Abstract: A data recording and playback system and method with a memory device adapted to receive and temporarily store input signal data as data frames with time stamps, the memory device having addresses associated thereto, and a circular storage buffer having a memory mapped file with same address space as the memory device for storing the input signal data. In one embodiment, an event controller provides an event signal associated to time of an event, and an event processor is provided that copies plurality of data frames stored in the circular storage buffer that have time stamps proximate to the time of the event. Another embodiment is adapted to allow playback of stored input signal data from the circular storage buffer without interrupting simultaneous recording of new input signal data into the circular storage buffer.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a sporting event includes devices for monitoring characteristics of the event and collecting monitored data. Devices address different aspects of the event and monitor and collect real-time data. The devices process the data into digitized frames, and a digital storage device receives and stores the frames in a random access storage buffer as time-stamped digitized data frames with unique addresses. The storage device is capable of both time-shifting and relational association. The system includes a controller and devices for monitoring and extracting a digitized data frame according to a predetermined criterion. A viewer communicates with the storage device and controller and selects, manipulates, and extracts the digitized data frame. The system records and plays back the monitored data using a circular storage buffer with a memory mapped file and allows playback of stored data without interrupting simultaneous recording of new input data.

Abstract: A data recording and playback system and method with a memory device adapted to receive and temporarily store input signal data as data frames with time stamps, the memory device having addresses associated thereto, and a circular storage buffer having a memory mapped file with same address space as the memory device for storing the input signal data. In one embodiment, an event controller provides an event signal associated to time of an event, and an event processor is provided that copies plurality of data frames stored in the circular storage buffer that have time stamps proximate to the time of the event. Another embodiment is adapted to allow playback of stored input signal data from the circular storage buffer without interrupting simultaneous recording of new input signal data into the circular storage buffer.

Abstract: A method and device for processing quasi-periodic signals from machines that provides improved diagnostic results. A dynamic, non-uniform signal termed the speed clock controls processing of the signals. This processing prevents the leakage artifacts and poor frequency resolution that can mask signal components and limit the diagnostic value of existing technology. Valuable phase information, which is destroyed by existing sampling methods controlled directly by encoder signals, is retained. The invention also enables removal of large masking signal components without otherwise altering the signal. By preventing artifacts, retaining phase information, and removing undesirable signal components, the present invention is a dramatic improvement over existing technology for processing signals to determine the health and performance of operating machines.

Abstract: A method and device for processing encoder signals from turbomachines to produce frequency modulation signals representing fully isolated rotor vibrational resonances. Multi-sensor and multi-sideband group processing provides enhanced results. The method provides dramatically improved frequency resolution. Amplitude modulation and random noise effects are removed by a variety of artifact-free techniques. Signals then are completely separated into components for rotational vibration and translational vibration. Fully isolating rotational vibration unmasks previously undetectable signal components of diagnostic value. In cases of high background vibration, Wiener filtering removes the effects of exogenous vibration. By these various techniques, the present invention provides significantly enhanced diagnostic information regarding condition and performance in turbomachines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for analyzing signals from rotating machines containing rotating components that slip and, thereby, to detect faults in those components. The signals are processed by a series of steps to generate coherently averaged spectra and derived features that indicate defects in, or certain other features of, machine components that slip or rotate asynchronously.

Abstract: A gear defect analyzing system records the interaction of each tooth of a gear system until the interaction begins to repeat and then processes the information in such a way as to identify defective gear tooth. Signals from a gear box are detected by an accelerometer and a shaft encoder and fed to an interface circuit and then to an analog signal preprocessing circuit. The preprocessing circuit conditions the signal so that it can be analyzed by a microcomputer. The system has the capability of identifying the class of incoming signals, determining the optimal time domain average, eliminating unwanted spectral components and interference, computing specific measurements relating to gear wear and then performing analysis of time history within a given system operating state to determine which gears and gear teeth are defective. By recording each tooth-to-tooth interaction over a period of time, and then processing the recorded matrix of data, it is possible to locate individual tooth defects.