Abstract: A disk drive testing system includes at least one robotic arm defining a first axis substantially normal to a floor surface. The robotic arm is operable to rotate through a predetermined arc about and extend radially from the first axis. Multiple racks are arranged around the robotic arm for servicing by the robotic arm. Each rack houses multiple test slots that are each configured to receive a disk drive transporter configured to carry a disk drive for testing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring, managing, and testing power systems are disclosed. In various embodiments, a site server collects data from one or more generators, automatic transfer switches, sensors, and cameras at a site. The site server stores captured data and triggers alarm events when preselected limits are exceeded. The site server also enables users to configure, initiate, pause, resume, monitor, and abort scripted tests of the monitored entities. In some of these and other embodiments, an enterprise-wide server collects data from multiple site servers, makes the data available via a web-based or other client interface, and provides consolidated monitoring, alarm, test management, and management resources.

Abstract: A fault detection method for detecting short circuit faults in an injector arrangement at engine start-up. The injector arrangement comprises one or more piezoelectric fuel injectors, which are connected in a drive circuit. In one aspect of the invention, the potential at a bias point in the drive circuit is determined and compared with a predicted voltage. A short circuit fault signal is generated if the potential at the bias point is not within a predetermined tolerance voltage of the predicted voltage. In another aspect of the invention, a first charge pulse is applied to the injectors to charge the injectors. A discharge current path is provided during a delay period following the first charge pulse by closing a discharge switch. A faulty injector will discharge through the discharge current path during the delay period. A second charge pulse is applied to the injectors following the delay period.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reversible permeability measuring device for measuring magnetic characteristics and magnetic flux change in a specimen, as one of a plurality of non-destructive methods for evaluating mechanical properties. The reversible permeability measuring device of the present invention directly measures a magnetic field change induced at the surface of the specimen through the use of a magnetic potentiometer and a flux meter, thereby accurately evaluating the deterioration of materials.

Abstract: A method for testing an MR element includes a step of obtaining a ferromagnetic resonance frequency f0 of the MR element to be tested by applying an external magnetic field in a track-width direction to the MR element, a step of calculating a stiffness magnetic field Hstiff from the obtained ferromagnetic resonance frequency f0 using a predetermined formula, a step of obtaining a relationship of a stiffness magnetic field Hstiff with respect to an external magnetic field applied in the track-width direction from the applied external magnetic field and the calculated stiffness magnetic field Hstiff, a step of obtaining a uniaxial anisotropic magnetic field Hk of a free layer of the MR element from the obtained relationship of the stiffness magnetic field Hstiff with respect to the external magnetic field applied, and a step of judging whether the MR element is good product or not by comparing the obtained uniaxial anisotropic magnetic field Hk with a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes an actuator, a switching device connected to the actuator, and a test unit configured to test a connection between the actuator and the switching device by detecting a first connection voltage at the connection between the actuator and the switching device. The test unit is further configured to test the operation of the switching device by turning the switching device on without operating the actuator.

Abstract: A method for fault diagnosis for a rotor of an electric motor, the electric motor also having a stator, includes the steps of generating, via a processor, a measured motor current for the stator, determining, via the processor, a resolver angle of the rotor, determining, via the processor, a flux angle of the rotor, calculating, via the processor, a transformation angle using the resolver angle and the flux angle, conducting, via the processor, a transformation of the motor current using the transformation angle, and identifying, via the processor, a fault condition based on the transformation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for disk drive grouping in a multi-cell disk drive test system. A test platform includes a plurality of cells. Each cell is configured to receive and to provide communication with a disk drive. An automated loader/unloader is coupled to a test computer and is responsive to the test computer. The automated loader/unloader is configured to identify disk drives and to selectively load and unload disk drives into and out of the plurality of cells. Particularly, once the automated loader/unloader has identified a first disk drive, the test computer is configured to: determine a grouping criteria based upon the first disk drive; detect a subsequent disk drive having the same grouping criteria as the first disk drive; and cause the automated loader/unloader to load the subsequent disk drive into one of the plurality of cells.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring electric current in a plurality (n) of conductors. According to the invention, the method comprises the following steps: an electric current transducer is place substantially opposite to each conductor (I, i=1, . . . , n); a decorrelation matrix ([G]), which is a function of the position of the transducers in relation to the conductors, is constructed; the current (Imesi) in each conductor (i) is measured with the aid of electric current transducers and real currents (Iréeli) are deduced with the aid of the decorrelation matrix ([G]) and the measured currents (Imesi).

Abstract: A method of inspecting motor condition, which allows inspection of a condition of a motor installed in an apparatus without removing the motor from the apparatus, is provided. A device for inspecting motor characteristics includes: a measuring section for measuring a frequency value and an amplitude value of a waveform of a counter electromotive force generated when a mover of the motor is moved by an external force; and a computing section for computing a counter electromotive force constant on the basis of the frequency value and the amplitude value. An armature winding of the motor and the inspecting device are electrically connected with a power supply line disconnected from the motor. An external force is applied to the mover of the motor. A condition of the motor is determined on the basis of the computed result.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for controlling at least one actuator (6) for thrust reverser cowlings (2) on a turbojet engine, comprising a set of actuator and/or control components with at least one actuator (6) for cowlings (2) driven by at least one electric motor (7) and control means (9) for the electric motor (7). The control means (9) comprise test means (20), with an interface (22) destined for receiving test requests from a user. The test means (20) are designed on reception of a test request to carry out a test cycle on one or more components (7, 6, 15, 18) of the system comprising an isolated actuation to the component(s) (7, 6, 15, 18) with regard to the other components of the system.

Abstract: Potentials at both ends of an exciter coil to which an exciting signal is sent by a push-pull method are compared, and at least one of a short circuit to ground and a short circuit to a power supply of a signal line for the exciting signal is detected based on the duty cycle of a rectangular-wave signal indicating the result of comparison. Alternatively, a predetermined reference potential is compared with a potential of at least one of two phase detection signals before detection, and at least one of a short circuit to the ground and a short circuit to the power supply of a signal line for the at least one of the detection signals is detected based on the duty cycle of a rectangular-wave signal indicating the result of comparison.

Abstract: A system includes a phase sensor signal input for receiving a phase signal of a moving element of a machine; an analog-to-digital converter for converting the phase signal to a digital signal; and a storage system for saving the digital signal during an occurrence of an anomaly in operation of the machine. A related method includes obtaining a phase signal from a phase sensor that senses a phase of a moving element of a machine; converting the phase signal into a digital signal; and saving the digital signal during an occurrence of an anomaly in operation of the machine.

Abstract: This invention provides a system identification device capable of identifying an inertia moment in an electric motor and a viscous friction through only a very small operation.

Abstract: A machine having an operator interface for requesting an action from an actuator of the machine includes a movable component of the operator interface. The movable component is movable among at least two positions. One of a magnet and a Hall effect sensor is positioned to move in response to movement of the movable component. The other of the magnet and the Hall effect sensor has a stationary position relative to the movable component. A pulse width modulator is operably coupled to the Hall effect sensor for producing a first pulse width modulated signal. The first pulse width modulated signal is altered in response to movement of one of the Hall effect sensor and the magnet relative to the other. An electronic controller is in communication with the pulse width modulator and the actuator and is configured to actuate the actuator in response to evaluation of the first pulse width modulated signal.

Abstract: A condition-monitoring device of the invention, which is provided in an electromagnetic actuator including a stationary core, a moving core, magnet coils; and a permanent magnet, monitors condition of the electromagnetic actuator. The condition-monitoring device includes a current measurement means for measuring a current flowing through the magnet coils; magnetic-flux measurement means for measuring magnetic flux inside the stationary core; a calculation means for generating a calculated waveform by performing a calculation using a current waveform representing a time variation of an output signal from the current measurement means and a magnetic-flux waveform representing a time variation of an output signal from the magnetic-flux measurement means; and a condition determination means, by finding a distinctive point on the calculated waveform, for determining conditions of the electromagnetic actuator based on information on the distinctive point.

Abstract: The present invention quickly resolves troubles in an analyzer and performs effective external quality control management. An analyzer (2) and a control device (1) are connected by a network (3). Error data and sample data taken from assay of a quality control substance are transmitted from the control device (1) to the analyzer (2). The analyzer (2) is made to be remotely operable from the control device (1) and when troubles arise repair from the control device (1) is possible. The control device (1) tallies sample data, and provides the tally results to a Web page. The analyzer (2) accesses the Web page using a WWW browser, and can perform external quality control in real time.

Abstract: A railroad signal system interlocking is automatically tested. A control point interface corresponding to a predetermined function of the interlocking has an isolated section and a control section. The isolated section is connected with the interlocking and has a normal, inactivated state during operation of the interlocking, and an activated state for testing the interlocking by detecting an electrical characteristic representing the status of the predetermined function executed by the interlocking. The control section drives the isolated section to its activated state and receiving an output from the isolated section in response to the detected electrical characteristic, and delivers a status report.

Abstract: A system includes a phase sensor signal input for receiving a phase signal of a moving element of a machine; an analog-to-digital converter for converting the phase signal to a digital signal; and a storage system for saving the digital signal during an occurrence of an anomaly in operation of the machine. A related method includes obtaining a phase signal from a phase sensor that senses a phase of a moving element of a machine; converting the phase signal into a digital signal; and saving the digital signal during an occurrence of an anomaly in operation of the machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining a spatial distribution of magnetic particles in an examination area, in which a magnetic field is generated which has a first part-region having a relatively low magnetic field strength and a second part-region having a relatively high magnetic field strength. The position of the two part-regions is changed, as a result of which the magnetization in the examination area changes, and real measured values which depend on the change in magnetization are recorded. A dependence distribution which depends on a spatial distribution of magnetic particles is then determined such that a sum which comprises as summands a) the difference of the real measured values from fictitious measured values which are determined by applying a transfer function to the dependence distribution, and b) the product of a regularization parameter and of a regularization value which is determined by applying the regularization functional to the dependence distribution, is minimized.

Abstract: A check is made to determine whether the capacitance value measured at a specific point in time corresponds to a capacitance value of a calculated further capacitance profile or the measured capacitance value is within two tolerance ranges.

Abstract: An adaptive real-time analysis method for dynamic signals generated by rotary machines improves Vold-Kalman filtering order tracing technology to renew the algorithm logic so that on-line computation ability is achieved. Through signal simulation and practical engineering application to verify the availability, it shows that the output results are extremely accurate. As such, this method is advantaged to estimate the time-domain waveform of specific order signals for the operation of the rotary machines and to interpret the related physical phenomena. Moreover, this method can be applied for a digital signal processor (DSP) to obtain real-time and on-line computation of the order signals needed to be traced and to display the tracing time-domain waveform instantly.

Abstract: A system that monitors electromagnetic interference (EMI) signals to facilitate proactive fault monitoring in a computer system is presented. During operation, the system receives EMI signals from one or more antennas located in close proximity to the computer system. The system then analyzes the received signals to proactively detect anomalies during operation of the computer system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of testing/adjusting magnetic disk devices, in which the method allows the tests/adjustments to be conducted by solving problems due to the data sizes and characteristics of test/adjustment programs. After assembly of a magnetic disk device, setup of various parameters, magnetic disk defect registration, and other test/adjustment steps are executed. Execution of the test/adjustment programs does not require a special test apparatus since they are executed in the magnetic disk device to be tested. In addition, the test/adjustment programs are formed up of multiple phases, and each phase is sequentially executed. Adoption of this program structure keeps the tests/adjustments clear from restrictions due to the data sizes and characteristics of the test/adjustment programs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring, managing, and testing power systems are disclosed. In various embodiments, a site server collects data from one or more generators, automatic transfer switches, sensors, and cameras at a site. The site server stores captured data and triggers alarm events when preselected limits are exceeded. The site server also enables users to configure, initiate, pause, resume, monitor, and abort scripted tests of the monitored entities. In some of these and other embodiments, an enterprise-wide server collects data from multiple site servers, makes the data available via a web-based or other client interface, and provides consolidated monitoring, alarm, test management, and management resources.

Abstract: A magnetic data processing apparatus having a first generation part that stores samples of the magnetic data in accordance with a first sampling rule, and generates first offset update data based on the stored samples of the magnetic data when a distribution of the stored samples of the magnetic data indicates a first feature. A second generation part stores samples of the magnetic data in accordance with a second sampling rule, and generates second offset update data based on the stored samples of the magnetic data when a distribution of the stored samples of the magnetic data indicates a second feature. An update part updates an offset value of the magnetic data based on the first offset update data when the same is generated, and updates the offset value of the magnetic data based on the second offset update data when the same is generated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring, managing, and testing power systems are disclosed. In various embodiments, a site server collects data from one or more generators, automatic transfer switches, sensors, and cameras at a site. The site server stores captured data and triggers alarm events when preselected limits are exceeded. The site server also enables users to configure, initiate, pause, resume, monitor, and abort scripted tests of the monitored entities. In some of these and other embodiments, an enterprise-wide server collects data from multiple site servers, makes the data available via a web-based or other client interface, and provides consolidated monitoring, alarm, test management, and management resources.

Abstract: A method for simulating the insertion of a data storage medium into or removal of a data storage medium from an input/output station, alternatively referred to as an import/output station. In one application of the invention, a data storage resides in an I/O station slot. A first variable corresponding to this slot is modified to indicate that the slot is actually empty. A command is issued indicating that the I/O station has been accessed, triggering a scan of the slot by an automated robotic accessor. Since the accessor will detect that the slot is, in fact, full, it will report this status to a library manager which will, in turn, update the first variable. The action of updating this variable is reported to associated devices such as a host computer, host application, or other associated device. In this manner, the operation of the library manager and devices receiving status information may be tested without requiring that a physical data storage medium actually be removed and re-inserted.

Abstract: A method for dynamic electrical testing of head gimbal assemblies may include initiating an automated continuous process that includes selecting an unmounted head gimbal assembly; aligning the unmounted head gimbal assembly; loading the unmounted head gimbal assembly to a disc; and testing the unmounted head gimbal assembly.

Abstract: A power rail impact analysis system which provides a total system evaluation of a conductor bar system such as may be used in mass transit, automated people movers, material handling machines, or other mobile electric vehicles. The analysis system of this invention takes samples and records data from the current passing through individual collectors, impacts seen by the collectors, and temperature information of the conductor bar.

Abstract: A fault detection method for detecting short circuit faults in an injector arrangement at engine start-up. The injector arrangement comprises one or more piezoelectric fuel injectors, which are connected in a drive circuit. In one aspect of the invention, the potential at a bias point in the drive circuit is determined and compared with a predicted voltage. A short circuit fault signal is generated if the potential at the bias point is not within a predetermined tolerance voltage of the predicted voltage. In another aspect of the invention, a first charge pulse is applied to the injectors to charge the injectors. A discharge current path is provided during a delay period following the first charge pulse by closing a discharge switch. A faulty injector will discharge through the discharge current path during the delay period. A second charge pulse is applied to the injectors following the delay period.

Abstract: A flow verifier for verifying measurement of a flow rate of a fluid by a device includes a flow restrictor that renders the flow rate verification substantially insensitive to elements upstream of the flow restrictor. The flow verifier includes a vessel that receives a flow of the fluid from the device, and a pressure sensor that measures pressure of the fluid within the vessel. An outlet valve regulates flow of the fluid out of the vessel. The flow restrictor is located adjacent to and upstream of the vessel, along a flow path of the fluid. The flow restrictor restricts the flow of the fluid so as to induce a shock in the flow path of the fluid, and sustains the shock during a time period sufficient to render the flow rate verification substantially insensitive to the elements upstream of the flow restrictor.

Abstract: A railroad signal system interlocking is automatically tested. A control point interface corresponding to a predetermined function of the interlocking has an isolated section and a control section. The isolated section is connected with the interlocking and has a normal, inactivated state during operation of the interlocking, and an activated state for testing the interlocking by detecting an electrical characteristic representing the status of the predetermined function executed by the interlocking. The control section drives the isolated section to its activated state and receiving an output from the isolated section in response to the detected electrical characteristic, and delivers a status report.

Abstract: A method for detecting and controlling output characteristics of a DC motor is provided in the present invention, wherein an input impedance related to the DC motor is measured for analyzing the output characteristics of the DC motor so that the output characteristics of the DC motor is capable being controlled according to the requirement of usage. By means of the foregoing method, the present invention further provides a self-propelled apparatus which functions to detect and control the output of the DC motor for maintaining the moving speed according to the environment status and road condition.

Abstract: A disc drive testing method is provided for testing a plurality of disc drives. The disc drive testing method includes steps of: selecting a disc drive as a current testing disc drive; sending load/unload commands to the current testing disc drive to drive the current testing disc drive to perform a load/unload operation; timing a load/unload duration of the current testing disc drive; and selecting a next disc drive as the current testing disc drive if the current testing disc drive is busy performing the load/unload operations. A related disc drive testing apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A programmable system for testing relays and controlling systems is provided. In one embodiment the present disclosure provides a programmable device capable of, for example, testing relays. The device includes a signal generator for generating signals to test relays. The device includes a memory location, and a first program stored in the memory location. The first program supports relay testing. The device includes a versioned program to support relay testing, and a processor in communication with the signal generator and the memory location. The device also includes a routine that is operable by the processor to install a versioned program in the memory location replacing the first program.

Abstract: Spectrum data of white neutrons having different spectrum shapes, and SEE counts obtained by a white neutron method using this multiple spectrum data, are stored. A computing section reads out the spectrum data, divides the data into energy groups, and calculates and stores a total flux of each energy group. Furthermore, the computing section reads out the SEE counts with respect to each of the spectrum data and the total flux of each energy group, substitutes the SEE counts and the total flux into a simultaneous equation, and calculates the SEE cross section for each of the energy groups. Subsequently, the computing section calculates parameters which determine a formula of the approximate function of the SEE cross section as a function of energy, so that computed values of error counts obtained by integration of multiple spectra and the approximate function sufficiently match the actual measured values thereof.

Abstract: A testing tool for electric bicycle devices includes a tester circuit and a connector. The tester circuit is configured and arranged to test and diagnose operability of at least one electric bicycle device. The connector extends from the tester circuit and is configured and arranged to connect to the electric bicycle device and provide electronic communications between the tester circuit and the electric bicycle device.

Abstract: A railroad signal system interlocking is automatically tested. A control point interface corresponding to a predetermined function of the interlocking has an isolated section and a control section. The isolated section is connected with the interlocking and has a normal, inactivated state during operation of the interlocking, and an activated state for testing the interlocking by detecting an electrical characteristic representing the status of the predetermined function executed by the interlocking. The control section drives the isolated section to its activated state and receiving an output from the isolated section in response to the detected electrical characteristic, and delivers a status report.

Abstract: A fault diagnosis section activates a driving component alone, measures an operation state signal and a paper passage time, and stores feature values (Vm, ?v, Tqs, ?ts) extracted as a determination reference in a storage medium. A paper passage fault determination section determines whether or not a fault has arisen on the basis of the paper passage time when an apparatus is under normal operating conditions. A diagnosis target block determination section determines an order to operate a detail fault diagnosis when it is determined that there is a plurality of diagnosis target blocks.

Abstract: A method for controlling and emulating the functional and logical behaviors of an array of storage devices is established by loading a software module to an array controller board. The software module is integrated into the array controller subsystem manager by providing the necessary parameters required to insert the device and can control the inbound and outbound activities (commands, data, and status packages) regardless of the type, interface, and protocol of the disk/tape device. This aspect of the method allows the user to control the drive state transition and inject errors on the inbound and outbound drive traffics. Also, the method of this invention allows the drive module to recover in case of an array controller failure and to be removed from a list of devices like a regular drive.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to systems, methods, and computer-readable media for measuring certain actuator system parameters of an actuator, e.g., an EMA in its working environment. Stiction and backlash are examples of such parameters, and these indicate the impending failure of an actuator system than conventional approaches of measuring the elapsed time of operation. When the measured backlash and/or stiction parameters exhibit a deleterious increase over time, e.g., by exceeding a preset threshold, imminent failure or the need for service/repair of the system is indicated.

Abstract: A fault diagnosis section activates a driving component alone, measures an operation state signal and a paper passage time, and stores feature values (Vm, ?v, Tqs, ?ts) extracted as a determination reference in a storage medium. A paper passage fault determination section determines whether or not a fault has arisen on the basis of the paper passage time when an apparatus is under normal operating conditions. A diagnosis target block determination section determines an order to operate a detail fault diagnosis when it is determined that there is a plurality of diagnosis target blocks.

Abstract: A control system for a failure mode testing system is described. The control system employs at least one control algorithm that enables the testing system to be operated at optimal pressure and frequency levels in order to generate a desired system response, such as a desired energy level and desired slope of the fast Fourier transform of the system response. Also described are a pressure dither system and a frequency ringing system for enhancing the operation of the actuator cylinders of the failure mode testing system. All three of the systems can be incorporated, either singularly or in combination, into a computer software program that can be employed to operate and control the failure mode testing system.

Abstract: A position detection system for locating an object including a magnetic field generator is disclosed. The position detection system also includes an array of parallel conductors responsive to a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator and a plurality of receivers each associated with a parallel conductor. The parallel conductors are spaced apart from one another by a substantially constant spacing. Each receiver has an associated gain, and the gains of the receivers are configured to simulate voltages induced in conductor loops of sinusoidally-varying pitch.

Abstract: A method for use with a test system having sites that hold devices under test (DUTs) includes executing a first site loop to iterate through the sites, where the first site loop includes an instruction to program hardware associated with at least one of the sites, and executing a second site loop to process data received from the DUTs, where the second site loop and the first site loop have a same syntax.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided which reduces the equipment and time requirements for hard disk drive performance testing during manufacturing. This invention executes self-contained performance testing code that resides within the drive's manufacturing firmware, rather than relying on external testers. The invention involves exercising the drive's enqueue, dequeue, and command execution firmware, as well as the physical process of reading and writing data by simulating the host interface in code. The invention enqueues commands that typify the desired workload, allows a command ordering algorithm to sort the commands for execution, and allows the drive side code to execute the commands just as if an external host interface were attached. The invention is advantageous because the performance testing can be done by only applying power to the drive. The present invention also lends itself to performance tuning that can be done in manufacturing, to reduce drive-to-drive performance variations.

Abstract: A programmable system for testing relays and controlling systems is provided. In one embodiment the present disclosure provides a programmable device capable of, for example, testing relays. The device includes a signal generator for generating signals to test relays. The device includes a memory location, and a first program stored in the memory location. The first program supports relay testing. The device includes a versioned program to support relay testing, and a processor in communication with the signal generator and the memory location. The device also includes a routine that is operable by the processor to install a versioned program in the memory location replacing the first program.

Abstract: A fault detection system and method is provided that facilitates detection of faults that are manifest over a plurality of different operational phases. The fault detection system and method use multiway principal component analysis (MPCA) to detect fault from turbine engine sensor data. Specifically, the fault detection system uses a plurality of load vectors, each of the plurality of load vectors representing a principal component in the turbine engine sensor data from the multiple operational phases. The load vectors are preferably developed using sets of historical sensor data. When developed using historical data covering multiple operational phases, the load vectors can be used to detect likely faults in turbine engines. Specifically, new sensor data from the multiple operational phases is projected on to the load vectors, generating a plurality of statistical measures that can be classified to determine if a fault is manifest in the new sensor data.

Abstract: A system and method for inductance testing a planar magnetic circuit in a board having a pair of contacts that may include a core; a pair of leads; a controller for contacting the pair of leads with the pair of contacts, registering the core with the planar magnet circuit, and delivering an electrical current through the planar magnetic circuit while the core enhances inductance in said planar magnetic circuit; and an inductance measuring tool. In another aspect, a system and method for high potential testing a planar magnetic circuit that may include providing an electrically isolated bed, loading the board on the bed, providing a pair of leads, contacting the pair of leads with the pair of contacts using a controller, delivering an electric current having a predetermined voltage between about 1,000 and about 30,000 volts through the planar magnetic circuit; and determining whether the board withstands the predetermined voltage.