Abstract: A remote phase identification system identifies the unknown phase attribute of any energized conductor within a three-phase power distribution network. A field probe at a remote location obtains an instantaneous phase measurement at a precise GPS second and communicates this phase, GPS second, and GPS coordinates to a field client. Either wireless Internet or satellite modem communications is used by the field client to retrieve the reference phase taken by a base station at the same GPS second. Field client tagging reference phase configuration files are automatically created for any circuit and applied to the base station reference phase. Configuration files can be named, saved, and loaded and are used by the field client to identify and display the unknown phase attribute. A field client can be any personal computer, smartphone, or personal digital assistant.

Abstract: A fingerprint analysis system is presented including a chemical analysis module configured to perform chemical analysis of received fingerprints to create a chemical profile and provide at least one response and a comparison module configured to compare the chemical profile and/or the at least one response. The chemical analysis involves at least identification of a select number of molecules and/or organic compounds for deriving distinguishing characteristics from the received fingerprints. The fingerprint analysis system may be in operative communication with at least one electronic device.

Abstract: A device. The device includes a sensor portion and a chassis portion. The sensor portion includes a plurality of sensing devices. The chassis portion is connected to the sensor portion and includes a first track and a second track. The second track is positioned adjacent the first track. The first and second tracks cooperate to substantially cover an entire width of the chassis portion.

Abstract: A requesting critical wait time of a given resource may be determined. The requesting critical wait time is the time spent by the one or more resources waiting for the given resource, wherein at least one of the resources waiting for the given resource can proceed if access to the given resource is granted. A requested by critical wait time for a resource is determined, the requested by critical wait time being time spent by the resource for waiting solely for the given resource, wherein if the resource were granted access to the given resource, the resource can proceed without further waiting.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method to determine the capture cross-section of a subsurface formation at a desired depth in the formation. A database of Sigma values for known lithologies, porosities, and salinities is provided, and multiple Sigma measurements are obtained from a downhole logging tool. Within the database, Sigma values are interpolated to determine the respective depths of investigation of the multiple Sigma measurements. A monotonic function is fitted to the multiple Sigma measurements at the determined depths of investigation, and the capture cross-section of the subsurface formation at any desired depth in the formation is determined using the fitted function. Similarly, a system to determine the capture cross-section of a subsurface formation at a desired depth in the formation and/or a depth of invasion of drilling fluids is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating and providing selections of recommended golf balls, golf ball constructions, and configurations of golf ball construction components are provided. Such methods may involve obtaining or measuring spin measurements against a plurality of golf clubs for each of a plurality of golf balls. A linear relationship may be used to determine a spin slope for each golf ball on the basis of the set of spin measurements associated with that golf ball. In turn, a selection of a recommended golf ball, golf ball construction, or configuration of a ball construction component may be made based upon which golf ball has the larger spin slope.

Abstract: A method of determining cleanliness of a manufacturing area is disclosed. The method of determining cleanliness of a manufacturing area comprising swabbing at least one target area within the manufacturing area, placing the swab in a testing apparatus, analyzing for the presence of the at least one substance with the testing apparatus and determining in real time the cleanliness of the manufacturing area.

Abstract: A testing method for a component is provided. The method identifies a flaw region of the component. The flaw region is prone to defects. The method then isolates a waste material associated with the identified flaw region. The method analyzes the isolated waste material for an undesirable microstructure associated with defects. Subsequently, the method determines rejection and acceptance of the component based, at least in part, on the analysis.

Abstract: A hand-device is described for penetrating a heat-insulating layer of a corrodible metal object and for examining a pipeline for corrosion, preferably for penetrating a heat-insulating layer of a corrodible metal pipeline, with a penetrating body that comprises a pointed section for displacing the insulating layer and a holding section for receiving a driving force, and a detecting device for generating a signal as a response to a stimulus caused by corrosion, wherein the detecting device is arranged proximally to the pointed section of the penetrating body. Corresponding methods as well as uses are also described.

Abstract: This is a rain gutter inspection and cleaning apparatus that is affixed to a hollow telescopic electric pole (herein referred to as the handle) that removes leaves, pine needled and other debris from a rain gutter, thus allowing water to flow unobstructed to the downspout. The said tool can be operated while standing on the ground or while propped-up on a step assist. This tool is unique in that, it allows the user to also clean the gutter while standing on the roof. A power mirror attachment is optimally affixed above the scraper plate, allowing the user to view the debris collected in the gutter from the ground level. This gutter inspection and cleaning apparatus uses two types of mirrors. There is a power mirror that can be adjusted manually or remotely using a joystick. There also a non-powered manually operated mirror attachment, which is interchangeable with the power mirror attachment on the said gutter inspection and cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for fabricating and measuring physical features of a semiconductor device structure. An exemplary method of fabricating a semiconductor device structure involves forming a first feature of the semiconductor device structure on a substrate of semiconductor material, obtaining a first measurement for the semiconductor device structure from a first metrology tool, obtaining a second measurement of the first feature of the semiconductor device structure from a second metrology tool, and determining a hybrid measurement for the first feature based at least in part on the first measurement and the second measurement.

Abstract: The dual submarine leak detection system provides for controllable in-pipe leak detection. The dual submarine leak detection system includes first and second submarines joined to one another by a tether. Each of the submarines includes a housing and at least one leak detector mounted thereon. A communication transceiver is mounted in the housing for remotely communicating the leak condition and a location of the leak condition, as well as receiving control and communication signals. Each submarine further includes at least one selectively retractable leg mounted on the housing and selectively extending therefrom, and a motor mounted within the housing for driving a propeller to propel the submarine through a fluid-filled pipe. A control system further allows for controllable or programmable steering of the submarine through the fluid-filled pipe and any pipe joints associated therewith.

Abstract: A detecting method employing a first sensor and a second sensor, includes: first processing for detecting, on the basis of an output value of the first sensor, a predetermined state defined in advance; second processing for starting the second sensor according to the detection of the predetermined state; and third processing for generating interpolation data from an output value of the first sensor in a predetermined time until the second sensor becomes capable of outputting a measurement value after being started.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a medical device to ensure usage compliance by a patient are described herein. The method can include the steps of monitoring one or more parameters associated with the operation of the medical device, comparing the monitored parameters with one or more predetermined operational profiles and generating a signal that is indicative of whether the medical device is being used by the patient in substantial conformance with a predetermined usage pattern assigned to that patient. In one arrangement, the use of the medical device by the patient requires voluntary actions on the part of the patient to be in substantial conformance with the predetermined usage pattern.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a robot mechanism for nondestructive aging evaluation of a cable. The robot mechanism includes at least two inspection modules, and a coupler disposed between the at least two inspection modules and connected to each of the inspection modules to adjust a separation between the inspection modules. Each of the inspection modules approaches a cable and automatically inspects an aged state of the cable. The robot mechanism automatically measures an aged state of a cable in a nondestructive manner and establishes a database of cable aging, so that normal operation of the cable can be ensured through stable management of the cable by evaluating a replacement time and the aged state of the cable based on the database.

Abstract: An box producing apparatus is disclosed, including a camera that obtains an image of a printed face which is printed on a box material sheet by the printing section; and a register correction control unit that compares a specific picture in a master image of a sample for the print, and a picture in a region specified according to the specific picture in the image of the printed face obtained by the camera to determine an amount of register displacement in each of the print units, and controls a register adjustment mechanism provided in each of the print units based on the amount of register displacement to correct a register of the print.

Abstract: A sensor arm for a pipeline inspection tool is provided. The sensor arm comprises a body comprising: a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured for mounting the sensor arm on a pipeline inspection tool and the second end comprising a contact portion configured for contact with the internal surface of a pipe wall; and an elongate section which extends between the first end and the second end, the elongate section having an external profile which defines a top surface, a bottom surface and a main web arranged between the top and bottom surfaces, wherein the depth of the main web in cross section is greater than the width of the main web in cross-section.

Abstract: A best fitting trace in seismic data is determined for a desired trace to be reconstructed. A dip-based correction is calculated per trace and per sample for differences in azimuth, common midpoint coordinates, and offset between the best fitting trace and the desired trace. The dip-based correction is applied to the best fitting trace to reconstruct the desired trace for 3D surface-related multiple prediction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for measuring the thickness of thin layers over large-area surfaces to be measured (12), in which at least one measuring probe (28), which comprises at least one sensor element (29) and at least one contact spherical cap (31) associated with the sensor element (29), is applied to the surface to be measured (12) in order to obtain a measured value, wherein the large-area surface to be measured (12) is subdivided into individual partial areas (14), a matrix of measurement points (16) is determined for each partial area (14) to be inspected, measured values are ascertained at equidistant measurement points (16) along at least one row (17) of the matrix of the partial area (14) using a device (21) carrying the at least one measuring probe (28), and the measured values are ascertained successively for all rows (17) in the matrix in the partial area (14) and evaluated for this partial area (14).

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a splicing belt, a supporting member, a driving module, a trigger module, a detecting module. The splicing belt is attached to the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt for joining the second conveyor belt to the first conveyor belt. The supporting member supports the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt. The driving module drives the first conveyor belt to be moved relative to the supporting member. The trigger module is located between the supporting member and the first conveyor belt, and is triggered when the splicing belt is moved to be contacted with the trigger module. The detecting module records a trigger time when the trigger module is triggered, the trigger time is a material transition time at which the first materials being fed is changed to the second materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for scanning a product to detect metal in that product. The apparatus comprises a drive coil (4), for generating an electromagnetic field in the product, and a detection coil arranged to detect fluctuations in the magnetic field caused by the presence of a metallic particle in the product. A drive circuit (26) for the drive coil (4) comprises a plurality of switches (19 to 22) driven by a controller (16), which switch alternately connect the drive coil across a potential difference to cause the drive coil to be driven at an operating frequency determined by operation of the switches. Using a switching circuit to drive the drive coil (4) greatly increases the number of frequencies at which the drive coil may be operated. The invention has particular application to the food industry.

Abstract: A system includes a subsystem interaction module device, which includes at least one interface configured to receive input signals associated with multiple components of a system. The subsystem interaction module device also includes at least one processing unit configured to identify a potential fault in one or more of the components using the input signals and to provide an indicator identifying the potential fault. The at least one processing unit is configured to identify the potential fault by: identifying conflicting frequencies that are associated with different faults in the components of the system; and determining a confidence level associated with the potential fault based on the conflicting frequencies.

Abstract: A system for generating surface data defining a position and location of an object is described. The system includes a non-contact measuring device for measuring the location of one or more points on a surface of an object with respect to the measuring device, an optical imaging device for capturing image information, and a processor. The processor is programmed to use the captured image information to determine location and orientation data for both the measuring device and the optical imaging device with respect to a fixed point in space, receive location measurement data from the measuring device, and combine the location and orientation data with the location measurement data to generate surface data for the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting a surface of an object. Data from measuring the surface of the object is obtained to form surface data for the object. A range of frequencies for features on the object is selected based on a range of distances between adjacent peaks for the features. The features are formed by a tool moving along a number of paths. Desired surface data for the features is obtained from the surface data using the range of frequencies selected. A determination is made as to whether the desired surface data for the features meets a policy specifying a desired surface for the object. In response to an absence of a determination that the desired surface data for the features meets the policy, the object is reworked.

Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of a robotic inspection system that uses a pair of multi-axis robotic devices to perform an ultrasonic scan of a part. Each of the multi-axis robotic devices can comprise an end effector that can transmit and/or receive an ultrasonic signal to perform the ultrasonic scan. In one embodiment, the robotic inspection system includes a linear slide assembly that can translate the multi-axis robotic devices independently from one another on either side of the part.

Abstract: Provided is a two-block sensing system (or device) that may be attached to an end of a lifting device, for example, a crane. The sensing device may include an A2B mount, a touch bar pivotally connected to the A2B mount, a link pivotally connected to the A2B mount, and a switch operatively connected to the touch bar so that if the touch bar is rotated with respect to the A2B mount, the switch becomes one of activated and deactivated.

Abstract: A mount state of components is inspected in a mounting apparatus 1b at total two divisions of a component mounting division b where the mounting apparatus 1b performs mounting and a component mounting division a where a mounting apparatus 1a disposed on an upstream side performs the mounting; the mount state of components is inspected in a mounting apparatus 1c at total three divisions of a component mounting division c where the mounting apparatus 1c performs the mounting and the component mounting divisions a and b where the mounting apparatus 1a and 1b disposed on the upstream side perform the mounting; and the mount state of components is inspected in a mounting apparatus 1d at total four divisions of a component mounting division d where the mounting apparatus 1d performs the mounting and the component mounting divisions a, b, and c where the mounting apparatus 1a, 1b, and 1c disposed on the upstream side perform the mounting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disk protrusion detection/flatness measurement circuit and a disk glide tester, in which protrusion detection and average value calculation can be performed without switching signal processing circuits of two systems, one for the protrusion detection of a disk and the other for the average value calculation with respect to a track or a sector of the disk. This also makes it possible to reduce the size of the measurement circuit. In the protrusion detection/flatness measurement circuit, a signal from a protrusion detection sensor is amplified and converted from an analog signal to a digital signal. The signal passes through a band-pass filter to obtain a digital signal with a predetermined bandwidth. Then, peak detection and average value calculation processes are applied in parallel to the obtained digital signal. Thus, pass/fail decision of the disk can be made based on the detected peak and average values.

Abstract: A method for pipeline inspection is provided comprising carrying out an inspection run in which a pipeline inspection apparatus travels inside a pipeline, wherein sensors on the apparatus are configured to conduct an in-line inspection of wall material along a length of the pipeline. The method further comprises initiating a first inspection mode to produce a primary inspection data set, wherein the first inspection mode comprises an inspection of the pipeline wall material upstream and downstream of a location of a dented region in the pipeline, selectively initiating a second inspection mode to produce a secondary inspection data set, wherein the second inspection mode comprises an inspection of the pipeline wall material in the dented region in the length of the pipeline, and combining the primary and the secondary inspection data sets to provide a direct assessment for the presence of cracks and/or corrosion in wall material along the pipeline.

Abstract: The link for an aircraft comprises at least two portions respectively made of metal and of composite material together forming a common section of a middle segment of the link in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the link.

Abstract: A physical quantity detection device includes: a base; a movable portion, provided in the base through a coupling portion, which is displaced in accordance with a change in a physical quantity; a physical quantity detection element which is fixed across the base and the movable portion; and a mass portion which is fixed to the movable portion, wherein the movable portion includes a first fixing portion to which the physical quantity detection element is fixed, a second fixing portion to which the mass portion is fixed, and a notch having a notched shape which is separated from the coupling portion, and reaches from a lateral side of the movable portion to a place intersecting a line that links the first fixing portion to the second fixing portion.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is disclosed for a pin connection of a machine linkage, such as that found on an excavator or backhoe loader, the sensor assembly including a sensor associated with a sensor housing that receives the pin, and a connector assembly that connects the sensor housing to a frame element, wherein the connector assembly is configured to allow the sensor housing to move relative to the frame element. The sensor assembly may be positioned within one of the members of the linkage.

Abstract: A physical quantity detection device includes: a base portion; a movable portion supported by the base portion via a joint and shifting in accordance with a change of a physical quantity; a physical quantity detection element extending over the base portion and the movable portion; a first support member extending from the base portion and having a first fixing portion; and a second support member extending from the base portion and having a second fixing portion. The distance between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion is shorter than the distance between the root of the first support member at the junction with the base portion and the root of the second support member at the junction with the base portion.

Abstract: Provided is an in-pipe inspection robot which moves along a path in a pipe to inspect suspected areas such as cracks in the pipe. An in-pipe inspection robot in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention has a configuration in which two or more operating units having a plurality of arms, which move forward and backward in a radial direction of a pipe, are connected to each other to move in a straight direction or to be bent relative to each other by means of a flexible link mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rotating glass containers and like wares for purposes of inspection is disclosed that uses a compact, modular apparatus which has a drive system that automatically accelerates the wares to full rotation speed while applying only the amount of contact force to the wares that is required to rotate them. The apparatus of the present invention is compact and thus consumes minimal volume in the area near the glass container being rotated. The apparatus for rotating glass containers of the present invention has an outstanding ability to move quickly into contact with a glass container and accelerate it to its full speed without damaging it or being damaged by it, and presents a low degree of impact to glass containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing ring produced from a straight profile bar that is bent to an annular shape and where the bearing ring is joined in a flash butt welding process, and where the bearing ring further comprises an additional component enclosed within the bearing ring material. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a bearing ring from a straight profile bar. The advantage of the invention is to obtain a bearing ring with completely enclosed additional component in a simple and cost-effective way.

Abstract: A system for locating and tracking an object is provided. The system includes a measuring device configured to determine a property of a paving-related material, a locating device configured to determine a location of the measuring device, a tracking system configured to store tracking information associated with the measuring device and one or more properties determined by the measuring device, and a communications system configured to transfer, to a remote device, the location of the measuring device and the tracking information associated with the measuring device.

Abstract: A test stand sensor apparatus includes a sensor for acquiring data from the item under test and/or the environment, a power supply unit for converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy, and a unit for the wire-free transmission of sensor data and of a code which is characteristic of the sensor.

Abstract: A fastener testing device includes a base, a testing unit, a mobile platform, and a prompting unit, tests an installation state between a plurality of installation holes on a subject and fasteners corresponding in position to the installation holes, respectively. The subject is mounted on the base. The testing unit is driven by the mobile platform to move close to the subject and test the installation state. The testing unit generates a test signal in response to a state of contact between the fasteners and probes corresponding in position to the installation holes, respectively. The prompting unit receives the test signal and informs each of the installation holes of a correct installation state or an incorrect installation state. Accordingly, incorrectly-installed ones of the installation holes are directly identified by the fastener testing device quickly, conveniently, and accurately.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing usability. The apparatus for usability testing has an output capture module for capturing at least one type of output, an input capture module for capturing at least one type of input, a user trigger capture module for capturing at least one type of test user trigger, and at least one storage module for saving at least some of the captured events. The user trigger capture module and the storage module are connected to an object to be tested independently thereof.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a bypass valve in a bypass line for an intercooler in a supercharger for an internal combustion engine, including the following steps: ascertaining a value of an efficiency of the intercooler as the reference efficiency; actuating the bypass valve to open the bypass valve; ascertaining a value of a further efficiency of the intercooler as the diagnosis efficiency after actuating the bypass valve to open; and detecting a malfunction of the bypass valve when the absolute value of the deviation between the reference efficiency and the diagnosis efficiency is less than a specified threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspection of tubes in a boiler is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sensor adapted to generate and detect guided-waves and a mechanical device adapted to reach into a tube bundle and clamp the sensor onto an interior tube selected for inspection. The mechanical device includes a housing adapted to contain the sensor and an air cylinder adapted to actuate the housing to allow the housing to clamp onto the interior tube.

Abstract: A container used for chromatographic sample analysis has (a) at least one silica uppermost layer, which is deposited onto the container using a liquid phase deposition process, and, optionally, (b) at least one indicator present in at least part of the at least one silica uppermost layer for visually distinguishing the container from other containers, and/or determining the “use status” of the container, and/or identifying the proper orientation of the container when it is to be put in use, and/or providing a means of decoration, identification, or counterfeit detection. In one preferred embodiment, the indicator is thermochromic. In another preferred embodiment, the indicator is photochromic.

Abstract: An automated inspection system for inspecting, sorting and re-coining each of the locking bar, the rack, and the pin of a rekeyable lock cylinder, as well as other small close-tolerance components in an average cycle time of 1.5 seconds. The inspection system includes a high-speed pneumatic sorting matrix which selectively transfers the components into various length measuring stations, camera inspection stations, mechanical gauge stations, and/or coining stations, and then positions the parts at those stations for combined gauge and visual tolerance checking and sorting. Defects are identified by a combination of visual and machine-gauge inspection, and the sorted components are sorted into three bins: rejects; good parts; and parts for coining. The inspection/sorting system is capable of tolerance-checking down to 0.00011811?, with a repeatability of 0.00005906.

Abstract: Device for determining an error induced by a high-pass filter in a signal, including a unit (3) for calculating the error according to the formula: E(t)=Ve(t)?Vs(t)=2·?·Fc·??=t0t(Vs(?)? Vs(?))·d?+E(t0) with: E(t) the value of the error induced by the high-pass filter, as a function of the time variable t, ?the trigonometric constant, Fc the cutoff frequency of the high-pass filter, t0 the initial instant, ?integration variable, Ve the signal input to the high-pass filter, Vs the signal output by the high-pass filter, Vs the mean value of the signal Vs. A method of correcting the error induced is also presented and applicable to the error correction of a piezoelectric pressure sensor.

Abstract: A toothbrushing monitoring device for a user includes a sensor coupled with the toothbrush for measuring toothbrushing patterns, a recording device coupled with the sensor, and a comparator. The recording device records data relating to the user's preferred toothbrushing patterns in a first mode, which is used to establish toothbrushing pattern reference data. The comparator compares toothbrushing patterns measured by the sensor and the toothbrushing pattern reference data, which may be output to an output device. In one example, the sensor consists of only an accelerometer.

Abstract: To enable appropriate wafer mapping in the case where a wafer is stored at the highest level, which is provided as a reserve, of a pod, a load port apparatus drives a mapping frame that supports a sensor by a first driving unit that drives the mapping frame in a first direction parallel to the direction along which wafers in the pod are arranged in an overlapping manner and a second driving unit that drives the mapping frame in a second direction that crosses the first direction in such a way as to form an acute angle in the side in which the sensor starts the mapping.

Abstract: A method of constructing a sensor includes depositing a first material in a predetermined arrangement to form a structure. The depositing results in at least one void occurring within the structure. The method further includes depositing a second material within the voids. The second material may have electrical properties that vary according to deformation of the second material. The method also includes providing electrical access to the second material to enable observation of the one or more electrical properties. A sensor includes a structure that has one or more voids distributed within the structure. The sensor also includes a material deposited within the one or more voids. The material may be characterized by one or more electrical properties such as piezoresistivity. The sensor includes a first contact electrically coupled to a first location on the material, and a second contact electrically coupled to a second location on the material.

Abstract: A detector (50) including a sensor (52) configured to detect entry of a portion of a wheel (20) into a portion of a clearance gap (37) and thereby to signify that the wheel (20) has deviated from the intended wheel path.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a structure comprises providing an inspection apparatus, engaging the inspection apparatus with an access system coupled to a structure, inspecting the access system using the inspection apparatus, and inspecting a portion of the structure using the inspection apparatus.