Abstract: A portable data collector and analyzer having multiple paths for performing multiple processing functions on a single sensor signal in parallel. The portable data collector has a sensor which creates a sensor signal that represents a measured property of an operating machine. The sensor signal is simultaneously sent to at least two processor channels that are connected in parallel. Each processor is capable of performing different types of signal analysis with varying signal conditioning and sampling rate requirements on the sensor signal independent of the other processor(s). An operator of the parallel processing data collector and analyzer places the single sensor on the area desired to be tested and instructs the parallel processing data collector to begin taking measurements. The parallel processor channels work independently of each other to obtain results corresponding to a number of different tests in approximately the time normally required to perform a single test.

Abstract: A monitor attaches to a mount proximate a machine to determine the health and operating status of the machine. The monitor is preferably self-contained, having its own internal power source, electronics, and sensor suite. One or more sensors are provided to sense machine operating characteristics such as temperature, flux, and vibration. Sensor outputs are processed and analyzed by monitor electronics to determine various operating parameters, including machine speed and load, which are stored in memory. Other parameters which can be calculated and stored include cumulative time of machine operation for different categories of loads, cumulative time of machine operation over a predetermined maximum temperature, and total number of machine starts. Monitor electronics are also operable to transform time domain data generated by the sensors to frequency domain data.