Abstract: A monitoring system may be used to monitor machining of a workpiece. In some embodiments, the monitoring system may use an acoustic emission sensor to measure acoustic emissions from the machining and generate an acoustic emission signal. The acoustic emission signal may be compared to a master signal using several techniques, such as a Multi-Zone Strategy method. The Multi-Zone Strategy method may comprise generating a plurality of zones of the measured signal and generating a plurality of zones of a master signal to create a plurality of measured and master signal levels and thresholds. A measured signal level for each zone may be compared to a master signal level for each zone to determine whether the measured signal level differs from the master signal level by no more a predetermined percentage, which acts as a threshold for triggering notification of out of tolerance zones.

Abstract: A portable control unit may be quickly coupled and decoupled from docking stations on a plurality of process system components, such as cylindrical grinding machines. The portable control unit may be used to control the process system component and receive and output data produced by the process system component. The ability to quickly couple and decouple the portable control unit may allow a single portable control unit to be used to control numerous process system components, thereby saving cost and space. Various communications interfaces and attachment mechanisms may be used to communicatively and mechanically couple the portable control unit to a docking station.

Abstract: A calibration apparatus for an optical non-contact surface roughness measurement device allowing for quick, accurate, and repeatable device calibration is described. In certain embodiments, the calibration apparatus may include a base, one or more calibration surfaces coupled to a top surface of the base, and an alignment collar coupled to the top surface of the base defining a window exposing the one or more calibration surfaces. By utilizing the mechanical structure of the alignment collar and base, the optical non-contact surface roughness measurement device may be accurately aligned with respect to the calibration surfaces, allowing for repeatable calibration measurements.

Abstract: A system for measuring the roughness of a target surface in a manufacturing line is disclosed. Particularly, in some embodiments, the system may include a manufacturing line configured to provide movement of the target surface through a manufacturing process, a non-contact optical surface roughness measurement device configured to measure the surface roughness of the target surface on the manufacturing line, and a control system communicatively coupled with the non-contact optical surface roughness measurement device configured to receive an indication of a measured surface roughness of the target surface.

Abstract: According to various embodiments disclosed herein, battery power may be conserved by reducing the number of transmissions made by a liquid level monitoring system. The efficiency of a liquid level monitoring system may also be improved by reducing or avoiding fuel outages and unnecessary replenishment. Certain embodiments may be configured according to a schedule for making measurements. The measurement may then be compared against one or more thresholds to determine whether to transmit the measurements. A variety of thresholds may be specified and utilized to determine when it is appropriate to transmit the measurements. Further, various embodiments may be configured to detect a change in a monitored condition. Upon the detection of a change in the monitored condition, a measurement may be made and compared to an established threshold for a tank.

Abstract: A portable control unit may be quickly coupled and decoupled from docking stations on a plurality of process system components, such as cylindrical grinding machines. The portable control unit may be used to control the process system component and receive and output data produced by the process system component. The ability to quickly couple and decouple the portable control unit may allow a single portable control unit to be used to control numerous process system components, thereby saving cost and space. Various communications interfaces and attachment mechanisms may be used to communicatively and mechanically couple the portable control unit to a docking station.

Abstract: A calibration apparatus for an optical non-contact surface roughness measurement device allowing for quick, accurate, and repeatable device calibration is described. In certain embodiments, the calibration apparatus may include a base, one or more calibration surfaces coupled to a top surface of the base, and an alignment collar coupled to the top surface of the base defining a window exposing the one or more calibration surfaces. By utilizing the mechanical structure of the alignment collar and base, the optical non-contact surface roughness measurement device may be accurately aligned with respect to the calibration surfaces, allowing for repeatable calibration measurements.

Abstract: According to various embodiments disclosed herein, battery power may be conserved by reducing the number of transmissions made by a liquid level monitoring system. The efficiency of a liquid level monitoring system may also be improved by reducing or avoiding fuel outages and unnecessary replenishment. Certain embodiments may be configured according to a schedule for making measurements. The measurement may then be compared against one or more thresholds to determine whether to transmit the measurements. A variety of thresholds may be specified and utilized to determine when it is appropriate to transmit the measurements. Further, various embodiments may be configured to detect a change in a monitored condition. Upon the detection of a change in the monitored condition, a measurement may be made and compared to an established threshold for a tank.

Abstract: A dynamic ring balancer for a machine shaft, including an annular case fixedly attachable to the shaft with a central aperture sized to receive the shaft therethrough. The case has an annular chamber extending about the case aperture and containing a pair of eccentrically weighted balancing rings rotatably mounted within the annular chamber. The rings are rotatable relative to each other and the case. A pair of turbine wheels are mounted at an outer wall of the case and are each selectively rotatable in both rotational directions in response to engagement by pressurized air flows. The air flows for each wheel are selectively applied by a stationary manifold as the wheels pass by the manifold while revolving with the case. A pair of reduction gear assemblies are mounted within the case and each drivably interconnects one of the wheels and the corresponding ring to convert rotation of the wheel into rotation of the ring.

Abstract: A dynamic ring balancer for a machine shaft, including an annular case fixedly attachable to the shaft with a central aperture sized to receive the shaft therethrough. The case has an annular chamber extending about the case aperture and containing a pair of eccentrically weighted balancing rings rotatably mounted within the annular chamber. The rings are rotatable relative to each other and the case. A pair of turbine wheels are mounted at an outer wall of the case and are each selectively rotatable in both rotational directions in response to engagement by pressurized air flows. The air flows for each wheel are selectively applied by a stationary manifold as the wheels pass by the manifold while revolving with the case. A pair of reduction gear assemblies are mounted within the case and each drivably interconnects one of the wheels and the corresponding ring to convert rotation of the wheel into rotation of the ring.