Abstract: A measurement instrument having a processor, a first sensor and a second sensor. The processor is adapted to output a measurement signal embodying a measurement of a physical quantity. The first sensor and second sensor are connected to the processor and are operable to generate respectively first and second measurements of the physical quantity. The processor defines a first measurement range within which the measurement signal is dependent on the first measurement and not the second measurement. The processor defines a second measurement range within which the measurement signal is dependent on the second measurement and not the first measurement. The first and second ranges meet at a predetermined transition. The first and second measurements are different at the transition and the measurement embodied in the measurement signal crosses the transition without an abrupt change.

Abstract: In a method for determining a compaction degree of a surface segment of a traffic surface that is to be compacted, where said surface segment which is to be compacted comprises a deposited layer of a hot material, particularly asphalt, and where said material will continuously cool down after deposition, the following steps are provided: passing over the deposited layer of the surface segment to be compacted, by use of at least one compacting machine, determining positional data of a position of the compacting machine by use of a positioning system, defining a current partial surface of the surface segment of the deposited layer in dependence on the current position of the compacting machine and at least on the dimensions of the compacting machine, said current partial surface possibly consisting of a plurality of subsegments which have already been passed over, measuring and/or picking up parameters at the position of the compacting machine, which parameters are useful in the determining of the compacting ef

Abstract: A method for determining a misfire condition includes receiving crankshaft acceleration data. The method further includes routing the received data through at least one of a plurality of processing paths and through a startup path and determining a crankshaft revolution count. The method further includes comparing the determined crankshaft accelerations over the determined revolution count to at least one threshold crankshaft acceleration value over the determined revolution count and determining a misfire condition from one of the startup path and the processing path based on the comparison.

Abstract: A valve tester system is disclosed that comprises a valve tester assembly for rotating a valve stem of a valve. The valve tester assembly may include a support, a rotation element mounted on the support for rotating a valve during a rotation event, a control element for controlling aspects of the rotation event of the valve by the rotation element, and an element for detecting a location of the valve tester assembly during the rotation event of the valve. In some embodiments of the invention, the element for detecting the location of the valve tester assembly includes a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receiver. In some embodiments, the GPS receiver is integral with the control element.

Abstract: A method of operating an engine includes determining at least one characteristic of rough road performance based on at least one driveline characteristic and receiving crankshaft acceleration data. The method further includes comparing the received crankshaft acceleration data and determined characteristic, inhibiting the misfire counter based on the comparison, and operating the engine based on the disabled misfire detection.

Abstract: A method for performing maintenance inspection and monitoring of various structures and facilities by arranging a sensor on a moving portion of the facility of a building or a portion where wiring is difficult. The method includes a step of constructing a sensor network in accordance with the identification information on the facility, a step of acquiring the state of the facility by using the sensor network constructed, and a step of performing inspection or monitoring according to the acquired information on the state of the facility.

Abstract: A system for determining an acoustic signature of a device is disclosed that includes a computer processor operable to determine strength and location of shock wave sound signals based on propagation of sound waves generated by the device. The strength and location of the shock wave signals are modified due to dissipation and dispersion effects in a non-uniform atmosphere. The shock wave signals are separated into even and odd numbered signals, and oscillations in the signals are smoothed by averaging even and odd numbered shock signals.

Abstract: A low power vibration sensor and wireless transmitter system has one or more sensors that sense parameters of a machine including vibration and produces dynamic signals representing the sensed parameters. The system converts the signals to a digital format, digitally filters the signals, and processes the signals. A processor determines a plurality of levels, which represent the characteristics of the signal such as the peak value of a predetermined set of data points of the digital signal. Together, the levels comprise a PeakVue waveform. The processor determines the peak level value for the PeakVue waveform. Also, a true root-mean-square is calculated as the signal is received at the processor. The peak level and the RMS value are communicated wirelessly by a communication module to a control protocol network such as a daisy chain HART or Fieldbus protocol network. The system power supply and the communication module power supply are separate and allow for low power operation.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the torque imposed on a rotatable shaft. The shaft has at least four paired probes, paired horizontal probes and paired vertical probes. The horizontal probes are positioned 90 degrees apart from the vertical probes. If the shaft moves horizontally, the time of arrival detected by the first horizontal probes will be later than a nominal value and the time of arrival for the second horizontal probes will be earlier than a nominal value with the same amount of error. Combining data from the first and second horizontal probes will then automatically cancel out any error from horizontal motion. Similarly, combining data from vertical probes will eliminate the error due to vertical movement. Because any radial movement is a combination of horizontal and vertical movements, the use of the probes removes errors due to movement in any direction.

Abstract: Method and system for controlling and monitoring the quality of concrete based on the concrete's maturity. Various embodiments of the present invention are discussed. First, Enhanced Maturity involves a maturity calibration method to account for the water-to-cementitious-materials ratio, air content, and gross unit weight of the concrete. Second, Moisture-Loss Maturity is a method for determining the appropriate time to terminate moisture-loss protection of concrete and concrete structures. Third, Improved Maturity is a method and system for determining the strength of curing concrete using improved maturity calculations. Fourth, SPC Maturity is a method that beneficially couples maturity measurements and calculations with Statistical Process Control (SPC) methods to enable rapid recognition of changes to the concrete mix and/or incompatibilities between the various components of the concrete mix.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer usable program code are provided for detecting a printer condition. A set of signals is received from a sensor in a printer. A current state of a paper roll within the printer is detected within the set of signals. Responsive to the current state indicating that the paper roll moved from a desired position between a set of devices, a response signal is sent to the user of the printer. Alternatively, in response to the current state indicating that the paper roll moved from the desired position, a number of paper line feed commands that are issued are counted. A determination is made as to whether the number of paper line feed commands that are issued exceeds a predetermined value. Responsive to the number of paper line feed commands exceeding the predetermined value, the response signal is sent.

Abstract: A system for preventative maintenance of a ride or an attraction component at a venue. A validator establishes the identity of the ride or attraction component and a controller monitors the use of the ride or attraction component. The controller also manage the ride or attraction component's availability for patron usage and transmits this information to a system control panel. A blocking device controlled by the panel prevents patron usage of a ride or attraction component that is in non-compliance with pre-established operating standards.

Abstract: A number of wafer center finding methods and systems are disclosed herein that improve upon existing techniques used in semiconductor manufacturing.

Abstract: A parallel kinematic machine has a parallel kinematic mechanism including an end effecter and a parallel link mechanism. A numerical control device controls a position and orientation of the end effecter based on kinematics of the parallel kinematic mechanism. A posture setter sets an adjustment tool on the end effecter in a known posture in a reference coordinate system defined outside the parallel kinematic mechanism based on a measurement method. A data acquirer acquires data in accordance with a measurement method selecting code for designating the measurement method used by the posture setter in setting the adjustment tool in the known posture, and defines a correlation between kinematic parameters for the parallel kinematic mechanism and the reference coordinate system. A calculator calculates the kinematic parameters based on the acquired data by using a relational expression describing forward kinematics of the parallel kinematic mechanism.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a pipeline having at least two transducers divided into segments, the segments each containing a number of sensors, wherein a maximum number of segments is equal to a number of transducers, an arrangement configured to send, receive and store signals, wherein the arrangement has a number of pulser channels and a number of receiver channels, wherein the arrangement has at least one multiplexing arrangement for multiplexing signals from the arrangement; and a time delay arrangement connected to the arrangement configured to send, receive and store signals. The system may also provide for focal point skewing, near real time coating compensation for proper excitation mode, adjusted time delay capability and the ability to focus beyond changes in geometry.

Abstract: It is possible to inspect scratches and staining on a wafer surface on the basis of an LPD map obtained from a particle counter 11, by providing a means 21 for detecting aggregation of clustered point defects (LPD) from two-dimensional distribution information 30 for such fine LPD on the surface of a silicon wafer, and an improvement in the inspection efficiency and the precision of judgements of “defective” status can be achieved. Furthermore, the system is devised so that the trend of generation of scratches and staining in a specified process can easily be detected by accumulating wafer surface information such as scratch information, staining information and the like for the wafer surface detected by a wafer surface inspection device 11 (especially as image information or numerical information), and superposing sets of information thus accumulated. Plans for improving processes can be made by both the wafer supplier and wafer consumer by sharing such information with both parties.

Abstract: A multifunctional electronic device for checking and managing the operating and diagnostic conditions of a mechanical seal. A method of controlling and managing the operating and diagnostic conditions of a mechanical seal.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates high-sensitivity detection of an anomaly in telemetry data from an electronic system using a telemetric impulsional response fingerprint of the telemetry data. During operation, the system applies a sudden impulse step change to one or more operational parameters of the electronic system during operation. Next, the system generates a three-dimensional (3D) telemetric impulsional response fingerprint (TIRF) surface from a dynamic response in the telemetry data to the sudden impulse step change. The system then determines from the 3D TIRF surface whether the telemetry data contains an anomaly.

Abstract: A method for determining damage in a structural health monitoring system comprising a plurality of sensors distributed across a structure is disclosed. The method includes decomposing the plurality of sensors into a plurality of sub-arrays. Each sub-array is associated with a current sensor. For each sub-array, data is collected, the data corresponding to electrical signals produced by waves initiated by the current sensor and detected by a receiving sensor. The data is used to calculate a damage measurement for the sub-array. Then, the damage measurement determined for each sub-array is combined to determining an overall damage assessment from the combined damage measurements.

Abstract: A system for detecting defects in a fluid delivery line is provided, the system comprising a plurality of sensors disposed in a fluid delivery line, wherein each one of the plurality of sensors comprises a mote coupled to a plurality of sensing devices disposed in a film system, wherein a first mote being configured to receive data from at least one second mote, wherein the first mote being further configured to transmit data collected from the plurality of sensing devices coupled the first mote and received data from the at least second mote, a communications hub configured to receive sensor data from at least one mote, and a processor coupled to the antenna, the processor being configured to analyze sensor data received from the at least one mote.

Abstract: A substation intelligence system (104) includes a substation computer (105) which is operatively connected to a plurality of field devices (102) through an input/output subsystem (204). Data indicative of the devices is stored in a substation database (208). Advanced monitoring and/or diagnostics (107) use information from the database to perform various monitoring and/or diagnostic functions.

Abstract: A method for online testing of a signal path from a sensor cell to an evaluation point, including providing at least two mutually different test signals, changing the sensor cell output signal on the basis of the at least two mutually different test signals in accordance with a predetermined change specification to obtain the sensor signal, so that the sensor signal depends on the sensor cell output signal and the at least two test signals, outputting the sensor signal or a signal derived from the sensor signal onto the signal path, processing the sensor signal or the signal derived from the sensor signal while taking into account the predetermined change specification to obtain a processed signal, and examining the processed signal with regard to the presence of the at least two mutually different test signals to provide a signal path fault indication on the basis thereof.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, products are disclosed for providing policy-based operating system services in an operating system on a computing system. The computing system includes at least one compute node. The compute node includes an operating system. The operating system includes a kernel and a plurality of operating system services of a service type. Providing policy-based operating system services in an operating system on a computing system includes establishing, on the compute node, a kernel policy specifying one of the operating system services of the service type for use by the kernel in the operating system, establishing a performance ruleset, the performance ruleset specifying rules for analyzing the performance of the computing system, measuring performance of the computing system, and adjusting the kernel policy in dependence upon the performance ruleset and the measured performance.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems associated with and/or having components capable of, detecting a temperature of an integrated circuit in real time during testing are disclosed herein. In exemplary embodiments, an integrated circuit includes a register to store a temperature limit for the integrated circuit; a temperature sensor formed on the integrated circuit to sense a temperature of the integrated circuit, and output a signal indicative of the temperature sensed, based at least in part on the temperature sensed; and testing logic coupled to the register and the temperature sensor to record a temperature violation if at any time during a testing mode of operation the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor violates the stored temperature limit.

Abstract: Activity models are maintained on a plurality of computers on a network. When a user or a particular activity model at a computer discovers an error, it may query its own activity model to determine a possible source of the error. If it is determined to not be the likely source of the error, the activity model queries the activity models of those computers on the network that it depends on. These activity models may then query the activity models of the computers that their particular host computer depends on and so forth. Ultimately the results of these activity model queries may be used to diagnose the likely source of the error and may be presented to the requesting user as a report.

Abstract: A method for doing an optimization of the performance envelope initially authorized for an existing rotorcraft engine (M) to enable the engine (M), to be used in an optimized performance envelope that is different from the performance envelope initially authorized for the engine, is remarquable in that this optimization is compensated by modifying the total service life of the engine (M).

Abstract: The embodiments described herein include a system and method for measuring a surface appearance of a surface. An appearance sensor is positionable about a surface and is configured to measure the surface appearance. A surface relationship sensor senses the distance between the appearance sensor and the surface. The appearance sensor is then positioned about the surface based on the sensed distance.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, electronic device, and computer readable medium for determining an end-of-life stage of the flash memory. The method comprises detecting at least one life cycle event associated with a flash memory residing on an electronic device A counter that is associated with the life cycle event is then incremented. Based on the counter, a total number of occurrences for the one life cycle event is determined. The total number of occurrences for the at least one given threshold are also determined. A current life cycle stage of the flash memory is identified based at least in part on the determining if the total number of occurrences exceeds at least one given threshold. The life cycle stage is associated with the at least one given threshold. A user is then notified of the life cycle state of the flash memory.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for identifying a damaged bearing (4a, 4b) of a rotating shaft (1). According to the invention: the rotational speed (n) of the shaft (1) is determined; the alternating component (nAC) of the rotational speed (n) is determined, together with a smooth curve (h) of said alternating component (nAC) of the rotational speed (n); the smooth curve (h) is converted into the frequency range and a frequency response (B) of the value of the smooth curve (h) is determined. Said frequency response (B) of the value of the curve is monitored for the passing of a threshold value (G1, G2, G3, G4) and if said threshold value (G1, G2, G3, G4) is exceeded, a damaged bearing (4a, 4b) is identified. The invention thus provides a method and a device for identifying a damaged bearing (4a, 4b) of a rotating shaft (1) of a motor, which do not require a vibration sensor (11) to identify a damaged bearing (4a, 4b) of said shaft (1).

Abstract: An on die thermal sensor (ODTS) for use in a semiconductor memory device includes: a temperature information code generation unit for sensing an internal temperature of the semiconductor memory device in response to first and second enable signals and for generating a temperature information code which includes the sensed temperature information; and a flag signal logic determination unit for generating a plurality of first flag signals having temperature information and determining whether the plurality of first flag signals have a predetermined logic level or a variable logic level in response to the first and second enable signals.

Abstract: A method of determining preventive maintenance for an optical inspection system for inspecting photolithography processed substrates. The method includes measuring at least one operational characteristic of the optical inspection system and comparing a measurement result for said at least one operational characteristic with predetermined preventive maintenance criteria for the operational characteristic. Also included is determining a preventive maintenance requirement based on a comparison result of said comparing, and initiating a preventive maintenance action on said optical inspection system, said preventive maintenance action corresponding to said preventive maintenance requirement. A method of automatically performing preventive maintenance on an optical inspection system, and for retrofitting an optical inspection system to facilitate preventive maintenance of the optical inspection system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A low power vibration sensor and wireless transmitter system has one or more sensors that sense parameters of a machine including vibration and produces dynamic signals representing the sensed parameters. The system converts the signals to a digital format, digitally filters the signals, and processes the signals. A processor determines a plurality of levels, which represent the characteristics of the signal such as the peak value of a predetermined set of data points of the digital signal. Together, the levels comprise a PeakVue waveform. The processor determines the peak level value for the PeakVue waveform. Also, a true root-mean-square is calculated as the signal is received at the processor. The peak level and the RMS value are communicated wirelessly by a communication module to a control protocol network such as a daisy chain HART or Fieldbus protocol network. The system power supply and the communication module power supply are separate and allow for low power operation.

Abstract: The current invention provides a method and apparatus, which uses symbol sequence techniques, temporal irreversibility, and/or cluster analysis to monitor the operating state of individual burner flames on a appropriate time scale. Both the method and apparatus of the present invention may be used optimize the performance of burner flames.

Abstract: A system for monitoring or detecting tampering in a flexible structure includes taking electrical measurements on a sensing cable coupled to the structure, performing spectral analysis on the measured data, and comparing the spectral characteristics of the event to those of known benign and/or known suspicious events. A threshold or trigger value may used to identify an event of interest and initiate data collection. Alternatively, the system may be triggered at preset intervals, triggered manually, or triggered by a signal from another sensing device such as a motion detector. The system may be used to monitor electrical cables and conduits, hoses and flexible ducts, fences and other perimeter control devices, structural cables, flexible fabrics, and other flexible structures.

Abstract: An integrity management system predicts abnormalities in complex systems before they occur based upon the prior history of abnormalities within the complex system. A topology of the nodes of a complex system is generated and data is collected from the system based on predetermined metrics. In combination with dynamic thresholding, fingerprints of the relevant nodes within a complex system at various time intervals prior to the occurrence of the abnormality are captured and weighted. The fingerprints can then be applied to real-time data provide alerts of potential abnormality prior to their actual occurrence.

Abstract: A method for determining fatigue life reduction in a string; the method, in at least certain aspects, including providing at least one sample from a string that has been subjected to corrosion, fatigue testing the at least one sample to determine a measured remaining fatigue life, calculating an expected remaining bending fatigue life for the at least one sample, and comparing the measured remaining fatigue life to the expected remaining bending fatigue life to determine the extent of reduction in fatigue life of the string.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for optical measurement of an OPC structure (306), having a pre-determined structure (302) on a photo-mask, in order to determine a measurement of the structure in at least one direction, whereby, firstly, a region (300) is determined on the photo-mask, which comprises the OPC structure (306) to be measured. The intensity of the determined region (300) is then scanned in a first direction and the region in which the intensity passes a threshold is determined for each scan. The maximum separation between an edge (308) of the structure (302) and an edge (312) of the corresponding OPC structure (306) is determined, based on the difference of the determined regions.

Abstract: An improved method, apparatus, and computer instructions for generating trace data. In response to detecting a new trace event, a determination is made as to whether the new trace event occurred at an expected period of time with respect to a prior trace event. A time stamp in the trace data is placed in response to a determination that the new trace event did not occur at the expected period of time, wherein time stamps occurring at the expected period if time are eliminated from the trace data and wherein compression of the trace data occurs.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a machine. In one implementation, a system for monitoring the machine includes a monitoring server in communication with a machine. The monitoring server receives data from the machine, estimates, based on the received data, an operating condition of the machine, and estimates a depreciation value of the machine based on the operating condition.

Abstract: A method for selective, event-based communication of machine data includes receiving, in an on-board controller, operation data associated with a component of a machine and comparing the operation data with predetermined threshold data associated with the component. An event alert is generated if the operation data is inconsistent with the predetermined threshold data. The method also includes collecting, in an operational monitoring system associated with the machine, the operation data associated with the component of the machine in response to the event alert. A diagnostic analysis of the operation data associated with the component is performed, the results of which may be to a user of the operational monitoring system.

Abstract: In methods and systems that may facilitate detecting abnormal operation in a process plant, values of a process variable are analyzed to determine whether they significantly deviate from expected values. If there is a significant deviation, an indicator may be generated. Analyzing the process variable may include, for example, utilizing a plurality of thresholds determined based on statistics of the process variable. Analyzing the process variable may also include, for example, determining whether a first number of values of the process variable are in a first region, and whether a second number of values are in a second region.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a malfunction of a tuning valve of an intake manifold coupled to an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes: commanding the tuning valve to at least one of a closed and an opened position; computing an average deviation of manifold absolute pressure; determining an average deviation threshold using fuzzy logic based on engine speed and airflow per cylinder; comparing the average deviation to the average deviation threshold; and diagnosing a malfunction of the tuning valve based on a comparison of the average deviation and the average deviation threshold.

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: System events preceding occurrence of a problem are likely to be similar to events preceding occurrence of the same problem at other times or on other systems. Thus, the cause of a problem may be identified by comparing a trace of events preceding occurrence of the problem with previously diagnosed traces. Traces of events preceding occurrences of a problem arising from a known cause are reduced to a series of descriptive elements. These elements are aligned to correlate differently timed but otherwise similar traces of events, converted into symbolic representations, and archived. A trace of events leading to an undiagnosed a problem similarly is converted to a symbolic representation. The representation of the undiagnosed trace is then compared to the archived representations to identify a similar archived representation. The cause of the similar archived representation is presented as a diagnosis of the problem.

Abstract: A system and method enable monitoring of a mechanical condition of a reciprocating compressor. The compressor includes a compressor frame, a pressure chamber, and a pressure head. A plurality of tie bolts are secured between the compressor frame and the pressure chamber head. A sensor assembly is secured to one of the plurality of tie bolts. The sensor assembly includes an elongation member positioned to extend in concert with extension of one of the tie bolts. A sensor measures extension of the elongation member to thereby monitor cylinder pressure.

Abstract: A method for inspecting an object is provided. The method includes applying a pulsed excitation signal to the object and detecting a transient response signal to the pulsed excitation signal. The method also includes convolving the transient response signal with a plurality of orthogonal functions to generate a plurality of orthogonal components.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating the impact of compressor fouling in a combined cycle power block. The current performance of the combined cycle power block is determined and normalized to one or more reference conditions. A baseline performance of a gas turbine of the combined cycle power block is also determined. A predicted performance of the combined cycle power block is then determined by substituting the baseline performance of the gas turbine for the current performance of the gas turbine. A recoverable impact to the combined cycle power block due to compressor fouling is then determined by subtracting the normalized current performance from the predicted performance and a recoverable impact to the fuel consumption of the combined cycle power block is determined from the recoverable impact.

Abstract: A system for detecting abnormal operation of at least a portion of a process plant includes a model to model at least the portion of the process plant. The model may be configurable to include multiple regression models corresponding to multiple different operating regions of the portion of the process plant. The system may also include a deviation detector configured to determine if the actual operation of the portion of the process plant deviates significantly from the operation predicted by the model. If there is a significant deviation, this may indicate an abnormal operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a performance mathematical representation for monitoring trend on engine condition from field engine data. Field engine performance data from multiple engine samples are provided and adjusted according to its associated average performance and an improved performance mathematical representation is constructed using the adjusted data.