Abstract: An industrial sensing network includes a plurality of sensors, each sensor being configured to monitor at least one condition associated with equipment deployed in an industrial complex. The sensing network also includes at least one fixed aggregator configured to gather data collected by one or more of the plurality of sensors and relay the data to a user. The aggregator includes a local communication arrangement configured for communication with other devices deployed within the complex, an external communication arrangement configured for communication with devices external to the complex, a self-contained power source configured to power the aggregator, a processor programmed to at least partially process data, and a storage arrangement configured to at least temporarily store data. At least one sensor is configured to at least partially process sensor measurements into data prior to transmission to the aggregator.

Abstract: A monitoring device includes a first sensor adapted to measure one or more parameters and generate one or more measurement signals related thereto, processing circuitry configured to receive and process the one or more measurement signals into data, a transmitter adapted to transmit at least a portion of the data, a power source configured to power the device, and a body adapted to house the power source, processing circuitry, and transmitter. The body is configured for connection to a plurality of different sensors, including the first sensor, and the body has a displacement less than about 4 cubic inches.

Abstract: A monitoring device adapted to monitor a condition includes a sensor that produces an output signal representative of the condition, a filter configured to at least partially operate on the output signal, a sampling arrangement adapted to sample the output signal at a predetermined frequency to thereby collect a plurality of samples, and an analysis arrangement adapted to at least partially analyze the plurality of samples to thereby produce data. The filter has a controllable knee the knee is related to the sample frequency.

Abstract: A method of communicating among wireless devices includes providing a frequency hopping schedule to a target device. The frequency hopping schedule includes a sequence of frequencies. The method also includes, at the target device, alternately sleeping and listening on a frequency in the sequence of frequencies according to the frequency hopping schedule, exchanging time base information between the target device and the transmitting device, at the transmitting device, using the time base information to determine a current frequency of the target device, from the transmitting device, and transmitting a packet of information uniquely addressed to the target device.

Abstract: A self-powered apparatus includes a solar power cell, a battery, and a load. The load may include one or more load functions performed using power provided by one or both of the solar power cell and the battery. The inclusion of a battery permits the solar power cell to be sized much smaller than if the solar power cell was the only supply of power. A programmable controller selectively regulates power provided to one or more load functions and also selectively regulates whether one or both of the power cell and battery supplies the power. Switching circuitry, controlled by the programmable controller, selectively couples one or both of the battery and the solar cell to supply energy for powering the load. In a preferred example embodiment, the controller couples the battery and/or solar cell to charge a super capacitor, which then is selectively controlled to power the load.