Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for commissioning a sensor via a communication unit includes scanning, by the communication unit, a sensor-identifying feature of the sensor to provide sensor-identifying data and sending, by the communication unit to a system controller, the sensor-identifying data. The method further includes receiving, by the communication unit from the system controller, one or more contextual prompts regarding a sensed object to which the sensor is operatively connected and, in response to the contextual prompts, sending, by the communication unit to the system controller, sensed object context information. Thereafter, the method further comprises receiving, by the communication unit from the system controller, confirmation of commissioning of the sensor. A corresponding method in the system controller, as well as corresponding apparatus, are also described.

Abstract: Detection of mechanical coupling slippage in rotary encoder systems is provided where position data samples are obtained from a rotary encoder coupled to rotating element and angular acceleration data is determined based on the position data samples. At least two acceleration peaks are detected in the angular acceleration data, including at least one negative acceleration peak and at least one positive acceleration peak. Slippage occurrence of the mechanical coupling are detected when an interval between a negative acceleration peak and a positive acceleration peak of the at least two acceleration peaks is less than a first time period. If at least a threshold number of slippage occurrences are detected within a second time period, a mechanical coupling error signal is generated.

Abstract: A sensor hub for use in machine condition monitoring comprising a rotation sensor and a wireless communication module each operatively connected to a processing device. The rotation sensor and processing device are configured to receive power from a controller of the monitored machine. One or more additional sensors, which may be associated with the monitored machine or another machine, may also be operatively connected to the processing device. In an embodiment, the additional sensors may comprise any one or more of, or any combination of, an accelerometer, a temperature sensor, an acoustic sensor, an high frequency sensor, an humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a current sensor or a proximity sensor. The wireless communication module may support an ad hoc wireless communication protocol. Further, the wireless communication module may receive additional sensor data from one or more wireless sensor nodes associated with the monitored machine or another machine.

Abstract: Sensor and/or power-harvesting apparatus are provided for sensing and/or harvesting energy across a relatively wide dynamic range of a driving rotational input. The apparatus may include a rotor magnet (10, 62) responsive to a driving rotational input (14, 64). Utilization of a togging effect or a magnetic spring effect results in certain rapid-rotation events where the rotor magnet can rapidly rotate regardless of a low rate of rotation of the driving rotational input. A coil assembly (28, 75) is magnetically coupled to the rotor magnet to generate a signal in response to rotation of the rotor magnet during the rapid-rotation events. This signal may be used to harvest electrical energy and/or may be processed to determine characteristics of the driving rotational input.

Abstract: A proximity switch (20, 20A) that snaps quickly and locks between first and second positions of movable electrical contacts (32). A magnet (42) moves a first shaft (26) toward a magnetic target (62) when the target is proximate a sensor end (43) of the switch housing (22). A spring (44) urges the first shaft (26) away from the sensor end. Movement of the first shaft causes a second spring (64) to urge a second shaft (28) in the direction of the first shaft. Next the second shaft is released (52) to move in the direction urged by the second spring. The switch may be adapted to a client cable pin configuration via an adapter plug (80) in the housing with a flexible interconnection circuit (82) folded in a chamber between the adapter plug and leads from fixed electrical contacts (38) of the switch.

Abstract: A sensor hub for use in machine condition monitoring comprising a rotation sensor and a wireless communication module each operatively connected to a processing device. The rotation sensor and processing device are configured to receive power from a controller of the monitored machine. One or more additional sensors, which may be associated with the monitored machine or another machine, may also be operatively connected to the processing device. In an embodiment, the additional sensors may comprise any one or more of, or any combination of, an accelerometer, a temperature sensor, an acoustic sensor, an high frequency sensor, an humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a current sensor or a proximity sensor. The wireless communication module may support an ad hoc wireless communication protocol. Further, the wireless communication module may receive additional sensor data from one or more wireless sensor nodes associated with the monitored machine or another machine.

Abstract: In an embodiment of a rotational sensor, a multi-pole magnet assembly comprises multiple magnets configured to rotate about a rotational axis of the rotational sensor, where the multi-pole magnet assembly is in a first plane perpendicular to the rotational axis. The magnetic sensor is arranged in a second plane also perpendicular to the rotational axis and in proximity to the multi-pole magnet assembly. Each magnet of the multiple magnets has poles aligned parallel to the rotational axis and perpendicular to the first plane of the magnetic sensor. In another embodiment, the magnetic sensor is arranged at a first radius away from the rotational axis, whereas the multiple magnets of the magnet assembly are arranged at a second radius, not equal to the first radius, away from the rotational axis. In yet another embodiment, a rotational sensor comprises a housing and rotatable shaft upon which the magnet assembly is mounted.

Abstract: A field replaceable auxiliary switch and control circuit assembly for an electrical contactor that comprises a frame member capable of being inserted into, and removable from, an opening and an interior of an electrical contactor housing. A circuit board is mounted to the frame member and has a control circuit formed thereon. The assembly may further comprise a first electrical connector disposed within the contactor housing and a second electrical connector attached to the circuit board having one or more electrical contacts capable of being positioned in mating relationship with the first electrical contactor, which is in electrical communication with an electromagnet and/or electromagnetic coil.

Abstract: A proximity switch (20, 20A) that snaps quickly and locks between first and second positions of movable electrical contacts (32). A magnet (42) moves a first shaft (26) toward a magnetic target (62) when the target is proximate a sensor end (43) of the switch housing (22). A spring (44) urges the first shaft (26) away from the sensor end. Movement of the first shaft causes a second spring (64) to urge a second shaft (28) in the direction of the first shaft. Next the second shaft is released (52) to move in the direction urged by the second spring. The switch may be adapted to a client cable pin configuration via an adapter plug (80) in the housing with a flexible interconnection circuit (82) folded in a chamber between the adapter plug and leads from fixed electrical contacts (38) of the switch.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting optics of a light curtain. The apparatus includes a light curtain optics housing and a mounting bracket. The housing includes a curved mounting surface that extends along a portion of a length of the housing. The mounting bracket is connected to the curved mounting surface such that the mounting bracket can be longitudinally adjusted with respect to the optics housing. The mounting bracket includes a curved surface and an adjustment slot that allow for rotational adjustment with respect to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting optics of a light curtain. The apparatus includes a light curtain optics housing and a mounting bracket. The housing includes a curved mounting surface that extends along a portion of a length of the housing. The mounting bracket is connected to the curved mounting surface such that the mounting bracket can be longitudinally adjusted with respect to the optics housing. The mounting bracket includes a curved surface and an adjustment slot that allow for rotational adjustment with respect to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A potentiometer has a disc mounted on the shaft. A knob embraces the end of the shaft and is biased away from the disc. The knob is slidable along the shaft into engagement with the disc so that rotation of the knob operates the potentiometer.

Abstract: A rotary pulse transducer includes a housing having a pair of halves of similar dimensions. An annular photoelectric stator formed from a plastic sheet is employed as a sealing gasket between the halves of the transducer housing. During assembly of the transducer, the stator may be easily moved relative to the housing for alignment purposes by grasping exterior portions of the stator.

Abstract: A digital position control for linearly moving apparatus driven by a motor includes a command signal generating loop coupled to a motor operative condition control loop. The command signal generating loop provides a digital pulse train signal having frequency characteristics corresponding to the desired accelerations and velocities of the apparatus and a total number of pulses proportional to the desired movement of the apparatus. The motor operative condition control loop employs the command signal to energize the motor in accordance with the frequency and pulse count characteristics of the command signal.