Abstract: A golf swing analyzer system for analyzing a golfer's golf swing. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) may be used to capture data regarding the swing. The IMU may be oriented along a hosel-axis and a face-axis to reduce the complexity of calculations to determine the path of the swing. Two IMUs may be used to permit correction of captured data, different orientations of the IMUs to increase accuracy of captured data, and a doubling of the captured data. The IMU may include a magnetometer that cooperates with a magnet that is adapted to indicate the time at or near impact of the head of the golf club with the golf ball. An LED system provides visual information to a user regarding the swing while the swing is being made.

Abstract: A machine monitoring system uses generically defined collection definitions, acquisition definitions, and measurement definitions to define machine data to be collected by machine monitoring devices and other data sources in a unified and device/source independent manner. Configuration software of the machine monitoring system defines data to be collected for a particular machine in such a manner that multiple different types of monitoring devices or data sources can each interpret the data definitions and provide the same type of data back to the software system. Thus, the data to be collected is defined once by the configuration software, and the data definition is interpreted internally by each monitoring device or data source. This greatly simplifies the monitoring system and provides the advantage that new monitoring devices can be added to the system to collect data without impacting the software configuration of the data required.

Abstract: A laser strobe tachometer combines a strobe light with a laser speed sensor. The ability of the laser sensor to accurately determine machine speed enables a synchronous strobe rate to be determined without user intervention. Having locked onto the turning speed, the stroboscope can “freeze” the motion of the shaft, thereby allowing an operator to observe locations, such as on a keyway, flat or screw head, for the optimum placement of the laser spot to generate a once-per-revolution tachometer pulse.

Abstract: A laser strobe tachometer combines a strobe light with a laser speed sensor. The ability of the laser sensor to accurately determine machine speed enables a synchronous strobe rate to be determined without user intervention. Having locked onto the turning speed, the stroboscope can “freeze” the motion of the shaft, thereby allowing an operator to observe locations, such as on a keyway, flat or screw head, for the optimum placement of the laser spot to generate a once-per-revolution tachometer pulse.

Abstract: A machine monitoring system uses generically defined collection definitions, acquisition definitions, and measurement definitions to define machine data to be collected by machine monitoring devices and other data sources in a unified and device/source independent manner. Configuration software of the machine monitoring system defines data to be collected for a particular machine in such a manner that multiple different types of monitoring devices or data sources can each interpret the data definitions and provide the same type of data back to the software system. Thus, the data to be collected is defined once by the configuration software, and the data definition is interpreted internally by each monitoring device or data source. This greatly simplifies the monitoring system and provides the advantage that new monitoring devices can be added to the system to collect data without impacting the software configuration of the data required.

Abstract: Automatically adjusting collection parameters for machines on a route in a collection device, based on states of the machines. For each machine on the route, the machine state is read into the collection device. The machine is included or excluded based on the machine state. The collection device is configured with first collection parameters that are configured based on the machine state. Data is collected from the machine based on the first collection parameters. The data is analyzed using parameters that are configured based on the machine, to determine alerts. Based on the alerts, data is selectively immediately collected from the machine based on second collection parameters that are configured based on the machine state and the alerts. Also based on the alerts, the technician is selectively prompted with the collection device to take a predetermined action and collect data from the machine.

Abstract: A method of automatically adjusting data collection parameters for machines on a data collection route in a portable collection device used by a technician, based on states of the machines. For each machine on the data collection route, the state of the machine is read into the portable collection device. The machine is automatically included in or excluded from the data collection route based at least in part on the state of the machine. The portable collection device is automatically configured with a first predetermined set of data collection parameters that is automatically configured based at least in part on the state of the included machine. An initial set of data is collected from the included machine with the portable collection device, based on the first predetermined set of data collection parameters.

Abstract: A portable route-based machine data collector stores audio files to supplement associated machine performance data, such as vibration data. The audio files, which may include voice comments, audio segments of raw vibration data, or frequency-shifted components of the vibration data, are stored in the data collector as standard-format digital audio files and are later downloaded to a computer for further analysis. Test personnel can then replay the audio files for data analysis personnel to get second opinions regarding whether machine faults may be indicated by the recorded sounds. Also, audio files associated with normal and abnormal machine operation may be saved on the portable data collector and used as baselines or for training purposes. Verbal operating instructions may also be stored as audio files on the portable data collector for replay by test operators in the field.

Abstract: A portable route-based machine data collector stores audio files to supplement associated machine performance data, such as vibration data. The audio files, which may include voice comments, audio segments of raw vibration data, or frequency-shifted components of the vibration data, are stored in the data collector as standard-format digital audio files and are later downloaded to a computer for further analysis. Test personnel can then replay the audio files for data analysis personnel to get second opinions regarding whether machine faults may be indicated by the recorded sounds. Also, audio files associated with normal and abnormal machine operation may be saved on the portable data collector and used as baselines or for training purposes. Verbal operating instructions may also be stored as audio files on the portable data collector for replay by test operators in the field.

Abstract: Injection-type protein skimmers are described, especially applicable to removal of protein contaminants from aquarium water.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for detecting machine parameters including vibration, producing signal corresponding to the parameters and conditioning the signals by means of predetermined criteria such as amplitude and time criteria. Routes may be input to the analyzer with settings that govern part of the conditioning for individual machines. The predetermined criteria also may include an input limit criterion which ensures the safety of the analyzer circuitry by indicating attenuation levels for incoming signals. The analyzer is also capable of two channel analysis of input signals including a summing analysis. The analyzer has thumb operated controls for easy operation in harsh environments.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for detecting machine parameters including vibration, producing signal corresponding to the parameters and conditioning the signals by means of predetermined criteria such as amplitude and time criteria. Routes may be input to the analyzer with settings that govern part of the conditioning for individual machines. The predetermined criteria also may include an input limit criterion which ensures the safety of the analyzer circuitry by indicating attenuation levels for incoming signals. The analyzer is also capable of two channel analysis of input signals including a summing analysis. The analyzer has thumb operated controls for easy operation in harsh environments.

Abstract: A portable data collector and analyzer having multiple paths for performing multiple processing functions on a single sensor signal in parallel. The portable data collector has a sensor which creates a sensor signal that represents a measured property of an operating machine. The sensor signal is simultaneously sent to at least two processor channels that are connected in parallel. Each processor is capable of performing different types of signal analysis with varying signal conditioning and sampling rate requirements on the sensor signal independent of the other processor(s). An operator of the parallel processing data collector and analyzer places the single sensor on the area desired to be tested and instructs the parallel processing data collector to begin taking measurements. The parallel processor channels work independently of each other to obtain results corresponding to a number of different tests in approximately the time normally required to perform a single test.

Abstract: A hand held data collector and analyzer achieves superior stability, accuracy and reliability through the use of a fixed frequency anti-aliasing filter and two analog to digital converters, one for high frequency signals and one for low frequency signals. Efficient digital filtering and decimation is achieved by providing specialized hardware filters and decimators and implementing software filters and decimators in a data processor. A true zoom method is employed to take advantage of the filtering and decimation capabilities, and independent digital signal processors operate serially on incoming signals to further reduce demands on the central processing unit. In addition, the RAM system memory is formatted as a pseudo-card to facilitate use of a PCMCIA memory card or the RAM system memory.

Abstract: An enclosure panel for covering the access opening in an equipment compartment includes a main panel body which is constructed and arranged so as to attach directly to the equipment compartment in such a way as to substantially cover the access opening. The main panel body defines a plurality of oblong slots which are arranged into a plurality of side-by-side columns wherein each column is configured with a substantially uniform herringbone pattern. The herringbone pattern provides a unique and preferred compromise between a uniform pattern of oblong slots arranged in columns and rows and a uniform pattern of circular openings arranged in staggered rows and columns. By use of the uniform herringbone pattern the open area for preferred cooling air flow is achieved while at the same time maintaining the structural strength and integrity of the enclosure panel.

Abstract: A hand held data collector and analyzer achieves superior stability, accuracy and reliability through the use of a fixed frequency anti-aliasing filter and two analog to digital converters, one for high frequency signals and one for low frequency signals. Efficient digital filtering and decimation is achieved by providing specialized hardware filters and decimators and implementing software filters and decimators in a data processor. A true zoom method is employed to take advantage of the filtering and decimation capabilities, and independent digital signal processors operate serially on incoming signals to further reduce demands on the central processing unit. In addition, the RAM system memory is formatted as a pseudo-card to facilitate use of a PCMCIA memory card or the RAM system memory.

Abstract: A single castable ophthalmic lens polishing lap includes a mounting plate that is adapted for connection to a lap press/cylinder machine and includes a flexible membrane that is affixed to the mounting plate and filled with castable material. A polishing pad is affixed to the flexible membrane. The lap is cast by first applying energy to the castable material that causes it to soften, and to preferably change to a fluid phase, and then pressing the lap against the rough cut back surface of a lens. This causes the castable material to deform so that the lap's curvature is complementary to the lens' prescription curvature. Energy is then removed from the lap so that the castable material solidifies in the desired shape. After polishing, the lap can be recast with another lens having a different prescription.

Abstract: An animal litter comprising a magnesium montmorillonite alone or in combination with other animal litter material.

Abstract: A water heater construction including an inner tank for containing water surrounded in spaced apart relationship by an outer shell. An outer collar of insulation material is located in the annular space between the inner tank and outer shell at a preselected location within the annular space along the height of the water heater construction. The collar has a radial thickness greater than the radial width of the annular space and is radially compressed between the interior wall of the outer shell and exterior wall of the inner tank. An expandable foam thermal insulation material fills the annular space above the collar.

Abstract: Metal wall framing sections comprising top, bottom and stud members each formed of sheet metal, the stud members having tongues at the upper and lower ends thereof extending through transverse slots in the top and bottom members, all the tongues except one at the top being bent over on the top member, that one tongue being unbent and extending upwardly from the top member for securement thereto of roof structure, e.g. a roof truss.