the sensor system to determine at least one of a position and an orientation of the end effector relative to the opening.

Abstract: An imaging system for inspecting a turbine through an opening in a turbine casing is disclosed. The system includes a fitting installed in the opening. A lens assembly is mounted to a first side of the fitting and extends inside of the turbine casing. A fiber optic bundle is mounted to a second side of the fitting and extends outside of the turbine casing to a camera disposed remote from the opening.

Abstract: The device used for collecting information on the condition of a sewer network. It includes a set of observation devices mounted on a floating housing (1) introduced in the sewer pipe flow and connected by the rear (8) to a check cable which the operator can unreel from the surface of an upstream manhole, and is completed by display, control and optional recording systems on the surface. The on-board devices comprise a pan and tilt surface camera housed behind a glass dome (2), a bottom camera (3), distance detectors (6 and 7), a system transmitting wireless signals (5), lights, and batteries (4). The signals run along the inside of the pipe to a receiver located at a manhole and from there are transmitted to the station on the surface. The components are compact, reliable and preferably derived from mass-produced devices such as video surveillance cameras, computers or video screens.

Abstract: Fire detector installations comprise fire detectors as sensor devices for detecting fires, smoke, flames or other signs of fire, and are used in both public buildings, such as schools or museums, and in private buildings. The invention relates to a detection device (1) for detecting fires and/or signs of fire in an area to be monitored, said detection device comprising an image-producing sensor element (2) for emitting image data, and an optical element (3) mounted upstream of the sensor element (2), which together form a camera system (6) for monitoring the area to be monitored. The detection device also comprises an evaluation element (8) designed to detect fires or signs of fire in the area to be monitored by evaluating the image data.

Abstract: A visual inspection device includes a body having a support portion and a grip portion extending from the support portion. The device also includes a flexible cable having a first end portion coupled to the body and a second end portion, and a camera assembly coupled to the second end portion of the flexible cable. The camera assembly includes an image sensor operable to transmit image data through the flexible cable. The device further includes a display supported by the support portion of the body. The display is electrically connected to the flexible cable to display image date from the image sensor. The device is powered by a rechargeable battery pack removably coupled to the body.

Abstract: A cable apparatus is provided and includes a cable to assume discrete positions, an actuator operably coupled to the cable and including a power source and a cable unit, which, when activated, causes the cable to translate and draws power from the power source and, when deactivated, draws no power and permits cable translation and a housing operably disposed along the cable and including a first element that rotates and translates with respect to the cable and a second element fixed to the cable, the first element being configured to cause the second element to rotate.

Abstract: An imaging inspection system and inspection method for a combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine having an imaging inspection device and a controller. The imaging inspection device includes a combustor interface, an inspection head having a first camera, an inspection head extender, a roll actuator, and a pitch actuator. The controller is configured to manipulate the inspection head in a predefined sequence.

Abstract: A visual inspection device includes a housing, a handle coupled to the housing that is grasped by a user while the device is in use, an articulating camera unit coupled to the housing, and a display unit coupled to the housing to display an image transmitted by the articulating camera unit.

Abstract: A sample and hold circuit includes a plurality of capacitors, a network of switches and a control circuit. The control circuit is operable to control the network of switches so as to sample an incoming signal onto at least some of the plurality of capacitors. In such an operation, each capacitor takes a sample of the incoming signal at a different time. The sample and hold circuit outputs a signal corresponding to an average of the samples.