An illustrative example embodiment of an elevator tension member monitor includes an optoelectronic detector configured to be situated near the elevator tension member. The optoelectronic detector provides an output corresponding to a profile of the elevator tension member. A processor receives the output from the optoelectronic detector and determines whether there are any anomalies in the profile of the elevator tension member. The processor reports any determined anomaly in the profile of the elevator tension member.

An automated method of inspecting a pipe includes: positioning the pipe with respect to a laser scanner using a positioning apparatus; scanning a size of the positioned pipe by the laser scanner; identifying a specification and historical data of the pipe's type by inputting the scanned size to an artificially intelligent module trained through machine learning to match input size data to standardized pipe types and output corresponding specifications and historical data of the pipe types; scanning dimensions of the positioned pipe by the laser scanner using a dimension portion of the identified historical data; comparing the scanned dimensions with standard dimensions from the identified specification; detecting a dimension nonconformity when the scanned dimensions are not within acceptable tolerances of the standard dimensions; and in response to detecting the dimension nonconformity, generating an alert and updating the dimension portion of the identified historical data to reflect the detected dimension nonconformity.

An automated method of inspecting a pipe includes: positioning the pipe with respect to a laser scanner using a positioning apparatus; scanning a size of the positioned pipe by the laser scanner; identifying a specification and historical data of the pipe's type by inputting the scanned size to an artificially intelligent module trained through machine learning to match input size data to standardized pipe types and output corresponding specifications and historical data of the pipe types; scanning dimensions of the positioned pipe by the laser scanner using a dimension portion of the identified historical data; comparing the scanned dimensions with standard dimensions from the identified specification; detecting a dimension nonconformity when the scanned dimensions are not within acceptable tolerances of the standard dimensions; and in response to detecting the dimension nonconformity, generating an alert and updating the dimension portion of the identified historical data to reflect the detected dimension nonconformity.

A method and apparatus to obtain very accurate measurements of the perimeter of a person's head scanning with an optical device; transmitting the scanned data to one or more processors which translate the measurements as precise three-dimensional data wherein an x-y plane is defined as the beginning or lower edge of the conformal cap from which a z-axis extends orthogonally in a upwardly direction towards the crown of a person's head. The three-dimensional data may be further processed to a suitable format for transmission to a transformation tool that moves one or more actuators to create an accurate three-dimensional mold of the person's head, upon which fabric or foam can be applied to create an accurate conformal cap for subsequent uses.

A method and apparatus to obtain very accurate measurements of the perimeter of a person's head scanning with an optical device; transmitting the scanned data to one or more processors which translate the measurements as precise three-dimensional data wherein an x-y plane is defined as the beginning or lower edge of the conformal cap from which a z-axis extends orthogonally in a upwardly direction towards the crown of a person's head. The three-dimensional data may be further processed to a suitable format for transmission to a transformation tool that moves one or more actuators to create an accurate three-dimensional mold of the person's head, upon which fabric or foam can be applied to create an accurate conformal cap for subsequent uses.

A protection member for an optical measurement device, such as a break-beam tool setting device for a machine tool. The protection member includes a conduit through which light and air can pass. The conduit is configured such that, in use, a beam of light is passed through the conduit along an optical axis and a stream of air is guided out of the conduit along an airflow axis. The optical axis is non-parallel to the airflow axis and the conduit has a varying cross-sectional profile along the airflow axis. Improved measurement repeatability is provided.

A protection member for an optical measurement device, such as a break-beam tool setting device for a machine tool. The protection member includes a conduit through which light and air can pass. The conduit is configured such that, in use, a beam of light is passed through the conduit along an optical axis and a stream of air is guided out of the conduit along an airflow axis. The optical axis is non-parallel to the airflow axis and the conduit has a varying cross-sectional profile along the airflow axis. Improved measurement repeatability is provided.

Method for generating a compatibility index between two ends of two tubes, in particular before welding operations, the method comprising the steps of: (a) marking an angular reference (M0) on each of the two ends, (b) orbital measurement of an inside radius of each of the ends; (c) determining an index of angular compatibility (IND.sub.thētak) between the two ends for an angular deviation (⊖, theta) between the angular references of the ends, said angular compatibility index deriving from a maximum difference between the inside radii of each opposite end, (d) iterating the step of determining the angular compatibility index for several values for angular deviation between the angular references of the ends; (e) generating an overall score for compatibility (Hk) between said two ends, the overall compatibility score being a function of the angular compatibility indices determined for several angular deviation values.

A method for analyzing an interaction between a sample surface and a drop of liquid comprises applying the drop of liquid to the sample surface and illuminating the drop of liquid using at least two light sources. The at least two light sources are each arranged at a light source position surrounding the drop of liquid. Light reflected from the drop of liquid detecting and a sensor position on a sensor of a camera is determined for each detected light reflection. Light source positions are assigned to individual light source positions. A position of the drop of liquid is calculated relative to the sensor and an item of size information of the drop of liquid is determined. The position and the item of size information are calculated from the pairs of one sensor position and one associated light source position.

A method for analyzing an interaction between a sample surface and a drop of liquid comprises applying the drop of liquid to the sample surface and illuminating the drop of liquid using at least two light sources. The at least two light sources are each arranged at a light source position surrounding the drop of liquid. Light reflected from the drop of liquid detecting and a sensor position on a sensor of a camera is determined for each detected light reflection. Light source positions are assigned to individual light source positions. A position of the drop of liquid is calculated relative to the sensor and an item of size information of the drop of liquid is determined. The position and the item of size information are calculated from the pairs of one sensor position and one associated light source position.