A sensor system for monitoring a device, the sensor system including a housing, a base configured to attach the sensor system to the device to be monitored, a sensor configured to obtain data related to at least one operating parameter of the device, and an integral energy harvesting device configured to provide at least a portion of the energy required to operate the sensor system.

Systems for self-organizing data collection and storage in a refining environment are disclosed. An example system may include a swarm of mobile data collectors structured to interpret a plurality of sensor inputs from sensors in the refining environment, wherein the plurality of sensor inputs is configured to sense at least one of: an operational mode, a fault mode, a maintenance mode, or a health status of a plurality of refining system components disposed in the refining environment, and wherein the plurality of refining system components is structured to contribute, in part, to refining of a product. The self-organizing system organizes a swarm of mobile data collectors to collect data from the system components, and at least one of a storage operation of the data, a data collection operation of the sensors, or a selection operation of the plurality of sensor inputs.

Methods and systems for sensor fusion in a production line environment are disclosed. An example system for data collection in an industrial production environment may include an industrial production system comprising a plurality of components, and a plurality of sensors each operatively coupled to at least one of the components; a sensor communication circuit to interpret a plurality of sensor data values in response to a sensed parameter group; and a data analysis circuit to detect an operating condition of the industrial production system based at least in part on a portion of the sensor data values; and a response circuit to modify a production related operating parameter of the industrial production system in response to the detected operating condition.

A sensor module includes a metal member having a side surface extending in a ring shape, and a recess recessed from the side surface and extending in a ring shape along the side surface, a resin part filling an inside of the recess, a radiating part provided in the resin part and configured to emit radio waves, a radio communication device provided in the resin part and electrically connected to the radiating part, and a sensor electrically connected to the radio communication device. The metal member is insulated from the radiating part by the resin part, and functions as a passive element.

A sensor module includes a metal member having a side surface extending in a ring shape, and a recess recessed from the side surface and extending in a ring shape along the side surface, a resin part filling an inside of the recess, a radiating part provided in the resin part and configured to emit radio waves, a radio communication device provided in the resin part and electrically connected to the radiating part, and a sensor electrically connected to the radio communication device. The metal member is insulated from the radiating part by the resin part, and functions as a passive element.

Methods of estimating tribological damage described herein include examples where varying power is applied between surfaces engaged in frictional contact. Calculations evaluate power consumed at the relevant frictional contact and temperature values may be gathered to supplement the calculated power. Instantaneous and cumulative assessments of damage are calculated based on that information. Measurements or calculations of electrical power may be used as part of the damage assessment.

Methods of estimating tribological damage described herein include examples where varying power is applied between surfaces engaged in frictional contact. Calculations evaluate power consumed at the relevant frictional contact and temperature values may be gathered to supplement the calculated power. Instantaneous and cumulative assessments of damage are calculated based on that information. Measurements or calculations of electrical power may be used as part of the damage assessment.

A preload inspection method with which a preload value can be calculated more accurately. The preload inspection method for a wheel bearing device provided with an outer member having an outside raceway surface, an inner member having an inside raceway surface, and rolling bodies, is provided with: a power calculation step in which the outer member or the inner member is rotated in a relative manner and the power is calculated; a preload value calculation step in which a preload value is calculated on the basis of the power calculated in the power calculation step; and a pass/fail I determination step is made on the basis of whether the preload value calculated in the preload value calculation step is within a permissible range.

A preload inspection method with which a preload value can be calculated more accurately. The preload inspection method for a wheel bearing device provided with an outer member having an outside raceway surface, an inner member having an inside raceway surface, and rolling bodies, is provided with: a power calculation step in which the outer member or the inner member is rotated in a relative manner and the power is calculated; a preload value calculation step in which a preload value is calculated on the basis of the power calculated in the power calculation step; and a pass/fail I determination step is made on the basis of whether the preload value calculated in the preload value calculation step is within a permissible range.

An imaging system is for recording images of a bearing raceway and includes a platform having a surface sized to receive the bearing ring and an optical imager having a lens. A positioner secures the optical imager or a reflector oriented to reflect light to the optical imager lens and locates the optical imager lens or the reflector axially between first and second axial ends of the raceway and facing generally toward the raceway. A motor rotates the platform or the positioner relative to the other one of the platform and the positioner. A processor operates the optical imager and the motor such that the optical imager takes a series of images about the entire perimeter of the bearing raceway. The processor also indexes each image to a separate one of a plurality of arcuate segments of the raceway and constructs a panoramic image of the raceway.