Fleet Management Software Offered by Sikorsky Aerospace Services is Granted Patent

Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) announced today that Sikorsky's Integrated Support System (ISS) aftermarket software suite, which enhances SAS's fleet management capabilities, is now patented. The proprietary software integrates onboard diagnostics and usage data with ground-based troubleshooting and service information.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), received the patent.  SAS is Sikorsky Aircraft's aftermarket division.
"ISS will greatly improve aircraft operation and availability by bringing together a framework of full data integration that increases support effectiveness. The better we can forecast maintenance needs, the more we can replace unscheduled maintenance services with predictive, planned support. This proactive approach helps reduce downtime and costs for our customers worldwide," said Peter Fuchs, Director of Analytics & Technology, SAS.
The ISS technology allows the aircrew, maintainers, and maintenance control personnel to gather, analyze and route critical servicing and usage information.  Integrating maintenance and support information from the various aircraft and logistics networks, it creates a real-time status summary of the aircraft's health. The system's ability to identify worn components quickly and display specific maintenance and targeted troubleshooting information helps reduce the burden on the maintainer. This technology advances condition-based maintenance and enhances fleet management capabilities.
An ISS platform for the Sikorsky CH-53K and S70i™ aircraft is under development, and future plans include expansion to other aircraft platforms.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. Its Sikorsky Aerospace Services business designs and applies advanced logistics and supply chain solutions for commercial rotary, military rotary and fixed wing operators. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries worldwide. 

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/10/26/4008314/fleet-management-software-offered.html#ixzz1cLsnUoVz


Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/10/26/4008314/fleet-management-software-offered.html#ixzz1cLshMEmh

German firm unveils upgraded maintenance management system

Metallurgical plant and machine construction company SMS Siemag, of Germany, has introduced the upgraded integrated maintenance management system (IMMS) into the global market.

The IMMS provides the client with the opportunity to plan a maintenance schedule according to the needs of the plant.
“We have been providing the IMMS since the early 2000s; however, the difference with current systems available on the market is that we install the maintenance know-how into the system. We are able to achieve this because, as plant builders, we understand the functioning of plants and the maintenance needs, and we also have wide experience in data evaluation by reliability-centred maintenance (RCM) analysis,” says SMS Siemag technical customer support GM Christoph Häusler.
RCM analysis results identify the maintenance strategy that should be recommended for specific pieces of equipment, and this helps clients improve maintenance costs by reducing unplanned outages.
The decision to evaluate the IMMS came as a result of clients lacking appropriate data analysis capabilities. This led to them not knowing which maintenance plan to use and resulted in unplanned and prolonged maintenance shutdown periods.
“With the IMMS, we have developed a system that assists the maintenance planner to plan the correct maintenance strategy for critical items, which ensures that the plant functions in a reliable manner. The result is the application of the right maintenance strategy for all critical components, leading to higher availability and improved product quality,” says SMS Siemag monitoring systems senior specialist Wolfgang Scheffel.
The unique features of the system include the benefit of designing the data package according to the client’s need.
SMS Siemag designs the system and also packages the data. The system has the
functionality of all the systems related to system applications and products systems. These include decision-making functions, flexible know-how functions capable of identifying when to maintain equip- ment, which equipment to maintain and the extent of maintenance.
The system allows the maintenance planner to determine what needs to be done to ensure maintenance-planned shutdowns. This enables the client to know exactly what is wrong and how to fix it prior to the maintenance shutdown to avoid unexpected work, which may lead to prolonged plant shutdowns and result in financial loss for the client, explains Scheffel.
Meanwhile, Häusler notes that a significant challenge in designing the
IMMS was to bring all the functions into one maintenance system and to standardise it. This is because SMS Siemag had to develop its own analysis system, streamline it and develop the working procedure.
“So far, we have supplied ten systems globally. In South Africa, maintenance data analysis for selected critical equipment has been provided to independent producer of semifinished and fabricated aluminium products Hulamin, in Pietermaritzburg. The contract was completed last year during the 2010 FIFA World Cup,” says Häusler.
See more at: http://www.miningweekly.com/article/maintenance-management-system-introduced-to-reduce-life-cycle-and-costs-2011-10-28

Silver Standard Pirquitas Ball Mill and Sales Contract Update

Silver Standard Resources Inc. has announced an update on the status of production at the Pirquitas mine in Jujuy province, Argentina.

The Pirquitas ball mill was shut down September 24, 2011, due to the condition of the ball mill gearbox and repairs on the unit were completed on October 10, 2011. The gearbox was tested under load and initially operated the ball mill; however continuous condition monitoring indicated it was functioning outside acceptable parameters.

To improve ball mill reliability, the decision was subsequently made to rebuild the gearbox with all new internal parts recently received from Siemens AG. This work is on-going and is scheduled to be complete mid-November. A separate new spare gearbox is now scheduled for delivery in January 2012 and will provide added reliability and redundancy.

Silver concentrate sales have resumed on a spot basis. Spot silver concentrate sales are expected to continue through the second quarter of 2012 until long-term contracts are finalized. Several potential silver concentrate buyers, including smelters, have expressed interest and are analyzing samples. Long-term silver concentrate negotiations are expected to conclude second quarter 2012, in-line with seasonal re-negotiation talks. Zinc concentrate sales have continued as projected.

To receive Silver Standard's news releases by e-mail, contact Investor Relations at invest@silverstandard.com or call (888) 338-0046.

Cautionary Statements on Forward Looking Information: All statements in this news release other than statements of historical fact, relating to the future financial or operational performance of Silver Standard including estimates of the timing and amount of future production, costs of production, timing of sales contracts, are forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward looking information within Canadian securities laws (collectively "forward looking statements"). The words "will", "plans", "expects", "estimates", "guidance", "targets", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain events, or results "may", "could", "might", or "will be taken" identify forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are based on estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Silver Standard at the date of such statements, are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to Silver Standard's ability to raise sufficient capital to fund development; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; changes in prices for the company's mineral products or increases in input costs; uncertainty of production and cost estimates for the Pirquitas Mine; risks and uncertainties associated with new mining operations including start-up delays and operational issues; risks relating to the interpretation of drill results and the geology, grade and continuity of our mineral deposits; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments in Argentina, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Peru, the United States and other jurisdictions in which Silver Standard may carry on business; technological and operational difficulties or the delay, non-compliance or inability to obtain permits encountered in connection with mining, exploration and development activities; labour relations matters; and changing foreign exchange rates, all of which are described more fully in the company's most recent Form 20-F, and in the Management Discussion and Analysis under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian regulatory authorities. Silver Standard does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update any forward looking statements, other than as required by applicable law. (source:Silver Standard Resources Inc.)

Beltcheck for condition monitoring of conveyor belts

Condition monitoring of conveyor belts is important as timely information can be gathered and used to take preventative action – it is more cost effective to repair a conveyor belt before a breakage occurs. Traditionally, Vernier gauges are used to measure the side thickness of such belts when stationary, but the largest amount of wear is usually found in the middle portion of the belt where loading takes place.

For this purpose, Beltcheck TH 40 is equipped with a probe attached to a 1 m long cable making it possible to reach the mid-sections of conveyor belts to determine the wear in the areas where it is needed the most. This information aids plant managers in recording and tracking the deterioration of belts over their lifespan. Being portable, this instrument can be used to spot test several conveyor belts in different locations and is not tied to a single belt such as an online system.

The Beltcheck is also not tied to a particular software method, for example, some users might require only three spot measurements across the width of the belt per running metre of belt material, while others might demand more. Other users might decide to scrutinise a particular wear pattern with numerous measurements of a particular belt under inspection. Wear patterns show considerable differences and are influenced by factors such as climate, size of material and anomalies of the particular belt.

See more at:http://www.instrumentation.co.za/news.aspx?pklnewsid=40341

Industrial wireless for machine condition monitoring

In the early 2000s, when reliable technology came into being that allowed industrial process and measurement data to be transmitted wirelessly from sensors to the plant information systems, it seemed natural to develop these technologies into workable solutions due to the challenges associated with traditional methods. The price of copper rose steadily and became unpredictable, whilst cable theft and the cost of installing and maintaining wired sensor networks became problematic – sometimes costing more than the sensors themselves.

Process industry practitioners are all too familiar with the complexities of wired sensor networks. They are expensive to install and maintain, requiring special signal wiring and accurate technical drawings. Furthermore, changes to or relocation of the installed environment can require major rework at a high cost and with significant impact on production and safety.

Wireless networking, on the other hand, can reduce capital expenditure significantly. Wireless systems use self-forming, self-healing mesh technology based on industrial standards, making it simpler for systems to communicate with each other.

See more at: http://www.instrumentation.co.za/article.aspx?pklarticleid=7161

Apprion Adds Tank-Gauging App to Wireless Networking Suite

Apprion, a maker of industrial wireless networking systems, has expanded its suite of condition monitoring applications with the addition of a product that is said to remotely and continuously monitor a tank's liquid levels, vapor pressure, temperature, hazardous conditions, and standing water.
The ION Tank Gauging application captures and interprets data from single or multiple tanks in a facility. Sensor devices from third-party vendors installed in the tanks can communicate with Apprion's open-protocol ION wireless infrastructure, the company said; the infrastructure integrates and transmits myriad data points into one central Web-based dashboard.

See more at: http://www.managingautomation.com/maonline/exclusive/read/Apprion_Adds_Tank_Gauging_App_to_Wireless_Networking_Suite_27757071?page=2

Transocean Orders Kittiwake's Thrusterscan

Kittiwake has announced an order for its ThrusterSCAN product from Transocean. ThrusterSCAN marks a new era in online condition monitoring for azimuthing thrusters, helping to predict failure, enabling preventative maintenance and ultimately reducing costly downtime.
Kittiwake’s ThrusterSCAN will be installed on Transocean’s eight-thruster Development Driller III rig. ThrusterSCAN delivers early warning of thruster component damage, lubricant degradation and seal leaks/failures; providing critical information to help optimise thruster operating parameters and effectively manage overhaul schedules. Real time feedback ensures that any changes are highlighted as they start to occur, rather than at scheduled inspections when it may be too late to heed the warning and implement preventative measures.

Refining Demands from Petroleum

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) is one of the largest state-owned oil and gas companies in India, whose refinery operates 24/7. Offering an insight into the demands of petroleum refining, PLN Murthy and RC Agarawal of BPCL discuss the processes involved and what is demanded from the pump suppliers and their products.

See more at: http://www.oilvoice.com/n/Refining_Demands_from_Petroleum/47f500e98.aspx

Condition monitoring system gains type approval

Kongsberg Maritime has received system type approval for its bearing wear condition monitoring (BWCM) system.

The type approval was received this month and is according to Germanischer Lloyd’s (GL) ‘Guidelines for Machinery Condition Monitoring’, meaning it is now approved to avoid open-up inspections, thereby reducing engine downtime and maintenance costs significantly.

Kongsberg’s BWCM system measures and displays the combined physical wear of crosshead, crank and main bearings, providing early bearing seizure warnings if problems occur during engine operation.

It protects the engine continuously during operation, based on the latest specifications from MAN Diesel & Turbo, including detection of sudden wear development. The sensors are specifically designed to provide reliable and accurate measurements over years of operation inside the engine.

To date Kongsberg has sold over 550 systems for both newbuilding and retrofit projects.

The system can be fully integrated into the company’s K-Chief alarm and monitoring system and AutoChief C20 propulsion control system, using the same uniform interface for easy operation and monitoring.

In addition, bearing temperature monitoring for all three crank-train bearings can be included.

Found at: http://www.tankeroperator.com/news/todisplaynews.asp?NewsID=3027

Pratt & Whitney Canada and CAMP Reach Agreement to Provide Enhanced Services

Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) announced that it has entered into a long-term collaboration agreement with CAMP Systems International, Inc. (CAMP) to deliver heightened levels of engine condition trend monitoring (ECTM) services to P&WC operators. Under the agreement, CAMP will manage the Designated Analysis Centre (DAC) network as well as provide technical and analysis support to operators previously serviced by the P&WC DAC, including P&WC pay-per-hour customers. The announcement was made at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) annual meeting and convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. P&WC is a United Technologies Corp. company /quotes/zigman/244482/quotes/nls/utx UTX +0.68% .

CAMP is a leading independent provider of aviation management products and services that has been in business for more than 30 years. Its headquarters are in Ronkonkoma, New York, and it has offices in Montreal, Canada.

"At P&WC we constantly evaluate our services directly against those offered by key partners who are strategically positioned to deliver increased levels of expertise in certain areas," said Raffaele Virgili, Vice President, Customer Service, P&WC. "With this collaboration agreement, our customers will have access to world-class engine condition and trend monitoring tools and data to best support their business operations. CAMP will continue to offer our customers the WebECTM(R) trend monitoring service and Turbine Tracker(TM) data-gathering device as part of our diagnostics, prognostics and health management services. The software technology, data analysis, logistics and aftermarket customer service for ECTM will be handled by CAMP, which has proven expertise in this technology."

Ken Gray, CEO of CAMP Systems said "CAMP is pleased to enter into this long-term agreement with Pratt & Whitney Canada. The integration of Web ECTM with our maintenance tracking services will allow customers to better manage their engines and airframe in a unified platform."

Through this agreement, P&WC and CAMP will work together to help P&WC achieve its goal of providing a more predictable operating environment and increased aircraft availability to its customers.

Come and see us at NBAA, Hall N, booth no. 5633: Interested operators are invited to drop by P&WC's booth to speak with a customer service representative.

LORD Corporation Announces Successful Flight Test Results of In-Flight Propeller Balancing System on C-130

LORD Corporation -- a leader in the management of vibration, noise and motion control -- has completed extensive testing of pre-production hardware of their In-Flight Propeller Balancing System as part of a $4.5-million contract with the U.S. Air Force (USAF).

The testing, which was the second development test and evaluation (DT&E) of the technology, was completed and has transitioned into a year-long operational test and evaluation (OT&E). This testing is part of a System Design and Development (SDD) contract received from the USAF for the integration of LORD Corporation's proprietary In-Flight Propeller Balancing System (IPBS) into the USAF's C-130H fleet equipped with 54H60 propellers. The contract from the 330th Aircraft Sustainment Group (ASG) of the Warner Robins Air Logistic Center (WR-ALC), Robins Air Force Base, Ga., was awarded in late 2008 and spans until December of this year. Consisting of a funded $2.7MM base effort and three unfunded options totaling $1.8MM, the contract includes extensive flight and user acceptance testing for their 500-plus C-130 fleet.

Proven TechnologyAlthough this technology is new to the aerospace industry, LORD Corporation's balancing technology has been in service in extremely harsh conditions in industrial applications for almost a decade. It has logged millions of service hours in applications ranging from turbo-compressors to large extraction fans and high-speed machining spindles.

Traditional means of dynamically balancing propellers -- adding counterweights -- allows for proper balance at one specific operating condition and for a limited amount of time since the propeller blade angle and aerodynamic loads change during flight. The negative effects of propeller imbalance vary from passenger discomfort to fatigue of on-board equipment. The effects of wear on the system also degrade balance over time. Further, significant costs are expended keeping vibration under control or simply monitoring its effects so as to predict potential failures. In comparison, the IPBS continuously adjusts balance during flight operation. The result is propeller balance maintained at the lowest possible level during the entire flight and reduced Direct Operating Costs (DOCs).

The system is comprised of one balancing device per propeller and a single controller per aircraft. The computer-controlled system uses accelerometer inputs from the rotating propeller to automatically adjust the balance as needed to minimize total system imbalance for each operating condition. In addition to managing the IPBS system, the small electronic controller also can serve as a predictive maintenance tool.

According to Justin P. Manna, Business Development Manager for LORD Corporation, "Controlling vibration with on-line, fully automated balancing technology will lead to reduced maintenance workload and will increase durability and lower the cost of operations. This benefits the USAF by reducing maintenance workload, improving aircraft readiness and improving the reliability of engine-mounted components on C-130 aircraft."

Proof in the NumbersThe testing process actually began several years ago. A four-hour flight test was conducted in 2004 with sponsorship and oversight from the USAF Air Mobility Battlelab and engineering support from the Robins Air Force Base C-130 System Program Office (330th ASG). The demonstration began with the installation of an IPBS on a 54H60-91 Hamilton Sundstrand propeller system. Several typical flight profiles were conducted with the support of the 339th Flight Test Squadron of Warner Robins Air Force Base, Ga. Although vibration levels varied throughout the power spectrum on the 54H60-91 propeller, once activated, the IPBS proved it could maintain vibration levels at approximately 10 to 20 times less than any condition between thrust reverse (-6,000 inches-pounds torque) and maximum power (18,600- inches-pounds torque). Throughout this operating range, the required balance corrections varied in both amplitude and in angular position. In addition, the performance of the IPBS was unaffected by ambient air temperature from ground to 20,000-feet. The data gathered demonstrated that the IPBS is capable of performing required corrections automatically and reliably, with no additional workload for the flight crew.

In 2009, LORD Corporation flight tested the system on four propellers at Kirtland AFB. The system performed at expected control levels throughout the flight profile and vibration on all four engines was reduced to < 0.05 inches per second during all flight conditions. Overall, the tests showed a 94 percent reduction in propeller vibration levels and 75 percent reduction in propeller induced vibration measured at the compressor. Manna noted that the 2009 test validated that the technology.

According to Manna, the 2009 and 2011 tests both demonstrated that the EM-IPBS concept is a robust in-flight system for turboprop aircraft that should produce significant operations and support savings, realized by eliminating the lengthy maintenance actions required to periodically balance propellers per the requirements. "The reduced maintenance also will increase readiness by returning aircraft to the operational squadron earlier. Further, the large reduction in propeller vibration should provide a significant decrease in the maintenance cost of engine, gearbox and airframe mounted equipment."

The high level of predictive maintenance afforded by IPBS also can be used to provide Prognostic Health Management (PHM) and diagnostics information to maintenance crews, said Manna. Since the system results in less fatigue for both on-engine and on-board equipment, as well as lower failure rates, DOCs are reduced. In fact, Manna estimates that the IPBS will save the USAF approximately $340 million over the life of the system.

"The IPBS has been proven to provide the smoothest and most reliable propeller operation across the entire power spectrum," said Kris Burson, LORD Corporation Americas Marketing Manager, Aerospace & Defense. "In addition to lowering operating and sustainment costs, the system will reduce aircraft downtime due to maintenance and therefore increase aircraft availability."

Funding for this testing contract ($2 million) was sponsored by U.S. Senators Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-PA). In a press release announcing the funding, Senator Specter said, "I am pleased that my colleagues have recognized the valuable contribution these projects will make to our nation's defense. Pennsylvania is a top competitor for defense projects that create jobs and strengthen our economy and these funds will go far in supporting the brave men and women who serve our country."

"The projects will play an important role in strengthening our nation's military readiness and promoting job creation in Pennsylvania," said Senator Casey. "I am pleased that my colleagues have approved this important funding to improve Pennsylvania's military installations and strengthen our nation's defense."

About LORDWith headquarters in Cary, N.C., and sales in excess of $720-MM, LORD Corporation is a privately-held company that designs, manufactures and markets devices and systems to manage mechanical motion and control noise and vibration; formulates, produces and sells general purpose and specialty adhesives and coatings; and develops products and systems utilizing magnetically responsive technologies. With manufacturing in nine countries and offices in more than 15 major business centers, LORD Corporation employs more than 2,700 worldwide. Visit www.lord.com for more information.

Lloyd’s Register joins forces with Sensys Traffic AB

Lloyd’s Register Rail Europe B.V. and Sensys Traffic AB, the Swedish provider of systems and solutions for road and rail traffic, have reached an agreement to develop a new Automatic Pantograph Monitoring System (APMS) for the Dutch rail market.

The condition of the pantograph – the instrument used by trains and trams to collect electric current from overhead lines – is crucial to the smooth running of an electrified rail service. Any damage or deterioration to either the pantograph, or the wire itself, can lead to de-wirements and lengthy service disruption.

The ability to closely monitor everyday wear and tear of the pantograph and its contact with the overhead wire means that asset managers can plan proactive maintenance for their vehicles and help protect and extend the lifecycle of the overhead wires, improving overall service reliability.

The system to be developed by Lloyd’s Register and Sensys will use radar technology and laser-based sensors to detect and trace the pantograph’s integrity, whilst high-speed cameras and image processing technology will assess the quality of the Pantograph’s carbon strip (the point of contact with the overhead wire) on each train as it passes.

See more here: http://www.4-traders.com/news/Lloyd-s-Register-joins-forces-with-Sensys-Traffic-AB-to-develop-new-pantograph-monitoring-capability--13826588/

Micropelt's self-powered Wireless Temperature Monitoring Sensor Wins IDTechEx Award

Micropelt, Germany based world leader in micro thermoelectrics received the renowned IDTechEx Award 'Best Application of Energy Harvesting' at the sponsor's energy harvesting conference held in Munich, Germany. Micropelt wins this award for its TE-qNODE - a self-powered wireless condition monitoring sensor which helps to ensure failure-free electric power availability in 24/7 production environments. The autonomous device is powered by Micropelt's micro thermogenerators which turn waste resistive heat to electricity. It was developed for Schneider Electric, the global leader of Energy Management for its electrical distribution businesses. Fabrice Hure, VP Marketing & Offer Management - Energy & Power Services, describes the new wireless sensor solution as a "key enabler to deliver thermal monitoring Services of Low Voltage Electrical Distribution for Schneider Electric". A new service model is based on the easily deployed, maintenance-free TE-qNODE concept: Continuous temperature monitoring of low voltage busbars will allow for capturing the thermal indicators of upcoming failures. "Our experts continuously monitor the sensor signals in a central location, says Eric Jouseau, Diagnosis Expert for Service Business. "About 60% of all incidents in low voltage distribution go along with a temperature increase; TE-qNODEs let us identify that long before the situation gets out of control. The impacts on our customer's productivity and safety can be significant," he concludes. "We are proud of this award" comments Fritz Volkert, Micropelt's CEO, "even more since it appreciates one more time the value of close cooperations with our customers who make good use of our technology.

First Transit to Showcase State-of-the-Art Vehicle Diagnostic System from InstallerNet at APTA Expo in New Orleans

First Transit and First Vehicle Services ( www.firstgroup.com ) will have its first public showing of InstallerNet's Vehicle Diagnostic System (VDS) at the APTA Expo and Annual Meeting, located at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA on October 3-5th in the First Transit booth #2432.

InstallerNet's Vehicle Diagnostic System (VDS) maintains and tracks your fleet. VDS features a single application design to read and reset error codes for any vehicle, with its easy-to-use graphical Interface and factory link it allows for enhanced troubleshooting making repairs much easier and faster. VDS includes a self-charging docking station that monitors and alerts security if it is not returned by the end of day. Vehicle diagnostic logs are automatically saved and transferred to allow virtual ride-along from any VDS unit. The system will also launch any OEM application for specific vehicle performance testing without requiring additional expensive adapters and cables.

A key element about this diagnostic system is that it will provide important data to enhance preventative maintenance but also predictive maintenance information by integrating with any telematics or asset management platform. The VDS system also delivers technical bulletins, training, security, and safety reporting.

"Implementing InstallerNet's Vehicle Diagnostic System (VDS) has allowed First Transit to accurately provide more effective diagnostic services to its clients, while allowing for improvement in bus maintenance turnaround times along with fewer mechanical errors," said Todd Hawkins, Senior Vice President of Maintenance for First Transit and First Vehicle Services.

About First Group America ( www.firstgroup.com )

FirstGroup America is the leader in safe, reliable, sustainable transportation and is the largest provider of surface transportation services in North America. Our company owns and/or operates thousands of school bus, transit, Greyhound and maintenance locations in the United States and Canada.

About InstallerNet ( www.InstallerNet.com )

InstallerNet, Inc. is the nation's premier in-vehicle electronics installation services company with a network of more than 6000 installers stretching from coast-to-coast. With more than one million installations nationwide including mobile, commercial and home installations, the company is no stranger to the needs of the fleet industry.

National Instruments Releases LabVIEW Toolkit for Machine Prognostics and Health Management

National Instruments today introduced the Watchdog Agent Prognostics Toolkit for NI LabVIEW system design software, which expands the capabilities of LabVIEW in machine prognostics and health management (PHM) applications. The toolkit is a product of collaboration between NI and the National Science Foundation’s Industry/University Cooperative Research Center on Intelligent Maintenance Systems at the University of Cincinnati. It is ideal for serving engineers’ increasing demand for monitoring and reporting the health status of machines, structures, components and systems.

“Companies are looking for a systematic approach to rapidly develop and deploy prognostics for failure prevention, health monitoring and machinery prognostics,” said Dr. Jay Lee, professor and director of the Center on Intelligent Maintenance Systems. “The new Watchdog Agent Prognostics Toolkit for NI LabVIEW provides an easy-to-use solution for predictive maintenance and prognostics.”

The Watchdog Agent toolkit gives engineers a ready-to-run prognostics solution that can greatly increase engineering efficiency for developing any PHM application. The toolkit works with the advanced signal processing capabilities of LabVIEW and the extensive analysis of the NI Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite. It provides a set of algorithms including logistic regression, statistical pattern matching, a self-organizing map, a support vector machine and a Gaussian mixture model. Engineers can use these algorithms to create machine and component status descriptors of operating states and failure modes. The algorithms convert multiple field sensory readings into summarized health information values for efficient monitoring. The toolkit also includes a health radar chart that displays organized health values of multiple machine components on a single display.

In addition to integrating with the Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite, the Watchdog Agent toolkit can read history data collected from the NI measurement hardware including NI CompactRIO, CompactDAQ, PXI and PCI. It also integrates with the IOtech eZ-TOMAS Technical Data Management Streaming (TDMS) data plug-in, vibDaq from CalBay Systems or any other sensory data acquisition systems based on NI TDMS data files.

Readers can learn more and download the Watchdog Agent Toolkit for NI LabVIEW by visiting ni.com/watchdogagent.