Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting and/or managing data are provided. The system includes a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags attached to a plurality of machines. Each of the plurality of RFID tags includes a tag ID. The system also includes a mobile data collector configured to take a measurement of one or more operating conditions of the plurality of machines and to read the tag ID from a proximal one of the plurality of RFID tags. The system also includes a computing device including a processor and a memory storing a database, the database associating the tag ID of each of the plurality of RFID tags with the one of the plurality of machines to which it is attached. Further, the computing device is configured to receive the measurement and the tag ID from the mobile data collector and analyze the one or more operating conditions.

Abstract: An RFID tag reading system affixed to a machine bearing housing is provided. The reading system includes a mobile data collector having an RFID reader for reading a unique identity of the RFID tag, an magnet electro-mechanically connected to the mobile data collector and a magnet mounting pad fixed to the machine housing. The magnet mounting pad having a ferromagnetic contact body for housing the magnet mounting pad and an RFID antenna disposed within the RFID tag for transmitting a unique identity of the RFID tag. The RFID tag is disposed within the ferromagnetic contact body. The magnet is magnetically connected to the magnet mounting pad. The mobile data collector automatically reads the unique RFID tag identity transmitted from the antenna of the RFID tag when the combination mobile data collector and magnet are placed onto the RFID mounting pad.

Abstract: A device and associated system for monitoring a health status of a bearing including a mobile data collector having a magnetic mounting pad coupled to a base of the mobile data collector; and an RFID enabled machine condition indicator coupled to the bearing through a machine bearing housing. The machine condition indicator provides a ferromagnetic contact body portion for housing the machine condition indicator, and an RFID tag having a unique identity and disposed within an unexposed portion of the ferromagnetic contact body. The RFID tag having an RFID antenna coupled to the RFID Tag for transmitting a unique identity of the RFID Tag to the data collection device. At least one sensor for sensing a velocity, an enveloped acceleration and a temperature reading of the bearing and at least one illuminating device for displaying the bearing health status according to input from one of the sensors.

Abstract: An RFID tag reading system affixed to a machine bearing housing is provided. The reading system includes a mobile data collector having an RFID reader for reading a unique identity of the RFID tag, an magnet electro-mechanically connected to the mobile data collector and a magnet mounting pad fixed to the machine housing. The magnet mounting pad having a ferromagnetic contact body for housing the magnet mounting pad and an RFID antenna disposed within the RFID tag for transmitting a unique identity of the RFID tag. The RFID tag is disposed within the ferromagnetic contact body. The magnet is magnetically connected to the magnet mounting pad. The mobile data collector automatically reads the unique RFID tag identity transmitted from the antenna of the RFID tag when the combination mobile data collector and magnet are placed onto the RFID mounting pad.

Abstract: A warning device apparatus for monitoring an alarm status of a bearing that is mounted to a piece of rotating machinery is provided. The warning device includes a body portion, a top portion, a base portion, a power source for powering the device throughout a life of operation, a controller for controlling the operation of the warning device and at least one LED for displaying the alarm status. An operator inspects the warning device for an initial alarm indication by visually inspecting the at least one LED. The at least one LED is controlled to blink at a relatively quick initial rate and/or intensity that maximizes indicator visibility to the operator at initial indication. The at least one LED is controlled to blink at a slower/decreasing rate as time passes. Battery life of operation is extended by virtue of the slower/increased blink rate and conversely the increased pause time.

Abstract: A rotational element monitoring process utilizing a machine condition indicating sensor and monitoring device adapted to a rotating machine. The process monitors at least one operating characteristic of a rotating element of a rotating machine. The operating characteristics can include velocity, acceleration, temperature, etc. The process stores the monitored current value for each operating characteristic. An alarm threshold is determined by a preprogrammed threshold. The process compares the monitored current value with the preprogrammed threshold to determine if an alarm condition should be indicated. The device establishes a measurement schedule retaining the device in a sleep mode and pulsing a condition investigation in accordance with a frequency. The frequency increases when approaching or exceeding an alarm condition. The device indicates an alarm condition by illuminating an alarm indicating light when the threshold has been exceeded.

Abstract: A sensor system, apparatus, and method. The sensor system can include a mobile unit having a power source, and a sensory head releasably coupled with the mobile unit. The sensory head is in electrical communication with the mobile unit so as to receive power from the power source and to provide a communication signal to the mobile unit. The sensory head includes at least a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein the sensors measure one or more characteristics of a test piece. The sensory head may be removed from the mobile unit and replaced with a different sensory head having at least two sensors.

Abstract: A sensory system, apparatus, and method for gas concentration measurement. The sensory apparatus includes a gas sensor, and an identification reader configured to acquire data representing an identifier from an identification tag. The apparatus also includes a controller coupled with the gas sensor and the identification reader. In response to the identification reader acquiring the data representing the identifier, the controller causes the gas sensor to measure a concentration of a gas in a test area.

Abstract: A sensor system, apparatus, and method. The sensor system can include a mobile unit and a sensory head having a power source, wherein the sensory head is releasably coupled with the mobile unit. The sensory head includes at least one sensor that measures one or more characteristics of a test piece. The sensory head is placed in proximity to the test piece, then detached from the mobile unit. While the sensory head is detached from the mobile unit, the at least one sensor can measure the one or more characteristics of the test piece. Measurement date is then uploaded to a remote device. Once measurements are completed, the sensory head is attached to a mobile unit and detached from the test piece. Thus the sensor system, apparatus, and method can measure the characteristic over a period of time while the sensory head is detached from the mobile unit.

Abstract: A sensor system, apparatus, and method. The sensor system a mobile unit including a power source, and a sensory head releasably coupled with the mobile unit. The sensory head is in electrical communication with the mobile unit so as to receive power from the power source and to provide a communication signal to the mobile unit. The sensory head includes an ultrasonic thickness sensor configured to generate a signal representing of a thickness of a test piece, and an identification reader configured to obtain data representing an identifier from an identification tag located external to the sensory head. The sensory head also includes a controller coupled with the ultrasonic thickness sensor and the identification reader. The controller is configured to initiate the ultrasonic thickness sensor in response to the identification reader obtaining the data representing the identifier.

Abstract: A data collection apparatus and unit are provided. The apparatus includes a probe configured to measure one or more operating conditions of a machine, and a tag reader configured to receive a tag identifier transmitted by a tag positioned proximal to the machine. The apparatus also includes one or more processors configured to communicate with the probe and the tag reader, and a memory system including one or more computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, are configured to cause the apparatus to perform operations. The operations include determining that the apparatus is physically proximal to the machine, and reading a tag identifier from the tag of the machine. The operations also include storing a measurement received from the probe, and associating the measurement with the tag identifier.

Abstract: A rotational element monitoring process (700) utilizing a machine condition indicating sensor and monitoring device (100) adapted to a rotating machine (410). The process (700) monitors at least one operating characteristic of a rotating element of a rotating machine. The operating characteristics can include velocity (500), acceleration (500), temperature (600), etc. The process (700) establishes a baseline value (524, 624) for each operating characteristic. An alarm threshold (530, 630) is determined by either a predetermined percentage difference (540) or a predetermined quantified delta (640). The device establishes a measurement schedule (740) retaining the device in a sleep mode (740) and pulsing a condition investigation in accordance with a frequency. The frequency increases (742) when approaching or exceeding an alarm condition. The device (100) indicates an alarm condition by illuminating an alarm indicating light (220, 222, 224).

Abstract: A warning device and for monitoring a health status of a bearing mounted to a piece of rotating machinery is provided. The warning device includes a generally cylindrical body portion, an annular top portion, a base portion, and a battery for powering the device. The device has at least one sensor that senses one of a velocity, an enveloped acceleration and a temperature value of the bearing and at least one light emitting diode that displays the health status of the bearing according to input from one of the sensors. A mounting pad integral to the base portion allows the warning device to be mounted to rotating industrial machinery. A circuit board is disposed within the body and at least one thermally conductive circuit board trace is integrally disposed within the mounting pad. The trace conducts heat from the mounting pad to one of the at least one sensors.