Analysis system Number:7,313,484 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent

Title: Analysis system

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing the condition of a machine having a rotating shaft, comprising: at least one input for receiving measurement data from a sensor for surveying a measuring point of the machine, the measurement data being dependent on rotation of the shaft; a data processor for processing condition data dependent on the measurement data; the data prossessor performing a plurility of condition monitoring functions (F1, F2 Fn). At least one of the plurality of condition monitoring functions (F1, F2, Fn) is a restricted function having a disabled state and an enabled state; the disabled state prohibiting complete execution of the condition monitoring function, and the enabled state allowing execution. The apparatus allows a limited amount of use of the at least one restricted condition monitoring function; and at least one of the plurality of condition monitoring functions (F1, F2, Fn) is an unresticted function.

Patent Number: 7,313,484 Issued on 12/25/2007 to Lindberg,   et al.

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Inventors:	Lindberg; Stefan (Strangnas, SE), Hedlund; Ha (Strangnas, SE), Kummelstam; Jim (Strangnas, SE), Lindberg; Jarl-Ove (Strangnas, SE)
Assignee:	SPM Instrument AB (Strangnas, SE)
Appl. No.:	10/501,769
Filed:	January 20, 2003
PCT Filed:	January 20, 2003
PCT No.:	PCT/SE03/00088
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date:	June 27, 2005
PCT Pub. No.:	WO03/062771
PCT Pub. Date:	July 31, 2003

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Related U.S. Patent Documents

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	Application Number	Filing Date	Patent Number	Issue Date
	60384118	May., 2002

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Foreign Application Priority Data

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Jan 18, 2002 [SE]			0200147
Jan 25, 2002 [SE]			0200215

Current U.S. Class:	702/34
Current International Class:	G01B 3/44 (20060101)
Field of Search:	702/34

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References Cited [Referenced By]

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Primary Examiner: Barlow; John
Assistant Examiner: Bhat; Aditya
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Young & Thompson

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Claims

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The invention claimed is:

1. An apparatus for analysing the condition of a machine having a rotating shaft, comprising: at least one input for receiving measurement data from a sensor for surveying a measuring point of the machine; said measurement data being dependent on rotation of said shaft; data processing means for processing condition data dependent on said measurement data; said data processing means comprising means for performing a plurality of condition monitoring functions (F1, F2, Fn); wherein at least one of said plurality of condition monitoring functions (F1, F2, Fn) is a restricted function having a disabled state and an enabled state; said disabled state prohibiting complete execution of said condition monitoring function; and said enabled state allowing execution; wherein the apparatus is arranged to allow a limited amount of use of the at least one restricted condition monitoring function; and wherein at least one of said plurality of condition monitoring functions (F1, F2, Fn) is an unrestricted function; the apparatus further comprising a logger for registering use of said at least one restricted condition monitoring function (F1, F2, Fn); wherein the apparatus is arranged to change the state of a restricted condition monitoring function from the enabled state to the disabled state when said registered use indicates that the limited amount of use has been spent; and the apparatus is arranged to allow execution of the at least one unrestricted function irrespective of amount of use of the at least one unrestricted function.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a user interface for allowing an operator to select to request the apparatus to perform a condition monitoring function; means for checking whether a selected condition monitoring function (F1, F2, Fn) is a restricted function or an unrestricted function; means for causing the apparatus to perform the selected condition monitoring function (F1, F2, Fn) when the selected condition monitoring function is an unrestricted function.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising means for causing the apparatus to check whether the selected condition monitoring function (F1, F2, Fn) is enabled or disabled when the selected condition monitoring function is a restricted condition monitoring function (F1, F2, Fn); wherein said logger is adapted to register use of the selected condition monitoring function when the selected condition monitoring function is an enabled restricted condition monitoring function (F1, F2, Fn).

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is arranged to register use of an enabled restricted condition monitoring function (F1, F2, Fn) by changing a value of a parameter (Use_F.sub.k; Credit_par, 250).

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a first parameter (Use_F.sub.k) is associated with a first restricted condition monitoring function (F.sub.k); said first parameter (Use_F.sub.k) being indicative of a remaining amount of allowed use for the first restricted condition monitoring function (F.sub.k); and a second parameter (Use_F.sub.i) is associated with a second restricted condition monitoring function (F.sub.i); said second parameter (Use_F.sub.i) being indicative of a remaining amount of allowed use for the second restricted condition monitoring function (F.sub.i).

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said means for comparing is arranged to compare said first parameter (Use_F.sub.k) with said first reference value, and wherein said means for disabling is arranged to disable the first restricted condition monitoring function (F.sub.k)in response to the outcome of the comparison of said first parameter (Use_F.sub.k) with said first reference value when the comparison indicates that all allowed usage of the first restricted condition monitoring function (F.sub.k) has been spent; and wherein said means for comparing is arranged to compare said second parameter (Use_F.sub.i) with said first reference value, and wherein said means for disabling is arranged to disable the second restricted condition monitoring function (F.sub.i) in response to the outcome of the comparison of said second parameter (Use_F.sub.i) with said first reference value when the comparison indicates that all allowed usage of the second restricted condition monitoring function (F.sub.i) has been spent.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is arranged to register use of an enabled restricted condition monitoring function (F1, F2, Fn) by changing a value of a centralized parameter (Credit_par, 250).

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: at least one of said plurality of unrestricted condition monitoring functions (F1, F2, Fn) has an enabled state and a disabled state.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: said logger is adapted to register use of a first restricted condition monitoring function at a first rate; and said logger is adapted to register use a second condition monitoring function at a second rate.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said second rate is such that use registered at said second rate causes a higher cost per unit of usage than use registered at said first rate.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said second rate is such that use registered at said second rate causes a lower cost per unit of usage than use registered at said first rate.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: said registered use is a parameter indicative of a number of executions of at least one of said restricted condition monitoring functions (F1, F2, Fn).

13. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein: said registered use is a parameter indicative of a duration of time.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means (50, 60, 70, 80, 132, 16) for receiving a key code associated with at least one of said restricted condition monitoring functions; means (50, 60, 70, 80, 132, 16) for performing a key verification procedure; means (50, 60, 70, 80, 132, 16) for causing said analysis apparatus (14) to change a parameter controlling an amount of allowed use in response to said received key code when said key verification procedure results in an acceptance of said received key code.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of condition monitoring functions (F1, F2, Fn) includes two or three or more functions selected from the group consisting of: vibration analysis, temperature analysis, shock pulse measuring, spectrum analysis of shock pulse measurement data, Fast Fourier Transformation of vibration measurement data, graphical presentation of condition data on a user interface, storage of condition data in a writeable information carrier on said machine, storage of condition data in a writeable information carrier in said apparatus, tachometering, imbalance detection, misalignment detection.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of condition monitoring functions (F1, F2, Fn) includes a function for imbalance detection.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of condition monitoring functions (F1, F2, Fn) includes a function for balancing.

18. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of condition monitoring functions (F1, F2, Fn) includes a function for misalignment detection.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said plurality of condition monitoring functions (F1, F2, Fn) includes a function for alignment.

20. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a communication port (16); wherein said apparatus is adapted to be capable of delivering data indicative of said registered use on said communication port (16).

21. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: key reception means adapted to allow further use of said data processing means in response to reception of a first key.

22. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: key reception means adapted to allow further use of a selected one of said condition monitoring functions (F1, F2, Fn) in response to reception of a key associated with said selected function.

23. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein: said key reception means includes a communication port (16); and said key includes a key word comprising information indicative of an amount of usage to be allowed.

24. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for allowing an operator to indicate a desire to obtain an increased amount of use of a selected condition monitoring function (F1, F2, Fn); means for generating a usage request message so that it includes information identifying said selected condition monitoring function (F1, F2, Fn).

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Description

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TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for analysing the condition of a machine, and to a system for analysing the condition of a machine. The invention also relates to method of operating such a system.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Machines with moving parts are subject to wear with the passage of time, which often causes the condition of the machine to deteriorate. Examples of such machines with movable parts are motors, pumps, generators, compressors, lathes and CNC-machines. The movable parts may comprise a shaft and bearings.

In order to prevent machine failure, such machines should be subject to maintenance, depending on the condition of the machine. Therefore the operating condition of such a machine is preferably evaluated from time to time. The operating condition can be determined by measuring vibrations emanating from a bearing or by measuring temperature on the casing of the machine, which temperatures are dependent on the operating condition of the bearing. Such condition checks of machines with rotating or other moving parts are of great significance for safety and also for the length of the life of such machines. It is known to manually perform such measurements on machines. This ordinarily is done by an operator with the help of a measuring instrument performing measurements at measuring points on one or several machines.

A number of commercial instruments are available, which rely on the fact that defects in rolling-element bearings generate short pulses, usually called shock pulses. State of the art shock pulse measuring apparatuses may include proprietary technology for generating a value indicative of the condition of a bearing or a machine.

WO 98/01831 discloses a machine having a measuring point and a shaft with a certain shaft diameter, wherein the shaft can rotate when the machine is in use. WO 98/01831 also discloses an apparatus for analysing the condition of a machine having a rotating shaft. The disclosed apparatus has a sensor for producing a measured value indicating the vibration or temperature at the measuring point. The apparatus disclosed in WO 98/01831 has a microprocessor and an analysis routine stored in a memory. According to WO 98/01831 the following process can be performed by running the analysis routine on the microprocessor: producing the measured value; acquiring interpretation information from an information carrier which is mounted by the measuring point; producing an actual condition value, indicating the actual condition of the machine at the measuring point, dependent on the measured value and the interpretation information; acquiring a second condition value, indicating the condition of the machine at measuring point at an earlier point of time, from the information carrier; producing a relation value dependent on the actual condition value and the second condition value, which relation value indicates a change in the condition.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the invention relates to the problem of achieving a cost-effective improvement of the length of life of machines having a rotating shaft.

This problem is addressed by an apparatus for analysing the condition of a machine having a rotating shaft, comprising: at least one input for receiving measurement data from a sensor for surveying a measuring point of the machine; said measurement data being dependent on rotation of said shaft; data processing means for processing condition data dependent on said measurement data; said data processing means comprising means for performing a plurality of condition monitoring functions; wherein at least one of said plurality of condition monitoring functions is a restricted function having a disabled state and an enabled state; said disabled state prohibiting complete execution of said condition monitoring function; and said enabled state allowing execution; wherein the apparatus is arranged to allow a limited amount of use of the at least one restricted condition monitoring function; and wherein at least one of said plurality of condition monitoring functions is an unrestricted function; the apparatus further comprising a logger for registering use of said at least one restricted condition monitoring function; wherein the apparatus is arranged to change the state of a restricted condition monitoring function from the enabled state to the disabled state when said registered use indicates that the limited amount of use has been spent; and the apparatus is arranged to allow execution of the at least one unrestricted function irrespective of amount of use of the at least one unrestricted function.

This solution is advantageously versatile, allowing a user to get a machine analysis apparatus with some functions to which the user has an unlimited access, and some functions for which the user can pay at a per use basis. This makes it possible for the user to get a machine analysis apparatus adapted according to that users need. Thereby the user does not need to pay for an expensive instrument providing unlimited access to a number of advanced functions for which that user has little or no need. The solution also allows the supplier to offer the apparatus in a large number of versions and at different price levels. Advantageously the different versions of the apparatus can be provided by means of the same hardware solution.

The supplier can control which of the functions are to be unrestricted so that the user after buying the apparatus is allowed an unlimited amount of use of selected functions, and which of the functions are to be restricted so that the user, after buying the apparatus, can use these at a pay-per-use basis.

According to an embodiment the apparatus further comprises a user interface for allowing an operator to select to request the apparatus to perform a condition monitoring function; means for checking whether a selected condition monitoring function is a restricted function or an unrestricted function; means for causing the apparatus to perform the selected condition monitoring function when the selected condition monitoring function is an unrestricted function.

According to an embodiment the apparatus further comprises means for causing the apparatus to check whether the selected condition monitoring function is enabled or disabled when the selected condition monitoring function is a restricted condition monitoring function; wherein said logger is adapted to register use of the selected condition monitoring function when the selected condition monitoring function is an enabled restricted condition monitoring function.

According to an embodiment the apparatus is arranged to register use of an enabled restricted condition monitoring function by changing a value of a parameter.

According to an embodiment at least one of said plurality of unrestricted condition monitoring functions has an enabled state and a disabled state.

This solution advantageously allows a client to choose which functions to have unlimited access to, and which functions to buy at a pay-per-use basis, since unrestricted as well as restricted functions can be individually enabled or disabled.

According to an embodiment said plurality of condition monitoring functions includes two or three or more functions selected from the group consisting of: vibration analysis, temperature analysis, shock pulse measuring, spectrum analysis of shock pulse measurement data, Fast Fourier Transformation of vibration measurement data, graphical presentation of condition data on a user interface, storage of condition data in a writeable information carrier on said machine, storage of condition data in a writeable information carrier in said apparatus, tachometering, imbalance detection, misalignment detection.

An aspect of the invention relates to the problem of achieving a cost-effective improvement of the length of life of machines having a rotating shaft. This problem is addressed by an apparatus for analysing the condition of a machine having a rotating shaft, comprising: at least one input for receiving measurement data from a sensor for surveying a measuring point of the machine; said measurement data being dependent on rotation of said shaft; data processing means for processing condition data dependent on said measurement data; said data processing means comprising means for performing a plurality of condition monitoring functions; wherein at least one of said plurality of condition monitoring functions is a restricted function having a disabled state and an enabled state; said disabled state prohibiting complete execution of said condition monitoring function; and said enabled state allowing execution; wherein the apparatus is arranged to allow a limited amount of use of the at least one restricted condition monitoring function; and wherein at least one of said plurality of condition monitoring functions is an unrestricted function; the apparatus further comprising a logger for registering use of said at least one restricted condition monitoring function; wherein the apparatus is arranged to change the state of a restricted condition monitoring function from the enabled state to the disabled state when said registered use indicates that the limited amount of use has been spent; and the apparatus is arranged to allow execution of the at least one unrestricted function irrespective of amount of use of the at least one unrestricted function.

This solution is advantageously versatile, allowing a user to get a machine analysis apparatus with some functions to which the user has an unlimited access, and some functions for which the user can pay at a per use basis. This makes it possible for the user to get a machine analysis apparatus adapted according to the need of that individual user. Thereby the user does not need to pay for an expensive instrument providing unlimited access to a number of advanced functions for which that user has little or no need. The solution also allows the supplier to offer the apparatus in a large number of versions and at different price levels. Advantageously the different versions of the apparatus can be provided by means of the same hardware solution. The supplier can control which of the functions are to be unrestricted so that the user after buying the apparatus is allowed an unlimited amount of use of selected functions, and which of the functions are to be restricted so that the user, after buying the apparatus, can use these at a pay-per-use basis.

According to an embodiment the apparatus further comprises a user interface for allowing an operator to select to request the apparatus to perform a condition monitoring function; means for checking whether a selected condition monitoring function is a restricted function or an unrestricted function; means for causing the apparatus to perform the selected condition monitoring function when the selected condition monitoring function is an unrestricted function.

According to an embodiment the apparatus further comprises means for causing the apparatus to check whether the selected condition monitoring function is enabled or disabled when the selected condition monitoring function is a restricted condition monitoring function; wherein said logger is adapted to register use of the selected condition monitoring function when the selected condition monitoring function is an enabled restricted condition monitoring function.

According to an embodiment the apparatus is arranged to register use of an enabled restricted condition monitoring function by changing a value of a parameter.

According to an embodiment a first parameter is associated with a first restricted condition monitoring function; said first parameter being indicative of a remaining amount of allowed use for the first restricted condition monitoring function; and a second parameter is associated with a second restricted condition monitoring function; said second parameter being indicative of a remaining amount of allowed use for the second restricted condition monitoring function.

According to an embodiment at least one of said plurality of unrestricted condition monitoring functions has an enabled state and a disabled state.

This solution advantageously allows a client to choose which functions to have unlimited access to, and which functions to buy at a pay-per-use basis, since unrestricted as well as restricted functions can be individually enabled or disabled.

An aspect of the invention relates to the problem of providing equipment for analysing the condition of a machine satisfying the conflicting requirements of reducing the price for a piece of condition monitoring equipment while maintaining profitability for the supplier of the analysis system.

This problem is addressed by an apparatus for analysing the condition of a machine, comprising an apparatus for analysing the condition of a machine, comprising: at least one input for receiving measurement data from a sensor for surveying a measuring point of the machine; data processing means for processing condition data dependent on said measurement data; said data processing means comprising means for performing a plurality of condition monitoring functions; and a logger for registering use of at least one of said condition monitoring functions.

This advantageously enables charging a cost for use of the apparatus.

An embodiment of the apparatus comprising: a communication port; wherein said apparatus is adapted to be capable of delivering data indicative of said registered use on said communication port.

This advantageously enables delivery of use info to a supplier, for charging a cost. i.e. reporting the amount of use to the supplier.

An embodiment of the apparatus further comprises: means for comparing said registered use with a first reference value, means for disabling said data processing means or at least one of said condition monitoring functions in response to the outcome of said comparison.

This solution encourages a user to buy additional usage so as to maintain operability of desired functions of the analysis apparatus. Such additional usage may be in the form of a number of measurements using a desired function, or a period of time the duration of which is defined by the registered use and the first reference value.

An embodiment of the apparatus further comprises:key reception means adapted to allow further use of said data processing means in response to reception of a first key.

This advantageously enables a supplier to amend the relation between a registered use value and the reference value. Thereby it is possible to increase "the stored amount of use" available before the data processing means is disabled.

An embodiment of the apparatus further comprises:

key reception means adapted to allow further use of a selected one of said condition monitoring functions in response to reception of a key associated with said selected function.

This advantageously enables a supplier to amend the relation between the reference value and a registered use value for a selected function. Thereby it is possible to increase "the stored amount of use" available before the selected function is disabled.

An embodiment of the apparatus further comprises: means for reading a current value of said registered use; means for comparing said current value with a second reference value; means for registering use at a first rate when said current value is above the second reference value; and means for registering use at a second rate when said current value is below the second reference value.

This advantageously enables a supplier to sell usage at different costs. When, according to one embodiment, a user has paid for a certain amount A.sub.p of usage, the second reference value is a level indicating that the whole amount A.sub.p of usage has been spent. This means that any further use will be usage which has not yet been paid for. By the feature of registering such further use at a second rate it is possible to charge a higher cost per unit of usage for such further use.

An embodiment of the apparatus wherein: at least some of said plurality of condition monitoring functions is at least partly embodied by computer program code.

An aspect of the invention relates to the problem of achieving a cost-effective improvement of the length of life of machines with a moving part.

An aspect of the invention relates to the problem of achieving an analysis apparatus for evaluating the condition of a machine,

This problem is addressed by

An apparatus for monitoring the condition of a machine, comprising: at least one input for receiving measurement data from a sensor for surveying a measuring point of the machine; data processing means for processing condition data dependent on said measurement data; said data processing means comprising means for performing at least two condition monitoring functions; at least one of said plurality of condition monitoring functions having a locked state and an unlocked state; said locked state prohibiting complete execution of said condition monitoring function; and said unlocked state allowing execution; means for changing the state of a selected condition monitoring function between the locked state and the unlocked state.

This advantageously provides the analysis apparatus with an improved versatility. A manufacturer can manufacture the apparatus in a single fashion, and a supplier can sell the apparatus in several versions. More precisely, an apparatus having two individually lockable/unlockable functions can be provided in the following versions: with only the first function unlocked; with only the second function unlocked; with the first function and the second function unlocked.

Hence, a supplier can offer the apparatus in three versions, and this allows for selling it at different price levels dependent on the functionality included. Each client is therefore provided with a choice as to which functions to choose.

An embodiment of the apparatus further comprises: key reception means adapted to allow use of a selected one of said condition monitoring functions in response to reception of a key associated with said selected function; a logger for registering use of at least one of said condition monitoring functions. means for comparing said registered use with a first reference value, means for disabling said data processing means or at least one of said condition monitoring functions in response to the outcome of said comparison.

Hence, A manufacturer can manufacture the apparatus in a single fashion, and a supplier can sell the apparatus in more than four versions: with only the first function unlocked; with only the second function unlocked; with the first function and the second function unlocked. with both functions locked but each function individually or collectively unlockable for a limited amount of use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For simple understanding of the present invention, it will be described by means of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a condition analyzing system according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a part of the condition analyzing system 2 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a simplified illustration of an embodiment of a memory and its contents.

FIG. 4 is a simplified illustration of a second embodiment of the memory and its contents.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a procedure according to the invention.

FIG. 5C is a simplified illustration of a principle of an embodiment of an account value or amount of usage parameter.

FIG. 5D is an illustration of a principle of an embodiment wherein the cost per use changes after a certain level of use has been attained.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a procedure according to the invention.

FIG. 7 is a physical embodiment of an apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates the apparatus, shown in FIG. 7, being gripped by a hand 140 of a user.

FIG. 10 is a top view of an embodiment of the apparatus, illustrating the physical dimensions thereof.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and/or FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 13A illustrates a part of memory 60 comprising a function F.sub.k and an associated status field 142.

FIG. 13B illustrates a part of memory 60 according to an embodiment, comprising a function F.sub.k and an associated status field 142.sub.k.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a procedure for delivering an apparatus, and for adding use or functionality to the apparatus by means of a key from the supplier.

FIG. 15 shows a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a condition analyzing system 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the following description similar features in different embodiments may be indicated by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a condition analyzing system 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. Reference numeral 4 relates to a client location with a machine 6 having a movable part 8. The movable part may comprise bearings 7 and a shaft 8 which, when the machine is in operation, rotates. The operating condition of the shaft 8 or of a bearing 7 can be determined in response to vibrations emanating from the shaft and/or bearing when the shaft rotates. Additionally the operating condition of a bearing 7 can be determined in response to temperature measured on the casing of the machine. The client location 4, which may also be referred to as client part or user part, may for example be the premises of a paper mill plant, or some other manufacturing plant having machines with movable parts.

An embodiment of the condition analyzing system 2 is operative when a sensor 10 is firmly attached on or at a measuring point 12 on the body of the machine 6. Although FIG. 1 only illustrates two measuring points 12, it to be understood that a location 4 may comprise any number of measuring points 12. The condition analysis system 2 shown in FIG. 1, comprises an analysis apparatus 14 for analysing the condition of a machine on the basis of measurement values delivered by the sensor 10.

The analysis apparatus 14 has a communication port 16 for bi-directional data exchange. The communication port 16 is connectable to a communications network 18, e.g. via a data interface 19. The communications network 18 may be the world wide internet, also known as the Internet. The communications network 18 may also comprise a public switched telephone network.

A server computer 20 is connected to the communications network 18. The server 20 may comprise a database 22, user input/output interfaces 24 and data processing hardware 26, and a communications port 29. The server computer 20 is located on a location 28, which is geographically separate from the client location 4. The server location 28 may be in a first city, such as the Swedish capital Stockholm, and the client location may be in another city, such as Stuttgart, Germany or Detroit in Mich., USA. Alternatively, the server location 28 may be in a first part of a town and the client location may be in another part of the same town. The server location 28 may also be referred to as supplier part 28, or supplier part location 28. A supplier company who may sell and deliver analysis apparatuses 14 occupies the supplier part location 28. The supplier company may also distribute use allowance to analysis apparatuses 14 having use restricted condition monitoring functions, as discussed in further detail elsewhere in this document.

According to one embodiment of the system 2 the apparatus 14 is a portable apparatus which may be connected to the communications network 18 from time to time.

According to another embodiment of the system 2 the apparatus 14 is connected to the communications network 18 substantially continuously. Hence, the system 2 according to this embodiment may substantially always be "on line" available for communication with the supplier computer 20.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a part of the condition analyzing system 2 shown in FIG. 1. The condition analyzing system, as illustrated in FIG. 2, comprises a sensor unit 10 for producing a measured value. The measured value may be dependent on movement or, more precisely, dependent on vibrations. Alternatively the measured value may be dependent on temperature.

An embodiment of the condition analyzing system 2 is operative when a device 30 is firmly mounted on or at a measuring point on a machine 6. The device 30 mounted at the measuring point may be referred to as a stud 30. A stud 30 can comprise a connection coupling 32 to which the sensor unit 10 is removably attachable. The connection coupling 32 can, for example comprise double start threads for enabling the sensor unit to be mechanically engaged with the stud by means of a 1/4 turn rotation.

A measuring point 12 can comprise a threaded recess in the casing of the machine. A stud 30 may have a protruding part with threads corresponding to those of the recess for enabling the stud to be firmly attached to the measuring point by introduction into the recess like a bolt.

Alternatively, a measuring point can comprise a threaded recess in the casing of the machine, and the sensor unit 10 may comprise corresponding threads so that it can be directly introduced into the recess. Alternatively, the measuring point is marked on the casing of the machine only with a painted mark.

The machine 6 exemplified in FIG. 2 may have a rotating shaft with a certain shaft diameter d1. The shaft in the machine 24 may rotate at a certain speed of rotation V1 when the machine 6 is in use.

The sensor unit 10 may be coupled to the apparatus 14 for analysing the condition of a machine. The analysis apparatus 14 comprises a sensor interface 40 for receiving a measured signal or measurement data, produced by the sensor 10. The sensor interface 40 is coupled to a data processing means 50 capable of controlling the operation of the analysis apparatus 14 in accordance with program code. The data processing means 50 is also coupled to a memory 60 for storing said program code.

According to an embodiment of the invention the sensor interface 40 comprises an input 42 for receiving an analog signal, the input 42 being connected to an analogue-to-digital (A/D) converter 44, the digital output of which is coupled to the to the data processing means 50.

The program memory 60 is preferably a non-volatile memory. The memory 60 may be a read/write memory, i.e. enabling both reading data from the memory and writing new data onto the memory 60. According to an embodiment the program memory 60 is embodied by a FLASH memory. The program memory 60 may comprise a first memory segment 70 for storing a first set of program code 80 which is executable so as to control the analysis apparatus 14 to perform basic operations (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3). The program memory may also comprise a second memory segment 90 for storing a second set of program code 100.

According to some embodiments of the invention the second set of program code is initially disabled so as to prohibit execution of said second set of program code. The disabled data 100 may be enabled in response to reception of a key.

According to an embodiment of the invention the apparatus 14 comprises an interface means for receiving the key.

The data processing means 50 is also coupled to a read/write memory 52 for data storage. Moreover, the data processing means 50 may be coupled to an analysis apparatus communications interface 54. The analysis apparatus communications interface 54 provides for bi-directional communication with a measuring point communication interface 56 which is attachable on, at or in the vicinity of the measuring point on the machine.

The measuring point 12 comprises a connection coupling 32, a readable and writeable information carrier 58, and a measuring point communication interface 56.

The writeable information carrier 58, and the measuring point communication interface 56 may be provided in a separate device 59 placed in the vicinity of the stud 30, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Alternatively the writeable information carrier 58, and the measuring point communication interface 56 may be provided within the stud 30. This is described in more detail in WO 98/01831, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The sensor unit 10 comprises a vibration transducer, the sensor unit being structured to physically engage the connection coupling of the measuring point so that vibrations of the machine at the measuring point are transferred to the vibration transducer.

The analysis apparatus 14 comprises an analog-to-digital converter 44 electrically connected to receive an output delivered by the sensor unit 10, a microprocessor 50 electrically connected to receive an output of the analog-to-digital converter, and an analysis apparatus communication interface 54 connected to the microprocessor.

The system 2 is arranged to allow bidirectional communication between the measuring point communication interface 56 and the analysis apparatus communication interface 54. The measuring point communication interface 56 and the analysis apparatus communication interface 54 are preferably constructed to allow wireless communication. According to an embodiment the measuring point communication interface and the analysis apparatus communication interface are constructed to communicate with one another by radio frequency (RF) signals. This embodiment includes an antenna in the measuring point communication interface 56 and another antenna