Abstract: Disclosed is an enclosed camera apparatus for use in applications with high temperature and/or airborne powder. The apparatus includes a housing enclosing a camera, with air moving within the housing that cools the camera and pressurizes the housing such that some air expels through a camera outward viewing orifice (aka “camera hole”), such that the camera can look outwardly through the orifice without powder accumulating around and atop the camera lens and/or camera viewing orifice. The camera is held in place by a machined camera mount that centers the camera on the orifice and allows compressed air to pass over the camera and the cable to protect it from overheating. The machined camera mount allows compressed air to pass back through the rest of the housing after it cools the camera to cool the rest of the housing, including the power and signal supply lines of the camera, before it exhausts out the top.

Abstract: An insertion tool can include: a housing having proximal and distal ends with a sealed chamber therebetween, the distal end having a flange configured to engage with a flange of a valve assembly coupled to a pressurized vessel to allow the sealed chamber to fluidly communicate with the pressurized vessel; a hollow inner shaft slidably disposed through a proximal opening in the proximal end of the housing, through the sealed chamber, and through a distal opening in the distal end of the housing such that the inner shaft is operable to be advanced distally into the valve assembly toward an interior portion of the pressurized vessel, the inner shaft having an inner lumen that is sealed from the sealed chamber of the outer housing and that is configured to receive an inspection tool therein; and an optically transparent member disposed at a distal end of the inner shaft.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a structure for cracks is disclosed. The method includes the steps of moving an inspection vehicle along a pre-determined path through an area to be inspected, the inspection vehicle having a camera apparatus configured to scan the area to be inspected; using the camera apparatus to scan the area to be inspected at a pre-determined distance per second, thereby capturing scan data for analysis; and analyzing the scan data to classify cracks in the structure.

Abstract: A modular structure is disclosed that shields people from radiation typically encountered in radiotherapy rooms. The structure can be easily assembled without cracks. Moreover, the structure can be assembled and repaired quickly, without interrupting treatments for long periods of time. The structure is made of two general types of modules. A base module is made up of two cuboids fused along facing long edges and offset, one from the other, both vertically and horizontally. A complementary module is made of a single flatter shaped cuboid. It is designed to fill gaps that appear at the top and bottom of the assembled array of base modules. These modules, as configured, allows several structures to be assembled by quick and simple fitting and horizontal and vertical stacking of the modules. The modules can be manufactured from low cost materials such as metal casing filled with metal powder.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a position of a control rod includes a control rod driving shaft having an outer circumferential surface on which position information is marked, a mirror configured to reflect the position information, and a detector configured to detect a position of the control rod driving shaft from the position information reflected from the mirror, when the control rod driving shaft moves vertically.

Abstract: A device for measuring a shape of a wall portion of a coke oven is provided. The device includes a box having a main part defining at least one opening and a closing system movable with respect to the main part between an open position and a closed position, an internal protective screen located within the box and defining at least one scanning window, the scanning window being narrower than the opening along a transverse direction (T) of the box and at least one 3D laser scanner located in the box for scanning the wall portion through the scanning window and through the opening when the closing system is in the open position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imaging the interior of a hot dip melt pot snout of a hot dip steel coating apparatus through the snout thereof. The system provided for high visual contrast and high resolution imaging, without the need for external illumination. The inventive apparatus and method image the interior of the hot dip melt pot snout at infrared wavelengths, and preferably in a wavelength range of 0.7 to 3 microns. The inventive apparatus and method provide valuable information about the condition of the hot dip melt pot snout and steel coating process which may be used to improve the quality of the produced coated steel.

Abstract: A fault diagnosis method for an electrical fused magnesia furnace includes steps of: 1) arranging six cameras; 2) obtaining video information by the six cameras and sending the video information to a control center; then analyzing the video information by a chip of the control center; wherein a multi-view-based fault diagnosis method is used by the chip, comprising steps of: 2-1) comparing a difference between two consecutive frame histograms for shots segmentation; 2-2) computing a set of characteristic values for each shot obtained by the step 2-1), and then computing color, texture, and motion vector information; finally, evaluating shot importance via entropy; 2-3) clustering shots together by calculating similarity; 2-4) generating and optimizing a multi-view video summarization with a multi-objective optimization model; and 2-5) providing fault detection and diagnosis; and 3) displaying results of the fault detection and diagnosis on a host computer inter face of the control center.

Abstract: A management equipment transfer apparatus which transfers management equipment, which tests and maintains an inside of a nuclear reactor vessel, inside the nuclear reactor vessel while being locked to the management equipment and the nuclear reactor vessel, includes: a cross beam configured to be lengthily disposed inside the nuclear reactor vessel in a transverse direction; a rod configured to be connected to a cross beam lengthily disposed inside the nuclear reactor vessel in a longitudinal direction; a bracket configured to be mounted in the rod to fix the management equipment; an arm configured to extend toward an inner peripheral surface of the nuclear reactor vessel and be connected to the cross beam; and rolling parts configured to be disposed at ends of the arm and the cross beam, contact the inner peripheral surface of the nuclear reactor vessel, and rotatably support the cross beam and the arm.

Abstract: A clearance measurement device for a combustor includes: a rod part with the hollow base end side which is mounted on a first flange of the combustor while being inserted in the combustor; a support part which is mounted at the leading end of the rod part so as to be rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod part; an imaging element which is supported by the support part and images an annular clearance; an operation lever which penetrates the inside of the rod part and extends toward the support part; and a link mechanism which is provided between the operation lever and the support part and converts a forward/backward motion of the operation lever into a rotary motion of the support part around the axis.

Abstract: A coke oven monitoring system capable of quantitatively monitoring changes in the state of the furnace walls in a coke oven with good accuracy has: an oven width measurement device (6) that measures the oven width; an in-furnace observation device (7) that photographs the oven walls; and a computer (10) that analyzes oven width data measured by the oven width measurement device, and oven wall image data captured by the in-furnace observation device.

Abstract: An observation instrument for use in a cavity in a hot cell includes a radiation sensor located between a dome and a shield and a travel mechanism for moving the sensor between a retracted position away from the dome and an observation position in which the sensor extends inside the dome and a method of maintaining the cell including extracting the shield, sensor, and travel mechanism from the cavity; where appropriate, replacing the sensor; inserting a replacement dome into the cavity and sliding it into the proximity of the dome that has remained in position in the cavity; inserting the shield, sensor and travel mechanism into the cavity and sliding them into contact with the replacement dome; and moving the dome that has remained in position until it is expelled into the cell, by pressing the replacement dome against it.

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: This invention generally concerns robotic systems and is specifically concerned with an improved apparatus and method for inspecting nuclear reactor components in limited access areas, such as, the core annulus, core spray and feedwater sparger regions of a nuclear reactor. This invention includes an apparatus for remotely operating and positioning at least one inspection device for inspecting at least one component in an annulus region of a reactor pressure vessel of a nuclear power plant. The apparatus includes a track, a braking system and a frame assembly which has a frame movably connected to the track, at least one mast assembly and at least one mast positioning assembly. The at least one inspection device is attached to the at least one mast assembly. In certain embodiments, the at least one mast assembly includes a mast that is capable of becoming rigidly stable in both an extended tube form and a retracted rolled form.

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 system, including a gasifier comprising a wall defining a chamber, an inlet, an outlet, and a port, a combination feed injector coupled to the inlet, wherein the combination feed injector is configured to inject a first fuel and air or oxygen into the chamber to preheat the gasifier, and the combination feed injector is configured to inject a second fuel and oxygen into the gasifier after preheating to gasify the second fuel, an optical device coupled to the port, a sensor coupled to the optical device, and a monitoring system coupled to the sensor, wherein the monitoring system is configured to acquire data from the sensor, process the data, and provide an output representative of a condition of the gasifier based on the data.

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: Methods, systems, and computer-readable and executable instructions are described herein. One method includes combining a plurality of images of a furnace into a composite image of the furnace, revising the composite image of the furnace to an intensity scaling, restoring a portion of the revised composite image of the furnace; and displaying a view of the restored revised composite image of the furnace to a user.

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: The present invention discloses a system and method for on-line measuring a burden surface in blast furnace to get burden surface information. The system comprises laser emitter(s) disposed above the burden surface and emitting laser beam(s) to continuously scan at least one portion of the burden surface; a video camera configured to shoot burden surface images, each of which comprises a detection point pattern formed by the laser beam incident on the burden surface; an image processing device configured to receive the burden surface images transferred from the video camera and output the burden surface information. As compared with the prior art, the present invention may substantially reduce the cost of the measuring system and obtain burden surface information sufficiently accurate with a large number of actual detection points.

Abstract: A multi-color pyrometry imaging system for a high-temperature asset includes at least one viewing port in optical communication with at least one high-temperature component of the high-temperature asset. The system also includes at least one camera device in optical communication with the at least one viewing port. The at least one camera device includes a camera enclosure and at least one camera aperture defined in the camera enclosure, The at least one camera aperture is in optical communication with the at least one viewing port. The at least one camera device also includes a multi-color filtering mechanism coupled to the enclosure. The multi-color filtering mechanism is configured to sequentially transmit photons within a first predetermined wavelength band and transmit photons within a second predetermined wavelength band that is different than the first predetermined wavelength band.

Abstract: An inspection system formed at least from an inspection system housing including at least one internal chamber that supports an extendible camera support shaft extending distally through a pilot nozzle port into a combustor of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The inspection system may include a camera capable of capturing high quality images together with position coordinates. Thus, the inspection system enables images in a combustor of a gas turbine engine to be captured and recaptured at a subsequent outage so that the images may be analyzed and compared for preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and the like. The inspection system may include three degrees of freedom for the camera mounted on the extendible camera support shaft.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for determining a layout for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a building are described herein. One method includes receiving information from a building information model associated with a building, receiving information from a pre-engineering tool associated with the building, and determining a layout for an HVAC system of the building based, at least in part, on the information form the building information model and the information from the pre-engineering tool.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for processing of successive digital image data, acquired by a camera immersed in a liquid comprising turbulence, such as water in a nuclear reactor core, this turbulence causing an effect of apparent displacement of pixels of the images. The processing comprises advantageously: a modelling of the effect of the turbulence on the pixels of the images, and a deconvolution by this modelling of a time-averaged image.

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 a viewing device operatively coupled to the camera. 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: A remote communication apparatus for receiving the image of a remote user captured by an imaging device to show the image to another user includes a zoom controller for controlling a zoom ratio defining the angle of view of the imaging device, and an estimator for estimating a distance between the imaging device and the remote user on the basis of the zoom ratio of the imaging device.

Abstract: A remote communication apparatus for receiving the image of a remote user captured by an imaging device to show the image to another user includes a zoom controller for controlling a zoom ratio defining the angle of view of the imaging device, and an estimator for estimating a distance between the imaging device and the remote user on the basis of the zoom ratio of the imaging device.

Abstract: A method for continuously monitoring the working condition of a heat recovery steam generator (“HRSG”) using infrared thermography, comprising the steps of identifying target locations inside the HRSG, positioning one or more infrared cameras to continuously monitor and record the temperature at each target location, generating continuous thermographic images corresponding to selected components and locations at each target locations, comparing the continuous thermographic images to corresponding, stored base line images and generating a set of comparative data reports in real time for each target location in order to predict the life span or potential failure of HRSG components.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes an engine that includes a combustion chamber and a viewing port into the combustion chamber. The engine also includes a camera configured to obtain an image of a flame in the combustion chamber through the viewing port and a controller configured to adjust a parameter of the engine based on the image of the flame.

Abstract: It is necessary to provide inspection arrangements in order to facilitate prototype design of assemblies such as gas turbine engines as well as insitu testing of such assemblies. Previously endoscope type arrangements have been utilized, but the flexible or rigid stems in such endoscopes can cause fouling and snagging in use. By providing an inspection arrangement in which the inspection element is combined with a positioning tool such that the inspection element can be detached from the positioning tool through a releasable element, it is possible to avoid such snagging problems. The inspection element will be relatively self-sufficient and incorporate possibly a camera or other sensor for temperature of otherwise. The inspection element will typically incorporate a wireless link arrangement, or possibly incorporate a storage device for data such that the inspection element can be retrieved later with that data.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a system and apparatus for visual inspection of a nuclear vessel. The system includes a submersible remotely operated vehicle (SROV) system that is movable to an area within a nuclear vessel. The SROV system includes a maneuverable inspection camera assembly for visual inspection of nuclear vessel components, where the inspection camera assembly is maneuverable in relation to the SROV system. The system also includes a control system located in an area remote from the area within the nuclear vessel. The control system is configured to control the movement of the SROV system and the maneuvering of the inspection camera assembly.

Abstract: An inspection system formed at least from an inspection system housing including at least one internal chamber that supports an extendible camera support shaft extending distally through a pilot nozzle port into a combustor of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The inspection system may include a camera capable of capturing high quality images together with position coordinates. Thus, the inspection system enables images in a combustor of a gas turbine engine to be captured and recaptured at a subsequent outage so that the images may be analyzed and compared for preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and the like. The inspection system may include three degrees of freedom for the camera mounted on the extendible camera support shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for the inspection a vehicle component to detect the presence of a part defect and a method for performing the inspection. According to one embodiment, the apparatus for inspecting the vehicle component comprises: a camera having a lens; a borescope having a first end and a second end, the first end operatively disposed adjacent the camera and the second end having a mirror disposed therein; and a light source for supplying light to the borescope whereby the mirror is operative to reflect an image of an area of the vehicle component to be inspected to the camera.

Abstract: A flame detector is disclosed for monitoring a flame during a combustion process, comprising a camera and a carrier tube, wherein the camera is arranged at a front end of the carrier tube such that an optical access of the camera is directed toward the flame when the front end of the carrier tube is mounted in the vicinity of a burner nozzle aperture.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an observation unit which efficiently cools apparatus members in a reaction chamber of a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus in a high-temperature atmosphere and reduces overexposure. An observation unit comprising: an imaging apparatus for imaging the inside of a reaction chamber of a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus in an atmosphere of a high temperature; a housing case which houses the imaging apparatus and is attached with a translucent member which guides an optical image of the inside of the reaction chamber to the imaging apparatus; and a cooling medium supplying apparatus for supplying a cooling medium to the inside of the housing case, wherein the translucent member is a silica glass plate having a gold film on both sides or one side.

Abstract: A heat treating furnace inspection system comprises a camera configured to move through the furnace chamber of the furnace. The system typically includes a carriage which carries the camera and is especially useful for inspecting a roller hearth furnace. Conveyor rolls or another conveyor mechanism of the furnace is operated to move the camera through the furnace chamber in order to photograph the interior of the chamber for the purposes of inspection. Images of the furnace chamber interior may be displayed on a display screen and merged with text which may communicate information related to inspection findings.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of maintaining a cell including a wall pierced by a cavity fitted with a monitoring or observation instrument, the instrument comprising a dome projecting into the inside of the cell, a protection shield, an observation sensor arranged between the dome and the shield, and a travel mechanism for moving the sensor between a position retracted inside the cavity and a deployed position.

Abstract: An in-cylinder imaging apparatus is provided for an internal combustion engine defining a combustion chamber. The in-cylinder imaging apparatus includes a high-speed imaging device such as a high-speed digital camera. A borescope is provided in communication with the combustion chamber and is operable to communicate images of the combustion chamber to the high-speed imaging device. A high intensity light source, for example, a xenon light source, is operable to substantially illuminate the combustion chamber. The high-speed imaging device and borescope are in axial alignment with respect to each other and are mounted with respect to the internal combustion engine. A method of imaging the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine during engine operation employing the disclosed in-cylinder imaging apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An oven observing equipment capable of observing the inside of an oven turned to a high temperature precisely includes: a housing 13 having an intake part for cooling air, and a discharging part for discharging the cooling air after being used for cooling; and an imaging device 20 contained in this housing 13 near the discharge part. This imaging device 20 is composed of integrated combination of an image sensor 16; plate-like thermoelectric cooling elements 18a to 18d arranged in a state that their heat-absorbing faces surround the periphery of a body of the image sensor; thermoconductive blocks 17a to 17d embedded in the gaps between the image sensor body and the thermoelectric cooling elements 18a to 18d; and cooling fins 19a to 19d formed on the heat-radiating faces of the thermoelectric cooling elements 18a to 18d are integrated with each other.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes an engine that includes a combustion chamber and a viewing port into the combustion chamber. The engine also includes a camera configured to obtain an image of a flame in the combustion chamber through the viewing port and a controller configured to adjust a parameter of the engine based on the image of the flame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a video camera plugged into kiln to monitor and an image processing system using the camera. The video camera is composed of a camera body, a video recorder, a monitor, and a digital thermometer; the image processing system is composed of the camera body mentioned above, a computer and a color monitor. Especially, the present invention is used to monitor material surface during the smelting in a blast furnace; process the image by a computer, describing quantificationally the airflow and temperature distribution of the material surface; monitor the operation state of charging chute or bell, the material stream, and the abnormality in the furnace such as pipeline and material collapse. The advantages of the present invention: Micro camera used to obtain IR image in the furnace, pint-sized, low cost, easy installation, simple maintenance, long service life, and the maintenance performed without stopping production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor-less automatic retraction device that can insert a vision tube capable of monitoring the inside of a furnace to mange the internal state of the furnace and control the temperature of the furnace into the furnace and retract the vision tube from the furnace in a motor-less manner. A conventional retraction device is disadvantageous in that it is expensive, voluminous, difficult to install, thus requiring expert's help to install, and difficult to repair at the time of breakdown, and requires expensive repairing costs. In order to overcome the above-described disadvantages, an object of the present invention is to develop a motor-less automatic retraction device that can insert the vision tube into the furnace and retract the vision tube from the furnace using a spring, so the device is easily to install due to its small size and lightweight, is easy to repair, and allows repairing costs to be reduced.

Abstract: A fluid-powered inspection camera adapted to be operated in a contaminated environment where an electric power supply is not readily available includes a housing having a tubular shell terminating at an open end. An imaging device has a portion arranged within the tubular shell in a spaced relation so as to define an annular chamber therebetween. The imaging device has an eye positioned adjacent to the open end of the body. A compressed fluid-powered motor is arranged within the body and has a compressed fluid inlet adapted to be connected to a suitable source of compressed fluid and also has a compressed fluid outlet. A generator is operatively coupled to the compressed fluid-powered motor and arranged within the body to electrically power the imaging device in proportion to the rate of fluid flow passing through the motor. Compressed fluid discharged from the compressed fluid-powered motor outlet passes through the annular chamber and is discharged through the open end of the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of processing images of at least one flame or of a scene in a furnace, characterized in that it comprises at least one sliding statistical processing of the images of the flame which are captured in the course of a sliding time interval, so as to eliminate the fast fluctuations therefrom.

Abstract: An scanning device for a television camera sealed in a casing. An intermediate body is rotatable on a support about a first rotation axis. The camera is rotatable on the intermediate body about a second rotation axis by rotatable coupling mechanisms provided with respective internal housing seals within which are introduced and disposed along a rotation axis successive respective deformable sections of connection cable for the camera, pre-shaped partially wound in a helix with respective axis parallel to the rotation axis to be elastically deformable to unwind from the helical shape under camera rotation. The casing has a transparent element facing the camera lens and a cleaning device therefor including a transparent film and a movement mechanism to move the film across the transparent element as needed.

Abstract: A monitoring system suitable for a vehicle has a display which displays an image of the road area traveled by the vehicle. The system further comprises a controller which is capable of allocating differing sets of grey values held in its memory to the objects in the image. Changes in the allocation of grey values are made in response to a user input, which in a preferred embodiment comprises a grey value allocation switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor-less automatic retraction device that can insert a vision tube capable of monitoring the inside of a furnace to mange the internal state of the furnace and control the temperature of the furnace into the furnace and retract the vision tube from the furnace in a motor-less manner. A conventional retraction device is disadvantageous in that it is expensive, voluminous, difficult to install, thus requiring expert's help to install, and difficult to repair at the time of breakdown, and requires expensive repairing costs.

Abstract: A high temperature camera apparatus having an elongated camera housing tube and an elongated camera support member, supporting a video camera at the interior end of the camera housing tube. A ceramic heat shield tube telescopically surrounds at least a portion of the camera, and preferably the portion of the camera housing tube which contains the camera. The exterior surface of the camera housing tube is plated and polished to provide a highly reflective surface. The ceramic heat shield is spaced in position around the camera housing tube by a plurality of spacers projecting outwardly form the outer surface of the camera housing tube. A liquid coolant jacket may also be formed on radially opposite sides of the camera housing tube.

Abstract: A high temperature camera apparatus having an elongated steel camera housing tube and an elongated steel camera housing tube and an elongated camera support member, supporting a video camera at the furnace interior end of the camera housing tube. A ceramic heat shield tube telescopically surrounds at least a portion of the camera, and preferably the portion of the camera housing tube which contains the camera. The exterior surface of the camera housing tube is plated and polished to provide a highly reflective surface, and the ceramic heat shield tube is telescopically surrounded by an outer steel tube. The ceramic heat shield is spaced in position around the camera housing tube by a plurality of spacers projecting outwardly from the outer surface of the camera housing tube. A steel end plate is fixed at the furnace interior end of the camera housing tube, and is provided with an image hole aligned with the image axis of the camera, and a plurality of spaced ventilation holes surrounding the image hole.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing objects at a fire scene allows fire fighters to view objects, including persons, in a smoke and fire filled environment. The present invention utilizes two different techniques to discriminate reflections from an object from scattered reflections from smoke and fire. In one embodiment of the invention, the coherent nature of laser light is employed to pick out objects. Another embodiment of the invention utilizes a time-gated approach to select reflections from objects which are located a specific distance from the laser transmitter.