Abstract: A system and method for determining the location of wireless sensors are disclosed. The system may generally include a plurality of wireless sensor nodes communicatively coupled to a plurality of sensing devices. Additionally, the system may include a paging device configured to wirelessly transmit a page command to at least one of the wireless sensor nodes. Further, the paging device may receive a position indicator as a text string indicating a location of at least one of the plurality of wireless sensor nodes.

Abstract: A microwave sensor assembly includes a signal processing device for generating at least one microwave signal that includes a pattern of frequencies and at least one probe coupled to the signal processing device. The probe includes an emitter configured to generate an electromagnetic field from the at least one microwave signal, wherein the emitter is detuned when an object is positioned within the electromagnetic field such that a loading signal is reflected from the emitter to the signal processing device.

Abstract: A proximity sensor assembly with a sensing element having a substrate and an antenna pattern disposed on one or more planar surfaces of the substrate is disclosed. The cable is fed substantially parallel to the planar surfaces of the substrate and is attached to the side surface of the substrate, such that the cable is oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of the electromagnetic field emitted from the sensing element.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for monitoring stator winding vibration of a rotating electric machine are provided. According to one example embodiment, a system includes at least one sensor including at least one conductive sensor antenna deposited on a first side of at least one layer of a printed circuit board substrate and positioned to substantially face a stator winding, and a non-conductive shield mounted to an opposing side of the printed circuit board substrate and positioned to substantially face away from the stator winding. The system further includes an alternating current power source in communication with the sensor and operable to deliver current to the conductive sensor antenna. A signal processing unit may be in communication with the sensor, operable to measure a load on the sensor antenna and to transmit vibration data to a controller responsive to the load on the sensor antenna.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the location of wireless sensors are disclosed. The system may generally include a plurality of wireless sensor nodes communicatively coupled to a plurality of sensing devices. Additionally, the system may include a paging device configured to wirelessly transmit a page command to at least one of the wireless sensor nodes. Further, the paging device may receive a position indicator as a text string indicating a location of at least one of the plurality of wireless sensor nodes.

Abstract: A method of assembling a sensor probe for use in a sensor assembly is provided. The method includes providing an emitter configured to generate at least one forward propagating electromagnetic field from at least one microwave signal and to generate at least one backward propagating electromagnetic field. A data conduit is coupled to the emitter. Moreover, a ground conductor is extended substantially circumferentially about the data conduit. The ground conductor is configured to substantially reduce electromagnetic radiation within the sensor assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of an inspection system comprise a conduit that can transmit light between a sensor and a processing component. In one embodiment, the sensor comprises an element that generates an electromagnetic field in response to an input from the processing component. The input comprises a light signal that traverses the conduit to the sensor. The sensor converts the light signal to an electrical signal to operate the element. In one example, the sensor generates a plurality of light signals, which also traverse the conduit to the diagnostic component where the lights signals are processed to determine, in one example, proximity of an object to the sensor.

Abstract: A vibration detection system is provided. The vibration detection system includes a radio frequency (RF) source, a vibration sensor coupled to the RF source and configured to receive an RF signal supplied by the RF source and radiate RF energy, and a computing device coupled to said RF source and configured to calculate vibrational energy induced to the vibration sensor based on an impedance of the vibration sensor.

Abstract: A monitoring system for use with a system is provided. The monitoring system includes a data management system that includes a database configured to store data representative of at least one operating characteristic of at least one machine. A portable display assembly is coupled to the data management system and includes at least one sensor configured to detect the presence of the machine within a predefined distance from a portion of the display assembly. The display assembly also includes a communication interface that is coupled to the data management system and is configured to receive the data. Moreover, the display assembly includes a display media that is coupled to the communication interface for presenting an output representative of the data to a user of the display assembly such that the user is enabled to view historical data of the machine and/or monitor the machine in real-time.

Abstract: Sensor assemblies used to detect the proximity of a material to a microwave element are disclosed. One example sensor assembly includes a signal generator configured to generate at least one microwave signal, a coupler connected to the signal generator, a microwave element coupled to the coupler, and a processing module connected to the coupler. The microwave element is configured to generate an electromagnetic field as a function of said at least one microwave signal. The microwave element is structured to reflect a loading signal to said coupler when a material interacts with the electromagnetic field. The processing module is configured to process the loading signal with a reference signal to generate a data signal representative of the proximity of the material to the microwave element. The data signal defines a sub-microwave frequency.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the location of wireless sensors are disclosed. The system may generally include a plurality of wireless sensor nodes communicatively coupled to a plurality of sensing devices. Additionally, the system may include a paging device configured to wirelessly transmit a page command to at least one of the wireless sensor nodes. Further, the at least one wireless sensor node may be configured to produce a position indicator upon receipt of the page command.

Abstract: A microwave sensor probe includes a probe housing, an emitter body coupled to the probe housing, and an emitter coupled to the emitter body. The emitter is configured to generate an electromagnetic field from at least one microwave signal. At least one electromagnetic absorbent member is configured to absorb at least one of a current transmitted through the emitter and an electromagnetic radiation generated by the emitter.

Abstract: A microwave emitter for use in a microwave sensor assembly that includes an emitter body includes a first arm that extends radially outward from the emitter body. The first arm is at least partially non-linear and includes at least one peak and at least one trough. The microwave emitter also includes a second arm that extends radially outward from the emitter body. The second arm includes at least one peak and at least one trough. The first arm and the second arm generate an electromagnetic field when at least one microwave signal is received.

Abstract: A tunable proximity sensor and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The proximity sensor includes a cap with different sections having different dielectric constants, shapes, and/or thicknesses. As the cap is rotated with respect the sensing element, these non-uniform sections induce a different loading on the sensor element from the electromagnetic field, allowing the proximity sensor to be tuned.

Abstract: A microwave sensor assembly includes at least one probe including an emitter configured to generate an electromagnetic field from at least one microwave signal. The emitter is also configured to generate at least one loading signal representative of a loading induced within the emitter by an object positioned within the electromagnetic field. The microwave sensor assembly also includes a signal processing device coupled to the at least one probe. The signal processing device includes a linearizer configured to generate a substantially linear output signal based on the at least one loading signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of an inspection system comprise a conduit that can transmit light between a sensor and a processing component. In one embodiment, the sensor comprises an element that generates an electromagnetic field in response to an input from the processing component. The input comprises a light signal that traverses the conduit to the sensor. The sensor converts the light signal to an electrical signal to operate the element. In one example, the sensor generates a plurality of light signals, which also traverse the conduit to the diagnostic component where the lights signals are processed to determine, in one example, proximity of an object to the sensor.

Abstract: A proximity sensor assembly with a sensing element having a substrate and an antenna pattern disposed on one or more planar surfaces of the substrate is disclosed. The cable is fed substantially parallel to the planar surfaces of the substrate and is attached to the side surface of the substrate, such that the cable is oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of the electromagnetic field emitted from the sensing element.

Abstract: A probe for use in a sensor assembly includes an sensing element body and an sensing element coupled to the sensing element body. The sensing element is at least partially capacitively coupled to a signal processing device. The sensing element generates an electromagnetic field when at least one signal is received, and a loading is induced to the sensing element when an object is positioned within the electromagnetic field.

Abstract: An augmented reality sensing system and an associated method for visually informing a user of a sound level condition. The system includes a sound detector. The system includes a microcomputer operatively connected to receive sound level data from the sound detector and process the sound level data to determine information to be displayed to the user. The system includes a visual indicator operatively connected to the microcomputer and positioned in a field of vision of the user to display the determined information about sound level data for visual perception by the user simultaneously with the use being able to visually perceive reality.

Abstract: Sensor assemblies used to detect the proximity of a material to a microwave element are disclosed. One example sensor assembly includes a signal generator configured to generate at least one microwave signal, a coupler connected to the signal generator, a microwave element coupled to the coupler, and a processing module connected to the coupler. The microwave element is configured to generate an electromagnetic field as a function of said at least one microwave signal. The microwave element is structured to reflect a loading signal to said coupler when a material interacts with the electromagnetic field. The processing module is configured to process the loading signal with a reference signal to generate a data signal representative of the proximity of the material to the microwave element. The data signal defines a sub-microwave frequency.