Methods, apparatus, and computer program products for analyzing, monitoring, and/or modeling the manufacture of a type of part by a manufacturing process. Non-destructive evaluation data and/or quality related data collected from manufactured parts of the type of part may be aligned to a simulated model associated with the type of part. Based on the aligned data, the manufacturing process may be monitored to determine whether the manufacturing process is operating properly; aspects of the manufacturing process may be spatially correlated to the aligned data; and/or the manufacturing process may be analyzed.
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
Methods manage non-destructive evaluation (“NDE”) data. NDE data for an asset is received and at least one alignment algorithm to align the NDE data to a simulated model associated therewith is determined. The NDE data is automatically aligned to the simulated model, a display representation that visually represents the aligned NDE data on the simulated model is generated, and information about the aligned NDE data is exported. Additionally, second NDE data associated with the at least a portion of the asset may also be received, at least one alignment algorithm to align the data determined, and the second NDE data aligned. Respective indications associated with the first and second NDE data may be determined and visually represented on the simulated model. Moreover, a shot descriptor file may be analyzed to determine whether additional NDE data is required to complete an alignment of NDE data.
G06Q 10/04 - Forecasting or optimisation specially adapted for administrative or management purposes, e.g. linear programming or "cutting stock problem"
G06Q 10/06 - Resources, workflows, human or project managementEnterprise or organisation planningEnterprise or organisation modelling
A strut suitable for use in parallel manipulator and other applications utilizes an actuation member that is subjected to a quasi-static axial tensioning force to effectively preload the strut to provide axial stiffness and bending flexibility at one or more ends of the strut.
B25J 19/00 - Accessories fitted to manipulators, e.g. for monitoring, for viewingSafety devices combined with or specially adapted for use in connection with manipulators
F16F 1/366 - Springs made of plastics, e.g. rubberSprings made of material having high internal friction made of fibre reinforced plastics
F16F 1/44 - Springs made of plastics, e.g. rubberSprings made of material having high internal friction characterised by the mode of stressing loaded mainly in compression
An environmental condition may be measured with a sensor (10) including a wire (20) having an ultrasonic signal transmission characteristic that varies in response to the environmental condition by sensing ultrasonic energy propagated through the wire using multiple types of propagation, and separating an effect of temperature on the wire from an effect of strain on the wire using the sensed ultrasonic energy propagated through the wire using the multiple types of propagation. A positive feedback loop may be used to excite the wire such that strain in the wire is based upon a sensed resonant frequency, while a square wave with a controlled duty cycle may be used to excite the wire at multiple excitation frequencies. A phase matched cone (200, 210) may be used to couple ultrasonic energy between a waveguide wire (202, 212) and a transducer (204, 214).
G01N 29/32 - Arrangements for suppressing undesired influences, e.g. temperature or pressure variations
G01P 15/097 - Measuring accelerationMeasuring decelerationMeasuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration by making use of inertia forces with conversion into electric or magnetic values by vibratory elements
G01P 15/10 - Measuring accelerationMeasuring decelerationMeasuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration by making use of inertia forces with conversion into electric or magnetic values by vibratory elements by vibratory strings
An active mechanical waveguide including an ultrasonically-transmissive material and a plurality of reflection points defined along a length of the waveguide may be driven at multiple resonant frequencies to sense environmental conditions, e.g., using tracking of a phase derivative. In addition, frequency-dependent reflectors may be incorporated into an active mechanical waveguide, and a drive frequency may be selected to render the frequency-dependent reflectors substantially transparent.
G01K 11/24 - Measuring temperature based on physical or chemical changes not covered by group , , , or using measurement of acoustic effects of the velocity of propagation of sound
G01L 1/10 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of frequency of stressed vibrating elements, e.g. of stressed strings
Methods manage non-destructive evaluation (“NDE”) data. NDE data for an asset is received and at least one alignment algorithm to align the NDE data to a simulated model associated therewith is determined. The NDE data is automatically aligned to the simulated model, a display representation that visually represents the aligned NDE data on the simulated model is generated, and information about the aligned NDE data is exported. Additionally, second NDE data associated with the at least a portion of the asset may also be received, at least one alignment algorithm to align the data determined, and the second NDE data aligned. Respective indications associated with the first and second NDE data may be determined and visually represented on the simulated model. Moreover, a shot descriptor file may be analyzed to determine whether additional NDE data is required to complete an alignment of NDE data.
G06Q 10/04 - Forecasting or optimisation specially adapted for administrative or management purposes, e.g. linear programming or "cutting stock problem"
G06Q 10/06 - Resources, workflows, human or project managementEnterprise or organisation planningEnterprise or organisation modelling
Methods, apparatus, and computer program products for analyzing, monitoring, and/or modeling the manufacture of a type of part by a manufacturing process. Non-destructive evaluation data and/or quality related data collected from manufactured parts of the type of part may be aligned to a simulated model associated with the type of part. Based on the aligned data, the manufacturing process may be monitored to determine whether the manufacturing process is operating properly; aspects of the manufacturing process may be spatially correlated to the aligned data; and/or the manufacturing process may be analyzed.
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
A strut suitable for use in parallel manipulator and other applications utilizes an actuation member that is subjected to a quasi-static axial tensioning force to effectively preload the strut to provide axial stiffness and bending flexibility at one or more ends of the strut.
F16F 15/04 - Suppression of vibrations of non-rotating, e.g. reciprocating, systemsSuppression of vibrations of rotating systems by use of members not moving with the rotating system using elastic means
A sensor with a mechanical waveguide may be characterized using test ultrasonic signals to generate a baseline signature, and the baseline signature may later be used to detect faults in the sensor.
G01K 11/24 - Measuring temperature based on physical or chemical changes not covered by group , , , or using measurement of acoustic effects of the velocity of propagation of sound
G01L 1/10 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of frequency of stressed vibrating elements, e.g. of stressed strings
A broadband waveguide comprising at least one filament configured to transmit a signal therethrough. The broadband waveguide may include one or more reflection suppression techniques including a damping material coupled to at least a portion of the at least one filament and/or at least one reflection point configured thereon. The waveguide may further including a cladding material coupled to the at least one filament. The at least one filament may be coupled to a securing element configured to couple to a surface. The at least one filament may be coupled to a sensor configured to sense the transmitted signal.
H01P 3/10 - Wire waveguides, i.e. with a single solid longitudinal conductor
H01P 11/00 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing waveguides or resonators, lines, or other devices of the waveguide type
H01L 41/257 - Treating devices or parts thereof to modify a piezo-electric or electrostrictive property, e.g. polarisation characteristics, vibration characteristics or mode tuning by polarising
An active mechanical waveguide including an ultrasonically-transmissive material and a plurality of reflection points defined along a length of the waveguide may be driven at multiple resonant frequencies to sense environmental conditions, e.g., using tracking of a phase derivative. In addition, frequency-dependent reflectors may be incorporated into an active mechanical waveguide, and a drive frequency may be selected to render the frequency-dependent reflectors substantially transparent.
A sensor with a mechanical waveguide may be characterized using test ultrasonic signals to generate a baseline signature, and the baseline signature may later be used to detect faults in the sensor.
An active mechanical waveguide including an ultrasonically-transmissive material and a plurality of reflection points defined along a length of the waveguide may be dampened using a damping device on a plurality of support members for the waveguide and/or using a damping device on the waveguide itself, and variable spacing of support members and/or constant tensioning of the waveguide may also be used.
G01K 11/24 - Measuring temperature based on physical or chemical changes not covered by group , , , or using measurement of acoustic effects of the velocity of propagation of sound
An environmental condition may be measured with a sensor (10) including a wire (20) having an ultrasonic signal transmission characteristic that varies in response to the environmental condition by sensing ultrasonic energy propagated through the wire using multiple types of propagation, and separating an effect of temperature on the wire from an effect of strain on the wire using the sensed ultrasonic energy propagated through the wire using the multiple types of propagation. A positive feedback loop may be used to excite the wire such that strain in the wire is based upon a sensed resonant frequency, while a square wave with a controlled duty cycle may be used to excite the wire at multiple excitation frequencies. A phase matched cone (200, 210) may be used to couple ultrasonic energy between a waveguide wire (202, 212) and a transducer (204, 214).
G01P 15/097 - Measuring accelerationMeasuring decelerationMeasuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration by making use of inertia forces with conversion into electric or magnetic values by vibratory elements
15.
Composite active waveguide temperature sensor for harsh environments
A composite active waveguide temperature sensor (10) incorporates a first, sensor portion (16) formed of an environment-resistant material such as ceramic coupled through an ultrasonically-transparent bond (20) to a second, waveguide portion (18) formed of an ultrasonically-transmissive material such as a metallic filament wire. By doing so, the sensor portion (16) may be positioned within a harsh environment and subjected to a temperature to be measured, and the waveguide portion (18) may be used to propagate ultrasonic energy to and/or from the sensor portion (16) to a location distal from the harsh environment for measurement of the temperature. The ultrasonically-transparent bond (20) between these portions (16, 18) limits attenuation of and the introduction of reflections and other noise to an ultrasonic signal propagated across the bond (20).
G01K 11/22 - Measuring temperature based on physical or chemical changes not covered by group , , , or using measurement of acoustic effects
G01K 13/02 - Thermometers specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring temperature of moving fluids or granular materials capable of flow
F02D 35/02 - Non-electrical control of engines, dependent on conditions exterior or interior to engines, not otherwise provided for on interior conditions
G10K 11/24 - Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound for conducting sound through solid bodies, e.g. wires
An environmental condition may be measured with a sensor (10) including a wire (20) having an ultrasonic signal transmission characteristic that varies in response to the environmental condition by sensing ultrasonic energy propagated through the wire using multiple types of propagation, and separating an effect of temperature on the wire from an effect of strain on the wire using the sensed ultrasonic energy propagated through the wire using the multiple types of propagation. A positive feedback loop may be used to excite the wire such that strain in the wire is based upon a sensed resonant frequency, while a square wave with a controlled duty cycle may be used to excite the wire at multiple excitation frequencies. A phase matched cone (200, 210) may be used to couple ultrasonic energy between a waveguide wire (202, 212) and a transducer (204, 214).
G01B 5/30 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. mechanical strain gauge
G01F 1/66 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by measuring frequency, phase shift or propagation time of electromagnetic or other waves, e.g. using ultrasonic flowmeters
G01H 11/00 - Measuring mechanical vibrations or ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves by detecting changes in electric or magnetic properties
G01L 1/10 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of frequency of stressed vibrating elements, e.g. of stressed strings
17.
COMPOSITE ACTIVE WAVEGUIDE TEMPERATURE SENSOR FOR HARSH ENVIRONMENTS
A composite active waveguide temperature sensor (10) incorporates a first, sensor portion (16) formed of an environment-resistant material such as ceramic coupled through an ultrasonically-transparent bond (20) to a second, waveguide portion (18) formed of an ultrasonically-transmissive material such as a metallic filament wire. By doing so, the sensor portion (16) may be positioned within a harsh environment and subjected to a temperature to be measured, and the waveguide portion (18) may be used to propagate ultrasonic energy to and/or from the sensor portion (16) to a location distal from the harsh environment for measurement of the temperature. The ultrasonically-transparent bond (20) between these portions (16, 18) limits attenuation of and the introduction of reflections and other noise to an ultrasonic signal propagated across the bond (20).
A broadband waveguide comprising at least one filament configured to transmit a signal therethrough. The broadband waveguide may include one or more reflection suppression techniques including a damping material coupled to at least a portion of the at least one filament and/or at least one reflection point configured thereon. The waveguide may further including a cladding material coupled to the at least one filament. The at least one filament may be coupled to a securing element configured to couple to a surface. The at least one filament may be coupled to a sensor configured to sense the transmitted signal.
H01Q 3/00 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
Methods, apparatus, and computer program products for analyzing, monitoring, and/or modeling the manufacture of a type of part by a manufacturing process. Non-destructive evaluation data and/or quality related data collected from manufactured parts of the type of part may be aligned to a simulated model associated with the type of part. Based on the aligned data, the manufacturing process may be monitored to determine whether the manufacturing process is operating properly; aspects of the manufacturing process may be spatially correlated to the aligned data; and/or the manufacturing process may be analyzed.
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
G06Q 10/06 - Resources, workflows, human or project managementEnterprise or organisation planningEnterprise or organisation modelling
Methods manage non-destructive evaluation (“NDE”) data. NDE data for an asset is received and at least one alignment algorithm to align the NDE data to a simulated model associated therewith is determined. The NDE data is automatically aligned to the simulated model, a display representation that visually represents the aligned NDE data on the simulated model is generated, and information about the aligned NDE data is exported. Additionally, second NDE data associated with the at least a portion of the asset may also be received, at least one alignment algorithm to align the data determined, and the second NDE data aligned. Respective indications associated with the first and second NDE data may be determined and visually represented on the simulated model. Moreover, a shot descriptor file may be analyzed to determine whether additional NDE data is required to complete an alignment of NDE data.
G06Q 10/04 - Forecasting or optimisation specially adapted for administrative or management purposes, e.g. linear programming or "cutting stock problem"
G06Q 10/06 - Resources, workflows, human or project managementEnterprise or organisation planningEnterprise or organisation modelling
21.
ENVIRONMENTAL SENSOR WITH TENSIONED WIRE EXHIBITING VARYING TRANSMISSION CHARACTERISTIC IN RESPONSE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Systems and methods for measuring environmental conditions of a sensing location, where a sensor (10) including a measuring surface (18) and a wire (22) coupled in tension to the measuring surface (18) over which ultrasonic signals may be transmitted and sensed. Signal analysis of ultrasonic signals transmitted over the tensioned wire (22) are analyzed to measure one or more environmental conditions acting on the measuring surface (18).
G01L 9/00 - Measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by electric or magnetic pressure-sensitive elementsTransmitting or indicating the displacement of mechanical pressure-sensitive elements, used to measure the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or fluent solid material, by electric or magnetic means
22.
Environmental sensor with tensioned wire exhibiting varying transmission characteristics in response to environmental conditions
Systems and methods for measuring environmental conditions of a sensing location, where a sensor including a measuring surface and a wire coupled in tension to the measuring surface over which ultrasonic signals may be transmitted and sensed. Signal analysis of ultrasonic signals transmitted over the tensioned wire are analyzed to measure one or more environmental conditions acting on the measuring surface.
G01L 5/10 - Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring tension in flexible members, e.g. ropes, cables, wires, threads, belts or bands using electrical means
G01L 7/00 - Measuring the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by mechanical or fluid pressure-sensitive elements
G01L 11/00 - Measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by means not provided for in group or
G01L 9/00 - Measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by electric or magnetic pressure-sensitive elementsTransmitting or indicating the displacement of mechanical pressure-sensitive elements, used to measure the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or fluent solid material, by electric or magnetic means
A broadband waveguide (10) incorporates various reflection suppression techniques to reduce reflections in signals communicated thereby. The waveguide includes one or more filaments (12) that each include a first and second end (14, 16). A first matrix (18) may be configured proximate the first end(s) while a second matrix (20) may be configured proximate an intermediate location between the first and second ends. A damping material (22b) may cover a portion of the filament(s) that extends from the second matrix to the second end(s) (including the second end(s) themselves) and/or the second end(s) of the filament(s) is/are shaped to at least partially suppress reflections of the signal therefrom. When configured with multiple filaments, at least two of the filaments may have differing lengths that extend from the second matrix and also operate to at least partially suppress reflections of a signal.
H01B 11/20 - Cables having a multiplicity of coaxial lines
G01N 29/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
H01P 5/02 - Coupling devices of the waveguide type with invariable factor of coupling
H01P 5/08 - Coupling devices of the waveguide type for linking lines or devices of different kinds
A broadband waveguide incorporates various reflection suppression techniques to reduce reflections in signals communicated thereby. The waveguide includes one or more filaments that each include a first and second end. A first matrix may be configured proximate the first end(s) while a second matrix may be configured proximate an intermediate location between the first and second ends. A damping material may cover a portion of the filament(s) that extends from the second matrix to the second end(s) (including the second end(s) themselves) and/or the second end(s) of the filament(s) is/are shaped to at least partially suppress reflections of the signal therefrom. When configured with multiple filaments, at least two of the filaments may have differing lengths that extend from the second matrix and also operate to at least partially suppress reflections of a signal.
Methods manage non-destructive evaluation (“NDE”) data. NDE data for an asset is received and at least one alignment algorithm to align the NDE data to a simulated model associated therewith is determined. The NDE data is automatically aligned to the simulated model, a display representation that visually represents the aligned NDE data on the simulated model is generated, and information about the aligned NDE data is exported. Additionally, second NDE data associated with the at least a portion of the asset may also be received, at least one alignment algorithm to align the data determined, and the second NDE data aligned. Respective indications associated with the first and second NDE data may be determined and visually represented on the simulated model. Moreover, a shot descriptor file may be analyzed to determine whether additional NDE data is required to complete an alignment of NDE data.
Embodiments of the invention include methods to manage non-destructive evaluation (“NDE”) data. The method includes receiving NDE data for at least a portion of an asset along with inspection information associated with the at least a portion of the asset, and determining at least one alignment algorithm to align the NDE data to a simulated model of the at least a portion of the asset based on at least one of the NDE data or the inspection information. The method further includes automatically aligning The NDE data to the simulated model with the at least one alignment algorithm and analyzing the aligned NDE data on the simulated model to determine coverage of the simulated model by the NDE data. Additional methods include retrieving NDE data that has previously been aligned to the simulated model and determining coverage or determining trends associated with indications thereof.
A method, apparatus and program product manage non-destructive evaluation (“NDE”) data. NDE data and inspection information for at least a portion of an asset are received and at least one alignment algorithm to align the NDE data to a simulated model of the at least a portion of the asset is determined based upon at least one of the NDE data and the inspection information. The NDE data is automatically aligned to the simulated model with the at least one alignment algorithm and a display representation that visually represents the aligned NDE data on the simulated model is generated.
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
A method, apparatus (10) and program product manage non-destructive evaluation ("NDE") data. NDE data (70) and inspection information (72) for at least a portion of an asset are received and at least one alignment algorithm (78) to align the NDE data to a simulated model (80) of the at least a portion of the asset is determined based upon at least one of the NDE data and the inspection information. The NDE data is automatically aligned to the simulated model with the at least one alignment algorithm and a display representation that visually represents the aligned NDE data on the simulated model is generated.
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Scientific research and development; design for others in the field of engineering; engineering professional services and software development in the areas of signal processing, image processing, parallel processing implementation of computer algorithms, non-destructive inspection data management, automatic target recognition, fiber optic sensing systems, health monitoring of aircraft engines and other machinery, development of pressure, vibration, temperature and strain sensors
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Engineering research and development, engineering professional services and software development in the areas of signal processing, image processing, parallel processing implementation of computer algorithms, non-destructive inspection data management, automatic target recognition, fiber optic sensing systems, health monitoring of aircraft engines and other machinery, development of pressure, vibration, temperature and strain sensors
