Abstract: Various apparatuses to attach a first medical device to a second medical device are described that allow the physician to grasp only a single device while the other device remains securely attached to the one being grasped. The apparatuses, once they are attached to the first medical device, are designed to be easily and quickly attached and detached to a second medical device, normally only requiring the use of one hand. Furthermore, the apparatuses oftentimes include a base that can easily couple and decouple from the portion that is attached to the second medical device so that if the need arises to separately use the second medical device, it can be decoupled from the first medical device without completely removing the apparatus from the second medical device.

Abstract: A method includes receiving data characterizing time-dependent lateral vibration of a shaft of a machine, the lateral vibration indicative of motion of at least a portion of the shaft perpendicular to a first direction. The lateral vibration is detected by a first sensor located at a first predetermined location on the shaft. The method further includes, receiving data characterizing time-dependent torsional vibration of the shaft, the torsional vibration indicative of rotation of the shaft around the first direction. The torsional vibration is detected by a second sensor located at a second predetermined location on the shaft. The method also includes calculating a coherence of the data characterizing time-dependent lateral vibration and the data characterizing time-dependent torsional vibration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for turbomachine control based upon magnetostrictive sensor measurements are provided. A turbomachine (e.g., a compressor) can be instrumented with at a sensor configured to measure an operating parameter, and a magnetostrictive sensor configured to acquire a torsional measurement (e.g., torsional vibration and/or torque) of a turbomachine shaft. An analyzer can receive the operating parameter measurement and torsional measurement and determine an updated operating parameter limit and/or an updated exclusion zone based upon the torsional measurement for control of the operating parameter.

Abstract: A method includes receiving data characterizing time-dependent lateral vibration of a shaft of a machine, the lateral vibration indicative of motion of at least a portion of the shaft perpendicular to a first direction. The lateral vibration is detected by a first sensor located at a first predetermined location on the shaft. The method further includes, receiving data characterizing time-dependent torsional vibration of the shaft, the torsional vibration indicative of rotation of the shaft around the first direction. The torsional vibration is detected by a second sensor located at a second predetermined location on the shaft. The method also includes calculating a coherence of the data characterizing time-dependent lateral vibration and the data characterizing time-dependent torsional vibration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for turbomachine control based upon magnetostrictive sensor measurements are provided. A turbomachine (e.g., a compressor) can be instrumented with at a sensor configured to measure an operating parameter, and a magnetostrictive sensor configured to acquire a torsional measurement (e.g., torsional vibration and/or torque) of a turbomachine shaft. An analyzer can receive the operating parameter measurement and torsional measurement and determine an updated operating parameter limit and/or an updated exclusion zone based upon the torsional measurement for control of the operating parameter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved perturbation generation are provided. A perturbation generation system can include a first rotor and a second rotor. The first rotor can be configured to hold a first magnet and a second magnet. The second rotor can be configured to hold a third magnet and a fourth magnet. The first rotor can be rotatably and proximately arranged with the second rotor, where the first and second magnets can be configured to interact with the third and fourth magnets to create a force between the first rotor and the second rotor as the first rotor rotates relative to the second rotor.

Abstract: A method includes receiving data characterizing time-dependent lateral vibration of a shaft of a machine, the lateral vibration indicative of motion of at least a portion of the shaft perpendicular to a first direction. The lateral vibration is detected by a first sensor located at a first predetermined location on the shaft. The method further includes, receiving data characterizing time-dependent torsional vibration of the shaft, the torsional vibration indicative of rotation of the shaft around the first direction. The torsional vibration is detected by a second sensor located at a second predetermined location on the shaft. The method also includes calculating a coherence of the data characterizing time-dependent lateral vibration and the data characterizing time-dependent torsional vibration.

Abstract: A method for aligning cycles of an engine conditioning monitoring system includes: receiving data corresponding to a TDC angle of an engine from a crank angle sensor; receiving data from one or more accelerometers for each cylinder of the engine, the received data including vibration amplitude data; analyzing vibration amplitude data from the one or more accelerometers in relation to data corresponding to the TDC angle of the engine; characterizing vibration data using segmental band analysis, wherein segmental bands of the segmental band analysis correspond to valve closure angles of the engine; identify cylinders for which analyzed vibration amplitude data in relation to the TDC angle of the engine are out of phase; and align vibration amplitude data by shifting analyzed vibration amplitude data relative to the TDC angle of the engine such that vibration amplitude data is aligned with the TDC angle of the engine.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a structural condition of a machine is described. The method includes determining a position of a portion of a machine, a rotating shaft, a fluid transfer system, or a reciprocating machine in operation; collecting an image of the portion with an image collector; synchronizing the determined position of the portion with the collected image of the portion; amplifying the synchronized image; and storing the amplified image to a memory. Related apparatuses, systems, storage media, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A sensor system for positioning, orienting, and/or aligning a sensor assembly to a target object are provided. In some embodiments, the sensor system can include a sensor assembly and a control and processing module coupled to the sensor assembly. The control and processing module can be configured to process signals generate by the sensor assembly. The sensor system can include a mounting assembly configured to receive the sensor assembly and to position the sensor assembly relative to a surface of a target object. The mounting assembly can include a retaining element configured to translate along a first axis.

Abstract: A sensor system for positioning, orienting, and/or aligning a sensor assembly to a target object are provided. In some embodiments, the sensor system can include a sensor assembly and a control and processing module coupled to the sensor assembly. The control and processing module can be configured to process signals generate by the sensor assembly. The sensor system can include a mounting assembly configured to receive the sensor assembly and to position the sensor assembly relative to a surface of a target object. The mounting assembly can include a retaining element configured to translate along a first axis.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for positioning, orienting, and/or aligning a stress sensor assembly are provided. In some embodiments, a sensor assembly can be received within a retaining element of a sensor mounting assembly. The sensor mounting assembly can include the retaining element, an adjustment mechanism, a first member, a second member, and a third member. The adjustment mechanism can allow the sensor assembly to be displaced linearly in a proximal and/or distal direction. The first and second members can be pivotally coupled to enable the sensor assembly to be rotated about a first axis, and the second and third members can be pivotally coupled to allow the sensor assembly to be rotated about a second axis.

Abstract: A gap compensated torque sensing system and methods for using the same are provided. The system can include a magnetostrictive torque sensor and at least one proximity sensor in communication with a controller. The proximity sensor can be substantially rigidly coupled to a sensor head of the torque sensor, either contained within the sensor head or mounted proximate to the sensor head using a bracket or other coupling mechanism. The torque sensor can sense magnetic flux passing through the target and the proximity sensor can measure a gap between itself and the target. The controller can estimate torque applied to the target from magnetic flux sensed by the torque sensor. The estimated torque can be modified by the gap measurement to compensate for changes in magnetic properties of the target due to variations in the gap. In this manner, the accuracy of the torque measurements can be increased.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for positioning, orienting, and/or aligning a stress sensor assembly are provided. Raw stress signals, which can correspond to stress in the target, can be generated by detecting a magnetic flux that travels through the target. The raw stress signals can be sensitive to an alignment of the sensor relative to the target. In order to minimize measurement error, the stress sensor can be properly aligned relative to the target prior to taking a stress measurement. Sensor alignment can involve adjusting a yaw, pitch, and/or roll of the sensor, measuring the raw stress signals, attenuating the detected magnetic flux, and measuring the raw stress signals again. When the stress sensor is properly aligned, a change in a size of a gap between the sensor and a surface of a target can result in approximately equal changes in the raw stress signal.

Abstract: A gap compensated torque sensing system and methods for using the same are provided. The system can include a sensor head in communication with a controller. The sensor head can contain a torque sensor and a proximity sensor coupled to the sensor head. The torque and proximity sensors can each sense magnetic fluxes passing through the target and a gap between the sensor head and the target. The controller can estimate torque applied to the target from magnetic fluxes sensed by the torque sensor. The controller can determine an improved gap measurement that is independent of electromagnetic properties of the target from magnetic fluxes sensed by the torque and proximity sensors. The estimated torque can be modified by the improved gap measurement to compensate for changes in magnetic properties of the target due to variations in the gap. In this manner, the accuracy of the torque measurements can be increased.

Abstract: A stress sensing system for measuring stress in a conductive target material includes at least one sensor positioned proximate to the conductive target material. The sensor is configured to measure stress in the conductive target material and to transmit a signal indicative of the measured stress to a controller. The controller is coupled in communication with the sensor. The controller is configured to receive the signal from the sensor, determine a runout portion of the signal corresponding to the runout of the conductive target material, determine a runout pattern waveform from the runout portion, and subtract the runout pattern waveform from the signal.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for positioning, orienting, and/or aligning a stress sensor assembly are provided. In some embodiments, a sensor assembly can be received within a retaining element of a sensor mounting assembly. The sensor mounting assembly can include the retaining element, an adjustment mechanism, a first member, a second member, and a third member. The adjustment mechanism can allow the sensor assembly to be displaced linearly in a proximal and/or distal direction. The first and second members can be pivotally coupled to enable the sensor assembly to be rotated about a first axis, and the second and third members can be pivotally coupled to allow the sensor assembly to be rotated about a second axis.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for determining stress in a conductive target are provided. The systems, devices, and methods facilitate detecting stress in the target using a sensor assembly. Raw stress signals, which can correspond to stress in the target, can be generated by detecting a first magnetic flux that travels through the target. The raw stress signals can be sensitive to a gap between the sensor assembly and the target. A proximity sensor element can be used to determine the size of the gap by generating a magnetic field which can couple with the target. If the size of the gap changes, the coupling can change. By determining an impedance of the proximity sensor element, a corresponding gap signal can be generated. The gap signal can be used to correct the raw stress signals, thereby creating corrected stress signals, which can correspond to values of stress within the target.