Catalogue of Publications Issued by the Government of the United States

Catalogue of Publications Issued by the Government of the United States
Author: United States. Superintendent of Documents
Publisher:
Total Pages: 1224
Release: 1978-04
Genre: Government publications
ISBN:

February issue includes Appendix entitled Directory of United States Government periodicals and subscription publications; September issue includes List of depository libraries; June and December issues include semiannual index

Automated Inspection of Aircraft

Automated Inspection of Aircraft
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 90
Release: 1998
Genre: Airplanes
ISBN:

This report summarizes the development of a robotic system designed to assist aircraft inspectors by remotely deploying non-destructive inspection (NDI) sensors and acquiring, processing, and storing inspection data. Carnegie Mellon University studied the task 9f aircraft inspection, compiled the functional requirements for an automated system to inspect skin fastener rows, and developed a conceptual design of an inspection robot. A prototype of the robotic inspection system (the Automated Nondestructive Inspector or ANDI) was developed. The first phase of system development resulted in a laboratory system that demonstrated the abilities to adhere to the surface of an aircraft panel and deploy a standard eddy-current sensor. The second phase of development included enhancing the mechanics, adding video cameras to the robot for navigation, and adding an on-board computer for low-level task sequencing. The second-phase system was subsequently demonstrated at the FAA's Aging Aircraft NDI Validation Center (AANC). During the final phase of development, emphasis was placed on the enhancement of the robot's navigational system through automated recognition of image features captured by the navigation cameras. A significant development effort remains to be accomplished before this robotic inspection technology is suitable for operational deployment. Outstanding development issues include: (1) reducing the weight of the robot so that it is more comfortable to lift and position on the aircraft; (2) improving the mechanical reliability and speed of the system; (3) minimizing the scratching of the skin surface by the suction cups and eddy-current sensors; (4) reduction or elimination of the umbilical cable; and (5) automation of the manually controlled operations. To commercialize the technology, a new mechanical system would need to be designed and built incorporating the lessons of this work.

Annual Report

Annual Report
Author: New York (State). Department of Transportation
Publisher:
Total Pages: 84
Release: 1993
Genre: Roads
ISBN:

Tunnel Operations, Maintenance, Inspection, and Evaluation (TOMIE) Manual

Tunnel Operations, Maintenance, Inspection, and Evaluation (TOMIE) Manual
Author: Federal Highway Administration
Publisher: Independently Published
Total Pages: 262
Release: 2020-07-21
Genre:
ISBN:

Tunnels represent a significant financial investment with challenging design, construction, and operational issues. Tunnels that are not adequately maintained usually require more costly and extensive repairs. To help safeguard tunnel users and to ensure reliable levels of service, the FHWA developed the National Tunnel Inspection Standards (NTIS), the Tunnel Operations Maintenance Inspection and Evaluation (TOMIE) Manual, and the Specifications for National Tunnel Inventory (SNTI). In accordance with the NTIS, this Manual describes methods for improving the safety and performance of roadway tunnel operation, maintenance, inspection, and evaluation programs.