Abstract: An apparatus and system for sensing vibration in rotary or reciprocating machinery, such as motors, pumps, fans, gearboxes, compressors, turbo-machinery or high-speed spindles, which comprises a mechanical isolation member (14) interposed between a sensor base (15) and a main sensor body (11). In one aspect, the mechanical isolation member comprises a coaxial cylinder of plastic, rubber or polyurethane which is compressed between the sensor base and main sensor body.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for sensing vibration in rotary or reciprocating machinery, such as motors, pumps, fans, gearboxes, compressors, turbo-machinery or high-speed spindles, which comprises a mechanical isolation member (14) interposed between a sensor base (15) and a main sensor body (11). In one aspect, the mechanical isolation member comprises a coaxial cylinder of plastic, rubber or polyurethane which is compressed between the sensor base and main sensor body.

Abstract: A switch including a sealed housing; a magnetic sensor; and a control element configured to modify a control parameter for the switch in response to a signal from the sensor. In some aspects, the magnetic sensor is arranged to produce the signal in response to a magnetic field generated outside of the housing. In some aspects, the switch is a vibration switch, or is selected from the group consisting of a flow switch, a level switch, a temperature switch, a pressure switch, a proximity switch, and a velocity switch. In some aspects, the switch includes a two-wire configuration and first and second output pins arranged to provide an output signal for the switch and to receive a signal for programming the switch. In some aspects, the switch includes a two-wire configuration and a current-control element arranged to reduce current output for the switch.

Abstract: A switch including a sealed housing; a magnetic sensor; and a control element configured to modify a control parameter for the switch in response to a signal from the sensor. In some aspects, the magnetic sensor is arranged to produce the signal in response to a magnetic field generated outside of the housing. In some aspects, the switch is a vibration switch, or is selected from the group consisting of a flow switch, a level switch, a temperature switch, a pressure switch, a proximity switch, and a velocity switch. In some aspects, the switch includes a two-wire configuration and first and second output pins arranged to provide an output signal for the switch and to receive a signal for programming the switch. In some aspects, the switch includes a two-wire configuration and a current-control element arranged to reduce current output for the switch.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for sensing impact events in reciprocating machinery. The apparatus establishes first and second reference or threshold voltages, where the second reference voltage is greater than the first reference voltage. The number of impact events (N1) in a time window that exceed the first reference voltage and the number of impact events (N2) in a time window that exceed the second reference voltage are counted and an output current is generated representative of the number of such impact events. If no impact greater than the lower threshold voltage is received during a given time window, the apparatus detects and stores a peak voltage corresponding to the impact having the greatest magnitude received during that time window. Apparatus according to the present invention produces an output current based on the magnitude of that peak voltage.

Abstract: An electronics package for use with a proximity probe is disclosed that is capable of being calibrated to work with any proximity probe and cable and that is capable of being programmed in the field. The electronic package establishes and measures a plurality of gaps between the proximity probe and a target. An amplifier is operatively coupled to the proximity probe and produces an output which is digitized, linearized and stored. A linear piecewise approximation technique is used to approximate the voltage at the output of the amplifier for gaps that were not measured.

Abstract: An electronics package for use with a proximity probe is disclosed that is capable of being calibrated to work with any proximity probe and cable and that is capable of being programmed in the field. The electronic package establishes and measures a plurality of gaps between the proximity probe and a target. An amplifier is operatively coupled to the proximity probe and produces an output which is digitized, linearized and stored. A linear piecewise approximation technique is used to approximate the voltage at the output of the amplifier for gaps that were not measured.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for sensing impact events in reciprocating machinery. The apparatus establishes first and second reference or threshold voltages, where the second reference voltage is greater than the first reference voltage. The number of impact events (N1) in a time window that exceed the first reference voltage and the number of impact events (N2) in a time window that exceed the second reference voltage are counted and an output current is generated representative of the number of such impact events. If no impact greater than the lower threshold voltage is received during a given time window, the apparatus detects and stores a peak voltage corresponding to the impact having the greatest magnitude received during that time window. Apparatus according to the present invention produces an output current based on the magnitude of that peak voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and transmitting impact data is disclosed for use in monitoring early-stage development of harmful mechanical conditions for reciprocating machinery. The impact transmitter device includes a single self-contained unit having a stainless steel housing which contains an impact accelerometer, a detector circuit, a measurement and timing circuit, a 4-20 mA driver circuit, independent polarity circuit, and an electromagnetic impulse protection unit. The impact transmitter device further includes a field adjustable static threshold defining the severity of the impact detected, and a field adjustable reference time window interval. The variable severe impact level threshold allows an operator to isolate severe impacts from typical machine vibration. The variable time window interval allows an operator to synchronize the present invention with different machine speeds and to collect severe impact data over an appropriate time frame.

Abstract: A connector apparatus and method for connection is disclosed for connecting a spiral-armored cable to an instrument or device used in detecting and measuring mechanical vibrations such as a vibration sensor. The connector apparatus includes a threaded connection port for receiving a spiral-armored cable. The connection is further secured by applying epoxy to the area of engagement to bond the connector apparatus and spiral-armored cable together. The resulting threaded connection provides enhanced strength and endurance to allow the connection to withstand long-term exposure to machine vibrations in contrast to prior art crimped connections.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and transmitting impact data is disclosed for use in monitoring early-stage development of harmful mechanical conditions for reciprocating machinery. The impact transmitter device includes a single self-contained unit having a stainless steel housing which contains an impact accelerometer, a detector circuit, a measurement and timing circuit, a 4-20 mA driver circuit, independent polarity circuit, and an electromagnetic impulse protection unit. The impact transmitter device further includes a field adjustable static threshold defining the severity of the impact detected, and a field adjustable reference time window interval. The variable severe impact level threshold allows an operator to isolate severe impacts from typical machine vibration. The variable time window interval allows an operator to synchronize the present invention with different machine speeds and to collect severe impact data over an appropriate time frame.