Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that determines whether a cooling device in a computer system is responsive to control signals. During operation of the computer system, a control signal is sent to the cooling device. Next, a response of the computer system to the control signal is measured, wherein the response includes a temperature profile. The frequency content of the control signal is then compared to the frequency content of the temperature profile to determine whether the cooling device is responsive to the control signal.

Abstract: The invention regards an apparatus for estimating a resonant frequency of a wind turbine tower, comprising a measuring module adapted for measuring acceleration values of the wind turbine tower wherein the acceleration values represent acceleration of the wind turbine tower, a filter module adapted for receiving the measured acceleration values, the filter module comprises a variable filter wherein the variable filter is adapted to attenuate frequencies in a band hereby attenuating frequencies for an output of the filter module, an adaptive algorithm module comprising an adaptive algorithm wherein the adaptive algorithm module is adapted for communicating with the filter module and wherein the adaptive algorithm is adapted to minimize the energy of the output of the filter module by adjusting the band of attenuated frequencies, a resonant frequency estimating module adapted for estimating the resonant frequency of a wind turbine tower based on the attenuated frequencies.

Abstract: A pressure sensor has a sensor body at least partly formed with an electrically insulating material, particularly a ceramic material, defining a cavity facing on which is a diaphragm provided with an electric detector element, configured for detecting a bending of the diaphragm. The sensor body supports a circuit arrangement, including, a plurality of circuit components, among which is an integrated circuit, for treating a signal generated by the detection element. The circuit arrangement includes tracks made of electrically conductive material directly deposited on a surface of the sensor body made of electrically insulating material. The integrated circuit is made up of a die made of semiconductor material directly bonded onto the surface of the sensor body and the die is connected to respective tracks by means of wire bonding, i.e. by means of thin connecting wires made of electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A solution for evaluating an object using infrared data is provided. In particular, infrared data corresponding to the object is processed to enhance a set of signal features. The infrared data is analyzed to determine whether one or more anomalies are present.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for testing a valve control system in an aircraft fuel supply system having a plurality of control valves, wherein the control system includes a processor adapted to receive feedback signals from each of the plurality of control valves, the method comprising the steps of: connecting a test device to the control system such that the test device is connected for signal transmission to the processor; outputting a signal to the processor simulating a feedback signal from at least one of the control valves; detecting a control signal which is output by the processor to the at least one of the control valves; and identifying the detected control signal which is output by the processor to the control valve.

Abstract: A time chart generation apparatus includes a user interface, a motor drive shaft chart display, and a motor drive shaft chart generator. The user interface is configured to receive an input from a user. The motor drive shaft chart display is configured to display on an image display device a motor drive shaft chart representing a change in a speed of at least one motor drive shaft along a time axis. The motor drive shaft chart generator is configured to add a movement waveform of the motor drive shaft to the motor drive shaft chart based on a predetermined amount when a first time point on the time axis is designated through the input on the user interface.

Abstract: A method for generating an allowed input data trajectory for a physical system to be tested or measured, including providing an input data trajectory in an input data space; determining an allowed operating range; and replacing at least one segment of the provided input data trajectory, which is outside of the allowed operating range, by a trajectory segment within the allowed operating range, in order to obtain the allowed input data trajectory.

Abstract: A system and method quantifies correlation between a road surface profile and road noise. The profile and interior noise and a running speed of a vehicle are simultaneously measured in real time, and by using measurement information, correlation between the profile and the road noise is quantitatively objectified. The profile is measured in real time and, at the same time, interior noise and running speed are measured. Data of the profile is converted into a displacement-based signal using the running speed data. An error component corresponding to a distance frequency that cooperates with the profile is removed by using the measured running speed data. A mean profile depth (MPD) is calculated by using the profile data. Road noise is measured from the interior noise data. And MPD is matched with the road noise to generate a correlation graph.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for contactless determining a behavior of a loaded tyre or wheel, comprising the steps of determining a contour of at least a portion of the tyre or wheel; simulating loading of the tyre or wheel with a virtual loading element bearing against the tyre for at least one rotary position of the wheel on the basis of the determined contour, a displacement of the determined contour caused by the virtual loading element and at least one parameter associated to the tyre or wheel or to a part of the tyre; and determining the behavior of the loaded wheel using the simulation results.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a housing, a gearing system disposed within the housing and comprising a plurality of targets, a plurality of sensors incorporated within the housing, a processor in electrical signal communication with the sensors, and a user interface in signal communication with the processor. A method comprising providing a drive system comprising a drive system power measuring and diagnostic system, wherein the drive system is configured to rotate one or more components comprising a plurality of targets, sense the targets with a sensor pair, thereby producing a data signal, process the data signal from the one or more sensor pairs, thereby producing a processed data signal, and output the processed data signal to a user.

Abstract: A valve actuator fault analysis system for detecting, analyzing and reporting valve actuator performance characterized as deviations, malfunctions and failures. The fault analysis system includes an expert system that monitors the valve actuator and related components, such as the power supply and signal line, for determining causal factors of degraded and/or defective performance; generation of fault-analysis reports in a readable text format file; and methods for characterizing deviations, malfunctions and failures, for generating and concatenating event messages and for detecting and characterizing events that take place in valve actuators, peripheral systems and devices and displaying the results on a display device.

Abstract: A system for the purpose of condition monitoring of gearboxes includes processing equipment that is configured to receive data that contains information of a spectrum of mechanical vibrations measured from a gearbox being monitored. The processing equipment is configured to search, from the spectrum of mechanical vibrations, at least two spikes on such frequencies which correspond to a phenomenon such as for example a bearing fault. The phenomenon is defined with at least two phenomenon-specific frequencies and with reference values of amplitudes relating to these phenomenon-specific frequencies. The processing equipment is configured to form an indicator of probability of occurrence for the phenomenon on the basis of amplitudes of the searched spikes and the reference values of the amplitudes. The fact that the indicator is formed on the basis of amplitudes of two or more spikes which relate to this phenomenon improves the reliability of the indicator.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer-readable medium for measuring a determining a validity of an estimate of a response time of a brake is disclosed. A sensor obtains a waveform of a parameter related to the engagement of the brake during engagement of the brake. A processor analyzes the obtained waveform, determines inflection points in the waveform within a selected time period, validates the signal integrity of the waveform and provides an indicator when the number of determined inflection points is greater than a pre-specified count value.

Abstract: An apparatus for tuning a parameter of a Kalman filter in a wheel inspection for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes an association module that associates wheel inspection data of the vehicle with locations of corresponding wheels in the vehicle; an evaluation module that evaluates a wheel stable score of the vehicle based on the wheel inspection data and the association, where the wheel stable score indicates reliability of the wheel inspection; and a parameter tuning module that tunes a measurement error covariance of the Kalman filter according to the evaluated wheel stable score.

Abstract: The disclosure provides in one embodiment a system for monitoring adhesive integrity within a cured bondline of a bonded structural assembly. The system comprises a bonded structural assembly having a cured bondline. The cured bondline comprises an adhesive layer, a scrim ply layer integrated with the adhesive layer, and an electrical sensor network integrated with the scrim ply layer. The system further comprises an electrical power source for providing electrical power to the electrical sensor network. The system further comprises a digital data communications network for retrieving and processing data from the electrical sensor network. The electrical sensor network monitors adhesive integrity on demand by interpreting changes in local dynamic responses and electromechanical properties directly measured within the cured bondline.

Abstract: A contamination level determination system for hydraulic oil is provided with a pilot filter arranged in a line of a hydraulic circuit of a hydraulic working machine to remove, from the hydraulic oil, foreign matter of particle sizes that may cause an operation failure of the hydraulic working machine. A first light-blocking sensor senses passage of foreign matter on an upstream side of the pilot filter. A second light-blocking sensor senses passage of foreign matter on a downstream side of the pilot filter. An onboard controller unit functions to determine a frequency of sensing of foreign matter by the first light-blocking sensor, to determine a frequency of sensing of foreign matter by the second light-blocking sensor, and to determine a contamination level on the upstream side of the pilot filter on the basis of results of the determinations from both sensors.

Abstract: 1st and 2nd pulsed waves are transmitted along 1st and 2nd transmit beams where at least one of the beams is broad in at least one direction, and the transmit timing between said 1st and 2nd pulsed waves are selected so that the pulsed wave fronts overlap in an overlap region R(r,t) that propagates along at least one measurement or image curve ?(r) in the material object. At least the scattered signal produced by nonlinear interaction between said 1st and 2nd waves in the overlap region is received and processed to form a nonlinear interaction scattering image signal along ?(r). The measurement or image curve ?(r) can be scanned laterally by either changing of the relative transmit timing between the 1st and 2nd pulsed waves or the direction of at least one of the 1st and 2nd transmit beams, or both. The methods are applicable to image nonlinear scattering sources for both electromagnetic and elastic waves, and combinations of these.

Abstract: A device (20) for processing tissue samples has a processing room (22) for introducing and processing the tissue samples (20). A chamber (34) communicates with the processing room (22). At least one filling level sensor (28, 30, 32) detects a measurement value which is representative of a filling level of a liquid in the chamber (34). A calculating unit determines a filling level of the liquid in the processing room (22) depending on the filling level of the liquid in the chamber (34).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the detection and localization of internal and external disturbances in and around a physical structure from data generated by an array of sensors and processing systems connected to the physical structure.

Abstract: Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to identifying a target fan connected to a computing device. In example embodiments, the target fan may be identified based on a fan speed profile of the target fan.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing an actuator for a boost pressure system of an internal combustion engine, in which the actuator is controlled using a triggering signal, and a state variable of the boost pressure system which is at least an indirect function of the triggering signal is detected. The triggering signal is periodic, and a curve of the values of the state variable is analyzed with regard to at least one periodic characteristic.

Abstract: A system for determining a flushing frequency of a dead end main includes a user terminal in communication with a server. The server further includes memory and a processor in communication with the memory. A dead end main id, at least one disinfectant reading and at least one disinfectant reading of the dead end main are received from the user at the user terminal. The processor determines at least one flushing score of the dead end main based on the at least one disinfectant reading and a predetermined flushing score condition. The processor determines the flushing frequency of the dead end main based on the at least one flushing score and a predetermined flushing frequency condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating at least one of a dynamic motion of a portion of interest of a drill string and a static parameter associated with the portion of interest, the apparatus having: a plurality of sensors operatively associated with the drill string at at least one location other than the portion of interest; and a processing system coupled to the plurality of sensors, the processing system configured to estimate at least one of the dynamic motion and the static parameter using a measurement from the plurality of sensors as input.

Abstract: A piston sensor data acquisition system is provided. The system includes a piston for an internal combustion engine, a data acquisition computer and a data telemetry system. The piston includes a crown and a sensor. The piston crown includes an upper surface defining a bowl region, a side portion and a lower surface. The sensor is at least partially coated by a visualization material, and is disposed at a location within the piston crown. The data acquisition computer includes a processor and a memory to store the sensor location, determined by a visualization process, and sensor data received from the sensor. The data telemetry system is coupled to the sensor and the data acquisition computer, and may be wired or wireless. A modeling computer may be coupled to the data acquisition computer over a network.

Abstract: Probe configuration is achieved in a measurement system in which probes are given possible configuration data depending upon conditions in an area relevant to the area of the probe. The possible probe configurations include global boundaries, such as time, and each probe then, based upon the possible configurations, selects a configuration. In one embodiment, the probe may interact with a central processor to further define the probe configuration. In one embodiment, probes may communicate with other probes, both to help define their operating environment and to optionally provide configuration data to another probe.

Abstract: A positioning device includes a computer including a stored design file, such as a CAD file, for positioning a selected portion of the design on a workpiece. In a first embodiment, a base unit houses an extensible cable including a free end for placement by a user at a design point on the workpiece. A turn carriage freely rotates about a turn axis to follow cable movement. In output mode, the user is directed to move the cable free end toward the portion of the design and a cable tensioning motor adjusts the tension in the cable sufficiently to indicate when cable free end is at a distance to the portion of the design. Other embodiments include: a turn carriage servoed motor for rotating the turn carriage to follow the cable; and a pitch carriage and servoed motor for rotating the pitch carriage for following the cable.

Abstract: A clogged filter detector has a transmitter and a sensor which are held in place by a transmitter bracket and a sensor bracket, respectively. The transmitter emits a beam of electromagnetic radiation, and the sensor is positioned in the path of this beam at a point such that the beam travels through a filter between the transmitter and the sensor. The transmitter and sensor are misaligned with the air flow at the point where the beam contacts the filter. The transmitter alternates between a transmitting mode and a dormant mode, and the transmitter emits a plurality of electromagnetic pulses during each transmitting mode.

Abstract: A tool for enhancing surface nanocrystallization includes a tool base to removably attach to a machine, a head portion attached to the tool base, and a plurality of blunt pellets. Each blunt pellet i) has a different shape at a respective workpiece-contacting surface to generate a different pressure distribution and depth of indentation during surface nanocrystallization and extends outward from the head portion, or ii) has a same shape at the respective workpiece-contacting surface and extends outward from the head portion.

Abstract: In a first arousal level estimation device according to this invention, an initial residual setup unit sets a residual to be a reference of a driver, i.e., a residual with a smallest value during an initialization period as an initial residual among residuals calculated by a residual calculation unit during the initialization period from timing of starting an operation of a vehicle or timing of a change in a traveling scene including a condition of traveling road of the vehicle as a starting point till a predetermined period of time elapses. An arousal level estimation unit estimates a driver's arousal level based on a result of comparison between the initial residual set by the residual setup unit and the residual calculated by the residual calculation unit after the initialization period has elapsed. In this way, an estimation accuracy relating to a driver's state including a driver's arousal level is improved.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for estimating the features (concentration, weight, volume, etc.) of target materials, by using kinetic change information along time, when measuring the results of a chemical reaction between two materials, target materials and reactant, with an optical or electrochemical method.

Abstract: A linear actuator comprises a reversible electric motor (2) which, via a transmission, is capable of driving a spindle (4) having a spindle nut (5) secured against rotation and comprises a power supply and a controller. The actuator moreover comprises a memory unit for collecting at least one set of data from the operation, indicating how long and how hard the actuator has worked. It is hereby possible to obtain an overview of the mechanical state of the actuator and thereby prevent unfortunate occurrences and accidents as a consequence of wear-out of the actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method detect damage of a component of a system. The damage detection apparatus includes a first grid of sensors arranged in a first orientation on a surface of the component and configured to generate a first set of signals. The apparatus also includes a second grid of sensors, independent from the first grid of sensors, arranged in a second orientation on an insulating layer on the surface of the component and configured to generate a second set of signals, the second orientation overlapping with the first orientation. A processor detects the damage based on a change in at least one signal of the first set of signals or the second set of signals.

Abstract: A vibration analysis system including a sensor to be coupled to a machine to measure vibration data, a data acquisition and processing unit to communicate with the sensor to receive the measured vibration data from the sensor and to perform test operations on the received vibration data to calculate vibration parameters, and at least one control unit to transmit operation requests instructing the data acquisition and processing unit to start receiving the vibration data from the sensor, to perform test operations, and to transmit corresponding vibration parameters over a wireless communication link to the control unit. The data acquisition and processing unit includes a data management unit such that when the communication link is broken, the data acquisition and processing unit continues to perform the test operations, and when the communication link is reestablished, the data management unit transmits the vibration parameters to the control unit.

Abstract: A reduction in excitation amplitudes affecting turbine blade durability in a turbine nozzle assembly having a plurality of vanes and turbine blades, includes: identifying a turbine blade design of the turbine nozzle assembly; performing a modal model analysis of at least one of the turbine blades in the turbine blade design; reducing aerodynamic impact by ensuring that each of the turbine blades is free of aero-excitation from an upstream flow at the vanes in an operating speed range; identifying blade natural frequencies with respect to the nozzle vanes; and modifying a trailing edge of at least one of the vanes to reduce the excitation amplitudes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that are capable of synchronizing an industrial process. The industrial process may include a plurality of process levels. A visualization group may be displayed, showing the various levels of a process. A transition group may be graphically defined that allows for the linking of the transitions between the various process levels. In certain embodiments, sequential function charts (SFC) may include expanded capabilities that allow for the visual definition, editing, and review of the transition groups. Such SFC embodiments may be capable of process flow synchronization across any levels of the modeled process.

Abstract: Autonomous non-destructive inspection equipment provides automatic and/or continuous inspection and evaluation of a material under inspection. The inspection equipment comprises at least one detection sensor and at least one detection sensor interface for a computer. The signals are communicated from the sensor to the computer. The signals are then conditioned and evaluated according to knowledge already inputted into the computer. The computer iterations are processed until an acceptable conclusion is made regarding the type of imperfection that is detected.

Abstract: Intrinsically calibrating friction mensuration device has a drive unit with controllable motive member, configured to receive a controllable propulsion force, and to apply tractive force to a test piece on a surface. A force engine couples to the motive member, and applies the controllable propulsion force. The device includes a controller imposing a propulsion control signal actuating the force engine to produce the propulsion force. A force sensor is between the drive unit and the test piece, producing a force signal responsive to a sensed force between the drive unit and the test piece. The drive unit can self-propelled or stationary. A method includes applying an increasing tractive force to a test piece at rest; measuring the tractive force; identifying the maximum tractive force applied at incipient motion; identifying the transition between the resting test piece and incipient motion; determining the SCOF; continue motion and determine the DCOF.

Abstract: A variable speed switch includes a switch main body portion which is accommodated in a housing of an electric power tool and mounted to the housing so as to be capable of relative movement, and a load sensor which is provided in the switch main body portion and capable of outputting an electric signal in proportion to the amount of distortion caused by a pressing force. The switch operating portion is mounted on the surface of the housing so as to be capable of relative displacement with respect to the housing and transmits a pressing force applied to the switch operating portion to the load sensor, with the maximum displacement amount of the switch operating portion being set to equal to or less than 5 mm.

Abstract: A non-destructive method for determining an amount of temperature exposure to a Bismaleimide Resin (BMI) matrix substrate, the method includes determining component data of a Bismaleimide Resin (BMI) matrix component via fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy; correlating the component data to model data to determine a structural debit from temperature exposure; and bounding a structurally damaged area in response to the correlating.

Abstract: A sensor device for measuring the compression travel and/or the compression rate of wheels and/or axles of vehicles, in particular of commercial vehicles, may include at least one sensor measuring in a contactless manner. The sensor device may include a radar and/or high-frequency sensor generating a beam, which is emitted and received after reflection at a reference and reflection surface.

Abstract: A method for tuning a parameter of a Kalman filter in a wheel inspection for a vehicle. The method includes: associating wheel inspection data of the vehicle with locations of wheels in the vehicle; evaluating a wheel stable score of the vehicle based on the wheel inspection data and the association, wherein the wheel stable score indicates reliability of the wheel inspection; and tuning measurement error covariance of the Kalman filter according to the evaluated wheel stable score. By using the method, the parameter of the Kalman filter can be dynamically tuned to enable the Kalman filter to filter more accurately to ensure the correct result of the wheel inspection. In addition, an apparatus for tuning a parameter of a Kalman filter and a wheel inspection system for a vehicle are disclosed.

Abstract: Mechanical oscillators employ the use of resonance parameters, frequency and the quality factor Q, for the measurement of corrosion or deposition. The ability of a mechanical oscillator to measure small amounts of metal loss or deposition is not only dependent upon the mechanical design but is limited by the precision in determining the resonance frequency and Q. Methods for measuring these resonance parameters with a high precision in the presence of noise are provided. The increased degree of precision improves the utility of these devices as sensitive probes for corrosion and deposition (fouling) measurement. The increased degree of precision is enabled in part by employing curve fitting consistent with modeling the mechanical oscillator as a simple harmonic oscillator. This curve fitting procedure, combined with averaging and utilizing signal processing parameters to mitigate noise effects, adds precision in measuring resonance parameters.

Abstract: A system for providing positive pressure to an interior of a positive pressure facility can include an enclosure for securing to an exterior of the positive pressure facility, an evaporator motor compartment with a motor, a compressor compartment with a compressor, a fresh air intake section for bringing air in from outside, a condenser compartment with air venture, a heater compartment with a heater, and an enclosure extension for attaching to the interior of the positive pressure facility. An electrical compartment can be connected with a return air compartment of the enclosure extension. A human machine interface with a display can present controls for controlling the system and various portions of real-time information related to the system.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a processor-implemented method of determining a bias for an axis of a gyroscope. The method includes: obtaining a temperature reading; maintaining a plurality of bias estimators for the axis, each bias estimator associated with a temperature and configured to estimate a bias at the associated temperature, the plurality of bias estimators including a number of short term bias estimators for estimating biases for recently obtained temperatures and a number of long term bias estimators for estimating biases for temperatures obtained over a comparatively longer period of time; and determining a bias for the axis of the gyroscope based on the temperature reading and one or more of the bias estimators.

Abstract: A variable speed switch includes a switch main body portion which is accommodated in a housing of an electric power tool and mounted to the housing so as to be capable of relative movement, and a load sensor which is provided in the switch main body portion and capable of outputting an electric signal in proportion to the amount of distortion caused by a pressing force. The switch operating portion is mounted on the surface of the housing so as to be capable of relative displacement with respect to the housing and transmits a pressing force applied to the switch operating portion to the load sensor, with the maximum displacement amount of the switch operating portion being set to equal to or less than 5 mm.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the stiffness of a structure based on vertical track modulus are disclosed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Vertical deflection data is collected along a particular section of a structure, such as a railroad track. A first set of vertical modulus is determined, based in part, on the collected vertical deflection data. At a second time, vertical deflection data is again collected along the particular section of the structure to be used in determining a second set of vertical modulus. At least the first and second sets of vertical modulus are analyzed to determine a mathematical algorithm that facilitates developing a trend in the vertical track modulus of the structure and evaluating the stiffness of the structure.

Abstract: A solution for evaluating a vehicle using infrared data is provided. In particular, evaluation data for the vehicle is obtained, which includes infrared data for a plurality of sides of the vehicle as well as vehicle identification data for distinguishing the vehicle from another vehicle. The infrared data is processed to enhance a set of signal features. Additional non-infrared based data also can be obtained for evaluating the vehicle. The evaluation data is analyzed to determine whether one or more anomalies are present. The anomaly(ies) can be correlated with a possible problem with a component of the vehicle. Data on the anomaly, problem, and/or vehicle identification can be provided for use on another system, such as a remote inspection station, maintenance system, and/or the like.

Abstract: A billiard cue stroke simulator includes a wireless acceleration sensing device and a computing system. The wireless acceleration sensing device measures acceleration of a billiard cue along two or more axes of a coordinate system during a stroke of the billiard cue and generates acceleration data including the acceleration data. Additionally, the wireless acceleration sensing device transmits a wireless communication signal including the acceleration data to the computing system. The computing system generates image data indicating movement of the billiard cue during the stroke of the billiard cue based on the acceleration data and displays the image data. In this way, the billiard cue stroke simulator simulates the stroke of the billiard cue.

Abstract: A method for determining a mechanical performance parameter of a structure in which damage has caused a wall of the structure to change from an initial shape to a damaged shape. The method comprising for geometrically characterizing an external surface of the damaged shape; modeling a test body comprising a surface substantially identical to the external surface of the damaged shape; modeling a test wall having a portion of a shape substantially identical to the initial shape; calculating a deformed test wall and a stress state related to the deformation, the deformation of the test wall being caused by a relative displacement of the test body and the test wall, the relative displacement being configured to give the deformed test wall an external surface substantially identical to the external surface of the damaged shape; and evaluating mechanical performance of the deformed test wall.

Abstract: A system for automated control of a machine within a work area having a crest includes a first data map and a second data map. At least one sensor system generates operating data indicative of a change in terrain and a controller compares the operating data to the first data map while the machine is within a zone adjacent the crest. If the change in terrain exceeds a threshold, the controller generates an alert command signal. A method is also provided.