Abstract: The present general inventive concept is directed to a signal generation system, device, and method for meter testing, including a digital signal generator to generate an arbitrary digital test signal, a digital-to-analog converter to convert the arbitrary digital test signal to an analog test signal, a signal converter to convert the analog test signal to a differential pair of signals corresponding to the analog test signal, and a power signal generator including: an input module to receive the differential pair of signals; an amplifier to amplify the differential pair of test signals; and an output module to output an output differential pair of signals to a load, to feed back a proportional representation of the output differential pair of signals to the input module, and to receive the amplified differential pair of signals from the amplifier.

Abstract: An analog signal conditioning device and method employing a multi-path feedback mechanism to actively minimize the error of the overall desired signal conditioning transfer function to produce a corrected output signal, initially and over temperature, by exploiting characteristics of resistances manufactured simultaneously on a common thermally conductive substrate.

Abstract: A machine condition monitor resides in close proximity to a machine train, such as an AC inductive electric motor coupled to a driven unit such as a centrifugal pump or fan. A plurality of sensing devices are connected to the machine and the machine condition monitor. Machine state and condition parameters sensed by these devices are utilized by the machine condition monitor to derive machine condition values for each component and for the machine train as a whole. These derived condition values are transmitted via an industrial communications network to a control center where they can be trended and monitored. With no particular knowledge of machine analysis techniques or severity of specific machine faults, and no special training, Operators and Production Planners can use the condition values to plan production schedules, adjust process parameters, and request appropriate maintenance action.

Abstract: A machine condition monitor resides in close proximity to a machine train, such as an AC inductive electric motor coupled to a driven unit such as a centrifugal pump or fan. A plurality of sensing devices are connected to the machine and the machine condition monitor. Machine state and condition parameters sensed by these devices are utilized by the machine condition monitor to derive machine condition values for each component and for the machine train as a whole. These derived condition values are transmitted via an industrial communications network to a control center where they can be trended and monitored. With no particular knowledge of machine analysis techniques or severity of specific machine faults, and no special training, Operators and Production Planners can use the condition values to plan production schedules, adjust process parameters, and request appropriate maintenance action.

Abstract: A method for adaptive test data reduction is performed by cooperative software applications running on a client computer and a server computer. On the client, a plotting application requests a range of test data, such as by specifying a starting time and either an ending time or a total number of data samples desired. The client application also specifies the number of points desired for display of the requested data, where the number of points is based on the screen size and resolution of the display device. Based on the client request, the server scans the requested data set and condenses it to produce a reduced resolution data set that is compatible with the display properties of the display device. The method prevents computers from having to send (or receive) more data than is actually needed to produce a desired data display.

Abstract: A method for extracting, displaying and archiving transient test data is performed by cooperative software applications running on one or more computers, such as a client computer and a server computer. The client sends the server an information request regarding a portion of the transient data. Based on the information request from the client, the server provides a summary of the transient data available for extraction. Using the summary information, a user selects which data is to be extracted and archived. By selectively extracting portions of a large transient data set, the invention conserves memory space, sustains or increases speed of associated computers and networks, and eases the manipulation of extracted data.

Abstract: Sensors detect machine parameters such as vibration, turning speed, and temperature, and a local processor performs logic operations based on the parameters and inference rules to produce fault information that is reported to a system processor, which selectively uses the fault information to control the plant machines. The inference rules include rules for determining faults as to balance, alignment, bearing condition, electrical condition, and cavitation. The inference rules are contained in rules code that is separate from the analysis code that performs the logical operations. Thus, the inference rules may be easily changed without changing other code, such as the analysis code.

Abstract: A machine condition monitor resides in close proximity to a machine train, such as an AC inductive electric motor coupled to a driven unit such as a centrifugal pump or fan. A plurality of sensing devices are connected to the machine and the machine condition monitor. Machine state and condition parameters sensed by these devices are utilized by the machine condition monitor to derive machine condition values for each component and for the machine train as a whole. These derived condition values are transmitted via an industrial communications network to a control center where they can be trended and monitored. With no particular knowledge of machine analysis techniques or severity of specific machine faults, and no special training, Operators and Production Planners can use the condition values to plan production schedules, adjust process parameters, and request appropriate maintenance action.

Abstract: A data transfer system utilizes one or more standard parameters in a fieldbus messaging system as a mechanism to move arbitrarily large blocks of arbitrary binary data into and out of a field device. The preferred embodiment of the invention moves delineated streams of octets across a virtual connection to and from the device by layering and tunneling, utilizing the underlying fieldbus network as a transport mechanism. These octet sequences are referred to as VStreams™. One or more devices on the fieldbus network may have one or more VStreams™ active simultaneously, in either direction. Preferably, a standard multi-byte parameter supported by the fieldbus is defined for use as a window, preferably as large as the underlying fieldbus will allow. Writes to this parameter are interpreted as sequential transfers of data in to the field device. Reads from this parameter are interpreted as sequential transfers of data out of the field device.

Abstract: A rotating equipment monitoring device includes a set of sensors, such as temperature, speed, pressure, and vibration sensors, locally connected to a diagnostic unit having a plant communication interface and a processor that implements one or more diagnostic routines. The diagnostic unit collects data from the sensors and performs diagnostics thereon to detect actual or potential problems with the rotating equipment on a continuous or semi-continuous basis. Using the communication interface, the diagnostic unit automatically sends signals indicating detected conditions of the rotating equipment to a maintenance system or a control system via standard or common communication network, such as a HART or Fieldbus network. The diagnostic unit may also be intermittently coupled to an off-line computer, such a one associated with a service provider, who may verify or further define the diagnostics provided by the diagnostic unit.

Abstract: Sensors detect machine parameters such as vibration, turning speed, and temperature, and a local processor performs logic operations based on the parameters and inference rules to produce fault information that is reported to a system processor, which selectively uses the fault information to control the plant machines. The inference rules include rules for determining faults as to balance, alignment, bearing condition, electrical condition, and cavitation. The inference rules are contained in rules code that is separate from the analysis code that performs the logical operations. Thus, the inference rules may be easily changed without changing other code, such as the analysis code.

Abstract: A rotating equipment monitoring device includes a set of sensors, such as temperature, speed, pressure, and vibration sensors, locally connected to a diagnostic unit having a plant communication interface and a processor that implements one or more diagnostic routines. The diagnostic unit collects data from the sensors and performs diagnostics thereon to detect actual or potential problems with the rotating equipment on a continuous or semi-continuous basis. Using the communication interface, the diagnostic unit automatically sends signals indicating detected conditions of the rotating equipment to a maintenance system or a control system via standard or common communication network, such as a HART or Fieldbus network. The diagnostic unit may also be intermittently coupled to an off-line computer, such a one associated with a service provider, who may verify or further define the diagnostics provided by the diagnostic unit.