Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring accumulation of dirt on an air filter of a ventilation system including the filter and a fan controlled by a frequency converter. An initial value for an operating parameter is determined. A present operating point is determined based on a characteristic curves, and the mechanical power and rotational speed of the fan. A present value for the operating parameter is determined based on the present operating point, and accumulation of dirt is determined on the air filter based on the initial and present values of the operating parameter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for providing information to an athlete concerning the efficiency with which the athlete is using energy in moving relative to the ground or some other surface. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of pressure sensors that are associated with a shoe and generate pressure related data. The system further includes a processing system that processes the pressure data produced by the sensors to determine energy efficiency related information and make this information available to the wearer of the shoe so that the wearer can, if needed or desired, takes steps to improve their energy efficiency.

Abstract: A bicycle power meter has a strain gauge sensor assembly mounted on a relatively compressible portion of the end of the rear fork of the bicycle frame. The relatively compressible portion is near the rear hub and subject to the forces exerted by the cyclist to the crankset, and transferred via the chain, and sprocket assembly to the hub. The sensor assembly has two ohmically interconnected stretch sensors each having a first layer bearing a variable resistance element, whose resistance changes with displacement of the compressible portion, and a second layer for providing support for the first layer. The sensor assembly is connected in a bridge circuit to two other resistances to generate signals representative of cyclist applied force. These signals are processed along with velocity signals to generate power signals and the power signals are supplied to a display.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and computer readable media for controlling a digging operation of an industrial machine. A method includes determining a hoist bail pull associated with the industrial machine, determining a crowd torque limit value for a crowd drive based on the determined hoist bail pull of the industrial machine, and setting a crowd torque limit of the crowd drive to the crowd torque limit value to limit a torque associated with a crowd motor to the crowd torque limit value.

Abstract: A cyclic cranked system data gathering system has at least one crank arm (30,50,116,117) operable by a limb of a user, at least one data gathering device (112,113) each mounted to a respective crank arm (30,50,116,117) and having at least one respective sensor (140,141). The or each device is configured to obtain data relating to force applied by the user through the respective crank arm and sensed by the respective sensor, and has a data transmitter capable of sending said data to a remote data logger, remote computer or to a display device. A method of determining power applied to a cyclic cranked system includes using a device (112,113) mounted on a crank arm (30.

Abstract: A system assesses and displays activity of a sportsman. At least one sensor detects movement of the sportsman, and a processor processes data from the sensor to assess activity of the sportsman. A heads-up display mounted with a pair of goggles or glasses displays data indicative of the activity to the sportsman.

Abstract: The presence of, absence of, or characteristics of, flexible tubing within a solenoid actuator valve may be determined by calculating the approximate amount of work performed by the solenoid actuator valve's armature as it closes. The likelihood of dislodgment of tubing within a closed solenoid actuator valve may be monitored by evaluating the velocity of the solenoid actuator valve's armature over a period of time.

Abstract: A method for checking the plausibility of a torque of an electric machine, calculated on the basis of a machine model, in which a first value of an electromagnetic power of the electric machine is determined from the calculated torque and a rotational speed of the electric machine. Stator current components and stator phase voltage components are calculated from the stator currents and the stator phase voltages with respect to a reference system, which is fixed in relation to the stator. A second value of the electromagnetic power of the electric machine is determined from the stator current components and the stator phase voltage components. If a deviation of the first value of the electromagnetic power of the electric machine from the second value exceeds a predefined power threshold value, the torque of the electric machine, calculated on the basis of the machine model, is classified as implausible.

Abstract: A system assesses activity of a sportsman engaged in board sports. At least one sensor detects movement of the sportsman, and a processor processes data from the sensor to assess activity of the sportsman. Activity of sportsmen engaged in human powered sports is compared. A plurality of activity sensing units is associated with the sportsman. Each of the units (a) attach to one of either the sportsman or to a human powered vehicle ridden by the sportsman, and (b) wirelessly communicate activity to a remote location. The activity comprising one or more of airtime, speed, drop distance, power and energy absorbed. A database, accessible by Internet and connected to the remote location, provides access to the activity via the Internet.

Abstract: An exemplary method for the temperature correction of a force-measuring device such as a balance is disclosed. The method includes generating, by means of a force-measuring cell, a force measurement signal corresponding to the input force; generating an electrical temperature measurement signal by means of a temperature sensor that is arranged at a distance from the heat-generating components of the force-measuring device, processing the force measurement signal into a temperature-corrected output signal based on the temperature measurement signal and the force measurement signal; and transmitting the output signal to an indicator unit and/or to a further processing unit.

Abstract: An analyzing method includes acquiring displacements with respect to loads applied of the test piece measured by the three-point bending test; calculating a first approximate expression of a relation of the displacements with respect to the loads applied in a first area where the relation is linear so as to determine an elasticity modulus of the test piece; extracting boundary value of a relation of strains caused by the displacements with respect to the loads so as to determine a yield stress value of the test piece; and calculating a second approximate expression of a relation of stress caused by the loads with respect to the strains caused by the displacements in a second area beyond the yield stress value on the basis of the yield stress value, the elasticity modulus, and the measurements in the second area.

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: A method for the operation of a wind farm having two or more wind energy plants, which has a farm control which presets a desired value for an electric variable of the wind farm which has to be generated, wherein the farm control calculates an average increase of the real values of the electric variable for at least one time interval continuously, and compares it with a maximum value for the increase of the electric variable in the respective time interval, the farm control determines a proposal of a desired value for each predetermined time interval, based on a real value of the electric variable which was averaged continuously over the time interval, and in the case that the average increase in the at least one time interval is smaller than the maximum value in the corresponding time interval, the farm control determines a new desired value of the electric variable of the wind farm, with a selection of the desired value as the smallest of several proposals for a desired value.

Abstract: A drive device, which has a drive shaft mounted in such a way as to rotate about an axis, two driving cranks which are connected to the drive shaft in an angularly rigid manner in relation to the axis in the peripheral direction, and an output element which is connected to the drive shaft and transmits torque between the drive shaft and a load element. To enable the measurement of the torque transmitted by the shaft as easily and economically as possible, the drive device has at least one magnetostrictive sensor which is connected to the drive shaft in a fixed manner and axially arranged between a driving crank and the output element.

Abstract: An electronic payment method for a retailer using an operator network and a financial organization. During a transaction two certificates are produced; one using an operator key and the other using a banking key. The first certificate is sent to the operator and the other certificate is securely placed under the control of the financial organization.

Abstract: In one aspect, an alarm mask for condition monitoring in a wind turbine is automatically generated. A reference data selecting definition is selected from a control definition repository in the wind turbine. The reference data selecting definition specifies a time interval of recorded reference data. Reference data is selected from a sensor located in the wind turbine recorded during the time interval. A reference value is calculated based on the reference data. A first and a second alarm mask factor are selected from the control definition repository. A first alarm mask is calculated based on multiplying the first alarm mask factor and the reference value. A second alarm mask is calculated based on multiplying the second alarm mask factor by the reference value.

Abstract: A method for determining, in a turbocharger for supercharging a thermal engine including a turbine and a compressor, the pressure upstream from the turbine based on the inlet air flow, the pressure upstream from the compressor, the temperature upstream from the compressor, the pressure downstream from the compressor, the temperature upstream from the turbine, and the pressure downstream from the turbine.

Abstract: A combination mirror and media display device assembly is provided. The combination mirror and media display device includes a mirror platform having a media display device viewing area and a media display device coupled to the mirror platform. The media display device is positioned to display images through the media display device viewing area.

Abstract: An elastic sheet is defined in accordance with a user input operation to have a shape with which the elastic sheet does not cross another member (building component) (step S1). Then, the elastic sheet is divided into rigid elements (step S2). Angles formed by each rigid element with adjacent rigid elements on two sides are calculated, and the calculation results and the like are stored in a RAM (step S3). A flexible medium which moves through a conveyance path is defined (step S4). Conveyance conditions when the flexible medium moves through the conveyance path are set (step S5). After that, the motion is calculated (step S6). The result of the motion calculation, that is, the behavior of the flexible medium, is displayed on a display device (step S7).

Abstract: A system assesses activity of a sportsman engaged in board sports. At least one sensor detects movement of the sportsman, and a processor processes data from the sensor to assess activity of the sportsman. Activity of sportsmen engaged in human powered sports is compared. A plurality of activity sensing units is associated with the sportsman. Each of the units (a) attach to one of either the sportsman or to a human powered vehicle ridden by the sportsman, and (b) wirelessly communicate activity to a remote location. The activity comprising one or more of airtime, speed, drop distance, power and energy absorbed. A database, accessible by Internet and connected to the remote location, provides access to the activity via the Internet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for detecting abnormal changes in play in a transmission unit configured to transfer rotational movements of a motor, having a speed of rotation that depends on a torque reference signal (Tref), to a movable mechanical unit.

Abstract: The present application relates to an input torque measuring device for a drive train of a bicycle. The drive train includes a first crank arm and a second crank arm. An inboard end of each crank arm is rotatably mounted to the bicycle at a bottom bracket of the bicycle. At least one chain ring is configured to rotate a driven wheel of the bicycle. A spider is connected to the first crank arm adjacent the bottom bracket and extends out to the at least one chain ring. The chain ring is attached to the spider by a fastener extending through a bushing within an opening of the spider. Sensors may be attached to the spider or the crank arms and may be directly connected to a flexible circuit board. The sensors, the flexible circuit boards and other components of the input torque measuring device may be encapsulated in a protective material.

Abstract: A system for determining airtime of a moving sportsman includes at least one accelerometer for detecting vibration or acceleration of the sportsman. A processor in communication with the at least one accelerometer processing signals from the accelerometer to determine free-fall. A pressure sensor may be used to determine change in altitude and the processor may process signals from the pressure sensor with the accelerometer signals to determine airtime and drop distance during free-fall. A method for determining airtime of a moving sportsman includes processing data from one or more accelerometers attached to the sportsman, to determine when the sportsman is in free-fall, and determining a time period corresponding to the free-fall.

Abstract: A system for detecting differential bearing damages includes a synthesized tachometer that generates a tachometer signal corresponding to the race speed difference of a bearing assembly such that the bearing damage speed difference dependency can be eliminated and the damage features can be enhanced. The system also includes acceleration enveloping in the cycle domain to further enhance the damage signatures.

Abstract: The invention provides a measurement device and method for measuring a cyclist's power output, in response to an external force provided by said cyclist applied to a bicycle, comprising a force sensor (13), characterised in that said force sensor is embedded in a bicycle cleat (11) bolted to the shoe (10). The invention further provides an accelerometer (14) for measuring a cyclist's power output. The inventive device and method provides a number of advantages over prior art solutions. The device of the invention means that the installation does not need any part of the bicycle to be replaced. The present invention does not restrict the type of components that may be used on the bicycle. Because the sensors are embedded in the cleat it is very simple to move the system to another bicycle. The invention also allows for detailed analysis of pedalling style, leading to improvements in efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for providing information to an athlete concerning the efficiency with which the athlete is using energy in moving relative to the ground or some other surface. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of pressure sensors that are associated with a shoe and generate pressure related data. The system further includes a processing system that processes the pressure data produced by the sensors to determine energy efficiency related information and make this information available to the wearer of the shoe so that the wearer can, if needed or desired, takes steps to improve their energy efficiency.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for calculating power generated by a body during legged locomotion. The system includes at least one accelerometer to measure acceleration of the body during legged locomotion, at least one force sensor to measure a plurality of propulsive force impulses created by the body during legged locomotion, and a processor configured to calculate the power generated by the body during legged locomotion using output signals from both the at least one accelerometer and the at least one force sensor.

Abstract: A bicycle power meter has a strain gauge sensor assembly mounted on a relatively compressible portion of the end of the rear fork of the bicycle frame. The relatively compressible portion is near the rear hub and subject to the forces exerted by the cyclist to the crankset, and transferred via the chain, and sprocket assembly to the hub. The sensor assembly has two ohmically interconnected stretch sensors each having a first layer bearing a variable resistance element, whose resistance changes with displacement of the compressible portion, and a second layer for providing support for the first layer. The sensor assembly is connected in a bridge circuit to two other resistances to generate signals representative of cyclist applied force. These signals are processed along with velocity signals to generate power signals and the power signals are supplied to a display.

Abstract: A system for determining airtime, speed and/or drop distance of a moving sportsman includes at least one accelerometer for detecting vibration or acceleration of the sportsman and/or a GPS unit. A processor in communication with the at least one accelerometer may process signals from the accelerometer to determine free-fall.

Abstract: A multi-functional sensor for deriving information on a recording sheet material comprising an impact-applying unit for applying an external mechanical force onto the recording sheet material, a signal-detecting unit for detecting a signal of response of the recording sheet material to the external mechanical force, a signal-processing unit for processing the signal, and a signal-judging unit for deriving a property of the recording sheet material by comparison of a signal from the signal-detecting unit or the signal processing unit with information memorized preliminarily, wherein the signal-processing unit comprises a separation section for separating the signal from the signal-detecting unit into output signals on the properties of the recording sheet material, and a processing section for deriving, by statistical treatment, a correlation equation showing a correlation between the separated output signal and the properties of the recording sheet material.

Abstract: A mirror assembly mountable to a wall includes a mirror platform having a front surface and a rear surface, a chassis engageable with the mirror platform to define a mirror assembly interior, at least one electrical component disposed within the mirror assembly interior, and a mounting structure. The mounting structure includes a support member mounted to one of the rear surface of the mirror platform and the chassis and a hanger member mounted to the other of the rear surface of the mirror platform and the chassis. The hanger member is removably securable on the support member to mount the mirror platform to the chassis.

Abstract: A drive device, which has a drive shaft mounted in such a way as to rotate about an axis, two driving cranks which are connected to the drive shaft in an angularly rigid manner in relation to the axis in the peripheral direction, and an output element which is connected to the drive shaft and transmits torque between the drive shaft and a load element. To enable the measurement of the torque transmitted by the shaft as easily and economically as possible, the drive device has at least one magnetostrictive sensor which is connected to the drive shaft in a fixed manner and axially arranged between a driving crank and the output element.

Abstract: A mirror assembly mountable to a wall is provided. The mirror assembly includes a mirror platform having a front surface and a rear surface, and a chassis mountable to the mirror platform. At least one electrical component is disposed between the mirror platform and the chassis. An electrical passageway is formed within the chassis for allowing the electrical component to be placed into communication with a power source located remotely from the mirror assembly. A recess is also formed within the chassis for housing a connection between the power source and the electrical component such that the chassis can be mounted substantially flush against the wall when the electrical component is electrically connected to the power source.

Abstract: A system determines pedaling effort of a bicycle and includes a first detector to generate a first sensor signal responsive to passage of a force transmission chain across a first frame-fixed point located in proximity to the force transmission trajectory of the force transmission chain, a second detector for generating a second sensor signal responsive to passage of a force transmission chain across a second frame-fixed point located in proximity to the force transmission trajectory of the force transmission chain, and a controller configured to receive the first and second sensor signals and configured to determine a first pedaling parameter proportional to tension of the force transmission chain by using the first and second sensor signal. A corresponding method for determining pedaling effort of a bicycle, and a computer program distribution medium including instructions for executing a computer process in a digital processor are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of determining power to be supplied to the load using an expected voltage decrease that would result from supplying power to the load are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for measuring and controlling an amount of flow and volume of liquid fluid and/or electrical energy consumed by an electro-pump. The method and system obtains a plurality of values for electrical parameters of the electro-pump including voltage value, currents value and active/reactive energy value; calculates the plurality values; and determines and controls the amount of instant flow and volume of said liquid fluid based on said calculated values. The system/method gathers these two measuring and controlling features (i.e. measuring and controlling the volume of liquid and amount of energy) in one casing, thereby, where applicable, provides a secure reference for policy making of both two parameters at the same time (e.g. for underground water resources).

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for monitoring of pumps are provided. According to one embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a method for determining operating states of pumps. The method may include receiving, by a controller from a first sensor communicating with a first pump, a first vibration measurement. Further, the method may include receiving, by the controller from a second sensor communicating with a second pump, a second vibration measurement. Operating states of the first pump and the second pump may be thus determined based at least in part on comparing the first vibration measurement to a first operating condition and comparing the second vibration measurement to a second operating condition. A control action may be transmitted responsive to determining the respective operating states of the first pump and the second pump.

Abstract: A system for determining airtime of a moving sportsman includes at least one accelerometer for detecting vibration or acceleration of the sportsman. A processor in communication with the at least one accelerometer processing signals from the accelerometer to determine free-fall. A pressure sensor may be used to determine change in altitude and the processor may process signals from the pressure sensor with the accelerometer signals to determine airtime and drop distance during free-fall. A method for determining airtime of a moving sportsman includes processing data from one or more accelerometers attached to the sportsman, to determine when the sportsman is in free-fall, and determining a time period corresponding to the free-fall.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method is provided for calculating, by an activity monitor comprising one accelerometer, a raw activity energy expenditure data based on movement by a user. The method includes determining if the raw activity energy expenditure data is associated with a high intensity physical activity, wherein the high intensity physical activity causes the raw activity energy expenditure data to differ from an expected activity energy expenditure data. The method includes calculating a corrected activity energy expenditure data, if the raw activity energy expenditure data is associated with the high intensity physical activity, based on the raw activity energy expenditure data, wherein the corrected activity energy expenditure data is substantially identical to the expected activity energy expenditure data.

Abstract: A system determines pedaling effort of a bicycle and includes a first detector to generate a first sensor signal responsive to passage of a force transmission chain across a first frame-fixed point located in proximity to the force transmission trajectory of the force transmission chain, a second detector for generating a second sensor signal responsive to passage of a force transmission chain across a second frame-fixed point located in proximity to the force transmission trajectory of the force transmission chain, and a controller configured to receive the first and second sensor signals and configured to determine a first pedaling parameter proportional to tension of the force transmission chain by using the first and second sensor signal. A corresponding method for determining pedaling effort of a bicycle, and a computer program distribution medium including instructions for executing a computer process in a digital processor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A power meter for power a pedal and crank arm based drive mechanism measures and displays athletic performance information as a measure of a physical quantity, power, using a flexible force sensor inserted into a cycling shoe. Mathematical cycling models and data from the flexible force sensor are used to calculate the power.

Abstract: The present application relates to an input torque measuring device for a drive train of a bicycle. The drive train includes a first crank arm and a second crank arm. An inboard end of each crank arm is rotatably mounted to the bicycle at a bottom bracket of the bicycle. At least one chain ring is configured to rotate a driven wheel of the bicycle. A spider is connected to the first crank arm adjacent the bottom bracket and extends out to the at least one chain ring. The chain ring is attached to the spider by a fastener extending through a bushing within an opening of the spider. Sensors may be attached to the spider or the crank arms and may be directly connected to a flexible circuit board. The sensors, the flexible circuit boards and other components of the input torque measuring device may be encapsulated in a protective material.

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: An apparatus and method for measuring a chuck attachment force are provided. The apparatus is capable of measuring loads applied to a measurement substrate, while the measurement substrate is detached from a chuck, and precisely calculating necessary force through a process of comparing and analyzing values of the measured loads. This may prevent errors in the application of attachment force during a semiconductor manufacturing process. In the semiconductor manufacturing process, when the substrate is detached from a chuck, the substrate may be prevented from being deformed or cracked.

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: An energy detection apparatus and method for detecting energy is disclosed. The energy detection apparatus and method in the present invention obtains a new energy detection value by subtracting a previously sample-averaged value from a current output energy detection value and then adding an absolute sampled value. Thus, the apparatus and method of energy detection in the present invention is capable not only of saving cost due to no demand for memories but also of providing real-time detection with no time delay.

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

Abstract: A system determines impact of a helmet. The helmet includes at least one accelerometer and a processor. The accelerometer detects acceleration of the helmet. The processor is configured to process the signals from the accelerometer to determine impact of the helmet.

Abstract: A method to identify a water flow anomaly in a system having first and second water using devices to generate baseline data that preferably has water use signatures and corresponding water pressure information regarding the water using devices; comparing the baseline data with actual water usage signatures and corresponding actual water pressure information to identify a flow anomaly with the water using devices; and providing information on the flow anomaly to an individual. It is especially contemplated that baseline data are generated for multiple devices coupled to a common water supply system, with baseline data from two or more water using devices compared against future water use patterns of the same devices. Apparatus to accomplish these tasks is preferably housed in an irrigation controller, which may be advantageously coupled to a flow meter.

Abstract: A force-moment sensor (1) is used as a switch, with which, depending on the introduction of forces and moments onto an operating part (5) of the force-moment sensor (1), software or hardware functions of a device (2, 2?) to be controlled are triggered. For this purpose, the output signals of the force-moment sensor (1) are analysed by comparisons with threshold values. The selection of a device or a function thereof does not have to be chosen in advance, but takes place while introducing a force or a moment into the sensor. The introduced forces or moments in each degree of freedom of the sensor are analysed. The selection of the device or function coincides with the driving. The device can thus be simplified since no special facilities for selecting devices or functions must be provided. Additionally, the selection and driving are accelerated by this temporal coincidence.