Abstract: An assembly is provided for mounting a vibration transducer such as an accelerometer with a hand grip and probe for hand-held vibration data gathering. By the simple maneuvering of plugging in a transmission cable and accelerometer connector, following which a forward retainer is screwed down upon the accelerometer and probe assembly, a hand grip based device is provided. Conversely, a configuration utilizing an accelerometer alone or with a permanent magnet becomes available with a simple demounting procedure involving merely the untightening of the forward retainer and the plugging in of a transmission cable. This affords the technician a simple opportunity for using a desired hand grip and hand grip based entry switch as well as a convenient technique for utilizing an accelerometer in stand-alone fashion or with a permanent magnet connector feature.

Abstract: A shaft synchronous balancing apparatus wherein a rotor to be balanced is rotated in conjunction with appropriate balance plane located transducers and a non-contacting shaft monitoring pick-up, for example of an optical variety. The latter pick-up derives a one times per revolution reference signal which is treated by a software driven process control system including dual timer-counters to evaluate the period of revolution, T, and to develop N incremental sampling pulses having a duration or time constant of T/N. Preferably, N is an even integer power of 2. Periodic updating of the duration of a time constant is developed utilizing only one software interrupt in conjunction with the two counter timers. A nulling technique for canceling offset at the signal treatment stages is provided which accommodates for the high amplification levels necessary at the front end of the system.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for vibration transducers such as accelerometer sensors particularly suited for adverse environments as may be encountered with machine tool components and the like. A mounting base is permanently fixed to a vibratory surface to be monitored. This cylindrical base incorporates an annular retaining groove formed in its side surface which cooperates with an annular resilient band which is discontinuous to provide ends which, in turn, may be drawn together when the band is constricted by an external clamp. The band includes a stud ring which engages the groove of the mounting base and then permits facile engagement of a transducer base having a V-shaped groove configured at the lowermost portion thereof. The retainer ring or band also incorporates a detent ring which engages the groove of the transducer base. A hose clamp or the like then is used to constrict the resilient annular band to drive the transducer into a compressive relationship with the top surface of the mounting base.

Abstract: A probe assemblage for vibration meters of the hand-held variety which exhibits a substantially flat frequency response through 1,000 Hz. The probe structure includes a flat contact surface at its tip for hand-held engagement with the vibratory surface being monitored. The tip is spaced from an articulated ball and socket-like joint which provides for vibration transfer to an associated transducer such as an accelerometer. A compliant material such as Teflon or the like may be positioned intermediate the curved vibration transfer and receiving surfaces of the articulated joint within the probe.

Abstract: Apparatus for collecting vibration data in accordance with a predetermined schedule. Operable in either a data input or program mode, the apparatus is coupled with a vibration transducer which is located at predetermined coded positions and the data collected are stored in memory. Additionally, visual inspection data may be entered in the memory in the form of a numerical code along with units designations and the like. In a data input mode of operation, the apparatus operates in conjunction with a scheduling facility which offloads the schedule during a transfer mode into the apparatus at the commencement of any given maintenance round. The schedule serves to prompt the operator as to the sequence of data collection locations, additionally providing units, alarm threshold levels and like information. At the end of the scheduled rounds, the data may be offloaded to the processing facility.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out the field balancing of rotors utilizing trial weight techniques. A display is provided with the portable apparatus which serves to prompt the operator with respect to proper procedures for 1 and 2-plane balancing. The apparatus further incorporates a non-volatile random access memory in which balancing parameters for a number of rotors may be permanently stored for use in subsequent trim balancing procedures. This same non-volatile memory is utilized additionally for the storage of null and gain categorized calibration data. A synchronous form of filter is provided for balancing which additionally is used for the purpose of aiding the operator in carrying out vibrational analysis in the field.

Abstract: Apparatus and method utilized in carrying out vibrational analysis wherein the output of a vibration monitoring transducer is treated by filtering in stepped fashion over a broad spectrum of frequencies. The stepped filtering is provided utilizing minimum dwell intervals at lower frequencies as determined by the number of steps involved per given bandwidth. A readout form of continuous printing provides a histographic analysis of amplitude and frequency and, optionally, an amplitude readout with respect to elapsed time. For the histographic readout, amplitude is plotted as a series of characters in linear form commencing with half peak amplitude and extending toward peak. Test and calibration procedures are provided for facilitating on site testing as well as servicing calibration procedures.

Abstract: System and apparatus for monitoring vibrational and other detected aspects of a machine. Transducer outputs are scanned through the use of a microprocessor, the memory components of which retain pre-determined set point information. The channel representing a given transducer output is displayed visually on the apparatus for 5 second intervals in combination with a linear form of disply showing monitored transducer values as well as set point values. In the event of detected threshhold level warnings or the like, additional visual indicators representing both system and channel status conditions are energized. The system includes a small, hand-held programmer by which any of a broad variety of functions may be readily entered into the memory of the processor through the simple manipulation of a single potentiometer. During the programming procedure, the values being inserted are displayed on the noted bar chart. Preferably, the chart is present as a linear array of 50 LEDs.

Abstract: Electronic balancing apparatus for rotating bodies in which unbalance read-out for two-plane dynamic balancing can be obtained on an initial run without the need for trial weights or calibration runs, and wherein manual filter tuning, manual ranging of amount displays and manual entry of right and left calibration weights are eliminated. In addition, the system will automatically divide correction weights between two points on a rotor, will combine multiple corrections into one weight, and incorporates memory meters which hold their readings from run-to-run without adjustment.

Abstract: A visual graphical display of instantaneous mechanical vibration versus frequency over a selected frequency spectrum is presented to provide a vibration analyst with a prompt overall visual impression of the mechanical vibration characteristics of a rotating device which is under surveillance. In an alternative application, the visual display permits a rapid adjustment of an electrical bandpass filter of an associated vibration analyzer. The device employs several trains of diodes which are arranged so that one or more diode in each train is illuminated at any one moment.

Abstract: A system for carrying out vibrational analysis of machinery and the like wherein a voltage controlled filter is combined with a phase-locked feedback loop to detect maximum amplitude within a given frequency band. A simply derived readout of frequency and amplitude is made available with the arrangement and operation over three or more decades of frequency is availed without manual switching and the like.

Abstract: A vibration severity indicator has been developed which permits an operator to determine the severity of instantaneous vibration of a vibrating body in accordance with a vibration scale which is appropriate to the vibrating body. A DC ammeter is provided with a single scale divided into uniform segments. A selection switch is provided to permit the operator to indicate the category of the vibrating object so that the single meter scale will accurately reflect standards applicable to the category of the vibrating object. The result is accomplished by delivering an electrical signal corresponding to the instantaneous vibration level through a chain of resistance separated by contacts corresponding to the switch positions.

Abstract: A rotating body, through appropriate pickup devices, generates one pulse for each rotation. The pulses are delivered to a phase locked loop which generates 2.sup.n pulses for each input pulse and selects every 2.sup.n th pulse for comparison with the generated pulse. The 2.sup.n pulses are counted in a multistage binary counter having n outputs to deliver a sequence of ordered binary-coded signals comprising a digital representation of the instantaneous angular position of the rotating body. In a further embodiment of the invention, the digital representation of the angular position of the rotating body is converted through read-only-memory (ROM) units and digital-to-analog converters into rectangular coordinate representations of the instantaneous angular position of the rotating body.

Abstract: Apparatus for visually indicating to an operator of a vernier, for example, that he is approaching a desired set point. The apparatus additionally indicates when the exact set point has been reached. This is accomplished with the use of a display, preferably a liquid crystal display, which has an exact set-point indicator provided on either side with two arrows pointing toward the set-point indicator. When the control parameter is far to one side of the set point, the large arrow on one side of the set point will be energized; and as the set point is approached, the large arrow will be extinguished with the small arrow remaining energized until the exact set point is reached, whereupon all arrows are extinguished and the set-point indicator energized.

Abstract: A data acquisition system utilizing a microcomputer and incorporating a plurality of monitors each adapted to produce an electrical signal indicative of a physical condition of apparatus to be monitored. The electrical signals are fed via multiplexing equipment and analog-to-digital converters into the microcomputer which is equipped with print-out means. The system is such that the level of any one or all of the signals from the respective monitors can be printed out as well as a change in the condition of any signal. Means are incorporated into the computer for calculating and printing the trend (i.e., the slope of a plot of signal amplitude versus time) of a succession of stored signals from any monitor which would indicate a probable malfunction of a device being monitored and the probable time to failure. In the case where the signals from the monitors comprise vibration signals, the system performs an automatic frequency spectrum analysis whenever a probable or actual malfunction is detected.

Abstract: A combination electronic device provides a digital sweep circuit adapted to generate a sweep signal which increases in frequency at constant intervals over a selected range of frequencies and over a selected period of time.

Abstract: A piezo electric transducer employs a stack of piezo electric crystals interposed between electrodes and maintained under compression to develop an electrical charge which instantaneously corresponds to the acceleration of the device. One or two electrical resistors in series with the piezo electric crystal stack output develops a charge which instantaneously corresponds to the velocity of the device. The velocity responsive charge is delivered to a charge converter which may be located remotely from the piezo electric transducer. The charge converter generates an electrical signal having a voltage which is proportional to the instantaneous velocity of the device. The assembly permits use of high-sensitivity piezo electric crystals.

Abstract: Vibration analyzing apparatus of the type employing a phase angle meter for determining the angular location of a point of unbalance on a rotating member with respect to a mark on the member, and capable of determining the approximate balance correction weight and its location about the rotor circumference the first time a rotor is spun up. Application of the indicated correction weight will reduce the unbalance on most typical rotors, assuming that they are approximately symmetrical about the center point of the longitudinal axis of the rotor. The apparatus enables most rotors to be balanced with a reasonable degree of accuracy without the necessity for adding trial weights, utilizing plane separators, or shaking with a known force in order to calibrate the apparatus.

Abstract: A data acquisition system utilizing a microcomputer and incorporating a plurality of monitors each adapted to produce an electrical signal indicative of a physical condition of apparatus to be monitored. The electrical signals are fed via multiplexing equipment and analog-to-digital converters into the microcomputer which is equipped with print-out means. The system is such that the level of any one or all of the signals from the respective monitors can be printed out as well as a change in the condition of any signal. Means are incorporated into the computer for calculating and printing the trend (i.e., the slope of a plot of signal amplitude versus time) of a succession of stored signals from any monitor which would indicate a probable malfunction of a device being monitored and the probable time to failure. In the case where the signals from the monitors comprise, vibration signals, the system performs an automatic frequency spectrum analysis whenever a probable or actual malfunction is detected.