Laser-Based Measurement of Over Dimensional Freight Rail Shipments

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan W. Schlake ◽  
Brian S. Daniel ◽  
Ron Voorheis
Keyword(s):  
Measurement System ◽  
Human Error ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Measuring System ◽  
Prototype System ◽  
Reference Target ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Multiple Measurements ◽  
Current Measuring ◽  
Time Required

In pursuit of improved safety, Norfolk Southern Corp. (NS) has partnered with Amberg Technologies to explore the potential benefits of a laser-based measurement system for measuring over dimensional freight rail shipments. Shipments that do not fall within a standard geometric envelope, denoted as Plate B in the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Open Top Loading Rules [1], are considered to be over dimensional, or High-Wide Loads (HWLs). Extending beyond the limits of the Plate B diagram, these loads are not permitted in unrestricted interchange service. Instead, they must be measured both at points of origin and at interchange points. For US Class I Railroads, the de facto method for measuring HWLs requires mechanical personnel to either climb on the equipment or use a ladder and physically measure the overall height and width of the load. Using a tape measure, plumb line, and 6-foot level, car inspectors, or carmen, must often make multiple measurements to determine the height or width of a critical point on the load. The summation of these measurements can be subject to mathematical human error. In addition to the inherent limitations with regards to accuracy and efficiency, this method of measurement presents considerable safety challenges. The objective of the project was to develop a portable, cost-effective and accurate measurement system to improve the day-to-day operational process of measuring HWLs and reduce human exposure to railyard hazards. Norfolk Southern worked closely with Amberg Technologies to provide a clear overview of the current measuring methods, requirements, challenges and risks associated with HWLs. Amberg then developed a prototype system (with patent pending) and successful tests have been completed at both a point of origin for NS shipments and at a location where HWLs are received at interchange. The measuring system consists of a tripod mounted laser, a specially designed track reference target (TRT) and software designed specifically for HWL measurements. The system allows car inspectors to take measurements from a safe, strategic location away from the car. As a result, this system eliminates the need to climb on the equipment or a ladder and greatly reduces the amount of time spent on and around live tracks. In addition, initial tests indicate that this technology reduces the labor time required to measure HWLs by as much as one half while improving measurement accuracy. These tests have demonstrated that a laser-based system has the potential to greatly improve the safety, efficiency and accuracy associated with measuring HWLs.

Teletinnitus Program at the VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-29
Author(s):  
Constance Hilory Tomberlin
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Gulf Coast ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Veterans Health ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Care System

There are a multitude of reasons that a teletinnitus program can be beneficial, not only to the patients, but also within the hospital and audiology department. The ability to use technology for the purpose of tinnitus management allows for improved appointment access for all patients, especially those who live at a distance, has been shown to be more cost effective when the patients travel is otherwise monetarily compensated, and allows for multiple patient's to be seen in the same time slots, allowing for greater access to the clinic for the patients wishing to be seen in-house. There is also the patient's excitement in being part of a new technology-based program. The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System (GCVHCS) saw the potential benefits of incorporating a teletinnitus program and began implementation in 2013. There were a few hurdles to work through during the beginning organizational process and the initial execution of the program. Since the establishment of the Teletinnitus program, the GCVHCS has seen an enhancement in patient care, reduction in travel compensation, improvement in clinic utilization, clinic availability, the genuine excitement of the use of a new healthcare media amongst staff and patients, and overall patient satisfaction.

scholarly journals Geometric Measurements on a CNC Machining Device as an Element of Closed Door Technology

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 4852
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Bomba ◽  
Artur Ornat ◽  
Piotr Gierlak
Keyword(s):  
Measurement System ◽  
Measurement Process ◽  
Cnc Machining ◽  
Measuring System ◽  
Cnc Machine ◽  
Statistical Process ◽  
Working Space ◽  
Closed Door ◽  
Accuracy And Repeatability

The article discusses the quality testing of a measuring system consisting of a CNC machine with measuring probes. The research was conducted in a broader context regarding the implementation of the closed door technology, i.e., production without human intervention, in an aviation plant manufacturing aircraft gearbox systems. This technology may involve automated measuring operations performed in machining centers, and not in measuring laboratories, provided that the quality of the measurements is appropriate. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the CNC machining device can be used to measure the geometric features of aircraft gearbox housing. For this purpose, measurement experiments were carried out with the use of three different probes. Measurements were carried out using four sequences of increasing complexity, so that, after error analysis, it was possible to find the causes of possible irregularities. A reference ring with known dimensions and position in the working space of the machine was used for the measurements performed as part of the assessment of the measurement system. The quality of the measurements was evaluated with the use of repeatability and reproducibility testing and statistical process control. The analysis results showed that the tested measurement system ensures adequate accuracy and repeatability, and the measurement process is characterized with adequate efficiency in relation to the manufacturing tolerance of the components produced using the machine. Thus, it was proven that the measurement process can be carried out on a machining device, which enables its integration into the closed door technology.

scholarly journals A V-SLAM Guided and Portable System for Photogrammetric Applications

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 2351
Author(s):  
Alessandro Torresani ◽  
Fabio Menna ◽  
Roberto Battisti ◽  
Fabio Remondino
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Motion Blur ◽  
Guidance System ◽  
Prototype System ◽  
Active Sensors ◽  
Localization And Mapping ◽  
Acquisition Speed ◽  
Mobile Mapping System ◽  
Slam Algorithm

Mobile and handheld mapping systems are becoming widely used nowadays as fast and cost-effective data acquisition systems for 3D reconstruction purposes. While most of the research and commercial systems are based on active sensors, solutions employing only cameras and photogrammetry are attracting more and more interest due to their significantly minor costs, size and power consumption. In this work we propose an ARM-based, low-cost and lightweight stereo vision mobile mapping system based on a Visual Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (V-SLAM) algorithm. The prototype system, named GuPho (Guided Photogrammetric System) also integrates an in-house guidance system which enables optimized image acquisitions, robust management of the cameras and feedback on positioning and acquisition speed. The presented results show the effectiveness of the developed prototype in mapping large scenarios, enabling motion blur prevention, robust camera exposure control and achieving accurate 3D results.

A new photometric method for oxygen consumption measurements in cell suspensions

1986 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 449-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Mueller-Klieser ◽  
R. Zander ◽  
P. Vaupel
Keyword(s):  
Volume Fraction ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Cell Suspensions ◽  
Measuring System ◽  
Photometric Method ◽  
O2 Consumption ◽  
Physical Density ◽  
O2 Concentration ◽  
Consumption Rates ◽  
Time Required

A new technique is described for measuring O2 consumption rates and O2 concentrations in suspensions of respiring cells. Aliquots of a cell suspension kept in a special thermostated precision syringe are injected into the measuring system in defined time intervals. The O2 content of these samples is determined photometrically, as reported previously. The O2 consumption per cellular wet weight and/or per single cell can be calculated from the cell volume fraction, the physical density, the cell concentration in the suspension, and the time-dependent decline of the O2 concentration in the precision syringe. The minimum detectable amount of O2 is 0.1 microliter O2, which corresponds to 0.001 (vol/vol) of O2 if a 100-microliters sample of suspended cells is analyzed. Reproducibility of the O2 consumption measurement is 9% of the measured value. The advantages offered by this method are the straightforward calibration in absolute terms, the short time required for one analysis (2–6 min), a high sensitivity, the simultaneous determination of overall O2 concentration and O2 consumption rates in cell suspensions, and the great variability in the application.

Measurement of Core Position of Fiber Array by a Calibrated Mask Method

2005 ◽  
Vol 295-296 ◽  
pp. 227-232
Author(s):  
S.W. Hsu ◽  
Y.D. Jiaan ◽  
M.S. Huang
Keyword(s):  
Image Processing ◽  
Vibration Isolation ◽  
Measuring System ◽  
Prototype System ◽  
Fiber Array ◽  
Fiber Arrays ◽  
The Core ◽  
Common Components

A method for obtaining the core positions of fiber array is described. The technique is based on the use of calibrated mask. Because the mask and the fiber array are simultaneously moved and imaged, the measuring system is relatively simple in image processing, location, and vibration isolation. A prototype system with common components has been built for testing a number of commercial fiber arrays.

Using digital data collection tools to improve overall cost-efficiency and provide timely analysis for decision making during invasive species eradication campaigns

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 499 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Will ◽  
Karl J. Campbell ◽  
Nick D. Holmes
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Cost Efficiency ◽  
Relational Databases ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Digital Data ◽  
Capital Costs ◽  
Project Costs ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Data Collection Effort

Context Worldwide, invasive vertebrate eradication campaigns are increasing in scale and complexity, requiring improved decision making tools to achieve and validate success. For managers of these campaigns, gaining access to timely summaries of field data can increase cost-efficiency and the likelihood of success, particularly for successive control-event style eradications. Conventional data collection techniques can be time intensive and burdensome to process. Recent advances in digital tools can reduce the time required to collect and process field information. Through timely analysis, efficiently collected data can inform decision making for managers both tactically, such as where to prioritise search effort, and strategically, such as when to transition from the eradication phase to confirmation monitoring. Aims We highlighted the advantages of using digital data collection tools, particularly the potential for reduced project costs through a decrease in effort and the ability to increase eradication efficiency by enabling explicit data-informed decision making. Methods We designed and utilised digital data collection tools, relational databases and a suite of analyses during two different eradication campaigns to inform management decisions: a feral cat eradication utilising trapping, and a rodent eradication using bait stations. Key results By using digital data collection during a 2-year long cat eradication, we experienced an 89% reduction in data collection effort and an estimated USD42 845 reduction in total costs compared with conventional paper methods. During a 2-month rodent bait station eradication, we experienced an 84% reduction in data collection effort and an estimated USD4525 increase in total costs. Conclusions Despite high initial capital costs, digital data collection systems provide increasing economics as the duration and scale of the campaign increases. Initial investments can be recouped by reusing equipment and software on subsequent projects, making digital data collection more cost-effective for programs contemplating multiple eradications. Implications With proper pre-planning, digital data collection systems can be integrated with quantitative models that generate timely forecasts of the effort required to remove all target animals and estimate the probability that eradication has been achieved to a desired level of confidence, thus improving decision making power and further reducing total project costs.

Physical Exercise and Yoga: as an alternative approach towards COVID-19 management

2021 ◽  
Vol 07 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saurabh Kumar ◽  
Sakshi Sudha ◽  
Madhu Chopra ◽  
Famida Khan ◽  
Kanupriya Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
World Population ◽  
Cd8 Cells ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Background: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), a highly contagious ssRNA +Ve sense virus that emerged in late 2019, has created a global panic. With no effective therapy available, the virus has significantly affected the world population causing millions of death. Therefore, it is the utmost need to look towards all the possible strategies to benefit the community. Objectives: In view of the current global pandemic, we tried to discuss the potential benefits of two cost-effective alternative approaches, i.e., physical exercise and yoga. Method: The editorial is based on a literature search available on PubMed, Google Scholar, and WHO portal. Search terminologies include “yoga”, “physical exercise”, “COVID-19”, “viral infections”, and a combination of these words. Results: A literature search defines yoga and physical exercise efficacy in different viral diseases, including HIV, influenza, and HSV. It ameliorates the quality of life (QoL) by improving both the physical and mental wellbeing of an individual. This is mainly done by promoting the better functioning of the immune system (increases CD4+ and CD8+ cells and reduces pro-inflammatory response). Conclusions: Regular involvement of these activities in day-to-day life may limit latent virus reactivations and reduce infection chances.

Mature Field Economic Rejuvenation with Infill and Re-Entry Multilateral Well Creation Techniques

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Butler ◽  
Justin Roberts ◽  
Matthew Kelsey ◽  
Steffen Van Der Veen
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Field Performance ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
High Water ◽  
Additional Time ◽  
Flow Management ◽  
Performance Improvements ◽  
Mature Field ◽  
Water Cut ◽  
Time Required

Abstract Multilateral wells have been proven over decades and have developed into a reliable and cost effective approach to mature field rejuvenation and extended commercial viability. This paper will discuss case studies demonstrating a number of techniques used to create infill multilateral wells in existing fields with a high level of reliability and repeatability. Techniques reviewed will cover cutting and pulling production casing to drill and case a new mainbore versus sidetracking and adding laterals to an existing mainbore. Discussion will also cover completion designs that tie new laterals into existing production casing providing significantly greater reservoir contact. Temporary isolation of high water-cut laterals brought into production later in the well's life through bespoke completion designs will also be discussed. Case studies will include discussion of workover operations, isolation methods, and lateral creation systems. Where available, resulting field performance improvements will also be discussed. In Norway, slot recoveries are commonly performed by cutting and pulling the 10-3/4" casing, redrilling a new mainbore, and running new casing. This enables junction placement closer to unswept zones and easier lateral drilling to targets. It does have drawbacks, however, related to the additional time required to pull the subsea xmas tree and challenges associated with pulling casing. In 2019, Norway successfully completed a 10-3/4" retrofit installation, whereas a sidetrack was made from the 10-3/4" and an 8-5/8" expandable liner was run down into the reservoir pay zone where two new laterals were created. The 8-5/8" liner saved time otherwise spent having to drill the section down to the payzone from the laterals. These wells have a TAML Level 5 isolated junction, Autonomous Inflow Control Devices (AICDs) in each lateral, and an intelligent completion interface across the junction, enabling active flow management and monitoring of both branches. In Asia, infill laterals were added to existing wellbores by sidetracking 9-5/8" casing and tying production back to the original mainbore. These dual laterals were completed with intelligent completions to enable lateral flow management and monitoring of both laterals. In Australia, dual laterals were created in a similar fashion; laterals are added to existing wells; however, a novel approach was used to manage water from existing lower mainbore laterals whereby they are shut in at completion and opened later when the new lateral is watered out. The older lateral now produces at lower water cut given the time allowed for water coning in the lateral to relax. Using this practice, production is alternated back and forth between the two laterals. In the Middle East, an older well has been converted from TAML Level 4 to Level 5 in order to prevent detected gas migrating into the mainbore at the junction. This conversion of a cemented junction well has enabled production to resume on this well. The well was converted to incorporate an intelligent completion to enable flow control of each lateral. This paper intends to provide insights into the various mature field re-entry methods for multilateral well construction, and a review of the current technology capabilities and well designs through the review of multiple case histories.

scholarly journals Design and Fabrication of Automatic Sorting Machine using Arduino

2020 ◽  
pp. 85-90
Author(s):  
Kadole Pavan Prabhakar ◽  
Choudhury Rajat Kumar Pattnaik ◽  
Akash Kumar Nath ◽  
Aditya Dubey ◽  
KM Vishall Somaiya
Keyword(s):  
Embedded System ◽  
Human Error ◽  
Conveyor Belt ◽  
Conveyor System ◽  
Automatic Sorting ◽  
Manual Sorting ◽  
Ir Sensors ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Transport Line ◽  
Time Required

This work is based on Design of a transport line conveyor belt for sorting and arranging products based on their height using the IR sensors for detecting the object and mechanism to drive the conveyor belt. The project is locally controlled by the use of Arduino based embedded system. The automatic sorting and arranging machine are used to sort the different types of products based on the product height. This automation significantly reduces the time required for manual sorting in the production line of small/medium scale industries and hence it also decreases the percentage of human error during sorting/arranging. The products are placed on the transport line conveyor system and as it moves on the conveyor it is scanned by the IR sensor, depending on the height of the product these will be sorted into different bins automatically.

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