Abstract: Cylinder judgment signals are output from cam sensors at every uneven crank angle interval. The number of cylinder judgment signals output per cam sensor during a time period between a previous output and a present output of cylinder judgment signals from the other cam sensor, is counted up, to judge a specific cylinder based on the number of outputs. As a result, cylinders other than the specific cylinder are judged based on the judgment result and the cylinder judgment signals. Simultaneously, a time period from the previous cylinder judgment to the present cylinder judgment is calculated, to judge erroneous detection of cylinder judgment signal due to noise based on a ratio between a previous calculation value and a present calculation value of the time period. When the erroneous detection is judged, the cylinder judgment result based on the cylinder judgment signals is canceled.

Abstract: A process for coordinated control of machine direction MD and cross direction CD actuators in a sheetmaking machine for manufacturing a sheet of material is disclosed. The process involves measuring a plurality of sheet properties at regular intervals to collect sheet measurement data. The sheet measurement data is manipulated to establish a plurality of sheet property measurement arrays, which are then mapped to a common resolution. The common resolution sheet property measurement arrays are concatenated into one larger one-dimensional common resolution measurement array. The common resolution measurement array and an array of past changes in actuator set point are used as inputs to a paper machine process model state observer to generate the estimated current internal state of the sheet manufacturing process. A plurality of future-sheet property target arrays are concatenated into one target array.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for determining the magnitude and distribution of forces on a foot during ambulation and utilizing this data in combination with a plurality of other factors to create an orthotic inlay with an automated inlay fabricating machine.

Abstract: A material strength measuring and evaluating method for measuring and evaluating of at least one of a peel strength and a fragility breaking strength of a fragile thin film. The method includes pressing an indenter into a test object and measuring an indentation load and an indentation depth, while at the same time detecting charged particles emitted from a peel starting point or a breakage starting point, specifying a peel occurring time and a fragility breaking time when charged particles are increased, and measuring the at least one of peel strength and the fragility breaking strength.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method using a permeameter comprising a measuring head (2) opposite which the sheet or strip (1) is displaced step by step. It comprises a registration including the determination of the permeability profile of the strip (1) over a period T including two different successive permeability ranges, determination of a sinusoid from said profile, then of two extrema of said sinusoid, centering the measuring head (2) on the second extremum, and moving the strip step by step by T/2 with, at each step, a permeability measurement.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a rotatable shaft and first and second targets coupled to the rotatable shaft so as to rotate therewith, a first probe for transmitting a first transmission signal to the first target and receiving a first response signal from the first target, and a second probe for transmitting a second transmission signal to the second target and receiving a second response signal from the second target. The apparatus further comprises a processor operatively coupled to the first and second probes for determining a torsional displacement of the shaft based on the first and second response signals received by the first and second probes, respectively. The processor then determines a torque imposed on the rotatable shaft based on its torsional displacement.

Abstract: The present invention describes non-invasive online system for discrete measurements of phase levels in a converter or pyrometallurgical furnace in smelting and conversion processes, applying mechanical waves generated by a transducer placed in the direction of the axis orthogonal to the plane of the phases, for applying mechanical waves that travel in a longitudinal direction into the converter or pyrometallurgical furnace, and a detector or sensor mechanical waves receive a signal (echo pulses) reflected by the different interphases returning a fraction of the power to the transducer that generated it. The propagation time measurement of the signal, from the moment it is emitted by the transducer up to the moment in which the various echoes are received allows to determine the position of the different interphases relative to the transducer.

Abstract: Based on a plurality of defects' position-coordinates and attribute detected by an inspecting apparatus, defects that are easily detectable by an observing apparatus are selected. With these selected defects employed as the indicator, the observing apparatus detects and observes the defects. Moreover, creating a coordinate transformation formula for representing a correlated relationship in the defects' position-coordinates between both the apparatuses, the observing apparatus transforms the defects' position-coordinates so as to observe the defects.

Abstract: A method of instant estimation of the rotor inertia of a load motor is disclosed. The adaptive filter accompanied with the Least Mean Square Rule is introduced to instantly estimate the rotor inertia of a load motor. One input of the adaptive filter is the current signal of a model motor whose rotor inertia is known, and the other is the deviation current signal between the model motor and the drive motor. Once the two inputs are determined, the rotor inertia of the load motor will then be calculated using the Least Mean Square Rule and the adaptive filter.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for detecting the early signs of cycle-induced fatigue and thereby predicting failure of the rotating disk in turbo-machinery. It identifies change in shape of the entire disk in radial, tangential and axial directions. It examines these deformations as a function of rotational velocity and compares them to a data base of deformations due to cracks in the rotor. Blade-tip measurements are processed through specialized algorithms to detect such asymmetry during operation, providing a real-time, non-destructive method of prediction. The sensors can be housed within the machinery case, and are capable of operating in harsh environments while maintaining adequate stand-off distance, making the entire apparatus robust enough for conditions in high-speed turbo-machinery.

Abstract: There are many inventions described herein. In one aspect, the present invention is a method of acoustically monitoring a wind power installation that generates electrical power. The wind power installation includes a plurality of components, including at least rotor blades. The method comprises detecting an operating acoustic spectrum generated by at least one of the components during operation of the wind power installation and comparing the operating acoustic spectrum to a reference acoustic spectrum. The method of this aspect of the invention further comprises detecting a deviation between the operating acoustic spectrum and the reference acoustic spectrum and detecting whether the deviation exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A noise or vibration control system improves the quality of adaptation estimates by filtering the input signals to the adaptation, selectively implementing a “dead-zone” during which adaptation does not occur and by selectively adding a dither signal to the control commands. The dead-zone is based on the magnitude of the changes in the control commands, which are responding to the changes in the sensor signals. The dead-zone can be applied to all actuators simultaneously, or can be applied to the adaptation of each actuator channel independently. To maintain identifiability, a “dither signal” is added to the control commands to “ping” the system to increase the amount of information available to the adaptive algorithm. The dither signal is preferably implemented on only one actuator channel at a time. Also, the dither amplitude for each channel is preferably set to be proportional to the current control amplitude.

Abstract: The sensor signals relating to the equipment are input from the sensors. The scalar distances of the recognition spaces of every combination of the sensor signals are computed. The flag signals of every combination of the sensor signals are outputted according to whether or not the scalar distances are included in the normal ranges of the recognition spaces. The failures of the equipment are determined according to the flag signals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wire harness mounting method for mounting a wire harness to a wire harness holding portion provided on a vehicle-mounted component, such as an air conditioning duct, wherein the wire harness consists of two or more sub wire harnesses produced separately, the sub wire harnesses being arranged on the wire harness holding portion and collectively held by the wire harness holding portion to thereby complete the mounting of the wire harness.

Abstract: A method is provided for managing inspection requirements using a network-based system. The system includes a server system coupled to a centralized database and at least one client system. The method includes receiving information relating to a plurality of components of a specific plant and storing the information into a centralized database. The method further includes cross-referencing the information received, updating the centralized database based on the information received and providing information in response to an inquiry.

Abstract: A method of instant estimation of the rotor inertia of a load motor is disclosed. The adaptive filter accompanied with the Least Mean Square Rule is introduced to instantly estimate the rotor inertia of a load motor. One input of the adaptive filter is the current signal of a model motor whose rotor inertia is known, and the other is the deviation current signal between the model motor and the drive motor. Once the two inputs are determined, the rotor inertia of the load motor will then be calculated using the Least Mean Square Rule and the adaptive filter.

Abstract: A database interpolation method is used to rapidly calculate a predicted optical response characteristic of a diffractive microstructure as part of a real-time optical measurement process. The interpolated optical response is a continuous and (in a preferred embodiment) smooth function of measurement parameters, and it matches the theoretically-calculated optical response at the database-stored interpolation points.

Abstract: A monitoring and protection technique for machine systems includes providing multiple processors within a monitoring module. A first processor generally performs management functions, such as data communications control, memory management, and so forth. A second processor performs complex calculations that provide data to the first processor. The module may be specifically adapted to applications, such as vibration monitoring, in which case the second processor may perform analysis of received signals to derive vibrational data that forms the basis for decisions for energizing or de-energizing relay circuitry used to control the machine system or an alarm.

Abstract: A tire-generated sound detection sensor detects a tire-generated sound that is generated from a tire while the vehicle is running. A wheel rotation sensor detects a wheel rotation speed. A preprocessor calculates feature quantities corresponding to a road surface state and tire-generated sound sources. A feature vector generator generates a feature vector having, as components, the feature quantities calculated by the preprocessor and the detected wheel rotation speed. A judgment processor estimates a state of a road surface on which the vehicle is running on the basis of the feature vector generated by the feature vector generator and feature vectors that are stored in a judgment map memory so as to be correlated with a plurality of road surface states, respectively, and each of which corresponds to a road surface state and tire-generated sound sources.

Abstract: A calculating device and method provided for a shaking test apparatus for carrying out a shaking test on a structure by using a partial structure and a numerical model which is virtually connected to the partial structure. The calculating device includes a calculation part which identifies a vibration model corresponding to the partial structure on the basis of displacement and reaction force detected in response to shaking and which combines the vibration model and the numerical model with each other to construct a model of the overall system corresponding to the structure and calculates the shaking response of the overall system model.

Abstract: A modal analysis method and apparatus for acoustically determining vibration characteristics of a structure uses a MISO model. An acoustic excitation signal toward spatially distributed locations associated with the structure is generated while the latter is held vibrated, one location being chosen as reference. Complementary sets of input acoustic pressure-related signals are produced, one being a reference signal. Fourier analysis is performed on the input signals to provide correlated input acoustic pressure-related data in frequency domain including reference data. Induced output vibration is sensed at a reference point on the structure corresponding to the reference to produce complementary sets of output vibration signals, which are converted through Fourier analysis into sets of output vibration data in frequency domain. Structural transfer functions characterizing each set of input acoustic pressure-related data are obtained from which vibratory characteristics of the structure are derived.

Abstract: An alternating human vibration-exciting method for obtaining a free vibration waveform of buildings or civil structures having a natural vibration frequency more than 2-5 Hz. First and second same-number set of subjects having similar weights alternately apply exciting forces to a wall on a top of the structure. An electronic beat-sound generator is adjusted to a two-beat mode to generate two alternating beat sounds repeatedly so that the first and second sets can apply vibration exciting forces repeatedly at a frequency of half of the natural vibration frequency of the structure obtained by micro-tremor measurement, while alternately synchronizing their actions to the two alternating beat sounds, respectively. The vibration exciting action is stopped after the structure is brought to a sufficient resonance state, thereby obtaining a free vibration waveform.

Abstract: In a hybrid vibration experiment of the structure, while shaking an actual model simulating a portion of the structure, vibration response analysis of a numerical model simulates the remaining portions of the structure using a computer. Loading members are provided neighboring the actual model. A plurality of vibrators vibrates the actual model through the loading members. The vibrators are controlled so that, not a point displacement but, a distributed displacement is loaded on the actual model.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alternating human vibration-exciting method for obtaining a free vibration waveform of buildings or civil structures having a natural vibration frequency more than 2.5 Hz. First and second same-number sets of subjects having similar weights alternately apply exciting forces to a wall on a top of the structure. An electronic beat-sound generator is adjusted to a two-beat mode to generate two alternating beat sounds repeatedly so that the first and second sets can apply vibration exciting forces repeatedly at a frequency of half of the natural vibration frequency of the structure obtained by micro-tremor measurement, while alternately synchronizing their actions to the two alternating beat sounds, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for calibrating a payload monitor of a work machine. Altering the load carrying body of a work machine can adversely impact the accuracy of a payload monitor. The present invention provides a calibrating technique using an alternate coefficient that is programmed into the payload monitor.

Abstract: In order to start up and operate a machine/system (2) consisting of interacting active components (3,4) belonging to various action groups (5,6) in a simple and clear manner, a control and monitoring system (1) is provided comprising an especially hierarchically structured instantaneous model (25) of the machine/system (2) with respondable active elements (10,11) corresponding to the actions of various active groups (5,6).

Abstract: A system adapted to determine a property of a paving-related material is provided. Such a system comprises a central computing system housing database, such as a geographic information system (GIS). A measuring device for selectively and directly measuring the property of the paving-related material is remotely disposed with respect to the central computing system and operably engaged with a locating device, such as a global positioning system (GPS) device, for determining a location of the measuring device when the property of the paving-related material is selectively measured thereby.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for measuring mechanical properties of a deformable material specimen. The system includes a first gripping device for removably securing a first end of the specimen, a second gripping device for removably securing a second end of the specimen and an image acquisition device for producing image data reflective of a specified area of the specimen. Either the first gripping device or the second gripping device is movable in a first direction and in communication with the displacement measurement mechanism, which produces displacement data. The first gripping device or the second gripping device is also in communication with the load measurement mechanism for producing load data. Also disclosed is a method for measuring the mechanical properties of a deformable material specimen.

Abstract: This invention operates is an adaptation to chart recorders and indicating instruments as a means to detect and store the pen or indicator positions. The method used to capture the information utilizes a sensing element mounted in, on or under the surface on which the pens record or indicators indicate. The pens are equipped to act as pointing devices detectable by the position sensing element. The pen positions are sensed and converted to a format which can be processed and interfaced to other devices.

Abstract: The testing performs a vibration excitation testing of a part of the structure, performs a numerical calculus of vibration response of the other parts of the structure, and calculates the vibration response of a whole of the structure by combining these two methods. Testing includes calculating a position of a point of exciting force on the basis of vibration exciting, and calculating a reaction force on the basis of a load detected and the position of the point of exciting force. Then, a displacement of a numerical model is computed by using the reaction force calculated and a known external force, and calculating a vibration exciting machine displacement command value on the basis of the displacement. A drive drives the vibration exciting on the basis of an output thereof. Vibration excitation is performed in the translational direction as well as the rotational direction.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to accomplish a new configuration or a reconfiguration of a screw system. To this end, a control unit (12) detects the actual components, which are installed in a screw system, as well as their characteristics, and said control unit (12) subsequently determines differences between the actual components and specified components that, for a specified configuration, were selected from a database (15), in which all available components are stored with their specific characteristics. Finally, actual and specified components that differ from one another are displayed on a display (16).

Abstract: When a pipeline is used as a medium for data transmission using a VLP or ELF Electro-magnetic signal the presence of corrosion effects on the pipeline lead to noise signals appearing in the received data signal. The present invention relates to a method of separating out this noise signal and analyzing it to determine the corrosion status of the pipeline. Both the type and location of the corrosion effect can be determined in this way.

Abstract: A vibration testing device includes a computer system having: a measurement processing block for inputting an output of the monitoring sensor and processing the output; a model substituting block for modeling characteristics of the test piece, calculating a response quantity corresponding to a drive condition of an actuator, and inputting the calculation result to a numerical simulation block and the parameter changing block; the parameter changing block for comparing the calculation result of the model substituting block with the processing result of the measurement processing block, and changing the parameter; the numerical simulation block for calculating a vibration response in accordance with a previously input structure numerical model; and a waveform generating block for calculating a time function of a deformation to be applied to the test piece, and outputting the time block to the actuator controlling device.

Abstract: A monitoring and protection system includes monitoring modules configurable with multiple alarm, alert or response parameters. The configuration parameters may be user set to allow for adaptation of the monitoring modules to specific applications. In one implementation, a vibration monitor receives signals from sensors or transducers and derives vibrational data based upon the received signals. The alarm configuration may include multiple levels or limits for various speed or frequency bands.

Abstract: Shaped composite structures which are strong, stiff and hard and, at the same time, having high toughness, comprise a matrix, for example a cement or ceramics based matrix and embedded therein a plurality of plate shaped or at lest 60 mm thick elongated reinforcement components, the reinforcing component having at least 1.5 times higher tensile strength that the matrix, the minimum volume per cent concentration of the reinforcement components being related in the manner described in the specification to their tensile strength and (in case of elongated reinforcement components) also their thickness and to the compressive strength and modulus of elasticity and modulus of elasticity of the matrix. Methods for modeling and designing such structures are also disclosed, as are methods for establishing the structure for smaller matrix building blocks which may be pre-fabricated and which are arranged around pre-arranged reinforcement bodies and then fixed to each other and to the reinforcement.

Abstract: A monitoring and protection system is provided which is highly modular and expandable. The system is based upon individual monitoring modules which may be associated with one another in groups at locations or points along a machine system where dynamic operating conditions are to be monitored and controlled. The individual modules communicate between themselves, and with remote modules, via an open industrial data exchange protocol. The modules are thus freed of the need for a backplane or other backbone for mounting and communications purposes. Any number of modules may be positioned at the points of interest along the machine system, from as few as a single module to a large group of modules, with the entire system being expandable and contractible according to the design needs based upon the open industrial data exchange protocol.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and protection machine systems includes multiple monitoring modules positioned proximate to points of interest in the machine system where dynamic operating conditions are monitored. The monitoring modules, which may communicate with one another via an open industrial data exchange protocol, include user-configurable voting logic for controlling or protecting the machine system based upon the monitored conditions. The logic of the modules is interdependent such that certain of the responses will or will not be taken unless combined conditions occur as defined by the voting logic of multiple modules.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method which consists in: obtaining a physical model of phenomena involved when an object or product is subjected to a crushing test, said modelling taking into account elastic deformation, plastic deformation and relaxation; adjusting said model to experimental data and characterising the object or product from the adjusted model by means of parameters other than the crushing amplitude value, relative to energy dissipation during deformation, load relaxation or even energy accumulation during deformation. The invention enables to obtain more discriminating and more descriptive data concerning mechanical properties of the objects or products.

Abstract: A method and system for determining fluidborne noise characteristics of a fluid power pump. The system includes the pump, a reference pipe fluidly connected to a discharge of the pump, three pressure sensors disposed within the reference pipe at predetermined spacings from each other and the pump, first and second loading valves, and a calculating and analysis assembly. The loading valves are selectively and alternatingly actuated to pressurize fluid contained in the system. The calculating and analysis assembly receives signals from the pressure sensors and signals indicative of the rotational speed of the pump. The calculating and analysis assembly uses these signals, together with the known physical characteristics of the reference pipe and the system fluid, to determine the source flow ripple and internal impedance.

Abstract: A method of monitoring steam traps to identify which steam traps are malfunctioning is described and claimed. The method involves surveying the building to locate all the steam traps, identifying where to place the sensors to monitor the steam traps of interest, placing the sensors in appropriate locations, collecting the signals from each sensor in a collection point, monitoring the collected signals to identify which steam traps are not operating as desired and taking corrective action regarding those steam traps that are not operating as desired. The method enables the operator of the industrial water system using steam traps to be able to reduce the cost of wasted energy in lost steam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computational method for predicting a desired property and/or performance of polymers, and/or identifying and designing polymers that provide said desired property and/or performance, wherein the desired property can be provided by the neat, undiluted polymers, or diluted polymers in a composition. The method is a QSAR approach wherein the descriptors used are structural descriptors which are experimentally generated and/or derived from one or more analytical methods.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing estimated values of a plurality of electrical parameters of a motor. The plurality of electrical parameters may be established from stator resistance data and electrical input data obtained with no load on the motor. The plurality of electrical parameters may also be established from stator resistance data, electrical input data, and motor speed data obtained at at least two load conditions of the motor. The plurality of electrical parameters may comprise rotor resistance. The system and method may also be used to estimate a plurality of operating parameters of the motor based on the estimated values of a plurality of electrical parameters of the motor. The plurality of operating parameters of a motor may comprise rotor temperature, motor torque, and motor efficiency.

Abstract: A keyboard integrated with a computer with a mechanism for determining a pressure sensitivity needed to register a desired keystroke is disclosed. A keystroke is registered for a given key if a force on the given key exceeds the determined pressure sensitivity. A user configuration profile can be utilized to specify a needed pressure sensitivity. Pressure sensitivity can also be determined dynamically. A threshold amount of pressure needed to register a keystroke can be compared to a measured amount of pressure applied during the keystroke and if the measured pressure meets the threshold pressure, the keystroke is registered. A control module, which can include an alphanumeric scale, can be utilized to set a threshold amount of pressure needed to register a keystroke. Some embodiments can also include a threshold amount of pressure set for each individual key.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for performing diagnostics in a pneumatic control loop for a control valve. Pressure and displacement sensors normally provided with a positioner are used to detect operating parameters of the control loop. A processor is programmed to receive feedback from the sensors and generate fault signals according to a logic sub-routine. The logic sub-routine may include calculating mass flow of control fluid through spool valve outlet ports and comparing other operating parameters of the control fluid to detect leaks and blockages in the control loop. Once a fault is detected, the location of the root cause of the fault may be identified by characterizing operating parameters of the control loop at the time of the fault.

Abstract: In a line protection unit for monitoring fault conditions of an electrical power line and actuating breakers to disconnect the line from a power supply bus, the supply bus is in the ring bus arrangement including a first bus and an auxiliary bus so that each power line includes first and second breakers. The three phase current in the line is monitored at both the breakers and summed in the unit to allow calculation of the fault conditions based upon the total current in the line. In the event of a fault condition, both breakers are tripped. In the event of breaker failure so that current continues to flow, this is detected in the unit and all the first breakers tripped to prevent the faulty breaker from allowing current to flow to the faulty line.

Abstract: A method enables the resilience of a plurality of spring washers stacked in a series arrangement to be determined. The method comprises determining the potential energy for the series arrangement by integrating the product of the axial load applied to the series arrangement, the displacement of the series arrangement, and the number of spring washers stacked in the series arrangement, and solving at least two non-linear equations to determine the resilience of the spring washers stacked in the series arrangement.

Abstract: In a thrust ripple measuring apparatus for use in a linear motor, a slave linear motor as a subject to be measured is coupled with a master linear motor through a non-contact type stage mechanism. A processing unit is supplied with speed-induced-voltages detected by a voltage detector and a moving speed of the slave linear motor detected by a speed detector and calculates a per-phase induced voltage constant from the ratio of the speed-induced-voltage of each phase and the moving speed and further calculates a thrust constant and a thrust ripple from the calculated per-phase induced voltage constant.

Abstract: For each component which is used at a high in-service temperature for a long period, its creep damage degree is approximated by a relational expression containing the Larson-Miller parameter. The creep damage degree is estimated by an approximation expression obtained by determining constants for each component. The creep damage degree is subjected to Weibull statistical analysis to estimate the creep damage degree probabilistically. Also, the thermal fatigue and damage degree obtained by an approximation expression is likewise subjected to Weibull statistical analysis to estimate the thermal fatigue and damage degree probabilistically. Therefore, the probabilistically estimated creep damage degree and the probabilistically estimated thermal fatigue and damage degree allows the life of each component subjected to a high in-service temperature to be assessed precisely and quickly.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment is a system providing CAD engine independence for a coordinate measurement system. The system includes an interface between a coordinate measurement system application and a CAD engine application. The interface is specific to the CAD engine application and allows a single coordinate measurement system application to be interfaced to one or more CAD engines without the dependency of hard coding to a particular CAD engine.

Abstract: A monitoring and protection system includes a plurality of monitoring modules that are positioned proximate to points of interest in a machine system where dynamic operating conditions are to be monitored. The monitoring modules at individual locations communicate with one another via an open industrial data exchange protocol. The groups of modules may also communicate via the same protocol, creating a flexible and expandable system that accommodates a wide range of modules and that avoids the need for conventional backplane architecture. The groups also communicate with remote equipment via a different standard data exchange protocol, such as via a gateway associated with each of the monitoring module groups.