Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for providing a seal between an expansion plug and an opening in a load pin. A load pin may comprise a strain gauge located within an opening in a body of the load pin; an expansion plug configured to seal with the opening, covering the strain gauge; and a sealing material attached to at least a portion of the expansion plug configured to seal between the expansion plug and the opening. A method may comprise selecting a sealing material configured to prevent damage to the expansion plug from the external environment, based on the environment in which the expansion plug will be used; applying the sealing material to at least a portion of the expansion plug; vulcanizing the sealing material to the expansion plug to combine the two elements; and inserting the expansion plug into the opening.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for collecting and communicating sensed data. A communication system may comprise a mobile device comprising a wireless communication module; and at least one sensor device located within a work area configured to monitor characteristics of the surrounding environment, wherein the sensor device comprises a controller; one or more sensors; a wired output configured to communicate sensor data from the one or more sensors via a wired connection; and a wireless interface comprising an antenna configured to communicate with the wireless communication module of the mobile device, wherein the mobile device is operable to receive and process the information received from the at least one sensor device. The antenna may at least partially extend from a housing of the sensor device. In some embodiments, the mobile device may not directly communicate with the central server.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for collecting and communicating sensed data. A communication system may comprise a mobile device comprising a wireless communication module; and at least one sensor device located within a work area configured to monitor characteristics of the surrounding environment, wherein the sensor device comprises a controller; one or more sensors; a wired output configured to communicate sensor data from the one or more sensors via a wired connection; and a wireless interface comprising an antenna configured to communicate with the wireless communication module of the mobile device, wherein the mobile device is operable to receive and process the information received from the at least one sensor device. The antenna may at least partially extend from a housing of the sensor device. In some embodiments, the mobile device may not directly communicate with the central server.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for providing a seal between an expansion plug and an opening in a load pin. A load pin may comprise a strain gauge located within an opening in a body of the load pin; an expansion plug configured to seal with the opening, covering the strain gauge; and a sealing material attached to at least a portion of the expansion plug configured to seal between the expansion plug and the opening. A method may comprise selecting a sealing material configured to prevent damage to the expansion plug from the external environment, based on the environment in which the expansion plug will be used; applying the sealing material to at least a portion of the expansion plug; vulcanizing the sealing material to the expansion plug to combine the two elements; and inserting the expansion plug into the opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods may relate to a sensor controller configured to apply predetermined criteria to determine when a parameter value sampled by a sensor module meets the predetermined criteria, and in response to making such a determination, adjust a commanded data rate including an update time period. In an illustrative example, the predetermined criteria may be independently defined for each sensor in a network. In examples with a network of sensors, the sensor controller may dictate sensor module operation at differentiated data rates. In an illustrative example, a sensor controller may communicate with a series of pressure level sensor modules connected to a drilling apparatus in a mud logging application. Upon detection of a pressure level change that exceeds a critical condition as determined through comparison with the predetermined criteria, the sensor controller may increase or decrease a data rate of the respective sensor module, for example.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating the residual fatigue life of a load cell includes storing, in a memory, fatigue life reference data associated with a test load cell. A predetermined number of data storage bins are provided. Each data storage bin is representative of a predefined value range of peak loads. Peak loads applied to an in-service load cell are detected, and each is stored in an appropriate one of the data storage bins. A number of load cycles of the in-service load cell are calculated based on the detected peak loads stored in each of the data storage bins. An estimate of the residual life of the in-service load cell is calculated from the fatigue life reference data and the calculated number of load cycles of the in-service load cell.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating the residual fatigue life of a load cell includes storing, in a memory, fatigue life reference data associated with a test load cell. A predetermined number of data storage bins are provided. Each data storage bin is representative of a predefined value range of peak loads. Peak loads applied to an in-service load cell are detected, and each is stored in an appropriate one of the data storage bins. A number of load cycles of the in-service load cell are calculated based on the detected peak loads stored in each of the data storage bins. An estimate of the residual life of the in-service load cell is calculated from the fatigue life reference data and the calculated number of load cycles of the in-service load cell.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods may relate to a sensor controller configured to apply predetermined criteria to determine when a parameter value sampled by a sensor module meets the predetermined criteria, and in response to making such a determination, adjust a commanded data rate including an update time period. In an illustrative example, the predetermined criteria may be independently defined for each sensor in a network. In examples with a network of sensors, the sensor controller may dictate sensor module operation at differentiated data rates. In an illustrative example, a sensor controller may communicate with a series of pressure level sensor modules connected to a drilling apparatus in a mud logging application. Upon detection of a pressure level change that exceeds a critical condition as determined through comparison with the predetermined criteria, the sensor controller may increase or decrease a data rate of the respective sensor module, for example.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for measuring gage pressure in relatively high temperature environments is provided. The sensor includes a housing that is configured to couple to a source of pressurized fluid and has an inner surface that defines a inner volume. A pressure sensitive device is coupled to the sensor housing and is configured define a reference chamber in at least a portion of the inner volume. The reference chamber is fluidly isolated from the source of pressurized fluid. An atmospheric reference port is formed in the sensor housing and is in fluid communication with the reference chamber for maintaining the reference chamber at ambient atmospheric pressure. A porous metallic plug is disposed within the atmospheric reference pressure port.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for adjusting the position of an electronic module along a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis, in which the first, second, and third axes are all perpendicular to each other, includes a first adjustment block, a second adjustment block, and a third adjustment block. The first adjustment block is movable along the first axis and the second axis and is mounted against movement along the third axis. The second adjustment block is coupled to the first adjustment block, is movable along the second axis, and is mounted against movement along the first and third axes. The third adjustment block is disposed between the first adjustment block and the second adjustment block, is movable along the second and third axes, and is mounted against movement along the first axis.

Abstract: A load pin includes a main body, a plurality of recesses, and a plurality of sensor pockets. The main body has a plurality of loading surfaces and a plurality of relief surfaces formed therein. Each loading surface is disposed between two of the relief surfaces. The recesses are formed in and extend at least partially around the outer surface of the main body. Each recess has a substantially round inner surface, is formed in a different one of the relief surfaces, and is disposed between a different pair of loading surface. The sensor pockets are formed in the outer surface, extend partially into the main body, are disposed between a pair of loading surfaces, and extend through the recess that is disposed between the same pair of loading surfaces.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for measuring gage pressure in relatively high temperature environments is provided. The sensor includes a housing that is configured to couple to a source of pressurized fluid and has an inner surface that defines a inner volume. A pressure sensitive device is coupled to the sensor housing and is configured define a reference chamber in at least a portion of the inner volume. The reference chamber is fluidly isolated from the source of pressurized fluid. An atmospheric reference port is formed in the sensor housing and is in fluid communication with the reference chamber for maintaining the reference chamber at ambient atmospheric pressure. A porous metallic plug is disposed within the atmospheric reference pressure port.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for adjusting the position of an electronic module along a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis, in which the first, second, and third axes are all perpendicular to each other, includes a first adjustment block, a second adjustment block, and a third adjustment block. The first adjustment block is movable along the first axis and the second axis and is mounted against movement along the third axis. The second adjustment block is coupled to the first adjustment block, is movable along the second axis, and is mounted against movement along the first and third axes. The third adjustment block is disposed between the first adjustment block and the second adjustment block, is movable along the second and third axes, and is mounted against movement along the first axis.

Abstract: A load pin includes a main body, a plurality of recesses, and a plurality of sensor pockets. The main body has a plurality of loading surfaces and a plurality of relief surfaces formed therein. Each loading surface is disposed between two of the relief surfaces. The recesses are formed in and extend at least partially around the outer surface of the main body. Each recess has a substantially round inner surface, is formed in a different one of the relief surfaces, and is disposed between a different pair of loading surface. The sensor pockets are formed in the outer surface, extend partially into the main body, are disposed between a pair of loading surfaces, and extend through the recess that is disposed between the same pair of loading surfaces.