Abstract: A multi-unit system is disclosed that is configured for hands-free transport to enable remote data collection and data processing for a complex machine system or plethora of rotating machinery. In one embodiment, the system may include a sensor, a portable processing unit, and a hand-held unit that is physically separate from but in data communications with the portable processing unit. The hand-held unit may include a display and a user interface. The portable processing unit may include a processor that is configured to communicate with a sensor that is configured to detect a dynamic operating condition of a machine system. Additionally, the hand-held unit may communicate directly with the sensor. The communication links between the portable processing unit and the sensor; between the hand-held unit and the portable processing unit; and between the hand-held unit and the sensor may be either a wireless connection or a wired connection.

Abstract: A monitoring and protection system for a machine system includes monitoring modules or groups of modules positioned at various locations of the machine system at which dynamic operating conditions are monitored. The modules are configured to communicate with one another via an open industrial data exchange protocol. Network media is routed between groups of monitoring modules to establish an overall system topology that is highly distributed and that is not dependent upon routing of multiple signal cables to central monitoring locations or racks.

Abstract: A data collector having a digital signal processing circuit that receives a digitized vibration signal, and performs processing steps to isolate high frequency pulses in the digitized vibration signal and quantify energy content of those pulses by detecting a peak negative value of the digitized peak-to-peak amplitude of the received vibration signal, and then using this peak negative value to compute a maximum peak-to-peak value of the received vibration signal. Periodically, the maximum peak-to-peak value and peak negative value are reduced in magnitude by a decay factor, such that the peak negative value and maximum peak-to-peak value decay over time. The decay factors used in computing the maximum peak-to-peak value and peak negative value are determined by the digital signal processing circuit and may be readily changed.

Abstract: A Cycle Wheel Safety Light System uses double-sided shaped A-C electro-luminescent light panels, spaced about the wheels of a bicycle. A DC battery powers the panels via a DC-AC inverter. Alternatively, an alternator mounted between the wheel axle and frame utilizes the bicycle rider's motive power as the source of energy. Another variation combining the best features of both the battery and inverter is use of an alternator to charge (via a rectifier) a smaller battery or other energy storage device such as a ‘supercap’. The panels may be of various colors to improve the “WOW!” factor and encourage adolescent use.

Abstract: A monitoring and protection technique for machine systems includes providing multiple processors within a monitoring module. A first processor generally performs management functions, such as data communications control, memory management, and so forth. A second processor performs complex calculations that provide data to the first processor. The module may be specifically adapted to applications, such as vibration monitoring, in which case the second processor may perform analysis of received signals to derive vibrational data that forms the basis for decisions for energizing or de-energizing relay circuitry used to control the machine system or an alarm.

Abstract: A monitoring and protection system includes monitoring modules that are positioned proximate to locations of interest in a machine system where dynamic operating conditions are monitored. The monitoring modules may be configured to communicate with other modules via an open industrial data exchange protocol. The monitors are also configured to control the operative state of a component such as a relay circuit, either integrated into the monitoring module or provided in a separate relay module. Extremely rapid and versatile response is attained through implementation of a local control loop for control of the state of the relay circuit, which may be complemented by a remote loop that includes a remote monitoring or control system for response to different inputs or conditions.

Abstract: A monitoring and protection system is provided which is highly modular and expandable. The system is based upon individual monitoring modules which may be associated with one another in groups at locations or points along a machine system where dynamic operating conditions are to be monitored and controlled. The individual modules communicate between themselves, and with remote modules, via an open industrial data exchange protocol. The modules are thus freed of the need for a backplane or other backbone for mounting and communications purposes. Any number of modules may be positioned at the points of interest along the machine system, from as few as a single module to a large group of modules, with the entire system being expandable and contractible according to the design needs based upon the open industrial data exchange protocol.

Abstract: A monitoring and protection system includes a plurality of monitoring modules that are positioned proximate to points of interest in a machine system where dynamic operating conditions are to be monitored. The monitoring modules at individual locations communicate with one another via an open industrial data exchange protocol. The groups of modules may also communicate via the same protocol, creating a flexible and expandable system that accommodates a wide range of modules and that avoids the need for conventional backplane architecture. The groups also communicate with remote equipment via a different standard data exchange protocol, such as via a gateway associated with each of the monitoring module groups.

Abstract: A monitoring and protection system includes monitoring modules that are positioned proximate to locations of interest in a machine system where dynamic operating conditions are monitored. The monitoring modules may be configured to communicate with other modules via an open industrial data exchange protocol. The monitors are also configured to control the operative state of a component such as a relay circuit, either integrated into the monitoring module or provided in a separate relay module. Extremely rapid and versatile response is attained through implementation of a local control loop for control of the state of the relay circuit, which may be complemented by a remote loop that includes a remote monitoring or control system for response to different inputs or conditions.

Abstract: A monitoring and protection system includes a plurality of monitoring modules that are positioned proximate to points of interest in a machine system where dynamic operating conditions are to be monitored. The monitoring modules at individual locations communicate with one another via an open industrial data exchange protocol. The groups of modules may also communicate via the same protocol, creating a flexible and expandable system that accommodates a wide range of modules and that avoids the need for conventional backplane architecture. The groups also communicate with remote equipment via a different standard data exchange protocol, such as via a gateway associated with each of the monitoring module groups.

Abstract: A monitoring and protection system is provided which is highly modular and expandable. The system is based upon individual monitoring modules which may be associated with one another in groups at locations or points along a machine system where dynamic operating conditions are to be monitored and controlled. The individual modules communicate between themselves, and with remote modules, via an open industrial data exchange protocol. The modules are thus freed of the need for a backplane or other backbone for mounting and communications purposes. Any number of modules may be positioned at the points of interest along the machine system, from as few as a single module to a large group of modules, with the entire system being expandable and contractible according to the design needs based upon the open industrial data exchange protocol.

Abstract: A monitoring and protection technique for machine systems includes providing multiple processors within a monitoring module. A first processor generally performs management functions, such as data communications control, memory management, and so forth. A second processor performs complex calculations that provide data to the first processor. The module may be specifically adapted to applications, such as vibration monitoring, in which case the second processor may perform analysis of received signals to derive vibrational data that forms the basis for decisions for energizing or de-energizing relay circuitry used to control the machine system or an alarm.

Abstract: A monitoring and protection system for a machine system includes monitoring modules or groups of modules positioned at various locations of the machine system at which dynamic operating conditions are monitored. The modules are configured to communicate with one another via an open industrial data exchange protocol. Network media is routed between groups of monitoring modules to establish an overall system topology that is highly distributed and that is not dependent upon routing of multiple signal cables to central monitoring locations or racks.

Abstract: A Cycle Wheel Safety Light System uses double-sided shaped A-C electro-luminescent light panels, spaced about the wheels of a bicycle. A DC battery powers the panels via a DC-AC inverter. Alternatively, an alternator mounted between the wheel axle and frame utilizes the bicycle rider's motive power as the source of energy. Another variation combining the best features of both the battery and inverter is use of an alternator to charge (via a rectifier) a smaller battery or other energy storage device such as a ‘supercap’. The panels may be of various colors to improve the “WOW!” factor and encourage adolescent use.

Abstract: Apparatus and method utilized in carrying out vibrational analysis wherein the output of a vibration monitoring transducer is treated by filtering in stepped fashion over a broad spectrum of frequencies. The stepped filtering is provided utilizing minimum dwell intervals at lower frequencies as determined by the number of steps involved per given bandwidth. A readout form of continuous printing provides a histographic analysis of amplitude and frequency and, optionally, an amplitude readout with respect to elapsed time. For the histographic readout, amplitude is plotted as a series of characters in linear form commencing with half peak amplitude and extending toward peak. Test and calibration procedures are provided for facilitating on site testing as well as servicing calibration procedures.

Abstract: A visual graphical display of instantaneous mechanical vibration versus frequency over a selected frequency spectrum is presented to provide a vibration analyst with a prompt overall visual impression of the mechanical vibration characteristics of a rotating device which is under surveillance. In an alternative application, the visual display permits a rapid adjustment of an electrical bandpass filter of an associated vibration analyzer. The device employs several trains of diodes which are arranged so that one or more diode in each train is illuminated at any one moment.

Abstract: A system for carrying out vibrational analysis of machinery and the like wherein a voltage controlled filter is combined with a phase-locked feedback loop to detect maximum amplitude within a given frequency band. A simply derived readout of frequency and amplitude is made available with the arrangement and operation over three or more decades of frequency is availed without manual switching and the like.

Abstract: Apparatus for visually indicating to an operator of a vernier, for example, that he is approaching a desired set point. The apparatus additionally indicates when the exact set point has been reached. This is accomplished with the use of a display, preferably a liquid crystal display, which has an exact set-point indicator provided on either side with two arrows pointing toward the set-point indicator. When the control parameter is far to one side of the set point, the large arrow on one side of the set point will be energized; and as the set point is approached, the large arrow will be extinguished with the small arrow remaining energized until the exact set point is reached, whereupon all arrows are extinguished and the set-point indicator energized.