Abstract: A method for judging the status of a mechanical system is provided. First, a vibration signal related to the mechanical system is provided. Subsequently, an empirical mode decomposition process is performed on the vibration signal, so as to generate a plurality of intrinsic mode functions. Plural target intrinsic mode functions are selected from the intrinsic mode functions. Based on the target intrinsic mode functions, the status of the mechanical system is judged.

Abstract: A powered massaging assembly includes a handle and a massage head each having an enclosure that presents a chamber. The massage head includes a drive shaft that extends into and out of the chamber. The massage head also includes a driven massage element drivingly attached to the drive shaft and mounted outside the chamber to manipulate tissue. The enclosures include connectors rotatably attached to each other to provide a swivel joint that rotatably interconnects the handle and head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for visually detecting and measuring retention assembly tightness are disclosed. In an embodiment, an optical device is used to obtain at least an image of a retention assembly, the optical device being insertable into a slot between two stator core laminations and directable toward a side view of the retention assembly. The image is displayed on a display, and a measurer is used to determine a tightness of a retention assembly.

Abstract: A method is provided for the determination a thickness error in a previously deposited layer using the reflection monitor signal of the currently-depositing layer. This thickness error is then used to compute corrections to the thickness of the currently-depositing layer and the next layer which corrects for the thickness error in the previous layer. The method is stable with respect to noise in the optical monitor signal. The technique is applicable for optical coating designs which are not necessarily quarter wave. The approach avoids the buildup of thickness errors from layer to layer and thus is applicable for very thick designs with many layers. Near the end of a currently depositing layer the monitor signal is used to fit the admittance of the base stack under the current layer. This establishes the parameters in an exact reflectance model used for the thickness monitoring of the current layer.

Abstract: A method for monitoring stress on a wind turbine blade during loading is disclosed. The method includes capturing multiple images at respective locations of the blade. The method also includes measuring temperature at the respective locations based upon captured images. The method further includes calculating stress applied on the blade at the respective locations based upon the measured temperature. The method also includes calculating stress applied on the blade at the respective locations based upon the measured temperature. The method further includes comparing the calculated stress with respective theoretical stress in a finite element model to predict lifetime of the blade. The method also includes alerting an operator in event that the calculated stress at one or more of the respective locations is above a pre-determined limit.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a computer-implemented method for modeling a mounting assembly having a mounting strap configured to couple a component to a bracket. The method includes modeling a loosened configuration of the mounting strap, wherein the loosened configuration provides a first substantially continuous curvature of portions of the mounting strap engaged with the bracket and the component. The method also includes applying simulated stresses to the mounting strap in the loosened configuration and outputting failure mode information of the mounting strap based on the simulated stresses on the mounting strap.

Abstract: A system for endoscope data management of an endoscopic image of a body acquired by an endoscope is provided. An image filing apparatus retrieves the image from the endoscope, and records data of the image and scope ID assigned to the endoscope in association with one another. A washer washes the endoscope. A memory is incorporated in the washer, for storing log information of washing of the endoscope. A data manager retrieves the log information on line with the washer, to record the scope ID and the log information in association with one another. A server device records the data of the image, the scope ID and the log information on line with the image filing apparatus and the data manager. Furthermore, the data manager includes an editor for editing the log information of the washer.

Abstract: Fibre substrates act as a conduit for light along which response signals are transmitted to a controller in the form of an electronic device associated with a component. The processed signals are stored in a local memory to provide a component history and a prediction of future performance and life. Service and repair history may be added to the component device memory to enable a complete history to be stored with the component. A controller may transmit data to an external controller or display through typically a wireless connection. Power to the component electronics may be provided by an induction loop or transformer.

Abstract: A method for determining when a ceramic component on a platform should be replaced. The method includes determining parameters for the ceramic component, the parameters include empirically determined a critical stress intensity factor, and a geometry factor for the ceramic component. The method also includes determining a relationship between platform operational parameters to the generation of stress at the surface of interest of the ceramic component, determining an initial crack size of a crack within the ceramic component at installation, tracking operational parameters of the platform throughout a course of usage of the ceramic component, calculating the corresponding stress at the crack location due to the tracked operational parameters, and calculating a numerical solution that illustrates a crack growth rate velocity and tracks a size of the crack over time. The ceramic component is replaced based on the crack growth rate velocity and the size of the crack.

Abstract: A method and device for determining critical buffeting loads on a structure of an aircraft is disclosed. The device (1) comprises means (2, UC) implementing a semi-empirical method for determining the critical loads generated by some buffeting on the structure of the airplane.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing nondestructive inspection (NDI) services. For example in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a system for remote inspection includes a nondestructive inspection (NDI) system configured to examine a structure and provide NDI data related to a damage condition of the structure, the NDI system being configured to communicate the NDI data to a remote location; and a remote computer disposed at the remote location, the remote computer being configured to receive the NDI data and provide the received NDI data for a review, the remote computer being configured to communicate an analytical result based on the review to the NDI system, the analytical result including a repair disposition decision corresponding to the damage condition.

Abstract: A method for the detection of failure in a turbomachine by monitoring the performance of the said turbomachine, this being a method in which at least one performance parameter of the turbomachine is measured in order to obtain an actual signature for the performance of the said turbomachine; the actual signature of the said turbomachine is compared with a database of failures associating reference signatures for the performance of the said turbomachine with identifiers of failure, the database of failures being obtained by the simulation of failures on the basis of a theoretical model of the thermodynamic cycle of the said turbomachine, and the identifier of failure of the said turbomachine being determined for the said actual signature.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a circuit board with an electronic component mounted thereon. The device, includes a measuring unit, a first database, a determination unit, and a presentation unit. The measuring unit measures an value of state of the electronic component. The first database stores data indicating correlation. The determination unit determines one of ways of applying a load to a junction, based on the value of state of the electronic component measured by the measuring unit, and referring to the first database. The presentation unit presents the determined way of applying the load to the junction.

Abstract: In a semiconductor carrier lifetime measuring apparatus A1 of the present invention, at least two types of light having mutually different wavelengths are irradiated onto a semiconductor X to be measured, a predetermined measurement wave is irradiated onto the semiconductor X to be measured, a reflected wave of the measurement wave that has been reflected by the semiconductor X to be measured or a transmitted wave of the measurement wave that has transmitted through the semiconductor X to be measured is detected, and the carrier lifetime in the semiconductor X to be measured is obtained based on the detection results so as to minimize the error. Accordingly, the semiconductor carrier lifetime measuring apparatus A1 configured as described above can more accurately measure the carrier lifetime.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for predicting freeze-thaw durability of a cementitious composition specimen including cycling the specimen below and above the freezing point of water contained in the specimen and identifying the contraction and/or expansion of the specimen during the cycling.

Abstract: To precisely calculate the rubber index of a tire.

Abstract: The computation of a Load Factor, a Life Factor or a Load Enhancement Factor using Modified Joint Weibull Analysis may include retrieving a test data set from at least one database and analyzing the data retrieved for fit with a Weibull distribution model. The test data may be analyzed to determine if at least two coupons have been tested and if applied loads and duration of testing at a component-level were varied. A shape parameter may be calculated for the Weibull distribution model. A scale parameter may be calculated for the Weibull distribution of the data. A stress to life cycle relationship may be calculated to account for scatter in the data through the Weibull distribution data. The Life Factor, the Load Factor or the Load Enhancement Factor may be calculated based on the stress to life cycle relationship to account for scatter.

Abstract: A damage detection and remediation system includes a sensing device for detecting damage events related to a structure of interest. Such damage events may include impact from a ballistic object, a tamper event, a physical impact, or other events that may affect structural integrity or cause failure. Illustratively, the sensing device is in communication with a measurement system to determine damage criteria, and a processing system which is configured to use the damage criteria to determine, for example, a direction of the initiation point of a ballistic causing the damage event.

Abstract: An electrical motor bearing condition monitoring system includes an assembly that includes a shaft, a first bearing race coupled to the shaft, a plurality of bearing balls, and a second bearing race coupled to the first bearing race via the plurality of bearing balls. A portion of the assembly has a magnetic field encoded thereon. The monitoring system includes a magnetic field sensor positioned proximately to the magnetized assembly and configured to measure the magnetic field, and a processing unit configured to detect changes in the magnetic field via the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: A device and method for use in detecting anomalies in wind turbines is provided. The method includes monitoring data acquired by at least one sensor in a first wind turbine, wherein the data is calculated to produce a value for a predetermined amount of time, monitoring data acquired by at least one sensor in a grouping of wind turbines similar to the first wind turbine, wherein the monitored data corresponds to the monitored data of the first wind turbine and is combined for a predetermined amount of time, and comparing the monitored data of the first wind turbine with the monitored data of the grouping of wind turbines. The method also includes generating a sensor error if the monitored data of the first wind turbine deviates more than a predetermined amount from the monitored data of the grouping of wind turbines, and displaying the results of the comparison of the monitored data.

Abstract: An interior volume of a bridge deck is probed using a transportable sensor system that produces deck data useful for assessing internal degradation of the bridge deck. Geographic position data of sensor system positioning is produced as the sensor system traverses the deck. The deck data is associated with the one or more deck locations using the geographic positioning data, and adjusted deck data is generated using adjustment data indicative of external factors that influence the deck data but are unrelated to a failure mechanism impacting the bridge deck interior. An output may be generated comprising at least the adjusted deck data.

Abstract: A state detecting apparatus S for detecting a current operating state of an LM (linear motion) system includes an AE sensor 1 generating a detection signal Sae by detecting an AE wave elastically generated when a plurality of balls contained in the LM system revolve in a circulation portion while spinning themselves; and a signal processing unit 4 generating a parameter indicating an intensity of the AE wave based on only the detection signal Sae corresponding to an operating frequency of the ball, and uses the parameter to determine a lubrication state of the LM system. Thereby, it is possible to provide the state detecting apparatus capable of predicting failure occurrence in the LM system; providing an improved maintenance to a user of the LM system and further longer lifetime thereof; and providing a performance guarantee and an improved quality of a device or equipment manufactured using the LM system.

Abstract: The system provides first and second sensor assemblies and processor that work in cooperation to detect flaws in welded tubulars. The first sensor detects and provides an indication of the weld line to the processor, which analyzes the indication and determines the approximate location of the weld line along the tubular. The processor then transmits a signal to the second sensor assembly, which is preferably mounted on an automatic positioning apparatus. In response to the signal, the automatic positioning apparatus adjusts and readjusts the position of the second sensor assembly into proximity with the weld line to search for flaws in the tubular.

Abstract: A fault interrupting and reclosing device includes a circuit interrupter coupled to an actuator. The actuator includes at least one force generating element for generating an opening force for opening the circuit interrupter and for generating a restoring force to close the circuit interrupter. The device further includes a latch to engage the actuator to hold the contacts open once opened. In a preferred arrangement, the device is provided with an automatic mode of operation including a reclose process and a non-reclosing mode of operation. The device also preferably includes a method of determining the end-of-life of a vacuum interrupter monitors characteristics and/or parameters of a fault current or vacuum interrupter operation to predict a percent of life consumed with each fault current interruption operation. A cumulative percent of life consumed may also be determined, and an end-of-life may be predicted based upon the cumulative percent of life consumed.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring creep in a moving object are provided. The creep monitoring system includes a creep sensor assembly formed onto a surface of an object rotatable about an axis, the creep sensor assembly includes at least one of an image pattern and a radio frequency interrogatable circuit. The creep monitoring system also includes an online monitoring system communicatively coupled to the creep sensor assembly. The online monitoring system configured to collect information from the creep sensor assembly relative to an amount and a rate of creep of the object. The creep monitoring system also includes a processor programmed to receive the information, correct the information for movement of the creep sensor assembly during the collection, and determine a creep rate, a crack presence, and a temperature of the object simultaneously.

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: Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, such as, but not limited to, a bridge or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement (EDM) from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the coordinates of the cardinal points, the dynamic and long-term static behavior of the structure provide an indication of the health of the structure. Analysis includes: comparison to a Finite Element Model (FEM); comparison to historical data; and modeling based on linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic analysis.

Abstract: A defect detected by a wafer inspection tool is reliably captured by a defect review tool. A defect review condition in the defect review tool is varied depending on defect attributes provided by the wafer inspection tool so as to optimize the review process. For example, review magnification is varied depending on the size of the defect, or the frame addition number is varied depending on the maximum gray level difference.

Abstract: Various embodiments relating to resonance inspections and in-service parts are disclosed. One protocol (150) includes conducting a resonance inspection of an in-service part (152). The frequency response of the in-service part may be compared with a resonance standard (154) for purposes of determining whether or not the in-service part is changing abnormally (156). An in-service part that is identified as changing abnormally may be characterized as being “rejected” (160). An in-service part that is no identified as changing abnormally may be characterized as being “accepted” (158).

Abstract: A system for assessing the health of a mechanism includes a processor for receiving observation data from at least one sensor, the processor including: a detector receptive to the observation data and capable of identifying whether the mechanism is operating in a normal or degraded mode; a diagnoser to identify a type of fault from at least one symptom pattern; and a prognoser capable of calculating a remaining useful life (RUL) of the mechanism, wherein the prognoser includes a population prognoser for calculating the RUL based on a duration of use of the mechanism, a cause prognoser for calculating the RUL based on causal data, and an effect prognoser for calculating the RUL based on effect data generated from the fault. A method and computer program product for assessing the health of a downhole tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for condition-based maintenance of mechanical systems. In one embodiment, a method for performing condition-based maintenance on a mechanical system includes providing a radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag on a component of the mechanical system; sensing one or more operating conditions during operation of the mechanical system; calculating a service life increment of the component based on the one or more operating conditions; and adjusting a service life value stored on the RFID tag. After operation of the mechanical system has ceased, the method includes scanning the service life value stored on the RFID tag, and determining whether at least one of an inspection, a maintenance, and a repair of the component is needed based on the service life value. The mechanical system may be an aircraft, and the operating conditions may include aerodynamic conditions, loads, accelerations, and movements of the aircraft during flight.

Abstract: According to one non-limiting embodiment, a method includes accessing flight regime rates of occurrence distributions associated with one or more flight regimes for a fleet of aircraft. Using the accessed flight regime distributions, a factor for at least one of the flight regimes is determined that provides a predetermined amount of reliability for a component on each aircraft on the fleet of aircraft known to be affected through at least fatigue damage by the at least one flight regime.

Abstract: A system and for determining health of a fluid seal member including a fluid seal member; a transducer in force transmitting contact with the fluid seal member to generate an output signal based on an amount of force and/or pressure applied to the transducer; a radio frequency (RF) transponder operably coupled to the transducer to store the output signal of the transducer; a reader within an operable distance from the RF transponder to transmit electromagnetic energy to the RF transponder and receive the output signal of the transducer stored in the RF transponder through a radio frequency communication link; and a processor coupled to the reader, to determine health of the fluid seal member.

Abstract: A method for predicting sulfur oxides (SOx) stored at a denitrification (DeNOx) catalyst may include calculations of the mass flow of SOx poisoned at the DeNOx catalyst, the mass flow of SOx released from the DeNOx catalyst, and the SOx amount poisoned at the DeNOx catalyst by integrating the value obtained by subtracting the released mass flow of SOx from the poisoned mass flow of SOx. An exhaust system using the method may comprise an engine having a first injector, an exhaust pipe, a second injector mounted at the exhaust pipe and injecting a reducing agent, a DeNOx catalyst mounted at the exhaust pipe and reducing SOx or nitrogen oxides (NOx) or both contained in the exhaust gas by using the reducing agent, and a control portion electrically connected to the system and performing the calculations and controls.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a condition of a machine are provided. The machine monitoring system includes a housing mounted to a surface of a machine, a plurality of sensors configured to generate respective output signals for a parameter indicative of a condition of the machine, and a voting module positioned within the housing and configured to generate a corrected output based on the respective output signals. The machine monitoring system also includes a memory device including a store location configured to store manual input functions relating to a construction of the machine, a life calculator communicatively coupled to the voting module and the memory device wherein the life calculator is configured to determine a life remaining in the machine using the corrected output and the manual input functions, and a display positioned within the housing and configured to display the life remaining in the machine.

Abstract: Rail inspection is discussed that employs a monitor vehicle running on one or more tracks of a rail system that performs physical rail inspection in combination with monitoring and analysis of other system parameters that accompany the physical rail.

Abstract: An element damage determination unit calculates a cumulative value of a damage value using a Manson-Coffin law for a plurality of finite elements of a continuum based on a result of a stress/distortion analyzing process, and determines whether or not the cumulative value of the damage value is equal to or exceeds a threshold. A calculation unit obtains first correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the number of cycles of a load and a growth rate of a crack occurring in the continuum based on the determination result. A Manson-Coffin law change unit changes a Manson-Coffin law based on the first correspondence information and second correspondence information indicating the correspondence between an actual measurement value of the number of cycles of a load applied to the continuum and an actual measurement value of the growth rate of a crack occurring in the continuum at that time.

Abstract: A method is provided for performing fatigue evaluation of a fatigue prone location of a tangible structure by converting multi-axial loading data of the fatigue prone location of the tangible structure to a set of equivalent constant amplitude loading data for the tangible structure. According to the method, a multi-axial load locus representing the tangible structure is generated. Time-dependent interior turning points R and any corresponding projected turning point R* art identified along the loading path from the point of origin P to the point of termination Q. Half cycles in the loading path are counted by referring to the interior and projected turning points R, R* along the loading path and to the point of origin P and the point of termination Q on the load locus. A stress range ??e, loading path length L, and virtual path length for each of the counted half cycles are determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprises a number of sensors and a computer. The number of sensors is capable of being associated with a location of an object having quantum dots. The number of sensors is capable of sending energy into the location, and the energy is capable of causing a response from the quantum dots. The number of sensors is capable of detecting the response. The computer is coupled to the number of sensors and capable of determining whether corrosion is present in the location using the response detected by the number of sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a health status of a contactor includes a processor coupled to a computer readable media. The processor is coupled to the contactor to instruct the contactor to open and close. A database stored in the computer readable media includes operation count variables for the contactor, closing time variables for the contactor, and health status rules for the contactor. The operation count variables and the closing time variables may be inputs to the health status rules to identify the health status of the contactor. A customization program may also be stored in the computer readable media. The customization program enables an operator to modify at least one of the operation count variables, the closing time variables, and the health status rules to affect the identified health status of the contactor.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for evaluating pipeline using GIS data. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for evaluating pipeline using geographical information system (GIS) data. The method can include receiving component information from a GIS database for one or more components in a pipeline; determining a modified maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOPm) for the one or more components; determining an uprating pressure (MAOPm*) that the one or more components can withstand; and outputting a upgrade recommendation or an uprate recommendation based at least in part on the MAOPm and the MAOPm*.

Abstract: A monitoring device of environmental parameter values of an environment surrounding a system. The device includes a sensor to these parameters, and includes a capability to transmit, in real time, each measurement to a processing unit. The processing unit is installed in the system and includes a capability to filter the transmitted measurements. This processing unit comprises a capability to determine cycles from the measurements thus simplified as well as a capability to calculate, in real time, of a percentage of length of consumed life of the system, from the thus determined cycles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for assessing deterioration in a gearbox. Data is obtained from an operating gearbox regarding harmonic frequencies and their related sidebands generated as a consequence of the gearbox operation. In a first embodiment, a Sideband Energy Ratio (SER) is calculated by dividing the amplitude of the sum of sideband signals associated with a harmonic to the amplitude of the harmonic. In a second embodiment, a SER is calculated based on sideband amplitudes associated with adjacent harmonics. The ratio may be monitored over time or compared to one or more values to provide an indication of deterioration.

Abstract: A spindle condition detection device for a machine tool includes: bearing load detecting means for detecting a load on a bearing that rotatably supports a spindle of a machine tool; and present usage ratio calculating means for calculating, based on the load detected by the bearing load detecting means, a present usage ratio that is a ratio of usage of the bearing with respect to a prescribed operating life of the bearing, which is achieved over a period until a present moment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inspection device for inspecting deformation of a substrate holding -member of a substrate transport apparatus. The substrate holding member is moved in the forward-and-backward direction relative to the transport base to pass across a light path of the detection light formed by an optical detection unit. The position, with respect to a direction transverse to the forward-and-backward direction, of the substrate holding member is detected based on a detection signal of the optical detection unit. Based on a correlation data expressing the relationship between a first parameter indicative of a change of a position of the substrate holding member with respect to the forward-and-backward direction and a second parameter indicative of the change of the position of the substrate holding member with respect to the direction transverse to the forward-and-backward direction, whether or not deformation occurs in the substrate holding member is judged.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of an indirectly-heated cathode (IHC) ion source comprises a step of measuring a rate of loss of cathode weight of the IHC ion source that occurs during operation using a first cathode configuration and under a first set of operation conditions. A maximum weight loss for the first cathode configuration is determined, and a cathode lifetime is calculated based upon the rate of cathode weight loss and the maximum weight loss. A further method comprises receiving a minimum source bias power value for operation of a cathode in a first configuration, measuring a rate of decrease in source bias power for a cathode in the first configuration, and calculating a lifetime of the cathode based upon the minimum source bias power and rate of decrease in source bias power.

Abstract: A method of inspecting equipment to ensure quality control that employs a computer program to assist in the inspection. The program contains an inspection protocol adapted to specific equipment. The inspector follows the protocol to inspect component parts of the equipment. The inspection protocol can only be closed, indicating completion of the inspection, when the protocol has been followed. The program is capable of generating a variety of inspection reports.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for electromagnetically measuring physical parameters of a pipe that includes measuring a pipe inner diameter ID and a pipe ratio of magnetic permeability to electrical conductivity ?2/?2 by means of a measuring arrangement 1 comprising a transmitter coil 2 and a receiver coil 3, both coils being coaxial to and longitudinally spaced from each other, the measuring arrangement being adapted to be positioned into the pipe CS and displaced through the pipe.

Abstract: There is provided an automated data driven method for predicting one or more operational states, such as wear or degradation, of a mechanical system over time. The method has the steps of collecting data on the mechanical system from a data recording device, preprocessing the collected data, selecting a training data set that represents a base condition for statistical comparison, fitting a statistical model to the training data set to relate a predicted response to nuisance variables at the base condition, and using an output model to predict what an observed response would have been at the base condition and calculating the difference between the observed response and the predicted response to predict the one or more operational states of the mechanical system.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for determining online stress and life of a heat recovery steam generator. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method for assessing components of a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) is provided. The method includes receiving HRSG design parameters; monitoring thermal stress data from one or more temperature sensors in communication with one or more HRSG components; and determining cycle-related life consumption data associated with the one or more HRSG components based at least in part on the HRSG design parameters and the monitored thermal stress data.