Embedded system for diagnostics and prognostics of conduits

• US 20080208532A1
• Filed: 08/28/2006
• Published: 08/28/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 09/28/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kkb Technologies LLC
• Original Assignee: Kenneth Gerald Blemel
• Inventors: Blemel, Kenneth Gerald
• Granted Patent: US 7,974,815 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/183
• CPC Class Codes: D07B 1/145 comprising elements for indicating or detecting the rope or cable status
• CPC Class Codes: F17D 5/02 Preventing, monitoring, or locating loss
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 5/0091 by using electromagnetic excitation or detection

Abstract

An apparatus providing a means for assessment of the integrity of insulated conduits, harnesses, cables, pipelines and other interconnection systems constructed with integral sensitized media, discrete sensors, and electronics providing a means for transforming sensed data into information and a means for communicating information for the purpose of understanding the location, degree and risk of damage and deterioration, and the probable causes thereof.

Claims

1-49. -49. (canceled)

50. A monitoring device for use in monitoring at least one conduit with at least one conductor for diagnostic purposes, the monitoring device comprising:

at least one processor for the purpose of acquiring sensor information from a set of sensors and sensitized medium, processing the sensor information based on parameters and environmental condition of the conduit, and for processing the information to provide an output signal indicative of the condition and an estimate of remaining useful life of the conduit and conductors it monitors, and

means associated with the at least one programmed microcontroller or other processor for operating the device in a monitoring mode, after the at least one programmed microcontroller or other processor has operated in the birth certificate mode, wherein the at least one programmed microcontroller or other processor acquires, conditions, and processes the data from the said set of sensors and sensitized strands, compares the processed data to previously stored data, and provides an indication of the condition of the conduit based on the comparisons.

51. The monitoring device of claim 50 wherein the said monitoring device includes at least one temperature sensor.

52. The monitoring device of claim 50 further comprising a communication link, and a communication control circuit coupled to the programmed processor and to the communication link, the communication control circuit being adapted to communicate information and data over the communication link.

53. The conduit monitored by the monitoring device of claim 50 comprised of one or more non-insulated conducting strands.

54. The conduit monitored by the monitoring device of claim 50 comprised of one or more insulated conducting strands.

55. The conduit monitored by the monitoring device of claim 50 when joined by a multiplicity of couplings to create a plurality of sections.

56. The monitoring device of claim 50 further comprising a visual indicator for providing a visual indication of the condition of the conduit.

57. The monitoring device of claim 50 further comprising a transmission means for the purposes of sending the output signal generated by the processor of said monitoring device.