Abstract: A self-configuring data acquisition system and method for conducting diagnostic testing of process equipment devices. The data acquisition system includes a data acquisition processing unit for controlling diagnostic testing of an equipment device, the equipment device including a digital information unit that stores information uniquely identifying the equipment device. A signal conditioning unit is coupled to the data acquisition unit by a first data transmission means, the signal conditioning unit including a digital information unit that stores information uniquely identifying the signal conditioning unit. A sensor is coupled with the equipment device under test, wherein the sensor is further coupled to the signal conditioning unit by a second data transmission means, and wherein the sensor includes a digital information unit that stores information uniquely identifying the sensor. Each digital information unit transmits its stored identifying information to the data acquisition processing unit.

Abstract: A stem load determining system comprises a method and apparatus for determining the load developed on a threaded stem, including a valve stem driven by a valve operator. An integral component of the apparatus is a stem strain transducer uniquely designed to girp a threaded stem to define a guage length on the threaded stem and to detect and measure deformation of the stem at the guage length when subjected to a compressive or tensile load.