Abstract: A digital transducer provides a digital output indicative of dynamic characteristics of machines and processes. The transducer sensors may be single-axis or multiple-axis accelerometers and other measurement sensors. The transducer may be hands-free and wireless in machinery monitoring applications. An integral magnetic mount assists with hands-free data collection. Digital data accumulated in transducer memory may be selectively decimated before or after transfer from the transducer to a remote analyzer. Wireless communications are used to upload measurement setups to the transducer and download data from the transducer to a handheld analyzer or remote computer. Analysis and interpretation of dynamic digital data streams are performed after data is downloaded.

Abstract: A meter reading system for communicating with Automated Meter Reading meters. The system includes an airborne platform and a meter data collection system disposed on the airborne platform. The meter data collection system includes antennas, with each of the antennas pointing in a different direction, one from another, and each antenna generally pointing downward when the airborne platform is airborne. The antennas receive meter data from the meters. The meter data collection system also includes transceivers, one each of the transceivers associated with and in signal communication with one each of the antennas. The transceivers receive the meter data through the antennas. A first computer is in signal communication with the transceivers and receives the meter data from the transceivers.

Abstract: A meter reading system for communicating with Automated Meter Reading meters. The system includes an airborne platform and a meter data collection system disposed on the airborne platform. The meter data collection system includes antennas, with each of the antennas pointing in a different direction, one from another, and each antenna generally pointing downward when the airborne platform is airborne. The antennas receive meter data from the meters. The meter data collection system also includes transceivers, one each of the transceivers associated with and in signal communication with one each of the antennas. The transceivers receive the meter data through the antennas. A first computer is in signal communication with the transceivers, and receives the meter data from the transceivers.

Abstract: An apparatus for acquiring repeatable and trendable performance data for monitoring the health of an articulating machine includes sensors, a programmable logic controller, a machinery monitoring system, and a display device. The sensors collect performance data as the machine performs prescribed motions. The programmable logic controller includes memory for storing motion predicate values that indicate motion conditions to be achieved as predicates to analysis of performance data as the machine performs the prescribed motions. A processor in the programmable logic controller compares the performance data to the motion predicate values to determine whether the motion conditions are being achieved as the machine performs the particular prescribed motion. A processor in the machinery monitoring system calculates analysis parameter values that indicate the health of the machine. These calculations are made using performance data collected while the motion conditions are being achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus monitors a tumble mill and includes at least two vibration sensors mounted on a first main bearing and at least two vibration sensors mounted on a second main bearing of the mill. Sensors may be disposed radially with respect to the bearing. A vibration sensor is also connected to a thrust bearing of the mill oriented in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the shell of the mill. A signal analyzer receives and analyzes signals from all vibration monitors on the bearings and displays an operating condition of the tumble mill. Additional vibration sensors may be mounted on the shell, and sensors may be provided to sense electrical power input and mechanical power output of the motors. In operation, the mill is loaded with a standard charge and operated at a standard rotational rate. The sensor data is analyzed and displayed when the mill is operating.

Abstract: A meter reading system for communicating with Automated Meter Reading meters. The system includes an airborne platform and a meter data collection system disposed on the airborne platform. The meter data collection system includes antennas, with each of the antennas pointing in a different direction, one from another, and each antenna generally pointing downward when the airborne platform is airborne. The antennas receive meter data from the meters. The meter data collection system also includes transceivers, one each of the transceivers associated with and in signal communication with one each of the antennas. The transceivers receive the meter data through the antennas. A first computer is in signal communication with the transceivers, and receives the meter data from the transceivers.

Abstract: An apparatus for acquiring repeatable and trendable performance data for monitoring the health of an articulating machine includes sensors, a programmable logic controller, a machinery monitoring system, and a display device. The sensors collect performance data as the machine performs prescribed motions. The programmable logic controller includes memory for storing motion predicate values that indicate motion conditions to be achieved as predicates to analysis of performance data as the machine performs the prescribed motions. A processor in the programmable logic controller compares the performance data to the motion predicate values to determine whether the motion conditions are being achieved as the machine performs the particular prescribed motion. A processor in the machinery monitoring system calculates analysis parameter values that indicate the health of the machine. These calculations are made using performance data collected while the motion conditions are being achieved.

Abstract: A digital transducer provides a digital output indicative of dynamic characteristics of machines and processes. The transducer sensors may be single-axis or multiple-axis accelerometers and other measurement sensors. The transducer may be hands-free and wireless in machinery monitoring applications. An integral magnetic mount assists with hands-free data collection. Digital data accumulated in transducer memory may be selectively decimated before or after transfer from the transducer to a remote analyzer. Wireless communications are used to upload measurement setups to the transducer and download data from the transducer to a handheld analyzer or remote computer. Analysis and interpretation of dynamic digital data streams are performed after data is downloaded.

Abstract: An alignment system having an angular position sensing device using an accelerometer to determine the angular position of the device. Preferably, the angular position sensing device incorporates two dual-axis accelerometers oriented in a spaced apart relation for determining the angular position of a rotating body in space. The angular position sensing device is operable to account for centrifugal and angular acceleration errors due to the rotation of the rotating body in space, thereby providing an accurate angular position of the rotating body. The angular position sensor also determines the angular position of the rotating body based on a sensing axis having the greatest range of sensitivity according to the angular position of the rotating body.

Abstract: Alignment data is analyzed to determine machine condition information that is not necessarily related to alignment. Alignment fixtures provide alignment data to an analyzer that finds a curve of a predetermined type, such as a sine curve, that best fits the data. A confidence factor is calculated indicating the probability that the alignment data corresponds to misalignment. The alignment data is further analyzed to determine a condition, other than misalignment, that contributed to the magnitudes of the alignment data. Preferably, the analyzer is used to check for machine conditions such as looseness in the machine, rubs, and spall defects in a bearing. Preferably, the condition analysis is based on both the confidence factors and curve parameters, such as phase, offset and amplitude of a sine curve. In the condition analysis mode, the analyzer provides both manual and automatic routine for removing selected segments of data to produce trial data sets that are analyzed to determine machine conditions.

Abstract: The specification discloses apparatus for aligning stationary in-line machine shafts. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides an alignment system having a sensed point rotatably positionable around a shaft for rotation through a plurality of angular positions around the shaft to provide a reference point against which misalignment is measured. The position of the sensed point is sensed by a sensor which is rotatably positionable around the shaft independently of the sensed point for rotation through a plurality of angular positions about the shaft.

Abstract: The specification discloses a laser alignment head system for taking alignment data with respect to a pair of coupled shafts. Each alignment head includes a laser, a laser sensor for sensing a laser beam, an angle sensor for sensing the rotational orientation of the laser head, a computer and a transmitter for transmitting data from the laser head. The two laser heads are mounted on the two shafts in an opposing facing relationship with the laser beam of one head disposed on the laser sensor of the other head. As the shafts are rotated, the laser beam moves on the laser sensor and the laser sensor generates a position signal corresponding to such movement. Likewise, the angle sensor produces an angle signal corresponding to the rotational angle of the laser head as the shafts are rotated. The computer produces output data corresponding to the position signal and the rotational angle, and such data is transmitted to a receiver.

Abstract: A system for managing the alignment of a plurality of machine sets includes a portable alignment analyzer for calculating machine moves tending to bring the shafts of a machine set into alignment, and a base computer. A database of alignment documentation for the machine set is maintained in the base computer, the database including alignment fixture setup data, machine dimensions and tolerances, by way of example. A data link at least periodically enables communication between the base computer and the portable alignment analyzer. When the data link is active, alignment documentation for the machine set may be selectively Loaded into the portable alignment analyzer, and measured misalignment data may be selectively Dumped to the base computer for storage in the database. The system allows previously entered and stored machine-specific setup information to be used for a current alignment job, requiring only minor changes in the field.

Abstract: An alignment analyzer for facilitating the alignment of a machine set including co-rotatable in-line shafts includes a display device on which separate offset misalignment and angle misalignment components are displayed as a single point in an x-y coordinate system. The coordinates of the point are the individual misalignment components. Also displayed on the display device are curves representing "acceptable" and "excellent" tolerance ranges. The displayed point and the curves together indicate whether the combined offset and angular misalignment is within or without the "acceptable" tolerance range, and whether the combined offset and misalignment is within or without the "excellent" tolerance range.

Abstract: The specification discloses apparatus for aligning rotatable in-line machine shafts. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides an alignment system having a sensed point positioned for rotation with the shaft to be aligned to provide a reference point against which misalignment is measured. The position of the sensed point is adjustable in three-dimensional space by an adjustment system so that the sensed point may be easily secured in a desired location to eliminate errors attributable to movement of the sensed point or improper location of the sensed point. In addition, the alignment system provides a capacitive displacement system to more accurately sense the sensed point, binary blocks to facilitate proper vertical positioning of the sensed point, and an improved chain assembly to facilitate mounting of the alignment system and to reduce errors of the type common to conventional alignment systems.

Abstract: Methods and systems for acquiring offset data for aligning co-rotatable in-line machine shafts. Two sets of offset data, each set for example representing relative displacement in a radial direction between a reference point referenced to one of the shafts and a particular point on the other of the shafts at given angular positions, are collected at a plurality of measurement angular positions. The measurement angular positions are not necessarily the 0.degree., 90.degree., 180.degree. and 270.degree. angular positions at which measurements are traditionally taken. Preferably, measured offset data is collected during continuous rotation of the shafts in their normal direction of rotation or at convenient positions where the rotation is halted. Measured offset data may be collected at as few as three angular positions, but preferably is collected at more than three angular positions, and typically at a multiplicity of angular positions such as thirty or forty.

Abstract: Methods for verifying the mechanical integrity of an alignment bracket, particularly a multi-configurable alignment bracket, used for aligning co-rotatable in-line machine shafts, and for determining the amount of alignment bracket "sag" to be accounted for when subsequently employing readings taken with the alignment bracket. The invention employs a previously-established relationship between sag and deflection of the alignment bracket under the influence of a known force to determine sag and to verify mechanical integrity of the alignment bracket in situ, avoiding the need for the usual prealignment sag determination on a separate straight pipe or mandrel. In the practice of the method, the alignment bracket is set up in a position for use, on the actual shafts being aligned. The extension bar of the alignment bracket is positioned above the centerlines of the shafts, and a known force is applied by hanging a known weight at a predetermined point on the alignment bracket.