Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring compliance with the 100% tied off rule for climbers using personal fall protection equipment. The personal fall protection monitoring system includes a remote monitoring module that monitors multiple harness systems. Each harness system includes sensors that detect the engagement of the lanyard with anchorage points and the harness. The system also includes a harness module that monitors the sensors and indicates an alarm condition to the climber and to the remote monitoring module. The harness module includes a transmitter that communicates with the remote monitoring module. The remote monitoring module communicates with multiple harness systems to indicate and log the status of each harness system.

Abstract: A tamper detection mechanism for detecting tampering when a sub system is removed from a host device may include a screw member that may include a head portion, a major diameter shaft portion and a minor diameter shaft portion. The tamper detection mechanism may also include a through hole provided in the sub system, a lever member, and a detection switch. The lever member may withdraw from said through hole as it is pushed by the major diameter shaft portion when the screw member is tightly screwed, and may advance into the through hole when the screw member is loosened. The detection switch may detect whether the screw member is tightly screwed or loosened based on withdrawal or advancement of the lever member.

Abstract: An alarm trend summary display system and method can utilize an alarm trend list that works together with an alarm summary list. A set of rows in the alarm trend list can be organized in a top-to-bottom manner. A set of alarm indicators within each row in the alarm trend list can be arranged in a right-to-left horizontal arrangement. The set of alarm indicators can be aligned with most recent alarms appearing on a right side of the alarm trend list. The specific alarm indicators can be selected in the alarm trend list, so that a corresponding item can be highlighted in the alarm summary list, if the alarms are active. Hence, the system and method can allow an operator to see when alarms occur, their sequence, relations and priority, which aid the operators cope with inevitable alarm floods.

Abstract: Railcar monitoring utilizes instrumented, flexible pads supported within the truck pedestal jaws on the bearing adapters. The pads contain sensors for monitoring temperature pressure, shifting loads, truck hunting and the like and have circuitry for processing information received from the sensors and for processing and reporting departures of performance variables to a remote source. The system cyclically activates polling each pad on a car and communicates signals of critical departures and car identity to a remote source.

Abstract: A personal care implement or toothbrush includes a display for providing content to a user. The display may be configured to present content in a mirror-image format. The personal care implement may be configured to operate in one or more modes of operation. In a clock mode, the display displays a clock reading and/or calendar reading. In a timer mode, the display displays a countdown or count Up timer. In a counter mode, the display displays a number of strokes to be counted up to or down from. One or more components may be included for setting variables associated with the modes of operation, for changing an orientation of the displayed content between a mirror-image format and forward-facing format, and for changing the particular mode of operation.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a bearing is disclosed. The method involves positioning a non-contacting bearing isolator adjacent a bearing on a piece of rotating equipment so that at least one operating parameter of said bearing is communicated to said bearing isolator; and, positioning an energy detector within range of said bearing isolator so that said energy detector is able to monitor said at least one operating parameter of said bearing by detecting at least one operating parameter of said bearing isolator.

Abstract: A portable bearing test device includes a power supply that is operable to supply direct current (DC) electrical power via a plurality of power supply outputs and a circuit common. Independent bearing test circuits are coupled to receive output electrical power from one of the power supply outputs, and are further adapted to independently couple to a separate rotating machine test bearing. Separate indicator lights are electrically coupled in series in each of the independent bearing test circuits.

Abstract: According embodiments of the invention, systems and methods for sensor-level machine monitoring are provided. In one example embodiment, there is disclosed a system for monitoring a machine. The system may include a first sensor including a first processor and a second sensor including a second processor. The system may further include a communication trunk in communication with the first sensor and the second sensor, and operable to communicate sensor data between each of the first processor and the second processor. The first sensor and the second sensor are operable to generate sensor data associated with at least one machine condition. Further, at least one of the first processor or the second processor is operable to analyze sensor data generated by each of the first sensor and the second sensor and determine at least one machine fault based at least in part on the sensor data.

Abstract: An integrated management system having at least one air conditioner group including a plurality of air conditioners, and a remote integrated management system connected to the at least one air conditioner group and configured to analyze operation state information related to the plurality of air conditioners in the at least one air conditioner group and to generate an alarm signal based on the analyzed operation state information.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a bearing is disclosed. The method involves positioning a non-contacting bearing isolator adjacent a bearing on a piece of rotating equipment so that at least one operating parameter of said bearing is communicated to said bearing isolator; and, positioning an energy detector within range of said bearing isolator so that said energy detector is able to monitor said at least one operating parameter of said bearing by detecting at least one operating parameter of said bearing isolator.

Abstract: A portable bearing test device includes a power supply that is operable to supply direct current (DC) electrical power via a plurality of power supply outputs and a circuit common. Independent bearing test circuits are coupled to receive output electrical power from one of the power supply outputs, and are further adapted to independently couple to a separate rotating machine test bearing. Separate indicator lights are electrically coupled in series in each of the independent bearing test circuits.

Abstract: A low power self-organizing network is made up of a plurality of wireless communication nodes communicating wirelessly with each other. The nodes each have a sensor providing a respective sensor data value indicative of a physical parameter in the environment of that node. The wireless network discontinues communication with any nodes in which the sensor data value is outside a range of network sensor data values. The network is preferably a group of vehicles moving together, especially a train in which each node is associated with a respective wheel of a railroad car. The nodes are low-power devices that communicate using wireless communications according to a Zigbee protocol. The nodes each have an additional sensor sensing a physical parameter the respective wheel thereof and determines from said electrical signal a degree of degradation of a bearing of the wheel, and transmits data of the degree of degradation to the main node.

Abstract: According embodiments of the invention, systems and methods for sensor-level machine monitoring are provided. In one example embodiment, there is disclosed a system for monitoring a machine. The system may include a first sensor including a first processor and a second sensor including a second processor. The system may further include a communication trunk in communication with the first sensor and the second sensor, and operable to communicate sensor data between each of the first processor and the second processor. The first sensor and the second sensor are operable to generate sensor data associated with at least one machine condition. Further, at least one of the first processor or the second processor is operable to analyze sensor data generated by each of the first sensor and the second sensor and determine at least one machine fault based at least in part on the sensor data.

Abstract: Railcar monitoring utilizes instrumented, flexible pads supported within the truck pedestal jaws on the bearing adapters. The pads contain sensors for monitoring temperature pressure, shifting loads, truck hunting and the like and have circuitry for processing information received from the sensors and for processing and reporting departures of performance variables to a remote source. The system cyclically activates polling each pad on a car and communicates signals of critical departures and car identity to a remote source.

Abstract: Installed in a ball bearing which supports a rotation axis (a supported part) freely rotatable are a control unit, a memory unit wherein specified bearing initial information proper to the ball bearing is stored, and a wireless tag equipped with a radio antenna and a transmission/reception unit which transmit/receive information between this memory unit and the exterior. Then, when the bearing motion information on the motion state of said ball bearing is input to the transmission/reception unit, the control unit has a memory unit which stores the motion information. By this, a bearing, its management system, and its management method wherein an appropriate information management is easy can be provided.

Abstract: According to the method a temperature module is defined, simulating the thermal behavior in the electric motor (1), based on a multi-mass model. The rotational speed (n) and the current (i) for the electric motor (1) are continuously recorded as input parameters for the temperature model and at least one bearing power loss and/or bearing inner temperature (TIL1?), corresponding to a bearing (8,9), is continuously derived from the temperature model. A first warning signal (W1) is given when a computer-determined bearing power loss exceeds a given comparative value. Furthermore, a second warning signal (W2) is given when a computer-determined bearing inner ring temperature exceeds a given temperature difference (?T) from a corresponding computed bearing outer ring temperature (TAL1?). The thermal behavior of non-accessible components, in particular, the bearing (8, 9), can thus advantageously be determined by mere evaluation of the current (i) and the rotational speed (n).

Abstract: A system monitors electrical equipment and provides predictive diagnostics therefor. The system includes sensors located at or about the electrical equipment. The sensors sense information pertaining to operation of the electrical equipment. A first processor is located at or about the electrical equipment and receives the sensed information from the sensors as first information. A first transceiver cooperates with the first processor to transmit the first information as transmitted information. A second processor is located remote from the electrical equipment. A second transceiver cooperates with the first transceiver to receive the transmitted information as second information and communicate the same to the second processor. The second processor provides a notification pertaining to an immediate inspection and/or maintenance of the electrical equipment, and set points operatively associated with the sensed information.

Abstract: A bearing system for bearing between two members including a polymer bearing disposed between the two members, a measurement device disposed within the bearing for measuring an aspect of at least one of the bearing and the environment between the two members, the device creating a signal related to the measured aspect and a communication device for communicating the signal away from the polymer bearing.

Abstract: An anomaly diagnosis apparatus for analyzing sound or vibration data produced by a machine installation and diagnosing the presence or absence of an anomaly in a sliding member in the machine installation which is made up of a diagnosis processing server (1) and a user information processing terminal (3) which are connected through a network (2). The diagnosis processing server (1) receives the sound or vibration data produced by the machine installation and information for identifying the sliding member used with the machine installation through the network (2) from the user information processing terminal 3, makes an anomaly diagnosis of the machine installation based on the received data, and transmits the diagnosis result through the network (2) to the user information processing terminal (3), thereby lightening the burden of the user and executing anomaly diagnosis processing promptly.

Abstract: There is provided a machine component having an IC tag attached thereto, which can be controlled consistently from manufacture to disposal without the IC tag missed on the way. The machine component is embedded with the IC tag (110) made up of an IC chip having recorded thereon information unique to the relevant machine component and an antenna connected electrically with the IC chip.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a bearing is disclosed. The method involves positioning a non-contacting bearing isolator adjacent a bearing on a piece of rotating equipment so that at least one operating parameter of said bearing is communicated to said bearing isolator; and, positioning an energy detector within range of said bearing isolator so that said energy detector is able to monitor said at least one operating parameter of said bearing by detecting at least one operating parameter of said bearing isolator.

Abstract: The inventions concerns a sealing device for antifriction bearing comprising a fixed support (1,2) and a rotating support (2, 1), said sealing device comprising a metal frame (4) designed to be associated with a support (1, 2) of said bearing and a sealing joint, said frame including an annular seat (4a) and, secured to said seat, electronic identifying means (5) consisting of a transponder (6) connected on a communication antenna (7), wherein the antenna (7) has an at least semi-annular or annular shape which is designed to be urged opposite the seat (4a), the identifying means (5) being secured to said seat (4a) via an insulating material layer (8, 10) which is interposed between the antenna (7) and the seat (4a) so as to provide electromagnetic insulation for said antenna.

Abstract: To provide a machine component with an IC tag affixed thereto, in which with the IC tag having an increased storage capacity, the IC tag can be mounted with no difficulty and, also, reading or writing of information from or in the IC tag, respectively, can be facilitated. A plurality of IC tags 2 are attached to a machine component, which forms a part of a rolling bearing assembly 1, or to a machine component and an accessory with division made therebetween. Those plural IC tags 2 have different information stored therein. Where the machine component is a retainer incorporated rolling bearing assembly 1, those plural IC tags are attached to a roller retainer 5 at respective locations symmetrical with each other about the axis O of rotation thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for detecting the rotational motion of a shaft in a machine housing, comprising a measuring transmitter, which is connected to the shaft, at least one measuring sensor, which is provided on the machine housing, and a measuring transducer connected to a measuring sensor. The invention is characterized in that the measuring sensor(s) (8 and 15 to 20) is/are supplied with current by a separate energy accumulator (11).

Abstract: A bearing failure detection system includes a thermal protector switch circuit having a wear strip located within an interior of a motor stator. In response to bearing failure or wear above a predetermined magnitude, the motor rotor will shift off its axis of rotation and wear away the wear strip or break the electrically conducting material of the wear strip and activate the stator thermal protector switch circuit and shut down the electric motor. The wear strips assist the thermal protector switch circuit in the identification of a bearing failure and the light rubbing that results therefrom prior to the generation of an electrical burning smell that may otherwise occur after a prolonged period of rubbing.

Abstract: A propeller shaft is supported on the stern end of a ship hull by a bearing within which optic fiber cables are embedded in close spaced relation to the outer cylindrical surface of a bearing supported portion of the propeller shaft for a monitoring wear thereof with maximum accuracy. An optical data acquisition system having a light source and a graphic display is operatively connected to the optic fiber cables through inserted optic connector cables to transmit light from the light source as a signal medium into the bearing so as to render the optic fiber cables therein operative as sensors to detect and measure wear of the entire bearing portion of the propeller shaft surface being thereby monitored. Wear measurement optical signals within the wear sensing cables are then transmitted back to the data acquisition system through the optic connector cables for display of the shaft bearing wear measurements.

Abstract: The present invention is for special effects drinking lid and straw, which can be used with various drinking containers. The specially designed container lid has special effects mechanisms that can illuminate the container lid, the container itself, the straw as well as figures, objects and designs connected to the lid and/or straw. Different special effects mechanisms can be used to produce light, sound, create movement in a moveable object, and/or produce a distinctive aroma or odor from a drinking container lid.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the operating conditions of a rolling bearing, has the rolling bearing including: an outer ring of a metal with outer raceway; an inner ring of a metal with an inner raceway; and a plurality of rolling elements; a first member electrically connected to the outer ring; a second member electrically connected to the inner ring; and a lubricant presented on the area at which the outer raceway and the inner raceway come in contact with the rolling surface of the rolling elements; wherein, the electrical characteristics between the outer ring or first member and the inner ring or second member are monitored in order to monitor the operating conditions of the rolling bearing operating with a lubricant and when the electrical characteristics thus monitored fall outside a predetermined range, the lubricating conditions are judged poor.

Abstract: The wireless sensor adds identification information peculiar to respective sensor modules to detection data of vibration, temperature, and so on, detected by the sensor modules respectively. The wireless sensor transmits the detection data with the identification information as a signal through a communication unit by radio waves. On the other hand, the management apparatus receiving the signal classifies and files the detection data on the basis of the identification information included in the signal. Then, the monitoring system is designed to make the management apparatus manage a plurality of wireless sensors attached to movable shafts of processing machines or the like.

Abstract: An axial position detection circuit detects the axial position of a rotor from the difference in voltages generated at axial position detection coils disposed at both ends in the axial direction of a stator of a canned motor. An axial zero point adjustment circuit uses a voltage supply, which varies proportionately with the power supply voltage of the canned motor, as a bias power supply to adjust the voltage difference of the axial position detection coils to zero when the rotor is at a reference position in the axial direction. Even if the power supply voltage of the canned motor varies, since the bias power supply of the axial zero point adjustment circuit varies in likewise manner, the zero point adjustment by the axial zero point adjustment circuit is not affected and axial bearing wear detection of high precision is enabled.

Abstract: A bearing test method and a bearing test device are provided for bearings in which a non-contact state is maintained between a shaft element and a bearing element in a normal rotation state. In addition, a motor bearing monitoring device is provided to detect an abnormality in a motor or that a motor's life is near its end, where the motor utilizes the bearing. Furthermore, a storage device such as a hard disk drive equipped with the motor monitoring device is provided. For a bearing that can retain a shaft element and a bearing element coaxially positioned in a non-contact state when the number of revolutions exceeds a predetermined number of relative revolutions, a bearing test method is provided to determine whether the shaft element and the bearing element are in a contact rotation state.

Abstract: Techniques for qualifying and monitoring bearing performance and condition in a rotary servo systems (e.g., galvanometer scanner) are disclosed. A position error signal is analyzed for signal anomalies that can signify bearing damage. A DC offset ramp is applied to the position error signal to test whether the anomaly is angular position dependent. The anomaly is associated with the corresponding command signal value and range of values to calculate the angular position and range of the apparent bearing damage. The amplitude of the anomaly is measured and associated with a relative degree of bearing damage.

Abstract: A grease supply confirming device confirming the supply of a grease into a bearing, according to the present invention includes a detecting member an elastic supporting member and a movable body. The movable body such as a metal spherical body is movably provided in a piping through which a grease to be supplied flows. The elastic supporting member is provided in the piping for supporting the movable body. The detecting member such as an eddy current type displacement sensor detects to see whether or not the grease is supplied in accordance with the displacement of the movable body. The grease supply confirming device further includes an abnormality judging circuit connected to the detecting member for judging the abnormality in grease supply, and an outputting portion for outputting an alarm according to the instruction from the abnormality judging circuit.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for detecting a hot rail car surface comprises: an infrared sensor for acquiring an infrared signal from a rail car surface of a rail car and transducing the infrared signal into an electrical signal; a rank filter for filtering the electrical signal to produce a filtered array; a first peak detector for detecting a maximum filtered value of the filtered array; and a first comparator for comparing the maximum filtered value to a detection threshold to produce a filtered alarm signal.

Abstract: A non-ferrous component comprising a thermally-affected adhesive applied to a surface of the component, and at least one ferrous metal wire attached to the surface of the component by the thermally-affected adhesive.

Abstract: A sliding wheel detector apparatus automatically detects a sliding wheel condition of a wheel of a passing train. The apparatus includes means for parsing the cars (and trucks thereof) and segregating the same into brake valve groupings. The apparatus also includes means for determining a ratio between a wheel being evaluated and the rest of the wheels in a brake valve group. A sliding wheel will be much cooler than a properly braking wheel, and a ratio threshold is selected to detect this difference in temperature and produce an alarm.

Abstract: A device capable of reducing an erroneous operation with a simple configuration in which, when two or more conductors M1, M2, M3 (three of them in FIG. 1) are attracted by three or more magnets 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d (four of them in FIG. 1), the conductors M1, M2, M3 are electrically connected between the respective magnets to bring a series circuit 3 into conduction that causes an electric current Is to flow, whereby an electric signal (voltage) Vs(=V) indicating the detection of the conductors M1, M2, M3 is output.

Abstract: Techniques for qualifying and monitoring bearing performance and condition in a rotary servo systems (e.g., galvanometer scanner) are disclosed. A position error signal is analyzed for signal anomalies that can signify bearing damage. A DC offset ramp is applied to the position error signal to test whether the anomaly is angular position dependent. The anomaly is associated with the corresponding command signal value and range of values to calculate the angular position and range of the apparent bearing damage. The amplitude of the anomaly is measured and associated with a relative degree of bearing damage.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a temperature of a railroad train wheel or bearing comprises a lens positioned in close proximity to a railroad track such that infrared radiation radiating from the wheel or bearing of a train traversing the track is collected by the lens and directed toward a focal point of the lens. The collected radiation is indicative of the temperature of the wheel or bearing. A fiber optic cable has a first end associated with the lens for receiving the collected radiation and a second end. The focal point of the lens is at the first end of the fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable transmits the received radiation from the first end to the second end. A detector is positioned at a remote distance from the railroad track and is associated with the second end of the fiber optic cable for detecting the transmitted radiation. The detected infrared radiation is indicative of the temperature of the wheel or bearing.

Abstract: A bearing monitor has a bearing sensor to monitor frequencies emitted by a bearing in a rotating component. The bearing sensor has an output to a processor. The processor is attached to the rotating component to process the output from the bearing sensor to a digital or logical signal, which may include determining if the output indicates that the bearing requires service.

Abstract: A rolling bearing apparatus with sensor includes a sensor unit retaining a plurality of types of sensors for detecting the status of a rolling bearing, in a single holder. The plurality of types of sensors are at least two types of sensors of a rotation speed sensor, a temperature sensor, and an acceleration sensor.

Abstract: A rotary signal coupler for providing signal coupling to a Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) device (4) mounted on a shaft (5) comprises a first electrically conducting loop (21) mounted on a disc (23) and connected to the SAW device (4), and a second electrically conductive loop (22) mounted on a disc (24) and connected to external electronic circuitry. The disc (23) is fixed relative to the shaft (5) and the disc (24) is fixed relative to the structure in which the shaft (5) rotates so that the loops (21, 22) are inductively coupled. A grounded screen (27), which preferably takes the form of a plurality of radially extending fingers, is located on the disc (23) and positioned between the loops (21, 22) to eliminate capacitive coupling therebetween.

Abstract: A system for qualifying and monitoring bearing performance and condition in a rotary servo system. A position error signal is analyzed for signal anomalies that can signify bearing damage. A DC offset ramp is applied to the position error signal to test whether the anomaly is angular position dependent. The anomaly is associated with the corresponding command signal value and range of values to calculate the angular position and range of the apparent bearing damage. The amplitude of the anomaly is measured and associated with a relative degree of bearing damage.

Abstract: A bearing monitor has a bearing sensor to monitor frequencies emitted by a bearing in a rotating component. The bearing sensor has an output to a processor. The processor is attached to the rotating component to process the output from the bearing sensor to a digital or logical signal, which may include determining if the output indicates that the bearing requires service.

Abstract: Temperature monitoring device for monitoring or controlling the temperature of an object, and preferably indicating and/or recording abnormal temperature variations of the object includes a housing having a contact portion for contacting the object, a sensing member in heat transferring contact with the contact portion for emitting signals representative of the object temperature, a control device that receives signals from the sensing member and actuates an indicator, a power source connectable to the sensing member, the control device and the indicator, and a switch biased to interrupt the power supply to the sensing member, control device and indicator. A portion of the housing is movable between a first position where the switch interrupts the power supply and a second position in which the housing portion urges the switch to the power supply position.

Abstract: A tapered roller bearing having its rollers arranged in two rows within an outer race and around an inner race contains a sensing device that radiates signals which reflect conditions within the bearing. In one embodiment, the outer race is unitary and the sensing device is wireless and self-powered and includes a mounting ring that is fitted to the outer race between the raceways along which the rollers roll. The ring has embedded within it several sensors for monitoring bearing conditions such as temperature and vibrations. The ring also contains a radio transmitter, a microprocessor to which the sensors are connected, and a power supply for producing the electrical energy required to operate the processor and the transmitter. The electric power is generated by means of electromechanical energy conversion using permanent magnets, armature winding and a target wheel that is captured between and rotates with the two cones.

Abstract: A method monitors an operational condition of an electric motor, and stores in a memory device general trend, prognostic, diagnostic, and hazardous event information indicative of the motor's operational condition. The method includes the steps of sensing characteristics indicative of the operational condition of the electric motor, such as vibration, temperature, magnetic flux, and the voltages applied to the motor's windings, and generating sensor signals related to the sensed characteristics. Upon the occurrence of a first circumstance, such when measurements of the motor's speed, winding temperature, and voltage, indicate that the motor is operating within its normal load profile, prognostic information is extracted from the sensor signals. The prognostic information provides a profile of the motor's operational condition over time without the influences of fluctuating loads, temperature, and voltage.

Abstract: The wireless sensor adds identification information peculiar to respective sensor modules to detection data of vibration, temperature, and so on, detected by the sensor modules respectively. The wireless sensor transmits the detection data with the identification information as a signal through a communication unit by radio waves. On the other hand, the management apparatus receiving the signal classifies and files the detection data on the basis of the identification information included in the signal. Then, the monitoring system is designed to make the management apparatus manage a plurality of wireless sensors attached to movable shafts of processing machines or the like.

Abstract: A device capable of reducing an erroneous operation with a simple configuration in which, when two or more conductors M1, M2, M3 (three of them in FIG. 1) are attracted by three or more magnets 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d (four of them in FIG. 1), the conductors M1, M2, M3 are electrically connected between the respective magnets to bring a series circuit 3 into conduction that causes an electric current Is to flow, whereby an electric signal (voltage) Vs(=V) indicating the detection of the conductors M1, M2, M3 is output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of monitoring the condition or mechanical health of slowly rotating machinery comprises processing signals from sensing means applied to the machinery, which processing approximately or exactly sub-divides the period of a rotational cycle into a number of time or cyclic phase windows, each of which is long compared to the typical duration of a transient excitation of the structure at the frequency or frequencies of detection, applies a threshold level or acceptance criteria or calculates one in such a way that the presence or absence of any significant detectable activity in each of the time or phase windows can be determined for each rotational cycle and the fraction or percentage of those time or phase windows in which activity is present can be measured or averaged so as to provide a statistically significant indication of the extent of the activity throughout the rotational cycle.