Abstract: A system and method is provided for monitoring the operating condition of a pump by evaluating fault data encoded in the instantaneous current of the motor driving the pump. The data is converted to a frequency spectrum which is analyzed to create a fault signature having fault attributes relating to various fault conditions associated with the pump. The fault signature is then input to a neural network that operates in conjunction with a preprocessing and post processing module to perform decisions and output those decisions to a user interface. A stand alone module is also provided that includes an adaptive preprocessing module, a one-shot unsupervised neural network and a fuzzy based expert system to provide a decision making module that operates with limited human supervision.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical (MEMS) switches are used to implement a flying capacitor circuit transferring of electrical power while preserving electrical isolation for size critical applications where transformers or coupling capacitors would not be practical. In one embodiment, the invention may be used to provide input circuits that present a programmable input impedance. The circuit may be modified to provide for power regulation.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for monitoring the operating condition of a pump by evaluating fault data encoded in the instantaneous current of the motor driving the pump. The data is converted to a frequency spectrum which is analyzed to create a fault signature having fault attributes relating to various fault conditions associated with the pump. The fault signature is then input to a neural network that operates in conjunction with a preprocessing and post processing module to perform decisions and output those decisions to a user interface. A stand alone module is also provided that includes an adaptive preprocessing module, a one-shot unsupervised neural network and a fuzzy based expert system to provide a decision making module that operates with limited human supervision.

Abstract: A pump control system and a controller therefor are disclosed which operate a motorized pump in a controlled fashion. The controller provides a control signal to a motor drive according to a setpoint or according to a cavitation signal from a cavitation detection component in the controller. If the cavitation detection component determines that pump cavitation is likely or suspected, the controller may operate the pump motor according to the cavitation signal, in order to reduce or eliminate the cavitation condition, before resuming normal control according to the setpoint.

Abstract: An integrated control and diagnostics system for a controlled system (e.g., a motor) includes a diagnostics module and a controller coupled to the motor. To optimize operation, the diagnostics information signal is used to modify the control provided by the controller as required. Moreover, the output of the control module is coupled to the diagnostics module so that the health assessment made by the diagnostics module can be based at least in part on the output of the controller. The invention uses a model-based diagnostics approach that allows integration of control algorithms with diagnostics algorithms to intelligently trade off optimizing performance to avert or accommodate failures, and to meet performance requirements in a wide range of applications.

Abstract: A system for determining at least one condition of a seal including an optical fiber for transmitting light from a light source. The optical fiber is embedded in the seal and operatively coupled to an interferometric system. The interferometric system is operatively coupled to a processor. The interferometric system provides the processor with information relating to wear of the optical fiber, and the processor determines wear of the seal, rate of wear and remaining useful life of the seal based on the information relating to wear of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A system and methodology is provided for dynamically adjusting fluids that operate as a lubricant in a machine, and for dynamically controlling fluid properties of a fluid that is operational in situ in a machine. The system includes a control module having a processor and one or more sensors providing data to the processor in situ with the machine, wherein the processor employs the data to monitor the fluid. One or more inputs are provided to receive a plurality of additives that are associated with the fluid, wherein actuators are employed by the processor to dispense the additives to the fluid. The processor dispenses the fluid based upon one or more parameters of the fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides control systems and methodologies for controlling a process having one or more motorized pumps and associated motor drives, which provide for optimized process performance according to one or more performance criteria, such as efficiency, component life expectancy, safety, emissions, noise, vibration, operational cost, or the like. More particularly, the subject invention provides for employing machine diagnostic and/or prognostic information in connection with optimizing an overall business operation.

Abstract: A diagnostics/prognostics system and related method for collecting and processing data relating to a plurality of subsystems of a dynamic system includes a plurality of sensors, each sensor gathering data and generating a data signal indicative of the health of a corresponding one of the subsystems. In addition, the diagnostics/prognostics system includes a plurality of subsystem modules coupled to corresponding ones of the sensors for generating a subsystem health signal in response to corresponding ones of the data signals. Further, a master diagnostics module is coupled to the subsystems to generate an overall system health signal in response to the subsystem health signals. Preferably, the master diagnostics module includes a memory having an embedded model to facilitate generating the overall system health signal and a related trend analysis.

Abstract: A system for determining wear of an article including an optical fiber for transmitting light from a light source. The optical fiber is embedded in the article, and operatively coupled to an interferometric system. The interferometric system is operatively coupled to a processor. The interferometric system provides the processor with information relating to wear of the optical fiber, and the processor determines wear of the article rate of wear and remaining useful life of the article based on the information relating to wear of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A bearing-sensor integration in which one or more multi-sensor lubrication sensing devices are positioned relative to the bearing to sense in situ certain parameters of the lubricating fluid. The lubrication sensing devices may be positioned on an interior surface of a bearing raceway (i.e, the outer raceway and/or the inner raceway), the bearing's cage, sealing cover, circulating system, a compliant structure positioned within the bearing chamber, a flowgate, and/or a reservoir. The lubrication sensing device(s) may include sensors for measuring certain parameters of the lubricating fluid, such as pH, chemical characteristics, electrical conductivity, temperature and/or viscosity. A processor receives lubrication-related data from the lubrication sensing device(s), processes the lubrication-related data, and provides information relating to lubrication health and/or health of the machine employing the lubricant.

Abstract: An integrated control and diagnostics system for a controlled system (e.g., a motor) includes a diagnostics module and a controller coupled to the motor. To optimize operation, the diagnostics information signal is used to modify the control provided by the controller as required. Moreover, the output of the control module is coupled to the diagnostics module so that the health assessment made by the diagnostics module can be based at least in part on the output of the controller. The invention uses a model-based diagnostics approach that allows integration of control algorithms with diagnostics algorithms to intelligently trade off optimizing performance to avert or accommodate failures, and to meet performance requirements in a wide range of applications.

Abstract: A parasitically powered remote sensing device for monitoring an industrial system. The device comprising a tuned transducer which converts stray energy emitted by the system into an electric potential for consumption by a remote sensing device and/or a wireless communications link. In an alternate embodiment the remote sensing device further comprises an energy storage element connected to the transducer to provide the sensing element and wireless communications link with the electric potential when the stray energy is insufficient to power the remote sensing device.

Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine diagnostic system is provided. The system includes a docking station coupled to a dynamoelectric machine; a plurality of sensors operatively coupled to the docking station, at least one of the sensors being permanently positioned in the dynamoelectric machine for data gathering; and a diagnostic module, adapted to be received by and coupled to the docking station so that the diagnostic module may collect data output from at least one of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A diagnostic system includes a vibration sensor mounted on a machine to measure vibrations. Vibration signals from the sensor are processed and analyzed by the system. From a known critical frequency of a vibration-generating component, the system measures the amplitude of the vibration signal at more than one harmonic frequency of the known critical frequency and compares the amplitudes to amplitudes at adjacent harmonic frequencies. When a relatively large amplitude is found at a harmonic frequency, that is a harmonic frequency near a resonant frequency of the physical path between the vibration sensor and the vibration-generating component, the system analyzes the shape and magnitude of the vibration signal around that harmonic frequency to evaluate the condition of the machine.

Abstract: A multi-element fluid sensor system for determining the health state of a fluid. The sensor system includes at least two sensors for collecting data relating to a particular parameter (e.g., pH, temperature, conductivity, chemistry, viscosity) of the fluid. The at least two sensors may be integrated onto a semiconductor base so as to provide for a micro sensor for in situ monitoring of the fluid. The system also includes a data fusion processor operatively coupled to the at least two sensors. The data fusion processor processes the fluid data to at least compensate for information fragmentation attributed to using the at least two sensors. The data fusion processor may condense the data, combine the data, evaluate the data and interpret the data.

Abstract: A multi-element fluid sensor system having a distributed sensor configuration for determining the health state of a fluid. The sensor system includes at least two sensors for collecting data relating to a particular parameter (e.g., pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, chemistry, viscosity) of the fluid. The at least two sensors may be integrated onto a semiconductor base so as to provide for a micro sensor for in situ monitoring of the fluid. The system also includes a data fusion processor operatively coupled to the at least two sensors. The data fusion processor processes the fluid data to at least compensate for information fragmentation attributed to using the at least two sensors. The data fusion processor may condense the data, combine the data, evaluate the data and interpret the data.

Abstract: A system for determining wear of an article including an optical fiber for transmitting light from a light source. The optical fiber is embedded in the article, and operatively coupled to an interferometric system. The interferometric system is operatively coupled to a processor. The interferometric system provides the processor with information relating to wear of the optical fiber, and the processor determines wear of the article rate of wear and remaining useful life of the article based on the information relating to wear of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A system provides feedback to an operator of a steer-by-wire system. In steer-by-wire systems, there is no direct mechanical connection between the vehicle steering wheel and the steering gears. The present invention utilizes a sensor to sense torque values at the steering gears. The sensor communicates signals back to the steering wheel as operator feedback. The sensed and communicated torque values include high frequency torque fluctuations to provide road-feel in steer-by-wire systems. Also, the torque can be used to make predictions of the operator's conditions and the condition of the steering system.

Abstract: A system for determining wear of an article including an optical fiber for transmitting light from a light source. The optical fiber is embedded in the article, and operatively coupled to an interferometric system. The interferometric system is operatively coupled to a processor. The interferometric system provides the processor with information relating to wear of the optical fiber, and the processor determines wear of the article rate of wear and remaining useful life of the article based on the information relating to wear of the optical fiber.