Sensor for imaging inside equipment

Abstract

A system for monitoring performance of a machine for detection of visible signs of failure, the system including: a machine enclosure housing a plurality of machine parts; a visual conduit for providing a view of an interior of the machine; an interface to the machine configured to receive images from the visual conduit; and a repair network for linking the interface to a monitoring center that provides for the repair of problems with the machine.

1 . A system for monitoring performance of a machine for detection of visible signs of failure, the system comprising:
 a machine enclosure housing a plurality of machine parts;   a visual conduit for providing a view of an interior of the machine;   an interface to the machine configured to receive images from the visual conduit; and   a repair network for linking the interface to a monitoring center that provides for the repair of problems with the machine.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the visual conduit comprises a plurality of pathways throughout the machine to provide images of the interior. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  further comprising guide rails in at least one of the pathways to allow for movement of a camera to locations within the machine required for providing desired images. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the visual conduit comprises a machine enclosure made from a material that is transparent to a source of electromagnetic radiation at one or more frequencies. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3  further comprising a sensor. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the sensor is located outside the enclosure. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the sensor is located inside the enclosure and operatively coupled with a communication link. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the machine enclosure is made from a different material than the machine parts. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 7  wherein the system further comprises a radio frequency tag reader; and
 wherein radio-frequency tags are embedded in the machine parts to provide an indication of the material from which they are made.