Abstract: A method of test includes the steps of preparing a sensing platform having an emitting electrode mounted at on one side thereof and a receiving electrode mounted on the other side thereof, wherein the sensing platform defines a sensing zone located between the emitting and receiving electrodes; placing a specimen on the sensing zone; emitting a surface acoustic wave from the emitting electrode, wherein the surface acoustic wave passes through the sensing zone and the specimen and then is received by the receiving electrode to be changed for its speed and phase by the change of material property of the specimen; and identifying the material property of the specimen according to the changed speed and phase of the surface acoustic wave to further infer the physical property of the specimen. In light of the steps, the surface acoustic wave can be employed for detection of the physical property of the specimen.

Abstract: A low power vibration sensor and wireless transmitter system has one or more sensors that sense parameters of a machine including vibration and produces dynamic signals representing the sensed parameters. The system converts the signals to a digital format, digitally filters the signals, and processes the signals. A processor determines a plurality of levels, which represent the characteristics of the signal such as the peak value of a predetermined set of data points of the digital signal. Together, the levels comprise a PeakVue waveform. The processor determines the peak level value for the PeakVue waveform. Also, a true root-mean-square is calculated as the signal is received at the processor. The peak level and the RMS value are communicated wirelessly by a communication module to a control protocol network such as a daisy chain HART or Fieldbus protocol network. The system power supply and the communication module power supply are separate and allow for low power operation.

Abstract: An apparatus, computer program product and method of analyzing structures. Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) are extracted from the data and the most energetic IMF is selected. A spline is fit to the envelope for the selected IMF. The spline derivative is determined. A stability spectrum is developed by separating the positive and negative results into two different spectra representing stable (positive) and unstable (negative) damping factors. The stability spectrum and the non-linearity indicator are applied to the data to isolate unstable vibrations.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave pressure sensor includes: a substrate and at least one flexible membrane, suspended over a cavity defined in the thickness of the substrate, the membrane being elastically deformable by a pressure applied by a fluid and being defined between a first surface facing the cavity and a second opposite surface; a SAW device comprising a layer of piezoelectric material arranged on the second surface of the membrane, the SAW device further comprising at least one SAW electro-acoustic transducer formed on one free surface of the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric layer is formed by deposition of piezoelectric material on the membrane and the substrate is integrated in a chip of semiconductor material, the membrane being a layer of the chip suspended over the cavity.

Abstract: A sensor includes: a receiver that receives signals sent from outside; a first converter that converts signals received by the receiver into acoustic waves; a second converter that converts the acoustic waves propagating along a predetermined area into signals; a transmitter that transmits the signals that are output from the second converter; and an attachment that is attached to a propagation path of the acoustic waves on the predetermined area, that undergoes an irreversible change in response to an environmental change and that changes the propagation characteristics of the acoustic waves on the predetermined area due to this change.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing a cooling fan are provided. The method includes steps of: providing the testing apparatus including the holder centrally formed with the accommodating space, the vibration absorber disposed around the holder, and the vibration sensor connected to the holder; placing the cooling fan in the accommodating space of the holder; driving the cooling fan to rotate; applying the vibration sensor to detect the vibration value generated from the rotating cooling fan; and applying the vibration absorber to reduce the reaction force generated from the holder vibrated by the rotating cooling fan.

Abstract: A method for nondestructive analysis is disclosed. The method includes measuring a distance between an acoustic source and each of the points to be analyzed (pixels) on the surface of an object. An optimization is then defined using the distance measurements. Thereafter, the object at each target pixel is acoustically bombarded, and the surface response at each pixel is recorded and measured. Optionally, the surface response measurements may be processed to account for extraneous information. The calculated optimization may then be used to generate the early-time line-up of the recorded measurements, and the processed information may be analyzed using the generated early-time line-up to image the internal structure object.

Abstract: A hand-held testing device tests operation of acoustic elements of an acoustic device. The hand-held testing device has a housing, a power supply local to the housing, an acoustic transducer, and circuitry. The circuitry is disposed within the housing and is provided in electrical communication with the power supply and with the acoustic transducer. The circuitry is configured to identify production of a voltage pulse by the acoustic transducer in response to receipt of a received acoustic signal by the acoustic transducer from one of the acoustic elements and to operate the transducer to transmit a transmitted acoustic signal to the acoustic element.

Abstract: A capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (cMUT) uses signal control methods to reduce harmonic distortion of the output signal. The method uses an AC transmission input signal characterized with a frequency ? and takes the second-order frequency component with frequency 2?, rather than the first-order frequency component with the base frequency ?, as the desired output pressure signal. A frequency ? is preferably equal to ?0/2, where ? is the desired cMUT output frequency. Various examples of AC transmission input signals, in combination with or without a DC bias signal, that are suitable for producing a large second-order frequency component and small (ideally zero) first-order frequency component are disclosed.

Abstract: A capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) has an acoustic decoupling feature. A cavity is introduced underneath the regular cMUT element, preferably in the substrate, to provide acoustic decoupling. Trenches are also introduced to separate the cMUT elements and to provide further acoustic decoupling. The acoustic decoupling feature may be used in both conventional membrane-based cMUT and the newer embedded-spring cMUT (ESCMUT). Exemplary fabrication methods are also described.

Abstract: Determining a shaft balance adjustment includes measuring an initial vibration of the shaft, determining if the initial vibration is greater than a predetermined value, and, if the initial vibration is greater than the predetermined value, determining an adjustment by choosing a best adjustment for each possible location for adjustments. Choosing the best adjustment may include choosing an adjustment that causes a lower amount of vibration than adjustments not chosen. Measuring an initial vibration may include using an accelerometer. Measuring an initial vibration may include using conditioning electronics in connection with the accelerometer. The predetermined value may be 0.01 ips.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting mechanical problems in machinery used in a process. A model of the process is developed using a modeling technique such as advanced pattern recognition and the model is used to generate predicted values for a predetermined number of the operating parameters of the process and vibration parameters of the machinery. Statistical process control methods are used to determine if the difference between the predicted and actual measured values for one or more of the parameters exceeds a configured statistical limit. A rule set is used to indicate an actual or probable fault in the machinery.

Abstract: This invention is a method to determine the condition of rotating equipment, namely drive spindles, to enable the timely maintenance or replacement of same. The method uses an electrical signal from a vibration sensor mounted on part of the drive train to measure the level of vibration energy when the equipment is rotating under loaded and unloaded conditions. The relative vibration under the loaded and unloaded conditions is used as an indicator of equipment condition. Typically there is more vibration under load when the equipment is in good condition. When the level of vibration under the no-load condition matches or exceeds that seen under load, the equipment needs to be serviced or replaced.

Abstract: An electromagnetic driver transducer free of torque in the presence of an external magnetic field, of any direction and orientation (such as in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging environment). The transducer includes a housing. At least one coil is associated with the housing. A plurality of magnets within the housing are aligned along an axis in an anti-parallel orientation. The magnets are free to move along an axis, wherein vibration of the magnets causes vibration of the housing. The transducer may be, for example, fixed to an ossicle.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor assembly for a robot to prevent damage to the robot when it moves in an undesired manner is disclosed. The robot may be used in conjunction with semiconductor fabrication applications. The capacitive sensor assembly can include a hit contact, one or more fixed contacts, one or more damping springs, and a capacitive sensor. The hit contact comes into contact with a barrier as a result of undesired movement by the robot. The damping springs are compressed against the fixed contacts when the hit contact comes into contact with the barrier. The capacitive sensor has a capacitance that changes as the hit contact comes into contact with the barrier. The capacitance of the capacitive sensor is used to detect the robot coming into contact with the barrier, so that damage to the robot can be prevented.

Abstract: A compressor has a compression unit for compressing gas to a desired pressure, a drive shaft and a balancer. The drive shaft is connected to the compression unit for driving the compression unit. Imbalance on the drive shaft is generated due to movement of the compression unit. The balancer is mounted on the drive shaft and includes a main portion and adjustable portion for correcting the imbalance on the drive shaft. Preferably, at least one of the weight and the shape of the adjustable portion is adjustable.

Abstract: A method for detecting vibration signatures in a reversible drive is disclosed. The method includes the steps of acquiring digital data representative of vibrations in the reversible drive and identifying and grouping together portions of data in a plurality of groups. The identified portions of data relate to a particular direction of travel of the reversible drive and the plurality of groups relate to travel in different directions of the reversible drive. The method can include the further step of processing at least one of the groups of data using signal processing techniques. A system and computer program product for practicing the method for detecting vibration signatures in a reversible drive are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system to reduce vibration in a turbine-generator including measuring a magnitude of radial vibration of a turbine shaft with at least one vibration sensor configured to generate a vibration signal indicative of vibration frequency; measuring a generator power output with a power output sensor configured to generate a generator power output signal; detecting vibration frequencies in a rough load zone range; engaging an air injection means when a magnitude of radial vibration detected in the rough load zone range is above a predetermined threshold; storing a generator power output level as a reference level when engaging the air injection means; and disengaging the air injection means when either the measured generator power output exceeds a predetermined level or the measured generator power output differs from the reference level by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An electromechanical transducer formed by an electrical and mechanical combination of a piezoelectric device and a magnetostrictive device. The two devices are electrically coupled so that their capacitive and inductive reactances approach a balance to provide an essentially resistive combined input at a selected frequency. Efficiency of circuits driving the transducer is improved. The devices are mechanically coupled so that the mechanical outputs add or reinforce each other. Two transducer pairs may be used in a two frequency telemetry system with each pair tuned to one of the frequencies for optimal reactance balancing and transduction efficiency.

Abstract: A system for characterizing rheological properties of granular material. A cylindrical measurement cup containing granular material is subject to a uniform vibration induced by a vibration exciter at a user-determined frequency. At the same time, a rotation or an oscillation of a rotating vane tool is performed within the powder and a response measured. Baffles are affixed to the inner wall of the measurement cup to prevent slippage of the granular material during measurement. An energy imparted to the system from the vibration exciter can be measured by an accelerometer coupled to the measurement cup. When sufficient vibrational energy is supplied to the system, a powder contained therein achieves a particle “temperature” sufficient such that the powder behaves as an ergodic system.

Abstract: A method of monitoring engine order forcing frequency comprises the steps of: selecting at least one engine order for an engine, the engine order being related in a known manner to one or more engine vibration responses generated by the forcing of the engine order; receiving measurement data which provide a measure of the change in the frequency of the or each vibration response as the engine speed varies, and calculating therefrom the change in the engine order forcing frequency; and determining, on the basis of the calculated change in the engine order forcing frequency, a corresponding change in at least one second engine order forcing frequency for the engine as the engine speed varies.

Abstract: An array of piezoelectric resonators used in a sensor device in order to identify chemical and biological agents. The resonators can operate as bulk acoustic wave (BAW), surface acoustic wave (SAW), or Love mode devices. The sensor device integrates gravimetric, calorimetric, thermal gravimetric, voltage gravimetric and optical detection methods into one sensor system, improving the accuracy of identifying hazardous agents. For gravimetric detection, dual-mode resonators provide simultaneous calorimetric and gravimetric data, one type from each mode. Resonators with heaters on the surfaces will provide thermal gravimetric data. An optical detector can be used to analyze the optical signal from the surface of a coated resonator. Additionally, voltage gravimetric measurements can be made with an electric field set up between the resonator and an external electrode. Thermal voltage gravimetric measurements can be made by adding an integrated heater on the resonator with an external electrode.

Abstract: A vibration controller includes an input signal generator for generating input signals based on cyclically pulsating signals emitted from a vibration generating source, an actuating waveform detector for detecting actuating waveforms of an electromagnetic actuator of active vibration insulators, a waveform analyzer for determining higher harmonic component datum information by carrying out a waveform analysis, a higher harmonic component signal generator for generating higher harmonic component signals of the actuating waveforms based on the higher harmonic component datum information, a higher harmonic component signal remover for removing the higher harmonic component signals from the input signals and outputting the resulting processed input signals, and an actuator for receiving the processed input signals, generating output signals based on the processed input signals and actuating the electromagnetic actuator in accordance with the output signals.

Abstract: Determining a shaft balance adjustment includes measuring an initial vibration of the shaft, determining if the initial vibration is greater than a predetermined value, and, if the initial vibration is greater than the predetermined value, determining an adjustment by choosing a best adjustment for each possible location for adjustments. Choosing the best adjustment may include choosing an adjustment that causes a lower amount of vibration than adjustments not chosen. Measuring an initial vibration may include using an accelerometer. Measuring an initial vibration may include using conditioning electronics in connection with the accelerometer. The predetermined value may be 0.01 ips.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor assembly for a robot to prevent damage to the robot when it moves in an undesired manner is disclosed. The robot may be used in conjunction with semiconductor fabrication applications. The capacitive sensor assembly can include a hit contact, one or more fixed contacts, one or more damping springs, and a capacitive sensor. The hit contact comes into contact with a barrier as a result of undesired movement by the robot. The damping springs are compressed against the fixed contacts when the hit contact comes into contact with the barrier. The capacitive sensor has a capacitance that changes as the hit contact comes into contact with the barrier. The capacitance of the capacitive sensor is used to detect the robot coming into contact with the barrier, so that damage to the robot can be prevented.

Abstract: An acoustic meter assembly has a measurement chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid to be monitored; an acoustic transducer for transmitting acoustic energy into and receiving the transmitted energy from the measurement chamber; and a holder for the acoustic transducer including a receiving section in which the acoustic transducer is locatable to expose a front surface to fluid pressure within the measurement chamber. The holder further has a pressure transfer arrangement for communicating pressure between the measurement chamber and a rear surface of the transducer, opposite to the front surface.

Abstract: A method for determining a rate of rain falling on a surface. As rain falls and strikes the surface, vibrations are generated on the surface. The vibrations are sensed and a vibration signal is generated, the vibration signal being proportional to the vibrations of the surface. The vibration signal includes peaks. The peaks of the vibration signal are determined. The time intervals between the peaks are then determined. Using the time intervals, a number n1 of timer intervals that occur between a first time and a second time are counted. A number n2 of time intervals that occur between the second time and a third time are also counted. The rain rate ? is then determined using an equation that is derived from a point process equation and utilizes n1 and n2.

Abstract: Method for operating and testing a sensor assembly (210). The sensor assembly (210) preferably includes accelerometers with axes of sensitivity orthogonal to each other. The method preferably includes determining sensor tilt angle, determining the position of the sensor, and synchronizing the operation of the sensor.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a jet pump beam in a nuclear reactor is provided. The reactor includes at least one jet pump assembly with each jet pump assembly including at least one jet pump beam. Each jet pump beam includes a beam bolt opening, a first arm, a second arm, a top surface, and a bottom surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes positioning at least one ultrasonic phased array probe adjacent the bottom surface of the jet pump beam, and scanning the jet pump beam with the at least one ultrasonic phased array probe.

Abstract: An improved method and assembly, wherein the method generally includes the steps of providing a coated or uncoated sensor element having an exposed sensing surface; attaching the sensor element to a platform so that the exposed sensing surface is spaced from the platform; and optionally applying a protective layer over the platform while maintaining the sensing surface as exposed. The assembly includes a resonator having a free portion with a sensing surface is incorporated onto a platform, components of the sensor are physically shielded from harsh operating conditions, the requisite space is maintained between the free portion of the resonator and the platform, and the sensing surface of the resonator remains exposed for sensing.

Abstract: A sensor and methods for making and using the same in which a mechanical resonator is employed, comprising a resonator portion for resonating in a fluid without the substantial generation of acoustic waves; and an electrical connection between the resonator portion for oscillating and a source of an input signal; wherein the portion for resonating, the electrical connection or both includes a base material and a performance-tuning material that is different from the base material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a monitoring system device attachable to a mechanical press, to measure long term reliability press conditions while in production operation. The device includes signal processing circuitry for processing a corresponding signal developed from an accelerometer. The signal processing circuitry has acceleration processing circuitry for calculating a press acceleration signal, a velocity processing circuitry for calculating a press velocity signal, and displacement processing circuitry for calculating a press displacement signal. Display circuitry is used for displaying at least one of said calculated signals.

Abstract: An acoustic meter assembly has a measurement chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid to be monitored; an acoustic transducer for transmitting acoustic energy into and receiving the transmitted energy from the measurement chamber; and a holder for the acoustic transducer including a receiving section in which the acoustic transducer is locatable to expose a front surface to fluid pressure within the measurement chamber. The holder further has a pressure transfer arrangement for communicating pressure between the measurement chamber and a rear surface of the transducer, opposite to the front surface.

Abstract: A device for measuring the oscillation amplitude of the tip of a capillary by means of a light beam comprises a light source and an opto-receiver and two apertured diaphragms that are arranged between the light source and the opto-receiver and which lie on a common axis. The apertured diaphragms are preferably formed by means of drill holes arranged on a common axis in side walls of a channel formed in a body. The two apertured diaphragms define the diameter of the light beam.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides a process for increasing the crystallinity of a slow crystallizable polymer. In this process, at least one slow crystallizable polymer is introduced to a pressurized treatment zone along a flow direction, and is subjected, at the pressurized treatment zone, to longitudinal vibrations of ultrasonic waves. In a particularly preferred process, the ultrasonic waves propagate in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the at least one slow crystallizable polymer.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing an optical line of sight. An optical system including primary optics and relay optics includes a jitter rejection mirror located within the path of the relay optics. An auto alignment system is provided for maintaining alignment of the jitter rejection mirror in response to a control signal. An auto alignment sensor detects jitter in a reference beam passing through the jitter rejection mirror, and the generated control signal is used to reduce the jitter. The reference beam is supplied by a stabilized source of laser signals which are received by the primary optics, and relayed to the jitter rejection mirror.

Abstract: A filling-level measuring device, specifically a filling-level radar system, comprises a transmitter (1), a receiver (2) for an echo of a signal emitted by the transmitter (1), and an evaluation circuit (3) for estimating the filling level. The transmitter (1) and the receiver (2) are suitable for operation with a plurality of frequencies on the part of the emitted signal and the echo.

Abstract: At step 1, a golf ball model is divided into a large number of elements composed of a large number of nodal points in the form of meshes; a physical property of a material for the golf ball is inputted; a simulation is executed by an analysis based on a finite element method, assuming that a golf club head collides with the golf ball; and a strain amount generated in the golf ball model at the time of the collision is computed. At step 2, a stress and a strain component of each element of the golf ball model and coordinate values of the nodal points of each element are outputted; and a value of a stress and a strain of each of six components of each element are computed momently. At step 3, the relationship between the stress and the strain of each component of each element is found from the value of the stress and the strain of each of the six components; and energy loss values of each element are computed.

Abstract: A noise reduction system reduces noise associated with an input signal provided to a control system, while substantially minimizing the adverse affect on the responsiveness and stability of the control system. The noise reduction system includes a processor, a memory subsystem and processor executable code. The processor executable code causes the processor to perform a number of steps. Initially, the processor determines an input signal level of an input signal at an input of a noise reduction system. Next, the processor determines an output signal level of an output signal at an output of the noise reduction system. The processor then determines a magnitude of a difference signal which is the difference between the input signal level and the output signal level. When the magnitude of the difference signal is less than a predetermined noise limit, the input signal is provided to an input of a control system.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamically balancing a rotating system or rotating device utilizing data collection and correlation techniques to extract balance measures from sensor data is disclosed. Sensor data from the rotating system, containing information indicative of the dynamics of the rotating system, are filtered and sampled. A select time span of sampled data, adjusted upward to a nearest number of full revolutions of the rotating system, which is of sufficient size to extract balance measures, is collected. Data may be collected as a fixed number of samples per revolution, independent of a rotational speed, so as to simplify later computation. Several unique select time spans may be used for different ranges of rotational speeds so as to maintain the amount of data to be processed while still serving its original purpose. Window function may be applied to modify sampled data in the select time span so as to improve extraction performance.

Abstract: A micromachined device of micron dimensions comprising a base and a movable member spaced apart from the base. The movable member has first and second end portions and an axis extending between the first and second end portions. First and second torsional members extend along the axis and are connected to the respective first and second end portions for permitting the movable member to rock between first and second positions about the axis relative to the base. The first and second torsional members are secured to the base. At least a portion of the movable member is of a conductive material. First and second spaced-apart electrodes are carried by the base for driving the movable member between the first and second positions. A tether member extends transversely of the axis and is secured to the first torsional member and to the base whereby the tether member regulates the rocking of the movable member.

Abstract: A plurality of wires (33, 34; 35, 36) are disposed near the bottom (23-25) of blade root sockets (16-18) of a rotating disk 39 of a gas turbine engine by vapor deposition and etching, the wires including connections to excitation nodes (40, 42) and detection nodes (41, 43). A nearby stationary member of the engine mounts an oscillator amplifier (55) which drives a coil (57) that excites the circuitry, and a coil (62) drives an amplifier (65) and a processor (67) which provides an indication of whether or not one or more of the wires are broken by a crack.

Abstract: A method (100) and system (20) for predicting a coefficient of restitution (COR) of a golf club (30) or golf club head (36) is disclosed herein. The system (20) and method (100) are able to predict the COR in a non-destructive manner for a particular golf ball and impact speed. The system (20) and method (100) utilize a vibration sensor (24) attached to the face (34) of a golf club (30). The vibration sensor (24) is excited with an excitation device (26), and data is transmitted to an analyzer (22). A mathematical model of the golf club (30) is created allowing for the coefficient of restitution to be predicted without destroying the golf club (30).

Abstract: A vehicle noise, vibration and harshness analysis tool according to the present invention comprises at least one sensor, each sensing a vibration or noise and generating a signal at a frequency related to the vibration or noise. A communication link with a vehicle is included to transmit data regarding the vehicle. A microprocessor system receives the signals generated by said at least one sensor and receives the vehicle data over said communication link. The microprocessor system conducts an analysis of the received sensor signals and vehicle data and identifies a vehicle component that is likely causing a vibration or noise. The microprocessor system also identifies the possible problems with the identified vehicle component. A user interface is also included with a display. The microprocessor system causes the display to list the likely vehicle components causing the vibration or noise and the possible problems with the components.

Abstract: A method of determining the frequencies of a golf club entails suspending the golf club in a substantial free state and thereafter striking or engaging the golf club to cause the same to vibrate or oscillate. Once the golf club has been excited, the method entails measuring the natural frequencies of the golf club. More particularly, in the substantial free state, the club is suspended by a flexible connector which is secured to the grip end of the club.

Abstract: An automated method for modeling spectral data is provided, wherein the spectral data generated by one of diffuse reflectance, clear transmission, or diffuse transmission. The method includes accessing a set of spectral data, the set of spectral data including, corresponding spectral data for each of a plurality of samples, the spectral data for each of the plurality of samples having associated therewith at least one constituent value, the at least one constituent value being a reference value for a target substance in the sample which is measured by a independent measurement technique. A plurality of data transforms are applied to the set of spectral data to generate, for each sample, a set of transformed and untransformed spectral data.

Abstract: The present invention describes the use of a space-based Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) magnetic field detector in conjunction with ground-based network of ELF magnetic field detectors. In particular, a space based ELF detection system can be used to perform a wide area search and find precursor earthquake signals in both known and unknown earthquake zones, and a ground-based network of ELF detectors can be used to verify that the signals are indeed earthquake generated signals. The use of this invention will minimize cost and manpower necessary to effectuate an accurate and reliable earthquake detection system.

Abstract: A method (100) and system (20) for predicting a coefficient of restitution (COR) of a golf club (30) or golf club head (36) is disclosed herein. The system (20) and method (100) are able to predict the COR in a non-destructive manner for a particular golf ball and impact speed. The system (20) and method (100) utilize a vibration sensor (24) attached to the face (34) of a golf club (30). The vibration sensor (24) is excited with an excitation device (26), and data is transmitted to an analyzer (22). A mathematical model of the golf club (30) is created allowing for the coefficient of restitution to be predicted without destroying the golf club (30).

Abstract: A system for monitoring the structural condition of a helicopter rotor assembly component includes a piezoelectric sensor. Acoustic emission signal techniques allow for recognizing the relatively high frequency stress waves associated with the propagation of cracks or defects in a rotor assembly component. A signal conditioner processes the sensor signal and provides an output signal that includes at least one characteristic that is indicative of the content of the sensor signal and, therefore, the structural condition of the item of interest. A signal analyzer utilizes the output signal from the signal processor to determine the structural condition of the component.

Abstract: A machine protection system and method for rotating equipment introduces new alarming features and makes use of full proximity probe sensor information, including amplitude and phase. Baseline vibration amplitude and phase data is estimated and tracked according to operating modes of the rotating equipment. Baseline vibration and phase data can be determined using a rolling average and variance and stored in a unit circle or tracked using short term average and long term average baselines. The sensed vibration amplitude and phase is compared with the baseline vibration amplitude and phase data. Operation of the rotating equipment can be controlled based on the vibration amplitude and phase.