Abstract: A wireless Internet of things (IoT) tag and a method for measuring energy-charging rate of the energy harvester is provided. The wireless IoT includes at least one antenna configured to harvest an ambient energy; an energy harvester coupled to the at least one antenna; an energy storage coupled to the energy harvester and configured to store harvested energy; and an energy detector configured to the energy storage, wherein the energy detector is configured to measure an energy-charging rate of the energy harvester.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of air conditioning technology. In particular, it involves a heat pump system and control method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring mechanical connection points in an installation, in particular in a wind turbine, having: at least one optical imaging device, which is designed to digitally capture optical images of one or more connection points repeatedly, in particular regularly or continuously; and a comparison device for comparing images with reference images or for comparing parameters of the images with reference parameters and for generating an error signal relating to the connection point reproduced in an image as soon as the deviations of the image from a reference image or of a parameter from a reference parameter exceed a specified threshold during imaging. Monitoring of mechanical connection points can thus be automated and systematised, and maintenance costs can be reduced. Operation of the monitored installation is also made safer.

Abstract: An improved geometry sensor for an inline inspection tool used for determining defects in a pipe or other conduit. The sensor having an arm pivotally mounted to a base on a body of an inline inspection tool and a spring biasing the arm away from the body of the inline inspection tool. A magnet mounted to the arm, the magnet having a magnetic field. A Hall effect sensor fixed relative to the body of the of the inline inspection. The outer end of the arm moves along an interior surface of a conduit as the tool passes through a pipe with the arm and magnet pivoting relative to the body and the Hall effect sensor detecting movement and deflection of the arm by measuring changes in the magnetic field.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body and a fluid sampling conduit disposed within the body. The body is configured to be disposed within a pipe flowing a fluid. The fluid sampling conduit is configured to obtain a sample of the fluid flowing in the pipe. The apparatus includes an odometer wheel coupled to the body and an elastomeric ring surrounding at least a portion of the body. The elastomeric ring is configured to remove material disposed on an inner wall of the pipe as the apparatus travels through the pipe. The apparatus includes a solid sampling subsystem coupled to an external to the body. The solid sampling subsystem includes a capsule, an inlet valve, and a tubing. The inlet valve, when opened, allows at least a portion of the material removed from an inner wall of the pipe to flow through the tubing and into the capsule.

Abstract: Provided is a device, method, and inspection system for collecting data in a fluid conduit. The inspection system includes a pig, wherein the pig is defined by at least a front end and a read end, the rear end being distally opposed to the front end along a longitudinal axis, a mount assembly secured to the rear end of the pig; and at least one sensor device removably coupled to the mount assembly.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for mapping pipes under inspection includes generating, from a video inspection camera inserted into a pipe, one or more images of the interior of the pipe, generating video camera velocity data, and determining, based at least in part on the one or more images and the velocity data, an estimation of the interior size of the pipe.

Abstract: Pipe inspection systems including cameras and camera control units (CCU) are disclosed. A CCU may include a switching circuit for automatically controlling power to elements of the CCU in response to movement of a display cover. A display of the CCU may display captured images and/or video, which may be integrated with data provided by a buried object locator or other device. The CCU may include a retractable kickstand assembly and a stowable handle, which may be removably attached to a cable storage reel.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a method and a device for the acquisition of three-dimensional information of body parts. The method includes a step of processing an image of an object being exposed to a lighting condition or a sequence of lighting conditions adapted to extract at least two types of information selectable from a group. The group includes a silhouette of the object, a color of the object, a surface orientation of the object, and multi-spectral information of the object.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for real-time visualization of a material during ultrasonic non-destructive testing. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of showing a three-dimensional (3-D) image of a composite laminate constructed of a series of two-dimensional (2-D) cross sections. The GUI is capable of displaying the 3-D image as each additional 2-D cross section is scanned by an ultrasonic testing apparatus in real time or near real time, including probable defect regions that contain a flaw such as a hole, crack, wrinkle, or foreign object within the composite. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the system includes an artificial intelligence capable of highlighting defect areas within the 3-D image in real time or near real time and providing data regarding each defect area, such as the depth, size, and/or type of each defect.

Abstract: Method for the optical inspection of containers, where the containers are transported with a conveyor as a container mass flow, where the containers are each captured with an optical inspection unit as first image data, and where the first image data is evaluated with an image processing unit for contamination and/or defects on the respective container, where the first image data of several containers is overlaid to form an overlay image, and where the overlay image is evaluated for the presence of points of contamination in a beam path of the optical inspection unit.

Abstract: A hierarchical early-warning system for landslide probability issues a first level warning based on measured rainfall amounts exceeding a determined threshold, a second level warning, after the first level warning, based additionally on measured soil moisture content measured at different levels, and Factor of safety derived from forecasted pore pressure (FPP) each exceeding a determined threshold, a third level warning, after the first and the second level warnings, based additionally on ground movement measurements compared to a determined threshold, and a fourth level warning after the first, second and third level warnings, based additionally on data from movement-based sensors including strain gauge data.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus having: an insertion portion extending along a longitudinal axis; a roller driven by a drive force to rotate around the longitudinal axis; and a cover member covering the roller, wherein the cover member has: a base layer having: an outer surface direction side; and an inner surface direction side arranged to contact the roller, wherein portions of the base layer covering the roller as the roller rotates around the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion elastically elongate in an outer surface direction of the insertion portion, and wherein the base layer has a secondary material being a first color at a first temperature range and a second color at a second temperature range; and an external coating layer formed on at least one of the outer surface direction side and the inner surface direction side of the base layer.

Abstract: An inline inspection tool of this disclosure includes at least one sensor arm (50) having a sensor head (30) located at its distal end (51), the sensor head including an arched-shaped pipe contacting portion (33) between its forward and rearward ends (32, 34), the pipe contacting portion having a radius R and a width WC; and at least one triaxial sensor element (31) having at least a portion located directly below the arched-shaped pipe contacting portion and having a width WS, WC<WS. During the tool's travel through a pipeline, contact of the sensor head with the pipe wall lies along a single line of travel substantially equal to the width WC. Because of its shape, the sensor head better traces and maintains contact with the pipe wall to detect dents, wrinkles, weld intrusions, and other defects or anomalies in the pipe wall.

Abstract: An in-line inspection (ILI) tool 20 for use inspecting pipelines includes a plurality of collapsible guide centralizers 100 configured and sized to correspond to the inside diameter of the pipeline being inspected. The guide centralizes 100 include wheels 102 roll along the inside wall of the pipeline being inspected to maintain the guide centralizers “centered” within the pipeline. A collapsible exciter unit centralizer 200 is positioned between collapsible guide centralizers 100 to “center” the exciter unit centralizer relative to the interior of the pipeline. The exciter unit centralizer 200 generates signals in the form of an alternating magnetic field that travel along the wall of the pipeline which in turn generates eddy current signals. The eddy current signals undergo a change if a discontinuity in the pipeline is encountered by the inspection tool 20, which signal change or deviation is detected by a collapsible detector unit centralizer 300 positioned between the collapsible guide centralizers 100.

Abstract: An arrangement, and associated method, for cleaning and disinfecting an endoscope having an internal channel accessible via an opening. The arrangement includes: a support structure; at least one tray including at least one fixture arranged to maintain the endoscope in the desired position within the tray; a rack arranged to support the tray; a control unit arranged to control and operate the arrangement; a user interface connected to the control unit and arranged to make it possible for an operator to indicate the type of endoscope arranged in the tray; an optical device connected to the control unit and configured to confirm the type of endoscope arranged in the tray; a robotic device operated by the control unit and arranged to clean the at least one channel in the endoscope arranged in the tray; and a disinfector device arranged to enclose the tray and disinfect the endoscope.

Abstract: Examples of non-invasive inspection of a mechanical system are described. In an example implementation, a first operational data from a detector mounted on an item being handled by a mechanical system is retrieved. The detector may include one or more sensors, and the first operational data is indicative of a current operational condition of the mechanical system. The first operational data can be compared with a corresponding historical first operational data and an error in the current operational condition of the mechanical system is determined based on the comparison. In response to the identification of the error, a notification is generated to perform a non-invasive inspection of the mechanical system.

Abstract: A hydrant apparatus may be employed to monitor a water distribution system, and may include a sensor, a processor, and a local clock source. The apparatus may wake from a low power mode to a sensing mode, receive the sensor data, associate the sensor data with a first local clock time, and return the apparatus to the low power mode from the sensing mode. The apparatus may subsequently wake to an operational mode, determine a second local clock time subsequent to the first local clock time, associate an external clock time with the second local clock time, determine an offset for the received sensor data based on the first local clock time and the association between the second local clock time and the external clock time, and transmit the sensor data and the offset to an external monitoring system.

Abstract: A robot system for non-destructive testing (NDT) of a test object, including: a transducer holder and an NDT transducer to perform an NDT on the surface of the test object; a memory to store a predefined trajectory of the NDT transducer; a force-sensing device to provide measurements of the contact forces and/or contact moments between the surface of the test object and the NDT transducer and/or the transducer holder; a controller to generate an actuation signal based on the predefined trajectory; and a positioning device to control the position and/or orientation of the NDT transducer relative to the test object based on the actuation signal. Consequently, the position and/or orientation of the NDT transducer relative to the test object and the contact forces and/or contact moments between the NDT transducer and/or the transducer holder and the test object can be automatically adapted to improve the quality of the NDT measurement.

Abstract: In a wedge looseness diagnosis which is performed by striking wedges of a rotary electric machine, a variation of a wave form of a strike sound is reduced with respect to a variation of an amount of looseness of the wedges, and it is difficult that a slight difference of the amount of the looseness of the wedges is discriminated, so that the wedges are struck by a strike portion in a state where the wedges are pressed by a pressure portion which presses the wedges, and a strike sound at a high frequency is reduced, whereby an amount of a variation of magnitude of the strike sound is enlarged with respect to a valuation of the amount of the looseness of the wedges, and the amount of the looseness of the wedges is judged in accordance with the strike sound which is obtained by a strike sound measuring portion.

Abstract: A tablet counter and packaging module including a rotary disc with tablet apertures spaced thereabout, the tablet apertures configured to receive a tablet; a negative pressure system configured to retain the tablets in the tablet apertures; ejection devices to selectively eject one or more of the tablets from the corresponding tablet apertures; a plurality of ejection receptacles configured to collect the tablets ejected by the ejection devices; an inspection system operably engaged with the rotary disc and at least one of the ejection devices, the inspection system being configured to analyze tablets retained within the tablet apertures to determine if one or more tablet characteristics associated with the tablet; and the ejection devices configured to eject the tablet from a tablet aperture based on the determined at least one tablet characteristic.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for treating a tissue site are described. In some embodiments, the system may include a dressing, a negative-pressure source, and a communication device. The communication device may be coupled to the negative-pressure source and configured to transmit operational data of the negative pressure source to a remote location for monitoring usage of the system.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a robotic device, and a surgical tool coupled to the robotic device and comprising a distal end. The system further includes a neural monitor configured to generate an electrical signal and apply the electrical signal to the distal end of the surgical tool, wherein the electrical signal causes innervation of a first portion of a patient's anatomy which generates an electromyographic signal, and a sensor configured to measure the electromyographic signal. The neural monitor is configured to determine a distance between the distal end of the surgical tool and a portion of nervous tissue based on the electrical signal and the electromyographic signal, and cause feedback to be provided to a user based on the distance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a non-destructive inspection system. The non-destructive inspection system comprises a motion platform and a tool assembly. The tool assembly is coupled to the motion platform such that the tool assembly is movable relative to the motion platform. The tool assembly comprises an inspection tool assembly that comprises a base structure coupled to the tool assembly and a plurality of probe assemblies coupled to the base structure. Each probe assembly comprises a first linear actuator and a probe, different from the probe of any other one of the plurality of probe assemblies, for inspecting a different structural feature of a structure. Each probe is moveable, along a first axis relative to another one of the probes and substantially perpendicular to the base structure, using the first linear actuator of the corresponding one of the plurality of probe assemblies.

Abstract: A material container monitoring and management system comprising sensors operatively connected to a central local processor in wireless communication with a central server. The sensor set at least includes a material level sensor and a motor current sensor which respectively monitor a material level within the container and a motor current draw. Sensor data is relayed to the local processor to provide where it is initially analyzed and subsequently relayed to the central server for improved bin monitoring, alerting and control based on material level, current draw and detected environmental conditions. Given the environmental conditions available, the system operation parameters can be automatically or manually adjusted while dynamic performance benchmarks update relative to the measured variables and predicted dispensing patterns based on historical data. User monitoring comprises various selectable geographical views of containers and drill down view include specific information related to that container.

Abstract: A system for managing sanitation of a container for perishable goods including: a storage device to store perishable good requirements, sanitation schedule parameters, sanitation requirements, sanitation test results, and perishable good parameters associated with the perishable goods; and a sanitation management system coupled to the storage device. The sanitation management system including: a sanitation assessment module to determine sanitation risk levels in response to at least one of the perishable good parameters, the perishable good requirements, the sanitation schedule parameters, sanitation test results, and the sanitation requirements; a sanitation schedule module to determine sanitation schedule adjustments in response to at least one of the sanitation risk level, the sanitation schedule parameters, and the sanitation requirements; and a meshing module to determine output parameters in response to at least one of the sanitation risk levels and the sanitation schedule adjustments.

Abstract: A method for handling harvested root crops such as potatoes. The method includes the steps of optically imaging (i.e., by the hyper-spectral imaging system) a bulk flow of a harvested root crop to produce image data and analysing the image data to identify discrete objects within the bulk flow. Each identified object is categorised as either acceptable or unacceptable based on a comparison with at least one discriminator and objects classified as unacceptable are removed (by the ejector actuator) from the bulk flow to provide a sorted flow of the harvested root crop.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include systems and methods of manufacturing a product. The system may include a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer readable program code for performing the method. The method may include manufacturing batches of the product according to steps of a process flow, determining output data for each batch, sequencing the batches by output data, determining a plurality of modes of output data based on grouping the batches, identifying a detrimental factor to output data in a process flow step based on a correlation between the process flow step and a mode of the plurality of modes, and correcting the detrimental factor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for robotic inspection of above-ground pipelines are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler having a plurality of motors that are individually controllable for improved positioning on the pipeline to facilitate image acquisition. Embodiments may also include mounting systems to house and carry imaging equipment configured to capture image data simultaneously from a plurality of angles. Such mounting systems may be adjustable to account for different sizes of pipes (e.g., 2-40+ inches), and may be configured to account for traversing various pipe support structures. Still further, mounting systems may include quick-release members to allow for removal and re-mounting of imaging equipment when traversing support structures. In other aspects, embodiments may be directed toward control systems for the robotic crawler which assist in the navigation and image capture capabilities of the crawler.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an injection molding control method. The injection molding control method comprises the following steps: establishing a work command according to a plurality of production process parameters; receiving a position information directly from an injection molding machine; and controlling a servo pump to drive the injection molding machine according to the position information and the work command.

Abstract: A parameter setting device is configured to set a parameter relating to a speed of a table of a machine tool in accordance with the weight of an object placed on the table. The parameter setting device includes: an operation control unit configured to provide control such that the table is operated according to a predetermined operation; a positional change obtaining unit configured to obtain a positional change of the table; a storage unit that stores the parameter corresponding to the positional change caused when the table is operated according to the predetermined operation; and a parameter setting unit configured to set, by using the storage unit, the parameter based on the positional change obtained by the positional change obtaining unit when the operation control unit operates the table according to the predetermined operation.

Abstract: Diagnostic device including a hammering sound signal acquisition unit, a frequency characteristic conversion unit, and an abnormality determination unit. The hammering sound signal acquisition unit acquires an i-th hammering sound signal and a j-th hammering sound signal representing hammering sounds with respect to striking applied to an i-th and a j-th struck position of an inspection target. The frequency characteristic conversion unit respectively converts the i-th hammering sound signal and the j-th hammering sound signal into an i-th frequency characteristic and a j-th frequency characteristic. The abnormality determination unit determines presence or absence of an abnormality in the inspection target on the basis of a matching degree of waveforms around peaks in the i-th frequency characteristic and waveforms around peaks in the j-th frequency characteristic. The diagnostic device can be used with an inspection robot to automatically analyze for loose stator wedges.

Abstract: Circumferential and axial magnetizers for a magnetic flux leakage pig. A magnet bar may comprise at least one magnet and may be configured to collapse radially inward to the shaft. Magnetizers may include a cushion disposed about the shaft and biasing the magnet bar against a pipe wall. A sensor head disposed between circuit poles at each polar end of the magnet monitors magnetic flux. The central shaft of a circumferential magnetizer or axial magnetizer may comprise a joint linking an additional smart pig module. A novel magnetizer cushion is described, as are smart pigs containing one or more circumferential or axial magnetizers.

Abstract: A condition monitoring system that determines a presence of change of water content in grease. The system provides a sensor electrode that is placed in the space where the grease is located. The electrode is suitably a plate with a surface area creating a capacitance C. This in combination with a resistor R, creates an RC circuit. The system senses the RC circuit. The dielectric constant of the monitored grease varies in dependence of the water content of the grease. A change of the dielectric constant will change RC, that is then sensed by the system. An analysis of a change of RC will determine if there is a presence of a change of the level of water content in the monitored grease.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning waste collection systems of solid materials. The apparatus is capable of cleaning waste systems in two known ways. First, a pumping method uses normal and injected water flow to suspend the solids in a slurry. A submersible pump moves the slurry from a collection point up to a pressurized container where the water content of the slurry is decanted and reused as injection water while the particulate material settles to the bottom of the pressurized container. Second, a vacuum system may be used to move the slurry from the waste system to the waste container. The vacuum system creates a negative pressure differential, causing material to be pulled through a vacuum tube and into the waste container. When the container becomes substantially full of solid particles, it may be emptied at a dumpsite.

Abstract: A diagnostic step for a passenger conveyor comprises at least one camera for shooting at least one lateral side of the interior space of the passenger conveyor, at least one directional microphone pointed to said at least one lateral side of the interior space of the passenger conveyor and an analyzer unit which receives image data from the camera and sound data from the directional microphone and transmits the data to an outside network.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting, repairing and upgrading wind turbine rotor blades of a wind turbine. The system including deploying one or more cables via an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a balloon, a ballistic mechanism or a catapult to position the one or more cables in draping engagement with a portion of the wind turbine. A climbing robot is positioned to ascend the one or more cables and perform a task related to inspecting for indications, repair of indications or upgrading the rotor blade. A slave robot system, disposed at the base location and anchored to the one or more cables, provides modulation of the cables for positioning of the climbing robot relative to the wind turbine as it ascends and descends the one or more cables. After completion of the task, the climbing robot descends the one or more cables and the cables are removed from the wind turbine.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a length of pipe having a pipe wall and a nominal inner diameter, comprising providing an inspection pig configured for passing along the length of pipe, wherein the inspection pig is provided with a substantially circumferential inside-out capacitance tomography sensor arrangement having a diameter smaller than the nominal inner diameter; passing the inspection pig along the length of pipe thereby defining an annular space between the sensor arrangement and the pipe wall; conducting measurements using the sensor arrangement at a plurality of locations along the length of pipe, and deriving, for each of the plurality of locations, information about an interface surrounding the inspection pig from the measurements. Further provided is an inspection pig for inspecting a length of pipe, wherein the inspection pig is provided with an inside-out capacitance tomography sensor arrangement.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an underground base station configured to locate below a ground surface of the earth. It includes an outer shell assembly, configured to have a cavity therein; a sealing assembly, arranged to be housed within the cavity and provided with at least one communication component therein; a fiber assembly, disposed to fix onto the outer shell assembly and a fiber from which is connected with the at least one communication component; and a cover assembly, fixed on top of the outer shell assembly and having an antenna module therein. The sealing assembly is configured to have at least one opening facing away from the ground surface.

Abstract: A method of inspecting the inside of a vessel. The method includes the step of obtaining a visual image of the inside of the vessel using a camera. The method includes using a first three-dimensional scanner to obtain a low-resolution image of one or more surfaces of the inside of the vessel; and using a second three-dimensional scanner to obtain a high-resolution image of one or more objects inside of the vessel.

Abstract: A method for providing information about a mechanical wristwatch, including the following steps, performed by the wristwatch: harvesting an intermittently available external energy, storing the harvested energy, at the end of a predefined period of time, generating an analysis report on an activity of the owner of the wristwatch, based at least on the times and durations of availability of the external energy, when or after the harvested energy quantity reaches a threshold, the threshold being on or above an energy level required to power a transmission unit of the wristwatch, wirelessly transmitting the analysis report to a distant reader with the transmission unit.

Abstract: In a method for identifying an unbalance correction for flexible rotors (1), the rotor (1) is rotatably mounted in two bearing devices. An RPM sensor (4) records the speed of the rotor (1) and a radial movement of the rotor (1) is recorded, by means of position sensors (3) at measuring points (6), during an unbalance measurement run or a plurality of unbalance measurement runs for different rotor speeds. The measured values recorded are fed to an evaluation device (5), which determines the eccentricity measured values assigned to the measuring points (6) by means of expanding the influence coefficient method, and therefore unbalances are determined per plane and eccentricities are determined per measuring point for each measurement run.

Abstract: A non-destructive measurement unit of gas concentration in sealed containers and an automatic filling and/or packaging line using such a unit are provided. The flexible containers are at least partially optically transparent, and the measurement unit comprises a light source for emitting a light beam at a wavelength tunable with an absorption wavelength of a gas contained in the sealed flexible container. The light source directs the light beam toward at least one inspection area, and a detector detects at least a portion of the beam after the beam passes through the inspection area and outputs data representative of an absorption spectrum of the gas. Means for generating a head space of predefined width into the sealed flexible container is adapted to advance the sealed flexible container by an advancement path which crosses the inspection zone and to maintain the predefined width of the head space during the advancement.

Abstract: A method for providing information about a mechanical wristwatch, including the following steps, performed by the wristwatch: harvesting an intermittently available external energy, storing the harvested energy, at the end of a predefined period of time, generating an analysis report on an activity of the owner of the wristwatch, based at least on the times and durations of availability of the external energy, when or after the harvested energy quantity reaches a threshold, the threshold being on or above an energy level required to power a transmission unit of the wristwatch, wirelessly transmitting the analysis report to a distant reader with the transmission unit.

Abstract: A workpiece handling system for inspection of workpieces having an elongated cylindrical segment with an enlarged feature such as a threaded fastener. A pair of rollers is inclined with respect to horizontal, and having cylindrical surfaces separated by a gap and rotated about parallel axes, with upwardly presented end surfaces. A drive arrangement rotates the rollers. A slide mechanism enables the rollers to be set at a first and second separation gaps. A workpiece transfer mechanism loads the workpiece onto the rollers, rotation of the rollers set at the first separation gap causes the workpieces to rotate. A sensor probe is positioned in close proximity to the workpiece head as the workpiece is rotated. A workpiece receiving system is provided for handling the workpieces when the rollers are set to the separation second gap, allowing the workpiece to fall under gravity between the rollers.

Abstract: A method of load characteristic identification and acceleration adjustment for a machine tool is provided. A first acceleration of a transmission system is set according to the weight of a workpiece, and the working platform and the workpiece are driven at the first acceleration. A first elastic deformation of the transmission system and an amount of first position error of the transmission system are calculated when transmission system is moved at the first acceleration. A dynamic error is calculated according to the first elastic deformation and the first position error. When the dynamic error is less than or greater than a target error, a second acceleration is set to the transmission system, and a second elastic deformation and a second position error are calculated when the transmission system moves at the second acceleration unit the dynamic error is converged to the target error.

Abstract: A device and a method for testing tablets are disclosed. The device for testing tablets includes a test chamber, which has a crusher jaw and, lying opposite the latter, a counter-jaw. The device has a movable sheet metal strip, which is designed to position a tablet for testing. The longitudinal axis of the movable sheet metal strip is at an angle of less than 90° to the longitudinal axis of the direction of movement of the crusher jaw, and the direction of movement of the sheet metal strip corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the sheet metal strip.

Abstract: An energy management method and system are provided for a receiving terminal of a simultaneous information and energy transfer system. The method comprises the steps of: activating a battery to provide a working power supply, receiving a simultaneous information and energy transfer signal, processing the signal and harvesting energy in the signal, storing the harvested energy into a temporary energy storage unit, and stopping the battery from supplying power, and charging the battery from the energy stored in the temporary energy storage unit. The system comprises a receiver and an energy management module.

Abstract: A system for underwater inspection including an inspection crawler are provided. The inspection crawler includes a housing having first and second sides, a power source, a controller, an inspection tool, at least two driving wheels, and a moveable center of gravity. A method for traversing a weld joint with the inspection crawler having a moving mass is also provided. In the method, the crawler is parked proximate to the joint, and the mass is slid along a slide rail to the second end of the crawler distal to the joint. The first end of the crawler is then propelled over the joint and the mass is slid to the center of the crawler. A center portion of the crawler is then propelled over the joint and the mass is slid to the first end of the crawler. The second end of the crawler is then propelled over the joint.

Abstract: An endoscope device for the automated inspection of the interior of a transmission. The endoscope has a control unit and an evaluation unit, a feed unit having a swivel element, a changer magazine having a plurality of guide channels and an endoscope. The control unit is connected to the endoscope and is largely provided for controlling the endoscope and for transmitting images to the evaluation unit. The swivel element is provided for aligning a distal end of the endoscope with respect to a relevant guide channel, and the feed unit is provided for axially passing the endoscope through the relevant guide channel. Furthermore, a transmission, in particular for a wind turbine, has a transmission housing having at least one access opening for receiving an endoscope device. Automated inspection of the interior of the transmission can be conducted by the endoscope device.