Abstract: A method for suppressing a non-periodic random event in a proximity system includes: receiving an output signal generated by a proximity sensor in the proximity system and monitoring at least a magnitude of the output signal; determining whether a spike having a magnitude exceeding a prescribed threshold value has occurred in the output signal; when a spike in the output signal is detected, setting an output of the proximity system to a prescribed level for a prescribed duration of time; when the prescribed duration of time has elapsed, determining whether the output signal meets one or more prescribed criteria indicative of a shutdown condition; when it is determined that the output signal meets the prescribed criteria, setting the output of the proximity system to a level exceeding an alarm threshold; and when it is determined that the output signal fails to meet at least one of the prescribed criteria, releasing suppression of the output of the proximity system.

Abstract: A proximity transducer system including an eddy current effect proximity probe, a proximity electronics module coupled to the probe, a monitoring system and a two-wire, current interface connecting the proximity electronics module to the monitoring system is disclosed. The proximity transducer system is operative for measuring position and vibration of a component to be monitored. The current interface is made up of a pair of wires, e.g., a twisted pair, and is adapted for providing power to the electronics module and an electrical signal from the proximity electronics module that is representative of (e.g., proportional to) the length of the gap between the probe and the component being monitored. That signal has a DC component that represents a steady state distance and an AC component that represents active movement of the component, such as vibration.

Abstract: The storage allocation system reduces the amount of storage needed to store data, and also to store the most interesting dynamic data samples (e.g., waveforms). Dynamic data is relevant if it has changed from a previous sample. Changes need to be detected for different machinery conditions. The storage allocation approach normalizes static data to a percentage of danger alarm value that indicates how much the data is changing. The difference of successive percent of danger alarm values provides an instantaneous change value indicating how interesting the data is. To manage how much data is collected; the system maintains an interestingness threshold and stores data samples having an interestingness value above the threshold. The threshold is automatically adjusted if too much/little data is being saved. This approach optimizes the amount and value of data stored and data storage requirements for improved data storage efficiency.

Abstract: The storage allocation system reduces the amount of storage needed to store data, and also to store the most interesting dynamic data samples (e.g., waveforms). Dynamic data is relevant if it has changed from a previous sample. Changes need to be detected for different machinery conditions. The storage allocation approach normalizes static data to a percentage of danger alarm value that indicates how much the data is changing. The difference of successive percent of danger alarm values provides an instantaneous change value indicating how interesting the data is. To manage how much data is collected; the system maintains an interestingness threshold and stores data samples having an interestingness value above the threshold. The threshold is automatically adjusted if too much/little data is being saved. This approach optimizes the amount and value of data stored and data storage requirements for improved data storage efficiency.

Abstract: A proximity transducer system including an eddy current effect proximity probe, a proximity electronics module coupled to the probe, a monitoring system and a two-wire, current interface connecting the proximity electronics module to the monitoring system is disclosed. The proximity transducer system is operative for measuring position and vibration of a component to be monitored. The current interface is made up of a pair of wires, e.g., a twisted pair, and is adapted for providing power to the electronics module and an electrical signal from the proximity electronics module that is representative of (e.g., proportional to) the length of the gap between the probe and the component being monitored. That signal has a DC component that represents a steady state distance and an AC component that represents active movement of the component, such as vibration.

Abstract: A digital based two wire proximity transmitter system and a method for calibrating the system, wherein the transmitter includes a customized linearization table uniquely generated during calibration to take into account the unique impedance properties of a particular probe/coaxial cable configuration. During calibration, the probe is positioned adjacent a calibration target. The calibration target is selected to have the same material characteristics as the target to be monitored during actual operation of the transmitter in the field. At a fixed distance between the probe and calibration target, the resonant frequency of the probe/cable system is determined. Thereafter, utilizing this resonant frequency to excite the probe, the voltage response of the probe/cable system is determined as the distance between the probe and the target material is incrementally changed.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and transmitting impact data is disclosed for use in monitoring early-stage development of harmful mechanical conditions for reciprocating machinery. The impact transmitter device includes a single self-contained unit having a stainless steel housing which contains an impact accelerometer, a detector circuit, a measurement and timing circuit, a 4-20 mA driver circuit, independent polarity circuit, and an electromagnetic impulse protection unit. The impact transmitter device further includes a field adjustable static threshold defining the severity of the impact detected, and a field adjustable reference time window interval. The variable severe impact level threshold allows an operator to isolate severe impacts from typical machine vibration. The variable time window interval allows an operator to synchronize the present invention with different machine speeds and to collect severe impact data over an appropriate time frame.

Abstract: A geophone having a non-conductive coilform thereby avoiding the disadvantages of conductive coilform damping and allowing closer control of both sensitivity and damping solely through shunt loading of the sensing coil. The coilform is a molded plastic coilform of a high strength lightweight glass filled resin. The coilform is a dimensionally stable and temperature stable thermoplastic. Preferably, the coilform is of polyphenylene sulfide.