Abstract: Computer-implemented system and method for presenting routing information in a measurement system. A meta-routing tool receives user input specifying a device, then retrieves a topography description for the device indicating connectivity between a plurality of components in the device, e.g., from memory or from a server coupled to the computer via a network. The tool then determines routability information for the device based on the topography description, e.g., by walking the topography, and displays the routability information, which is then useable to determine routing for the measurement system. The routability information includes possible routes through the device, and may also indicate potential side effects for one or more of the routes, e.g., sub-systems used by the routes. The tool may receive user input indicating one of the possible routes, and display a component-wise path used by the indicated route, as well as any sub-systems used by the indicated route.

Abstract: A system and methods for the evaluation of the integrity of a wafer cassette and the disposition thereof are based upon evaluation of wafer measurement data obtained using a wafer sorter cassette mapping system utilized in-line during wafer sorting operations. In one embodiment, wafers are placed into slots in the wafer cassette. A wafer sorter cassette mapping sensor is scanned over the wafers in the wafer cassette. The positions of the wafers are measured while scanning the sensor over the wafers. The wafer position measurements are evaluated using a modeling system to determine slot positions, and a determination of the integrity of the cassette is generated. If the integrity determination indicates that the cassette is deformed beyond a predetermined value, the cassette is replaced. The measurement data may be stored in a data base for further trend analysis or for replacement forecasting.

Abstract: A method for calculating material properties of a material includes determining a dilatational wavespeed and a shear wave speed. The dilatational wavespeed is determined by conducting vertical vibration tests of two specimens of the material, one specimen being twice as thick as the other. Transfer functions are obtained from these tests and used to calculate the dilatational wavespeed. The shear wavespeed is determined by conducting horizontal vibration tests of two specimens with one specimen being twice as thick as the other. The shear wavespeed can be calculated from transfer functions obtained from these tests and the dilatational wavespeed. Other material properties can be calculated from the dilatational and shear wavespeeds. Frequency dependence of the properties can be determined by conducting the tests at different frequencies.

Abstract: A method for calculating material properties of a material includes conducting two insertion loss tests of the material having a single thickness and a double thickness. These tests are conducted at a zero wavenumber. Utilizing these insertion loss tests, a dilatational wavespeed is computed. The method continues by calculating a shear wavespeed by performing three insertion loss tests of the material at single, double and triple thicknesses. These tests are conducted at a non-zero wavenumber. A shear wavespeed can be calculated from the dilatational wavespeed and these insertion loss tests. Lamé constants, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, and the shear modulus for the material of interest can then be calculated using the dilatational and shear wavespeeds.

Abstract: A set of tools is provided for inspecting and obtaining critical data concerning the support structure of a canopy on support columns. The data obtained is entered into a computer programmed to generate a structure integrity report based on the data. The tools include a measurement wheel, an electronic level, a digital camera, a laser distance meter, an ultrasonic thickness gauge and optionally, a ladder and a drill. The computer can be local to the inspection or remote, and, if the latter, in communication with a personal digital assistant with wireless telephone capability into which the user can enter data.

Abstract: Described is a system for diagnosis and prognosis of a component. The system is configured to receive a signal from a component. The signal is representative of a current health observation of the component. The system also computes a present likelihood of the component failure based on the signal. Additionally, the system computes a future likelihood of failure of the component for a given future mission. Through diagnosis, a user can determine the present health of the component, and based on the present health and future mission, determine whether or not the component will fail in the future mission.

Abstract: A method of determining steering rack rattle propensity of a rack and pinion steering assembly may comprise: simultaneously recording audio, and measuring acceleration of a rack, and right and left side tie-rod end loads; identifying rack rattle events from the audio recording; determining common characteristics of the measured rack acceleration and tie-rod end loads during the identified rack rattle events; creating a rack rattle index level; applying a predetermined force profile to a test rack and pinion steering assembly; measuring a test acceleration on the test rack and pinion steering assembly; calculating a test RMS level in a test frequency range using a test time constant; determining a rack rattle index value from the calculated test RMS level; and comparing the rack rattle index value to the rack rattle index level.

Abstract: A degradation monitoring system including: a machine; a sensor affixed to the machine, the sensors measuring a operational parameters of the machine; a set of filters receptive of information about the machine from the sensors and the filters responsively generate status signals; and comparators for comparing the status signals to stored signals, wherein the comparators indicate at least one of a presence of degradation of the machine, or a cause of degradation of the machine.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a structure for damage is provided. The method includes stimulating a sensor in a sensor array to generate a plurality of waves. The sensor array includes one or more quadrants, wherein each quadrant includes one or more sensors. Sensor data from all sensors are acquired in each quadrant in parallel. The sensor data wave characteristics is processed for analysis. The processed sensor data wave characteristics are compared with threshold values to determine the presence of damage to the structure. If the presence of damage is determined, a corrective system is notified for corrective action.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system are provided for determining a mechanical-system-(MS)-health measurement and a MS-health state of an MS. The MS is a system that uses a fluid that can be measured by a sensor for purposes such as lubrication or cooling. The MS-health measurement is determined by processing MS-measurement data. The MS-measurement data includes an fluid-viscosity measurement value. The fluid-viscosity measurement value is transmitted using a wired or wireless sensor interface. The MS-health state is determined by comparing the MS-health measurement to one or more MS-health thresholds. The MS-health state is either in a normal state, a degraded state, or a critical state. The MS-health state is indicated, preferably using a onboard stop-light display, on a MS-health indicator. Depending on the MS-health state, one or more MS-performance characteristics may be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for detecting an abnormal event for process units of a Fluidized Catalytic Cracking Unit. The method compares the operation of the process units to a statistical and engineering models. The statistical models are developed by principle components analysis of the normal operation for these units. In addition, the engineering models are based on partial least squares analysis and correlation analysis between variables. If the difference between the operation of a process unit and the normal model result indicates an abnormal condition, then the cause of the abnormal condition is determined and corrected.

Abstract: Among a plurality of parameters concerning a film forming condition, different parameter values are set for one parameter and the same predetermined values are set for other parameters to manufacture two pieces of film structures including a high-dielectric constant film or ferroelectric film formed on a substrate. The film characteristics of the respective film structures are analyzed by a spectroscopic ellipsometer, a film structure in which the ratio of the presence of an accompanying dielectric film is smaller, is determined to be good by comparing the analysis results, and a parameter value set for the manufacture of the good film structure is determined. Then similar processing is performed, to specify an optimal parameter value for one parameter, and similar processing is also performed for other parameters to specify an optimal parameter value for the other parameters.

Abstract: A fastening tool with a clutch for shutting off transmission of torque, capable of self-diagnosing fastening torque of a screw or the like at low cost without using expensive elements such as a torque sensor, etc. A fastening tool (10) has a motor (13), a main shaft (20) engaging with a screw or the like, and a clutch (14) interposed between the motor (13) and the main shaft (20). The clutch (14) transmits torque from the motor (13) to the main shaft (20) when a load acting on the main shaft (20) is less than a predetermined value, and shuts off torque transmission from the motor (13) to the main shaft (20) when a load acting on the main shaft (20) is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. The fastening tool (10) further has a control unit (60) for controlling the motor (13).

Abstract: A method is provided for analyzing vibrations of a variable speed rotating body. The method includes producing a signal that is proportional to an acceleration of the rotating body and producing a plurality of pulses. Each pulse represents a revolution of the rotating body and is indicative of a vibration sample at a rotational position of the rotating body. The signal is converted to a numeric value that is indicative of a vibrational amplitude of the rotating body. The plurality of pulses are converted to revolution time periods indicative of a rotational rate of the rotating body. The method also includes producing a harmonic vibrational amplitude at a harmonic of the rotational rate of the rotating body, and representing a phase of the harmonic vibrational amplitude relative to the rotational position of the rotating body.

Abstract: A method for assessing the integrity of a structure, comprising the steps of: i) collecting data relating to the initial dimensions of the structure, ii) creating a computer model of the structure, iii) collecting data relating to the estimated load on the structure, iv) analysing the structure, using the computer model of the structure and the load data, in order to define areas which are subject to relatively high stress, v) measuring, after a time interval, the dimensions of the structure in high stress areas, vi) updating the computer model of the structure, using the results of step v), re-analysing the structure, using the updated computer model and the load data, in order to calculate a value for the integrity of the structure.

Abstract: A condition detection apparatus comprising an AE sensor 1 that detects AE waves, which elastically-occur when a plurality of balls included in an LM system self-rotate and revolve within a circulation section at the same time, and generates detection signals Sae, and a signal processing unit 4 that generates a first parameter indicating an intensity of the AE waves based on the generated detection signals Sae, generates based on the detection signals Sae a second parameter by weighting only detection signals Sae temporally-continuously detected among the detection signals Sae, generates based on the detection signals Sae a third parameter by weighting only detection signals Sae temporally-discontinuously detected in correspondence with the movement of the balls among the detection signals Sae, and judges contents of an operational condition of the LM system using any one of the first, second or third parameter, is provided to enable prognosis of occurrences of failures in the LM system, to improve maintainabi

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting compression wood, blue stain, or pitch in lumber. A light beam is projected towards the wood sample. Line or area cameras acquire images of light that is reflected from the wood sample. Based on the intensity of the reflected light at one or more locations on the wood sample, compression wood, blue stain, or pitch may be detected.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the air-kerma rate of an x-ray device comprises a data obtaining component for obtaining data of the x-ray device, a calculation component for calculating the air-kerma rate from the obtained data, and an outputting component for outputting the calculated air-kerma rate, where the calculation component uses an algebraic formula for the calculation of the air-kerma rate.

Abstract: A driving force calculating device (1) includes: a setting information acquiring section (23) which acquires (a) muscle specifying information that specifies a target muscle, which is a muscle whose function is assisted or resisted by a driving section and (b) a target value of muscle force to be produced by the target muscle at the time of rotational motion under assistance or resistance of the driving section; and a target muscle force evaluating section (24) which acquires an estimated muscle force table (58) and musculoskeletal model data (53) and evaluates the feasibility of the target value of the target muscle. With this arrangement, it is possible to reduce time required to calculate a driving force of the driving section of the power assisting device.

Abstract: A technique for automatically generating a report comprising normalized differences in performance statistics between two separate periods. In one embodiment of the invention, database performance statistics are collected on a periodic basis over various time periods. In order to accurately compare database system performance between two discrete periods of time, the difference in the performance statistics of each period are normalized prior to comparing the two periods with each other. By normalizing the statistical differences in each period prior to comparing the differences, periods of different lengths of time as well as different levels of database system load may be compared. In one embodiment, a report is automatically generated which lists the performance statistics being evaluated, the difference in the statistic between each period, the value of each statistical difference as normalized by database time, and the difference between the normalized values.

Abstract: A method for predicting bearing failure of a differential bearing including an inner race, an outer race, and a plurality of rolling elements positioned between the inner and outer race, the method includes coupling a measuring apparatus comprising at least one of a strain gage and an accelerometer to the differential bearing, coupling a cable to the measuring apparatus, wherein the cable is adapted for passage through a rotating component, and coupling a transmitter to the cable, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit a plurality of signals from the measuring apparatus to a remote location to facilitate predicting a failure of the differential bearing.

Abstract: Methods and structures for detecting touchdown of the read/write head on its recording surface or for detecting other read signal amplitude modulations as proportional to variance of the value of the read channel variable gain amplifier (“VGA”). Variance in the VGA values caused by the standard feedback control electronics associated therewith is proportional to amplitude modulations of the sensed signal picked up by the read channel (or servo read sensor). These amplitude modulations are, in turn, reflective of flying height of the read/write head as well as generally indicative of other parameters of the read channel operation. Touchdown of the read/write head and other parameters of the disk drive operation may therefore be detected as variances in the VGA control values.

Abstract: Additional computing power is captured using the idle processing power of mobile phones incorporated into a grid computing system, wherein the system is capable of pushing projects out to available mobile phones for processing during idle operation times. To further efficiently utilize the unused processing cycles of mobile phones, a unique protocol is utilized to coordinate processing tasks which makes use of existing short messages techniques to communicate projects. The unique protocol is combination of bootstrapping using standard compression techniques along with an adaptive compression scheme.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing the quality of spot weld joints between pieces of metal includes an ultrasound transducer probing a spot weld joint. The ultrasound transducer transmits ultrasonic radiation into the spot weld joint, receives corresponding echoes, and transforms the echoes into electrical signals. An image reconstructor connected to the ultrasound transducer transforms the electrical signals into numerical data representing an ultrasound image. A neural network connected to the image reconstructor analyzes the numerical data and an output system presents information representing the quality of the spot weld joint. The system is trained to assess the quality of spot weld joints by scanning a spot weld joint with an ultrasound transducer to produce the data set representing the joint; then physically deconstructing the joint to assess the joint quality.

Abstract: A computer program for operating a computer to perform various steps. In one step, the program causes the computer to display to a user of the computer a first hierarchical level representative of one or more companies, where each company of the one or more companies has respective water treatment needs. In another step, and for each company of the one or more companies, the program causes the computer to display to the user of the computer a second first hierarchical level representative of one or more facilities for the respective company. In another step, and for each facility of each company of the one or more companies, the program causes the computer to display to the user of the computer a third hierarchical level representative of one or more water treatment systems for the respective facility.

Abstract: The lumber measuring system includes a pair of single point lasers for measuring cut lumber in one or more scan zones. An electrical box connected to local 110V AC power is located close to the scan zone, within a short distance of the lasers, so that conduit for connecting cables is not required. The electrical box includes a power supply providing a plurality of DC voltages, a large character display and an Ethernet to serial converter. Connectors are provided in an exterior panel of the electrical box for connecting the assemblies in the box with the local lasers and the central computer. Pre-wired cables, with MS-style connectors on both ends, are provided for connection between the lasers and the associated connectors in the enclosures, the cables being wired so there is only a single position in which the cable connectors can connect to the lasers and to the connectors on the electrical box. A computer receives data from the lasers and provides measurement information back to the display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing faults in well servicing operations and determining appropriate remedial action to remedy such faults.

Abstract: A statistical process, and system for implementing the process, is described for the analysis of stress waves generated in operating machinery or equipment. This technique is called Probabilistic Stress Wave Analysis. The process is applied to a population of individual “feature” values extracted from a digitized time waveform (such as a 2 second Stress Wave Pulse Train, or a 2 month history of Stress Wave Energy). Certain numeric descriptors of the statistical distributions of computed features are then employed as inputs to decision making routines (such as neural networks or simple threshold testing) to accurately classify the condition represented by the original time waveform data, and thereby determine a status of the operating machine/equipment.

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: A system and method for readily generating radial clearance data for a radial clearance between locations on at least two parts in a rotating machine includes rendering an image of a cross section view of at least a portion of the machine on a display. The locations on the two parts are identified on the rendered cross section, and a radial stack path between the identified locations is automatically determined. The radial clearance between the identified locations when the machine is not operating is determined, based at least in part on the determined radial stack path. Data generated by a deflection analysis model of the machine are used to determine radial deflections of the identified locations during machine operation at one or more machine operating conditions. Data representative of the radial clearance between the identified locations during the machine operation at the one or more machine operating conditions are generated.

Abstract: A gas turbine performance analysis system comprising: a performance computation module for receiving each of actual measured value of an inlet air temperature introduced to compressor, a compressor pressure ratio and a fuel flow rate supplied to a gas turbine in the actual gas turbine and calculating and outputting values of a gas turbine's power output and exhaust temperature exhausted from the gas turbine based on these actual measured values; and a performance estimation module for evaluating performance of the gas turbine based on the deviation between the values of power output and exhaust temperature outputted from the performance computation module and the actual measured values of power output and exhaust temperature; wherein the gas turbine performance analysis system further comprising: an adjustment module for calculating a corrected value of the fuel flow rate based on the actual measured values of inlet air temperature, compressor pressure ratio and fuel flow rate, and inputting the corrected

Abstract: A system and method for providing energy-efficient support of continuous aggregate queries in a sensor network by efficiently orchestrating the collection and transmission of data gathered by a collective set of sensors to ensure conformance to a specified QoI bound. To ensure this, the sink communicates a potentially different value of precision range or interval to each individual sensor, the sensor is adapted to only report its samples back to the sink if the sample values fall outside this specified range. An additional way to specify temporally varying precision ranges to an individual sensor or groups of sensors is provided without having to explicitly communicate the precision bounds for these different time instants. Using temporally varying precision ranges permits the exploitation of temporal correlation among the sample values recorded by an individual sensor to further reduce the need for reports from the sensors.

Abstract: An inspection system for removably mounting to a platform movable in relation to a generally upright mast for inspection of the mast has a mounting support assembly removably fixable to the platform. The mounting support assembly for scanning the mast carries a detector device and collecting mast scanned information. A power supply is carried by one or more of the mounting support assembly or the detector device and is connected to the detector device. A communications device is carried by one or more of the mounting support assembly or the detector device and is connected to the detector device for receiving and relaying the collected mast scanned information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for predicting the service life of a metallic structure subjected to cyclic loading. Such structures experience fatigue, which can lead to failure after a number of loading cycles. The disclosed invention allows for an accurate prediction of the number of cycles to failure for a metallic structure by observing the slope of the rise in surface temperature of the structure after the cyclic loading has begun. The method of this invention provides early and accurate predictions of service life and does not require destructive testing. The method and apparatus of the present invention may be installed on working equipment, thus providing service life predictions for materials in real world use. The invention uses an empirically derived relationship that was confirmed using analytical relationships and material properties. The derived formula uses two constants that may be determined empirically using a disclosed process. The constants also may be estimated mathematically.

Abstract: An improved method, apparatus, and computer instructions for generating trace data. In response to detecting a trace event, a determination is made as to whether identifiers for the trace event match recorded identifiers for a record in a set of previously recorded trace events. Location information for the record is placed in the trace data if a match between identifiers for the trace event and recorded identifiers for the record in the set of previously recorded trace events.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibration signal processing method and system that can be used to account for situations where impact or impulse events are hidden in a normal vibration reading by low frequency vibrations and high frequency noise. In one preferred form, the method of the present invention comprises the steps of obtaining electrical vibration signals that represent mechanical vibrations of a machine (102-106), converting the electrical vibration signals into digital vibration samples (108), dividing the digital vibration samples into equal time intervals and determining the average absolute amplitude of the digital vibration samples for each time interval (110), generating a time waveform comprising the determined average amplitudes (112, 114), and processing the time waveform as if it were an independently-detected signal (116-120).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of evaluating the fracture toughness of a material using the continuous indentation technique. In the method of this invention, the stress coefficient, strain hardening modulus and yield stress of the material are determined using the continuous indentation technique and, thereafter, the reduced elastic modulus (Er) of the material is calculated. The effective elastic modulus and the initial elastic modulus are calculated and, thereafter, the damage parameter is calculated using the void volume fraction. The critical elastic modulus and the characteristic fracture initiation point of the indentation depth are determined using the damage parameter and, thereafter, the fracture toughness of the material is evaluated. The present invention is advantageous in that the fracture toughness of a brittle material can be evaluated precisely using a nondestructive evaluation technique.

Abstract: A device for applying fiducial marks to a web for spatially synchronizing data from a plurality of processes is described. The device includes a fiducial mark reader to read fiducial marks of at least two formats on a web of material, a fiducial mark writer to write fiducial marks of at least two formats on the web, and an encoder to measure distance along the web. The device may provide several advantages. For example, the device may apply fiducial marks to a web that indicate the process line that applied the fiducial mark to the web or the date on which the fiducial mark was applied.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that characterizes the reliability of a computer system. The system first collects samples of a performance parameter from the computer system. Next, the system computes the length of a line between the samples, wherein the line includes a component which is proportionate to a difference between values of the samples and a component which is proportionate to a time interval between the samples. The system then adds the computed length to a cumulative length variable which can be used to characterize the reliability of the computer system.

Abstract: A method of measuring rolling resistance of a machine is disclosed. The method may include determining a drive axle torque value of the machine and calculating a total effective grade value using the drive axle torque value. The method may further include determining at least one drivetrain efficiency loss factor value and calculating a total drivetrain efficiency loss value of the machine using the at least one drivetrain efficiency loss factor value. The method may also include determining position data of the machine and calculating an actual grade value based on the position data. The method may additionally include calculating a rolling resistance value of the machine by subtracting the actual grade value and the drivetrain efficiency loss value from the total effective grade value and outputting the rolling resistance value.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for measuring a quantity representing the rotational speed of a motor vehicle wheel (14ag, 14ad, 14rg, 14rd), comprising means (22ag, 22ad, 22rg, 22rd) for coding and measuring the rotational speed in the form of electromagnetic pulses, means (24) for determining a time interval including a whole number of said pulses, and means (24) for counting the whole number of said pulses during said time interval. Said device comprises means (24) for determining a quantity representing the radius of the wheel and means (24) for determining said quantity based on the whole number of pulses, on the time interval and on the quantity representing the radius of the wheel.

Abstract: There is provided a gear pair evaluation apparatus capable of performing accurate tooth surface analysis based on actual tooth surface measurement information without using information about a reference tooth surface. A processing unit 6 associates three-dimensional coordinate data on a gear tooth surface 102G and three-dimensional coordinate data on a pinion tooth surface 102P with each other at a predetermined meshing rotational position and converts the three-dimensional coordinate data into three-dimensional coordinate data on a cylindrical coordinate system based on the gear 101G. The processing unit 6 generates functions representing points on the pinion tooth surface 102P on the basis of the three-dimensional coordinate data on the pinion tooth surface 102P and calculates the coordinates of points on the pinion tooth surface 102P that correspond to points (grid points) on the gear tooth surface 102G by using the functions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for contactless or touch-free measurement of a tool by imaging. A processor makes calculations based on image points on the tool, imaged onto an imaging area. Optics present the image of the image points on the tool on the imaging area. The processor calculates the momentary position and/or orientation along at least one axis of the tool making use of the image points. A number of measuring markers have predetermined mutual positions and are on the tool. Each measuring marker comprises at least one measuring point. At least one of the points is identifiable. Each measuring marker to be used as position and/or orientation indicator has a size making it restorable by the processor even if a part of it on the tool is obscured from the image area, for example by dust.

Abstract: A work piece 1 mounted on a movable table 22 is rotated while adjusting cutting depths of a grinding wheel 23 by means of feed motor so as to perform cylindrical grinding. During the cylindrical grinding, a thermocouple 42 is pushed to and caused to contact the rotating cylindrical grinding surface 1a of the work piece 1 at a constant pressure and thermoelectromotive force generated by the thermocouple 42 is measured. Surface roughness data corresponding to the measured thermoelectromotive force are obtained on the basis of the thermoelectromotive data obtained by the measurement and correlation between thermoelectromotive force and surface roughness concerning a known standard surface previously obtained and memorized. The surface roughness data are output and displayed on a display section. Therefore, an in-process measurement of surface state of the work piece 1 can be performed, while the machining such as cylindrical grinding is being carried out.

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: The invention relates to a technique for reducing computation time for force vector calculation. A force vector reconstruction method that uses an optical tactile sensor, comprises a step for obtaining a marker image by taking an image of behavior of colored markers when an object contacts a contact surface of an elastic body, a step of obtaining information relating to the marker behavior from the marker image, the information being more than the number of force vectors to be obtained, and a step of obtaining force vectors as outputs by inputting information relating to the obtained marker behavior to a transfer function. The step of obtaining force vectors comprises calculating force vectors using only information relating to behavior of markers neighboring region A1 of a position A where it is desired to obtain force vectors.

Abstract: A system for estimating the maximal grip coefficient ? in the contact area of a tire on a road. A tire tread is fitted with at least one tread sensor for measuring at least the tangential stresses which the tread experiences locally when the tire rolls on the ground. a signal processing unit and means for transmitting to the processing unit at least one signal delivered by the tread sensor are provided. The processing unit comprises means for finding in the signal the values corresponding to the sensor passing through the contact area of the tire on the ground, means for calculating an instantaneous value of a preselected criterion as a function of a series of values chosen from those relating to the sensor passing through the contact area, and means for extracting an estimate of the maximal grip coefficient ? by using the said instantaneous value.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for calculating the separation time of the arcing contacts of a high-voltage switchgear which is operatively coupled to a synchronous switching device and to an auxiliary switch having auxiliary contacts operatively connected to the arcing contacts. During execution of a predefined test condition the separation time of the arcing contacts and of the auxiliary contacts is measured. The time delay between the measured separation time of the arcing contacts and of the auxiliary contacts is calculated. Upon separation of the arcing contacts under an operating condition other than the predefined test condition, the separation time of the auxiliary contacts is measured. Then, the separation time of the arcing contacts is calculated as the difference between the separation time of the auxiliary contacts measured during the operating condition other than the predefined test condition and the calculated time delay.

Abstract: A method of computing gear modifications from a gear inspection chart is provided. The method includes extracting a gear profile from the gear inspection chart. The method also includes quantifying the gear profile. The method also includes determining a gear modification based on a quantified gear profile. The method also includes qualifying a gear based on the gear modification.

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.