Csi Technology, Inc.

Other

Computational Systems, Inc.

Pcb Piezotronics, Inc.

James C Robinson

Ronald G Canada

Kenneth Ralph Piety

Eugene F Pardue

William S Johnson

James W Pearce

Thomas E Nelson

William E Childress

Rexford A Battenberg

Zbigniew Czyzewski

Bradley D Pardue

J Brent Van Voorhis

James Brent Vanvoorhis

Jason E Hillard

Mark William Slemp

William S Groh

Joseph C Baldwin

Wojtek Miller

Richard W Piety

Terry G Carpenter

Michael J Traphagen

Paul Z Wolfensberger

Mitchell J Illig

James W Walker

William J Ashton

David M Lally

Taylor L Davidson, Jr

Kenneth C Puterbaugh

James B Van Voorhis

Nicolas Fulciniti

Brent Vanvoorhis

A portable route-based machine data collector stores audio files to supplement associated machine performance data, such as vibration data. The audio files, which may include voice comments, audio segments of raw vibration data, or frequency-shifted components of the vibration data, are stored in the data collector as standard-format digital audio files and are later downloaded to a computer for further analysis. Test personnel can then replay the audio files for data analysis personnel to get second opinions regarding whether machine faults may be indicated by the recorded sounds. Also, audio files associated with normal and abnormal machine operation may be saved on the portable data collector and used as baselines or for training purposes. Verbal operating instructions may also be stored as audio files on the portable data collector for replay by test operators in the field. In a case where the portable data collector is an ultrasonic monitoring unit, frequency-shifted (audible) ultrasonic data may be stored in an audio file in association with non-shifted ultrasonic data.

Enhancement of periodic data collection by addition of audio data

A low power vibration sensor and wireless transmitter system has one or more sensors that sense parameters of a machine including vibration and produces dynamic signals representing the sensed parameters. The system converts the signals to a digital format, digitally filters the signals, and processes the signals. A processor determines a plurality of levels, which represent the characteristics of the signal such as the peak value of a predetermined set of data points of the digital signal. Together, the levels comprise a PeakVue waveform. The processor determines the peak level value for the PeakVue waveform. Also, a true root-mean-square is calculated as the signal is received at the processor. The peak level and the RMS value are communicated wirelessly by a communication module to a control protocol network such as a daisy chain HART or Fieldbus protocol network. The system power supply and the communication module power supply are separate and allow for low power operation.

Low power vibration sensor and wireless transmitter system

A diagnostic apparatus and method for sensing a signal emanating from a machine and determining a periodic machine event based on the emanated signal. The apparatus includes analog to digital processing components for digitizing the sensed signal, producing a digitized signal. The apparatus also includes a transform algorithm, memory, an analysis algorithm, and a display. The transform algorithm transforms the digitized signal to generate power spectral density and autocorrelation data which is stored in the memory. The analysis algorithm includes criteria for analyzing the stored power spectral density and autocorrelation data to determine a period machine event based at least in part upon the autocorrelation data. The display displays the periodic machine event to a user. In the event of a suspected defect or fault, the device alerts the user. The user may then elect to proceed with repairs or undertake advanced analysis of the suspected fault as economy dictates.

Automated fault diagnosis device and method

A multi-axis vibration sensor with integral magnet optimizes sensor response in a non-permanently attachable package. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a housing having a magnet, a multi-axis vibration sensor for sensing vibration along multiple machine axes, and conditioning circuitry disposed within the housing. The magnet enables the apparatus to be placed in sensory contact with the machine. The vibration sensor senses machine vibration along multiple machine axes when the apparatus is in sensory contact with the machine, and the conditioning circuitry optimizes the frequency response of the vibration sensor by reducing the gain of the sensor output at resonance. The vibration sensor may be mounted directly to existing machine structure, such as the machine's outer casing. Two parallel feet facilitate stable mounting of the sensor curved surface. A keyed mounting pad may be employed to facilitate proper orientation of the sensor.

Multi-axis vibration sensor with integral magnet

A method and apparatus for sensing and measuring stress waves. The method comprises the steps of: a.) sensing motion, where the motion comprises a stress wave component and a vibration component; b.) separating the stress wave component from the vibration component with a high pass filter to create a signal proportional to the stress wave; c.) amplifying the signal to create an amplified signal; d.) processing the amplified signal with a sample and hold peak detector over a predetermined interval of time to determine peaks of the amplified signal over said predetermined period of time; e.) creating an output signal proportional to the determined peaks of the amplified signal; and, f.) repeating steps d.) and e.). The invention also includes an apparatus for implementing the method of the invention.

Method and apparatus for vibration sensing and analysis

An apparatus for determining the rotational speed of an object returning diffuse reflections where no reflective singularity exists on the object or no clearly distinct light pulse is produced. A light source illuminates a target area on the object. An optical system receives the reflected light, selectively filters by wavelength, and focuses the light on a detector for signal processing. The reflected light signals may be a series of complex patterns that repeat once per revolution. A Fourier Transform with additional processing enhancements is performed on the signals and used as a basis to calculate the speed of the object The signal processing may be automated, resulting in a speed (RPM) solution being displayed for the operator of the device.

Optical speed sensing system

An integral magnet vibration sensor apparatus optimizes sensor response in a non-permanently attachable package. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a housing having a magnet, a vibration sensor, and a conditioning circuit disposed within the housing. The magnet enables the apparatus to be magnetically attached to a machine. The vibration sensor senses machine vibration when the apparatus is attached to the machine, and the conditioning circuit optimizes the frequency response of the vibration sensor in a preferred embodiment by reducing the gain of the sensor output at resonance.

Integral magnet vibration sensor

A sensor mount provides for attachment of a vibration sensor or other sensor to a machine without having to turn or rotate the sensor. In conjunction with a sensor module having an integral sensor and a shoulder formed at the outer periphery of the sensor module, the invention provides a coupler having a lower threaded portion for being threadingly engaged with a corresponding threaded recess formed in the machine. An externally threaded upper portion of the coupler remains exposed above the machine structure. A fastener is configured to attach the sensor module to the coupler by engaging the sensor module shoulder and the exposed upper portion of the coupler. The fastener may be captured to the sensor module or separable therefrom. When attached to a machine, the fastener and coupler are substantially symmetrically positioned with respect to a central axis of the sensor.

Sensor mount

A method of configuring and synchronizing a wireless machine monitoring system that has at least one chain, that includes at least one machine monitor and at least one repeater is disclosed. The wireless machine monitoring system may further include a master repeater that is in communication with the chain and a command station that is in communication with the master repeater. The wireless machine monitoring system is configured so that only one element of the system is communicating at any given time. In addition, bit error rate transmission tests are performed on the elements of the system to determine their ability to communicate at different transmission power levels. Thus, power consumption of battery powered elements is minimized by decreasing the amount of time the devices are active and by configuring the communicating elements to transmit at the lowest acceptable power level. An installation and configuration unit is provided for installing and configuring the machine monitors and the repeaters within each chain of the wireless machine monitoring system.

Method and apparatus for configuring and synchronizing a wireless machine monitoring and communication system

A monitor attaches to a machine or proximate a machine to determine the health and operating status of the machine. The monitor is preferably self-contained, having its own internal power source, electronics, and sensor suite. One or more sensors are provided to sense machine operating characteristics such as temperature, flux, and vibration. Sensor outputs are processed and analyzed by monitor electronics to determine various operating parameters, including machine speed and load, and to determine when an anomalous machine operating condition is present. Monitor electronics are operable to transform time domain data generated by the sensors to frequency domain data for storage and/or analysis. A communications port enables a peripheral device, such as a notebook computer or portable data collector, to communicate with the monitor and download stored data. Downloaded data can be further analyzed and statistically compared to trend data at a base computer to further ascertain the health and condition of the machine.

Machine monitor with status indicator

A portable digital ultrasonic monitoring system and method for use by an operator in detecting the ultrasonic waves and temperature variations produced by sources such as leaks in pipes, arcing, electrical corona and machinery defects is provided. The digital ultrasonic monitoring system includes a microprocessor based system in a hand held elongate housing that digitally analyzes and stores information received from its sensors. The digital ultrasonic monitoring system provides a referenced decibel output reading of the signal strength of the received ultrasonic signals. In addition, a heterodyned type audio signal that is related to the sensed ultrasonic signals is provided to the operator through a pair of headphones. The portable device has user input keys that allow the operator to select from a variety of different operating modes. A display displays a variety of different readings depending upon the operating mode of the device.

Digital ultrasonic monitoring system and method

A device detects an emission source of a vibration signal against a background of noise, where the vibration signal is produced by a mechanical system and has one or more frequency components. A sensor senses the vibration signal and produces a sensor signal corresponding to the vibration signal. The sensor has a mechanical frequency selection structure for mechanically resonating at desired frequencies and for mechanically attenuating a frequency component of the vibration signal having a frequency outside the desired frequencies. The mechanical frequency selection structure thus produces a mechanically-tuned sensor signal. Electrical frequency selection filters electrically attenuate a frequency component of the mechanically-tuned sensor signal having a frequency outside the desired frequencies. The electrical frequency selection filters thus produce an electrically-tuned sensor signal. The device has at least one amplifier with gain for producing an amplified signal corresponding to the electrically-tuned sensor signal. An amplitude characteristic determination circuit determines an amplitude characteristic corresponding to the vibration signal's amplitude. The amplitude characteristic determination circuit also generates an amplitude indication based on the amplitude characteristic. The amplitude indication and adjusts the gain of the amplifier based at least in part on the amplitude indication.

Enhanced detection of vibration

An ultrasonic monitoring apparatus is provided for use by an operator in detecting ultrasonic vibrations and sound waves. The ultrasonic monitoring apparatus consists of a hand held device with a sensor socket that allows a variety of different types of sensors to be interchangeably installed in the hand held device. These sensors include both contact and airborne ultrasonic sensors as well as a combination temperature and ultrasonic sensor that allows the operator to simultaneously monitor the surface temperature of an object and the ultrasonic vibrations produced by the object. Identification information corresponding to the type of sensor is encoded on the individual sensors. The identification information is read by an identification circuit located in the hand held device. This identification information allows the hand held device to configure itself to operate with the type of sensor installed in the socket.

Multiple sensor ultrasonic monitoring device

A monitor attaches to a mount proximate a machine to determine the health operating history and operating status of the machine. The monitor is preferably self-contained, having its own internal power source, electronics, and sensor suite. If desired, the monitor may be powered by an external power source. One or more internal sensors disposed in the monitor are provided to sense machine operating parameters such as temperature, flux, and vibration. External sensors tethered to the monitor may be positioned at varying points on and/or in the machine. Monitor electronics process sensor outputs to determine machine operating parameters such as machine speed and load. Monitor electronics are also operable to transform time domain data generated by the sensors to frequency domain data. A communications port enables a peripheral device, such as a notebook computer or a computer network, to communicate with the monitor and download stored data. Downloaded data can be further analyzed and statistically compared with trend data at a base computer to further ascertain the health and condition of the machine.

Machine monitor with tethered sensors

Power saving features are employed in a machine monitor to reduce electrical power consumption and increase the life of an electrical power source (such as a battery) which is used to power the monitor. The monitor includes a microcomputer having a high operating speed and a low operating speed. Power consumption is reduced by placing the microprocessor in a low-power sleep mode when full power capabilities of the microprocessor are not needed. Power consumption is further reduced by operating the microprocessor at the low operating speed when a high operating speed is not needed. The monitor also includes a communications port in electrical communication with the microcomputer for communicating with a peripheral device, and sensors for sensing machine characteristics such as speed, temperature, flux, or vibration. Power switches are employed to remove electrical power from portions of the monitor electronics that are not being used or are not needed, and a DC/DC converter maximizes the amount of electrical power available for use by the monitor electronics. Power consumption is further reduced by the manner in which the monitor processes vibration signals to compute machine speed.

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Knoxville, TN, United States of America

James C Robinson