| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
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| 20080284846 | PROHIBITED MATERIALS VEHICLE DETECTION - A device for inspecting the underside of a vehicle includes a carriage supported by four swivable wheels and a forwardly extending arm with a light source and upwardly extending camera on a forward portion thereof. A second arm extends rearwardly and upwardly from a rear portion of the carriage and includes a video monitor for viewing an image generated by the video camera and a control unit. The device also includes a video transmitter for sending a picture from the camera to a remote location and three 12 volt batteries for powering the device. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080291270 | TRANSPORT SYSTEM FOR MONITORING INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES - A system transports a device into a piece of industrial equipment for the purpose of collecting data inside of the industrial equipment. In an embodiment, the industrial equipment is a furnace and the device is an IR camera. The system opens a door covering an opening on the furnace, moves the IR camera inside of the furnace for a short time, the IR camera captures images, and the system removes the camera from the furnace and closes the door. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20090015667 | In-Cylinder Imaging Apparatus and Method - An in-cylinder imaging apparatus is provided for an internal combustion engine defining a combustion chamber. The in-cylinder imaging apparatus includes a high-speed imaging device such as a high-speed digital camera. A borescope is provided in communication with the combustion chamber and is operable to communicate images of the combustion chamber to the high-speed imaging device. A high intensity light source, for example, a xenon light source, is operable to substantially illuminate the combustion chamber. The high-speed imaging device and borescope are in axial alignment with respect to each other and are mounted with respect to the internal combustion engine. A method of imaging the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine during engine operation employing the disclosed in-cylinder imaging apparatus is also provided. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090167851 | Imager Assembly For Remote Inspection Device - An imager assembly for a remote inspection device includes an imager body. A circuit board retainer is slidably received through an end of the imager body. The circuit board retainer has deflectable legs separated by a slot. A circuit board assembly has an imager device connected to a first circuit board. A second circuit board is electrically connected to the first circuit board. The second circuit board is received in the slot of the circuit board retainer and frictionally engaged by the deflectable legs. A flexible tube has a first end connected to an end of the imager body using a first ferrule. A male connector is connected to a second end of the flexible tube using a second ferrule. A wiring harness is disposed through a bore of the flexible tube. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090231423 | VIDEO RECORDING DEVICE FOR A WELDER'S HELMET - A weld recording system mounted in or on a welding helmet is provided. The weld recording system includes a camera assembly unit, a power supply unit, a processor, and removable memory. The weld recording system interfaces with lens control circuitry, an optical sensor, a welding power supply, and a helmet position sensor. Logic is provided for the triggering and recording of video and audio signals, which are eventually stored in a file for future reference. Transmission of signals from one or more welders to a monitoring station for eventual display is presented. An image processing algorithm is provided to combine multiple images with varied exposure times into a visual image of the weld and its surroundings. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090278924 | Inspection arrangement - It is necessary to provide inspection arrangements in order to facilitate prototype design of assemblies such as gas turbine engines as well as insitu testing of such assemblies. Previously endoscope type arrangements have been utilised, but the flexible or rigid stems in such endoscopes can cause fouling and snagging in use. By providing an inspection arrangement in which the inspection element is combined with a positioning tool such that the inspection element can be detached from the positioning tool through a releasable element, it is possible to avoid such snagging problems. The inspection element will be relatively self-sufficient and incorporate possibly a camera or other sensor for temperature of otherwise. The inspection element will typically incorporate a wireless link arrangement, or possibly incorporate a storage device for data such that the inspection element can be retrieved later with that data. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090309964 | PORTABLE VIEWING DEVICE - There is a portable viewing device for viewing difficult to view areas, wherein the portable viewing device includes a telescoping wand. The wand includes a body housing. The body housing includes a wireless transmission module, a first end including a selectably rechargeable power module configured to dock with a recharge module and a second end. The portable viewing device also includes a color camera coupled by a ball and joint swivel camera mount to the first end of the telescoping wand. The portable viewing device further includes a display device in communication with the color camera and configured to display visual information therefrom. The portable viewing device also includes a docking station having a recharge module, coupled to the display device and configured to selectably couple to the first end of the telescoping wand, thereby allowing the wand to dock thereto and be recharged. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20100020166 | Environmental hazard warning system - A system, including a radiological or other environmental hazard detector, has means to overlay graphical and or alpha numeric text video of the hazard status, alarm annunciation, and or hazard level information, onto the video output of a pre-existing surveillance camera installation. The surveillance camera installation can be fixed or mobile. The system, contained in a field installable module, may utilize power available from the surveillance camera installation. The analog video coaxial cable from the camera is interrupted, such that the video signal is run through the module. This system permits low cost installation of environmental hazard monitoring into an existing analog video surveillance system. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100033562 | METHOD OF MAPPING CONDITIONS IN A LIQUID STORAGE TANK - A method of mapping characteristics of a stored liquid and the liquid storage tank in which the liquid is stored us a remotely operated vehicle. Steps of the method include (a) maneuvering the ROV through a stored liquid, (b) recording camera-based data; and recording sensor-based data. The recorded data is preferably synchronized to gain a map of the characteristics in the storage tank. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100091103 | USER INTERFACE OF MINERAL MATERIAL PROCESSING EQUIPMENT - User interface of a mineral processing equipment governs a mineral processing line having several units (crushers, screens) connected in series. The user interface comprises a display screen ( | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100201801 | IMAGING DEVICE - An imaging device | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100321485 | Intrinsically safe video inspection system - An intrinsically safe video inspection system intended for use in a Class I, Zone 0 area is capable of visually surveying hazardous area locations; where the potential for fire or explosion exists because of gases, dust, or easily ignitable fibers in the atmosphere. The intrinsically safe camera of the present invention has the distinct ability to be used all areas that require increased safety and works in various hazardous environments, allowing users the ability to remotely view and inspect various mines, silos, and storage tanks. The inspection system includes a low power, high 3.2 megapixel resolution camera with digital zoom capability that allows for the close inspection and examination and utilizes an LED fiber light pipe for illumination needs. The video inspection system of the present invention provides for the illumination in various cavity sizes, while reducing the risk of unintended accidents. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20110050877 | HEAD SEPARATED CAMERA APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, a head-separated device has an imaging unit, a control unit configured to control the imaging unit and a connection unit configured to connect the imaging unit with the control unit, wherein the imaging unit comprises sensor configured to capture an image, and a transmitter configured to transmit a video signal, a sync signal (HD, VD) and a clock signal to restore or to reproduce the image captured by the sensor, and the control unit comprises a determining module configured to determine whether a waveform of the video signal has a level that the video processor is processable, and a setting module configured to set the transmitter to perform enhancement correction to the video signal, if the determining module determines that the waveform of the video signal does not have the level that the video processor is processable. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110069165 | Flexible Imaging Fiber Bundle Monitoring System for Combustion Turbines - An imaging system for on-line imaging of a component in a gas turbine engine. The imaging system includes a flexible imaging bundle formed by a plurality of optical elements. An imaging end of the optical elements images a component in a hot gas path of the engine during operation of the engine and a viewing end provides an image of the component at a location displaced from the hot gas path. The optical elements are surrounded by a flexible metal sheath that is permeable to air to provide cooling air the optical elements from an air source surrounding the flexible imaging bundle. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110090331 | ARTICULATING IMAGER FOR VIDEO BORESCOPE - A borescope includes a flexible cable having a signal carrier disposed throughout a length of the flexible cable. An imager head illuminates an object proximate to the imager head. An articulating member is disposed between the flexible cable and the imager head. The articulating member includes a spring having a coiled wire defining a central cavity, and an axially incompressible member positioned in a spring central cavity extending from a connector attached to an end of the flexible cable to the imager head. The incompressible member permits angular deflection of the imager head with respect to the flexible cable while precluding axial compression of the coiled wire and individual coil-to-coil contact. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110122243 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE FOR DETECTING CONTRAST TRANSITION, PARTICULARLY IN A MACHINE TOOL - An image processing device for detecting contrast transition comprises a digital imaging unit as an optical sensor unit, the digital sensor signals of which are processed in an evaluation unit. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110169938 | INSPECTION SYSTEM AND INSPECTION PROCESS UTILIZING MAGNETIC INSPECTION VEHICLE - An inspection vehicle configured to inspect steam generators includes a front chassis having two independently driven magnetic wheels, a rear chassis having two independently driven magnetic wheels, and a connecting member flexibly connecting the front chassis to the rear chassis to permit relative motion between the front chassis and the rear chassis along at least one axis. The connecting member, front chassis, and rear chassis collectively define a receiving area. The inspection vehicle also includes a navigation camera disposed on the front chassis and a pan and tilt inspection camera assembly including a first rotatable arm driven by a first motor, a second rotatable arm disposed on a distal portion of the first rotatable arm, the second rotatable arm being driven by a second motor, and an inspection camera rotatably disposed on a distal portion of the second arm, the inspection camera being driven by a third motor, the camera assembly being dimensioned to be received within the receiving area in a stowed position. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110169939 | Bridge Inspecting Device And Method - The present invention relates to a bridge inspecting device for inspecting a structure of a bridge. The device includes a vehicle, a pendulum mechanism and at least one image sensing device. The vehicle has an arm and is stably parked at an edge of the bridge. The pendulum mechanism has an end movably secured to the arm and the pendulum mechanism has at least one pendulum element. The at least one image sensing device is connected to another end of the pendulum mechanism. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110234787 | OPTICAL ALIGNMENT SYSTEM, SUCH AS FOR AN ORBITING CAMERA - A system and method for adjusting an optical system, such as that of a telescope in a satellite where the optical system is misaligned after launch of the satellite, includes obtaining at least one image captured by the optical system of the telescope, wherein the captured image is of at least one star. The system and method then analyzes the at least one image captured and generates adjustment signals to control at least one actuator to move at least one movable element in the optical system and perform positional correction of the optical system. Other details of the system and method are provided herein. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110273555 | INSPECTION VIDEO RADIATION FILTER - A method for filtering radiation on a CCD based camera inspection video, the method including: capturing video signals via the camera; converting the video signals to a plurality of digital video frames; identifying radiation bright spots, defined as xnoids, in a pixel of at least one of the frames, replacing the xnoids and surrounding pixels with corresponding pixels of another of the frames to create a filtered frame. A system for the inspection of a nuclear power plant comprising: a camera; and a computer, the computer configured to execute identifying xnoids in a pixel of at least one digitized video frame and replacing the xnoids and surrounding pixels with corresponding pixels of another of the frames to create a filtered frame. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20120002035 | MULTI-SPECTRAL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING MULTI-DIMENSIONAL TEMPERATURE DATA - In one embodiment, a system includes an imaging system configured to receive an image of a gas and a surface observable through the gas from an interior of a turbine, to split the image into a first two-dimensional intensity map of wavelengths indicative of a temperature of the gas and a second two-dimensional intensity map of wavelengths indicative of a temperature of the surface, and to output signals indicative of the first and second two-dimensional intensity maps. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120013729 | RADIATION TOLERANT CAMERA - A Radiation tolerant camera, including a camera module and having an electronic image sensor. The camera module is arranged in a radiation shielding enclosure, the enclosure having an opening for allowing passage of light into the image sensor. Furthermore, the camera module is connected to a heat absorbing cooling element dissipating heat from the camera module. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120062724 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - Provided is an endoscope apparatus for measuring a subject. The endoscope apparatus including: an elongated insertion unit; an image capturing unit being provided on a distal end part of the insertion unit, the image capturing unit configured to obtain an image of the subject: an illumination unit comprising a first light source and configured to illuminate an observation viewing field of the image capturing unit; and a fringe projection unit comprising a second light source configured to emit a light, which differs from a light of the first light source and a fringe pattern generation unit configured to form the fringe pattern and configured to project the fringe pattern on the subject. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120075459 | Miniature viewing camera and remote receiver unit - A miniature camera and remote receiver unit for viewing, observing and photographing small, confined and hard-to-get at spaces or areas includes a miniature wireless camera pivotally mounted to the end of a rod or wand with the power being provided by a power cord plugged into an outlet or being provided by an optional 9 volt power supply and the camera capable of transmitting images in real time a distance of at least several hundred feet to a remote handheld receiver unit that includes a display screen for viewing the images with the receiver unit being multi-channel to accommodate different data transmitting conditions and the receiver unit can also include an earphone as the receiver unit will include volume control buttons among its control functions. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120105619 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING IN REAL TIME, A GAP BETWEEN PORTIONS IN A MACHINE - A monitoring system for monitoring, in real time, a gap between a rotating portion and a stationary portion of a machine. The monitoring system includes an imaging device for forming a reference image of the gap and one or more next images of the gap, the imaging device including a portion disposed within the machine and a portion external to the machine. The system also includes an image processor coupled to the imaging device configured to monitor whether the gap is increasing or decreasing by comparing the reference image to the one or more next images. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120113244 | METHODS, APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS FOR MARKING MATERIAL COLOR DETECTION IN CONNECTION WITH LOCATE AND MARKING OPERATIONS - Systems, methods, and apparatus for determining a color of marking material dispensed by a marking device onto a surface to mark a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area that is planned to be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. In some embodiments, one or more camera systems (e.g., digital video cameras) are mounted on a marking device to capture information (e.g., one or more of image information, color information, motion information and light level information) relating to the surface being marked. The camera system(s) may be mounted near a nozzle of a marking material dispenser, so as to capture information relating to freshly dispensed marking material on the surface being marked. The captured information may be analyzed to determine a color of the freshly dispensed marking material, which may then be correlated with a type of facilities being marked. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120206591 | VISUAL INSPECTION DEVICE - A visual inspection device includes a housing with a support portion and a grip portion extending from the support portion, a flexible cable having a first end coupled to the housing and a second end, a camera assembly coupled to the second end of the flexible cable and operable to transmit image data through the flexible cable, and a display movably coupled to the support portion of the housing and operable to present an image derived from the image data. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120218401 | CABLE APPARATUS - A cable apparatus is provided and includes a cable to assume discrete positions, an actuator operably coupled to the cable and including a power source and a cable unit, which, when activated, causes the cable to translate and draws power from the power source and, when deactivated, draws no power and permits cable translation and a housing operably disposed along the cable and including a first element that rotates and translates with respect to the cable and a second element fixed to the cable, the first element being configured to cause the second element to rotate. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120224045 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REAL TIME VIDEO IMAGING OF THE SNOUT INTERIOR ON A HOT DIP COATING LINE - An apparatus and method for imaging the interior of a hot dip melt pot snout of a hot dip steel coating apparatus through the snout thereof. The system provided for high visual contrast and high resolution imaging, without the need for external illumination. The inventive apparatus and method image the interior of the hot dip melt pot snout at infrared wavelengths, and preferably in a wavelength range of 0.7 to 3 microns. The inventive apparatus and method provide valuable information about the condition of the hot dip melt pot snout and steel coating process which may be used to improve the quality of the produced coated steel. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120224046 | HAZZARD DETECTION AND MITIGATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - Provided as a system and method for providing monitoring of hazardous materials, including collecting environmental data via one or more sensors directed at the hazardous materials source, the environmental data including one or more environmentally detectable reference points; comparing the environmental data to current ambient conditions, the environmental data detectable in a reference frame by the sensors directed at the hazardous materials source, the reference frame including at least one of the one or more environmentally detectable reference points; performing an alert determination according to the comparison of the environmental data to the set of ambient conditions; and transmitting the alert determination to an existing fault detection system for the hazardous material source to enable the existing fault detection system to override a status rating of the hazardous materials source. Also included is a sensing system including modules operating on a processor. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120224047 | VISUAL INSPECTION DEVICE - A visual inspection device includes a body having a support portion and a grip portion extending from the support portion. The device also includes a flexible cable having a first end portion coupled to the body and a second end portion, and a camera assembly coupled to the second end portion of the flexible cable. The camera assembly includes an image sensor operable to transmit image data through the flexible cable. The device further includes a display supported by the support portion of the body. The display is electrically connected to the flexible cable to display image date from the image sensor. The device is powered by a rechargeable battery pack removably coupled to the body. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120242823 | RETRIEVING DEVICE - A retrieving device for retrieving an object may be provided. The retrieving device may include a retriever pole that may include a scooping device positioned at one end of the retriever pole. The scooping device may be configured to retrieve the object when positioned over the object. Additionally, the retrieving device may include a camera configured to record image data of an area within a viewing range of the camera and image data associated with the object. The retrieving device may also include a monitor positionable at the other end of the retrieving pole, which may be electrically coupled to the camera via an insulated electrical wire. The monitor may display the image data of the area and the image data associated with the object recorded by the camera. Furthermore, the retrieving device may include a power source that may be electrically coupled to the monitor and the camera. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120293646 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MULTI-FUNCTIONAL EMBEDDED SENSORS - A system and method for monitoring system including a embedded sensor coupled to an article, wherein the embedded sensor is a direct write embedded sensor using a high temperature light emitting material. A camera system detects illumination signals from the embedded sensors. A processing section processes the illumination signals and determines gas/surface temperatures and strain data for the article. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120293647 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MULTI-FUNCTIONAL EMBEDDED SENSORS - A system and method for monitoring system including a three dimensional embedded sensor coupled to an article, wherein the three dimensional embedded sensor is a direct write embedded sensor using a high temperature light emitting material. A camera system detects illumination signals from the embedded sensors. A processing section processes the illumination signals and determines gas/surface temperatures and strain data for the article. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120307039 | Apparatus for Providing a View of an Area that is Hard to Reach or Inaccessible - An apparatus for use in providing a view of an area is provided. The apparatus has a handle that can be gasped by a user and a screen for displaying a live image. Control members are present and are used to make selections. A freeze image is present and is capable of being displayed on the screen. Actuation of a single one of the control members causes the screen to toggle between the live image and the freeze image. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20130050466 | METHOD, DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING THE PRESENCE OF VOLATILE ORGANIC AND HAZARDOUS VAPORS USING AN INFRARED LIGHT SOURCE AND INFRARED VIDEO IMAGING - An enhanced infrared (IR) imaging based method for detecting volatile organic and hazardous vapors using the infrared spectral absorption properties of these vapors, and using a tunable infrared light source and a plurality of cameras tuned to particular frequency ranges to detect spectral absorption properties corresponding to the respective vapors. Illumination by an IR light source is used to enhance the visibility of vapor plumes in LWIR and MWIR cameras because ambient light may not have enough power in the specific absorption band of the VOC vapor. Plume regions are automatically determined by image and video processing methods by the system. Specific vapors can be detected by using tunable IR light sources because leaking plumes from a damaged component causes dark regions in images of LWIR and/or MWIR cameras depending on the absorption wavelength of the plume. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130083187 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HANDS FREE INSPECTION - Systems and methods for inspecting a device are disclosed. The method includes arranging the device in a known position relative to a plurality of movable cameras. The plurality of movable cameras is mounted on a controllable actuator. The plurality of cameras is pointed at the device by controlling the controllable actuator to position the camera with a user interface. An image of the device generated by the camera is displayed on a mobile and wireless display. The computing device also causes a rendered virtual image of the device to be displayed on the mobile and wireless display. A stream of interest and a region of interest is selected at the mobile and wireless display from the images generated by the cameras. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130088587 | HOUGH TRANSFORM APPROACH TO GAP MEASUREMENT IN BLADE INSPECTION - Two adjacent objects with a gap between the objects rotate in a hot atmosphere with a temperature greater than 300 F in a gas turbine. Automatic and accurate contactless measurement of the gap is performed by taking images of the gap. An image, preferably an infra-red image is taken from the gap, a processor extracts the two edges from the image of the gap. The processor also determines a line through the pixels of an edge by applying a Hough transform on the pixels. The edges are substantially parallel. A line substantially perpendicular to the lines is also determined. Using the substantially parallel lines and the line substantially perpendicular to the substantially parallel lines the processor determines a width of the gap. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130093876 | HOLE INSPECTION METHOD AND HOLE INSPECTION DEVICE - While an insert shaft ( | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130100274 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - Provided is an endoscope apparatus including an illumination unit and an image acquisition unit, wherein the illumination unit has a light emission unit at which a light source is installed, and a mask configured to shield some of the light emitted from the light emission unit, and when an irradiation angle of the light measured when an optical axis of the light emission unit is set to 0° is set to θ, a function of the irradiation angle θ representing angular distribution of the light emitted from the light emission unit is set to f(θ), and a maximum angle defined to be vignetted by the mask when the optical axis of the light emission unit is set to 0° is set to θ | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130113913 | System and Method for Data-Driven Automated Borescope Inspection - A system and method for performing automated defect detection of blades within an engine is disclosed. The system and method may include an image capture device capable of capturing and transmitting images of a plurality of blades of an engine, creating a normal blade model of an undamaged one of the plurality of blades and determining defects within the plurality of blades by utilizing the normal blade model. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130113914 | System and Method for Automated Borescope Inspection User Interface - A system and method for improving human-machine interface while performing automated defect detection is disclosed. The system and method may include an image capture device for capturing and transmitting data of an object, performing automated analysis of the data and reviewing results of the automated analysis by a human inspector and providing feedback. The system and method may further include refining the automated analysis of the data based upon the feedback of the human inspector. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130113915 | Method and System for Position Control Based on Automated Defect Detection Feedback - A computer program product and method for performing position control on device members that have been identified as defective. The method may include providing a storage medium that stores data and programs used in processing images and a processing unit that processes the images, receiving, by the processing unit from an image capture device coupled to the processing unit, a set of images of a plurality of members inside of a device, detecting, by the processing unit, a defect in a first member of the plurality of members, and providing instructions to move the first member to an inspection position in the device. The device may be an engine and the members may be blades within the engine. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130135457 | APPARATUS AND A METHOD OF INSPECTING A TURBOMACHINE - An apparatus for inspecting a turbomachine includes a plurality of horoscopes, a device to rotate the rotor of the turbomachine and a processor having reference measurements of the rotor blades and/or reference measurements between the rotor blades and the horoscopes. A boroscope is inserted in a casing aperture upstream of the blades to view the leading edge and a portion of one of the surfaces of each blade as the rotor is rotated. A boroscope is inserted in a casing aperture downstream of the blades to view the trailing edge and a portion of one of the surfaces of each blade as the rotor is rotated. The boroscopes supply the images of each of the blades to the processor. The processor analyses the images of the blades and uses the reference measurements to determine the position and size of any defect on any of the rotor blades. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130176417 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR STEERING AN INSERTION TUBE OF A VIDEO INSPECTION DEVICE - A method and system for steering an insertion tube of a video inspection device is disclosed for detecting a precise steering request made by displacing a pointing device from its stationary position and then returning the pointing device to or near its stationary position within a short interval of time. This precise steering request is then used by the video inspection device to steer the insertion tube a fixed distance in a direction based on the direction of the displacement of the pointing device for precise positioning of the camera head of the insertion tube. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130188036 | CAMERA SYSTEM FOR HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS - A camera system is provided for use in a high-radiation environment includes a camera assembly with a housing enclosing an image sensor for generating a digital signal of a detected image and a first serializer/deserializer (SERDES) for converting the digital signal from the image sensor into a serial bit stream. A transmission medium transmits the serial bit stream to an image processing module located outside of the high-radiation environment where a second SERDES deserializes the serial bit stream to generate a decoded image signal which is processed by an image processor to generate an output at a display device corresponding to the detected image. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130194411 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ONLINE INSPECTION OF TURBINES INCLUDING TEMPERATURE AND VIBRATION COMPENSATING LENS MOUNT - Optical camera systems for nondestructive internal inspection of online, operating power generation turbines, including gas turbine combustor and turbine sections that are at high operating temperatures in the range of over 600° C. (1112° F.). The system includes one or more temperature and vibration-compensating lens systems in the optical tube mount. The lens is circumferentially retained within a lens mount, with a mounting ring in contact with only the lens axial face. A biasing element exerts axially oriented biasing force on the first lens face through the first mounting ring, allowing for mount flexure in response to operational turbine vibration and temperature changes. The lens mount is advantageously combined with aspheric lenses capable of withstanding continuous operating temperatures above 600° C. The aspheric lenses, alone or in combination with spherical lenses, establish a wider field of view, and require fewer lenses in combination than lens mounts incorporating only spherical lenses. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130194412 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED OPTICAL INSPECTION OF INDUSTRIAL GAS TURBINES AND OTHER POWER GENERATION MACHINERY WITH ARTICULATED MULTI-AXIS INSPECTION SCOPE - Internal components of power generation machinery, such as gas and steam turbines are inspected with an optical camera inspection system that is capable of automatically positioning the camera field of view (FOV) to an area of interest within the machinery along a pre-designated navigation path and capturing images without human intervention. Automatic camera positioning and image capture can be initiated automatically or after receipt of operator permission. The pre-designated navigation path can be defined by operator manual positioning of an inspection scope within the power machine or a similar one of the same type and recording of positioning steps for future replication. The navigation path can also be defined by virtual simulation. The inspection system includes an articulated multi-axis inspection scope. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130194413 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED OPTICAL INSPECTION OF INDUSTRIAL GAS TURBINES AND OTHER POWER GENERATION MACHINERY - Internal components of power generation machinery, such as gas and steam turbines are inspected with an optical camera inspection system that is capable of automatically positioning the camera field of view (FOV) to an area of interest within the machinery along a pre-designated navigation path and capturing images without human intervention. Automatic camera positioning and image capture can be initiated automatically or after receipt of operator permission. The pre-designated navigation path can be defined by operator manual positioning of an inspection scope within the power machine or a similar one of the same type and recording of positioning steps for future replication. The navigation path can also be defined by virtual simulation. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130222571 | TEREHERTZ IMAGING IN BOILERS - An imaging system with the ability to produce clear images of deposits inside operating high temperature process equipment such as kraft recovery boilers and power utility boilers uses a terahertz/mm-wave imaging system. This system allows direct inspection capability and the ability to directly measure deposit thickness on tubes and other interior surfaces at all locations within the boiler and precipitator. Terahertz and mm-wave imaging systems employ active imaging in which a beam of terahertz or mm-wave radiation generated within the imaging system is used to illuminate a region of the scene under investigation. The reflected radiation is collected by a lens or mirror system and focused onto a detector that converts the collected radiation into an electrical signal. Both the illuminating beam and the receiving optics are scanned across the scene in a raster fashion to produce a time-varying signal that is converted into an image of the scene. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130222572 | LIGHTING APPARATUS FOR VACUUM APPARATUS - A lighting apparatus for a vacuum apparatus that allows light to enter the inside of the vacuum apparatus through an observation window and makes it possible to see the inside of the vacuum apparatus through the observation window by illuminating the inside of the vacuum apparatus includes a coupling adapter that is removably coupled to the observation window via a coupling unit, an opening that is formed in a central part of the coupling adapter and allows the inside of the vacuum apparatus to be seen through the observation window, and a plurality of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) that are placed in the coupling adapter and face the observation window. The lighting apparatus is attached to the observation window for seeing the inside of the vacuum apparatus and illuminates the inside of the vacuum apparatus. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130222573 | PERIPHERAL MONITORING DEVICE FOR WORKING MACHINE - This invention includes: an obstacle detection unit | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130265409 | Imaging Methods and Systems for Controlling Equipment in Remote Environments - Imaging methods and systems for controlling equipment in remote environments are disclosed herein. An example system disclosed herein to control equipment in a remote environment includes an imaging assembly to determine feedback data based on measurement data obtained from a plurality of remote imaging systems controllable to process different respective optical fields-of-view in the remote environment, a flushing assembly controllable to project fluid to clear the optical fields-of-view in the remote environment, and a controller to process the feedback data to determine a control signal to control operation of at least one of (1) the plurality of remote imaging systems or (2) the flushing assembly. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130278747 | OPTICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD - An optical system in a video probe assembly includes a plurality of lenses configured to refract separate linearly polarized rays under different refractive indexes to form a plurality of different focal lengths. The optical system includes at least one light modulating element that modulates a polarization state of the linearly polarized rays passing through the at least one light modulating element in response to a control signal. The optical system includes a polarizer element that filters out some of the modulated linearly polarized rays passing through the polarizer element. A method of inspecting a target with an optical system of a video probe assembly is also provided. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130300855 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING AN INTERNAL INSPECTION ON A WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADE | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130307961 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR VISUAL ANALYSIS OF A WIND TURBINE BLADE - The device includes an image capturing element for acquiring at least one image of at least one portion of a wind turbine blade. The image capturing element is configured for being triggered to acquire said image according to parameters related to the wind turbine blade such as blade azimuth and blade pitch at a given time. Acquired images are compared with predetermined reference images having such parameters associated therewith. Other parameters such as blade surface temperature or wind speed may be used. The image capturing element-may include a CCD device mounted on an upper portion of a wind turbine nacelle. An alarm signal can be sent to warn an operator for any abnormalities on the wind turbine blade surface. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130314529 | Vessel Inspection System - This disclosure concerns a typical inspection device of the invention. In some embodiments, the inspection device functions in a storage vessel, such as a underground fuel tank, including storage vessels that comprise an explosive mixture of gases. Also, this disclosure concerns a process for inspecting the inside of the storage vessel, in some cases creating a record of the image of the inside of the storage vessel. Invention processes do not require a step of inerting the vessel. Invention devices can operate in a vessel that has not been subjected to an inerting step. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130321612 | DEVICE FOR SEARCHING FOR DEFECTS ON PARTS BY ENDOSCOPY - A device for searching for defects on parts that are masked, such as turbine engine blades, the device including a tubular sheath, a light-guide guiding light, an image-transmission mechanism transmitting images housed inside the sheath, an examination head at a distal end of the sheath including an illumination mechanism and an image-taking mechanism connected to the light-guide and to the image-transmission mechanism housed in the sheath, a mechanism spraying a succession of penetrant test materials on the part for inspection including a capillary slidably guided in a duct housed in the sheath, and a mechanism adjusting orientation of the examination head at the distal end of the sheath. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130335549 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTICAL INSPECTION OF OFF-LINE INDUSTRIAL GAS TURBINES AND OTHER POWER GENERATION MACHINERY WHILE IN TURNING GEAR MODE - Internal components of gas and steam turbines are inspected with an optical camera inspection system that is capable of automatically and/or manually positioning the camera field of view (FOV) to an area of interest within the turbine along a pre-designated navigation path and capturing images with or without human intervention. Camera positioning and image capture can be initiated automatically or after receipt of operator permission. The inspection system includes an articulated multi-axis inspection scope with an optical camera that is inserted through a combustor nozzle access port, combustor and transition, so that the camera FOV captures the leading edge of Row 1 rotating turbine blades while the rotor is spinning at up to 1000 RPM. An illumination system strobe light and the camera image capture are synchronized with the blade rotation speed so that images of multiple or all blades may be obtained from a single inspection scope insertion point. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130335550 | INFRARED SENSOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Infrared imaging systems and methods disclosed herein, in accordance with one or more embodiments, provide for a wireless thermal imaging system comprising one or more wireless thermal image sensors adapted to capture and provide thermal images of structural objects of a structure for monitoring moisture of the structural objects and a processing component adapted to receive the thermal images of the structural objects from the one or more wireless thermal image sensors, and process the thermal images of the structural objects to generate moisture content information for remote analysis of restoration conditions of the structural objects. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20140002630 | ENDOSCOPIC APPARATUS AND MEASURING METHOD | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140028829 | APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR COLLECTING INFORMATION - Described embodiments include devices and systems for collecting information from environments, including from hazardous environments. Methods of deploying such devices are also disclosed. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140028830 | DEPLOYABLE DEVICES AND METHODS OF DEPLOYING DEVICES - A system for obtaining and displaying such images and environmental information from environments is disclosed, as well as a sensor device and a host configured for use in the system, the sensor device having camera assemblies, environmental sensors, and being connected to the host via a wireless communications link. Methods for obtaining and presenting the images and environmental information using the system are also disclosed. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140055596 | FLEXIBLE LINKAGE CAMERA SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VISUAL INSPECTION OF OFF LINE INDUSTRIAL GAS TURBINES AND OTHER POWER GENERATION MACHINERY - Internal components of power generation machinery, including for example gas or steam industrial turbines as well as generators, are inspected a camera inspection system that is inserted and positioned within the machinery by an elongated cable carrier that has restricted cable flexure along a two-dimensional carrier cable flexure motion plane. A camera head that retains the camera is coupled to a distal end of the cable carrier. Embodiments also include a connector block coupled between the cable carrier distal end and the camera head. The connector block has a pivot axis coupled to the camera head for swinging the camera head along a camera head range of motion path that intersects the cable carrier flexure motion plane. Embodiments include a camera head swing motion drive system for selectively positioning the camera head along the camera head range of motion path. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140055597 | REMOTE ATTACHING AND DETACHING DEVICE INCLUDING CELL CAMERA - A remote attaching and detaching device is provided, which includes a camera module to substitute a worker's vision in such an environment where the worker's direct access to the in-cell is extremely limited or impossible. In a remote attaching and detaching device including a camera module for monitoring operating environment of a slave arm of a remote robot working in hazardous environment, the remote attaching and detaching device includes a fixing module fixed to a proximity of a gripper provided on the slave arm, and the camera module is attachable to and detachable from the fixing module, and provides visual in-cell information or situation about surroundings of the gripper. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140063227 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ONLINE INSPECTION OF TURBINES USING AN OPTICAL TUBE WITH BROADSPECTRUM MIRRORS - An optical inspection system for nondestructive internal visual inspection and non-contact infra-red (IR) temperature monitoring of an online, operating power generation turbine. The optical inspection system includes an optical tube having a viewing port, at least one reflective mirror or a mirror array having a reflectivity spectral range from 550 nm to 20 μm, and capable of continuous operation at temperatures greater than 932 degrees Fahrenheit (500 degrees Celsius), and a transparent window with high transmission within the same spectral range mounted distal the viewing port. The same optical mirror array may be used to measure selectively surface temperature of metal turbine blades in the near IR range (approximately 1 μm wavelength) and of thermal barrier coated turbine blades in the long IR range (approximately 10 μm wavelength). | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140063228 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CLEANING SURFACES AND NON-DESTRUCTIVE INSPECTION THEREOF - An inspection system and methods for remote cleaning and inspection of difficult to access components within complex machinery. The system includes a display screen, a video borescope coupled to the display screen, an insertion tube, a camera head disposed at a distal end of the insertion tube, a feature for capturing an image and/or video with the camera head and displaying the image and/or video on the display screen, and a feature for remotely steering the distal end of the insertion tube as well as a nozzle of a feed tube that is attached to the insertion tube and adapted to apply a cleaning fluid to a surface to be inspected. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140071265 | ENDOSCOPE - This endoscope is provided with: a main housing unit that is formed from a material having a surface resistance of 1 GΩ or less; a display unit that is mounted on one surface of the external surfaces of the main housing unit and displays images of an observation subject; an operating input portion that is mounted on the one surface of the main housing unit; and a sun-blocking shade that is fixed to the one surface of the main housing unit and protrudes from the one surface in a direction that intersects the one surface so as to surround a portion of the periphery of the display unit, and that is formed from a flexible resin whose surface resistance is 1 GΩ or less, and is characterized by the fact that the entire display unit and operating input portion are located within a space that is defined by the main housing unit and the shade. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140078287 | ENDOSCOPE - In the endoscope of the present invention, first electronic components and second electronic components are provided inside an elongated insertion portion, and a solid ground pattern that extends over a greater range than the first electronic components is interposed between the first electronic components and the second electronic components. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140092233 | MARKER FOR APPLICATION TO SURFACES AT HIGH AND SUSTAINED OPERATING TEMPERATURES - There is provided a marker system for applying to surfaces operating at high temperatures, the marker system comprising a marker and a temperature resilient medium capable of securing the marker system onto a high temperature surface; wherein the medium contains an inorganic matrix to secure the marker to a surface; wherein the marker comprises a fingerprint to render the marker unique; and wherein the marker system further comprises indicator material to indicate the presence of the marker. Further provided is a composition comprising the marker system. Further provided are engines, exhaust systems and/or catalytic converters or other surfaces operating at high temperatures comprising a surface impregnated with the marker system. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140111634 | VISUAL INSPECTION DEVICE - A visual inspection device includes a housing, a handle coupled to the housing that is grasped by a user while the device is in use, an articulating camera unit coupled to the housing, and a display unit coupled to the housing to display an image transmitted by the articulating camera unit. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140125791 | COMBUSTOR IMAGING INSPECTION SYSTEM - An imaging inspection system and inspection method for a combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine having an imaging inspection device and a controller. The imaging inspection device includes a combustor interface, an inspection head having a first camera, an inspection head extender, a roll actuator, and a pitch actuator. The controller is configured to manipulate the inspection head in a predefined sequence. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140160268 | VISUAL INSPECTION DEVICE - A visual inspection device includes a body having a support portion and a grip portion extending from the support portion. The device also includes a flexible cable having a first end portion coupled to the body and a second end portion, and a camera assembly coupled to the second end portion of the flexible cable. The camera assembly includes an image sensor operable to transmit image data through the flexible cable. The device further includes a display supported by the support portion of the body. The display is electrically connected to the flexible cable to display image date from the image sensor. The device is powered by a rechargeable battery pack removably coupled to the body. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140176695 | IMAGING SYSTEM FOR INSPECTING A TURBINE - An imaging system for inspecting a turbine through an opening in a turbine casing is disclosed. The system includes a fitting installed in the opening. A lens assembly is mounted to a first side of the fitting and extends inside of the turbine casing. A fiber optic bundle is mounted to a second side of the fitting and extends outside of the turbine casing to a camera disposed remote from the opening. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140210986 | Tracking-Enabled Multi-Axis Tool for Limited Access Inspection - A multi-axis tool may include, in some embodiments, a gimbal adapted to be positioned adjacent an opening in a wall; an extended-reach device having first and second ends and an end effector adjacent the first end, the extended-reach device engaging the gimbal for relative rotational movement and relative slidable movement through the opening such that the end effector is positioned on a side of the wall opposite the second end; a sensor system configured to measure a linear position of the extended-reach device relative to the gimbal, and a position and spatial orientation of the end effector relative to the opening; and a computer control connected to receive signals from the sensor system to determine at least one of a position and an orientation of the end effector relative to the opening. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140210987 | Temperature Display Helmet - A heads-up digital display within a firefighting or welding helmet that indicates the temperature of the observed region is disclosed. Data is provided by a thermal imaging camera mounted on or through the helmet's exterior surface. Readings of the temperature across the field of vision may be localized and calibrated to a target point such as crosshairs, printed on the face shield, or may be generalized, for example taking an average temperature or maximum temperature from across the field of vision. The temperature reading would be displayed digitally on a temperature display mounted within the helmet. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140210988 | Inspection Apparatus and Method for Producing Image for Inspection - In order to obtain a quality image without deterioration owing to radiation noise in inspection using the optical video camera in high radiation environment, an inspection apparatus is formed of an image pick-up unit, an image obtaining unit which fetches a video image that contains a signal (noise) that is substantially independent of each frame obtained by the image pick-up unit, a local alignment unit which locally aligns frames with different time phases for forming the image fetched by the image obtaining unit, a frame synthesizing unit which synthesizes the plurality of frames aligned by the local alignment unit for generating a synthesis frame with an SN ratio higher than the SN ratio of the frame before frame synthesis, and an image output unit for displaying or recording the image formed of the synthesis frame generated by the frame synthesizing unit. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140218500 | SENSOR FOR IMAGING INSIDE EQUIPMENT - A system for monitoring performance of a machine for detection of visible signs of failure, includes: a machine enclosure housing machine parts; at least one canal through the machine enclosure acting as a visual conduit for providing a view into the interior of the machine; a guide rail within the canal for moving a camera into the interior; an interface to the machine configured to receive images from the visual conduit; and a repair network for linking the interface to a monitoring center that provides for the repair of problems with the machine. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140253715 | PHOTOGRAPHY SYSTEM AND PHOTOGRAPHY METHOD - A photography system includes: an observation scope inserted into a hole of a case in which a plurality of sets of subject groups, each of which includes a plurality of subjects that are cyclically disposed around a rotary shaft and rotate around the rotary shaft, are housed along with the rotary shaft and a plurality of holes are formed to penetrate through the case and configured to sequentially acquire light from the plurality of subjects included in one set of subject groups among the plurality of sets of subject groups; an imaging section configured to continuously image light acquired by the observation scope to generate an image in a state in which the plurality of sets of subject groups rotate; and a display section configured to display the image generated by the imaging section. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140267677 | TURBOMACHINE COMPONENT MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD - Various embodiments include approaches for monitoring turbomachine components. In various particular embodiments, a system for monitoring a component within a turbomachine includes: a borescope probe sized to pass through an opening in the turbomachine, the borescope probe for detecting a symbolic data array on the component within the turbomachine; and at least one computing device operably coupled to the borescope probe, the at least one computing device configured to: obtain image data about the symbolic data array from the borescope probe; evaluate the image data to determine whether the image data is compatible with a symbolic data array analysis program; and analyze the image data using the symbolic data array analysis program in response to determining the image data is compatible with the symbolic data array analysis program. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140267678 | PHOTOGRAPHY SYSTEM - A photography system includes: an observation scope inserted into a hole of a case in which a plurality of subjects, which are cyclically disposed around a rotary shaft and rotate around the rotary shaft, are housed along with the rotary shaft and the hole is formed to penetrate through the case, the observation scope being configured to sequentially acquire light from the plurality of subjects; an imaging section configured to generate an image by continuously imaging light acquired by the observation scope; a sensor configured to continuously detect states of the plurality of subjects which rotate and sequentially output detection values; and an image acquisition section configured to detect a position of the subject based on cyclic variation of the detection value and acquire the image including the subject at the detected position which is a predetermined position. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140293038 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ADJUSTING BRIGHTNESS OF A LIGHT SOURCE - Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for adjusting brightness of a light source. In general, the devices and methods can allow brightness of a light source to be adjusted by varying a power supply of the light source. The power supply can be varied in response to a user input. In one exemplary embodiment, the light source can be included as part of a scope, e.g., a borescope, an endoscope, etc., configured to be advanced into a target and to gather one or more video images and/or one or more still images within the target using a camera. The light source can be configured to illuminate the target at a selected one of the variable amounts of brightness. A white balance of the light source can be configured to automatically adjust in response to the selected amount of brightness. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140320630 | DEVICE FOR AN AUTOMOBILE FUEL INTAKE CATALYTIC SYSTEM TEST AND ITS TEST METHOD - This invention is a method to prevent excessive maintenance to vehicle lubricating system based on detection, to overcome the defect in maintenance procedure. The method prevents excessive maintenance to vehicle lubricating system based on detection, with oil detection module and host controller. Its working principle is to detect the aging degree of lube before maintenance, and decide whether to change the lube according to detection result. It will help to prevent excessive maintenance, reduce maintenance cost for car owners, and decrease the waste of resource. Oil detection module includes oil chamber sensor, capacitance detection chip, and etc. Host controller is connected to oil detection module by cables. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20150015693 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTICAL FIBER BASED IMAGE ACQUISITION SUITABLE FOR USE IN TURBINE ENGINES - A system and a method for image acquisition suitable for use in a turbine engine are disclosed. Light received from a field of view in an object plane is projected onto an image plane through an optical modulation device and is transferred through an image conduit to a sensor array. The sensor array generates a set of sampled image signals in a sensing basis based on light received from the image conduit. Finally, the sampled image signals are transformed from the sensing basis to a representation basis and a set of estimated image signals are generated therefrom. The estimated image signals are used for reconstructing an image and/or a motion-video of a region of interest within a turbine engine. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150022655 | APPARATUS AND METHOD USING A LINEAR ARRAY OF OPTICAL SENSORS FOR IMAGING A ROTATING COMPONENT OF A GAS TURBINE ENGINE - Apparatus and method using a linear array ( | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150035967 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EMBEDDED IMAGING CLOCKING - An embedded imaging system in one embodiment includes an encoding module, an imaging module, and a cable. The encoding module is disposed proximate to a proximal end of the system, and is configured to encode frame synchronizing information into timing information comprising a reference clock. The imaging module is disposed proximate the distal end, and includes an image capture device configured to obtain imaging information and a decoding module. The decoding control module is configured to obtain the timing information, to decode the timing information to obtain recovered frame synchronizing information, and to control the image capture device using the recovered frame synchronizing information. The cable is interposed between the proximal end and the distal end, and is configured for passage therethrough of the timing information and the imaging information. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150035968 | BLADE INSPECTION SYSTEM - Regarding a blade inspection system, each of endo scope guide devices for a borescope has an insertion portion guide tube for guiding an insertion portion and a first fixing portion which is provided on the insertion portion guide tube and fixes the insertion portion guide tube in a corresponding external access port. When the insertion portion is attached into the insertion portion guide tube, lengths of extending portions of the endoscope guide devices are different between the plurality of endoscope guide devices extending from the corresponding external access port so that a position for observing a predetermined portion of a blade by an observation optical system of the insertion portion comes to a position determined in advance for each of the corresponding external access ports. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150035969 | BLADE INSPECTION APPARATUS AND BLADE INSPECTION METHOD - A blade inspection apparatus has a borescope and a PC. The borescope has a distance sensor for detecting an insertion length when an insertion section of the borescope is inserted through a hole provided in a casing in which a rotor of an engine is housed, an acceleration sensor for detecting an attitude of the insertion section, and distance sensors for detecting two distances from the insertion section to two stator vanes on a stator. The PC compares the attitude and two distances detected in the borescope with the attitude and two distances relating to an inspection image stored in a HDD. When a match occurs therebetween, the PC outputs match information. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150054939 | INTERNAL INSPECTION OF MACHINERY BY STITCHED SURFACE IMAGING - A method of generating a comprehensive image ( | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150085100 | SYSTEM FOR DETECTION OF ANIMALS AND PESTS - An pest detector includes an atrium at least one tunnel that funnels the pest into the atrium. The pest detector further includes at least one sensor pointed at the atrium or the tunnel. The pest detector further includes a camera pointed at the atrium that photographs an pest when the pest is detected by the at least one sensor. The pest detector further includes a communicator that sends a notification if an pest is detected by the at least one sensor. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150092039 | IN-SITU BLADE-MOUNTED OPTICAL CAMERA INSPECTION SYSTEM FOR TURBINE ENGINES - Turbine engine casing interiors are visually inspected in a fully assembled turbine casing by mounting an optical camera on a turbine blade that captures optical images, such as of the casing abradable surface. Optical images are recorded as the blade circumferentially sweeps the turbine casing when the turbine is operated in turning gear mode or manually rotated. Blade rotational position data are collected by a rotational position sensor. A data processing system correlates the captured optical images and rotational position data about the turbine casing circumference. This method and apparatus provide an accurate and cost effective solution for accessing a turbine casing interior. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150103158 | ATTACHABLE WIRELESS MICRO-CAMERA AND SOFTWARE - A wireless micro-camera is present on an expandable band that can be placed on various tools and devices to allow its user to view difficult-to-see locations on the screen of the user's smart device. The band can also include a light and charging mechanism. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150130924 | ELECTRONIC APPARATUS FOR HOSE ATTACHMENT TO ENHANCE VISIBILITY AND SAFETY AND METHOD THEREFOR - An illumination device for attachment to a hose has a housing coupled to the hose. The housing allows a substance from the hose to flow through the housing. An electronic circuit is stored in an interior of the housing to illuminate an area in front of the hose and to transmit data to and from the illumination device. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150292976 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING LEAKS IN STEAM TURBINES - A system for detecting a leak in a steam turbine includes an infrared imaging device adapted to scan at least a portion of the steam turbine and communicate with a notification device. The infrared imaging device includes a cooled detector and a filter with a spectral response or bandpass between about 2.5 μm and about 8 μm. The leak will be indicated on the notification device, and the cooled detector is cooled to between about −80° C. and about −200° C. The steam turbine may be on-line during leak detection. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150296146 | ELECTRICAL CABINET INFRARED MONITOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Various techniques are provided to monitor electrical equipment. In some implementations, a monitoring system for a cabinet may include an infrared camera and a non-thermal camera. The infrared camera may be configured to capture one or more thermal images of at least a portion of electrical equipment positioned in an interior cavity of the cabinet. The non-thermal camera may be configured to capture one or more non-thermal images such as visible light images of the portion of electrical equipment. In some implementations, combined images may be generated that include characteristics of the thermal images and the non-thermal images for viewing by a user. In some implementations, the cameras may receive electrical power through a physical coupling to an electrical connector within the cabinet and/or through electromagnetic energy harvesting techniques. Other implementations are also provided. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150300199 | TURBOFAN WITH OPTICAL DIAGNOSTIC CAPABILITIES - A system for diagnosing a rotating airfoil has an image capture device and a light emitting device. A control is programmed to actuate at least one of the image capture device and the light at a particular time to capture an image of a rotating airfoil being monitored, and then compare the captured image to an expected image. A method of diagnosing damage to a rotating airfoil is also disclosed. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150319410 | BORESCOPE AND NAVIGATION METHOD THEREOF - The borescope includes an insertion tube, a first image processor, a model store unit, a pose calculator, a second image processor, a navigation image calculator and a display. The insertion tube includes a detection head and at least one sensor for receiving signals in the insertion tube and generating sensed signals. The first image processor is for calculating a first image based on first image signals captured by the detection head. The second image processor is for adjusting the initial pose calculated by the pose calculator to a navigation pose until a difference between the first image and a second image calculated based on the navigation pose and a predetermined model falls in an allowable range. The navigation image calculator is for calculating a navigation image based on the navigation pose and the predetermined model. The display is for showing the navigation image. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150337884 | AN IMPROVED LOAD-INDICATING DEVICE - The present invention provides improved load-indicating devices for use with structural assemblies that require accurate tensioning of fastening components such as nuts and bolts. In one embodiment, the load-indicating device comprises a body portion defining a bore extending therethrough, a movable member disposed in at least part of the body portion and configured to move in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis of the bore, and an adjustment means coupled to the movable member and operable to displace the movable member when the body portion is compressed. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150338353 | OPTICAL INSPECTION SCOPE WITH DEFORMABLE, SELF-SUPPORTING DEPLOYMENT TETHER - Non-destructive evaluation optical inspection systems include video cameras or other reflective-photonic optical instruments, such as laser profilometers or 3D white light laser dimensional scanners, which are incorporated in a camera head. The camera head is coupled to a distal end of a self-supporting and shape-retaining elongate deformable deployment tether. The deployment tether is bendable, for insertion through cavities of power generation machines and orientation of the camera head field of view on the internal area of interest. The deployment tether is capable of being deformed repeatedly, for inspection of different areas of interest. In some embodiments, interchangeable camera heads are selectively coupled to the deployment tether, so that a kit or family of different optical inspection instruments are available to carry out multiple types of inspections within a single or multiple types of power generation machinery. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150341600 | FLEXIBLE TETHER POSITION TRACKING CAMERA INSPECTION SYSTEM FOR VISUAL INSPECTION OF OFF LINE INDUSTRIAL GAS TURBINES AND OTHER POWER GENERATION MACHINERY - A camera scope inspection system with a flexible, tether mounted camera head that is maneuverable in confined internal cavities of power generation machinery. A camera head position sensing system inferentially determines the three dimension (3D) position of the camera head within the inspected machinery. Camera head position data are correlated with camera image data by a controller. In this manner correlated internal inspection image data and corresponding position data are available for future analysis and image tracking. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150350553 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MENU DIRECTED INSPECTION - A non-destructive testing (NDT) device includes a processor operatively coupled to a camera and to a display. The processor is configured to navigate a graphical tree model of an inspection. The graphical tree model includes a plurality of nodes that each correspond to an inspection point of the inspection. The processor is also configured to display at least one of the plurality of nodes; the display of a node includes an icon indicative of the presence of a flagged image, a flagged video, or a combination thereof associated with the node. Further, the processor is configured to receive a user selection of the at least one of the plurality of nodes, receive a user input to acquire an image or video, associate the image or video with the selected one of the plurality of nodes, and update the display of the selected one of the plurality of nodes. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150365630 | DATA CENTER RAISED FLOOR MONITORING - One or more aspects relates to monitoring conditions under a raised floor in a data center. A grid of raised floor tiles has regular floor tiles interspersed with sensor floor tiles. The sensor floor tiles include: one or more sensors to monitor conditions under the raised floor; and one or more cameras to collect images of conditions under the raised floor. A sensor controller is used to locate a sensor tile with a sensor condition that is out-of-band from a reference condition band; and an image controller is used to locate an image difference corresponding to the out-of-band sensor condition. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20160011322 | SYMMETRICAL-TYPE MONO-SENSOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL RADIATION DETECTION AND VISUALIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160012576 | REAL TIME MONITORING OF GUIDE VANE POSITIONS WITH A CAMERA | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160033336 | THERMAL DETECTION SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES - Systems, methods, and devices for thermal detection. A thermal detection device includes a visual sensor, a thermal sensor (e.g., a thermopile array), a controller, a user interface, a display, and a removable and rechargeable battery pack. The thermal detection device also includes a plurality of additional software and hardware modules configured to perform or execute various functions and operations of the thermal detection device. An output from the visual sensor and an output from the thermal sensor are combined by the controller or the plurality of additional modules to generate a combined image for display on the display. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160073064 | APPARATUS AND A METHOD OF INSPECTING A TURBOMACHINE - An apparatus for inspecting a turbomachine includes a plurality of boroscopes, a device to rotate the rotor of the turbomachine and a processor having reference measurements of the rotor blades and/or reference measurements between the rotor blades and the boroscopes. A boroscope is inserted in a casing aperture upstream of the blades to view the leading edge and a portion of one of the surfaces of each blade as the rotor is rotated. A boroscope is inserted in a casing aperture downstream of the blades to view the trailing edge and a portion of one of the surfaces of each blade as the rotor is rotated. The boroscopes supply the images of each of the blades to the processor. The processor analyses the images of the blades and uses the reference measurements to determine the position and size of any defect on any of the rotor blades. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160094761 | INVESTIGATION SYSTEM - Since an investigation apparatus is connected through a cable and is remotely operated, the cable may be caught by an obstacle, thereby limiting a movement range of the investigation apparatus. An investigation system | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160100091 | ELECTRICAL ENCLOSURE WITH BUILT IN REMOTE INSPECTION AND VIRTUAL CONTROL OF SENSOR PLACEMENT - A remote controllable monitoring system includes a movable sensor to monitor characteristic(s) of electrical components of equipment housed at different locations inside of an electrical enclosure. The movable sensor is movably mounted inside of the electrical enclosure. The monitoring system can also control the power supplied to the electrical components (e.g., turn power ON or OFF). A remote device interacts with the monitoring system to provide a user with remote control over the functions of the monitoring system. The remote device can include an interactive user interface with a virtual map of the electrical components. Accordingly, the user can monitor electrical components and turn OFF power to the electrical components if a problem or perspective problem is detected, via the interactive user interface of the remote device without opening or being near the electrical enclosure. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160105647 | RETRIEVING DEVICE - A retrieving device for retrieving an object may be provided. The retrieving device may include a retriever pole that may include a scooping device positioned at one end of the retriever pole. The scooping device may be configured to retrieve the object when positioned over the object. Additionally, the retrieving device may include a camera configured to record image data of an area within a viewing range of the camera and image data associated with the object. The retrieving device may also include a monitor positionable at the other end of the retrieving pole, which may be electrically coupled to the camera via an insulated electrical wire. The monitor may display the image data of the area and the image data associated with the object recorded by the camera. Furthermore, the retrieving device may include a power source that may be electrically coupled to the monitor and the camera. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160119592 | IMAGING SYSTEM EMPLOYING FIXED, MODULAR MOBILE, AND PORTABLE INFRARED CAMERAS WITH ABILITY TO RECEIVE, COMMUNICATE, AND DISPLAY DATA AND IMAGES WITH PROXIMITY DETECTION - Systems can include a tool configured to generate a first set of data representative of an object and a control station configured to receive the first set of data from the tool. A mobile device in communication with the control station can receive data from the control station including information regarding the object based on the data received from the tool. A user of the mobile device, such as a technician, can travel to the location of the tool, and, when the mobile device is within a predetermined proximity of the tool, the tool can communicate directly with the mobile device. The technician can use the mobile device to communicate with and control the tool in order to safely perform equipment analysis. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160131595 | MINIATURE AIR GAP INSPECTION CRAWLER - A system for inspecting a dynamoelectric machine is provided. The dynamoelectric machine includes a rotor, a stator and a radial gap existing between the rotor and the stator. The system includes a sled configured for insertion into the radial gap between the rotor and the stator. The sled is configured to transport an optical device along the radial gap. The optical device obtains an image of the radial gap, a portion of the rotor and a portion of the stator. The sled is configured for attachment to a push rod and the push rod is used to move the sled and optical device along the radial gap. The system is configured for entry into a single end of the dynamoelectric machine. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160156880 | DURABLE COMPACT MULTISENSOR OBSERVATION DEVICES | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160165190 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING LOGISTICS FACILITIES - The invention relates to a method for monitoring processes and/or operating states in logistics facilities, in particular in roofed logistics facilities, comprising: providing a system which comprises at least one unmanned aerial vehicle ( | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160182778 | SENSOR SYSTEM FOR HIGH-RADIATION ENVIRONMENTS | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160255309 | UNDERGROUND STRUCTURE INSPECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD | 09-01-2016 |
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