Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, methods for capturing video sampling data comprising a plurality of video images of a moving object, for example using one or more cameras positioned on a stationary frame of reference adjacent to the mechanical component under investigation, in which an external trigger is used for image acquisition (in some embodiments, one image per revolution or cycle) similar in result to an internal clock or timed pulse can act as a command over a camera to obtain visual data from which the movement of the component or object can be acquired and studied, and further producing video of motion from a series of images to detect, amplify, or enlarge an appearance of motion present as a result of components not coming back to their original locations.

Abstract: The complex motion associated with machines is a result of the superposition of various frequencies from the multiple component or elements inherent to the design of the machine. These motions can be captured remotely using position sensitive detectors which respond to specific wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum. Present embodiments include but are not limited to a video camera which is able to capture and record video data of an entire machine without contacting the machine, to visually study complex motions which vary both in time and spatially at different locations on the machine, wherein filters applied to the motion present in the video recording are used to identify frequencies of importance and to visualize their impact on the operation of the machine.

Abstract: Current embodiments provided herein include methods for visualizing repetitive movements which use video image files acquired with an appropriate frame rate, which is based on the period of repetition and minimal exposure, to reorganize the presentation of the frames to freeze the motion of the object in motion at any point in the cycle of repetition or to display the isolated frequency of repetition or a video of the amplified motion to enable the detailed visual inspection of an object in motion, and without having to stop the motion.

Abstract: The complex motion associated with machines is a result of the superposition of various frequencies from the multiple component or elements inherent to the design of the machine. These motions can be captured remotely using position sensitive detectors which respond to specific wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum. Present embodiments include but are not limited to a video camera which is able to capture and record video data of an entire machine without contacting the machine, to visually study complex motions which vary both in time and spatially at different locations on the machine, wherein filters applied to the motion present in the video recording are used to identify frequencies of importance and to visualize their impact on the operation of the machine.

Abstract: A remote diagnostic center configured to receive vibration data, field notes information, and diagnostic reports over a communication network from one or more vibration analysis units located at one or more machine sites, including a data center configured to receive, store, and provide secure backup for received vibration data and field notes information, the data center including a communication module, a database management module, a diagnostic analysis module, and a portal module to enable one or more remote analysts to review and collaborate on the received vibration data, field notes information, and diagnostic reports to monitor and report to a diagnostic center manager whether the vibration data and field notes information corresponding to a particular machine-under-test is being processed by an analyst and will be completed within a specified time interval specific to the machine-under-test.

Abstract: A vibration data analysis and communication system to analyze vibration measurements from one or more machines including a sensor to detect vibration signals from a machine-under-test according to a predetermined test, a data acquisition unit to receive the vibration signals and to process the vibration signals to generate vibration data, an input unit to selectively receive field notes information from an operator of the data acquisition unit, a communication unit to transmit the vibration data and the field notes information to a remote analyst over a communication network, and to receive feedback from the remote analyst via the communication network regarding health of the machine-under test based on characteristics of the transmitted vibration data and field notes information, and a control unit to control operations of the sensor, the data acquisition unit, the input unit, and the communication unit.

Abstract: A vibration analysis system including a sensor to be coupled to a machine to measure vibration data, a data acquisition and processing unit to communicate with the sensor to receive the measured vibration data from the sensor and to perform test operations on the received vibration data to calculate vibration parameters, and at least one control unit to transmit operation requests instructing the data acquisition and processing unit to start receiving the vibration data from the sensor, to perform test operations, and to transmit corresponding vibration parameters over a wireless communication link to the control unit. The data acquisition and processing unit includes a data management unit such that when the communication link is broken, the data acquisition and processing unit continues to perform the test operations, and when the communication link is reestablished, the data management unit transmits the vibration parameters to the control unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present general inventive concept provide a voice controlled vibration data analyzer system, including a vibration sensor to detect vibration data from a machine-under-test, a data acquisition unit to receive the vibration data from the vibration sensor, and a control unit having a user interface to receive manual and audio input from a user, and to communicate information relating to the machine-under-test, the control unit executing commands in response to the manual or audio input to control the data acquisition unit and/or user interface to output an audio or visual message relating to a navigation path of multiple machines to be tested, to collect and process the vibration data, and to receive manual or audio physical observations from the user to characterize collected vibration data.

Abstract: An apparatus to allow a one-handed operation of mounting a vibration sensor to a mounting pad adhered to a machine. An attachment screw includes a recessed socket with a detent to releasably retain a ball-end hex driver such that the driver can remain coupled to the attachment screw without force being applied by the user. Also, a handheld device includes a driver having a handle portion and a driver shaft extending therefrom, the driver shaft having a driver portion at a distal end, and a vibration sensor support configured to support the vibration sensor such that the driver portion has access to an attachment screw threaded through the vibration sensor, and coupled to the driver such that the vibration sensor support is rotatable around a longitudinal axis of the driver shaft and slidable along a longitudinal portion of the driver shaft.

Abstract: A vibration data analysis and communication system to analyze vibration measurements from one or more machines including a sensor to detect vibration signals from a machine-under-test according to a predetermined test, a data acquisition unit to receive the vibration signals and to process the vibration signals to generate vibration data, an input unit to selectively receive field notes information from an operator of the data acquisition unit, a communication unit to transmit the vibration data and the field notes information to a remote analyst over a communication network, and to receive feedback from the remote analyst via the communication network regarding health of the machine-under test based on characteristics of the transmitted vibration data and field notes information, and a control unit to control operations of the sensor, the data acquisition unit, the input unit, and the communication unit.

Abstract: An apparatus to allow a one-handed operation of mounting a vibration sensor to a mounting pad adhered to a machine. An attachment screw includes a recessed socket with a detent to releasably retain a ball-end hex driver such that the driver can remain coupled to the attachment screw without force being applied by the user. Also, a handheld device includes a driver having a handle portion and a driver shaft extending therefrom, the driver shaft having a driver portion at a distal end, and a vibration sensor support configured to support the vibration sensor such that the driver portion has access to an attachment screw threaded through the vibration sensor, and coupled to the driver such that the vibration sensor support is rotatable around a longitudinal axis of the driver shaft and slidable along a longitudinal portion of the driver shaft.

Abstract: A vibration analysis system including a sensor to be coupled to a machine to measure vibration data, a data acquisition and processing unit to communicate with the sensor to receive the measured vibration data from the sensor and to perform test operations on the received vibration data to calculate vibration parameters, and at least one control unit to transmit operation requests instructing the data acquisition and processing unit to start receiving the vibration data from the sensor, to perform test operations, and to transmit corresponding vibration parameters over a wireless communication link to the control unit. The data acquisition and processing unit includes a data management unit such that when the communication link is broken, the data acquisition and processing unit continues to perform the test operations, and when the communication link is reestablished, the data management unit transmits the vibration parameters to the control unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present general inventive concept provide a voice controlled vibration data analyzer system, including a vibration sensor to detect vibration data from a machine-under-test, a data acquisition unit to receive the vibration data from the vibration sensor, and a control unit having a user interface to receive manual and audio input from a user, and to communicate information relating to the machine-under-test, the control unit executing commands in response to the manual or audio input to control the data acquisition unit and/or user interface to output an audio or visual message relating to a navigation path of multiple machines to be tested, to collect and process the vibration data, and to receive manual or audio physical observations from the user to characterize collected vibration data.