Abstract: An oscillating damper and air-swept distributor is disclosed for controllably introducing solid fuel into a furnace. The oscillating damper having an oscillating valve member, which oscillates between a first adjustable position and second adjustable position. The air-swept distributor preferably has a pivotably adjustable trajectory plate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method utilized in carrying out vibrational analysis wherein the output of a vibration monitoring transducer is treated by filtering in stepped fashion over a broad spectrum of frequencies. The stepped filtering is provided utilizing minimum dwell intervals at lower frequencies as determined by the number of steps involved per given bandwidth. A readout form of continuous printing provides a histographic analysis of amplitude and frequency and, optionally, an amplitude readout with respect to elapsed time. For the histographic readout, amplitude is plotted as a series of characters in linear form commencing with half peak amplitude and extending toward peak. Test and calibration procedures are provided for facilitating on site testing as well as servicing calibration procedures.

Abstract: A data acquisition system utilizing a microcomputer and incorporating a plurality of monitors each adapted to produce an electrical signal indicative of a physical condition of apparatus to be monitored. The electrical signals are fed via multiplexing equipment and analog-to-digital converters into the microcomputer which is equipped with print-out means. The system is such that the level of any one or all of the signals from the respective monitors can be printed out as well as a change in the condition of any signal. Means are incorporated into the computer for calculating and printing the trend (i.e., the slope of a plot of signal amplitude versus time) of a succession of stored signals from any monitor which would indicate a probable malfunction of a device being monitored and the probable time to failure. In the case where the signals from the monitors comprise vibration signals, the system performs an automatic frequency spectrum analysis whenever a probable or actual malfunction is detected.

Abstract: A combination electronic device provides a digital sweep circuit adapted to generate a sweep signal which increases in frequency at constant intervals over a selected range of frequencies and over a selected period of time.

Abstract: Circuitry for generating a sine wave and/or a cosine wave from a pulse signal wherein cyclically repeating pulses each generate one cycle of a sine wave and/or a cosine wave. Each pulse institutes a sawtooth signal; a square wave generator produces a square wave having a positive excursion for one-half of the sawtooth signal and a negative excursion for the other half of the sawtooth signal. The square wave signal is integrated to produce a triangular wave. The triangular wave may be shaped into a simulated harmonic wave by wave-shaping circuitry. If both sine and cosine waves are desired, additional circuitry is employed to convert the described square wave to another square wave of the same frequency, 90.degree. out of phase with the first square wave. The other square wave is converted to a corresponding triangular wave which is shaped to a simulated harmonic wave by wave-shaping circuitry.

Abstract: A pulse signal conditioning circuit. Repetitive pulse signals can be sharpened and freed of accompanying, unwanted noise manifestations by means of a network of steering diodes and constant current diodes feeding a comparator circuit producing sharp, uniform pulses.

Abstract: A combination electronic device provides balance analyzing capabilities, narrow band and wide band spectrum analysis capabilities, automatic tracking filtering capabilities, precision dynamic balancing with remote phase presentation, and tracking filtering. The device presents multiple functions including:1. A testing function;2. A balancing function;3. A tracking filter function;4. A filter-out-speed function;5. A filter-out-frequency function;6. Spectrum analysis function.Included within the circuitry are the following components:A. a vibration signal conditioning circuit;B. an active filter having the equivalent of a four-pole response with a two-pole delay;C. a pulse-to-sine and pulse-to-consine reference signal generating circuit;D. a reference pulse conditioning circuit;E. a digital sweep circuit for spectrum analysis;F. switching circuitry to accommodate all six functions;G. adjustment means to accommodate full-scale presentation of data on X-Y recorders.

Abstract: A data acquisition system utilizing a microcomputer and incorporating a plurality of monitors each adapted to produce an electrical signal indicative of a physical condition of apparatus to be monitored. The electrical signals are fed via multiplexing equipment and analog-to-digital converters into the microcomputer which is equipped with print-out means. The system is such that the level of any one or all of the signals from the respective monitors can be printed out as well as a change in the condition of any signal. Means are incorporated into the computer for calculating and printing the trend (i.e., the slope of a plot of signal amplitude versus time) of a succession of stored signals from any monitor which would indicate a probable malfunction of a device being monitored and the probable time to failure. In the case where the signals from the monitors comprise, vibration signals, the system performs an automatic frequency spectrum analysis whenever a probable or actual malfunction is detected.